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By Karen W Lim
In a law-abiding country such as Singapore, flouting traffic rules here is a no-no. Not only does it lead to accumulation demerit points, you also run the risk of crashing - or worse, killing someone.
But in a deserted part of Singapore, there lies an open tarmac in Changi where suppressed racing demons can be released - and are encouraged to. Not only do they get to floor the pedal, what's important is that these drivers are also taught certain skills that might save them from a collision.
Mercedes-Benz's Advanced Driving Experience course, which is held at the Changi Exhibition Centre from Aug 17 to 26, allows drivers to perform 'tricks' unimaginable on Singapore roads, as well as getting a chance to drive various car models from the automaker.
These 'tricks', or rather life-saving skills, are part of this course that educates drivers on braking safely, making fast corners and learning how to handle a car when it loses control.
This is the ninth time that Mercedes-Benz is organising the full-day driving programme, proof that the course is a popular event for many with some participants joining up to four times and counting.
During the course, participants are briefed on the safety features of Mercedes-Benz cars - its Assist technologies, seat-belt emergency tensioning devices, and the Pre-Safe capability which prepares the car for an accident.
Participants then pack themselves into the various Mercedes-Benz cars and are taken to different exercises.
Some will be thrown into scenarios where an accident seems likely to happen, where oversteer and understeer sends your car skidding out of control in a quick lane change. Skid mats and tyres were flown in specifically for this portion of the exercise, which most participants found to be the most fun.
While some participants are skidding and sliding, other participants on the other side of the tarmac will push the automaker's Anti-Braking System to its limits, as well as learn how inappropriate reactions influence the way a car responds.
Sounds exciting? It sure is. Headed by motor racing driver Peter Hackett, a handful of experienced instructors from Australia guide groups of participants through different stations: Evasive ABS braking, slalom, braking on different surfaces, lane changing and cornering.
Click on thumbnail to view. Story continues after photos.
(Photos: Mercedes-Benz) |
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