SharpDrive Online Fleet Driver Training Talk About 'Eyes Up Driving'

Eyes Up Driving simply means driving with your vision high, looking as far ahead as you can most of the time, watching the big picture. You can see the foreground really clearly because your eyes have depth of focus like a camera. You lose the big picture by just watching the brake lights of the car in front. Suddenly the brake lights are on and you have to take emergency evasive action with no idea where to go, and end up going where you’re looking, crashing into the car in front.

 

Eyes Up Driving eliminates panic because you know what is ahead and can immediately steer a safe course. It is more than just a fixed gaze into the distance; to stay fully aware of everything around you requires a systematic cycle of scale. Search as far ahead as you can, glance down at the foreground, watch out to the sides; keeping your eyes up increases your peripheral vision of  what you see out of the side of your eyes, but as your speed increases your effective peripheral vision decreases. You must also look from side to side and check your blind spots.

 

Use your mirrors to keep up the search behind you. You should never be surprised by sudden appearances behind you. You should never be surprised by sudden appearances of vehicles from behind such as emergency vehicles or motor bikes. Monitor your instruments, especially speed, keep an eye on your fuel economy and be aware of any warning lights. Ensure they are not obscured by the wheel.

 

Your scan cycle every few seconds keeps you from slipping into auto pilot driving. One of the most common faults observed by advanced driver trainers is not looking far enough ahead. Conversely, truck owner-drivers are renowned for their long range scanning. They scan and anticipate to save money on fuel and avoid traffic incidents. The ability to recognise hazzards is not the biggest problem, its not even seeing tham that causes crashes. A good search is at least a good 12 seconds ahead, which is over three football fields at 100kph. Count up the seconds approaching a distant bridge or power pylon. Look for clues about where the road is heading. Driving is controlled by eye hand coordination, and the further ahead you look the more safely and smoothly you steer.

 

For more information on SharpDrive and their advanced driver training in New Zealand, and their online driver training courses and corporate responsibility please go to http://www.sharpdrive.co.nz .