Using Racing Drivers to Teach Driver Safety - Part 2

(To see Part 1 of this series, check the January 2011 blog archive.)

In the last segment, I spoke of the study that we were a part of in the early 90’s. The study results showed crash reduction rates at night and in inclement weather, as well as a reduction in rear end collisions following the training. On the other hand, several male students used the physical skills information unwisely and raised the general crash rate for the group. (They now are probably either professional drift competitors or in jail somewhere…)

The crash categories which showed reductions came about because the drivers were THINKING properly. The results that were not as positive motivated us to look for better ways to use our product.

In the 20 years since that study, we have continued to reevaluate our driver training curriculum and physical use of the SKIDCAR, always in search of the most efficient training methods to produce safer drivers. I have to make a very deliberate statement that we NO LONGER train with a predominantly physical SKILL SET. The cognitive side of loss of control and avoidance issues has become a priority. Using the physical experience to validate what the driver has done wrong, builds a confidence in respect to enabling humbled drivers to be more careful in the end.

After being in the Vehicle Control business for over 20 years I can tell you that the message (cognitive) that has come along with the physical exercise (skidding) is one that can either be misinterpreted (student) or misrepresented (instructor), or not part of what the curriculum had intended at all. Be it a Race Driver, Law Enforcement Officer, Firefighter, or an 18 year old MSgt in the Air Force that has become the new driver training Sergeant, you have to know, understand, and deliver what your outcomes demand of your curriculum. Ultimately, you need professional communicators.

So what should we be communicating? Check back for Part 3 on the curriculum argument of skills versus insight. In the meantime, leave us a comment to let us know what YOU think.