Driving is not just about mechanical techniques such as steering or use of throttle and brakes. The most vital element of any piece of machinery is the operator’s ability to use the tool safely, efficiently and with minimal risk. Cars are becoming cleverer but rather than abdicating our responsibility to the latest driver aids, we should aim to become cleverer too. I’m not suggesting we shun technology – many features offer a vital lifeline but they are not a panacea – it’s a shocking fact that over 90% of all crashes are still the result of driver error, yet we could reduce that statistic by effective use of our ‘personal computer’.
Fangio said that driving was 90% concentration and 10% skill – and that’s true whether you’re driving a Micra or a McLaren on road or track. To aid concentration, we must focus, review the ever-changing picture and allow sufficient time to create space around us by intelligent use of speed. Anyone can drive quickly and I enjoy speed as much as the next enthusiast but whereas you can see through a track corner and keep the foot in the bucket, on the road we don’t have the room or the view to try and beat the laws of physics and some people inevitably run out of road…and talent.
Every part of driving should be planned and the mnemonic Concentration, Observation, Anticipation, Space and Time (COAST) is a useful building block in the foundation of becoming a great driver. Mental state is a key factor – we have to cooperate with other drivers in what’s becoming an increasingly hostile environment. We wouldn’t swear at a little old lady shuffling along a supermarket aisle, so why do we hoot and gesticulate at people on the road who want to make slightly less progress than we do? If people kept a reasonable distance from the car in front, we could all use road space in accordance with our needs. Unfortunately, overtaking is rarely taught – we are forced to learn from experience and the mistakes we get away with. Two of the most frequent requests I receive are to develop the art of overtaking and how to ‘read’ a bend correctly and I’ll discuss them later in the series.
If you have any specific topics you’d like me to cover in the future, then please e-mail
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In the meantime, enjoy your driving and keep on the black stuff! Hugh.
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