The TRANSCONTINENTAL DRIVERS' TRAINING TOUR includes footage shot from a '75 Jensen Healey of a tour from Stittsville Ontario to the west coast via Calgary. We can all become better motorists & this online package is directed @ the entire mouse clicking world to help with just that. For the age group 16 to 24 auto wrecks/disasters are the number one cause of death, I for one would like to see that changed.
Our driving system combines BP Skid School. Ottawa Carleton Safety Council, Ontario Hydro Winter Driving Techniques, Canada Safety Council Motorcycle Training , The Jim Russell International Racing Drivers School & Skip Barber racing School, much private reading/research plus thought from within.
The technique emphasizes the basics & repeats them again & again until they become automatic.
Use of eyes above & beyond all else is the key to active motoring,
that combined with a pre-fight route check,
adjusting adjustables,
routine simple maintenance
and a kind, courteous attitude complete the receipe for safe, fun motoring.
I'll expand on each of these briefly [primarily for the folks with out hi speed web connections, whom may miss the video]. If you follow the video series it will be repeated often, you will be well trained.
Eyes will keep you out of trouble, keep your eyes moving [sweep mirrors every 30 seconds] & aim high in your steering - looking as far ahead as the horizon - will mean you'll see trouble/harm before you become part of it. Blind stares will put you to sleep or encourage deficient concentration, either can kill you. Finally sweep visually every intersection twice left to right & then again. This is where accidents happen at intersections. This measure takes no extra time, it's simply a discipline sweep twice save a life.
Eyes also means NO TAILGATING, that too will put you in harms' way. From a full stop count to 3 whilst you sweep twice before proceding. Similarly dispense with tailgaters, tailgating is unacceptable behaviour [a type of assault] & should be dealt with. Don't increase your speed to dispel tailgating, constant speed with perhaps the use of four way flashers should make the culprit become aware of there actions. We don't all want to become traffic cops but have a responsibility to get ourselves & our passengers home safely. Finally, even with manually gesturing that they back off [not giving them the finger though] some people will not get it, for these cases, slow down & move right to let the offender on their unthinking way. Eyes bring in more information than all other senses combined, please use them.
The pre-flight route check is simply to go through your trip mentally before motoring, to focus on the trip at hand.
Adjusting adjustables means set mirrors, all 3, seat & headrest & seatbelts so they are set up correctly for you.
Routine simple maintenance refers to periodically checking/setting tire pressure, checking under the hood fluid levels and attending to signs that service is needed, from worn tires to mysterious noises.
Lastly a kind, courteous attitude goes a long way in busy rush hour traffic & elsewhere in life, not just in driving situations. When it's time to merge, alternate lanes take their turn, one from the through lane one from the merging lane [this is the law in B.C., it should be practice everywhere]. Remember what the PASSING LANE is meant for, overtake & if there are no further vehicles to overtake return to the right hand lane. Lane changes should be gradual with a shoulder check & turn signal first. Do not cruise in the passing lane & because you are constantly watching your mirrors, you'll see traffic that wants to overtake & react accordingly by sharing the road. Even if travelling above the speed limit; faster traffic should be allowed through. Public roads are not race tracks and holding up traffic unnecessarily will only create problems. Avoid blowing personal fuses/road rage! Enjoy the luxury that roads allow us, SAFE MOTORING!
[All italicized text are COTNAM'SPORT trade expressions!]
Last modified: October 13, 2003
Copyright © 2003 COTNAM SPORT.
