Reference Points

[Chris Simons]

Sorry, I posted this question on the comment wall as well - I was wondering if anyone had some good techniques when it comes to teaching someone proper lane position? Possible reference points? I have some drivers that tend to 'drift' around in their lane and can't seem to keep a steady track

[MIDNIGHT DRIVER]

Yes, there are a number of ways to get a driver to stay on track. If you use visual reference points it will help them understand where the vehicle is at any time. Try placing a thin piece of white tape on the windshield that runs the width - top to bottom - of the windshield. Make sure it is in line with the center of the steering wheel (you may also want to put a small piece of tape at the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel). This tape will act as the center of the lane that you are traveling in. Ask your driver to make sure that they have the tape lined up with the center of their lane. Try it and lets us know how it works for you.

[Chris Simons]

I have thought of that but never tried it. I will give it a shot and see if it helps - THX

[Marin Para]

Like riding a bike. Try not to look at the front wheel when you are riding. That will distort your space, speed and distance perception and will tend to drift to one side or another based on the visual cues you acquire at a given moment.

Instead ask them to look where they want to go, focus and visualize the point they would like to find themselves in or at.

What is the driving experience of the..."drifters"? Most likely they are new to this kind of driving thus their brain have very few elements to take in consideration and interpret as SAFE. Thus the subcontinent gives a psychological response of self preservation called "Fight otherwise Flight". This is our very first, automatic, subconscious response that prepares the rational (intellect) to either "fight" (overcome the fear) or else "flee" (remove yourself) from a perceived life threatening situation. This is not necessarily a state of fear but rather a state of anxiety. In this case the rational judgment system is replaced temporary with more primitive responses, action rather than deep thought. Hence lack of concentration.

As well the "drifting" can be caused by the inability of the driver to focus due to the overly excitement state (hyperarousal ), and when the adrenaline is being released in your body (surge like), thus modifying the blood flow to major muscle groups and nervous functions/senses like the... ... balance one for instant.

The "cure" for both of those potential causes is practice, practice and more practice, so much so that the brain does not get over excited anymore when the individual is on the track or on the street and the subconscious get used with the action of high rate speed driving and does not correlate this action any more with a potential danger.
I believe that no amount of visual cues will help them unless they get mentally used to the kind of driving you are teaching.
Hope this helps.