Introduction

Currently there are two driver safety programmes available in New Zealand based on the original course developed in Sweden.

Both courses allow drivers to experience first hand the hazards of driving in adverse conditions whilst in the complete safety of the vehicle. The training vehicle is fitted with a computer controlled hydraulic frame connected to "dolly" wheels on each of the four corners. The frame is able to simulate over and under steer, low friction, gravel, wet and even icy conditions as well as the feeling of despair when faced with aquaplaning situations. The emphasis throughout is to put the driver in touch with the vehicle so that it's various behaviours, in a variety of situations, can be identified for appropriate action to avoid a crash.

Both courses are very effective. Anecdotal evidence supports this with some companies reporting savings of up to $22000:00 in insurance premiums in the first year following implementation of the programme. A 1996 research report from Sweden relating to companies implementing the programme supports this.

The frequency of road crashes monitored at Televerket, (Swedish Telecom), provided a sample group of 900 employees. The group was the subject of various methods of crash prevention programmes ie attitude-based discussions, a remunerative bonus system and driver awareness campaigns. The results overwhelmingly supported the driver training and attitude based peer discussions. The crash reduction and risk was reduced by 47.9% per 10,000 km's during the trial period whilst the crash costs decreased by a staggering 33% per 10,000 km's.

The consequences of a motor vehicle crash to any business are considerable such as employee injury, compensation action, work days lost, OSH legal action and in many instances, loss of life and the social implications of this on the family and community. Add to this a depleted motor vehicle fleet affecting operational requirements and loss of productivity.

Both courses are "competency based" requiring the participant to meet pre-set standards before progressing to the next level of training. The programme has been operating within New Zealand since 1987. We understand that the Courses also operate in several locations in Australia. From time to time, the Training Programme has operated in conjunction with a number of essential services including the Royal New Zealand Police College, the Australian Federal Police, St. John Ambulance and the Royal Australian Army.

Skid-car practical range training.

Driver Awareness Course

Course Fees: $155.00 pp * 
Participants: 6-12
Course Duration: 4 Hours
Course Start Times: Typically 8.30am and 1.00pm
Course Days: Monday to Saturday
Number of Instructors: 1 or 2 (larger group)
Venue: Auckland, Christchurch and periodically, selected locations in the South Island
Requirements/Details:

- Current Drivers Licence (Minimum six months Restricted Licence). Driver Licences are
  required to be sighted on day of training.
- Own Car is required for the manouvering exercise
- Skid‑Car Training vehicle as supplied
- Assessment completed
- Certificate will be provided upon successful completion

Note: *Costs may vary due to location and/or independent provider charges. A firm quote can be provided on request.

Outline of Training

PART ONE - COURSE INTRODUCTION

• Introduction and over‑view of course
• Outline of course objectives

PART TWO - PRACTICAL

• Safe and Smooth Driving Technique (Students Vehicle)
  Using students own vehicle, drivers have the opportunity to negotiate a series of turns, under the close supervision of the tutor. Low cost crash avoidance driving techniques are highlighted. Speed is then increased to emphasise vehicle dynamics and how this effects safe and cost effective operation.

• Reverse Gear Manoeuvres(Students Vehicle)
  Using their own vehicles, drivers are placed through reverse gear slalom, addressing the expensive issue of low speed manoeuvring “accidents”. The tutor outlines the most effective methods of safe reversing techniques, including "blind" spots, appropriate seating and visual techniques are addressed.

• Understanding and avoiding loss of control (Skid Car)
  Drivers, using the Skid car, are brought face to face with crash promoting driving habits requiring elimination. The time spent in the Skid car highlights many of the dangers associated with everyday road situations.

• Evasive Action (Skid Car)
  The exercise allows drivers to experience, first hand, the dangers associated with close proximity crash avoidance. The importance of "time interval driving" and “forward planning” are high priority. This exercise is in the Skid car on a simulated low friction surface.

PART THREE - DRIVING THEORY (WITH TEST) 

The theory involves the most "up to date" traffic education concepts available. These include:
(a) The Hazard Action Plan. (vision and planning)
(b) Time Interval Driving. (2,4 and 12 second rules)
(c) The Seven Manoeuvres. (Defensive Driver Plan for all of the On‑Road driving scenarios)

A Multi‑Choice test is included on completion of the programme in order to consolidate the concepts learned.

A certificate is provided for successful completion of the Course.

A Skid-car Driver Training initiative with the Australian Army. (Ward in the red cap!)

Advanced Safety Course

Course Fees: $255.00 pp*
Participants: 3 Maximum
Course Duration: 4 Hours
Course Start Times: Typically 8:30am and 1:00pm
Course Days: Monday to Saturday
Venue: Auckland, Christchurch and periodically selected locations in the South Island
Number of Instructors: 1
Requirements/Details:

- Current Drivers Licence. Driver Licences will be required to be sighted on day of training.
- Own Car is required for the weight transfer exercise
- Skid‑Car Training vehicle as supplied
- Certificate will be sent upon successful completion of course

Note: * Costs may vary due to location and/or independent provider charges. A firm quote can be provided on request.

Outline of Training

PART ONE - COURSE BRIEFING (30 minutes)

• Introduction and overview of course
• Outline of course objectives
• Statement of course objectives per exercise
  
  

PART TWO - PRACTICAL SEGMENT (3 hours)

• Safe vehicle manoeuvring – Slalom
  The slalom develops smooth driving techniques, vision and safety.

The student's vehicle is used to demonstrate weight transfer, then the Skid-car

Exercise includes:
(a) Smoothness, steering & vision
(b) Understanding rear wheel drive vehicles
(c) Understanding front wheel drive vehicles
(d) Safety on low friction surfaces (wet road, gravel & ice)

• Emergency braking & ABS
  Using a brake gun to assist with developing effective braking techniques. Emergency braking includes "effective stopping" in emergency situations, over a range of surfaces using the “Human ABS"method (if ABS unavailable).

• Evasive action
  "Avoiding the unavoidable", designed to demonstrate the dangers of failing to plan in advance. This skill has the potential to reduce the severity of outcomes related to head ‑ on, nose to tail and nose to side crashes.
  Drivers also gain an awareness of potential dangers associated with speed.

Exercises include:
(a) Evasive Action in the wet
(b) Evasive Action in the wet (increased speed)
(c) Evasive Action on variable surfaces
(d) Evasive Action on variable surfaces (increased speed)

• Aquaplane recognition and recovery.

The outcome of this exercise is to acquaint drivers with dangers of wet weather      driving and the importance of tyre condition and life expectancy.

PART THREE - DRIVING THEORY (30 minutes)

The theory section focuses on relating the practical training range experiences to everyday driving. This section also aims to develop a “defensive” driver attitudein relation to the overall prevention of crashes.

• The Hazard Action Plan
  The accepted formula for the negotiation of a safe path from point A to B. This is a visual basis for "crash free" driving.

• Time Interval Driving
  As outlined in the New Zealand Road Code, the appropriate rules for forward vision, following other vehicles and developing a plan of action for close driving situations in both urban and rural areas.

• Safe and Cost Effective Driving
  Illustrates what the main causes of crash promoting driving behaviours (specifically turning and cornering). These ineffective driving habits tend to be the main contributing factor to high fleet running costs in terms of excessive tyre wear, fuel consumption and maintenance.

• Vehicle Dynamics & Loading
  Reinforces, exactly what is happening to a vehicle when driving in both an appropriate and inappropriate manner. This section aims at summarising the practical experiences during the Course and it’s application to the road.

PART FOUR ASSESSMENT ‑ CERTIFICATION (POST COURSE)

All drivers are assessed during the Course. This on-going objective assessment is evaluated through the demonstrated performance during the Course. A copy of the assessment is given to the driver on completion of the course.

A Graduation Certificate is provided for successful completion of the Course.

Note: All prices quoted above include GST. Any quotes provided are valid for 30 days only.