by: Phil Mann
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Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2010 Time: 10:40 PM -
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It may seem like a strange comparison, but actually it's true. Ask yourself a few simple questions.
How do I avoid disaster in the kitchen? My guess is you follow a recipe.
What happens if you leave something out? My guess is disaster.
What happens if you use all the ingredients but in a different order? Chances are you may get away with it, but it won't taste quite right.
How does this compare to driving? I hear you ask. Well, driving does have its own special recipe. If you follow it to the letter, you can avoid disaster. If you miss something out you run the great risk of an accident and if you follow it, but in a mixed up way, well, at best you could get away with it but still at the risk of an accident.
The driving recipe is as simple as six letters, MIRRORS, SIGNAL, POSITION, SPEED, GEAR, ACCELERATE.
So how is this implemented?
As you approach a hazard (the earlier you see it the better), Then check
MIRRORS, what is happening behind? Is the driver behind too close? Are he /she about to overtake? Take the appropriate action e.g. if they are following too close, show your brake lights early, so they know you are slowing down.
SIGNAL - Tell them what you are going to do. Indicator for turning or pulling up, brake lights for slowing or stopping etc. Timing is important, too early can confuse, and too late leaves less reaction time.
POSITION - Take up the appropriate position early, i.e. Left for left, right for right, but be guided by signs, road markings or even local knowledge.
SPEED - Adjust your speed to fit in with the traffic situation e.g. at a roundabout plan to stop, but look for a gap to go, so slow down enough that you can drive into a space, but you can also stop easily if the traffic is heavy. Joining a motorway, you may even have to speed up to blend in easily.
GEAR - When you have lost all unwanted speed, select the gear for your speed. This will also be the gear that will let you deal with the hazard. You should be aiming for one gear change per hazard.
ACCELERATE - Once you safely negotiate the hazard, and then accelerate away, leaving the danger behind.
Ideally, if you get this right, you should be in the correct road position at the correct speed and in the correct gear. This can be quite difficult to achieve all the time, but if you get all of these right, then there really is not a lot that you can do wrong. It does take practise, but talk yourself through each stage in turn. You may not have to do everything, but at the very least, everything has to be considered.
The driving recipe simplified is: - M S P S G A
Give it a try and after a little practise things should seem easier. You will be safer and you might even enjoy driving more than ever.
Safe driving in 2010.
Article Source: DirectoryArticles.com
Phil Mann is a driver trainer in the Chelmsford Essex area. He has been a trainer for nine years. If you find this article interesting and would like Phil to teach you to drive then visit http://www.advantagedrivertraining.org.uk for more information. As well as passing your test, you could also achieve a BTEC in Driving Skills. Visit the website for details.
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