Module 2, Lesson 4 - The Punitive Culture

Review of Traffic Accident Scenario

Background & Causes

Driver was distracted
" checking flight information while driving
" leaving home at last minute for trip

Driver did not see light until last minute
" unfamiliar street due to detour
" uncut tree limbs blocks view of light

Poor visibility
" rainy weather in darkness of early evening

Outcome
Driver ran red light and caused traffic accident.

Because of the focus on the individual, another common response within a blaming or punitive culture is to make re-training the major corrective action, ignoring the relevance of other contributing factors.

Consider the scenario in which the driver ran the red light and was involved in a misadventure. Would a future accident be prevented by re-training the driver that red means STOP?

In general, the blame and train cycle has proven to be highly ineffective in the prevention of errors.

Review of Traffic Accident Scenario


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