Advanced and Performance Driving - how to
From General Gassing to published author, PHer R_U_Local has made a book that outsells Clarkson!
Any regulars within Advanced Driving will recognise the name of R_U_Local, a PH member since 2006 who self deprecatingly lists his occupation as 'Jobsworth' in his user profile. He's certainly a prolific and impassioned contributor to this section of General Gassing, his background as a police traffic officer and, later, police driving instructor giving his posts on the subject some weight and authority.
From police driving to Amazon best seller!
He's far too modest! If you've any interest in improving your driving or simply want to know more about the how the emergency services train their drivers it's a genuinely interesting read. Sceptics or those on the receiving end of some of the more pompous advice dished out by 'advanced drivers' in the real or virtual world will be reassured by his introduction too. "There is nothing wrong with enjoying our cars just for the sake of it and that's probably where 'advanced driving' is letting itself down," he says. "The subject needs lightening up a bit ... with a view to attracting more people, especially enthusiasts, to the idea that becoming a better driver is just as satisfying and enjoyable as getting a better car."
Impassioned debate about whether left-foot braking is appropriate on the road will continue and it's unlikely the arm crossers will ever find an accord with the wheel shufflers of this world. But for spreading the word and a very PH view of advanced driving respect is due to Reg and congratulations on making it as a published author in the wider world beyond General Gassing!
Advanced & Performance Driving by Reg Local is available on Amazon, priced £9.99.
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£9.99 might sound quite expensive (I'd have preferred the paperback to be in the £4.99 range), but they're print-to-order so most of that price is taken up by the printing costs.
The ebook is much cheaper though - £2.99. You don't need a Kindle either - just the Kindle app which is available free of charge on ios and android devices and for PCs.
If you can find a cheaper performance modification for your car I'd be amazed (not counting folding your rear seats flat of course!)
If I make it available via Google Play, I'll let you know.
I understand that a lot of people want to put the least amount of effort into driving, but I've found that the more I concentrate, the smoother the drive is, the less stress and usually faster.
Book added to basket. Now I need something else to take the total above the magic tenner for free delivery
Took my test years ago purely to lower my insurance cost for my Supra Turbo.
After I passed, their special insurance schemes were £80 dearer than anybody else.
One thing I will say is that assuming its the same today its not what it seems.
When having lessons what they taught was useful i.e. keep back and out to the middle of the road if you want to overtake. Drive as quickly as you can but safely to give your passangers a better ride.
If the roads clear drive in the middle (country lanes and clear roads that is) move the the other side to get a good view of whats ahead when necessary.
Cut through the roundabouts flat, straight and quickly.
Foot down from the lights to build up speed at a good rate.
Checking blind spots and working out at which point the bends in the road either open up or get tighter.
I could go on but I was suprised just how different it was to what I was expecting.
An ex copper persuit driver for lessons and test. And during test I was told several times to go faster, brake later.
But at the end of the day their insurance was higher .
Although I do believe there are lots of things you can do to mitigate against the vast majority of accidents. Good observations, concentration, planning and anticipation can prevent most accidents, but if someone is going to stuff in to you when you're stationary in traffic thee's not a lot you can do about it.
I was a traffic officer for about 5 years, during which time I dealt with literally hundreds of RTCs, ranging from minor, damage only shunts through to multiple fatal bumps. I always liked to look at accidents from the point of view of the "innocent" party (or parties) and imagine whether - if I'd have been in their position - I'd have been able to spot the impending crash and avoid it.
Out of all the accidents I attended I can think of two which I wouldn't have been able to avoid.
So no, not all accidents are avoidable.
But most are.
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