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Trax & Trails, Cornwall & Devon 4x4 Driving Days, Training Courses and 4x4 Lessons

Trax & Trails, Cornwall & Devon 4x4 Driving Days, Training Courses and 4x4 Lessons

Trax & Trails - Case Studies

Case Study 1

Needs
A government organisation had 60 people in a unit. Within the unit there were four vehicle types and varying driver skill and experience levels. The vehicles ranged from short wheel base Japanese 4x4's through pick-up and double cab's to long wheel base Land Rovers.

There were several issues than needed addressing;

  • Re-affirmation of 4wd best practice and assessment for management purposes as each driver had differing levels of experience, skills and attitude
  • Experience of all vehicles for every team member as a driver could be driving any one of the types
  • Overcoming tyre prejudice due to a head office decision to use All-Terrain tyres rather than Mud tyres
  • Provide Adequate Training under HSE requirements

Training
Our package consisted of a days training starting with a session on each 4x4's on and off-road attributes, strengths and weaknesses, daily maintenance points and transition from off-road to on. Then followed practice of safety routines, driving each vehicle types in conditions similar to that the delegates normally dealt with and finally a hand out for future reference.

Outcomes.
Each driver gained experience of every vehicle type, increased confidence in the new tyre arrangement, a refreshed best practice and gentle training where it was needed.

Management got feedback on each driver and issues raised were of the drivers not getting access to the vehicle hand books and the new tyre selection being possibly in-appropriate for the off-road needs causing jobs to take significantly longer due to concern about getting stuck.

Conclusions
Every driver needed access to the vehicle handbook to see how to operate them correctly. Tyre selection needed revisiting as the decision was taking without adequate consideration for the full job needs. Although drivers were satisfied with the All-Terrain tyres, the concerns remained as to ability in many of the job requirements and there was still significant resistance to taking vehicles onto many sites. Certain drivers needed better supervision and additional training to resolve attitude and safety concerns. Drivers were more confident in the abilities of each vehicle type.

One day course suited to both the Professional Driver and the Recreational Driver. Max 2:1 Delegate to Instructor ratio

The principle aims are ones of understanding, safety and awareness. The course starts with a Theory Session where the delegate will learn about four wheel drive systems, suspension design and tyres and how these effect the overall ability of a given vehicle. We then move onto identifying important aspects of the vehicles and safety checks. This part of the course enables a driver to assess a vehicles suitability for a given task.

The second part of the course concentrates on proper ground assessment and practice of specialist techniques for off-road situations. We will cover assessing, climbing, descending and recovery procedures for hills. Also side slopes, ridges, ditches and ruts are dealt with. All through the day personal safety and sympathy for the vehicle are stressed. At the end of the day are a quiz to check understanding and a brief set of course notes.

The outcome will be a driver who understands how to assess and safely drive in most UK off-road situations. They will also be able to judge when driving is not suitable or may risk unsustainable damage to environment and vehicle.

 

Two day course suited to Foremen/Leading Drivers, Solo Drivers or those who lead a group of vehicles. It can also be considered as the basis of a Train the Trainer scheme.

Day one follows Borda 1 with more emphasis on multi-vehicle groups and more awareness of how different 4WD would manage obstacles.

Day two starts with a further, short, theory session on advanced mechanics followed by more advanced off-road techniques and practice. The final part is an assessment where each delegate will walk and assess an unseen part of the site and proved details of all the issues, risks and techniques along with route planning before finally driving the chosen route.

This is followed by a debrief of practice versus expectations. This final section can be completed as either an "Attended" status or at extra cost "Accessed" status with a Pass of Fail result.

Customised

We can assist in providing a Course designed to your specific needs through Training Needs Analysis (with on-site assessment if required) or via discussion. We can provide both on-road (with an Approved Driving Instructor) and off-road requirements.

 
Shirley & Paul Bruna, Trax and Trails, South Alston, Stoke Climsland, Callington, Cornwall, PL17 8LX. Tel. 07989 388530
Email:shirley@traxandtrails.co.uk
West Country off road 4x4 driving & driver training for Devon and Cornwall plus clay pigeon shooting & archery
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