Individual mobility is an important factor in our society, all road users want to participate safely and relaxed in what is happening on the road. New technical solutions such as accident detection in modern cars help to reduce accidents. But every driver can also take precautions independently to stay fit at the wheel. Emergency braking or slalom courses should be trained under practical conditions with your personal vehicle for your own safety. In a dialogue with Vinja and Horst Doering, managing directors and experienced trainers at Verkehrsinstitut Nord GmbH in the “Hungriger Wolf” business park, we learn more about the content and focus of driver safety training with electric cars.
gcm: What are the main contents of driver safety training with e-vehicles?
The basis for driver safety training is that the participants get to know their own vehicle with the existing assistance systems and gain a realistic self-assessment of their driving skills, especially in borderline situations. This is also built on in an e-mobility training course.
Training with the e-vehicle
gcm: What are the main areas of focus in the training?
Our driving trainers have been specially trained for the "Stromer" and are familiar with the special features of e-vehicles. In addition to technology, the focus is particularly on people. The aim is to reduce uncertainties and possible fears about this new and different kind of driving. After individual exercises, the experiences are discussed and the trainer also provides the theoretical basics for the respective training units. Through practical experience, the new knowledge can be directly compared and internalized. In addition to the “soft topics” for the participants, the focus is on the new technology and the practical driving units of braking and steering.
gcm: Which practical exercises are waiting for the participants?
Each training begins with a theoretical introduction to the topic and prepares the participants for what to expect on the day of the training. The expectations or wishes of the participants for the training day are also recorded. This part makes up approx. 15%, the following practical driving part then forms the focus of the day with approx. 80%. For a ride through the slalom course with good steering technique and correct visual guidance, the driver's seating position is checked in advance and corrected if necessary. Especially the exercises on the dynamic surface with correct braking and evasive action are an important and exciting training unit. Different surfaces and speeds are interesting influencing factors.
gcm: Is the training comparable to a certified exam?
No, in our trainings the trainers deal individually with the participant and his vehicle, there should be no pressure or test atmosphere. The participants are made aware of the dangers of road traffic in such a way that they recognize them and are able to avoid them or react accordingly. The knowledge gained about the e-vehicle should be consolidated through practice, not through a control. Participants are not subjected to a test with us.
Driving safety training in practice
gcm: How is the practical training content conveyed?
The instructors lead the training, give helpful instructions and introduce the drivers to difficult situations. The training can not only focus on the driving units on the spacious areas in our Hungry Wolf driving world. According to the customer's request, an “electricity-relevant” driving style in real traffic can also be conveyed. The training is offered in small groups (private individuals / employees with company vehicles) or as individual coaching.
gcm: What is the point of the training for a driver who has only been familiar with an internal combustion engine so far?
The driver has the opportunity to get to know his e-vehicle outside of the public traffic area with driving pleasure and to experience the limits of the e-vehicle in a protected atmosphere. The practical training can be perfected with coaching in real traffic. In addition, the following specific fundamentals for electric vehicles are integrated into the training: fundamentals of high-voltage technology, safety aspects for avoiding accidents and in emergencies, noise, saving energy, recuperation (recovery of energy), charging and interim charging.
gcm: Thank you very much, Vinja and Horst Doering.
Addendum
Interview summer 2020
Cover picture: Driving safety training Symbol picture - Copyright animaflora @ adobe.stock.com
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