Driver training and tyre bills
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I was interested in Handyman's article on the above subject in your Nov 17 issue but not very surprised to read ''no mechanical answer was found"; surely the only answer is driver training.
The tests of two like vehicles with regular drivers only proves that one driver was driving differently from the other, nothing more.
In regard to the watching brief and its findings how can a driver be "safe" if his vehicle is still under brake power well into the corner. The system of vehicle control demands for all corners and bends: 1) Correct position on the approach side.
2) Correct speed for the hazard.
3) Correct gear for the speed.
4) Vehicle to take corner under the influence of progressive acceleration, and not rolling or being wrenched round with the brakes on.
By the application of this system, the following safety factors are apparent: 1) The vehicle will be on the correct side of the road.
2) It will be able to remain there.
3) It will be able to stop in the distance the driver can see to be clear.
And of course, which seems to be most important to the operator, there will be less tyre wear.
So a message to all operators, for the price of two and a half tyres at £40 each, a fiveday training course could be the answer.
Driver training, at our school anyhow, is not only aimed at getting the applicant a h.g.v. licence, but it is hoped that he will drive his vehicle to get the best from it, for the longest possible time; this will result in a lot less down time, a lot less worry for the fleet engineer, and make the transport manager's job run smoother too. On top of all this, good driving is a lot less tiring for the driver.
I wonder how many times the first driver featured in :the watching brief has lost his trailer. If none, tell him to give up while he's winning.
R. A. HENDERSON H. g. v. instructor, Blox Services Ltd, London SW