It ain’t what you do it’s the way that you do it – that’s what gets results
Any legislation that takes us away from our work is never truly welcome no matter how much it improves things – though that’s exactly what our well-delivered interactive Driver CPC training is designed to do.
The ideal way (in terms of practicality, effect and budgets) is to undertake this training on a 1 day a year basis and we can easily tailor packages to your specific needs - get in touch and we’ll discuss the best option for you.
We always consider the needs of our clients and, having deliberated and digested the course materials, agreed that the best starter package for the initial 7 hours of periodic training, in year 1, should include the following:
Contents:
Public Highway Attitude and Mental Skills
- Communication Tools
- How to communicate more effectively
- Dealing with road rage situations
- Use of the horn
- Stress & Negatives whilst behind the wheel
The 3.5hour session is not only educational it’s relevant, inclusive and entertaining thanks to our unique multi- media interactive visual systems.
Vehicle Inspection and Passenger Comfort/Safety
- Systematic ‘Walk around checks’
- Basic Mechanical knowledge
- Vehicle/ Driver legal issues
- Passenger Safety
- Using the systems to effect
A Brighter Future
Following a directive from the European Commission’s Directorate General for Energy and Transport we in Britain can expect a directive on Daytime Running Lights (DRL) to be implemented in 2011. According to a large number of scientific studies there are clear benefits for Europe’s road safety to be gained from the introduction of DRL. 14 Member States have DRL in one form or another, and where evaluations have been made on their effects, these have been largely positive. Dedicated Daytime Running Lights has a high potential to increase road safety, helping road users to recognise and identify vehicles better and earlier.
More rubber gives better performance
Research by MIRA Ltd shows that tyres with a 3mm tread have a 25% better performance than those at the legal minimum of 1.6mm (1mm for PCV's and LGV's). In terms of stopping distance this represented an extra 8 metres or 25 feet in wet conditions. In one test, when a tyre with a tread depth of 8mm was compared with one of only 1.6mm, the stopping distance increased by 13 metres, slightly more than 42 feet! The research has led to the majority of motoring experts recommending that motorists change their tyres when tread has worn down to no less than 3mm.
Henry drives our standards even higher!
All ADI’s (Approved Driving Instructors) and registered Fleet Trainers have to take periodic tests of ‘continued ability and fitness to give instruction’ known as a ‘check Test’, the maximum marks for the test is Grade 6, with only 6% of instructors gain this maximum mark. At VAK Driver CPC we strive for excellence and only employ trainers who have achieved this ‘Grade 6’ status. A Grade 6 with no minor faults (i.e. a totally clean sheet) is further classified as exemplary – with less than 3% of instructors achieving this accolade and we’re proud to say that, following his periodic assessment in October, our Henry is one of them – driving our standards even higher.
The morning after dilemma
We’ve all been there. Heading out to the car in the morning and that nagging thought crosses your mind ‘Am I still over the limit after last night’s session?’ Studies show that 51% of drivers have unintentionally driven ‘the morning after’ while still being over the drink/drive limit, which is why almost one in five drink/drivers are caught the morning after. 80% of drivers are unclear that the UK limit for drink driving is just two units of alcohol, which is equivalent to a small glass of wine or a pint of fairly weak beer. Sadly 10% believe that they were safe to drive when twice the legal limit. Drinking and driving ruins and can end careers and lives. The message is THINK before you drive and if you’re not sure DON’T take the risk.
Over 2000 on the road to success
Within the first month of the compulsory Driver CPC training being introduced period 2,141 drivers undertook 2,232 courses and completed 2,311 days training between them and six drivers have completed their full 35 hours of training. More than 16,000 hours training have been completed already. Statistics from “Despatch” the DSA magazine for professionals Dec 08 issue.
Are you listening?
Driving in fog, emerging from concealed junctions, in areas where sightlines are restricted by street furniture, walls or overgrown hedges - all are hazardous and have potential to ruin your day. Consider windows down to hear traffic that you cannot yet see. You could even consider a couple of friendly blips on the horn to warn others of your presence as you start to move off. If motorway driving, when visibility is poor, your window even slightly down (and the stereo off) might just enable you to hear problems ahead and buy you extra life saving seconds.