The Stig reveals how to be a better driver in his new book
K53? Pah, you know nothing. Here’s what you need to survive
ONCE you’ve learned to parallel park and check blind spots ad infinitum in your K53 test, it’s time to expand your driving knowledge.
Just like not everyone who tries to screech a bow across violin strings can teach themselves to be a musical maestro, not everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car is a natural-born good driver.
Our speed-focussed road authorities assume that if they slow everyone down sufficiently, it doesn’t matter how badly vehicles are driven because the thump won’t be too hard. And we’ve all seen the results of that policy, with over 14 000 people killed on our roads every year.
Being a good driver means being able to control a car at all velocities, and being able to judge what should be the appropriate speed for the situation. You can have very poor slow drivers and very good fast drivers, and vice versa.
If I was Transport Minister I’d make it compulsory for every driver to undergo advanced driver training. But I’m not, so all I can do is recommend that you invest in an advanced driving course – it could very likely save your life one day – or at least read a book called How To Drive, written by Ben Collins, the man who was the Stig in the popular Top Gear TV show.
Contrary to what you might expect from having watched the Stig’s highadrenaline driving antics, this book is- n’t just about how to effect perfect power slides and generally drive like James Bond in a car chase.
It’s about being in synch with your car, the road and other traffic.
Being a safe driver is all about anticipating hazards and avoiding them, and this book is a comprehensive how-to that teaches you to be a better driver, covering acceleration, braking, cornering and everything in between.
Collins shares his skills and wisdom refined over a 20-year racing career in series like Le Mans to Nascar. His philosophy is about anticipation, smoothness, safety and fuel efficiency. This book is about driving better, not faster.
“Of the hundred or so celebrities I coached around the Top Gear circuit, I never told anyone to steer faster, or to hurry their feet across the pedals,” says the man behind the famous white Simpson helmet.
“Good driving is smooth driving; everything is under control, and nothing catches you unawares.”
“Good drivers learn to adapt to an imperfect world by accomodating and anticipating other people’s mistakes until it becomes a habit.”
Whether you’re an aspirant racing driver or just want to get yourself and your family safely to a destination, this book teaches you the things the K53 didn’t. It’s available in all good book stores.
Three lucky readers have the chance to win a copy of How To Drive, valued at R275, courtesy of Pan Macmillan. To enter SMS “Drive” along with your name and full postal address to 34445 between 6am today and 8pm on Sunday July 5. Raceway, Brakpan Airfield. Racing starts at 9.45am. Barbara Grifo on 079-9690698 Classic Superbikes, Powersport, Clubmans Motorcycles, Bold Marine GTi Challenge, Cars Unlimited Fine Cars, Mutlu Classic Cars, Formula Libre, V8 Masters, and Breakfast Run Motorcycles. Racing starts at 8am. Joy Hoskins on 021557-1639 or joyh@wpmc.co.za