Speed Awareness Course this PM - What to expect?
Discussion
I went on a speed awareness course recently and I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat terrified at the same time.
Most of my fellow attendees did not understand the difference between dual carriageway and two lanes.
On the other hand the lecturers were more intent on educating and making sure we left as safer drivers than in making sure we were indoctrinated in the "speed kills" mantra. Most of the course was around the understanding the highway code and increasing our observational skills.
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
Most of my fellow attendees did not understand the difference between dual carriageway and two lanes.
On the other hand the lecturers were more intent on educating and making sure we left as safer drivers than in making sure we were indoctrinated in the "speed kills" mantra. Most of the course was around the understanding the highway code and increasing our observational skills.
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
48k said:
vsonix said:
...and to be fair if you read between the lines a little, there's a fair bit of info on 'how not to get caught in future' as well.
Did this super secret reading between the lines only for those in the know top tips include such gems as "don't break the f
king speed limit"?Hackney said:
48k said:
Prohibiting said:
The presenter said that driving in 3rd gear instead of 4th at 30mph won't have any difference on the mph. I piped up at that point and told her she was wrong
But yes, she said that driving in 3rd instead of 4th would not make a difference to your MPG/fuel economy. I raised my hand and told her she was wrong as in 3rd the car will be revving more which will result in more fuel being used. She didn't argue and moved on.
Prohibiting said:
Whoops, slight typo- I meant "MPG", not "mph."
But yes, she said that driving in 3rd instead of 4th would not make a difference to your MPG/fuel economy. I raised my hand and told her she was wrong as in 3rd the car will be revving more which will result in more fuel being used. She didn't argue and moved on.
I can travel at the red line and use no fuel at all (think about it...). Higher revs doesn't absolutely mean higher fuel consumption. For a start you're using much less throttle in 3rd than 4th at 30mph, and in urban areas you'll be lifting off much more often in response to traffic and other hazards, resulting in a pulse-and-glide style drive based almost solely around acceleration sense. Contrast that with a 'keep the throttle applied constantly while the car chugs along just above tickover in 4th' style of driving in a higher gear, which often necessitates braking to rein in the car before wasting fuel re-accelerating. But yes, she said that driving in 3rd instead of 4th would not make a difference to your MPG/fuel economy. I raised my hand and told her she was wrong as in 3rd the car will be revving more which will result in more fuel being used. She didn't argue and moved on.
In practice the difference in fuel consumption between the two is pretty negligible, though on long straights the benefits of the higher gear start to outweigh the flexibility of the lower one. With the lower, more flexible gear engaged you tend to accelerate more sharply for the first third of a straight and then coast down (using no fuel) for the final two thirds. This approach also means much more flexibility and safety on approach to developing hazards like traffic, junctions and pedestrians. In a higher gear you're on a steady throttle (and thus burning fuel) for the entire stretch of road, and then braking before doing it all over again. I suspect this is what your 'presenter' was on about. I can only guess however, as *touch wood* I've never been on one of the bloody things.
rainmakerraw said:
I can travel at the red line and use no fuel at all (think about it...). Higher revs doesn't absolutely mean higher fuel consumption. For a start you're using much less throttle in 3rd than 4th at 30mph, and in urban areas you'll be lifting off much more often in response to traffic and other hazards, resulting in a pulse-and-glide style drive based almost solely around acceleration sense. Contrast that with a 'keep the throttle applied constantly while the car chugs along just above tickover in 4th' style of driving in a higher gear, which often necessitates braking to rein in the car before wasting fuel re-accelerating.
In practice the difference in fuel consumption between the two is pretty negligible, though on long straights the benefits of the higher gear start to outweigh the flexibility of the lower one. With the lower, more flexible gear engaged you tend to accelerate more sharply for the first third of a straight and then coast down (using no fuel) for the final two thirds. This approach also means much more flexibility and safety on approach to developing hazards like traffic, junctions and pedestrians. In a higher gear you're on a steady throttle (and thus burning fuel) for the entire stretch of road, and then braking before doing it all over again. I suspect this is what your 'presenter' was on about. I can only guess however, as *touch wood* I've never been on one of the bloody things.
Not sure if you're being serious?In practice the difference in fuel consumption between the two is pretty negligible, though on long straights the benefits of the higher gear start to outweigh the flexibility of the lower one. With the lower, more flexible gear engaged you tend to accelerate more sharply for the first third of a straight and then coast down (using no fuel) for the final two thirds. This approach also means much more flexibility and safety on approach to developing hazards like traffic, junctions and pedestrians. In a higher gear you're on a steady throttle (and thus burning fuel) for the entire stretch of road, and then braking before doing it all over again. I suspect this is what your 'presenter' was on about. I can only guess however, as *touch wood* I've never been on one of the bloody things.
Prohibiting said:
Also, the presenter said that when doing 30mph, keep the car in 3rd gear as it helps you maintain that speed easier (which is fine) and someone said that they put it in 4th gear to save petrol. The presenter said that driving in 3rd gear instead of 4th at 30mph won't have any difference on the mph. I piped up at that point and told her she was wrong as the revs in 4th gear would be lower. She didn't argue (I think they're trained not to argue) and she moved onto the next section.
Perhaps they could incorporate it in the course when it's sunny and warm outside, everyone have a go at keeping the car at a constant 30mph(in the gear of their choice of course) anyone who strays over 30 is disqualified and the winner would get a voucher for free entry to the next sac he has to attend.Hackney said:
I went on a speed awareness course recently and I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat terrified at the same time.
Most of my fellow attendees did not understand the difference between dual carriageway and two lanes.
On the other hand the lecturers were more intent on educating and making sure we left as safer drivers than in making sure we were indoctrinated in the "speed kills" mantra. Most of the course was around the understanding the highway code and increasing our observational skills.
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
It's difficult to see what the agenda is here. Is the idea that if more people opt for the course rather points the authorities make more money? Possibly a reaction to the fact that they can no longer rely on the 'won't affect insurance' argument.Most of my fellow attendees did not understand the difference between dual carriageway and two lanes.
On the other hand the lecturers were more intent on educating and making sure we left as safer drivers than in making sure we were indoctrinated in the "speed kills" mantra. Most of the course was around the understanding the highway code and increasing our observational skills.
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
The cost of the course roughly equals what the fine would have been, however the course is not run by the local authority/constabulary- usually an outfit like AADrivetech or some other IAM-related outfit.
My course instructors said it was basically a get-out-of-jail free card because what we did was marginal and education is a better deterrent than punishment, and after attending the course I would agree. Get caught again and it's points & a fine. My course had a lot of attendees who relied on a clean license (taxi, uber and delivery drivers) so this was their only clean way out without losing their livelihood over a marginal mistake.
My course instructors said it was basically a get-out-of-jail free card because what we did was marginal and education is a better deterrent than punishment, and after attending the course I would agree. Get caught again and it's points & a fine. My course had a lot of attendees who relied on a clean license (taxi, uber and delivery drivers) so this was their only clean way out without losing their livelihood over a marginal mistake.
Dr Jekyll said:
Hackney said:
I went on a speed awareness course recently and I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat terrified at the same time.
Most of my fellow attendees did not understand the difference between dual carriageway and two lanes.
On the other hand the lecturers were more intent on educating and making sure we left as safer drivers than in making sure we were indoctrinated in the "speed kills" mantra. Most of the course was around the understanding the highway code and increasing our observational skills.
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
It's difficult to see what the agenda is here. Is the idea that if more people opt for the course rather points the authorities make more money? Possibly a reaction to the fact that they can no longer rely on the 'won't affect insurance' argument.Most of my fellow attendees did not understand the difference between dual carriageway and two lanes.
On the other hand the lecturers were more intent on educating and making sure we left as safer drivers than in making sure we were indoctrinated in the "speed kills" mantra. Most of the course was around the understanding the highway code and increasing our observational skills.
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
As you'll see from the majority of responses the course is not four hours of b
king, it's (for most) useful and informative. And seems to result in some attitude adjustment. Overall that's a good thing. I don't think the authorities make any money from it (seems like mostly private orgs running the courses).
Hackney said:
I went on a speed awareness course recently and I was pleasantly surprised ....
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
I have often wondered why, if this course is so good [and the general consensus of opinion on this thread seems to be that it is], it is used as a punishment. Surely if it's about education and prevention then everyone should be made to do the course, as part of their driving training, before they are allowed to take the driving test.When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
OK, it will only help new drivers but it's a start.
NGee said:
Hackney said:
I went on a speed awareness course recently and I was pleasantly surprised ....
When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
I have often wondered why, if this course is so good [and the general consensus of opinion on this thread seems to be that it is], it is used as a punishment. Surely if it's about education and prevention then everyone should be made to do the course, as part of their driving training, before they are allowed to take the driving test.When asked for feedback at the end mine was, "everyone should do this course. repeatedly"
OK, it will only help new drivers but it's a start.
NGee said:
I have often wondered why, if this course is so good [and the general consensus of opinion on this thread seems to be that it is], it is used as a punishment. Surely if it's about education and prevention then everyone should be made to do the course, as part of their driving training, before they are allowed to take the driving test.
OK, it will only help new drivers but it's a start.
It's all stuff that's in the driving test anyway...OK, it will only help new drivers but it's a start.
Well it certainly shouldn't be. Ali that stuff about speed limits and what's a DC and the comparison between speeds when the slower car has stopped could take a short time as a reminder. Instead it's drawn out to fill the time as it's a speed course.
If you were designing the best 4 hour course to improve the quality and safety of the driving for the demographic I suggest it would be quite different.
Bert
If you were designing the best 4 hour course to improve the quality and safety of the driving for the demographic I suggest it would be quite different.
Bert
TooMany2cvs said:
It's all stuff that's in the driving test anyway...
I've been on two awareness courses and they were quite contrasting in information imparted and atmosphere.
First on the IOW. Caught the hovercraft from the mainland and then cycled to Cowes. Lovely day out actually! Only half a dozen on the course (including a prison officer, fireman and a copper). Very pleasant chaps running the course and picked up a couple of good tips in terms of awareness and forward planning.
Second at Brighton racecourse and pretty awful. At least sixty people on the course in tables of five or six. Obviously the idiots flocked together on a table at the back, do-gooders at the front. Chap taking the course treated everyone like simpletons incapable of controlling their speed. All a bit out of control with childish heckling and sniggering at the back and 'banter' with the front row mumsnet crew. This really dragged and was very glad to finally get out of there. Nothing learnt on this occasion.
Both courses interactive and some group tasks but as you can see, very variable in application.
First on the IOW. Caught the hovercraft from the mainland and then cycled to Cowes. Lovely day out actually! Only half a dozen on the course (including a prison officer, fireman and a copper). Very pleasant chaps running the course and picked up a couple of good tips in terms of awareness and forward planning.
Second at Brighton racecourse and pretty awful. At least sixty people on the course in tables of five or six. Obviously the idiots flocked together on a table at the back, do-gooders at the front. Chap taking the course treated everyone like simpletons incapable of controlling their speed. All a bit out of control with childish heckling and sniggering at the back and 'banter' with the front row mumsnet crew. This really dragged and was very glad to finally get out of there. Nothing learnt on this occasion.
Both courses interactive and some group tasks but as you can see, very variable in application.
WJNB said:
Many men find it difficult if not impossible to swallow their masculine pride & in fear of being judged weak know when to shut up & listen. Using brain & not mouth or muscle & playing the game is so much cleverer.
Ok it might seem like going back to school but we never stop learning & it takes a real man to acknowledge that.
I wonder if women are less proud pushy & bumptious when faced with having to attend such courses.
Even in the work place I have noted how both men & women of a certain age hate being corrected or having to attend meetings or courses in order to learn new work practices or rules.
The 'no-one tells ME what to do', club/brigade/association.Ok it might seem like going back to school but we never stop learning & it takes a real man to acknowledge that.
I wonder if women are less proud pushy & bumptious when faced with having to attend such courses.
Even in the work place I have noted how both men & women of a certain age hate being corrected or having to attend meetings or courses in order to learn new work practices or rules.
bmw535i said:
rainmakerraw said:
I can travel at the red line and use no fuel at all (think about it...). Higher revs doesn't absolutely mean higher fuel consumption. For a start you're using much less throttle in 3rd than 4th at 30mph, and in urban areas you'll be lifting off much more often in response to traffic and other hazards, resulting in a pulse-and-glide style drive based almost solely around acceleration sense. Contrast that with a 'keep the throttle applied constantly while the car chugs along just above tickover in 4th' style of driving in a higher gear, which often necessitates braking to rein in the car before wasting fuel re-accelerating.
In practice the difference in fuel consumption between the two is pretty negligible, though on long straights the benefits of the higher gear start to outweigh the flexibility of the lower one. With the lower, more flexible gear engaged you tend to accelerate more sharply for the first third of a straight and then coast down (using no fuel) for the final two thirds. This approach also means much more flexibility and safety on approach to developing hazards like traffic, junctions and pedestrians. In a higher gear you're on a steady throttle (and thus burning fuel) for the entire stretch of road, and then braking before doing it all over again. I suspect this is what your 'presenter' was on about. I can only guess however, as *touch wood* I've never been on one of the bloody things.
Not sure if you're being serious?In practice the difference in fuel consumption between the two is pretty negligible, though on long straights the benefits of the higher gear start to outweigh the flexibility of the lower one. With the lower, more flexible gear engaged you tend to accelerate more sharply for the first third of a straight and then coast down (using no fuel) for the final two thirds. This approach also means much more flexibility and safety on approach to developing hazards like traffic, junctions and pedestrians. In a higher gear you're on a steady throttle (and thus burning fuel) for the entire stretch of road, and then braking before doing it all over again. I suspect this is what your 'presenter' was on about. I can only guess however, as *touch wood* I've never been on one of the bloody things.
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