ADVANCED DRIVING EUROPE, Advanced Driver Training

 Over the years I have found that the vast majority of high-performance sports cars tend to be quite good drivers.    Not all of them have the ability to make the most of their vehicles, but as a general run, they are neither abusive of their cars nor are they agressive towards other road users.      However, there is always the exception!

Whilst driving with the owner of a Super light Lotus recently, I was rather taken aback at the way in which he handled the car.    Physically he was a large, rather overweight man, but to say that he was "uncouth" with the steering, the clutch, the accelerator as well as the brakes, is putting it mildly.

Even though I had cause a couple of times to  check his harsh use of this lightweight car, he continued to drive it as though it was a heavyweight vehicle that had to be hauled and man-handled along the road.   

On two occasions he broke the speed limit, even though we were in extremely heavy traffic and on a  damp and slippy road surface.   

 His knowledge of the car was excellent, in fact, above average, but his lack of sensitivy  /response to the car's behaviour and his  agressive way of driving  were seriously worrying.     

I was not unduly surprised, when, at the de-briefing,  he admitted that previously, he had been a long-distance truck driver.    

Some of you I realize are truck drivers with a superb safety record, but, there are at least as many who are causing real problems to other road users.    This is due mainly in how they handle their vehicles (road as well as commercial) and I regret to say, their oblivion to the rules of the road.  

Remember, trying to stop a truck at even 70kph is quite a different matter to stopping that lightweight sports car!  And as we all know, crashing trucks cause horrific accidents.   So if you have heavy feet and hands and feel you are the king of the road..........think again....... 

Follow me on Twitter@Expertdriver  and drive well and safetly.

ADRIAN.

One of the techniques a driver of a racing/rally/track-day  car, likes  to master, is that of  Heel and Toe driving.    

 Normally, one accelerates and brakes  using the right foot, with the left foot concentrating  on controlling the clutch pedal.    

 However, driving very rapidly, requires quicker footwork than normal , and this is where it is useful to master the use of the Heel and Toe technique, in order to be able to brake, blip the throttle and change down , all at the same time.

Mastering this technique means that because the car is now set up correctly  and in the correct gear , a driver can get through a set of bends, a chicane or some other obstacle, safetly and, in super quick time! 

To engage the Heel and Toe method, ( depending on the make of the car - usually an older model) the  ball of the driver' right foot is used to hold down the brake pedal while the driver's heel/side of the foot,  blips the throttle sharply.   This is executed in conjunction with the driver de-clutching firmly and making a swift and exact down-shift through the gears,  in order to set up the car  when negotiating hairpin corners, etc., etc.

Most modern cars/single seaters (with their sequential gear-boxes) do not require the use of this technique - but it is useful, if the driver is driving an older car and it reduces wear and tear on the gear-box.

I spent much of yesterday introducing several track-day drivers to this special technique.  Although they had all heard about it, none of them had actually had anyone show them how it is done.    Obviously they will have to practice getting their co-ordination right (and that can be done in a stationary car)  but once mastered, this gives a driver a  useful driving advantage over other drivers who do not know how to Heel and Toe.   

Enjoy your driving and remember to follow me on Twitter@Expertdriver

With the colder and wetter days closing in as well as earlier darkness, all motorists and riders must be more viligent than ever.    Driving on side lights is now deemed the norm for poor weather conditions - but don't think that dopey joe/josephine, in front of you, has actually seen you....

Give yourself enough space, always, to be able to stop your vehicle quickly.     Make certain that your mirrors are adjusted to show the best possible road vision;  ensure that your windscreen is clean and wipers are working and not just smearing the windscreen.    Check that your tyres and brakes are up to an emergency stop - as well as yourself!    

If you have a long journey ahead and expect bad weather, bring emergency supplies with you as well as that reflective triangle and gilet.

Never try to drive your car or bike through flooded roads.   There could be a concealed man-hole somewhere.....or a deep dip in the road that is hidden by those flood waters.....And, never stand with, nor stay with a stranded vehicle, on the hard shoulder of the motorway.   

This the time of the year when the mobile phone (active) can be so useful, so keep it with you.

Give yourself additional time for all journeys and please do not rush anywhere if the weather conditions are poor.    Far better to be late, than not to arrive at all.......

Regards and remembrer to follow me on Twitter@Expertdriver.

ADRIAN.