Speed Limiter

Scott en Aztl‡n (not

Actually, I think the *right kind* of training will. Regular readers like you will know how often I recommend BMW CCA's club training programs, including the one directed at teens ("Street Survivor"). I think the young drivers listen to us and are willing to learn from us because they know, or have seen, what *we* can and do do with our cars. Some of us autocross; some of us race; some of us modify our cars. These are all the things *they* want to do, so we get grudging respect for that. Then, we don't lecture them or talk down to them. We treat them as equals. We *explain* some of the critical vehicle dynamics they should always consider. The very first thing we do is get them in line in their cars and send them down a braking lane where they *hammer* the brakes so they either: A) learn to threshold brake or B) learn what their ABS can do. Later, with skidpad exercises and handling maneuvers, we engage them in our enthusiasm for driving precisely and well.

While it won't (and can't) result in instant good judgment, it goes a long way. Hey, if I were a kid (ISTR I actually was - once), given the choice of learning from a bunch of knowledgeable motorheads with cool cars and hands-on instruction or a blackboard lecture, some boring movies, and the prospect of riding around in a 4-door Buick demonstrator for hours on end, I know what *I'd* choose ... -- C.R. Krieger (Been there; done both)