Driver behaviours and response times are linked in accordance with the performance and impact of braking systems regarding logistic operations. Brake systems and components in Heavy Goods vehicles (HGVs) must be working at the most optimal, in order to assure the appropriate stopping or slowing down procedures when driving on roads.
When our instructors are training students on the fundamentals of driving an HGV, they will be taught different driving techniques to help with their driving abilities. This also includes removing bad habits from the students themselves, explaining the detrimental effects bad driving behaviours can have on other road users, not just the vehicle itself.
Important Use of Brakes
Braking factors are one of many core aspects when it comes to driving behaviour. The difference between sensible, calm behaviours, to erratic, careless attitude is apparent, irrespective of where you are driving. At 2 Start, our students are taught how vital it is to consistently implement a sensible mindset, which mitigates the risk of an incident occurring.
Erratic driving can lead to arbitrary braking, which diminishes the brakes life span over time. This is a core focus when learning the fundamentals of practical driver training, and when learning about Driver Behaviours during Periodic CPC training.
However, braking systems are not one definitive answer when it comes to the safe driving of HGVs.
When completing driver training, you are taught the importance of using the entire HGV toolkit within your vehicle to drive safely and consistently. There is no written formula documenting how you should brake, nor how to retain longevity of your brakes. This is purely depending on the following:
- Driving Situation
- Anticipate Time
- Driving Terrain
The main focus when it comes to driving is to always anticipate ahead. If you are not aware of what is happening in front of you, you will most likely struggle to safely handle your vehicle. This will further increase the potential of an incident occurring to a road user or the driver. If you are a driver in an HGV (which could weigh as much as 44 tonnes) you need to be more cautious and aware of your surroundings, as this can dictate any situation.
HGV brakes are different, and will feel different to a car. This is because many HGVs use air brakes. However, with training, you will soon become comfortable and use these as frequent as you need to.
When you do brake in an HGV, when pressing on the pedal, air is used to help slow the vehicle down naturally. If you implement harsh braking, this will impact the wearing on the brake discs sooner. This can be uncomfortable for the driver and potential passengers.
This is also where your instructor will discuss the importance of using the full HGV toolkit for different driving situations. And, how certain human behaviours could impact the effectiveness of your driving performance.
HGV Retarder
The retarder is another component within your HGV toolkit. The retarder is used to aid in slowing down the vehicle without feeling the momentum or the force on your person(s). A retarder’s design helps to administer additional slowing of the vehicle without the use of the brakes.
The retarder is used as an additional component to save use of brakes, which further aids in fuel efficiency, as well as stabilising vehicle speed.
Although, a mix of using both brakes and retarder is fruitful when you need to brake a lot sooner, but without feeling the force of the vehicle moving erratically. This negates the jolting forward and makes slowing down and stopping feel more controlled.
The retarder can be used with touches from the brake for different speeds and driving situations. This can also be used for events that you need to brake more rapidly.
With 2 Start, we teach our students that anticipating the road ahead is crucial to aid in effective and proper braking. Our instructors believe that knowing the condition of the road ahead, as well as traffic flow; roundabouts; lights and any other factors which could give the driver reason to use their brakes and/or retarder, which benefits them greatly when all situations are considered, are handled in time and within the proper use of the brakes and retarder.
You will learn the correct braking procedures in our driver training, as well as learning the effects of angry or erratic driving behaviours in our Periodic Driver CPC course. This course is covered on Thursdays, along with mental health and wellbeing.
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