The only way to know your limits is to test them.

We all learn the basics in our required driving schools, which pedal makes the car accelerate, which one to press if we want to slow down, and exactly where the imaginary brake pedal is on the passengers side of the vehicle. We scare our parents, nearly kill our friends, and walk away with a card saying we know how to drive. The problem is most people’s schooling stops here, and that leaves a few holes in their confidence and capability.

Not enough people understand or interpret their cars abilities to their full potential, or lack thereof. It is a crucial step for any driver to take the time to “play” with their car. It is a life size toy and understanding how to control it can save your life. Windy City BMW offers you a chance to get to know your car in their hazardous driving school. The day starts out with a little classroom instruction on proper seat and mirror positions. These factors are more important then most people realize when it comes to keeping you safe on the road and in an accident. They also explain the different ways systems in different cars will affect your personal driving performance. You're going to be around a lot of knowledgeable car people so don't hold back on any questions or concerns.

When you are ready to hit the pavement your first course is to drive in a big wet circle as fast as you can. Keeping the accelerating in a tight turn, you learn how to lose control and how to get it back. They add other, more complex courses to challenge the driver further. They test your accident avoidance reflexes and you car’s steering and braking capabilities. Don't be nervous, and don't be shy. The passenger coaches in this school love the sound of screeching tires and chattering breaks.

Karen Gordon:

Safety School -"You're Going to What?"

When my daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Tom Mauk, asked if we were going to the Windy City BMW Safety School, I thought, "What for? Oh well, it will be a nice day with cool people, we can see other Bimmers, and we will make Melissa and Tom happy." And so when the morning arrived without any rain to cancel the event, we drove our Baby Blue, an M3 convertible, to Maywood for what we thought would be a "ho hum" day.

Boy, were we wrong—it was anything but "ho hum!" First up was the classroom session, a presentation complete with handouts and overhead on "Understanding Vehicle Dynamics." Getting ready to yawn? Don't! We learned about driving strategies including mental approaches, braking on dry and wet pavements, the physics of the car's suspension system, and safety, safety, safety. By the end of this riveting session, I was wondering if I should even have a driver's license!

I don't know about you, but my generation was taught to drive not as part of our high school education but by any family member or friend who could be bamboozled into it. Needless to say, none of the important information presented in the class was ever transmitted to us. Since then, I have informally surveyed people about what they learned in high school driving classes—alarmingly it was not any of the valuable, potentially life-saving information we received in the BMW Safety School.

Next, we hit the parking lot to see what the car feels like when the limits of tire adhesion are approached, reached, and exceeded; how to look ahead and anticipate the next move; accident avoidance techniques; and how to brake effectively while turning. A Zamboni wet down the parking lot, and exercise courses were set up. The most excellent instructors were assigned to and rode in each car to instruct, encourage, and soothe jangled nerves as we experienced what it is like to engage ABS, try not to spin out while over or under steering, and avoid hitting the "lawyer's kid on a trike." The theory is that we need to experience emergency situations under controlled conditions so that we can learn techniques for avoiding accidents. By the end of the afternoon, our cars have never been so dirty, and our mistaken beliefs about what "think" we can do on the road in differing conditions and what actually happens in emergency situations have never been so challenged. Also, I think most of us were aware of the quality of our Bimmers, but I Don't think we truly understood what the phrase "the ultimate driving machine" really meant—now we did!

A week later, a student of mine was in an accident; her car was totaled; she survived; however, both her thumbs were broken, her forearms burnt, her chest and ribs badly bruised, (all from the air bag) and of course, she had whip lash. The police explained the danger in particular for people of small stature; such as being too close to the steering wheel and improper holding of the steering wheel - things we learned in class (which I was especially interested in since I am only a smidgen above 5' 2"); only it was too late for her and small comfort that her injuries could have been avoided.

When I tell people that I went to a Safety School, they mostly react with a " What did you want to do that for?" until I drop a small gem I learned. Then, they want to hear another and another; they grill me until I can't remember any more. Most of them, like me, are appalled at our ignorance of defensive driving techniques that we should be using daily. So, kudos to the club for providing such a valuable service to members as well as non-members. If you haven't already, sign up for a next BMW Safety School, fasten your seat belts, and prepare yourself for anything but a "ho hum" day.

Karen Gordon – a most excellent driver now!

Melanie 'Jodi' Misch:

The WindyCityBMW Safety school is a wonderful surprise for anyone who "thinks" they really know how to drive. From the classroom to the actual driving part, I was amazed at the professionalism, timeliness, and wealth of knowledge that was displayed. My instructors were fabulous in pointing out bad driving habits that I didn't even realize that I had. They also encouraged me to push and challenge myself to new limits. I walked away with a completely different view on safe, yet proactive driving. In addition, I learned how to not only have more fun driving, but now I feel totally prepared to handle any evasive maneuver that I may need to take. I feel I am more aware and a better driver for the time I spent!

This course should be a requirement before you get your license!

Yours in Bimmerland,
Melanie 'Jodi' Misch - a most excellent driver now!

Cindi Webb:

Here are my comments on the BMW Safety School:

I found the BMW Safety School to be one of the most exciting learning experiences I've had in a long while! Not only was it exciting, but it was also extremely valuable. Being in my 40's, I don't take chances on the road like I use to and I consider myself fairly cautious, so I wasn't quite sure how much more I needed to learn about safety. Well, it truly was amazing how much I needed to be reminded of the "take it for granted" things you learned in high school.

And, in addition, I learned a tremendous amount about my new car and how it handles in different conditions. In fact, I was so impressed that we're sending our 23 year old daughter to the next class!

I can't stress enough how much I learned and just how much fun I had doing so. I also, strongly suggest anyone of any age (old like me, ha-ha) or young would truly benefit and enjoy this class. Randy even held everyone's attention in the classroom!

It's well worth the time and it was extremely affordable!

Event Photos:

	Fall Safety School

Pictures - 10/23/2001