Enhancing Our Road Safety Knowledge at the Slot Car Race Track

One Friday afternoon, the Waugh Team had a very interesting and enjoyable session on road safety. We played the slot car race at the same time learning more about safety on the road.

The Road Safety Session was held on 14th June at the Waugh Infrastructure conference room. Road Safety Coordinator, Daniel Naudé was the resource person.

Prior to the activity, some were wondering how playing the slot car track could improve our road safety awareness.

Then we heard from Daniel that drivers, either on actual cars or controlling a slot car could have the same complacent assumptions that may affect road safety.

He said that among these assumptions are:

1. I’m a good driver
2. How hard can it be? The car is in a slot going in one direction.
3. I can drive on this road with my eyes closed.
4. Speed does not cause crashes.
5. All vehicles are basically the same.
6. The road conditions are always the same.
7. I can stop on time.

Then every one of us took turns practising playing with the slot cars at 20 laps each. This we did with much enjoyment as we tried to master the track’s steep curve and bends in the track.

Afterwards, Daniel challenged us to achieve 20 laps under 1.5 minutes without crashing. Most of us didn’t pass the test.

We learned that it was so easy to be complacent in ‘driving’ through the same road or track over and over again.

Also, our desire to beat the time limit made us push the control button harder to accelerate the slot car but it resulted in crashing or running off the track. Daniel said that the same situation could happen when we are in a rush to get home.

In a post-activity conversation, Kierie, who facilitated the activity with Daniel said that Waugh Infrastructure Management takes the health and safety of staff seriously and as such are continuously researching and investigating means to improve our procedures and keep the staff safe.

He explained further:

As part of our Health and Safety Risk Assessment, we identified that travelling, in particular, road travel, is one of our highest risks.  As a result, we have investigated means of educating staff on road safety etc.  First, we underwent an emergency braking course and the next was this road safety session that Daniel presented. — Kierie Zeelie

Watch the slideshow of some of our photos during the Road Safety Session.

We all enjoyed the session with Daniel and we are thankful for his input and the Road Safety stuff he gave us.

Please read the comments from Waugh team members:

My feedback from the Road Safety was that I’m not going to buy a Kombi van cause it doesn’t stay on the road! 🙂 – Jen Fox

It must have sharpened my thinking – On the way home I had to avoid another motorist who ran a red light, and then a cyclist who turned right immediately in front of me.  You never know when the skill you learn will be needed. – Grant Holland

A good way to finish a busy week, but learning something at the same time. 🙂 – Tina McEwing