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Cockpit Drill

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 9:02 am
by Taffy
I guess this is Noddy Question number one. Looking at the information I have been given about 'Spoken Thoughts' has prompted me to take a step backwards to re-examine my cockpit drill, which has become, to say the least, sloppy.

I found this on line:
https://www.iamroadsmart.com/docs/libra ... f?sfvrsn=2
which looks useful.

I notice that they have put 'seatbelt checks' after 'starting the engine', where my instinct is to have everything ready for go before starting the engine. Intuitively it seems to fit with items 5 and 6 in the list.

I do remember long ago hearing the argument that you leave the seatbelt until after starting the engine in case you need to leave the car in a hurry. I never took that argument seriously, but this document that I have referenced makes me wonder if it is still considered sensible?

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2017 1:49 pm
by crr003
Taffy wrote:I guess this is Noddy Question number one. Looking at the information I have been given about 'Spoken Thoughts' has prompted me to take a step backwards to re-examine my cockpit drill, which has become, to say the least, sloppy.

I found this on line:
https://www.iamroadsmart.com/docs/libra ... f?sfvrsn=2
which looks useful.

I notice that they have put 'seatbelt checks' after 'starting the engine', where my instinct is to have everything ready for go before starting the engine. Intuitively it seems to fit with items 5 and 6 in the list.

I do remember long ago hearing the argument that you leave the seatbelt until after starting the engine in case you need to leave the car in a hurry. I never took that argument seriously, but this document that I have referenced makes me wonder if it is still considered sensible?

There are lots of drills out there - here's one that puts the seat belt on before starting the engine:
http://www.iam-bristol.org.uk/index.php ... n-practice

The new IAM documentation includes a pre-drive and cockpit check which doesn't mention the seat belt - presumably to be put on later before actually moving.

On PistonHeads,there's a discussion going on which includes the timing of seat belt application:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/top ... 685491&i=0
I wouldn't worry too much about it though.

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Wed Aug 09, 2017 9:55 pm
by MichaelAC
Since the seat belt is there to help you in a collision, I would have thought that as long as it's on before you set off then that would be adequate. But that's just my thought, I'm new to all this.

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 8:46 am
by Taffy
MichaelAC wrote:Since the seat belt is there to help you in a collision, I would have thought that as long as it's on before you set off then that would be adequate. But that's just my thought, I'm new to all this.

Well, I wondered if putting it on was delayed for a reason. There is one reason given in the "Pistonheads" reference that 003 mentioned. Somebody seemed to think that it was in case your car spontaniously combusted when starting it. If that is the only reason, I'm happy to live dangerously and start the engine with my seat belt fastened.

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Thu Aug 10, 2017 8:55 pm
by Mr Cholmondeley-Warner
The logic is that if you're going to have a fire, the moment you turn the ignition on and/or start the engine is the most likely time. I use this method, but both are acceptable, I believe.

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Fri Aug 11, 2017 7:49 pm
by fungus
And if some clown were to collide with your vehicle and you didn't have the seatbelt on when the airbag deploys... Ouch.

Nigel.

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 10:23 am
by MichaelAC
Taffy wrote:
".................Somebody seemed to think that it was in case your car spontaneously combusted when starting it. ...................."


Gosh, I think someone was over-thinking when they made this rule :D

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 12:57 pm
by Taffy
Mr Cholmondeley-Warner wrote:The logic is that if you're going to have a fire, the moment you turn the ignition on and/or start the engine is the most likely time. I use this method, but both are acceptable, I believe.


That's good (that both are acceptable). I was well into my driving years in 1971 when the "clunk, click, every trip" slogan was first run, so it's well ingrained; I close the door and fasten my seat belt. I'd hate to have to change a habit of 46 years! Presumeably it's a risk we take all the time if we have stop-start technology fitted?

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 1:21 pm
by Horse
fungus wrote:And if some clown were to collide with your vehicle and you didn't have the seatbelt on when the airbag deploys... Ouch.

Nigel.


. . . Got some proof that it would be a problem? My understanding is that current airbag testing inudes 'out of position' occupants, using test dummies rested against the airbag.

Re: Cockpit Drill

Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2017 2:04 pm
by Jonquirk
As I understand it airbags don't deploy unless the vehicle has reached a minimum speed threshold, 18mph sticks in my mind but could be incorrect.