TRAINING TOOLS WORKING TOGETHER

SKIDCAR and SIMULATORS

USING AVAILABLE TOOLS TO MAKE BETTER DRIVERS

BENEFITS OF USING MULTIPLE TRAINING TOOLS

Drivers can build on their skills by training in different environments.

Training reinforced through various methods enhances overall performance.

Drivers will revert to their training when encountering high-stress situations.

SKIDCAR and Simulators can be used together to reinforce good driving habits.

Driving is a highly-skilled activity and a driver’s skill can be improved through the use of multiple training tools.

TRADITIONAL DRIVER’S TRAINING METHODS

• Emphasis on Fundamentals of Vehicle Control• Vehicle Controls/Handling Dynamics• Classroom (Rules of the Road)

• Measures of Success• Demonstrate ability to control vehicle during various

driving exercises• Maintain Proper Lane Position• Execute Safe Turning Movement (steering control)• Maintain Speed & Spacing (throttle control)• Bring Vehicle to a Controlled Stop (proper brake

application)• Demonstrate Safe Driving in Reverse (Backing Up)

o Front End Swing/Rear Wheel Track

TRADITIONAL DRIVER’S TRAINING METHODS

BEHIND THE WHEEL COURSES•Slow Speed: Skill, Placement Courses•Mid-Speed: Autocross Skills (usually best “bang for the buck”); combines most skills needed•High Speed: Requires a facility capable of variable (high) speeds and safety•Unless agencies own the facility, there is a relative cost involved•Personnel, scheduling, and equipment intensive•Often involves familiarization time, training time, and testing time (if necessary)•Skill based with decision-making required•Student-to-instructor ratio 3+ to 1

TRADITIONAL DRIVER’S TRAINING METHODS

CLASSROOM SCENARIOSThought-basedDecision-making process can be discussedPolicy review Multiple scenarios can be discussedDiscuss tactics such as “intervention” techniques how to deploy, what tools to useCan be done on shift, during briefing or during dedicated training timeCan critique previous incidents to learn from them40:1 Student – Instructor ratio

Main Causes of Collisions

Speed too Fast for Conditions

Following too Close

Distraction

Combining SKIDCAR and Driving Simulators For Effective Driver Training

• Classroom Presentation-What are your goals? Who is your audience? Academy recruit/cadet - beginning driver In Service; Advanced Officer – “skilled” Civilian/Corporate

• At a minimum you would want to address: High Visual Horizon – Sight Lines Reaction Time Vehicle Handling Dynamics (what causes a skid) Stable Platform

INNOVATIVE DRIVER’S TRAINING METHODS

SKIDCARInitial cost for platform, training, and vehicleTraining areas can be flexible

Locations, smaller in size than full driving coursesCan be used year-round, in most weather conditionsClassroom & Behind the Wheel time dedicatedComprehensive learning tool: Decision-making process plus skill-based processHigh learning capacity with low riskTraining scenarios:

Preliminary, baseline evaluations Remedial evaluations following “events” In-service, regular training Scenario-based training

One-on-one student – instructor ratio

INNOVATIVE DRIVER’S TRAINING METHODS

SIMULATORInitial cost relative to unit(s) purchasedTraining areas can be flexible

Can be housed in a classroom or transported in a trailer

Classroom & Behind the Wheel time dedicatedLow maintenanceMultiple scenarios available including the ability to build new, specific scenarios as neededMinimal physical feedback based on systemOrientation to the “on-screen” driving environment is requiredEmphasis placed on decision makingUp to 4:1 student – instructor ratio

Combining SKIDCAR and Driving Simulators For Effective Driver Training

“You cannot expect to live beyond your line of sight.”

Reaction

A driver’s reaction to a hazard or danger can be separated into two distinct phases:

PERCEPTION TIME (.75 sec)

REACTION TIME (.75 sec)

Real-Life Experience - Reaction

Simulator Training Advantage

Training system with specific scenarios that focus on decision-making skillsRecreation of Real-Life EventsReinforce DecisionsReplay DrivingRemediation for conditioned response

Simulation based training system integrates facilitation & coaching by instructors with real world experience

Simulated Scenario -Reaction

SKIDCAR Application

• Steering Control• Throttle Control• Road Position

Understanding what causes a skid

Real-Life Experience - Understeer

SKIDCAR Training Advantage

Training system with specific scenarios that focus on skillsRealisticReinforce Muscle MemoryRemediation for conditioned response

SKIDCAR based training system integrates facilitation & coaching by instructors with real world experience

Simulated Scenario - Understeer

Real-Life Experience - Oversteer

Simulated Experience - Oversteer

COMPLIMENTARY ACTIONS FROM USING MULTIPLE TRAINING METHODS

SKIDCARGives you the “feel” of the carCan create environments similar to those seen in Simulator scenarios, like low traction surfaces or improper driver inputsReinforces good driving habits such as proper hand positions, smooth throttle and brake control, and use of vision techniquesShuffle or Push-Pull Steering

SIMULATORCan use multiple scenarios to emphasize the decision-making processReinforces good, smooth driving habits through immediate responses by the “simulated” vehicleAssists with one of the most important aspects of driving – Use of Eyes & Looking Where You Want to GoThreat & Hazard AssessmentShuffle or Push-Pull Steering

HIGHLIGHTS & REVIEW

SKIDCAR

“IT’S ABOUT GRIP, NOT SLIP.”

Look where you want the car to go.

Smooth use of all vehicle controls, i.e. STEERING, BRAKING, ACCELERATOR

Understanding the dynamics of the vehicle – STABLE PLATFORM

Having a plan – BEING PROACTIVE

THINK MORE, DO LESS

HIGHLIGHTS & REVIEW

SIMULATOR

Use the SIMULATOR to MAKE BETTER DECISIONS.

Look where you want the car to go – Use your eyes to view and anticipate

Smooth use of all controls, i.e. STEERING, BRAKING, ACCELERATOR

Move your gaze to the threat, analyze quickly, decide on action – BE SMOOTH

Prepare and plan for hazards – BE PROACTIVE

The vehicle will respond to commands and inputs, so Think More & Do Less

Although there’s generally no physical motion felt, the effects on the vehicle’s controls will result in actions visible to the driver.

The benefit potential is greatest for drivers training in multiple environments such as SKIDCAR, Simulators, Behind the Wheel

Courses, and Classroom Scenarios.

The emphasis for all training should be positive reinforcement.

For Law Enforcement - You must train to your policy for liability purposes. This means your policy must be reviewed regularly and

thoroughly to ensure it meets acceptable standards.

For All Driver’s Trainers – You can help your students understand the benefits of preparing PROACTIVELY and being focused on

driving.

“A PROACTIVE DRIVER IS DEFINED AS ONE WHO USES SUPERIOR KNOWLEDGE TO AVOID SITUATIONS REQUIRING SUPERIOR SKILL.”