Derivation of ISDA Methodology

The ISDA Driving Skill Certification Standards are derived from decades of research conducted by the Society of Automotive Engineers, ISO, and NHTSA. Their research has created an understanding of how drivers make decisions in emergencies and how long it takes them to make those decisions. These organizations have created minimum standards based on the Laws of Physics for measuring driving skill and therefore survivability in an emergency scenario. It is these scientific standards that are used in the ISDA Certification Process.

The appendix provided the data used to set the skill standards

The Needs for a Scientific Standard

These objective standards are essential for certification. The laws of science dictate that in a vehicle emergency the difference between success and failure is measured in tenths of seconds, and/or an increase or decrease in steering angle of a couple of degrees, and/or a speed differential of 2 miles per hour.

Security Skills Standard

Security Driving and Secure Transportation is more than the act of driving the vehicle. It requires the skill and knowledge to move a principal from point A to point B in a safe and secure manner in a variety of environments. Although it is not a science, ISDA will use standard practices that have been developed over a 40 year span to define required Secure Transportation Skills. These skills will include an in-depth knowledge and a measured level of skill to conduct route surveys; recognize and develop safe havens, alternate route plans, and develop emergency evacuation plans, along with emergency medical and surveillance detection skills.

Medical Skills Standard

Standards set by the Red Cross in basic medical training such as CPR, AED, and first responder first aid training.