Are we safe and fit to drive? We should all be asking ourselves this question before we strap in and start moving a vehicle on the roads. Let's all remember the vehicle gets us there, but we are in control - or are we? What is safe and fit? First, there is the mental approach to driving. Did you wake up concerned about something this morning? Were you dreading "that" meeting you could not put off yet again? As you walked out of the house was there a last minute "debate" on a sensitive issue? These emotions, concerns and worries will all contribute to your mental approach to your vehicle and how you drive.
The second element is the physical ability to drive. Did you have a good night's rest, or are you paying for your overindulgence of last night? Did you have breakfast, or was it rushed, out the door with a cup of coffee? On that note, I am always amazed at driver's willingness to have hot drinks - drinks that can and do burn, sloshing around the cockpit. Yes, I know about the travel cups, and cup holders, but think about it. So now we have established that we have a safe and fit driver approaching the vehicle. Let's stop, take a deep breath and admit that if this is the case then we have a significantly better chance of being a safe and accident free driver. I believe your mental approach and physical well being are keys to safe, planned and smooth driving.
Now we are strapped in. Let's go through the cockpit pre-departure check. When did you last check the tire pressures? Did the warning lights go out before starting the engine, or were you in too much of a rush to notice? Did the remaining warning lights go off after you started the engine and after releasing the parking brake? Everyone strapped in and with the doors securely shut? Excellent now we can proceed to that fun filled environment called the freeway. Oh, by the way, did you complete that 20-mph moving brake test? It's good to know they work before getting on the freeway.
This is great! Now we are on the freeway. You will have noted that all those drivers going faster than you are maniacs, and all the slower one's idiots. Does that sound right? The competition for that 20 feet of road is intense. This combined with traffic density makes for a dangerous environment. Not only that, but in this fun filled environment we have "tools" to ensure that we are completely occupied. When I say "tools", yes, I am referring to the radio, the scalding hot coffee, the wonderful cell phone, and we are also having an intense conversation, so who has time to drive and drive safely? So this is said somewhat tongue in cheek, but I am sure that at one time or another you have been there.
This is multi tasking big time and comparable with asking the pilot flying the aircraft to complete the crossword puzzle during takeoff or landing. The answer is no. If it is yes, then you are probably in cognitive overload and it's getting worse. I would suggest that these factors taken cumulatively all contribute to that horrible phenonenom Road Rage and you do not want to be a part of that. So let's get back to basics - driving the vehicle safely. If you have read any of my earlier articles you will have seen reference to the use of a "commentary". This is probably the greatest single tool to safe, controlled driving that you can practice everyday, in the privacy of your own vehicle.
Start by talking about what the cars are doing around you. Say, "the speed limit is 65 mph and I am doing 60 mph". What is the condition of the road surface? Are there changes in the surface? What about those road signs? Are they informational or advisory? Do they warn of a hazard or do they order as in a stop sign? Start doing the commentary slowly, and build in the various visual inputs. After some practice you will be able to do a "running commentary".
The primary benefit is significantly improved vision. Your ability to recognize and then prioritize hazards will increase, and you are now in that wonderful situation of being able to "plan" the drive. Things will happen less "suddenly", you will have created a "safe zone" around your vehicle. You will become a much smoother driver. As I have said before, a smooth driver is, in most cases a safer driver. To be called a smooth driver is a great compliment. Going back to the cockpit drill, here is my suggested checklist. Please add to it if circumstances require and maybe cut it out and have it laminated - I have.
COCKPIT DRILL
1. Door secured - CHECK
2. Parking brake - SET & CHECK
3. Gear lever in park - SET & CHECK
4. All doors secured - SET & CHECK
5. Seats, steering position, mirrors and seat belts adjusted - SET & CHECK 6. Pressure on the foot brake - SET
7. Ignition on - SET
8. Fuel gauge rising, warning lamps are illuminated - CHECK
9. Depressing foot brake, and starting engine - SET
10. All warning lamps extinguished - CHECK
11. All instruments functioning - CHECK
12. Ready to move off - CHECK
13. Select drive, check round car - CHECK
14. Release park brake, foot brake, mirror and shoulder check, indicator signal and move off
15. Moving brake test 20 mph - CHECK
16. Seat belt lock up functioning - CHECK
Hopefully, you are now safer and fitter to drive. Safe controlled driving to you all, and talk yourself into talking.
This is the first in a series of five articles that deal with defensive driving techniques. Contributed by Gordon Booth, Team Corvette member and Chief Instructor of Drivetrain Inc. based in San Jose California. We published Gordon's earlier article "Driving or Car Control" in the June 2001 issue of the "Team Corvette" magazine.
