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 SCENARIOS  Thought-based  Decision-making process can be discussed  Policy review  Multiple scenarios can be discussed  Discuss tactics such as “intervention” techniques how to deploy, what tools to use  Can be done on shift, during briefing or during dedicated training time  Can critique previous incidents to learn from them  40:1 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 SKIDCAR  Initial cost for platform, training, and vehicle  Training areas can be flexible  Locations, smaller in size than full driving courses  Can be used year-round, in most weather conditions  Classroom & Behind the Wheel time dedicated  Comprehensive learning tool: Decision-making process plus skill-based process  High learning capacity with low risk  Training 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 SIMULATOR  Initial cost relative to unit(s) purchased  Training areas can be flexible  Can be housed in a classroom or transported in a trailer  Classroom & Behind the Wheel time dedicated  Low maintenance  Multiple scenarios available including the ability to build new, specific scenarios as needed  Minimal physical feedback based on system  Orientation to the “on-screen” driving environment is required  Emphasis placed on decision making  Up 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) PERCEPTION TIME (.75 sec) REACTION TIME (.75 sec) REACTION TIME (.75 sec)

Real-Life Experience - Reaction

Simulator Training Advantage  Training system with specific scenarios that focus on decision-making skills  Recreation of Real-Life Events  Reinforce Decisions  Replay Driving  Remediation 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 skills  Realistic  Reinforce Muscle Memory  Remediation 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 SKIDCAR  Gives you the “feel” of the car  Can create environments similar to those seen in Simulator scenarios, like low traction surfaces or improper driver inputs  Reinforces good driving habits such as proper hand positions, smooth throttle and brake control, and use of vision techniques  Shuffle or Push-Pull Steering SIMULATOR  Can use multiple scenarios to emphasize the decision-making process  Reinforces good, smooth driving habits through immediate responses by the “simulated” vehicle  Assists with one of the most important aspects of driving – Use of Eyes & Looking Where You Want to Go  Threat & Hazard Assessment  Shuffle 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.”