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ABS is now increasingly common, however few drivers have ever been given the chance to learn about its true value.  ABS is considered, quite rightly, to be a valuable addition to the overall safety of both driver and vehicle but beyond this assumption it rarely warrants more thought.

Advancements technologically mean that new vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated.  Therefore the driver is able to do the more complex manoeuvres with a vehicle if the driver has been trained accordingly.

This is where instruction from an expert driver training organisation such as IRST will be invaluable to prevent any amount of confusion with regard to the latest technologies.

IRST specialise in training programs helping drivers understand various ABS systems (automatic and manual gearing) and react accordingly in emergency situations.

ABS Systems

ABS: Anti-lock Brake System.

TC:  Traction Control.

ESP: Electronic Stability Program, an electronic system that stabilises the vehicle and counteracts skidding.

TBA: Trailer Brake Adaption. This system ensures that the braking force of the truck and trailer interact so that no brakes are overused, making the braking combination more stable.

EBA: Emergency Brake Assist. Assists the driver in emergency braking situations.

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What is defensive driving

Plan your journey before setting off – utilise website and Sat Nav information to plan the best route avoiding, where possible, congestion and roadwork’s

Remove any unnecessary loads –   the extra weight increases fuel consumption

Check tyre pressures regularly – under-inflated tyres are dangerous, wear out more quickly and increase fuel consumption

Only start the engine when you want to drive – fuel is wasted when idling the engine

Drive calmly – avoid harsh braking and acceleration.  Pulling away too fast can use up to 60 per cent more fuel

Concentrate, observe, anticipate – to maintain a smooth driving style that avoids accidents and saves fuel

Brakes to slow, gears to go – slow the vehicle using the brakes, engage the correct gear for your speed and by-pass all intermediate gears

Don’t pump the accelerator – or rev the engine unnecessarily

Switch off the engine in traffic jams

Watch your speed – always travel at a safe speed according to the conditions.  Remember the speed limit is a maximum, not a target

Keep your distance – at least a two second distance between you and the vehicle in front

Monitor your vehicle for road worthiness –  particularly tyres, brakes, steering and emissions

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The Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) standard has been designed as a single standard aimed at improving the safe and fuel efficient driving techniques of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers.

The SAFED training programme has been developed specifically to enable both vehicle operators and training providers to implement driver training within the road freight industry.

It provides training and development for existing HGV drivers through instruction relating to vehicle craft and road craft.

Ideally, training should be performed in a candidate’s own (or usual) vehicle.

If this is not possible, the training provider will arrange for a similar vehicle to be available when a course is booked. Some candidates will benefit from training in a laden vehicle, but this is not essential.

REMEMBER: The Driver has the single biggest impact on both fuel consumption and safety.

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