While a skidpan experience can be one of the most enjoyable experiences you can have in a car, there is also an important lesson to be learnt. Most drivers theoretically know how to respond should they find themselves in a dangerous skid or even start to spin out of control, yet it is another thing entirely to feel it first-hand.
The skid control and skid avoidance techniques teach drivers what going into a skid feels like. The managing director of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, explains: “Experiencing a full skid or the circumstances prior to losing control will take some of the shock and surprise out of the experience should you ever experience it on the road. While one can never be fully prepared to lose control (otherwise we would prevent it from happening all together) it helps to experience it in a controlled and safe environment.
“After a few rounds on MasterDrive’s M-Khana with an experienced trainer beside you, reacting safely and competently to a skid will become muscle memory. This means that if you brake suddenly in wet weather or take the corner too fast your instinct will kick in and take over so that the incident becomes nothing more than an ‘almost.’ You will undoubtedly still be left shaken but your first-hand experience in a simulated scenario will prove invaluable.”
Yet, the M-Khana course is also designed to allow drivers to enjoy driving in a way that would not ordinarily be possible. “While we emphasise the importance of skid control and collision avoidance, driving the M-Khana course is an enjoyable experience. Often, skidpad experiences like the one specially designed by MasterDrive are not available to the public for an affordable fee.
“There is also team building events for corporates and other organisations that want to build strong teams that work well together. Alternatively, companies that require specialised training for their teams, like tactical security teams that face highly pressurised and high-risk driving environments, can benefit from the M-Khana. It is an opportunity to put theory into practice.”
A major advantage of MasterDrive’s skidpad is it can be enjoyed in an eco-friendly way. “No water is required as MasterDrive has invested in specialised synthetic tyres that cause a vehicle to skid without water. In the development of our facilities we wanted to be cognisant of the recent extended period of below-average rainfall. As we gradually move forward, we need to be more conscientious of our water use.”
The benefits of skid control and avoidance are far-reaching. “There are very few, if any drivers, who can confidently say that undertaking the M-Khana will not benefit them. Take the opportunity to teach yourself a new skill while having a great time while you’re at it,” says Herbert.
MasterDrive’s M-Khana experience will take place at their new facilities across the road from the Ticketpro Dome. Email info@masterdrive.co.za, with M-Khana in the subject line, to find out more.