Nevertheless, traffic safety parent volunteers may encounter resistance, says Sandra van Baars (National Project Leader for Parent Participation at Veilig Verkeer Nederland). “A survey we conducted among our VVN traffic safety parent volunteers in 2019 showed that they regularly encounter resistance. It also showed that there is a need for tools to deal with this in a positive way. That is why, in this podcast in collaboration with Omdenken, we highlight such a situation and offer a number of tips.”
Dealing with resistance
Traffic safety parent volunteer Henno, a road traffic accident specialist and father of two, also sometimes encounters objections. For example, when handing out cards showing a recommended route for approaching the school to improve safety around it. “In 99% of cases, the cards showing the proposed approach route are received positively. But there was one woman who said, ‘Nice story, but I’m not going to do that.’”
Omdenken podcast with tips
Berthold Gunster is the founder of Omdenken and talks to Henno in a special podcast. In it, he gives tips on how to deal with similar situations. This allows traffic safety parent volunteers to work towards safer traffic with greater enjoyment! Discover his most important tips below and listen to the podcast to hear the full conversation.
Tip 1: Don’t make a problem out of the problem
It can be difficult not to dwell on the one story that was unsuccessful. But there are some problems you can’t do anything about. Getting annoyed about them doesn’t help. In fact, it only makes things more unpleasant. And it distracts you from what you have achieved. So try not to remain stuck in that irritation. It’s unfortunate—that’s all.
Tip 2: Remember that your efforts may still have an effect
Perhaps your efforts will nevertheless make someone think... It could well be that you convinced someone without them daring—or wanting—to show it. Who knows, after the conversation, the woman in Henno’s example may get into her car and adjust her behaviour after all, because on further consideration she does agree with him. How wonderful would that be?
Tip 3: Mirror the other person’s behaviour
Gauge the needs of the person you are talking to. You come across as less patronising when you adjust your pace, tone and posture to the other person. If someone is in a hurry, for example, it may be better to walk along with them briefly rather than stopping them. In this way, you acknowledge the other person and make genuine contact. This often removes even the most persistent resistance and prevents you from getting off to a false start.