Error parsing XSLT file: \xslt\FacebookOpenGraph.xslt Graham Hurdle's bog: 12 February 2014 - Use it or lose it
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Graham Hurdle's bog: 12 February 2014 - Use it or lose it

Date: 12 February 2014

Graham Hurdle is managing director of E-Training World

There's an old saying, "if you don't use it, you lose it" - a phrase I feel is certainly true when it comes to driving.

The reason it's so applicable is because many of the skills taught to learner drivers, and required to pass one's basic driving test, are often disregarded over time resulting in errors and accidents.

The best example is the mirror, signal, manoeuvre (MSM) routine - something every driver on UK roads will have demonstrated to pass their test.

Yet how many drivers have you seen who have braked and then indicated, or turned without indicating, or seemingly have no idea who is behind them when making a manoeuvre?

In fact, next time you are a front seat passenger, count how many vehicles ahead of you start braking (manoeuvre) then indicating (signal).

Also note the number of drivers who check their mirrors just as they turn, only to see the vehicle behind panic braking.

The two reasons why a following car will have to panic brake in the above situation are:

a)    They were following too closely (their fault)

b)   The driver ahead didn't assess the situation by using their mirrors, and didn't give the driver behind them any warning by use of signals (their fault)

Yet before we cast judgement on others, think how often your company car and van drivers fail to use their basic MSM routine.

Not always because they are poor drivers, but perhaps when looking for an office address of somewhere they haven't visited before, being distracted by a hands free mobile phone call, or simply becoming lazy and not applying the important principles of driving.

Think also how many of your drivers have had rear end shunts and claimed the car in front braked suddenly. If they hadn't been so close they'd have had time to stop, whatever the driver in front did.

Nearly all accidents involve at least two drivers doing something wrong.

Drive correctly and you are far less likely to be involved in an accident. Ignore basic rules such as the MSM routine, follow too close and fall into other bad habits and you are far more likely to be involved in an accident.

With most company vehicle drivers it's not about ability, it's about attitude and needing a timely reminder to make sure they continue to apply the things they learned when they first passed their test.



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