Steer clear of skid row with new leaflet and film

Free advice to help drivers understand and avoid losing control on the road is now available, in the form of a leaflet and online film, from road safety champion GEM Motoring Assist (formerly the Guild of Experienced Motorists). Far from being just a winter or wet weather risk, a skid can occur in almost any road collision, even when conditions are dry and the road surface is excellent.

The leaflet, produced in association with Skid Car UK and endorsed by police driving instructors, contains simple tips on how to stay safe by recognising potentially hazardous situations in their early stages.

The film, accessed via GEM Motoring Assist’s website (motoringassist.com) features the highly sophisticated ‘Skid Car’ with expert instructor Jim Hawkins and graphically illustrates the circumstances typically leading to loss of control situations brought about either by ‘under steer’ (a front wheel skid) or ‘over steer’ (a rear wheel skid).

A skid occurs when one or more of the tyres on your vehicle loses traction on the road surface. When this happens your ability to steer or slow your vehicle is reduced, meaning you have no control over where you go or what you hit. Most road collisions involve a skid of some sort.

Comments David Williams, Chief Executive of GEM Motoring Assist: “Losing control and skidding is one of the most frightening experiences a driver can have. But skidding won’t just happen; it’s brought about by a progression of factors, most of which are controlled by the driver. Most of us have had no experience or formal training in skid recognition, so too often we only try to take avoiding action once a skid has started, which in most circumstances is too late.

“It stands to reason that we can minimise the risk of skidding by recognising at an early stage the circumstances where a skid might occur – and taking simple steps to deal with the likely cause.

“Of course, there will still be occasions when we as drivers can come up against hazards at next to no notice. However, by remaining alert, driving according to the conditions and being fully aware of developing situations around our vehicle, we will greatly reduce the likelihood of skidding and losing control.”

Skid Car UK provides a means of acquiring potentially life-saving skills in skid prevention, using safe, proficient and environmentally friendly systems. The company’s professional team of instructors boast years of experience gained in the toughest operational environments. They currently provide training and consultancy in adverse driving conditions for around 75 per cent of the UK’s police forces as well as for British Armed Forces in the UK, Germany, Bosnia and Canada. Recent assignments have included a contract to train members of South Korea’s presidential protection team and officials at the new Bahrain International Circuit.