Roadcraft: How to Master the Art and Science of Driving Like a Pro
Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Handbook.epub
If you are a police driver or aspire to become one, you need to read this book. Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Handbook is the official manual for police drivers in the UK. It is also widely used by other emergency services drivers, advanced drivers, driving instructors and anyone who wants to improve their driving skills. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this book, including what it is, why it is important, what it covers, and how you can learn it.
Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Handbook.epub
What is Roadcraft?
Roadcraft is a term that refers to the art and science of driving. It is based on a system of car control that was developed by Mark Everard Pepys, 6th Earl of Cottenham, in the 1930s. He was a racing driver who wanted to teach his friends how to drive fast but safely on public roads. He devised a method that involved using information, position, speed, gear and acceleration to deal with any driving situation. He called his method "Roadcraft" and wrote a book about it in 1935.
Since then, Roadcraft has been adopted and adapted by the police service as their standard for driver training. The book has been revised and updated several times over the years to reflect changes in technology, legislation and research. The latest edition was published in 2020 by The Police Foundation and TSO (The Stationery Office). It is available in PDF and EPUB formats.
Why is Roadcraft important?
Roadcraft is important because it helps drivers to achieve three main goals: safety, performance and professionalism.
Roadcraft and safety
Roadcraft helps drivers to prevent collisions and injuries by teaching them how to anticipate hazards, assess risks and take appropriate actions. It also helps them to cope with emergencies, such as skids, breakdowns and pursuits. By following Roadcraft, drivers can reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents, as well as the costs and consequences.
Roadcraft and performance
Roadcraft helps drivers to improve their driving skills and efficiency by teaching them how to use the system of car control. The system enables drivers to plan ahead, position themselves correctly, select the right speed and gear, and apply smooth acceleration. By using the system, drivers can achieve a smooth, swift and economical drive, as well as a comfortable and enjoyable ride.
Roadcraft and professionalism
Roadcraft helps drivers to enhance the image and reputation of the police service by teaching them how to drive with courtesy, consideration and respect. It also helps them to comply with the law, the Highway Code and the Code of Ethics. By applying Roadcraft, drivers can demonstrate their competence, confidence and integrity, as well as their commitment to public service.
What are the main features of Roadcraft?
Roadcraft covers a wide range of topics related to driving, such as vehicle dynamics, road conditions, traffic rules, driver behaviour, human factors and environmental issues. However, the core of Roadcraft is the system of car control and its related skills. Here are some of the main features of Roadcraft:
The system of car control
The system of car control is a method of driving that consists of five phases: information, position, speed, gear and acceleration. The system helps drivers to deal with any driving situation in a safe and efficient manner. The system works as follows:
Information: The driver gathers and processes information from various sources, such as mirrors, signals, road signs, markings, traffic lights, other road users and pedestrians. The driver uses this information to make decisions and plan actions.
Position: The driver positions the vehicle in the best place on the road to maximise visibility, space and time. The driver also considers the position of other road users and adjusts accordingly.
Speed: The driver selects the appropriate speed for the circumstances, taking into account factors such as speed limits, road conditions, traffic flow, hazards and weather. The driver uses the brakes to reduce speed when necessary.
Gear: The driver chooses the correct gear for the speed and gradient of the road. The driver uses the clutch and gearbox to change gears smoothly and at the right time.
Acceleration: The driver applies gentle pressure on the accelerator to increase speed when appropriate. The driver also uses the accelerator to maintain a steady speed or to balance the vehicle in corners.
The system is flexible and can be applied in any order depending on the situation. However, the system is always based on information and ends with acceleration.
Information, observation and anticipation
Information is the key to safe and effective driving. Roadcraft teaches drivers how to use their eyes effectively to gather and process information from their surroundings. It also teaches them how to use visual cues and clues to anticipate what might happen next. Some of the skills that Roadcraft covers are:
The scanning technique: This is a method of looking ahead, behind and around the vehicle in a systematic way. It involves using both central vision (for focusing on specific objects) and peripheral vision (for detecting movement and changes).
The commentary technique: This is a method of verbalising what the driver sees, thinks and does while driving. It helps to improve concentration, awareness and memory.
The hazard perception technique: This is a method of identifying potential hazards (anything that could cause harm or difficulty) and assessing their level of risk (how likely they are to develop into actual hazards). It involves using a three-step process: recognition (spotting the hazard), evaluation (judging its severity) and response (taking action).
Cornering technique
Cornering is one of the most challenging aspects of driving. Roadcraft teaches drivers how to approach, negotiate and exit bends safely and smoothly. It also teaches them how to adapt their technique according to different types of corners, such as open or closed bends, left or right turns, uphill or downhill gradients etc. Some of the skills that Roadcraft covers are:
The limit point technique: This is a method of judging the severity and direction of a bend by looking at the point where both sides of the road appear to meet (the limit point). It helps to determine when to start braking, when to release the brakes, when to change gear and when to accelerate.
far to the outside of the bend as possible without crossing the centre line or the edge of the road.
The steering technique: This is a method of turning the steering wheel smoothly and progressively to follow the curve of the bend. It helps to maintain balance and traction. The general rule is to steer as little as possible and as much as necessary.
Overtaking technique
Overtaking is one of the most risky and complex manoeuvres in driving. Roadcraft teaches drivers how to plan, execute and complete overtaking manoeuvres effectively and legally. It also teaches them how to deal with different scenarios, such as overtaking on single or dual carriageways, overtaking stationary or moving vehicles, overtaking in groups or individually etc. Some of the skills that Roadcraft covers are:
The decision-making technique: This is a method of deciding whether to overtake or not by weighing up the benefits and risks. It involves asking three questions: Is it necessary? Is it safe? Is it legal?
The preparation technique: This is a method of getting ready to overtake by gathering information, positioning the vehicle and signalling the intention. It involves using the system of car control to create an opportunity and communicate with other road users.
The execution technique: This is a method of carrying out the overtaking by accelerating, changing lanes and returning to the original lane. It involves using the system of car control to complete the manoeuvre quickly and safely.
Skid prevention and control
Skidding is one of the most dangerous situations in driving. Roadcraft teaches drivers how to prevent and control skids by understanding their causes and types. It also teaches them how to react correctly if a skid occurs. Some of the skills that Roadcraft covers are:
The cause and effect technique: This is a method of identifying the factors that can lead to a skid, such as speed, steering, braking, acceleration, road surface, tyres etc. It helps to avoid or minimise these factors.
The recognition and correction technique: This is a method of detecting and recovering from a skid, such as understeer (when the front wheels lose grip) or oversteer (when the rear wheels lose grip). It involves using visual cues (such as where the vehicle is heading) and physical cues (such as how the vehicle feels) to apply the appropriate countermeasures (such as easing off the accelerator, steering into the skid, applying gentle braking etc).
How can you learn Roadcraft?
Roadcraft is not something that you can learn overnight. It requires time, practice and feedback to master. However, there are some resources that can help you along the way. Here are some of them:
The book format and content
The book is divided into 12 chapters that cover different aspects of Roadcraft. Each chapter contains an introduction, a summary, a list of key points, diagrams, examples and exercises. The book also has a glossary, an index and a list of references. The book is written in a clear and concise style that is easy to follow and understand.
The online resources
The book is accompanied by a website that provides supplementary materials for learning Roadcraft. The website includes videos that demonstrate various skills and techniques, quizzes that test your knowledge and understanding, exercises that help you practice your skills and feedback that helps you improve your performance. The website also has links to other useful websites and resources.
The training courses
The book is designed to be used in conjunction with training courses that are offered by various organizations. These courses are accredited by The Police Foundation and TSO and follow the standards set by Roadcraft. Some of these courses are:
The police driver training courses: These are courses that are delivered by qualified police driver trainers to police officers who want to become authorized drivers for different categories of vehicles and operations.
The IAM RoadSmart advanced driving courses: These are courses that are delivered by qualified IAM RoadSmart observers to members of the public who want to become advanced drivers and obtain an IAM RoadSmart certificate.
The RoSPA advanced driving courses: These are courses that are delivered by qualified RoSPA tutors to members of the public who want to become advanced drivers and obtain a RoSPA diploma.
Conclusion
Roadcraft - The Police Driver's Handbook.epub is a book that teaches you how to drive like a professional. It is based on a system of car control that helps you to deal with any driving situation in a safe and efficient manner. It also covers other skills and techniques that help you to improve your driving performance and professionalism. Roadcraft is not only for police drivers, but for anyone who wants to become a better, safer driver. If you are interested in learning Roadcraft, you can get the book in PDF or EPUB format, access the online resources on the website, or enroll in one of the training courses offered by various organizations. Roadcraft will change the way you drive and the way you think about driving. So what are you waiting for? Get Roadcraft today and start your journey to driving excellence!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Roadcraft:
What is the difference between Roadcraft and the Highway Code?
Roadcraft and the Highway Code are both important sources of information for drivers. However, they have different purposes and contents. The Highway Code is a set of rules and regulations that drivers must follow to comply with the law. It also provides some advice and guidance on how to drive safely and responsibly. Roadcraft is a set of principles and practices that drivers can follow to improve their driving skills and performance. It also provides some evidence and research on why and how to drive effectively and efficiently.
How can I get a copy of Roadcraft?
You can get a copy of Roadcraft in two formats: PDF or EPUB. You can buy the PDF version from the TSO website or from other online retailers. You can buy the EPUB version from the TSO website or from other online platforms, such as Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books etc. You can also borrow a copy of Roadcraft from your local library or from your police force.
How long does it take to read Roadcraft?
It depends on your reading speed and comprehension level, but it should take you about 10 hours to read Roadcraft from cover to cover. However, reading Roadcraft is not enough to learn it. You also need to watch the videos, do the quizzes, practice the exercises and get feedback from the website or from a trainer.
How often should I revise Roadcraft?
You should revise Roadcraft regularly to refresh your memory and update your knowledge. You should also review Roadcraft whenever you encounter a new or challenging driving situation, such as changing weather, road or traffic conditions, or when you drive a different vehicle or on a different route.
How can I apply Roadcraft to my everyday driving?
You can apply Roadcraft to your everyday driving by using the system of car control and its related skills and techniques whenever you drive. You should also use the commentary technique to verbalise what you see, think and do while driving. This will help you to improve your concentration, awareness and memory. You should also use the self-assessment technique to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses as a driver and identify areas for improvement.
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