In the latest available global statistics, South Africa ranks third highest in the fatality rate for every 10 000 vehicles.
In the latest available global statistics, South Africa ranks third highest in the fatality rate for every 10 000 vehicles.
A sobering enough thought, but CARS (Committee Form More Road Safety) recently revealed that a new study suggests that our death toll has been under-estimated by more than half.
While the Department of Transport gives a figure of 10 000 each year, CARS says in reality it is nearer to 18 000.
So if your experience of handing over the keys to your newly licensed teenager was more one of panic than mere trepidation, know this – you have every right to be concerned.
Grant McCleery, a multiple SA motorsport champion who heads up Yokohama Driving Dynamics, has been teaching specialised driving skills for nearly two decades and in his opinion, every man, woman and especially teenager, needs more than just basic driver training to ensure their safety on our road.
“The K53 driver training system is a great way to learn the basics, but you need more sophisticated skills to deal with the unexpected, like avoiding collisions, regaining control of your vehicle, recovering from aquaplaning, or even just braking properly in an emergency. Don’t make the mistake of thinking of these skills as the exclusive domain of racing drivers. Your child needs to know this stuff if he or she is going to get around safely on our roads.”
After the level 1 Advanced Driving Skills Course one can build on it with Levels 2 and 3 which includes courses like 4×4 driving, hijack prevention, self-protection and more.
Yokohama Driving Dynamics has an alliance with General Motors South Africa – its preferred vehicle supplier – to ensure that clients get the very best instruction in quality driving and safety.
The fleet of cars includes Corsa OPC, Chevrolet Lumina, New Cruzes, Aveo and a full range of Isuzu 4x4s. Yokohama Driving Dynamics is based at Gerotek Vehicle Test Facility near Pretoria and also offers its courses at a variety of venues, countrywide.
For more information, call the company on 011 431 2000 or visit the website on www.drivingdynamics.co.za
