By Moses Akaigwe
While defensive driver training is the cornerstone of proactive road safety, a dual approach to address all driving scenarios is also required.
Despite one’s best efforts to avoid crashes, it is extremely risky to only be proactive and not train drivers to respond reactively as well.
Defensive driving teaches drivers to anticipate hazards, maintain safe following distances, and make calculated decisions among other skills to prevent accidents before they occur.
The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says: “These techniques focus on situational awareness, hazard perception, and risk management –skills that significantly reduce potential crashes.
“Yet, even the most skilled defensive drivers can encounter unavoidable emergency situations. Certain scenarios may require drivers to react with little warning such as challenges from changing weather conditions, mechanical failures, or the actions of other road users. If a driver experiences loss of control despite preventive efforts, it is essential they can respond effectively.
It is this that emphasises the critical importance of ‘reactive’ training as well. “Along with defensive driving, drivers should be prepared to respond appropriately when prevention is not possible. One of the most effective ways to fulfil this gap is through skidpan training.
“It provides a controlled environment where drivers learn to understand vehicle dynamics during loss-of-control situations. By combining both defensive driver training and skidpan training, drivers not only learn how to avoid emergencies but also know how to regain control when the unexpected happens,” says Herbert.
The General Manager of Coastal Regions at MasterDrive, Eugene ‘Gino’ Nourse emphasises the importance of skudpan training.
Skidpan training in safe driving has been defined as a type of driving course designed to teach drivers how to handle a car in low-traction or slippery conditions, like those experienced on ice, snow, or wet roads.
Skidpan training involves learning to recognize and correct skids in a safe, controlled environment, often on a specialized surface that simulates these challenging conditions
According to the General Manager, “It is the only professional-graded facility in Western Cape allowing drivers to experience various road conditions and scenarios.
“A skidpan session gives driver’s understanding of why the loss of control occurs and what the appropriate corrective measures are to navigate through it safely. This is invaluable when split-second reactions can make the difference between a minor collision and a tragedy.”
Defensive driving and skidpan training are complementary approaches to road safety. “While defensive driving helps avoid dangerous situations, skidpan training ensures one can respond effectively when avoidance is impossible. Together, they form part of a comprehensive safety strategy.”
By combining proactive defensive driving techniques with reactive skidpan training, drivers gain comprehensive skills that address the full spectrum of road safety challenges.