Vehicle Dynamics, are two words you often see when exploring social media and websites dealing with driver training.
Unfortunately, most people don’t quite understand what these words mean or how Vehicle Dynamics affect drivers and driver training. Driver training providers often offer a “Vehicle Dynamics” component in their curriculum, but Vehicle Dynamics are not merely one part of a program, they should be treated as the foundation of every driver’s education program.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) defines “Vehicle Dynamics” as the application of the laws of physics to a vehicle in motion.
A “vehicle” can have two, four, or even up to 18 tires, in the case of a very large truck with multiple axles.
The basic principles of Vehicle Dynamics are the same no matter how many tires a vehicle has.
For example, when driving through cones or around sharp corners, a driver must operate his or her vehicle in accordance with the laws of physics.
Many training programs have difficulty accepting that all driving scenarios, no matter how simple or complex, are an exercise in the laws of physics.
It doesn’t matter whether the training program is intended for high risk or low risk environments, or the private versus government sector. Nor does it matter whether the vehicle is a sedan, motorcycle, armored SUV, or a school bus.
In both a training environment and the real world, the only set of laws we must live by when operating a motor vehicle are the laws of physics.
Luckily for us, the same laws apply to our adversaries, which is why it is absolutely critical that any individual teaching an advanced driver training course have a thorough understanding of the laws of physics and how they apply to Vehicle Dynamics, and most importantly have the ability to convey this information to their students.
Having been in this field for nearly five decades, it has become apparent that most people shy away from using the laws of physics as a training exercise because of the math that it requires.
This may well be due to the fact that, for most people, their only exposure to the laws of physics is what they were taught in high school, where the subject is mired in books and often seems to have no practical value.
For those who are mathematically challenged, once the theory is explained it becomes easy to understand and apply to something most people enjoy doing, such as driving.
Using a classroom discussion as a hands-on practical exercise based on a real world scenario allows students to make sense of the math and recognize its practical use.
Not to be redundant, but all driving scenarios, accident or ambush, no matter how simple or complex, are exercises in the laws of physics.
Understanding the laws of physics and being able to apply them isn’t something that is “nice” to know, it is a necessity.
Also, if someone wants to develop training that will require students to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities to increase their chances of surviving a real world accident, understanding the laws of physics is crucial.
Gauging a driver’s comprehension of Vehicle Dynamics is the key to measuring an individual driver’s competency behind the wheel. It may in fact be the only objective way to measure driving ability.
About the International Security Driver Association
The International Security Driver Association (ISDA) serves the Protective Services community. ISDA’s mission is to support an international forum of protective service providers who share knowledge for the purpose of enhancing the profession.
The most common question we at ISDA get asked is, “Is ISDA for Security Drivers and Secure Transportation Providers only?” The answer is a big NO. ISDA is a valuable resource for all practitioners working in the protection profession. Members of ISDA represent all facets and levels of the protective services profession as an example.
Here is a collection of Books, Publications and Articles authored by Members.
We have been producing informational newsletters for more than 20 years. This is a small sample of past newsletters.
Sign up for the ISDA Email Newsletter
Learn More about the ISDA Advantage and Become a Member Today