Following the success of last year's D-Academy defensive driving programme, Shell decided to hold it yet again for 2013, this time giving participants an even detailed theory and practical course in a 2-day programme. A total of 40 participants took part in the programme, including members of the media and our readers who joined the Shell D-Academy: Extreme Editon contest.
Called the Shell D-Academy: Extreme Edition, all participants were furnished with enhanced theory on defensive driving including tips on how to handle a vehicle during extreme driving conditions, which is part of Shell's campaign about the ability of its Helix Ultra engine lube to work well in extreme conditions.
Tips for women's safety were also shared, addressing concerns over theft and so on. The participants were then taken through a series of practical courses which lasted for an entire day. This allowed the participants to have more one-on-one time with experienced driving instructors and the latest offerings from Hyundai, including the Hyundai i10, Hyundai Elantra and the Hyundai Veloster.
Courses included High Speed Lane Change which showed participants how to safely avoid an obstacle on the road. This was followed by High Speed Braking which showed them how to effectively use Anti-Lock Braking System or more fondly known as ABS which allows you to steer while carrying out
100% braking, with the attempt to break a misconception that ABS gives the driver stronger brakes.
There was also a slalom exercise which allowed the participants to practice the preferred steering technique, while seating in an ideal position. More extreme exercises include understeer and its naughtier sibling, oversteer. Participants experience what understeer and oversteer felt like on a wet surface and they learned how to control the car in such conditions.
Participants later on experienced how Hyundai's Vehicle Stability Management system or VSM corrected under or oversteer by carrying out selective braking although it looked like the participants were having more fun with the feature switched off. Also an addition compared to its predecessor, all participants who successfully completed the programme were awarded with certificate of participation.
"I was traumatised by a bad accident once when the van I was driving was swiped by a car from behind and it flipped several times. If I had been more aware of my surroundings, maybe I could have taken evasive action," said Ahmad Zofar Ismail,, a 31-year old freelance photographer, after taking part in the programme.
Events such as this help us become better drivers with the aim of making our roads a safer place. A number of accidents happen on a daily basis, which can be avoided if drivers go through defensive driving classes such as this. We hope that more and more of such programmes are held as they do make a difference.
Read more of this post
No comments:
Post a Comment