How to Drive Tactically (Technical Driving)
Depending on the car you have, some of these procedures may need a bit of alteration to work with your specific vehicle., Stay alert: Whenever you are driving, you should always be aware of your surroundings.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Depending on the car you have
When in doubt, get a better vehicle.
Front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles are likely the most restricted.
In general, FWD's tend to under-steer (washout) while in a corner when the driver is giving the vehicle gas to accelerate the car out of a turn.
This is a bad thing, and greatly restricts the turning capabilities of the vehicle.
Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars are more efficient than FWD for cornering and acceleration, but can become a hazard with an inexperienced driver.
Donuts can be fun, but not during a critical situation.
All-wheel-drive (AWD) cars have a good balance, but can also under-steer badly if it is not a vehicle with an active or manual center differential (most AWD vehicles have this feature, otherwise they are referred to as part-time 4wd).
Knowing the characteristic of your vehicle is key to performing in extreme situations without putting yourself and others around you in danger.
Please read the How to Choose a Car for Tactical Driving article for more information. -
Step 2: some of these procedures may need a bit of alteration to work with your specific vehicle.
You should know what cars are around you at all times.
If you are traveling fast, and cars in front of your are slamming on their brakes, you should first attempt to slow down, but you should also be scanning the area for an exit.
There isn’t always an exit, but many times there is.
Sometimes the "exit" is not a clean exit, and may be a what-will-cause-the-least-damage (CTLD) exit.
This may consist of choosing to going off the road completely instead of just onto a shoulder.
Choose the safest route before you choose the cheapest route.
Many people become observably more alert after they have recently been in an accident, don’t let that be you.
You should be alert to avoid your first accident as well as others around you who may not be paying attention. -
Step 3: Stay alert: Whenever you are driving
-
Step 4: you should always be aware of your surroundings.
Detailed Guide
When in doubt, get a better vehicle.
Front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles are likely the most restricted.
In general, FWD's tend to under-steer (washout) while in a corner when the driver is giving the vehicle gas to accelerate the car out of a turn.
This is a bad thing, and greatly restricts the turning capabilities of the vehicle.
Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cars are more efficient than FWD for cornering and acceleration, but can become a hazard with an inexperienced driver.
Donuts can be fun, but not during a critical situation.
All-wheel-drive (AWD) cars have a good balance, but can also under-steer badly if it is not a vehicle with an active or manual center differential (most AWD vehicles have this feature, otherwise they are referred to as part-time 4wd).
Knowing the characteristic of your vehicle is key to performing in extreme situations without putting yourself and others around you in danger.
Please read the How to Choose a Car for Tactical Driving article for more information.
You should know what cars are around you at all times.
If you are traveling fast, and cars in front of your are slamming on their brakes, you should first attempt to slow down, but you should also be scanning the area for an exit.
There isn’t always an exit, but many times there is.
Sometimes the "exit" is not a clean exit, and may be a what-will-cause-the-least-damage (CTLD) exit.
This may consist of choosing to going off the road completely instead of just onto a shoulder.
Choose the safest route before you choose the cheapest route.
Many people become observably more alert after they have recently been in an accident, don’t let that be you.
You should be alert to avoid your first accident as well as others around you who may not be paying attention.
About the Author
Jeffrey Adams
Writer and educator with a focus on practical organization knowledge.
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