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How to 'Parallel Park' using the 1:2:1 Method

23/8/2014

7 Comments

 
Summary:

Most drivers would attest that parallel parking is possibly one of the hardest parts that they would have to learn in driving. Even experienced drivers would agree that this kind of move actually still brings some sweat out. On the other hand, Complete Driver (Ray Seagrave) suggests that if you would really like to do parallel parking with ease, it is best if you practice. By doing so, you become used to the whole drill and everything comes as second nature to you. 

Keeping your mind and concentration on the whole task ahead would help you out do parallel parking. Also, it is important that you are calm and collected as to go through the whole experience.

The 1:2:1 method is one of the easiest methods for carrying out a parallel park and refers to how to steer the wheel. 1 turn left, 2 turns right and finally 1 turn left again. There are also a couple of reference points to use to get a perfect park every time! Here's how its done.

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Signalling

To parallel park, you should use your signal if necessary. This would indicate exactly the direction of the parking space or area that you are intending to park in. If the space is not yet vacant but you notice that the car occupying that spot is about to leave, wait behind the spot so that you can park there. Signal your intention to that driver and any other by indicating left. Turn your signal off when you have put the car into reverse.

Positioning

Image Ref(1) When the space is already vacant, pull ahead of it. Pull up until the nose of your car is just past the end of the car you are reversing behind into the space you are planning on occupying. You can use your left mirror lined up with the front of the car you want to reverse behind as a guide. You should have about two feet of road between your car and the car you pulled up beside. 

Reversing

Image Ref(1) Start by putting your car in reverse. After checking all around making observations from your right shoulder begin reversing slowly. As soon you are half way past the vehicle you are at your point of turn. If the car you are reversing behind is parked facing the wrong way, line up your left wing mirror with the target cars right wing mirror. That will put you in the right place.

Turning and reversing toward the kerb

Image Ref(2) Before you turn the wheel again check all around making observations from your right shoulder blind spot around to your left shoulder blind spot. Turn the steering wheel '1 full turn' towards the curb. Look out the back window and around as you reverse. During the whole manouver remember to stop and give way if anything approaches you from any direction (including pedestrians). Assess if it is safe to proceed then carry on.

Image Ref(3) Keep observing as you reverse, the majority of the observation out the back window. When the left door handle (as seen in the left mirror) is completely on the pavement, then turn the wheel right '2 turns' away from the kerb. Reverse back and slowly toward the kerb observing as you go. 

Straightening up

Image Ref(4) When you reach this point, turn the steering wheel gradually (1 turn left). You should time the turn of the steering wheel so as the car becomes almost straight along the kerb you have completed the 1 turn off. After looking around, you should pull forward or back into the space centring your car between the cars in front of you and behind you.

Your car should finish a reasonable distance from the kerb (around six to eight inches) when you are parked in the space you chose.

Then practice, practice, practice making little adjustments to the reference points to get the perfect park.

Once again reference points used were:

"Reversing half way past the vehicle you are at your point of turn. then steer left"

"When the left handle is on the pavement as viewed in the left mirror. Then steer right"

"The car is almost straight along the Kurb, steer left once more."

Ray 

Ray Seagrave ADI
DSA ADI Car, DSA Fleet Trainer, IAM Advanced Driver, RoSpa GOLD Advanced Driver, DIA member, MSA member,

Complete Driver Training
www.complete-driver.co.uk
‘Teaching with a Passion for Success’
M: 07870861572 
7 Comments

Steering and driving like a BOSS, Chucking the wheel like Chav?

23/8/2014

0 Comments

 
Hi, 

Good steering is all part of good car control. I met Jensen Button a few years ago and had a chance to speak to him for about 20 minutes and see him in his own car. Think it was an Aston Martin! I didn't see him driving with his seat to the floor and his right wrist on top of the steering wheel peering over the dash. Hmm..wonder why?

The answer is not that he is one of the best drivers in the world and that if he chooses to he could steer like that. The answer is, it's because he is one of the best drivers in the world that he doesn't choose to steer like that.  

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Twenty something men the most likely age group to be disqualified

16/8/2014

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According to new figures obtained by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), male drivers between the ages of 20 and 30 were the most common group to be disqualified from driving in the 12 months between July 2013 and June 2014.

The figures were supplied by the DVLA following a Freedom of Information request made by the IAM, Britain’s leading road safety charity.

The statistics reveal the age groups most commonly carrying out a driving offence that then lead to a subsequent driving ban.

As of 21 June 2014, 92,136 people in total across the UK were disqualified from driving between July 2013 and June 2014. Of those about 62,000 are still disqualified.

The age with the greatest number of disqualified drivers is 25 – 3,748 are serving a driving ban, made up of 3,294 males and 454 females.

Some 31,668 males – just over one-third of the total number of people disqualified from driving during this period – were between the ages of 20 and 30.

Males also outnumber females considerably when it comes to carrying out offences leading to a driving ban. In total 13,481 females were disqualified during this time period – less than 15 per cent of the overall total.

And in the 20-30 age group just 4,333 females were disqualified in the 12 month period, compared to 31,668 males.

While 36,001 people between 20 and 30 were disqualified in the last 12 months, 10,025 people in their fifties and just 3,874 in their sixties were.

The information supplied to the IAM also shows 230 people under 17 and therefore under the legal driving age for the UK were disqualified – including four 12 year olds and four 13 year olds. One 12 year old girl is currently disqualified before her driving career even starts.

Simon Best, chief executive of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “These statistics strongly reflect the research we have already carried out in this area – that young males are very much the at risk group when it comes to driving safety.

“We believe targeting the attitudes of these drivers specifically, through advanced training for example, should be a major part of future road safety campaigning. Reducing offending in this age bracket would dramatically improve safety on our roads for all road users.

“It is also of great concern that youngsters not even eligible to hold a provisional licence are being banned at such young ages. Parents need to be aware their children are putting their own lives and those of others at huge risk by taking the wheel of a car on public roads.”

For more information on the Institute of Advanced Motorists go here: IAM.org.uk


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    Author

    Ray Seagrave ADI is a fully qualified DVSA, professional driver trainer and highly qualified Advanced Driver.

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