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MODULE 1
Training Focus
Though the proper application of the principles you will be exposed to in this
training will enable you to drive a car more quickly, the focus will be on driver
precision and vehicular control, rather than speed.
Components of the Driving System:
Vehicle
Environment
Driver
These three components to the driving system, the vehicle, the environment,
and the driver, each play an important role in moving your car efficiently down
the road.
Through the presentation of principles and controlled exercises, we will see how
dynamics influence your vehicles handling.
In this module we will address:
Vehicle Dynamics
Cornering and Steering
Breaking
Driving in Reverse
The physical forces influencing a moving vehicle and their effects on its
operation.
Accelerate
Break
Turn
In theory, you can do all three of the above things at the same time, but for optimal
performance these three inputs must be done separately.
As a simplified example, consider a dollar. Lets say we have a dollar to spend. This
dollar represents 100% of a vehicles capabilities. We can spend thirty-three cents on
each of the handling inputs, or ten cents on breaking and another ten cents on
turning, which leaves us with eighty cents for acceleration. We can never spend
more money than we have. If we attempt to ask too much from our vehicle then
none of the handling inputs will perform the way we want and expect them too. It is
far more efficient to ask for one-hundred percent from each acceleration, breaking,
and turning in sequential successions.
Neutral Balance
The vehicles weight is evenly distributed over the front and rear wheels
o An example would be driving at a constant speed in a straight line.
Apex Driving:
The act of driving through a corner in a way that minimizes the time the
vehicle spends cornering.
Consists of 1. Entry Point, 2. Apex, and 3. Exit point.
Over Steer:
Under Steer:
Steering Inputs
Steering Types:
Hand-over-hand
Shuffling
Crossover (fixed hand)
Smooth is Fast!
Braking Terminology:
Palm Steering
Using the palm of your hand to provide steering inputs to your vehicle
o Palm steering should only be used for reverse driving. It is too easy to
have your palm slip off of the steering wheel when you are using it to
steer while facing forward, which could result in an accident.
Physically look behind yourself, out your read windows to see where you are
going. Always primarily use your rear window as though it were your
windshield. Refrain from using your rear view mirrors as much as possible.
Use a Palm on the top (12 Oclock position) of the steering wheel to add
steering inputs
Spot your turning point
Back in
Look forward
Switch directions
Look where you are going
Head out
When backing away from a threat, do not stop until the initial threat no
longer poses immediate danger.
To help ensure your vehicle maintains traction and doesnt become stuck
when making any emergency maneuver, make every effort to ensure your
vehicle stays on the roadway. Refrain from leaving the pavement.
In a situation that requires you to drive in reverse, remember to check traffic,
and if needed, change lanes so you are driving with traffic.
Using your vehicles headlight as an aiming point will help ensure that your
vehicle makes solid contact with the blocking vehicle and maximum energy
transfer.
Aim towards the rear axle of the blocking vehicle.
Approach at from 5-15 mph.
Power through the blocking vehicle at 5-15mph. This will help ensure that
your vehicles airbags do not deploy and its fuel delivery system continues to
operate.
If there is an option, choose to ram the rear of the vehicle. It is lighter and
easier to move.
Align your car so that it splits the blocking vehicles down the middle
Power through the blocking vehicle at 5-15mph. This will help ensure that
your vehicles airbags do not deploy and its fuel delivery system continues to
operate.
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Above all else drive within your limits (always drive in control)
Fluid steering inputs
Proper hand positioning
Look where you would like the vehicle to go
Keep your head up
Driving through a curve in a manner that minimizes the time the vehicle
spends turning
Smooth is Fast!
What
To sum it all up, evasive driving does not necessarily mean driving fast.
What to Remember:
Proper Technique
Smooth Inputs
Drive within your limits
Staying vigilant will help you avoid situations that could be potentially dangerous
or life threatening.
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