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If you are an Associate preparing for the IAM Advanced Test, you probably read and study Roadcraft and feel that you know it backwards. But after you pass the Test, will you retain that intimate relationship with the book and the theory it describes? If you are already the proud owner of an IAM pass certificate and probably also a red badge on your car, how often do you read the little book? Most full members don't look at Roadcraft again after passing their IAM Test. As we have said in One Way several times recently, you need to work at this, otherwise your skill levels will deteriorate.
This new series of articles will aim to provide a short refresher course in the System of Car Control. We begin with an overview of what it is, a summary of the elements or phases, and how to overcome potential problems. Future articles will cover each phase of the System in some detail.
According to Roadcraft, The System of Car Control is a systematic way of approaching and negotiating road hazards. Used properly, it will ensure that the car is always in the correct position on the road, at the correct speed, with the correct gear engaged, and able to stop on its own side of the road in the distance the driver can see to be clear.
Before looking at the phases of the System, let us be clear what Roadcraft means by a hazard. A hazard is anything that is potentially dangerous. Much of the skill of advanced driving lies in recognising hazards and then taking the appropriate action to cope with them. There are three main types of hazard:
· Physical features such as junctions. roundabouts, bends and hill crests.
· Risks arising from the position or movement of other road users.
· Problems arising from variations in the road surface, weather conditions and visibility.
The five elements, or phases, of the System are: Information, Position, Speed, Gear and Acceleration. The order is important. You can remember them by the mnemonic IPSGA, or I Plan Safe Get Away. The following is a brief summary of each phase:
Information On the approach to any hazard, you need to take, use and give information. It comes mainly via your eyes in front, to the sides, to the rear via all three mirrors, and over your shoulders. It can also come from other senses, such as your ears and nose. Continuous assessment of information runs through every phase of the system.
Position This refers to the car's placement on the road and its course through the hazard. Sometimes called 'body language', the position of your vehicle can show other road users your intentions.
Speed You need to adjust your speed as necessary during the approach to the hazard. You can reduce your speed by acceleration sense easing off the accelerator as well as by applying the brakes.
Gear Once you have the right speed for the circumstances, select the correct gear for that speed in order to negotiate the hazard. Block change if necessary, e.g. from 4th to 2nd gear, or from 5th to 3rd.
Acceleration Use the accelerator to apply just enough power to maintain your vehicles speed and stability through the hazard, then accelerate safely and smoothly away when you have cleared the hazard.
Many associates find it difficult to apply the system consistently, especially in the early stages of learning it and before it has become second nature. There are three main problem areas:
· Brake-gear Overlap This means changing gear before you have completed the braking phase. It is caused by not braking hard enough or soon enough. In certain circumstances it is unavoidable: for example, when making a sharp left-hand turn into a junction from a main road, especially going downhill. It should, however, be very much the exception.
· Secondary Braking This is braking again after changing gear. It is caused by not braking enough initially, changing gear too soon, or not assessing the hazard properly. If you got it wrong in circumstances like these, you might have to use secondary braking to get out of trouble, but you should make every attempt to avoid it in normal driving.
· Automatic Gearbox If you drive a car with an automatic gearbox, it is often difficult to demonstrate that you are following the system, especially if you stay in Drive all the time. You might find it an advantage to use lower gear holds when appropriate see the RoSPA article Get the Best from your Automatic Gearbox in the July 2003 issue of One Way.