The Value of Skid Control Training

Below is correspondence from a public online forum, UKPoliceOnline. The exchange is between Jim Hawkins, of SKID CAR UK, and the owner of another skid control training company. Jim gives a great answer to the inquiry of how much value there is in skid control curriculum. Take a look...

Question:
Hi - just joined the forum. I'm hoping for some help with a query... I understand that there are some new directives coming in that stipulate all blues & twos drivers (ambulance, fire as well as police) have to complete a practical skid control driving course.

Do you think that skid control/avoidance training is worthwhile - not only for yourselves as professional drivers but also for young/inexperienced drivers? Asking because a "driving expert" in USA thinks such training encourages drivers to skid - would be interested in your thoughts...

Jim’s Response:
I am grateful to a Google search for introducing me to this forum. We hope you will agree that a business that has been involved in teaching ‘SKIDDING’ to the British Police, for the last 25 years, has a right to comment on this subject.

We at SKID CAR UK, most definitely support the introduction of any aid that may help prevent collisions on the UK roads and we must commend those organizations that have adopted the no car without ESC ethos.

SKID CAR UK wholly agrees that Skid Control should not be taught to inexperienced drivers and it is for this reason that SKID CAR UK has NOT taught SKID CONTROL, to qualified SKID CAR UK instructors, for the last 10 years.

The techniques taught at all our courses have introduced the British Driver to such techniques as Cadence Braking, Declutching, Threshold Braking, and Braking with Anti Lock Brakes and these techniques have enabled drivers all over the world to drive safely on today’s roads.

With the advent of ESC, which replicates all the techniques listed above, one may be tempted to say that there is no longer a need to teach such techniques. However, when you teach someone how to use a new type of firearm, do you rely on the fact he or she has only used a pistol? Alternatively, do you train him or her on how to use the new weapon, safely? After all a Motor Car can also be a lethal weapon!

What concerns SKID CAR UK the most is that a newly qualified driver will not fully understand the concept behind the introduction of any type of ESC. Indeed, this is the case with the current Anti Locking Braking Systems and Traction Control Systems. With many drivers, not having any inclination of what these systems are, let alone knowing how to use them correctly!

As you are no doubt aware, ESC has reduced the collision rates within Scandinavia. However, the Scandinavian authorities regard the training associated with learning how to use such systems, in all types of driving conditions, as the reason for this reduction.

Our Swedish advisors continue to impress on us that “New Systems Demand New Knowledge” and that you can still “Learn Today and Live Tomorrow!” However, you need to use up-to-date teaching methods and techniques. It is time for all SKID CAR frames to be fitted with a vehicle that has ESC.

In fact, ESC has really benefited SKID CAR because for years we have tried to show drivers how realistic it is in all types of weather conditions and ESC has allowed us to do that. Now if you Accelerate Harshly, or Speed, or use Coarse Steering on a corner on which SKID CAR is simulating a wet or icy road ESC will activate. This MUST mean SKID CAR does simulate the correct conditions.

Our advice is to STOP ‘skid training’ and implement what the proposed HSDT Code of Practice states. Avoid and correct skids when driving an emergency vehicle, by being able to do the following:

1. Identify the causation and types of skid.
2. Drive the vehicle in a manner which minimizes the risk of skidding.
3. Understand appropriate corrective action to the type of vehicle being driven.

The point to note here is avoid and correct, NOT CONTROL! This makes it more puzzling because SKID CAR can be used as effectively in Sections 1.1 – 1.4. Where it states, within the range statements, that the elements must cover Weather Conditions and Road Surfaces, just the elements that SKID CAR simulates to allow the driver to learn how to avoid and correct!

SKID CAR is like any other piece of training equipment. If it is used correctly by professionally trained operators and maintained regularly, it will work well. Abuse it, as a FUN FAYRE ride or like a SKID PAN and it will break!

‘JIM’ Hawkins
Adverse Driving Consultant
Senior Partner & Training Manager @ SKID CAR UK
UK Marketing Manager for CEDERGRENS of Sweden
Essential Adverse Driving Course Manager & Instructor
MAIRSO & BRAKE