NCJ Number
38330
Date Published
1974
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THIS FILM DESCRIBES CORRECT POLICE DRIVING TECHNIQUES AND EXPLAINS WHY THEY WORK, BOTH FROM A SAFETY STANDPOINT AND ACCORDING TO THE LAWS OF PHYSICS.
Abstract
TWO POINTS ARE MADE AT THE OUTSET. FIRST, THE PATROL CAR IS POTENTIALLY MUCH MORE LETHAL THAN THE SERVICE REVOLVER. SECOND, THE FIRST RESPONSIBILITY OF THE OFFICER IS TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC, NOT TO ENDANGER IT. ONE GOOD TECHNIQUE FOR INCREASED SAFETY IN NORMAL PATROL DRIVING IS COMMENTARY DRIVING. DURING THIS EXERCISE, THE OFFICER COMMENTS, OUT LOUD, ON EVERYTHING HE SEES, ESPECIALLY THE ACTIONS OF OTHER VEHICLES AND DRIVERS. THROUGH THIS VERBALIZATION, THE OFFICER NOT ONLY BECOMES MORE AWARE OF EVERYTHING AROUND HIM (NOT ONLY OTHER CARS AND DRIVERS), BUT HE WILL EXERCISE MORE CAUTION AND BETTER JUDGEMENT. THE FILM POINTS OUT THE FALLACY ABOUT THE PROTECTION SOME OFFICERS THINK THEY ARE AFFORDED WHEN THEY TURN ON THEIR SIREN AND LIGHTS. UNDER MOST CONDITIONS, A SIREN CANNOT BE HEARD BY OTHERS DRIVERS MORE THAN 100 FEET AWAY! USING BOTH A SLICK SKID PAN AND A DRY TRACK, THE PRINCIPLES OF ROLLING FRICTION, SLIDING FRICTION, SPRING ENERGY, AND WEIGHT TRANSFER ARE ILLUSTRATED. ROLLING FRICTION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE WITHOUT IT, STEERING IS IMPOSSIBLE. SPRING ENERGY CAN BE USED TO HELP NEGOTIATE A SERIES OF TIGHT, OPPOSITE-DIRECTION CURVES. BY USING THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR JUDICIOUSLY, THE WEIGHT OF THE AUTO CAN BE SHIFTED TO THE FRONT OR REAR WHEELS, DEPENDING ON WHETHER THE CAR IS GOING INTO A CURVE OR COMING OUT OF IT, FOR MAXIMUM STEERING CONTROL AND SPEED. ONLY THROUGH PRACTICE OF THESE TECHNIQUES WILL THE OFFICER UNDERSTAND THE LIMITS OF HIS VEHICLE. (SNI ABSTRACT)...PO