Most new cars have the anti-lock brakingsystem (ABS), but few teen drivers need to use it. I have, once, and Ihope never to again.
That day, after a word of encouragement frommy passenger, I pushed the gas pedal down until I could feel the floor.As the vehicle accelerated, exhilaration engulfed me and a smile spreadacross my face. All I could see was the road as everything else became ablur. Suddenly, orange cones came into focus. Moving at 60 miles perhour, the car squealed as I slammed on the brakes. In a few seconds, thecar jerked to a stop inches from the cones. I took a deep breath andlifted my foot off the pedal, wanting to try again. However, I was oneof 12 students attending this course at In Control Advanced DriverTraining and it was time for someone else to take the wheel.
InControl teaches drivers how to steer and brake in simulated emergencysituations. The venue, a former naval station runway, is perfect becauseyou can practice emergency braking at high speeds, experiment withswerving, and use the ABS in a safe environment?
Professionalracecar drivers are the instructors and I gained more knowledge fromthem than I ever could have from a regular drivers education class. Witha combination of classroom and hands-on learning, the program provides awealth of information and statistics. For example, did you know that airbags do not guarantee your safety? Or that SUVs do not have increasedsafety, only better performance?
The drills were the mostentertaining part of the course and included tailgating, slalomingaround cones, swerving into a second lane, observing rear visibility,and using the ABS. The educational parts are veiled by the amusement ofdriving at high speeds, quick turns, and adrenaline.
Iabsolutely recommend In Control or a similar course because it can savelives and help decrease teen accidents, where 93 percent are caused bydriver error. While I would prefer never to find myself under these realcircumstances, I can honestly say that I am more confident since takingthe course. For more information visit incontroladt.com
10 Tips for Staying Safe
Behind the Wheel
from In ControlAdvanced Driver Training
- Tailgating: The faster a car istraveling, the more distance it needs to stop. A car accelerating from40 mph to 50 mph needs an additional 30 feet to stop!
- BackingUp: Cars are designed to drive forward. Avoid backing up at all costs.
- Beware of Airbags: Airbags deploy at a rate of 250 mph. Ifhands are not properly positioned, the airbags can turn them intoprojectiles that cause bruises and burns, even broken facial bones.
- Seatbelts Prevent Steering Obstructions: Seatbelts preventpassengers from being thrown into the driver’s way, blocking theircontrol.
- Seatbelts For Control: Drivers cannot control thecar while going around a turn or swerving to avoid a crash if they arebusy hanging onto the steering wheel to keep from flying around the car.
- Look Ahead: A common habit is to watch the car directly infront of you so that when it stops, you stop. Keeping an eye on thevehicles two or three ahead allows for longer reaction time and fewersudden stops.
- Pumping the Brakes: Many people complain aboutthe Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) because they do not know how to use itproperly.
With ABS: Slam on the brakes with all your might - youcannot push too hard. Don’t pump!
Without ABS: Don’tslam on the brakes, instead apply steady, even pressure. Should wheels“lock up,” release a little and hold to avoid skidding.
- Swerving: Many believe the best way to avoid an accident isto swerve away from the obstruction. False! Braking first providesbetter traction, thus greater control and reduced risk of rollovers.
- SUV/All-Wheel Drive: SUVs and AWD vehicles do not offeradditional safety, only better performance. SUVs allow drivers toaccelerate faster and not get as stuck in snow, but they are harder tostop, tend to roll over, and their high bodies make turning moredifficult.
- Fatigue: A person driving on four hours of sleep orless is the equivalent of a legally drunk driver.
