The Phil Wicks Driving Academy Wicks Safe Driving Academy has announced a driving program for young drivers to prepare them for situations and emergencies experienced while driving.  Phil Wicks has over 50 years of driving experience including everything from driving as a chauffeur in Rolls Royce limousines to driving racecars on the European race circuit.  The academy includes classroom instruction to teach general vehicular knowledge and care, and proper driving behavior.  Alternating with the classroom will be in-car sessions with areas of the course set up to simulate various road conditions such as a skid pad area for navigating wet and slick roadways, emergency braking, and emergency lane changing.  All of this will be in the student’s own car with supervised instruction.  At some locations, the student will have the opportunity to drive on an autocross course to provide practical application of the skills learned.  (Autocross is a driving course outlined by orange cones on an open parking lot.)

For more information about the Phil Wicks Driving Academy, call (615) 463-0028 or e-mail Racerwicks@AOL.com

Emergency Braking and Stopping

ABS (Antilock Brake System) and Non-ABS braking:

Classroom:  Explanation of the various braking systems on older and newer vehicles, and the techniques of applying them to all road conditions; i.e. dry, wet, loose surface, mud, ice, snow.

Explanation of the discipline marked by cones on the driving course.

On course:  Students take their positions in their own cars, with an instructor, ready to driving the “braking course.”  Every student will make several passes through the course (as many as needed to feel comfortable and confident.)  The student will have an understanding of braking in emergency situations and ABS and non-ABS systems.

Slalom

Classroom:  Explanation of the effect of weight transfer from sided to side, and front and rear of the car when under acceleration, braking, steering input, suspension, springs, shock absorbers, brakes, sprung weight, unsprung weight.

On course:  Students take their positions in their cars with an instructor ready to drive the slalom course, every student mill make several passes through the course (as many as it takes) to feel the weight transfer of the car, and be able to control and anticipate the “fishtail” effect – weight transfer from side to side which will induce a spin out in the hands of an untrained driver.

Emergency Lane Change and Braking

Classroom:  Explanation of the course marked by cones which is the combination of emergency braking and slalom. 

On course:  This discipline depicts a three-lane highway with an object in the center lane to be avoided (cones).  Students drive in the center lane with an instructor.  Some distance ahead, a signal is given – either a light or a flag – for the student to take the left or right lane to avoid the cones.  With each pass of the course, the speed is increased and/or the signal to change lanes is given later. 

The object is for the student to use vision to take the lane indicated by the light or flag, negotiate the course without knocking over cones, and stop in a given line.  The student makes as many passes as necessary to become proficient.

Skid Pad

Classroom:  Explanation of skidding cars and how to control them.

Understeer(push) – while turning the steering wheel left or right, the car wants to go straight.  Explanation as to how to control and avoid this.

Oversteer (loose) --  while turning the steering wheel left of right, the car wants to turn around on its own axis, normally resulting in a spin.  Explanation as to how to control and avoid this.

On course:  This course is either a large circle or a figure 8.  Marked by cones and where possible, the surface is made slippery (slick) to induce skidding at a low speed.  The student learns to control and anticipate the car’s reaction to weight transfer and steering inputs.

You and Your Car:

Just remember – the brain passion and logic doesn’t develop until age twenty +.  As the driver of the car, you are ultimately responsible for safety and road worthiness of your vehicle.  Before sitting in your car every day you intend to drive, walk around your car and inspect for anything loose or falling off, including the underside.  Especially check the tires and tire pressures.  Many accidents are caused by under-inflated tires.  You must inflate the tires to the correct pressure as recommended by the car manufacturer.  This must be checked at very regular intervals.  Checking every time you get gas is a good time.

Sitting in the driver’s seat, adjust your seat to the correct driving position.  Your feet must comfortably reach the pedals.  Also check the height of the seat and the backrest.  You must be able to reach the top of the steering wheel without reaching too far.  Don’t be too close, either.  12-14 inches is normal.  A very important factor for a correct distance from the steering wheel is the steering wheel “airbag.”  It is a soft balloon that cushions you when deployed.  It is an explosion that can harm you.  Never have any objects between the steering wheel and your body under normal driving conditions.  Try not to keep your hands on the top part of the steering wheel.

Adjust the headrest (if fitted) to be near the back of your HEAD – not your NECK.  If this is not adjusted correctly, a neck whiplash will be the result in the event of a rear impact collision.

Adjust the mirror to be able to see the driving lanes on either side of your car.  You do not need to see the rear of your own car.  Click your seatbelt around you and pull as tight as is comfortable.  Most automatic seat belts can be “locked.”

Remember – you are solely responsible for your car and your actions when driving.  You are also responsible for the safety of your passengers.  Concentrate!!!  Do not allow passengers to distract you.  Avoid conversation with passengers.  Distractions are the #1 cause of all driving accidents.  Accidents go up proportionately to the number of passengers you are carrying; i.e. 1 passenger = twice as likely increase; 2 passengers = three times likely; 3 passengers = 4 times likely.  Most accidents are caused by driver distraction or driver error.  Therefore, it is NOT an accident.

Using the Senses:

Sight: Never stare at the vehicle in front of you (target fixation.)  Your gaze should be far in front of you to anticipate any situation.  Always look where you want to go, not where you are going.  You always drive where you are looking.  Use your peripheral vision.  You can see moving objects at the side of you sooner and clearer than stationary objects.

Hearing: Learn to identify the noises of your car and other vehicles around you.

Smell: Learn to identify smells such as tires skidding, brakes overheatin, coolant from radiator, etc.