Ensuring Your Safety and Comfort

THE COCKPIT DRILL

Prior to initiating your adventure and turning the ignition, it is crucial to perform a set of checks that will guarantee your safety and enhance your comfort during the drive. These vital steps are known as the cockpit drill.

Safety First

COCKPIT DRILL FUNDAMENTALS

When you enter a vehicle as the driver, approach the driver’s door from the rear to significantly reduce the risk of accidents; this technique provides you with a clear view of oncoming traffic and lessens the likelihood of door-related incidents. Likewise, when you exit the vehicle, always check your blind spot before opening the door by employing the Dutch Reach method.
Before starting to drive, make sure to adjust your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors for maximum control and clear visibility. Additionally, check that your seatbelt is untwisted and all doors are securely closed to minimize any potential distractions or dangers while on the road.

Pre-Entry Checklist

Make sure the vehicle is unlocked and take a moment to assess the surroundings, ensuring your footing is safe.

1

Approaching the drivers door

To enhance safety, always approach the driver’s door from the rear of the vehicle to greatly minimize the chances of accidents.

2

STOP, look and listen
Before you step onto the road, take a moment to pause, observe, and listen for any oncoming traffic. Your safety is the top priority.

3

Open the door safely

When it’s safe to do so, proceed to walk calmly along the vehicle while remaining alert for any potential dangers. Open the car door, get inside, and close the door efficiently.

Entry Safety

Ensure that you and your passengers are safely and secure.

1

Check all doors are closed
Make sure that the boot, bonnet, and all doors are fully closed and examine the vehicle for even lines; many cars will trigger a warning light on the dashboard if any of these are unlatched.

2

Lock for safety

Lock your vehicle doors immediately upon entering to enhance your safety. While many vehicles automatically lock their doors once driving begins, taking the initiative to secure your doors as soon as you sit in the driver’s seat offers an added layer of protection against unexpected break-ins, theft, or carjacking.

Handbrake and Gear stick.

Before you start the engine, ensure the handbrake is securely engaged and the gear stick is in the neutral position, as attempting to start the engine while the vehicle is in gear may cause an unintentional lurch forward or backward.

Seat

Ensure your seat is positioned for optimal comfort, allowing you to easily access all controls. You should be able to press the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals fully without straining.

Step 1

Seat Height

Ensure your seat is at the correct height. This allows for a clear view of the road and dashboard.

Step 2

Seat Position

Slide the seat forward or backward so that your feet can comfortably fully depress the pedals without stretching.

Step 3

Backrest Position

Adjust the backrest to a comfortable angle that supports your back and allows for a slight bend in your arms when holding the steering wheel.

Step 4

Headrest Adjustment

Ensure the headrest is positioned to support the middle of your head, providing both comfort and safety in case of a collision.

Steering Column

Proper steering wheel positioning is essential for comfortable and safe driving. The wheel should be adjusted so that you have a gentle bend in your arms when holding it. This allows for better control and reduces fatigue during long drives. Additionally, ensure that the dashboard is fully visible and not obstructed by the steering wheel, allowing you to monitor all gauges and indicators easily.

Step 1

Find the release lever

To unlock the steering wheel, find the release lever on the steering column and push it down and forward. This lever is usually located just beneath the steering column and is about 10cm long.

Step 2

Steering wheel Position

Adjust the steering wheel for your comfort by lowering, raising, or moving it forward and backward once unlocked. The top of the wheel should be at shoulder height, keeping your arms relaxed while gripping it. Ensure the dashboard gauges and dials are visible through the wheel.

Step 3

Lock the Position

After adjusting the steering wheel, push the lever up to secure it. Test the wheel by pushing and pulling to ensure it is locked, as driving with an unlocked steering wheel can be dangerous.

The ideal distance between the steering wheel and your chest should be approximately 25cm, as this minimizes the risk of serious injury in the event of airbag deployment during a collision.

Seatbelt

For over three decades, it has been a legal requirement for all drivers to wear a seatbelt, and choosing not to comply can lead to legal repercussions as well as significant risks to your personal safety.
Buckle your seatbelt snugly and untwisted against your body. If your car has a height adjuster, position the belt 2-3cm above your shoulder for proper fit. Always wear your seatbelt while driving, except when reversing or with a medical exemption. Ensure any passenger under 14 is secured in the appropriate child restraint.

Check Your Seatbelt

Check the webbing for nicks, cuts, holes, or fraying, as these signs of wear can compromise the effectiveness of your seat belt. Inspect the buckle for damage, ensuring it fastens securely by pulling gently. Additionally, verify that the stalk is tightly connected to the vehicle. The retraction should operate smoothly; any noticeable slowness, hesitation, delay, or jerky movements may signal a problem. To further assess the seat belt functionality, tug sharply on the belt; the retractor should lock if everything is working correctly.

Maximize Your Visibility

Adjusting Your Mirrors

Properly adjusted mirrors are essential for safe driving. To adjust your mirrors for maximum visibility, start with the center mirror. Use your left hand to adjust the mirror while keeping your right hand on the steering wheel. Ensure that you can see the entire rear window without moving your head. Next, adjust your side mirrors so you can see a small amount of the side of the car and that there is an equal proportion of road and sky visible. This will help eliminate blind spots and provide a clear view of the road behind you.

Remember, the goal is to adjust your mirrors while sitting in your normal driving position. This ensures that you have the best possible view of your surroundings without having to move in your seat. Taking the time to properly adjust your mirrors can greatly enhance your driving safety.

Safe Driving

Practicing these cockpit drills is essential for enhancing your driving safety. By taking a few moments to verify that your doors are securely closed, adjusting your seat and steering column, fastening your seatbelt, aligning your mirrors, and confirming that both you and your vehicle are prepared, you can greatly minimize the chances of an accident. Incorporate these simple checks into your routine each time you enter your car.