Demonstration Day
The T.E.E.N.S. Project sponsored a Demonstration Day
of the behind the wheel techniques and research methods.
The program was presented on October 24th, 1996
to 115 attendees in two sessions.
Area One consisted of One-on-One instruction
and on-road demonstrations of Anti-lock Braking.
Drivers were instructed on the operations
of Anti-lock Braking systems.
Drivers were instructed to hit the brakes hard
and hit them now when passing a set of traffic cones
located a set distance from where the instructors
wanted the cars to come to a stop.
Instructors observed the drivers as they approached
the stopping area providing feedback
on how the brakes operated and how the
driver's reacted to the braking maneuver.
Surprisingly, most drivers
(even experienced law enforcement officers)
were not aware of the capabilities
and limitations of anti-lock brakes.
Area Two consisted of a road course
with a quick lane change maneuver
and a timed cornering exercise.
Drivers passed through a set of cones
and were required to make a quick lane change.
Simulating the reactions necessary if something or someone
were to suddenly jump in front of your vehicle.
Drivers were then instructed on a cornering
exercise, to increase their ability to handle
their car in difficult conditions.
The dynamics of the car were explained
and the course provided feedback on the
forces inherent in driving and cornering.
The most important part of this driving course was
the one-on-one instruction on what was happening to the driver
and their vehicle
as they participated in the course.
Area Three was an advanced driving simulator
provided by the Battelle Corporation.
This demonstrated state of the art simulation technology
and provided an example of how simulation could be used
for research study validation or measures of effectiveness.
The Battelle Real Drive Simulator
Our thanks to the following sponsors:
North Memorial Health Care & North Memorial Community Foundation,
the Minnesota Department of Public Safety,
the Battelle Memorial Institute,
PDI - Performance Driving Incorporated,
Lupient Enterprises
Saturn of Brooklyn Park
(Rick Lupient),
for usage of several Saturn Automobiles
for the driving course.
