THE PERFECT DRIVER

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 56, 21 July 1947, Page 8

THE PERFECT DRIVER

CAN AVOID SKIDDING It is given to few motorists to merit this description, but most of us could be nearer it than we are. It’s a matter of determination and training. What are the qualities of the perfect driver. Briefly, they are these: Never to drive faster than your brakes allow you to pull up easily and safely. Understanding the type of road on which you are driving and acting accordingly. Taking all corners slowly, governing the momentum of the car to enable turning properly, with steady acceleration on reaching the straight. Careful approach to all cross roads, slowing or stopping vehicles, etc., eliminating the necessity for violent braking. The perfect driver seldom uses his brakes except for a dead stop—he lots the engine do the braking. Is always alert to anticipate the actions of other road users. Never over-accelerates when moving from rest' or when changing from one gear to another. Always allows sufficient time for the car to gather momentum steadily. Start Right The driver’ attitude to the road and his vehicle is important. He should from the first acquire the right deportment at the wheel, meticulous knowledge of the steering control, clutch control, gear changing, correct road positioning, even brake application, the quick and corect reading of traffic lights and signals: last but not least, road manners and road sense.

Skidding In most cases skidding is caused trained driver will study the type of road on which he is travelling, whether the surface be clay, metal or asphalt; if it has an ’ appreciable camber; whether on an up-grade or by lack of anticipation. The well-down-grade (it is on the latter that most skidding troubles occur). The Golden Rule When you feel the rear of the car skidding, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. This will have the effect of pulling the rear wheels into line with the front. Some drivers make the mistake of slipping the clutch when they find the car skidding. They would not do so if they remembered that so long as the clutch remains engaged, the speed of the road wheels is governed by the speed of the engine, and that when the engine slows down, so do the road wheels, the engine acting as a brake. To obtain the full advantage of engine braking, therefore, leave the clutch engaged as long as possible.