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Topic: Emergency Stopping When Rolling - What Can CoPilot Do? (Read 1345 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Emergency Stopping When Rolling - What Can CoPilot Do?

Reply #25 –
When we went through the drivers course at LazyDays in Tampa they showed us what to practice in case of an emergency where the copilot must take control. The copilot first kneels on there right knee next to the driver near the gas pedal. Then you grab the top of the wheel to gain control. Then with your left hand push the brake pedal and steer to the right lane and stop. They said we should practice it while stopped so we would know exactly what to do in that situation.

Regards,  Mark
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Emergency Stopping When Rolling - What Can CoPilot Do?

Reply #26 –
Thanks, Mark.  This we can do.  Made sense as soon as we read it.  We practiced it immediately.  Kneel on right knee next to driver, steer as best you can with left hand at top of wheel, and push brake with right hand.  We are parked, with engine off, for now.

Took it a couple of steps further.  Reinforced the common thinking about NOT turning off the key until rig has stopped, and added how to reach over or under to activiate the parking brake, if possible, after rig has stopped.  Uncovered a couple of less critical follow-on things to do, situation permitting, that were reasonable - like how to turn on emergency flashers to call attention to yourself, and unlocking entry door so help can get to you.

Basic first aid (time for us to get a tuneup), and 911 calls even if you don't know where you are, were also part of our conversation.

All of this response behavior presupposes driving in a situation that copilot would reasonably expect to be able to influence safely.  Get out of that seatbelt in real time in an extreme situation?  For us, we've agreed that it must be the copilot's call, totally. 

Thanks, all, for your thoughful reflection and reasoned suggestions, especially about taking personal responsibility to reduce risk as much as you can for self and others before and during driving.  Very helpful and reinforcing.  What a great bunch of people.

Has anyone else learned something useful to this topic in an RV driver's training program? 

Any more suggestions about what we can do proactively to help other drivers with this issue?

Bob

Bob Mulder
02 U270 3610 / 06 CRV
Spokane, WA

Re: Emergency Stopping When Rolling - What Can CoPilot Do?

Reply #27 –
A lot of the above advice could also be used for the copilot or any others on board. Knowing where the first aid kit is and what is in it (and how to use it), CPR, aspirin for heart attacks, 911 calls, list of prescriptions, medical history with phone numbers, etc., etc. is important. With two people on board, its a toss up as to who might need help. Chances good that it might not be an illness but a fall or a burn. I had to lockup for running elk in Yellowstone and Gaylie went from the fridge to the floor next to me in less than a second.
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Emergency Stopping When Rolling - What Can CoPilot Do?

Reply #28 –
Quote from: Jerry Whiteaker –
After reading and thinking about this, it seems that the passenger only has 2 choices; stay in the seat with the belt fastened,  or unbuckle and try to brake and steer.  Already off the road maybe better to stay in the seat.  A spit second decision.  Forget about the retarder, parking/emergency brake, someone behind, etc. all that can be done after you are stopped.  In an emergency we don't always react like we should or choose the best course of action.  Good to think about it in advance, so this thread has been helpful. 

Jerry, I agree with you completely. The copilot should stay put if there is a crash is immanent. If the co pilot thinks they have time, steer first then bring the coach to a safe stop second.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Emergency Stopping When Rolling - What Can CoPilot Do?

Reply #29 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
A lot of the above advice could also be used for the copilot or any others on board. Knowing where the first aid kit is and what is in it (and how to use it), CPR, aspirin for heart attacks, 911 calls, list of prescriptions, medical history with phone numbers, etc., etc. is important. With two people on board, its a toss up as to who might need help. Chances good that it might not be an illness but a fall or a burn. I had to lockup for running elk in Yellowstone and Gaylie went from the fridge to the floor next to me in less than a second.

I suppose many of us get up and move around while the other is driving.  We have two commands for these situations.  "Bump" means brace for a significant bump.  We watch for the oil spots on the pavement after the bumps coming up.  "Down" means get flat on the floor and create as much static friction as possible FAST, because something is about to happen.

oldMattB
Matt B
1998 u-320