Driving is an art?

[christopherwk]

And the role model for most chauffeurs would be... The police response driver.

It is ?

Up to a point I think, aspects of Roadcraft such as use of the system as a smooth and systematic approach to hazards, and limit points to make a smooth, settled, safe drive round bends.

[Horse]

the role model should be the chauffer, not the police response driver?

And the role model for most chauffeurs would be... The police response driver.

I'd have thought the the diplomatic protection style is a more likely influence, with the emphasis on getting from A > B safely and smoothly, but without the 'progress' imperative needed to pass an 'advanced' test.

After all, it's possible to drive safely and smoothly without following the roadcraft system.

Whether or not UK chauffers are trained to Roadcraft is probably more of a hangover from the police influence on 'training' generally in the UK.

FWIW A few years ago I was a passenger in a taxi. After we'd got out, one of the others commented adversly about the guy's driving. Although perhaps a bit 'brisk', he was actually driving to an 'advanced' level using smooth lines etc.

[Standard Dave]

the role model should be the chauffer, not the police response driver?

And the role model for most chauffeurs would be... The police response driver.

I think you know that Roadcraft is for Police drivers, very few of whom ever get to be response drivers.

Not getting into the blue or red corners on this one though

Not sure if it's supposed to mean Police advanced driver or police VIP driver, but almost every police officer I've ever meet is or has been a reponse driver.

[7db]

I didn't say that.

[waremark]

The last chauffeur I was driven by was a retired police advanced driver - superb.

We have a club member whose day job is driving a senior government minister in an armoured Jaguar - again he had a police advanced driving qualification. He said the objective was a drive which would not cause the lid of the ministers red box to fall shut, but which would make excellent progress consistent with that constraint.

[Horse]

The last chauffeur I was driven by was a retired police advanced driver - superb.

We have a club member whose day job is driving a senior government minister in an armoured Jaguar - again he had a police advanced driving qualification. He said the objective was a drive which would not cause the lid of the ministers red box to fall shut, but which would make excellent progress consistent with that constraint.

Off at a tangent . . .

. . . It struck me this morning that police response driver training ought to involve sessions with white van man types - to find out how they can shovel vehicles along so quickly

[Horse]

Off at a tangent . . .

. . . It struck me this morning that police response driver training ought to involve sessions with white van man types - to find out how they can shovel vehicles along so quickly

As a driver of a "white van" I can assure you all it requires is a heavy right foot and no regard for vehicle sympathy or fuel economy. And as most never have passengers, who needs passenger comfort

When I said 'struck me' I didn't mean that literally - but it would enhance the white vehicle's braking if it was achieved by breaking the vehicle in front

Certainly the following distances usually demonstrated are like those use by the diplomatic protection drivers - perhaps WVM is police trained too

[quintaton]

Art?

What is the meaning of the word?

Made.

================================


Brittanica Online......"the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others."

The older Latin meaning roughly translates to "skill" or "craft."

Most of the great composers were regarded simply as "skilled tradesmen" by their employers, who created things to order when specifically asked to do so.

We're both right, so perhaps we can agree to combine the two and opt for "creative skill."

Q

[Horse]

Art?

What is the meaning of the word?

Made.

================================


Brittanica Online......"the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others."

The older Latin meaning roughly translates to "skill" or "craft."

Most of the great composers were regarded simply as "skilled tradesmen" by their employers, who created things to order when specifically asked to do so.

We're both right, so perhaps we can agree to combine the two and opt for "creative skill."

Perhaps put 'art driving' into context: a friend says that many drivers are 'appliance operators', they merely use a vehicle in the same way they would any other houshold appliance, and with - perhaps - as much or little thought.

[7db]

a friend says that many drivers are 'appliance operators', they merely use a vehicle in the same way they would any other houshold appliance, and with - perhaps - as much or little thought.

Oh Lord don't tell the firemen.

[Horse]

a friend says that many drivers are 'appliance operators', they merely use a vehicle in the same way they would any other houshold appliance, and with - perhaps - as much or little thought.

Oh Lord don't tell the firemen.

Excellent!

Trouble is, I'm sad enough to know at what point an 'engine' becomes an applicance . . . *


* For anyone who cares, when the pump is driven by, or the entire edifice propelled by, an infernal combustion engine, then it's a 'fire appliance'. Otherwise (ie steam or manual), it's a 'fire engine'. I think (read it many years ago . . . )