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In the UK we have a none profit making organization called the Institute of Advanced Motorists. It was established over 40 years ago and enjoys royal patronage. I understand that a small number of groups have been set up elsewhere in the world by ex-pats.Date: 16 Dec 1996 23:36:52 GMT
From: ia@aol.com
Newsgroups: rec.autos.driving
Subject: Re: Road rage and hostility: How are you contributing?
The aim of the IAM is to promote good driving and local groups provide expert tuition which culminates in the volunteer taking an advanced driving test. There is a charge for the test but, if passed, the examinee can become a full member of the institute and take advantage of various exclusive offers including cheaper insurance. (Statistics show that members of the IAM are less likely to be involved in a traffic accident.)
The test examiner is a trained police officer and the test is very rigorous. It can include driving along country lanes, providing a running commentary to identify the various hazards on the journey, complex parking manoeuvres etc. etc.
The test also considers the drivers "passenger & car sympathy" i.e., mind the potholes and corner carefully. Naturally, the speed limit has to be adhered to but it is also stressed that an advanced driver does not dawdle nor do they incense other drivers by hanging around at traffic lights etc.
But ... a message that is given to all advanced drivers is this .. no driver is perfect. We all make mistakes when driving (yes, even us men) and it is with this in mind that we must be tolerant with other drivers when they are, *in our opinion* driving without the necessary skills. If we are such good drivers then surely we should be looking for ways to protect the inexperienced driver and not to castigate them. In my experience, criticising a driver, whether one is in the same car or not, merely serves to make them even more nervous.
Yes, there are those who are inconsiderate and aggressive and all of the other 'qualities' they would not dream of displaying if they were in a queue at the supermarket or bank ... but it is not our job to correct their behaviour. Do we really believe that the sound of a horn or a carefully formed gesture will make them see the light??
I am certain that my own driving will regularly fall below the standard to which I aspire. I am equally sure that this will be pointed out to me by other drivers. I would be surprised (and disappointed) if I receive such a rebuttal from a fellow Advanced Driver however and, when you think about it, if you are trying your best and do happen to make a mistake, wouldn't it be nice to receive a friendly wave from the offended party? I suspect we would be more likely to acknowledge our fault if this were to happen.
If anyone wants any more information about the Institute of Advanced Motorists, please Email me. I will try to persuade them to set up a web site if I get enough responses. If you are in the UK and would like to join a local group I will provide a list of local groups; on this message board if there are too many takers.
And finally ..
Today I was browsing a car magazine site and someone suggested a site to discuss bad driving .. why not have a site to discuss good driving instead?
And finally, finally .. a legend from this months Advanced Driver magazine:
Never put your vehicle anywhere unless your eyes and brain have been there firstSafe & enjoyable driving.
Date: Dec 18, 1996 dyc@drdriving.orgOur society is celebrating the annual Christmas season and spirit. This may be a good time therefore to call on all lovers of driving, as are most contributors to these postings, to slay their driving dragon inside -- as Turkish drivers are urged by highway signs all year round.
From: Leon James, Dr. Driving Says...
Newsgroup: rec.autos.driving
Subject: Slay Your Driving Dragon
First, how do we know we have a Driving Dragon inside? Here are symptoms -- if you experience any one of them, you've got the dragon!
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