My recent post with roadside pictures prompted this response to explain the"trained driver" comments. (I've often used this rationale in my quick come-backs to back seat drivers in my car.) Although I was never trained to take pictures while driving, I did have to "multi-task" while engaged in this training which is called Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) It's initially a 40-hour driver training program that provides rookie cops with the special driving skills required to operate a vehicle under very demanding police patrol conditions and normal street driving. It includes visual acuity, glare recovery and reaction time, then receive classroom and hands-on driver training. A refresher course was mandatory for me every two years. This course was modified over the years to include high speed backing, emergency 180 degree turn-arounds using the parking brake, talking on the police radio while eating a hamburger and other fun stuff. I can't give you the details, it's much too complicated for the laymen to comprehend. (The hamburger part was unofficial, thrown in one day so we could all leave earlier than scheduled.) I will never forget hitting a straight speed away and being yelled at by the instructor "No brake until I tell you!!" with a turn quickly approaching. I learned what I could do with a car. I had to transition the knowledge that a family car is not like a police car :) but the training stayed with me...
Monday, August 10, 2009
"Trained Driver" Explanation
My recent post with roadside pictures prompted this response to explain the"trained driver" comments. (I've often used this rationale in my quick come-backs to back seat drivers in my car.) Although I was never trained to take pictures while driving, I did have to "multi-task" while engaged in this training which is called Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) It's initially a 40-hour driver training program that provides rookie cops with the special driving skills required to operate a vehicle under very demanding police patrol conditions and normal street driving. It includes visual acuity, glare recovery and reaction time, then receive classroom and hands-on driver training. A refresher course was mandatory for me every two years. This course was modified over the years to include high speed backing, emergency 180 degree turn-arounds using the parking brake, talking on the police radio while eating a hamburger and other fun stuff. I can't give you the details, it's much too complicated for the laymen to comprehend. (The hamburger part was unofficial, thrown in one day so we could all leave earlier than scheduled.) I will never forget hitting a straight speed away and being yelled at by the instructor "No brake until I tell you!!" with a turn quickly approaching. I learned what I could do with a car. I had to transition the knowledge that a family car is not like a police car :) but the training stayed with me...
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6 comments:
So does Hollywood hire retired, EVOC-certified cops to to do all the fancy car chases and the "gone in 60 seconds" type scenes? You could have a bright future ahead of you in show biz. You "trained driver" you.
All joking aside, sounds like an exciting (and very scary) program. Cool that it's stayed with you!
Blah, blah, blah! Cutting in front of people and expecting them to "know" you were going that direction does not make you a "trained driver." But, what do I know as a "laymen" :O)
Ahhh I feel much more comfortable now knowing that you are "trained", to see you "multi-tasking" while you are driving. I wish there were classes for the average "laymen" so he/she could be a little more how should I say....not so lame, when driving, ...should the need arise.
I think I would definitely pass the mom-certified drivers training~I can talk on my cell phone, hand back chicken nuggets and change the radio station...all very safely ;)
I agree with Heidi. As a Mom you can multi task while you drive. I think we need another "flashback" cop story from you! :)
Ron, I think it's cool that you can do this. Could you capitalize on this skill? Maybe you could offer professional driver training courses. If we could use your car, I'd sign up. :)
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