01 Jun 07
Chilton: 'Be relaxed'
3. Keep cool
Child psychologist Dr Stephen Briers has looked into the effect squabbling children have on their parents' driving. 'However experienced you are, driving demands complex mental activity - from monitoring the road, anticipating new developments and co-ordinating responses accordingly. Add to that whingeing and squabbling kids and it can feel that there simply isn't enough processing power to go around. This is a surefire recipe for stress.'
Chilton offers this solution: 'Be relaxed - that way you're less likely to make any mistakes when driving.'
Aubry: 'Gently on, gently off'
4. Smoothly does it
It may not look like it from the outside, but smooth drivers are usually the quickest drivers - that's on road or track. Bernard Aubry, an advanced driving instructor, teaches his students the finer art of smoother driving, including a braking technique favoured by the masterful Stirling Moss.
'Start by coming gently onto the brakes, then hard, then gently off - taking the brakes off earlier than you would normally.' This gives the car time to slow down more naturally, ensuring it's settled in time for the next corner or roundabout.
Braking and steering don't mix
5. Brake straight
One of Aubry's golden rules is to accelerate and brake in a straight line, and it's something that nearly all race drivers try to adhere to. If you do all your speeding up or slowing down in a straight line, it keeps your car neutrally balanced before any change of direction. You should also try to get yourself in the correct gear before you reach a corner or attempt an overtaking manoeuvre. That way you'll find your driving is less rushed.
