Projects financed by the Commission :: Project file
The opinions expressed in the studies are those of the consultant and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.
HERMES
High Impact approach for Enhancing Road safety through More Effective communication Skills for driving instructors
| Project details | |
|---|---|
| Domain | Training, education and campaigns |
| Duration | from 03/2007 until 02/2010 |
| Website(s) | http://www.gutefahrt.at/hermes |
| Other sources |
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Previous EU-projects have worked on best methods to reduce traffic accidents. The objective of HERMES is to improve the implementation of these methods.
HERMES will create an easy-to-use training package on teacher-trainee communication in classrooms, in cars and on dedicated tracks. A multi-national team of experienced driving teachers, psychologists, educational and coaching experts has been created for this purpose.
Driving is a self-paced task: it is the drivers who make choices, they choose when they drive, how and with whom. But to be able to pace themselves, drivers must have a realistic perception of their skills and must avoid being influenced by other factors (such as motivations, peer pressure, stress). In this respect, it is important that driver training programs develop self-evaluation skills and address how factors such as journey contexts and motivations can impact on driving. Coaching methods are seen to be a key element to achieve these goals. They are about raising awareness, responsibility and ability to take the right decisions in traffic. It builds on the physical, emotional and intellectual experiences of the coachee.
HERMES will draw on existing experience of coaching and other active learning methods in driver training and on expert advice on coaching. The expected result is a training package that novice and experienced driving teachers can use.
The course's documentation will include the training-of-trainers, audiovisual support, user manuals and practical coaching scenarios for learner and novice driver training. The complete package will be tested and evaluated in a pilot project and will be adapted as a result.

