By Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu (FRSCN)
STEP ONE:
If you have access to vehicles of different makes and models, switch them often. This way you’ll be working on driving as a whole, not on driving a specific car.
STEP TWO:
”Find a training lot. A disused airfield is the best idea, because it has long straight stretches (the runway), corners (turn way to runway entrance) and wide open spaces (the area in front of the hangars). If you are not so lucky as to have a disused airfield nearby, you may look for these three things separately. You may use abandoned country roads and disused parking lots that measure at least 50 by 50 feet”.
STEP THREE:
When you practice, focus not on the driving itself, but on feeling the behaviour of the vehicle. This includes lateral stability, acceleration, braking distance, etc. When you learn how to feel the vehicle, you’ll be able to drive anything at its verge.
STEP FOUR
Think of any hypothetical situation you may encounter, e.g flat tire, high-speed under-/over steer, pursuit driving, etc. Think about what you must do in that particular case, then get in the car and do it. Make a note of your weak points and work to improve them.
STEP FIVE
Handbrake turning is not only for showing off. It’s the best way to correct high-speed understeer. It’s also useful on icy roads. It gives you confidence on a rough road.
STEP SIX
Practice emergency stopping. If your car has ABS, disable it when you practice
STEP SEVEN
Identify each dangerous situation when you drive and remember it. Then, when you have the time, think of what you could’ve done better and practice the preventive measures and maneuvers.
STEP EIGHT
Learn to drive backward using only the side view mirrors. Once you get the knack of it, it’s one of the most useful skills a driver can have.
STEP NINE
Practice emergency in-turn braking. Do it in a wide empty space, not on the road.
STEP TEN
Test the brakes soon after you start down the road.
The traffic expert is DCC Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, DCC Morning and Evaluation (M&E), Special Duties and External Relations (SEDER), FRCC HQ, Abuja.
