Skip to main content

driving safety


I've been involved in amateur racing for many years now, other than draining my pockets of cash spent on tires and track fees, many disciplines we learn on the track can be easily carried over into safe driving habits.



Relax

It's funny because when you're in a hurry you often feel compelled to go as fast as possible, weaving through traffic, running close to the person in front of you, driving erratically. Did you know that data shows that driving just a few miles over the speed limit in traffic does not normally gain you any time; however, does disproportionally wear your brakes, tires, and erodes your fuel economy.  So what's the big deal? Test this theory sometime when you're in moderate traffic, I bet you will be sitting right next to if not ahead of that vehicle.



Look ahead

In racing we always concentrate on looking as far ahead as possible. The brain has already processed information which is close to you; what you need to focus on is what's far away from you so you can respond faster and more deliberately. If you see brake lights being applied six cars up you know that it is time to take your foot off the accelerator. This function of looking ahead is one of the most straightforward practices you can work into your daily driving habits that will prevent many driving related issues.



Pull through

Track cars, helmets, Hans devices, and even Halo based racing seats, can limit your vision to a very narrow view.  We are always paying attention to our time in the pits by attempting to pull through parking spots. If you are fortunate enough at a race to get a garage, then we are concentrating on backing up into the garage. Of course, whenever a car comes off the track somebody is there helping you back into that parking garage. Certainly when driving a service vehicle you don't have a spotter; however, if you can't pull through then back it in. Many accidents occur below 5 mph in parking lots.



Hopefully these reminders / tips can help you stay safe on the road and get home to your families and loved ones.  Happy Thanksgiving!



-----

Next post:  what is pull through and how is it optimized?

-----
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is custom software in 2019 spelled EGO?

I still struggle , as do many, with the rationalization between building software and buying software. Microsoft Excel , likely one of the most widely recognized packaged software applications, was released over 30 years ago . My guess is not many people would consider building a custom piece of software which performs math and other worksheet related tasks. While this is an obvious example, it highlights an important factor for many in deciding between custom and configurable software solutions . Fact is, everybody understands how Microsoft Excel works. Let's mix it up a bit and add the opinions that you have regarding what makes your approach to business so special.   The things that you do, in an industry, which are totally unique to your competitors.   This is where it gets a bit murky, we must tease out the transactional components from the value add aspects of software.   For instance, you use a staffing system to help find, manage, and retain internal and external
Post a Comment
Read more

no one told you when to run

From the clients perspective, what is the perfect service call? "To interpret my field conditions and apply a solution which resolves the issue immediately and ensures trouble-free long-term operation. Delivered by a professional, courteous, empathetic, appropriately skilled, years of experience, materials required for repair, a good listener, and one that treats me as if I am their only customer; amen"! As you might expect the perfect service call is really a blend of attitudes, attributes, and capabilities. The trick is, while we all may agree that these aspects make the perfect service call, endeavoring to achieve these results is becoming increasingly more difficult. Our customers, with their visibility and awareness of our activities, raise the bar regarding the level of service that we need to provide. Let's unpack a few of these elements: Appropriately skilled :   haven't we all had this discussion in the past?   My workers are all
Post a Comment
Read more

Modern tech moving us forward?

Think about some of the most recent technologies;   Solar fields, I doubt the designers considered the impact on the bird population; Facebook , do you believe that they thought about the long-term ramifications regarding how false news might be proliferated through this platform; Twitter , could anyone imagine it would be such a haven for bullies; and what about TOR, the US government "internet" built for military families use in foreign countries which has turned into the " dark web " were all sorts of things are bought and sold? I would like to believe that all of these started with the best intentions in mind. Unfortunately it is not enough to dissuade those with impure and nefarious intentions.   I continue to get excited about the future with items such as IOT and cognitive computing machines, assisting us in making better and more deliberate decisions, the other part of me gets nervous that we will inadvertently create a world of "black boxes&
Post a Comment
Read more