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 Post subject: OBSERVATION and HAZARDS
PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 00:22 
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My youngest son has a learning difficulty - he has aspergers syndrome - one effect is he does not appreciate danger, and depends very much on routines - disrupt the routine, and suddenly his whole day can be turned on it's head.
He is only 8 years old, but I foresee difficulties should he want to learn to drive, so when we go out, I ask him to identify hazards. Some obvious ones he sees himself, others I point out to him as they occur.
He can already tell you the speed limits, on daul carriageway, and NSL on single, if not lollipopped.
I fully intend to get him behind the wheel as soon as possible, as gears will not be a problem for him. He has already sat on my knee and learned to steer (although not successfully yet!) the car, on a private road.

One effect is I am looking for hazards to show him, even when they are not there to hold his attention, and so pick out things which are not necessarily a hazard, but part of the OBSERVATION part of COAST.

Perhaps If I started things off, you might like to add your own, and we will build up a reference of things others had not considered, such as InGear's "smell of hay" indicating possibility of tractors or hay wagons on the road - perhaps around the next bend.
My own starter is leaves on trees turned back showing a lighter silvery colour - indicating sustained stiff breeze. Watch out for curtain sided wagons lurching sideways as they pass any sort of natural wind breaks.

Over to you all:------ :) :?: :idea: :idea:

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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 00:49 
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I reckon some of the 'observation links' are more showing off than useful. One was: "there are dustbins on the pavement edge - we'll soon see a dustcart". And we did. But did the advance observation help? Am I REALLY going to slow down because there might be a dustcart round the next bend? Nope. I've chosen a safe speed for the bend and if there's a dustcart round it, I'll be ready to deal with it when I see it.

Don't get me wrong, anticipation is one of the most important driver skills - but superior driving calls for superior sifting of genuinely useful and useless information.

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PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:34 
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A dust bin on the kerb side in Switzerland means one thing and one thing only to the Swiss...


:camera: :bib: :gatso1: :gatso2: :gatso3: :stop: :oops: :judge: :hissyfit: :censored:

When it really is "Ma! It's the DustbinMan" day.... :lol: :twisted: - the effect is :twisted:

In fact, Wildy :neko: and her sister slow down for a wheely bin on sight - even here! :lol: :roll: :wink:

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A SMILE is a curve that sets everything straight (P Diller).

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Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - but driving with a smile and a COAST calm mind.


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PostPosted: Tue Jul 12, 2005 12:45 
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You note the things you see and then your logic will grade the hazards in order of danger.

Alan - this is a game you could try with your young son - get him to order the hazards he sees in order of danger. Because of his need for routine - it may be something he'll take to - and be part of the training over the next 9 years or so.

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Take with a chuckle or a grain of salt
Drive without COAST and it's all your own fault!

A SMILE is a curve that sets everything straight (P Diller).

A Smiley Per post
FINES USfor our COAST!


Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon - but driving with a smile and a COAST calm mind.


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 Post subject:
PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 09:17 
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Location: Far Enough Behind, Far Enough In Front
Horse Shit In The Middle Of The road! If it is not Smouldering then No Horses, But If It Is Fresh Beware Of Horses Ahead!
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PostPosted: Sat Jul 16, 2005 14:18 
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Derick wrote:
Horse Shit In The Middle Of The road! If it is not Smouldering then No Horses, But If It Is Fresh Beware Of Horses Ahead!


Oh god yes, and beware of crazy horses that have bolted and run straight over your car, destroying both screens... :x

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