Following the success of last year’s D-Academy defensive driving programme, Shell decided to hold it again for 2013, this time giving participants an even more detailed theory and practical course in a two-day programme. A total of 40 participants took part, including members of the media and our readers who joined the Shell Helix D-Academy: Extreme Editon contest.
Called the Shell Helix D-Academy: Extreme Edition, all participants were furnished with enhanced theory on defensive driving including tips on how to handle a vehicle during extreme driving conditions, which is part of Shell’s campaign about the ability of its Shell Helix Ultra engine lube to work well in extreme conditions.
Tips on women’s safety were also shared, addressing concerns over theft and other issues. The participants were then taken through a series of practical courses which lasted for an entire day. This allowed the participants to have more one-on-one time with experienced driving instructors and the latest offerings from Hyundai, including the i10, Elantra and Veloster.
Lessons included High Speed Lane Change, which showed participants how to safely avoid an obstacle on the road. This was followed by High Speed Braking that showed them how to effectively use anti-lock brakes. ABS allows one to steer while carrying out 100% braking, with the attempt to break a misconception that ABS gives the driver stronger brakes.
There was also a slalom exercise which allowed participants to practice the correct steering technique, while seating in an ideal position. More extreme exercises include understeer and its naughtier sibling, oversteer. Participants experienced what understeer and oversteer felt like on a wet surface and they learned how to control the car in such conditions.
Later on, participants experienced how Hyundai’s Vehicle Stability Management system (VSM) corrected under or oversteer by carrying out selective braking although it looked like the participants were having more fun with the feature switched off. All participants who successfully completed the programme were awarded with a certificate of participation.
“I was traumatised by a bad accident once when the van I was driving was swiped by a car from behind and it flipped several times. If I had been more aware of my surroundings, maybe I could have taken evasive action,” said participant Ahmad Zofar Ismail, a 31-year old freelance photographer.
Events such as this help us become better drivers with the aim of making our roads a safer place. A number of accidents happen on a daily basis, which can be avoided if drivers go through defensive driving classes such as this. We hope that more of such programmes are held as they do make a difference to safety on the road.
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The participants this time got certificates. I’ve attended the Defensive Course last year, how come no certificate..
How does one actually particpate in such event? I’ve attended Honda Safety Driving before in Shah Alam, it was a fun and positive event.
These are not the participants from the Shell contest. These are the members of the media. I know because I attended the event. Where are all the pictures from the contest winners???
yeah.. i’ll also attend these event but these not the our member for that that till now still waiting 4 da pic. these group maybe the media team that attended da day b4 us.
I am driving an i 10 without ABS. a damn potential connering machine. if this event is up, hope someone can give a notice as i would like to participate!