Photo By Cpl. Katherine Solano | A student maneuvers their vehicle through a defensive driving course aboard Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and sailors from 2nd Marine Logistics Group had the chance to develop better driving skills through behind-the-wheel experience, classes and a little stunt action this week.
Bobby Ore Motorsports, together with Ron Farris, a tactical safety specialist with Marine Corps Installations East, provided servicemembers with valuable driving tips to encourage safety and defensive driving. The beta test course was a pilot for the Marine Corps, the first of its kind for vehicle drivers.
“Motorcyclists have classes, courses and clubs to promote safety and awareness,” said Farris. “What about car drivers?
“We have to show commands that this course is worth their time and money. If we can effectively promote safety, we can do that,” Farris added.
Many of the Marines and sailors who came out were recipients of multiple tickets, both on and off base, so the course focused on safe, smart driving, tailored for medium to high-risk drivers.
The day began with classes covering the basics of proper vehicle care, as well as the responsible application of basic driving techniques.
‘Shuffle steering’ is one technique that many people often learn when they begin driving, but quickly forget, resorting to hand-over-hand steering and turning, or some other, less safe method. The instructors quickly try to put the techniques the students learned into action while conducting the course. Shouts of “shuffle steer, shuffle steer!” and “stop looking at the hood, look at the road ahead!” are heard at nearly every station.
Before students can even begin the course, their vehicle must be inspected by their staff non-commissioned officer to ensure it is safe and in proper driving condition. The tires are thoroughly checked, highlighting the importance of tire tread and pressure as discussed in the class.
“Many people get those low-profile tires for cosmetic effect, but they aren’t good for anything but racing,” said Bobby Ore, owner of Bobby Ore Motorsports.
Once the classes were completed, the students broke off into groups at the different sections around the course in their vehicles. The instructors then either walked or drove through their respective sections to demonstrate what the students needed to do and which techniques they needed to implement. The students have the chance to do a few slow practice runs before they complete the section at the speed suggested by the instructor.
“I really liked doing the test drives at our own speed,” said Lance Cpl. Cameo J. Steele, a warehouse clerk with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, 2nd MLG. “It made me more confident when it came time to do the course at a faster speed.”
That confidence is key, said Gail Bower, an instructor and retired Miami-Dade law enforcement officer.
“Driving is all about technique and confidence,” Bower said.
Again, Bower emphasized the importance of tire pressure. She also cited the mistakes of drivers she has encountered in the six years she has been with Bobby Ore Motorsports. Hand placement on the wheel and looking at the hood instead of the road are most common.
Bower also said that drivers tend to over-correct when their car hydroplanes or skids.
“The car is designed to go in a straight line,” she said. “We were taught to turn into a skid, to control the vehicle instead of letting it do what it is supposed to do.”
Bower says that the best thing to do when losing control of a vehicle is to just let go of the wheel and take your feet of the pedals. A split-second is all it takes for your vehicle to correct its path so you can take control of it again.
Some other techniques promoted at the course were looking down the road and leading with the eye to make tighter, well executed turns; using mirrors to back up instead of looking over the seat; using focal points farther down the road to make the car go where you want.
“The car is going to go where you are looking,” said Bower. “90 percent of driving is where you’re looking.”
A stunt demonstration by Ore, who has been teaching driving skills for 44 years, ended the course. He completed the stations at high speeds, without stopping, both forward and in reverse. He demonstrated the importance of implementing the simple techniques the students learned that day to become confident, efficient, safe drivers.
“What’s the point of driving if you aren’t going to make it home safe?” Ore said.
Bobby Ore Motorsports conducts training for military, law enforcement, and other stunt drivers. For more information, visit www.bobbyoremotorsports.com, or call 863-385-1924.
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.29.2010 16:10 |
| Story ID: | 57203 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 197 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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