Roadcraft
Encyclopedia
Roadcraft refers to the system of car or motorcycle control outlined in two books Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook and Motorcycle Roadcraft: The Police Rider's Handbook.
Roadcraft is the UK's police handbook that outlines a system of car and motorcycle control split into four phases represented by the acronym PSGA:
Information received from the outside world by observation, and given by use of signals such as direction indicators, headlamp flashes, and horn; is now no longer included within the phases of the system but used as a general theme running continuously throughout the application of the system by taking, using and giving information;
The taking, using and giving of Information is, arguably, most important and surrounds (and drives) the four phases PSGA. It may, and often should, be re-applied at any phase in the System.
The System is used whenever a hazard requires a manoeuvre. A hazard is something which requires a change in speed, direction or both. The benefit of applying a systematic approach to driving is to reduce the simultaneous demands on the vehicle, the driver mentally and the driver physically. That is, the System seeks to separate out the phases of a manoeuvre into a logical sequence so that the vehicle and the driver avoid being overwhelmed by having to do too much at the same time. For example, braking and steering at the same time place greater demands on the vehicle's available grip and in the worst case can lead to a skid.
Whilst the books were originally put together at the Metropolitan Police Driving School
at Hendon
, and intended for police drivers and riders, they have been available for sale to the general public since the mid-1950s. Civilian advanced driving
organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists
and RoSPA base their teaching and advanced motoring tests
on Roadcraft.
Overview
Information received from the outside world by observation, and given by use of signals such as direction indicators, headlamp flashes, and horn; is now no longer included within the phases of the system but used as a general theme running continuously throughout the application of the system by taking, using and giving information;
- Position on the road optimised for safety, visibility and correct routing, followed by best progress;
- Speed appropriate to the hazard being approached, attained via explicit braking or throttle control (engine braking), always being able to stop in the distance you can see to be clear on your side of the road;
- Gear appropriate for maximum vehicle control through the hazard, selected in one shift; and
- Acceleration for clearing the hazard safely.
The taking, using and giving of Information is, arguably, most important and surrounds (and drives) the four phases PSGA. It may, and often should, be re-applied at any phase in the System.
The System is used whenever a hazard requires a manoeuvre. A hazard is something which requires a change in speed, direction or both. The benefit of applying a systematic approach to driving is to reduce the simultaneous demands on the vehicle, the driver mentally and the driver physically. That is, the System seeks to separate out the phases of a manoeuvre into a logical sequence so that the vehicle and the driver avoid being overwhelmed by having to do too much at the same time. For example, braking and steering at the same time place greater demands on the vehicle's available grip and in the worst case can lead to a skid.
Whilst the books were originally put together at the Metropolitan Police Driving School
Hendon Police College
Hendon Police College is the principal training centre for London's Metropolitan Police Service. Founded with the official name of the Metropolitan Police College, the college is today officially called the Peel Centre, although its original name is still used frequently...
at Hendon
Hendon
Hendon is a London suburb situated northwest of Charing Cross.-History:Hendon was historically a civil parish in the county of Middlesex. The manor is described in Domesday , but the name, 'Hendun' meaning 'at the highest hill', is earlier...
, and intended for police drivers and riders, they have been available for sale to the general public since the mid-1950s. Civilian advanced driving
Defensive driving
The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, ANSI/ASSE Z15.1, defines defensive driving as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." This definition is taken from the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course...
organisations such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists
Institute of Advanced Motorists
The Institute of Advanced Motorists is a charity based in the United Kingdom and serving nine countries, whose objective is to improve car driving and motorcycle riding standards, and so enhance road safety, through the proper use of a system of car and motorcycle control based on Roadcraft...
and RoSPA base their teaching and advanced motoring tests
Advanced Driving Test
The advanced driving test is a special exam for motorists who can drive to a skill level substantially above average, and candidates who passed are called advanced drivers...
on Roadcraft.