PMCI - March 2021

pmcimagazine.com
6DANGEROUS DRIVING
speed, they are actually just interpreting your distance from them.
As drivers, preparation does not begin with the acceptance
of the task, it starts way before that, and it starts with YOU!
Therefore, the investment into yourself and training is
paramount. We must understand that although racing can
be exciting, simply put, most of the racing techniques do not
apply to public roads. Learning and practicing the techniques
that do count such as setting up for corners and where to focus
your attention, as well as being smooth in the operation of the
vehicle are key. When we learn evasive tactics, they need to be
taught as a way to accomplish the one evasive tactic that works;
MOVE! And not taught or used as tricks!
IF IT IS IN YOUR CONTROL, CONTROL IT!
We can control our preparation and we can control ourselves.
You should be setting the bar above the standard for yourself
and not accept anything less from yourself. Put in the time and
effort to become proficient at your role.
This means seeking out quality additional training when you
have downtime, driving is a perishable skill just like firearms.
You do not go to the firearms range once in your career and say
you’re proficient, right? Then do not accept that for your driver
training either. There are plenty of reputable training facilities
where you can learn vehicle dynamics and put yourself to the
test of how well you can interpret the “Vehicle Language.” Seek
out training with real-world application, do not just spend time
on the race track!
Some things to make note of and mention as well are the
personal components of being and becoming a driver in the
industry. The better you know yourself, the easier it will be for
you to understand your capabilities and limitations. For instance,
key physiological components that could hinder your ability to
perform at a high level or accurately read the vehicle language are:
• Fatigue- lowers visual efficiency and causes longer reaction time.
• Faulty Hearing
• Inadequate Vision
• Medical Conditions
• Cardiovascular Conditions
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
TOUCH AND KINESTHETIC SENSE
Each of those listed above individually or collectively will
diminish your ability to be effective as a driver. You must make a
note of these and understand how they can and will affect your
ability to safely and efficiently drive your vehicle instinctively.
These are just the physiological aspects, when you then add in
the limiting psychological factors that come along with them,
well, as we have continuously said throughout this article, if you
fail to prepare, you are preparing to fail. As drivers, we must also
have our mindset dialed in, some of the negative contributing
factors are:
Attitude and Emotions (stress) can have a negative impact
on driving by:
• Diminishing the driver’s power of observation
• Delays or distorts ability to interpret events