The Swan Lake Project
This project gets its name from the ballet - and from real swans swimming smoothly and serenely on real ponds. The aim of the exercise, as you might have guessed, is to drive as smoothly as possible.
Follow the simple steps outlined below and record your results on the 'Swan Lake' worksheet (download below).
Part fill a small bowl, with water, about two-thirds full.
A small kitchen bowl or pet dish with a flat bottom is ideal
Place this on the floor of your car in the passenger foot well (or preferably on the dashboard if possible)
Drive around a short circular route of about two miles
The object of the exercise is to drive around without spilling the water. You should be able to achieve this at speeds up to 50mph (speed limits permitting) on reasonably surfaced roads.
Initially choose a quiet short circular route that is two or three minutes long - accelerate and brake as if there was an egg under the pedals, or as if you were gently squeezing a balloon under your foot - eeeeezing off the gas and brakes as important as squeeeeezing on. Read the road ahead to plan smooth baking and stopping.
As your smooth driving confidence grows you can venture into traffic...
The results (recorded on your project sheet) will show you which aspects of your driving you need to work on the most in order to achieve finesse.
More accurate measuring...
An alternative is to use a measuring jug or bowl – you can stand this in a 'washing up bowl'.
The benefits of this approach are that you can literally measure your improvements by monitoring how much water is spilt.
An alternative is to use a measuring jug or bowl – you can stand this in a 'washing up bowl'.
The benefits of this approach are that you can literally measure your improvements by monitoring how much water is spilt.
If you have a SmartPhone the best device to use would be a G-Force/Accelerometer app.
Caution:
To achieve best results and stay safe you need to be concentrating on the road and the smoothness of your driving.
Not looking at the water in the bowl or at whatever device you are using.
When you have completed the project, print out and complete your Training Achievements Log before moving on to the next unit - working to smooth out your driving will be a continual process and may take a while to achieve.
Next: There is no checklist for this unit - but you must complete the project before moving on to emergency stops.