How good are you really?
Discussion
Following on from a thread by safespeed about 'Roadworks bombshell' and the message that safespeed puts over about safer roads and training I have had the following thoughts and would like you to examine whether you are the 'as complete driver' you think you are.
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
gone said:
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
Generally, its a TVR and i like to know its still working on me...
gone said:
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
Weekly
gone said:
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
Normally to let the Mrs know she hasnt put her safety belt on
gone said:
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
Yes, its illegal isnt it ??
gone said:
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
Yes, snow = Donuts
gone said:
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
I get lost occasionally but i guess that not what you are on about, if you mean hazard perception i have killed any grannies on the zebra crossing yet...
gone said:
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
As above hazard perception is the way to go, shame nobody else seems to use it !!
gone said:
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
Phome = 999, Ambulance, i have basic 1st aid skills and have encountered a number of accidents and helped out on a number of occasions, once after a police chase and another time was 1st on scene at a double fatality (head on icy roads...
gone said:
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
Annually
gone said:
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
Drivings about both isnt it, Good planning and being able to re-act dependent on the circumstances ??
gone said:
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
Yes - Its an old Range Rover. I'd be fool hardy not to.
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
See 1
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
See 1
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
I have just installed one of these new fangled RDS radios which means I don't have to keep retuning the wireless. That has got to be a bonus.
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
Sunroof, check.
Low range, check.
Recovery equipment and tool kit, check.
Spare fluids (see 1), check!
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
Everyone can always do better at this, so I'll hold my hand up to this one. I try my best.
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
I like to think so. over two ton of old car means you have to think a head. Also the option of driving through a hedge to avoid something is not in feasible.
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
Recent first aid certificate but not bang up to date.
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
7 months ago
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
Mainly hope. See 1.
Good questions, Gone.
gone said:
Following on from a thread by safespeed about 'Roadworks bombshell' and the message that safespeed puts over about safer roads and training I have had the following thoughts and would like you to examine whether you are the 'as complete driver' you think you are.
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
Yes.
Seriously? All of the above I now do a lot more often and better and more carefully than I ever used to - coming from my IAM and Rospa training.
Is it every morning? Completely?
Well....actually yes. I am something of a nutter about it...these days.
gone said:
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
Daily on a workday. Working on certain military contracts we are advised to check our vehicles just in case...
gone said:
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
Every week usually on a Sunday along with my pressure check and oil check.
gone said:
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
I have to regardless as I have to stop at the end of the road pulling out of the cul-de-sac. Its not a full on test but it utilises the brakes. I also change out my fluid once every 2 years. or 50k miles
gone said:
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
I use a bluetooth headset and keep conversations to a minimum, and if there is someone in the car with me I tend not to answer at all as its impolite anyway. The legal or "safety" aspect did not inspire me to do this, I did it because I find it more convenient. People can hold a phone on a clear straight piece of road briefly without killing millions...
gone said:
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
Always. I have been known to cancel journeys based on severe weather conditions - especially on workdays
gone said:
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
I have taken tips off qualified advanced driving instructors and PCV vehicle drivers. I always interrogate signs before making a decision and once made I never "dither" and suddenly switch lanes (which seems to happen a lot town here on the coffin dodger coastline
) gone said:
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
Yes and have provenly done so on several occasions. My motorcycle training has given me very good awareness skills.
gone said:
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
While having no official training in saving lives (ie I dont work for the scamera partnership...
) I know the procedures outlining what to do in event of an accident. Again this has been proven on at least 2 occasions. gone said:
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
At least annually.
gone said:
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
Both depenmding on circumstances.
[/quote]
Great questions.
I can answer them all positively. Although I've only just starting doing the walk-around check (I park so that the drivers door is only accessible by a walk-around), and I rarely check my tyre pressures other than visually. The car, however, is so direct that you know quickly if there is a tyre problem - the only time I had a problem I picked it up immediately.
Despite that, there are several areas of my driving that I'm still working on to make safer.
I can answer them all positively. Although I've only just starting doing the walk-around check (I park so that the drivers door is only accessible by a walk-around), and I rarely check my tyre pressures other than visually. The car, however, is so direct that you know quickly if there is a tyre problem - the only time I had a problem I picked it up immediately.
Despite that, there are several areas of my driving that I'm still working on to make safer.
Question 7 was aimed not at dealing with an incident whilst on the move. It was aimed at dealing with an incident where the critical objective is safety of yourself your passengers and others who may be approaching you should you be involved in a collision, a breakdown or a medical emergency of some kind.
gone said:
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
Forget all that. They were mostly 'attitude and responsibility proxies' anyway. Instead ask your self these questions:
* When did you last get a nasty surprise? (for example, a vehicle or pedestrian movement you weren't expecting)
* When did you last have to take emergency action to avoid a crash or an incident? (for example: emergency braking or swerving)
* If surprises of any sort are frequent, you have a problem that needs addressing.
Fortunately surprises outnumber incidents by about 10:1 - incidents outnumber crashes by about 10:1 and crashes outnumber injury crashes by about 10:1. So if you can effectively learn from 'surprises' you have a fighting chance of keeping well out of trouble.
[edited for typos]
>> Edited by safespeed on Monday 8th August 18:17
safespeed said:
gone said:
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
Forget all that. They were mostly 'attitude and responsibility proxies' anyway. Instead ask your self these questions:
* When did you last get a nasty surprise? (for example, a vehicle or pedestrian movement you weren't expecting)
* When did you last have to take emergency action to avoid a crash or an incident? (for example: emergency braking or swerving)
* If surprises of any sort of frequent, you have a problem that needs addressing.
Fortunately surprises outnumber incidents by about 10:1 - incidents outnumber crashes by about 10:1 and crashes outnumber injour crashes by about 10:1. So if you can effectively learn from 'surprises' you have a fighting chance of keeping well out of trouble.
Lets just hope your wheel falling off is not the nasty surprise
Being a complete driver is not just about propelling a vehicle from point A to point B without hitting anything due to nasty surprises.
>> Edited by gone on Monday 8th August 17:59
1) Not everyday, but at least every few days, and definately if the car hasn't been used for a while.
2) Quick check to see if tyres look OK and no obvious problems. Check pressures usually when I fill up so usually every 4-5 days.
3) Yep. Found out the hard way about that one. Had the master cylinder fail on me whilst making progress down a country lane. I managed to stop safely, but it wasn't a pleasant experience so I usually give the pedal a good shove before setting off to make sure there is pressure. I generally take it easy until everything is up to temperature anyway, which gives plenty of oportunity to make sure all is in order.
4) I don't like talking on the phone anyway, so it's usually switched off or set to divert.
5) Yes. Bit silly not to.
6) I try to take in as much as possible. Indicators of possible hazards, road surface/condition, visibilty, other traffic etc.
7) I would hope so. I have done quite a lot of offshore sailing, some of it in quite unpleasant weather. You have to keep your wits about you as you could quite easily put yourself and other crew in extreme danger if you act without thinking.
8) Probably not as aware in this respect as I should be I don't have any first aid certificate, though I can remember some of it from scouts (some time ago!).
9) Last month. I wear glasses and contact lenses, so regular checkups the order of the day.
10) I try to drive to the plan laid out in Roadcraft, and as taught by my IAM observer. IMO the basic driving test standard should be raised to somewhere near this level. It would make a huge difference to the safety level on the roads. I remember being quite suprised at the number of things which aren't taught when learning to drive which I now consider to be essential skills.
The downside to the above is that it makes me a terrible passenger when I'm in a car with someone whose judgement is somewhat different.
2) Quick check to see if tyres look OK and no obvious problems. Check pressures usually when I fill up so usually every 4-5 days.
3) Yep. Found out the hard way about that one. Had the master cylinder fail on me whilst making progress down a country lane. I managed to stop safely, but it wasn't a pleasant experience so I usually give the pedal a good shove before setting off to make sure there is pressure. I generally take it easy until everything is up to temperature anyway, which gives plenty of oportunity to make sure all is in order.
4) I don't like talking on the phone anyway, so it's usually switched off or set to divert.
5) Yes. Bit silly not to.
6) I try to take in as much as possible. Indicators of possible hazards, road surface/condition, visibilty, other traffic etc.
7) I would hope so. I have done quite a lot of offshore sailing, some of it in quite unpleasant weather. You have to keep your wits about you as you could quite easily put yourself and other crew in extreme danger if you act without thinking.
8) Probably not as aware in this respect as I should be I don't have any first aid certificate, though I can remember some of it from scouts (some time ago!).
9) Last month. I wear glasses and contact lenses, so regular checkups the order of the day.
10) I try to drive to the plan laid out in Roadcraft, and as taught by my IAM observer. IMO the basic driving test standard should be raised to somewhere near this level. It would make a huge difference to the safety level on the roads. I remember being quite suprised at the number of things which aren't taught when learning to drive which I now consider to be essential skills.
The downside to the above is that it makes me a terrible passenger when I'm in a car with someone whose judgement is somewhat different.
gone said:
gone said:
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
Forget all that. They were mostly 'attitude and responsibility proxies' anyway. Instead ask your self these questions:
* When did you last get a nasty surprise? (for example, a vehicle or pedestrian movement you weren't expecting)
* When did you last have to take emergency action to avoid a crash or an incident? (for example: emergency braking or swerving)
* If surprises of any sort of frequent, you have a problem that needs addressing.
Fortunately surprises outnumber incidents by about 10:1 - incidents outnumber crashes by about 10:1 and crashes outnumber injour crashes by about 10:1. So if you can effectively learn from 'surprises' you have a fighting chance of keeping well out of trouble.
Lets just hope your wheel falling off is not the nasty surprise
Being a complete driver is not just about propelling a vehicle from point A to point B without hitting anything due to nasty surprises.
>> Edited by gone on Monday 8th August 17:59
No. Being a successful driver means learning from your mistakes and arriving safely every time.
Despite the fact that it might be highly desireable to train everyone to class one standard, it ain't going to happen.
So what are you going to say to help them stay out of trouble?
gone said:
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
full check of all fluids/tyres/bodywork every morning
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
usually once a day, if not then once every other day - depends if I use it
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
yes, it's a mini! you've got to!
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
yes. I have never used my mobile in any car i've owned as they've always been wayyyy to loud to possibly even hear the damn thing ring let alone hear to speak
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
yes, always
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
not sure how proficient I am, I try very hard and ilike to think I am knowledgeable about the subject of driving but I should really have a RoSPA test perhaps to find out whether i'm good enough
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
not sure what you mean. if you mean first aid then no.
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
again i'm not sure what you mean. if you mean first aid then no.
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
1988
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
err...mixture? not sure what you mean
great questions
>> Edited by minimax on Monday 8th August 18:39
My first IAM classroom session, the chap at the front said 'good drivers don't know the meaning of 'suddenly''.
As for the questions, I think I can answer most of them positively, apart from the phone. The checks around the vehicle are done when I clean it, which is at least once a week.
As for the questions, I think I can answer most of them positively, apart from the phone. The checks around the vehicle are done when I clean it, which is at least once a week.
parrot of doom said:
My first IAM classroom session, the chap at the front said 'good drivers don't know the meaning of 'suddenly''.
.
happening unexpectedly; "suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her side"
abruptly: quickly and without warning; "he stopped suddenly"
on the spur of the moment: on impulse; without premeditation; "he decided to go to Chicago on the spur of the moment"; "he made up his mind suddenly"
I hope this helps.
Quinny said:
How can checking your tyres, and walking around your car to check that lights etc work make you a better driver?
Ok it may prevent an accident due to mechanical failure, but it dosen't make you any better or worse than someone who never checks these things.
Decreases the risk of something nasty happening in the first case. Especially if travelling at reasonable and prudent speeds. Neglecting this give the misguided 'Speed Kills' lot more ammo.
It's part of the whole equation - bad that the current driving test (and the past ones) miss out on so much stuff like this.
lieber gone said:
Following on from a thread by safespeed about 'Roadworks bombshell' and the message that safespeed puts over about safer roads and training I have had the following thoughts and would like you to examine whether you are the 'as complete driver' you think you are.
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them? [./quote]
Liebchen Ist a regular prowl. Und you know what felines are limk mit bonnet und curling up inside.
lieber gone said:
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
Ist almost a religious ritual.We lost Ferdl through this. Not his car - a lorry mit dodgy everything....
Und ist always spare bulbs in tool box.
Tyres are checked regularly - formal check once per week mit tread wear und for any defect by local tyre specialist und we give a quick check before setting off. Have kittens. Want grandkittens.
lieber gone said:
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
Aber doch Liebchen .. ist in "Feel" of car und ist apparent immediately if problem
Und brake ist always pumped after shampoo und set und if drive throughpuddles....
lieber gone said:
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
You know what I think about Handys
lieber gone said:
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
jawohl!
liebre gone said:
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
COAST dirvers notice the markings und read like a book
lieber gone said:
7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
COAST dirvers have spotted danger wel in advance und reacted by creating space und time to react. ;0 Ist where COAST look after speed
lieber gone said:
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
lieber gone said:
9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
Two months ago und every 18 month or so. Have 20/20 vision und not tunnel vision
[quote=lieber gone]
10. Do you drive o
n reactions or plans?
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
Ist COAST und you evealuate each drive anyway. C
C = concentration und you concentrate in relaxed way - und read the road markings as you read novel.
O = Observation und you observe everything - reflection in shop window can reveal hazard around corner. Smell of hedge cuttings of grass cuttings. Railings near a park entrance, ball or foot beneath a car und even people congregating at bus stop .. all tel you things about what to expect
A= Anticipating what may happen based on observation und you risk assess in order of immdediate danger. Ist a split second analysis und you PLAN your REACTION by creating
S=Space around car und potential hazard byu adjusting speed und road position to give
T=Time to react to potential hazard Ist time for journey und two second rule as well.
Und all these are interlinked to each other, complement each other, und together form your driving plan und reaction
Ist COAST Liebchen. Und ist a simple safety code - nicht?
1. How many drivers check their vehicle every day for defects before they drive them?
Most days I take note, always drive with lights on & check reflections to see if they work etc. Bang the dash if the volvo warning light winks
2. Do you walk around your vehilce and check for tyre wear/indicators and lights working?
Can tell if a tyres flat or low in seconds. Used to replacing tyres on an hourly basis on some of my cars so I always know what the rubber things are doing.
3.Do you do a safety check of the braking system before you start and over the first few rolling feet of your journey to see if your brakes are functioning correctly?
Pilots do this don't they? have to in a few feet of leaving home so yes I spose, but not specifically.
4. Do you resist the temptation of using communication equipment whilst in motion if it is not fixed to the vehicle.
Ooops errr no
5. Do you take account of the relevant weather conditions when you jump in and turn the key?
Always keeping an eye on the weather never to miss a good days windurfing any day of the year
6. Do you know how to read the road properly?
Little lines, big lines, vanishing points, surface changes, roadsigns & skidmarks
Roadcraft should be compulsory. 7. Can you cope with an emergency in dangerous circumstances by reducing the risks to yourself and to others.
Have done so a few times, blocked the road with my car on one occasion where someone rolled on a bend. Would'nt hesitate to use ones initiative dib dib & all that
8. Are you able or confident to assist others who may be hurt as a result of a mistake they or someone else has made?
One early dawn last year, first at scene of a gruesome head on down the A303 helped give CPR at the scene, sadly to no avail
Have helped out at the scene of many many an accident (I drive lots) 9. When did you last have your eyesight checked?
Last year, cheers for the reminder
10. Do you drive on reactions or plans?
Hopefully plans but even the best laid plans you expect to have to react unexpectedly surely?
Just a few questions to provoke some inner examination.
Good questions too
[/quote]
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff