The profession of Security Driving and Secure Transportation is undergoing an evolution, which is marked by a substantial paradigm shift in the way security drivers interact with their vehicles and navigate through their surroundings. To better understand these changes, examining the history of the Security Driver Triangle is helpful.
Introduction to the Security Driver TriangleThe Security Driver Triangle was first introduced to the Security Community in the early 70s. The following description was taken from Joe Autera's seminal book - The Professional's Guide to Planning, Managing, and Providing Secure Transportation.
This model was first introduced in the early 1970s by Tony Scotti when he adapted a highly effective industrial safety model to suit the needs of both Security Drivers as well as those responsible for managing the secure transportation function. He referred to this simple but effective framework for assessing risks, making informed decisions, and implementing them as the Driving Triangle.
When it comes to providing secure transportation, moving the Principal from Point A to Point B as opposed to planning and managing that function, the Security Driving Triangle's core components – the driver, the vehicle, and the environment – influence the outcome of virtually any behind-the-wheel emergency that a driver might happen to find themselves in, whether that emergency is a potential crash or a security-related incident. When all is said and, success or failure in those situations hinges on the answer to one important question; does the driver have the ability to use their vehicle to its fullest potential to overcome sudden changes in the environment in which there is limited time, limited distance, and limited maneuvering space?
Anyone involved in any way with Security Driving or Training and Secure Transportation and have not yet done so; we suggest purchasing Joe Autera's
Book.
The Vehicle Side of the Triangle
The evolution of the Vehicle side of the triangle, the driver's response to the vehicle, and the vehicle's reaction to the environment are changing. As a result, the knowledge and skill required to be above average are also evolving.
In a previous post titled "When Stuff Happens You Can't be Average," we covered the skills and knowledge necessary to be above average using the Security Driver Triangle. The post received a great deal of attention at the time, even inspiring a "When Stuff Happens" T-shirt.
As we stated in the original post, average driving skills and knowledge are insufficient for security driving professionals. They are paid to be above average, and the market demands it.
If the market only wanted an average driver, they could use an Uber driver or a limo company.
As such, the skills necessary to be an above-average security driver have been redefined, and security driver training has changed.
This change has been spurred on by the emergence of Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the algorithms that control them.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Most executive vehicles are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which are controlled by algorithms. An algorithm is a set of instructions that takes input and produces the desired output. The ADAS algorithm takes input from the driver and decides when to take control of the vehicle. This happens when the algorithm determines that the driver is operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.
However, in a security scenario, the driver may need to deviate from the path the ADAS wants to take, causing potential issues.
ADAS Does Not Prioritize Security Over Safety
The International Security Driver Association (ISDA) has repeatedly stated that the ADAS does not prioritize security concerns. Instead, it makes decisions based on what the algorithm considers safe for the vehicle.
According to a review by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, ADAS is likely to reduce accidents involving passenger vehicles, preventing 40% of all accidents, 37% of injuries, and 29% of deaths. Security Drivers must be familiar with every ADAS feature and how it affects secure driving.
Get Familiar with the Effects of ADAS Features
When the words "assists," "limits," "automatically controls," and "applies brakes" appear in the ADAS definition, they could present security issues, and drivers should be aware of these functions.
If rental vehicles are used, it is essential to understand the ADAS that come with the vehicle, which can be accomplished by researching the vehicle's safety features online.
For a list of ADAS that can present challenges to Security Drivers, please reference the index (below).
Additionally, Joe Autera's book "The Professional's Guide to Planning, Managing, and Providing Secure Transportation”, Chapter 13, provides valuable insights on this topic.
The Index
ADAS Features That Can Challenge Security Driving
Technology is Changing
Executive Vehicles - ADAS
Unraveling the Impact of ESC on Security Driving
From the IIHS - Advanced driver assistance
Driver assistance technologies
Car and Driver and ADAS
When Stuff Happens Men’s T-Shirt
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