Length of Course: 4 hours
# of Participants: 6
Recommended for: Everyone with minimum class 7 driver’s license
Prerequisites: Minimum class 7 driver’s license
Description:
The Enhanced Driving Techniques (EDT) course has been developed to improve overall driving skills, introduce shuffle steering and ABS braking, heighten the awareness of the hazards associated with driving, and modify risky habits and behaviour. This course will provide an understanding of the driver’s behaviour, knowledge, skills and abilities while operating a vehicle. EDT is a highly engaging course designed for participants with some driving experience and is of benefit to employees who operate motor vehicles as part of their day-to-day activities. A key focus for all AFSI training is to demonstrate that most driving risks are not necessarily knowledge-based, but is related to the driver’s attitude, motivation, and propensity to engage in high-risk behaviour.
The EDT course places a strong emphasis on the technological changes in the engineering and manufacturing of vehicles in the 21st century. The introduction of air bags, traction control, all-wheel drive, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and in-vehicle analysis systems have modified the approach taken to vehicle pre-trip inspection and hazard avoidance that have been taught in previous defensive driving courses. An enhanced understanding of these systems and their design is a key component in the driver’s ability to perform evasive maneuvers in an emergency.
Course Components:
The EDT training is a half day course that includes up to 2 hours of classroom plus 2 hours of practical driving on a closed track to demonstrate basic skills. This course requires the use of 1 vehicle for every 2 students, preferably company vehicles that the employees use while on duty.
Classroom Session (2 hours)
The session is presentation based and gives students an opportunity to ask questions, engage in peer-to-peer group experiences, and share their stories and opinions. A participant workbook is included for each student to help facilitate thinking and encourage participation. Most of the techniques and concepts explained in the classroom portion of the training segue to the practical application.
A variety of topics are discussed with reference to actual incidents, including: Due Diligence/Standard of Care, Foundation of Driving (stable platform concept, weight transfer, traction vs. friction, vehicle stability in cornering), Observation Skills (the Startled Driver, visual search methods, hazard avoidance, perception/reaction time), and ABS Braking/Shuffle Steering.
Practical Application and In-Vehicle On-Track (2 hours)
This component allows each student to practice performing practical hands-on exercises that will reinforce the techniques described during the classroom process. These exercises are performed on a closed track under direct supervision of an AFSI instructor. A basic driving report will be provided to employer after training.
The purpose of each of the track stations is to introduce the student to the essential principles of hazard avoidance and emergency maneuvers. Students are encouraged to approach the challenges of each station in a progressive manner, with the focus on proper techniques at lower speeds before graduating to levels that begin to move students out of their comfort zone.
Operating in a controlled environment enables the students to acquire confidence. Practical exercises typically include 4 stations each with specific techniques assigned: ABS Braking Techniques, Slalom, Decision Maker and a Backing Exercise.