This is a photo I took a while back and highlights the importance of identifying /anticipating hazards from a distance. In this case, change in road, weather and light conditions. … [Read more...]
Key Benefits to Using Push-Pull Steering
Push-Pull aka Pull-Push Steering It's proactive: Hands are always in a position to make an immediate counter manoeuvre. … [Read more...]
Use Dipped Headlights as a Proactive Driving Technique
Being Seen Most organisations I work with have older /African spec vehicles that don't have daytime running lights (DRL) fitted. Therefore, I recommend using dipped headlights as a proactive defensive driving technique. … [Read more...]
Why a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is Important
A recent long trip reinforced the importance of having a tyre pressure monitoring system fitted. The tyre picked up a roofing nail and the system warned of low pressure soon after. … [Read more...]
Speed Bumps, Hills and Mountains in East Africa
Twenty Years Ago... Twenty years ago I used to push trucks from Mombasa to South Sudan. The main roads at that time were in pretty bad shape. … [Read more...]
Can You Spot 6 Hazards?
This road scene may look safe; and it can be fairly safe as long as the conditions have been identified correctly … [Read more...]
Driving Murram Roads
Some say that Murram roads can be as good as Tarmac. Never. Always dangerous; however good they look. … [Read more...]
RSA.ie – Duty of Care to Drivers
RSA.ie - What the laws say. While drivers are responsible for how they drive, you as an employer have duties in helping to make driving for work safer. Three sets of laws influence driving for work in Ireland: Road Traffic Laws: the Road Traffic Act 1961 and its later amendments influence driving on public roads in Ireland. The Gardai, sometimes in collaboration with the HSA, are responsible for enforcing road traffic laws and investigating collisions and fatalities. Health & … [Read more...]
Defensive Driving: Knowing Your Vehicle Bubble
To drive in such a way as to avoid being involved in an accident regardless of the action of other drivers or adverse driving conditions. … [Read more...]
Understanding Target Fixation: Something Worth Looking At!
Recently, I had a training experience, where I ended up with a couple of damaged ribs and an arm twice it's normal size. The objective of the training exercise was to learn to deal with looking at where you want to go in a high stress situation and not at the distraction. Unfortunately, the student who was driving at the time, didn't handle stress very well and drove the vehicle off the track and hit me with it. I was being the distracter at the time! When questioned afterwards all he remember … [Read more...]
Preventing a 4wd Rollover on an Unsealed Road
A recent event has prompted me to revisit this subject. Fortunately, all involved were not seriously hurt but so easily could have been. Therefore, I believe it is important to address why this type of MVC occurs frequently and to seemingly "experienced" national drivers, the "old Africa hands" and newcomers alike? … [Read more...]