Apex, Lions, The Masons and our local Bendigo Bank sponsored the day again this year where our young drivers learnt skills that will hopefully make them better, more confident drivers. From learning the correct posture to have whilst driving, to braking skills at both 60 kilometres an hour, to 80 kilometres an hour (and there is a huge difference) to vehicle fitness, driver technique and the infamous skid pan, the day was packed with classroom presentations and practical sessions in the car with an instructor.
Parents who attended also benefited from the experienced and interesting lectures of the three instructors Clinton, Dan and JR.
They learnt little sayings like "Be Alert", "If in doubt stay out", "More looks, more often for longer", "Manage risk", "Expect the unexpected".
Clinton who devised the course specifically for the Braidwood group said that this was the third year the course had been offered to Braidwood youth with the aim of the course to encourage a defensive thinking mind to help overcome technical skill deficiencies. The course which normally cost $220 was free to the participants from Braidwood. This would not be the case if it was not for the sponsorship of Apex, Lions, The Masons and The Bendigo Bank. A delicious lunch very capably cooked by Michael Clarke and Nick Fry was also donated.
The comments of the drivers themselves really sum up the day. Alyssa Boyle who was also celebrating her birthday, said she had gained so much confidence in not only her braking ability but her skid pan skills improved from scared to skilled. Troy Harrison, Marcus Harris and Chris Bulloch all agreed the skid pan was the best. The skid pan is a smooth cement area that is wetted down with water and the drivers along with an instructor are put into situations where they spin out, brake hard and learn how to control the vehicle in a supervised environment. The students are taught how the vehicle behaves how to react and hopefully come out wiser and with improved safety. Madison Bennett commented that the entire day was fantastic and Madison's little brother Curtis aged 9 who happily sat in the back of the car as Madison braked, skidded and slid sideways, said the whole day was "awesome" and he can't wait until he is 16 so he can get his licence. Simon Bennett who accompanied Madison thought the day was terrific and felt that Apex along with the other sponsors had done a wonderful job in organizing the experience. Other parents commented that the Driver training course should be a pre requisite for gaining your Learner permit. Katie Jayne O'Brien said it was a beneficial experience and she had learnt many life skills. James Fry said the day was pretty informative and said the parents also got a lot out of it.
To any up coming learner drivers, the group as a whole would recommend this course although some drivers said that they would really love to go and do the course again next year when they have had more experience on the road. Places could be filled quickly. If you would like more information contact any of the sponsors as they would only be too happy to inform you of this most valuable experience.
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