Accelerating into a hazard

[James]

We are getting into the realms of commentary now. There is one thing and one thing only to get that up to speed, and that is practice.

I surpassed the embaressment of talking to myself in my own car during my driving course in order to improve it. I had to. Being good at the one thing I really care about is almost as important as my marriage. I accepted that initially I was OK but needed to perfect my commentary to ANY passenger enough to make them think I had put in alot of effort. I also knew that initially, I could be much much better.

I have learnt lot over the years in the job regarding driving, from many diffrent angles both in passenger seat and drivers seat.. I am the inquisitive type, one that picks info and retains it. My advice?

Calmness. Confidence. Start slow, WAIT for things in front of you that WILL happen within seconds. Let this roll you into a commentary. Don't get carried way. Keep concisive, never pause and never stutter, just calm words that depict your thoughts. If you practice practice practice this, eventually, you will start to impress even yourself.

I was assessed on my course by a PC1 (obviously). I have it in writing by that same person that my commentary was in excess of the required standard for a police response driver (on that day). Marks WERE allocated in my day on a 1 - 4 scale, 4 being a fail and 3 being a "shows potential" come back in a few days. 2 was at the required standard and 1 was beyond it. (Don't get me wrong people... Im not saying Im anything special). All I know is that I used the specialist knowledge available to me in a wise way. I was very proud to achieve, some good marks, in many area's that my fellow colleaugues were not lucky enough to do. I did however devote ALOT of time (and still do) to driving. (Hence this forum???)

[TripleS]

To answer your question honestly Dave, and it is no critism, I think your early gear change would be "frowned upon" in terms of the system.

My earlier post regards a basic PSG approach, i.e Position, Speed, Gear.

Whilst BGOL and secondary braking can be accepted, I think it's fair to say thay are unoffical no no's. I would tend to think that an early gear change (in a car) would be "interpreted" as poor planning.

Don't mean to sound harsh my friend, but I am trying to answer your question...

Thanks James, and Von - I guess it's a matter of being more in line with 'the system' for the purpose of a test than I would ordinarily be.

Best wishes all,
Dave.

[nuster100]

With regards to the roundabout, I tend to slow down just before, slot into 2nd and then simply drive into the gap I spotted as I slowed down.

I feel that I have failed to observe my sourroundings properly if forced to stop for things such as roundabouts and lights. I prefer to slow down sooner, select the right gear and be arriving just as the gap presents itself / the lights turn green.

I could be worng and feel free to shoot me down over this, but it has never caused me problems yet.

Jay

[BigJim]

I often find in my car that I can select 2nd gear at anything below 25mph and still have a smooth approach to the roundabout. Then if my vision improves sufficiently I can accelerate through and back up to 3rd.

[MGF]

You can take the gear as you are going over the give way lines provided you have the clutch back up & vehicle balanced before you steer right into the roundabout.

This is good to know because to keep the change smooth and avoid overlap I often do this.