Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School Blog

Nairobi's Danger Spots

2010-02-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

The East African Standard has an interesting article in todays paper on Nairobi's Danger Spots. To read the story go to : www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/InsidePage.php.

Security Caution - Nairobi

2010-02-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Security Caution From KK Security Report - 29 January, 2010:

Uhuru Highway, and particularly near the roundabouts on Bunyala and Lusaka roads have recorded increased attacks on motorists in the recent days. The gangsters hurl rocks onto the path of an oncoming motorist and attack if the motorist stops to inspect damage. There have also been incidents where tyres are put strategically on the road, ostensibly to warn motorists of a 'broken down' vehicle ahead. When the motorists slow down, they are attacked. If you are hit by a rock, do not stop. If you think you've hit something, do not stop. Drive on and report to the nearest police station or security company Mobile Response Team. If your vehicle breaks down along these areas or on deserted roads, leave it and seek help from a safe place.

Drinking and Driving Over the Holidays

2009-12-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

The festive season is upon us again which is wonderful, but how many families will have their festive season destroyed because of the stupidity of drink drivers? Young men between the age of 18 – 25 years are more likely to drink and drive, so we ask parents to monitor their young adults and save lives this Christmas.

The facts
Did you know that if you drive at twice the legal alcohol limit you are at least 30 times more likely to cause a road crash, than a driver who hasn't been drinking.

Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive. Alcohol enters the body quickly as it is already in a liquid form. It takes just 10 minutes for 50% of the alcohol consumed to enter the blood stream. There is no foolproof way of drinking and driving safely, or of knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.
Each person's tolerance to alcohol depends on a range of factors including:

• weight
• gender
• age
• metabolism
• current stress levels
• whether they have eaten recently
• amount and type of alcohol consumed

So the only safe option is not to drink alcohol if you plan to drive, and never offer an alcoholic drink to someone else who is intending to drive.

If you've been drinking, it's better not to drive. There are plenty of alternative ways to get home - you could:

• book a taxi
• stay at a friend's house overnight
• arrange a lift with someone who isn't drinking
• phone your parents

Coffee and cold showers the morning after a night out don't help you sober up. Time is the only way to get the alcohol out of your system and you could still be unfit to drive many hours after drinking.

Please enjoy your Christmas and don’t become a statistic

Security Tips for the Holidays

2009-12-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

From The Diplomatic Police Unit Nairobi

There are standard precautions we should take to ensure security of our residences, persons and property. This is especially true during the Holiday Season. Historically, the Holiday Season brings with it an increase in property theft, burglary and opportunistic crime such as muggings, car-jacking and extortion scams.

With the Holiday Season is fast approaching, many individuals and families will be traveling out of country or vacationing away from their residences.

Some of these tips are general residential security measures that should be practiced at all times.

Please read the following to better protect your residences when away and when traveling, security tips to avoid misfortune at the hands of criminals.

TIPS ON SAFE GUARDING YOUR RESIDENCE

1) Do not let strangers into your house and insist on seeing identification cards of KPLC, Telkom or NCC staff etc, before allowing them to enter your plot. Alert Security Guards that no one is to entry the property without the authority of the owner/tenant. Always have Security Guards escort!

2) Never leave keys for your house or gate unsecured or in dropping points like doormats and flowerpots. Make sure all spare keys are accounted for and that they are secured.

3) Do not leave ladders or heavy tools outside your residence; these may be used to facilitate a break-in.

4) Establish a good relationship with your neighbours, ensure they are aware of your absence and keep an eye on your house.

5) If you have a reputable security provider (KSIA Member) inform their senior staff as to the period you are away and give them a contact number in the event of an emergency. Your security company should arrange patrols of your premises or increased supervision during the period you are away.

6) When you are out of town ensure that your residential staff members carry out normal daily routines. Curtains remaining shut during the day and external lights remaining on during the day can advertise your absence to opportunists
.
7) Never employ staff without thoroughly checking their references, avoid employing casual labor. If casual labor is necessary, record identity information, contact numbers and references before allowing laborers on the property.

8) Do not allow your staff to have visitors on or near your compound.

9) Be wary of construction sites near your premises, casual workers on such sites are often involved in criminal activity.

WHEN YOU TRAVEL

1) Check for construction detours and for longer trips, obtain a weather forecast.

2) Inform a friend or family member where you will be, contact numbers and when you expect to return. Give the route of travel.

3) Travel during daylight hours.

4) Always carry a mobile telephone with recorded emergency telephone numbers.

5) Maintain a minimum of one-half tank of fuel.

6) On longer trips, have water, food, first aid kit and blankets in the vehicle.

7) If involved in a non-injury accident, in an unsafe location, acknowledge the accident to the other driver(s) and proceed to a safe location. Summon the Police.

8) If signaled to stop by any vehicle other than a clearly marked law enforcement vehicle, acknowledge the signal and waive the driver to follow to a safe location. Record Jurisdictional Police numbers, call Police, tell them your location and that you are being followed by an unmarked vehicle. Ask Police to send a marked vehicle to your location.

9) When returning to vehicle, carry keys in hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter quickly. Take a quick look inside vehicle before entering.

TRAVELING BY VEHICLE IN HOME AREAS

1) Be alert, especially when leaving or entering your home/premises.

2) Vary your routes and times of journeys.

3) Travel with company, (in convoy) where possible.

4) Report any suspicious vehicles or people to Police or the Security Provider.

5) If you think you are being followed; go to the nearest public area (shopping mall, well lit petrol station, Police Post); avoid becoming isolated.

6) Be suspicious of anyone trying to get you to stop or leave your vehicle.

7) Always keep windows closed and doors locked when in urban centres and where there are crowds.

8) When stopping, avoid being ‘boxed in,’ leave enough room to maneuver.

9) When parking, do not leave anything in your vehicle that may identify you or your business.

10) Try to avoid parking anywhere that may become dark or isolated before your return.

VEHICLE HIJACK ADVISORY

As most Nairobi residents are aware, vehicle hijacking continues to occur on a regular basis.

It is worthy of note, however; that the vast majority of hijackings do not involve injury to the victim or damage to the vehicle.

The following are a few points of recommended behavior drawn from real incidents:

1. Avoid use of the same route on daily basis to work / home/ school / college etc.

2. Change cars if possible from time to time.

3. Avoid unnecessary travel during the late hours. When it is absolutely necessary travel with someone, DO NOT travel alone.

4. Ensure that you are familiar with road networks around your house / office and greater Nairobi.

5. After attending social functions or dinners / movies, if you notice people around your car please do not approach but seek security intervention.

6. Statistics show that most times for hijacks are usually between 6am and 9am for the morning and between 5pm and 9pm for the evening.

7. Cooperate with the hijackers. Material items can be replaced.

Kenya's Black Spots

2009-12-01T00:53:00.000-08:00

NAIROBI POLICE INFORMATION DESK

The following sections are considered risky for motorists due to the number of accidents that have occurred in their vicinity. Motorists are advised to take extra care whilst driving in these areas.

NAIROBI PROVINCE
1. Kasarani G.S.U Stretch
2. Westlands Museum Roundabout
3. Westlands Kabete Road
4. Mombasa Road Between ZAIN Hqrs 7 Cabanas
5. Jogoo Road Near Maziwa Stage
6. Waiyaki Way Near Kangemi Fly Over

COAST PROVINCE
1. Tsavo – Maungu – Voi Road Section
2. Wundanyi - Mwatate Road Section
3. Maungu - Tsavo East Gate Road Section
4. Maktau - Taveta Road Section
5. Mazeras Miritini Road Section
6. Rabai Ribe Road Section
7. Kaloleni Dzitsoni Road Section
8. Kilifi - Vipingo Road Section
9. Kibarani - Changamwe Makande
10. Kwale Matuga Junction Road Section
11. Tembo Disco Area Along Msa – Malindi Road
12. Kengeleni Traffic Lights
13. Buxton Traffic Lights
14. Saba-Saba Lights
15. Kibarani Area
16. Sportsman Changamwe Area
17. Navy Junction Long Lunga- Lunga/Likoni Rd
18. Shika – Adabu Area
19. Waa Sec. School Area
20. Gede Area Along Msa-Malindi Road

EASTERN PROVINCE
1. Nkubu - Embu Road Section
2. Konza Junction To Salama Road Section – Mombasa/Nrb At Chumvi Area
3. Salama - Sultan Hamud Road Section
4. Emali Simba Market To Kibwezi
5. Mtito To Tsavo River Stretch
6. Nanyuki To Isiolo Junction At Subuiga
7. Machakos - Wamunyu Road Section At Kithangathini
8. Mlolongo - Small World Club – And Juction To Namaga And At Mto Wa Mawe Bridge

CENTRAL PROVINCE
1. Kiganjo - Narumoru Road
2. Kibirigwi - Sagana Road Section
3. Limuru - Uplands Section
4. Thika Blue Post - Sagana Bridge Road Section
5. Kiriaini – Muranga Road Section
6. Nyeri – Nyahururu Road
7. Makongeni (Along Thika – Garissa Road)
8. Makutano Embu Road
9. Kiambu – Muthaiga Road

RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE

1. Kinungi - Naivasha – Gilgil Toll Station
2. Gilgil - Mbaruk Road Section
3. Molo G.S.U Camp - Salgaa
4. Salgaa To A.D.C. Farm Section
5. Timboroa - Burnt Forest Section
6. Chepsir - Kipkelion Junction
7. Kericho - Litein Road Section
8. Kericho - Kaitui Section
9. Endebes Eldoret Road Section
10. Nanyuki Isiolo Junction
11. Nyeri – Nyahururu Wiyumiririe Area
12. Gilgil Nakuru Road Kasambara Area

WESTERN PROVINCE
1. Mbale - Vihiga Road Section
2. Kakamega Chavakali Road Section
3. Kakamega - Kisumu – Ilesi Museno
4. Kakamega – Mumias Rd – Makunga
5. Kakamega - Webuye – Lubao, Kambi Ya Mwanza Ejinya Corner, Malava Forest
6. Bungoma – Eldoret – Chemoi
7. Kitale Webuye – Lugulu Misikhu

NYANZA PROVINCE
1. Awasi Ahero Road Section
2. Kiboswa Kisumu Road Section
3. Daraja Mbili - Bondo Junction
4. Oyugis - Katitu Road Section
5. Migori Kakrao Road
6. Gucha Bridge
7. Migori Township
8. Ogembo Nyanguso Road
9. Kisii Township Main Road
10. Mwembe Area Kisii Town
11. Kisii Daraja Mbili

NORTH EASTERN PROVINCE
1. Garissa Madogo - Kbc Station
2. Modogashe - Habaswein
3. Ukasi - Bangale
4. Bangale – Hola Road Junction
5. Buna - Gurar

Credit Card/Identity Theft in Kenya

2009-10-31T06:29:00.000-07:00

One of our readers, a local security consultant, noticed a disturbing trend in Kenya concerning the way many businesses are handling credit card transactions and provided some valuable information and tips to help protect you from credit or identity theft.
Statistics in the United States from the Federal Trade Commission reported that 1 in 6 Americans would become a victim of identity theft in 2008. Criminal identity theft occurs when an imposter gives another person's name and personal information such as a drivers' license, date of birth, or National ID to obtain a job, housing, money, goods, or other services. Or the imposter may present to a counterfeit license or form of ID containing another person's data.

So how to do we prevent this from happening to us? First every household needs a shredder and our reader recommends the cross cut type. Dumpster diving, going through the rubbish for information, is an old method but still the number one way criminals get our information. Our reader noted that many of the businesses in Kenya are still printing our full credit card numbers on receipts. If you forget to take a receipt, throw it into the rubbish, or simply leave the receipt laying about in your house you are essentially giving your credit card to anyone who has access to this receipt. When you notice a business isn’t blocking out your card number on the receipt you need to bring this to the attention of the restaurant or store manager and to your bank. Eventually when enough people take notice and complain, change will come about.

Another common practice in many local businesses is for the store to enter your full credit card information into their computer system. Most people rarely notice when this happens but after the attendant runs your card into the machine they sometimes move to a computer and begin entering your personal information. Our reader noted when this happens he asks to speak with the manager and if they won’t run the transaction without recording personal information then he will pay cash or cancel the transaction. It only takes one dishonest employee or someone with a basic knowledge of computers and the stores entire customer list with credit card information can be stolen. There is no reason or excuse for a business to keep a file or store your personal information, and unless you bring this to the stores attention the practice will continue.

We’ve discussed this in previous newsletters but you should never give out personal information over the phone, and careful consideration should be made concerning the personal information you provide to all businesses. In Kenya scams are often run out of the prisons and may take many forms. Pre-texting is where a person pretending to be with a legitimate company like your mobile carrier, supermarket, etc calls or sends an sms to try to get you to verify your account numbers or even passport number. Phishing is basically the same except the thief will send you an email instead of calling you. Fake sweepstakes or lottery offers are usually sent by sms or email and claim that you've won a promotion, lottery or some other sweepstakes that you've never actually entered. Remember if contacted by phone or sms message, remain calm and don’t give out any personal information. Always note the number, don’t pick up if they call again, and never respond to messages from unknown numbers.

Social Networking sights are another area where thieves may gather your personal information. Most adults are careful about the information they give out but some teenagers and even unknowing adults may put themselves at risk of identity theft with the personal information the post to online sites such as Facebook. Identity thieves find names, addresses, and even birth dates on popular sites and use them to commit identity fraud.

Another area of concern comes from lost or stolen personal items. It's pretty obvious how thieves steal your identity by stealing your wallet or purse but how many consider the personal information they’re storing inside of an iphone or laptop. As the technology becomes smaller and easier to use you may be tempted to store personal information on these devices. Careful consideration should be made concerning the personal information you store on these devices. There are commercial programs available which store this information inside of password protected vaults or encrypted partitions, but the best practice is to consider how this information could be used in the hands of thieves and then decide if it’s worth storing the information on your device and the level of protection you may need for this personal information.
It’s easy to think, “it won’t happen to me, or hasn’t happened yet” but given the statistics the crime is growing fast and the chances are high you may be affected. There are many more tactics used to gain access to your personal information and the thieves are coming up with new scams daily. Unless you are proactive in your approach to protect yourself from this crime by limiting the personal information you give out and speaking out when stores or business aren’t protecting your privacy you too could be victim of this crime.

Kidnap & Ransom

2009-10-30T23:20:00.000-07:00

The following information was given to me by the Diplomatic Police Unit in Nairobi:

Kidnap Prevention

There has been a new development in kidnappings in the Nairobi area in recent months. Kenyans have been kidnapped by Kenyans in the past and this continues. The new development is kidnapping of Internationals where ransom has been demanded and paid.

Kidnapping or hostage taking is a crime that is used for both ideological ends, by terrorists, or monetary gain, by criminals. From the information available on the recent kidnappings in Nairobi, these kidnappings are for ransom.

This type of crime requires planning and coordination and is one of the few non-opportunist crimes affecting the population of Kenya.

Mitigating measures:

At Home

• Identify visitors before opening the door or gate to your premises; if in doubt, don’t open. If visitors are insistent, push the Security alarm to have the Security mobile Response Team respond and handle the visitor. If no security alarm, call the Jurisdictional police (have Police hotline stored in mobile phones).

• Use solid wooden or metal doors and good dead bolt locks.

• Keep windows locked.

• At night, close curtains before turning on lights.

• Erect tall boundaries, walls and fences maximize your security and privacy.

• Keep young children in sight or, if leaving them with someone, ensure that this person is aware that they may be at risk of kidnapping. Ensure that guardians of children have a mobile phone with appropriate contact numbers.

Lighting

• Effective use of lighting can considerably improve your personal safety.

• Consider sensor/timer activated lighting.

• At night, leave a courtesy light on at your front door/gate.

• Always have reserve lights (such as torches or candles) readily available in the residence and in vehicles.

Key Care

• Keep strict control over your keys.

• Do not allow duplicates to be made without your permission.

• If a key is lost, replace lock(s).

• Never conceal keys outside the premises or where anyone would know where they are.

• Always be vigilant and report anything suspicious to your Jurisdictional Police and Security Provider.

Traveling

By vehicle:

• Be alert, especially when leaving or entering your home/premises.

• Vary your routes and times of journeys.

• Travel with company, (in convoy) where possible.

• Report any suspicious vehicles or people to Police or the Security Provider.

• If you think you are being followed; go to the nearest public area (shopping mall, well lit petrol station, Police Post; avoid becoming isolated).

• Be suspicious of anyone trying to get you to stop or leave your vehicle.

• Always, keep windows closed and doors locked.

• When stopping; do not allow yourself to be boxed in, leave enough room to maneuver.

• When parking, do not leave anything in your vehicle that may identify you or your business.

• Try to avoid parking anywhere that may become dark or isolated before your return.

Walking

• Avoid walking after hours of darkness.

• Keep to busy, brightly lit areas where possible.

• Avoid short cuts across waste ground, deserted parks and unlit alleys.

• Be alert to your surroundings.

If A Kidnapping Occurs

• Your only job is to survive.

• At the time of your seizure, do not attempt to fight back. The first 15 to 45 minutes are the most dangerous.

• Do not play the hero; do not talk back or act “tough.”

• Fear is a normal reaction.

• Try to relax, pause, take a deep breath and accept the situation.

• Keep a low profile.

• Be cooperative without appearing either servile or antagonistic.

• Follow the instructions of your captors.

• Never beg, plead or cry.

• Do not make threats against your captors or indicate that you would testify against them.

• Avoid appearing to study your captor’s features, dress and mannerisms.

• Try to gain your captors’ respect and try to build rapport with them.

• An excellent topic of discussion is family and children.

• Encourage your captors to let the authorities know your condition and whereabouts.

• Take care of yourself; exercise, stay well groomed, eat and drink even if you are not hungry.

• Be patient and mentally prepared for isolation.

• Focus your mind on pleasant scenes, memories or prayers.

• Do not attempt to escape unless you are certain you will be successful.

• If there is a rescue attempt by force, drop to the floor and keep your hands over your head.

• Once the situation stabilizes identify yourself to the rescuers.

If anyone has any additions or comments we welcome your comments.

4x4 Training

2009-06-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

I'm pooped. I have just finished a marathon training session with a humanitarian peace keeping organization. 72 people doing 4x4 & Vehicle recovery.
Anytime you have so much training in a relatively short time it takes it out of you. I gotta say my staff of Rory, Lawrence, Moses worked extremely hard to get through it and they deserve BIG kudos for a job well done.
I am happy to see the school business growing and it looks as if we are in for the best year yet in GEPDS history.
We are now looking forward to the next half of the year. Thanks for the support.

Developing Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School

2009-06-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Where to now?

As you can see from the last blog the famous Glen Edmunds Performance Auto Services is now sold and is called 4x4 Services by the new owners Colin & Terry Davidson. So what's the next chapter for Glen?

I am developing other areas of business and you’ll soon see a whole new look and feel to our current courses. Without giving too much away just yet, we are doing some exciting stuff in the development department and that will make not only the existing courses even better, but you will also see us launch some new products in the near future.

I will be in the USA in July and updating my own training, as well as following through on new business opportunities within our realm.

The staff at Glen Edmunds Peformance Driving School, (offices at Lengai house, Wilson airport) probably wish I was still in the workshop as they have had more work to do since my retirement from the workshop!

Well as I said before, we are going to be doing a lot this year, so watch this space....

The Workshop - The Final Farewell

2009-06-10T22:45:00.000-07:00

So my mate Mick has been telling me for ages to get rid of the workshop and concentrate on the driving school. But I guess my ego has been standing in the way.

With the onset of the global recession creeping steadily towards Africa, and Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School's growing success, I decided that I should either sell the workshop or close it down. So I gathered up my courage and "bit the bullet" so to speak. Fortunately I managed to find a buyer and kicked my ego into touch and sold it.

It’s was a bit of a shock, but now that it's done and dusted, I’m sleeping better, have more energy, have more time on my hands to develop other revenue streams, and in general - much happier. It’s an amazing thing. All in all I know now I did the right thing.

The workshop is in good hands, and going well. Having a new management has breathed new life in to the “old dog”. When I look back on it, I guess I was holding onto it in the hope that Safari Rally would one day miraculously come back to Kenya. However, the realization that the Safari is never coming back, and that Kenya has fallen from favor with the IRC is quite sobering. So with Safari gone there was no need to have such an expensive or extensive work shop.

So I have said "goodbye" to all my staff and will try to remember only the positive memories (and to be honest there were more negative than positives recently trying to juggle two business).

My talents will be better spent doing what I love right now which is developing the Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School.
So in the words of the immortal Bob Hope – “Thanks for the memories” and "asta lavista baby"

Responsible Training

2009-03-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

Having seen alot of different training practices over the years it still unsettles me when I see trainers and organisations insisting in training drivers to do handbrake turns and J turns and the like.

Having seen a lot of different training practices over the years, it still unsettles me when I see trainers insisting on training drivers to do handbrake turns and "J" turns and and other similar advanced manouvres.

I find the practice of teaching these tricks irresponsible, especially in developing countries where drivers are often struggling to understand the basic fundamentals of driving.

“I can drive, so why not teach me the manoeuvre?” The problem occurs when you try one of these manoeuvre on a rough road and you end up dropping the car into a pothole or off the verge of the road and you wind up with a much bigger problem. You could easily put the car on its side or roll it over.

And unless you practice these techniques on a regular basis, you may end up doing something wrong and end up injured or worse. Hollywood has glamorised these techniques, but the reality is that in an emergency situation it’s much better to do the basics well.

In my opinion, it’s much easier and safer to teach more basic, practical techniques such as fast three point turns, high speed reversing, or the switch.

Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)

2009-02-17T22:15:00.000-08:00

We recently spent time at a well known eco-friendly game ranch in Northern Kenya. I was interested to see just how many vehicles were running around. It got me thinking about the environment and the pollutants we were spilling out into this beautiful pristine environment and what the animals were having to breathe in as we were passing.

It’s all well and good having an ‘eco friendly” lodge but if the vehicles being used to transport the tourist are spewing harmful toxins into the environment just how eco friendly are these lodges?

If humans are concerned by breathing diesel fumes continuously, how are the wild animals effected and what would the long term effects of breathing these diesel fumes daily from the many tour buses that visit these destinations. Is it time to limit the number of vehicles surrounding the animals or is the answer in the fitment of DOCS on all the vehicles? So I decided to do some research on the web. This is what I found out:

What are Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC)

We know diesel engines offer better fuel economy, long-term reliability and lower fuel emissions than petrol engines. However, there are concerns about the environmental and health hazards posed especially by diesel exhaust emissions.

Diesel emissions are an important topic for catalyst development. Sales growth of diesel cars has raised concern on the possible health effects from the ultra-fine particulates in diesel emissions. All new diesel – engine cars sold in Europe are now fitted with oxidation catalysts.

Diesel Oxidation Catalysts lower particulate mass by up to 50%, by destruction of the organic fraction of the particulate, as well as making significant reductions in CO, HC and the characteristic diesel odour. However, the number of particles is unchanged and issues associated with the effects of ultra-fine particulates remain unresolved.

Here are some Q & A from the web site http://www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/documents/f03016.pdf

Technical Highlights
United States Environmental Protection Agency, Air and Radiation EPA420-F-03-016
June 2003, Office of Transportation and Air Quality

Questions and Answers on Using a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst in Diesel Trucks and Buses

The pollution emitted by diesel engines contributes greatly to our nation’s air quality problems. Even with more stringent heavy-duty highway engine standards set to take effect in 2004 and 2007, existing trucks and buses will continue to emit large amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), both of which contribute to serious public health problems in the United States. Fortunately, there are several techniques and technologies designed to reduce diesel pollution from existing trucks and buses. Using pollution control devices such as a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) is one way existing engines can be upgraded (or “retrofitted”) to pollute less. This fact sheet discusses diesel oxidation catalysts.

What are the health and environmental effects of diesel exhaust?
Heavy-duty trucks and buses account for about one-third of NOx emissions and one-quarter of PM emissions from mobile sources. In some urban areas, the contribution is even greater. The fine particles in diesel exhaust (known as particulate matter) can penetrate deep into the lungs
and pose serious health risks including aggravated asthma, lung damage, and other serious health problems. In addition, diesel exhaust is a likely human carcinogen. Children are more susceptible to air pollution than healthy adults because their respiratory systems are still developing and they have a faster breathing rate.

Diesel exhaust also has environmental impacts. PM from diesel engines contribute to haze, which restricts visibility. In addition, diesel exhaust contributes to ozone formation (a component of smog), acid rain, and global climate change.

What is a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst?
A DOC is a device that uses a chemical process to break down pollutants in the exhaust stream into less harmful components. More specifically, it is a physical device with a porous ceramic honeycomb-like structure that is coated with a material that catalyzes a chemical reaction to reduce pollution.

What are the benefits of a DOC retrofit?
DOCs reduce emissions of particulate matter by at least 20 percent. DOCs also reduce emissions of hydrocarbons by 50 percent and carbon monoxide by 40 percent.

Does the EPA verify these emission reductions?
Yes, EPA evaluates the emission reduction performance of retrofit technologies such as DOCs, including their durability, and identifies engine operating criteria and conditions that must exist for these technologies to achieve those reductions. For a list of DOCs and other technologies that
EPA has verified, visit: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retroverifiedlist.htm. For more information about EPA’s verification process, visit: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/retrofittech.htm.

How much does a DOC cost?
DOCs for school buses cost about $1,000 - $2,000. Field experience suggests DOCs take about 1-3 hours to install.

What type of fuel does a DOC require?
DOCs can be used with regular diesel fuel, but the effectiveness of a DOC may be increased with the use of ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD – 15 parts per million sulfur). Currently, ULSD costs between 8 and 25 cents per gallon more than regular diesel. ULSD is available in many
parts of the country now and will be available nationwide beginning in June 2006.

Can a DOC be used on any engine?
Yes. DOCs have been used for years on a variety of diesel vehicles including trucks, buses and construction equipment.

Are there special maintenance requirements for a DOC?
No. Much like a catalytic converter on a car, once a DOC is installed, it rarely requires maintenance.

How long does a DOC last?
Most DOCs come with a 100,000 to 150,000 mile warranty, and can last 7 to 15 years.
Where can I get a DOC?
For more information about manufacturers of DOCs or other retrofit equipment visit our Web site at: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit/cont_retromfrs.htm.

Where can I find more information?
For more information on these topics, please visit these EPA Web sites:
• Voluntary Diesel Retrofit Program: www.epa.gov/otaq/retrofit
• Clean School Bus USA – Basic Information on Retrofit Options:
www.epa.gov/otaq/schoolbus/retrofit.htm
• Clean Diesel Independent Review Panel: www.epa.gov/air/caaac/
clean_diesel.html
• Health Assessment Document for Diesel Engine Exhaust: http://
cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=29060

You can also contact the Office of Transportation and Air Quality library
for document information at:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
OTAQ Library
2000 Traverwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: 734-214-4311
Email: GroupAALibrary

Rant About Matatus!

2009-02-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I saw a matatu cut down the inside of all the traffic splashing all the pedestrians on the side of the road, while forcing them off the roadside into the gutter. Then the driver proceeded to cut me off and then pushed his way into the queue. When one motorist tried to talk to him, he just turned up his music louder to drown out the criticism. Then he pulled out and proceeded to overtake down the wrong side of the road, again forcing oncoming traffic off the road.

When the matatu got to the junction he then turned right in front of a Minister's car, cutting him off and forcing the Minister's driver to brake very hard to avoid hitting him! Meanwhile, a policeman at the junction watched the whole saga and never pulled the Matau over, nor did the Minister's car make any attempt to do anything. This is normal operating procedure for matatus and everyone is fed up, yet they get away with it day in and day out.

I don't understand why the police don't do something to stop these maniacs. If a regular driver is seen by a policeman committing even the most minor misdemeanour they are immediately pulled over, chastised, taken to court, etc., while the matatus, the real killers, are left to wreak havoc on Kenya's roads. It just doesn't make sense to me.

The arrogance of the matatu drivers is becoming world renown, with overseas tourist talking about them before they even get here. Is this the impression of our country we want to send to foreign visitors? Do we want them to be stunned by Kenya’s beauty and wildlife only to have it tarnished by these dangerous, arrogant drivers?

Fond Memories

2009-02-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

Fond memories

One of the best moments in my life was when I spent a day with my son Craig and some of his mates taking them all for rides in my rally car.

We took them out to a ‘test session' about 30 minutes driver from Nairobi. They watched as we tested the car. Afterwards, we then spent a few hours taking each child in the rally car for a run on the test roads. They loved it and we all had a ball.

The Importance of Driver Training

2009-02-05T00:58:00.000-08:00

So the death toll in Kenya for road related deaths has already reached 130, and we are only just past the first month of the new year.

These deaths could have been avoided if drivers only had proper training. We are losing lives at a rapid rate on Kenyans roads. One person dies every 3 hours due to road related injuries in Kenya. That equals 3,000 deaths a year.

It's important that managers of companies wake up to this fact and do it urgently. Companies can no longer incur losses incurred because of bad driving - especially in this current global economic turmoil. It's not only a moral issue of saving lives, but it will also bite into the company's bottom line and affect much needed profits.

We encourage all employees to petition their companies to pay for professional defensive driving lessons. It could save your life.

Free Wheeling - Beware!!

2009-02-04T21:50:00.000-08:00

The term "Free-wheeling" describes a vehicle traveling in neutral or with the clutch depressed.
Many drivers use freewheeling in a effort to save fuel and is common practice with many truck drivers.

By putting the vehicle in neutral and allowing it to free wheel down a hill, can cause problems when it’s time to re-engage the gear. For example, when the gear is forced in, it can damage the transmission or result in locking the wheels and causing the vehicle to skid out of control.
Freewheeling vehicles rely on the brakes to slow them down resulting in overheating the brakes, and boiled brake fluids. Therefore when heavy braking is needed, brakes will tend to fade, and give a "long pedal" causing inefficient and longer stopping distances.

Many drivers will also push the clutch in conjunction with the brake during an emergency stop. By doing this they disengaging the engine from the drive train causing a loss in engine braking efficiency.

In addition, coasting down hills compromises engine compression braking, and descending steep or slippery hills should be negotiated with the use of engine and foot brake balanced so as not to over work each system.

Dangerous Scam - Nairobi, Kenya

2008-12-05T04:33:00.000-08:00

Security Alert 02 December, 2008

Prominent Kenyan Wildlife researcher and Honorary Game warden victim of million shilling fraud by gang of 3 women and one man probably using a subdermal dose of the "date rape" drug Scopolamine, through which the gang totally controlled her for more than three hours. Long enough for the gang to be given over one million Kenya shillings, withdrawn by the victim from
her own Bank account.

Date of Incident: Thursday, 27 November 2008 at approximately 9.30 AM

The victim of this scenario, a woman, we’ll call Mrs X had been undergoing physiotherapy at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) in Parklands, Nairobi, since 10 November, 2008. She would typically arrive every morning at about 09:00 for the daily two-hour session.

Mrs X parked her car at the back parking lot of the Aga Khan Hospital. When walking towards the Doctors Plaza she was stopped by a well dressed woman, who took her hand and held it, asking her questions about the whereabouts of a Maxwell group that had opened an ofﬁce at the Aga Khan and was holding a conference to see how they can help orphan children who parents died of AIDS. Mrs X told the stranger that she had no idea because she was visiting
a Doctor at the hospital.

The woman ﬁnally introduced herself to Mrs X as 'Sister Gladys' and explained that she helps raise funds to support orphans from Taita Taveta and Rombo area. She also told Mrs X that her parents died when she was 5yrs old. The whole time Sister Gladys was telling Mrs X the story she was holding Mrs X’s hand.

As they stood talking, another lady walked passed them and Sister Gladys asked the woman if she knew about the Maxwell group. This woman told her that they had opened an ofﬁce along Ngong road near Masaba hospital. By “coincidence” Sister Gladys knew the 2nd lady who eventually introduced herself Mrs Kamau.

The gang had obviously been doing surveillance on Mrs X for quite some time and knew how many children she had, who her family members were, etc. This information, combined with effects from the drug (which had apparently been transferred by holding hands with Sister Gladys), persuaded her to follow these two ladies because they convinced her that the Aga Khan was full of devil spirits.

All three women got into what Ms. Kamau claimed was her car and drove to the High Ridge Nakumat parking lot. At the parking lot one more women and a man joined them in the car. At the parking lot some more rubbing of Ms X’s arm took place. All the time Sister Grace was speaking to her, asking her questions about herself and managed to extract information about Mrs X’s accounts and amounts being held in each.

She did not have the account number of her current account, so was asked to call her sister-in -law to get the information. That was 11:30a.m. After that she was asked to switch off her phones.

She was asked to go into the Nakumat to buy some eggs and later to write something in her diary, which she did. Mrs X’s assumption, once she came to her senses, was that these actions comprised a trial to see if the drug was having the desired effect to render her docile and compliant, yet still ambulatory and functional.

They then drove to the Kenya Commercial Bank at Kencom House. On arrival at the Bank, she was then told to withdraw from her savings account Ksh1,150,000 and Ksh150,000 from her current account. The male person in the car accompanied her to the Bank. He queued for her and then when it was her turn to withdraw money he left her alone in the queue after telling her that it was getting late and therefore, she should only remove money from the savings account.

The clerk at the Bank seemed to be concerned about the amount she was withdrawing and only gave her Ksh 50,000 over the counter and asked her to come inside for the rest. She was given the money and handed the bag to the man to carry, and they both left the bank. Once outside, they got into the parked car. She was then asked to hand over the money. They drove to an
Uchumi by Nairobi Cinema and asked Mrs X to go into the store and buy a mirror. When she came out of Uchumi they were gone.

She wandered around town for quite some time, not aware of what she was doing. She eventually ﬁnished up again in front of the Bank about 1345 hours. She sat there for some time and then called one of her employees who immediately came and collected her.

It was only on Friday afternoon, when she went back to the AKUH to collect the car and to speak to the nurses in Physiotherapy, when they told her that she had actually not come for treatment on Thursday and that she was seen talking to and leaving with a woman, that suddenly the memory of what had really happened began to flood back.

Search results from the Internet suggest that M. was the victim of ‘burundanga’, or something similar, in which the perpetrators contrive to achieve topical or oral administration of scopolamine, or some similar derivative of narcotic plant families like Solanaceae. It should be noted that there were no medical tests to confirm or refute this hypothesis.

Mrs X has been to the police twice, and to the hospital and bank. She is also trying to reach a journalist with the local press to try to alert others of this gang's activities. Her boss has been in touch with UN Security, the security group for the hospital, and two private security companies. They will be posting alerts. Several people have written to Soila relating similar incidents. A search of the Internet reveals the use of one drug for this kind of robbery. One of the security companies knew of another drug.

The Perpetrators
As best as Mrs X can recall, the perpetrators were:

Sister Gladys, who intercepted the victim in the parking lot was a good looking person, around 30 to 35 years old, medium build, well-dressed in a Kitenge outﬁt. Evidently the leader of the group. She was a very convincing talker.

The second woman, who called herself Mrs Kamau, was elderly, slim, medium build and dressed in a pink skirt suit.

The man who accompanied her into the bank who earlier introduced himself as Mr. Mumanyi was dressed in a black suit, he was about 5ft 7”, around 40 to 45yrs old and around 90 kilos.

The third woman Mrs Mumanyi was around 40 to 45 years old, tall, slim, dressed in a black skirt, black and white blouse.

TIPS
Thieves take advantage of people’s eagerness to be helpful. It is advisable to be very cautious when speaking to strangers, shaking hands or taking pieces of paper from people that you don't know. It's better to be rude, than to be taken by a scam. You should also be wary of being predictable in your daily routines as this makes you an easy target. Always try to vary
routes, times, appointments and even vehicles whenever possible.

Remembering Road Traffic Victims & Their Families

2008-11-12T00:21:00.000-08:00

WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE (WDR)

The Association for Safe International Road Travel (ASIRT- Kenya) invites you to join us in the World Day of Remembrance on Sunday 16th November 2008. The event begins with a processional walk at 12noon, Freedom Corner in Uhuru Park to KICC, and 130pm at KICC launched by President Daniel Arap Moi.

This is a day established by the United Nations (UN Resolution 60/05) and calls on all governments to mark the third Sunday in November each year as World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. It was created as a means to give recognition to victims of road traffic crashes and their loved ones.

Why mark it?
Road crashes in Kenya are a leading cause of death and account for over 30,000 injuries per year. Many of the injured are permanently disabled, and many are unable to contribute to the well-being of their families or themselves, causing great hardship for many more. We know that all of these injuries and deaths are predictable and preventable. We know that our road culture can be changed and that the responsibility lies with the government, the administration, and with us as individual drivers, passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.

During the observation of this day we will review the epidemiology of the problem, what are the obstacles to change, and how we can actually change road culture in Kenya. We will honour the victims of road carnage by making roads and road users safer.

Where will it be?
This event will start with a walk at Freedom Corner within Uhuru Park at 12 noon and end at The Kenyatta International Conference Centre – KICC. The walk will include school children with reflective arm bands, victims of road crashes in wheel chairs, family members, friends and the general public.

At KICC President Daniel Arap Moi will launch events at 1:30. There will be an inter-denominational service; a large memorial quilt comprised of hand-written memorials to victims of the road, and more quilt squares for people to sign at KICC. There will also be a children’s essay contest, several exhibits, information, memorial candle-lighting and entertainment.

Who?
Many dignitaries have been invited to the event which will be launched by retired President Daniel Arap Moi who is also a road crash victim. Neuro-traumatologist, Mr. David Oluouch-Olunya, will be our Master of Ceremonies.

It is our hope that collaboration with the Government of Kenya, World Health Organization, road safety organizations, medical organizations, media, religious leaders, driving schools, road crash victims and their families and various companies will come together to promote immediate change, including the immediate implementation of the National Road Safety Plan.

Come join Glen and Kim Edmunds as they help bring recognition to this day.

Free Security Updates

2008-10-31T01:18:00.000-07:00

For those of you who may not know already, GEPDS publishes a weekly security update on current issues that are happening in Kenya. If anyone would like to sign up for these e-mail alerts, please go to our website: www.GlenEdmunds.com and sign up under the newsletter tab on the right side of the page. We believe that knowledge is power and the more information you can have about crime trends, dangerous areas, current security issues, etc., the better equipped you will be to avoid a dangerous situation. It's free and full of useful information. Visit our website today!

GEPDS honored with Road Safety Contribution Award

2008-10-08T23:56:00.000-07:00

Kim Edmunds Receives Award on behlaf of GEPDS for Road Safety Contribution from the Honorable Chiran Ali Mwakwere (centre) and Nelson Kuria (right)

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School was awarded for their contribution to Road Safety in Kenya by the Association of Kenya Insurer's (AKI). The award was presented by the honorable Chiran Ali Mwakwere, Minister for Transport at a luncheon on 3 October, 2008.

GEPDS is very honored to receive this award and look forward to our continued responsibility to improving Road Safety in Kenya.

Farewell To A Great Actor and Racing Driver

2008-09-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

Paul Newman, American Racer, 1925-2008

I was very sad to hear that Paul Newman, one of my favorite actors of all time, had lost his battle with cancer yesterday. He will be missed by many. I found this article and thought it was appropriate:

By Steven Cole Smith : Date posted: 09-27-2008

Paul Newman's profession was acting, but his passion was racing. He has died at age 83 after a battle with lung cancer that had been well-documented in many of the tabloids these past two years, but he faced his illness the same way he lived his life: quietly, and with dignity.

Arguably the most talented of the celebrities-turned-race drivers — and inarguably the most successful — Newman raced sports cars at Daytona, Le Mans and Sebring. He began racing rather late in life because, he said, "It's the first thing that I ever found I had any grace in. I'm not a very graceful person."

Newman said his favorite sound was "a V-8 engine,"

He Lost It at the Movies
Paul Newman first got serious about motorsports in 1968 while making Winning (1969), which revolved around the 1968 Indianapolis 500, but he wasn't really able to begin racing until four years later. He picked up his basic skills in a Lotus Elan, purchased an ex-Bob Sharp Datsun 510, then finally took an ex-Group 44 Triumph TR-6 to a hard-fought class championship in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) run-offs at Road Atlanta in 1976. SCCA race fans at his home track of Lime Rock Park began to wear T-shirts with the slogan, "Paul Newman Has Skinny Legs."

Newman said, "I was never a great driver — I started racing when I was 47 years old — but I got to be pretty good. I was a pretty good driver for about five years."

Read more...http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=132426?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..1.*#2

An Upsurge in Kenya Road Accidents

2008-09-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

22 September, 2008. The Nairobi Chronicle reports...

An upsurge in road accidents in Kenya has led to calls for the return of John Michuki to the Ministry of Transport. Motoring analysts however say that the Michuki rules did not work because they merely focused on punishing bus and matatu operators.

Scores of people have died on Kenyan roads in recent weeks. Most of the accidents involve minibus taxis, popularly referred to as matatus. Other accidents involve long distance buses and trucks plying the roads between the port city of Mombasa and the interior.

Deaths from road accidents may surpass the 3,000 fatalities a year mark that was the norm before the Michuki rules of 2004. The rules were introduced by Kangema legislator, John Michuki, who was the Transport Minister at the time. The Michuki rules forced all commercial vehicle owners to install speed governors set at 80 kilometres per hour. On city roads, the speed limit was enforced at 50 kilometres per hour.

Read the entire article by clicking this link:
http://nairobichronicle.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/michuki-rules-did-not-work/

Frustrations of Driving in Nairobi, Kenya

2008-09-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

If anyone has had the pleasure of driving in Nairobi, you will understand what I'm talking about. Not only are you constantly trying to second guess the next move of the vehicle in front of you, behind you and beside you, but you also have to be on high alert for matatus (public service vehicles) always trying to cutting you off.

And God forbid that a vehicle breaks down on the road or someone has a fender bender or accident in front of you! This of course blocks traffic flow and two lanes of traffic suddenly turn into five or six lanes, as impatient drivers try to figure out a way to get past the jam.

Those drivers, off course, meet oncoming traffic head on, and before you know it you are stuck in a gridlock situation that could go on for hours. You sit in the traffic jam wondering how much money you are wasting in fuel. Of course, with current fuel prices as high as they are, this could mean a lot.

If you are concerned about the environment and global warming, you wonder how much carbon emissions are being released into the atmosphere as you watch large lorries puffing out large clouds of smoke.

Should we even mention the frustration of how much time is lost sitting in your vehicle trying to get from A to B? I don't know about you, but my patience is growing thin!

What are your thoughts?

Security Tip

2008-09-04T05:37:00.000-07:00

There was an incident in the Nairobi suburb of Karen area recently whereby a gang followed people into their gate and invaded their home. They were roughed up quite a bit, but avoided further injury because they had sufficient cash on them to appease the robbers. Remember that it's a good idea to always keep some cash on you at all times and at your house in case you are a victim of robbery. Smaller denominations are useful as it makes the amount look more than it is.

Robbery Alert

2008-07-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

A new strategy has been used by robbers to attack motorists in Kenya. The robbers create a fake 'accident' scene by stalling a vehicle at a narrow section of the road. Another car is placed strategically on the opposite direction to make it appear as if the owner is offering help to the driver of the stalled car. As other motorists drive up to the point, the robbers strike. This has been reported in Nakuru, Nairobi and Nyahururu. If you come upon such a a scene, try to reverse and get away. Report to the nearest police station.

Glen Edmunds Safe Driving Tip

2008-07-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

Riding the clutch is dangerous! We see this with many of our students at our driving school. Drivers tend to rest their foot on the clutch pedal, instead of off to the side. This is a very bad habit, as it allows the thrust bearing to spin continuously, and can lead to premature failure of the bearing. This of course will result in clutch failure.

The thrust bearing is only designed to run for a few seconds at a time when you are engaging gears. Keep your foot off the clutch while driving and instead place it on the foot rest or the floor until you need it.

Watch your tyres!

2008-07-10T05:37:00.000-07:00

There has been a spate of tyres being stolen from residential compounds in the Karen area. It is important to note that these vehicles did not have car alarms or wheel locks. Please notify your askaris so that they are aware of this.

The last 10 days there have been reports in the Karen/Langata area of residents being following into their drive ways on their way home from work in the afternoons. They are in a non-marked car (usually white) and claim to be from the city council. They demand money from you saying that you haven't paid this bill or that. And if you don't pay them on the spot, they will take you to the police, etc. The best way to avoid this type of incident is to make sure you aren't being followed into your compound. Keep a close eye in your rear view mirror to make sure someone isn't following you. If you slow down do they slow down? If you speed up, do they speed up? If you think you are being followed, do not go home! Call your local security company or the Police Hotline (020 - 240 000) and inform them of your situation. Alternatively you can drive to the nearest police station or parked security vehicle. Just as a regular precaution, you can also phone your askari in advance and tell them that you are on your way home and to make sure he opens and closes the gate quickly behind you and to not let any other vehicles come in behind you.

Road Safety Campaign

2008-04-22T01:51:00.000-07:00

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School has partnered with their sponsor Monroe Shock Absorbers in a safe driving campaign for East Africa. Monroe is promoting safe driving by encouraging motorists to fit their cars with the recommended car suspension system and Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School is promoting safe driving through the multiple courses that the offer such as defensive driving, security driving, 4WD training and much more. The complete article can be read in the East Africa Standard on page 13.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt Contributed to Princess Diana's Death

2008-04-07T23:53:00.000-07:00

photo from BBC
The BBC reports the following: "The inquest found Princess Diana and Dodi Al Fayed were unlawfully killed due to the "gross negligence" of driver Henri Paul and the paparazzi." Reports also state that Princess Diana was not wearing a seatbelt and this also contributed to her demise.

Princess Diana is a prime example of what can happen when you are not wearing a seatbelt. Yes, the accident still would have happened, but would she still be alive if she was wearing her seat belt? Possibly so. Failure to wear a seat belt contributes to more fatalities than any other single traffic safety-related behavior. 63% of people killed in accidents are not wearing seat belts. Wearing a seat belt is still the single most effective thing we can do to save lives and reduce injuries.

We all know about the dangers of not wearing a seat belt. Yet, many people still don't wear one.

Many people have a lot of excuses for not buckling up. Some say that they don't bother with seat belts when not going far. However, did you know that 80% of traffic fatalities occur within 25 miles of home and under 40mph?

Many people say, “I have air bags all around my car. Why do I need a seat belt?”

Air bags cushion impact. It’s better to strike the deflating air bag than the immovable dashboard. However, a seat belt protects you from the air bag.

Airbags explode in front of you at 200mph.

An airbag deploys so fast that it seems to inflate and deflate before the explosive sound is over. When you move abruptly forward in a car accident, the safety seat belt stops you quickly as the air bag approaches your chest. Even with the seat belt on you may feel like someone punched you hard in the sternum a day or two after the accident. However, without the seat belt on, you risk serious injury from the air bag alone.

Some people say they can't be bothered to take the time to put on a seat belt. It takes 3 seconds to buckle up. Dead is Forever.

Wear a seat belt to significantly increase the chance of surviving a car accident.

Bump & Run Carjacking Technique

2008-03-27T05:52:00.001-07:00

This is a reminder of one of the oldest scams in Kenya, that people often forget about. The common practice is for someone to gently bump you in the rear bumper. The normal reaction is to get out of your vehicle, leave the keys in the ignition and walk to the back of your vehicle to check for damage. As soon as you are pre-occupied at the back, someone jumps in your car and drives away. The best thing to do is to stay in your vehicle and keep your doors locked and your windows up. Phone the police hot line or your local security company and ask them to dispatch someone to the scene. Or drive to your nearest police station.

UN Report On International Road Safety

2008-03-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

UN Secretary-General issues his first report on international road safety

UN Photo/Mark Garten

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, has published his first report to the UN General Assembly on progress in international road safety. The Report calls upon Member States to continue using the WHO-World Bank World report on road traffic injury prevention as a framework for road safety efforts, and to pay particular attention to the risk factors mentioned in this report. It also calls on Member States to be cognisant of the safety needs of vulnerable road users, for example through improvements for public transport and separate road space for pedestrians and cyclists. In his report the UN Secretary-General calls for a ministerial conference on road safety to be held under the auspices of the UN in the near future and also stresses the need for an appropriate global tool to monitor progress.

The report summarizes achievements from the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, a network of more than 40 agencies facilitated by the World Health Organization. Among the major recent achievements highlighted is the First UN Global Road Safety Week held in April 2007 and celebrated through hundreds of national events focussed on youth and road safety as well as World Youth Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. The Report also draws attention to a series of good practice manuals developed by partners from the UN Road Safety Collaboration and aimed at addressing some of the key risk factors for road traffic injuries - drink driving, seat-belts, helmets, speed, visibility, etc.

Night Driving Tips

2008-03-10T05:20:00.000-07:00

Don't just take a stab in the dark.

Between midnight and 6AM is the riskiest time for crashes, because there are fewer drivers yet more accidents than any other time of the day. Holidays and vacations may put you in situations where you want to drive through the night to get somewhere, but if you do intend to drive at night, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Safe night driving requires preparation, alertness and a heavy dose of common sense.

Make sure your headlights are properly aimed. Check with your car's service manual or a professional for the proper procedure. Also make sure all other lights work.

Keep your headlights and windshield clean. Being able to see other cars and be seen by other drivers helps a lot! If it's bug season, stop and wipe them off at each break.

Don't overdrive your headlights. Especially when driving on smaller roads without reflector strips, follow a four-second rule. Take note of where the far reach of your low beams are, then count four seconds. If you pass that original place in less than four seconds, then you are going too fast. Two to three seconds may be an acceptable range for major highways with reflector strips. Remember that posted speed limits are for driving in daylight with dry road conditions.

Use high beams wisely. The use of high-beam headlights when there isn't oncoming traffic can extend the time that you have to react to hazards. Never use your high beams because the high beams of the oncoming car stay on. This will only increase the chances of a head-on collision.

Don't look at oncoming headlights. Focus on the edges of oncoming traffic and bright objects, as staring directly into headlights can blind you for up to five seconds until your eyes adjust.

Look around. Keep your eyes moving from side to side, rather than focusing only on the centerline and the road ahead, to help your eyes stay adjusted to the dark and avoid falling victim to "highway hypnosis," a state in which reaction time is greatly impaired.

Wear sunglasses during the day. Wearing sunglasses during bright days helps keep your eyes more sensitive for driving in the dark.

Always carry flares or reflectors for a breakdown. Keep them in a place where they can be easily accessed in an emergency.

If you're tired, get off the road and sleep. If you feel sleepy, caffeine can never be a substitute for sleep, nor is loud music or rolling down the windows. Pull over and rest, and stop every two hours for a break out of the car even if you're not feeling sleepy. Don't set out on a trip tired. Change your schedule and get some rest first.

Another important reminder: During the time of the year, when days suddenly get much shorter due to the end of daylight-saving time, more pedestrians are out walking in the dark during peak evening traffic hours. "Drivers have to be especially careful now, because pedestrian fatalities have been shown each year to quadruple during the period just after daylight-saving time ends," said Jim Rink of AAA Michigan, citing an American Journal of Public Health report. Remember to turn your headlights on by dusk and slow down!

By BENGT HALVORSON

Refresher Driving Courses Now Available

2008-03-05T20:38:00.000-08:00

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School

It is really important to take “refresher” courses in almost everything we learn, particularly driving skills. Most experts agree that we need to hear something a minimum of 30 times before it becomes integrated into our memory.

When it comes to driving skills, you need to brush up on your driving skills at least every 18 months. Otherwise, it’s easy to slip back into those old negative habits. With this in mind, we have developed a refresher course that will help you brush up on your skills.

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School is now offering four-hour driving refresher course from 8:30am. – 12:30pm. on specific dates.

Content
It’s all driving! Drivers will be put through an assessment in order to establish which areas they need to work on most. We’ll then offer practical feedback on how to improve their skills and put them through the necessary driving exercises.

During the training, participants are in the car with one of our qualified instructors. We actively discuss how you are driving, and why. Our client's show dramatic improvements after not only being shown what to do correctly, but understanding the reasons why.

Certificate
At the end of the half day training, we will issue each participant with a Certificate Of Attendance.

Details:
Time: 8:30 – 12:30
Venue: Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School, Embakasi
Driving Time: 4 Hours
Classroom Time – None
Minimum Number of Students: 3

Contact us on Kim@performance.co.ke for further information.

Don't Drop Your Guard

2008-03-04T05:09:00.000-08:00

You could almost here the huge sigh of relief all across the country when Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga signed the peace agreement in favour of a power sharing arrangement. Although reactions to the peace agreement have been peaceful so far, please don’t fall into a state of complacency or let down your guard.

The British Foreign & Common Wealth Office (FCO) reports: the situation in Kenya remains fragile and tense in the aftermath of two months of violence and widespread displacement of communities, following the disputed election on 27 December 2007.

*Large gatherings and demonstrations could still occur and should be avoided. Any rallies, even if advertised as peaceful, could potentially turn violent. On 28 February police fired tear gas to disperse dozens who had gathered to witness the signing of the power sharing agreement.

So please remain vigilant at all times and keep yourself informed through media and security reports.

Criminals Prey on Sympathetic Women

2008-02-28T19:27:00.000-08:00

Criminals Can Prey on Sympathetic Women

Women are often sympathetic to people in need and therefore risk being taken advantage of. Never stop and help strangers on the side of the road; they may be thieves waiting for unsuspecting victims. Don’t fall for these common scams: a person with a sick baby asks for a ride to the hospital, a person has run out of fuel and needs a lift, a person has car problems and asks for assistance. They may be legitimate or they may produce a weapon and rob you, carjack you or worse.

We all want to be helpful, but it is much safer to phone the Police Hotline from your cell phone or drive to the nearest police station or parked security vehicle and report the incident. This helps innocent people that really do require help and protects you from becoming a victim yourself.

Remember, you can't judge a person by how they look. Ted Bundy, a famous serial killer who confessed to murdering over 30 women, was a good looking, well educated man, who played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked "for help" into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is how he abducted his victims.

Peace Deal Signed in Kenya

2008-02-28T07:19:00.001-08:00

Peace Deal Signed in Kenya!

The moment all Kenyans have been waiting for since the civil unrest began after the presidential elections on 27 December. After weeks of bitter negotiations, Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga signed a peace agreement on a coalition government this afternoon!

We are all grateful to Kofi Annan and all the other world leaders that came to assist during these troubled times.

May continuous peace once again be restored to Kenya!

Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School New Website - Coming Soon!

2008-02-20T22:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends

I just wanted to let you know that by the end of February, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School will have an exciting new look to it's website!

Included in the new look will be weekly tips on:

Security
Basic Mechanics
Road Safety
And for all those rally fans out there, Glen is now going to host a weekly rally tip!

Watch this space, because we will soon be launching an online shop!

We are also adding a calendar, notice board and report crime button. Plus our blog will now be easily accessible from the website!

Security Lamination for Your Vehicle

2008-02-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

For those of you who wish to feel more secure in your vehicles while mobile, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School now offers security vehicle lamination. There are two levels of protection:

1. Anti-riot / UV protection / Heat resistance

2. Anti-riot / Petrol bomb resistance /
UV protection / Heat Resistance /
Sound Proofing / Anti - Glare / etc

You can also get this for windows in your home. The lamination comes in clear, grey, or silver shades and comes with a 12 year warranty against fading, peeling and loosening. Contact Glen for more information on: 609737 or 609738.

Peace returning to Kenya

2008-02-14T03:51:00.000-08:00

A graffiti-covered car, burned at a roadblock in Nairobi's Kibera slum. REUTERS/Radu Sigheti.

The wording on the vehicle above echo's a strong message. Much of the violence in Kenya is ending and many people are able to get on with their normal lives again. Kofi Annan, seems to be doing an amazing job as mediator between the current Kibaki regime and Raila Odinga's opposition party. All Kenyans are waiting patiently as conflicts are resolved peacefully through negotiations and non violence.

The Daily Nation reports that even Kenya's Flower industry had a monthly export record for cut flowers despite low expectation for the industry following post election violence that displace many of its workers.

Today is Valentine's Day. A day of love and appreciating those closest to you. We wish all our fellow Kenyans a very Happy Valentine Day.

Remember! Have a great time, but please wear your seat belts at all times and don't drink and drive!

Nairobi Traffic Jam Shows Softer Side

2008-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends
Yesterday I was caught up in one of the biggest and longest traffic jams I've ever experienced in the last 21 years in Kenya. What normally takes me 15 minutes from my office to my house took just over 2 hours! A big trailer had flipped on its side in the middle of the Langata Road and traffic was stuck on either side of it.

Motorists were doing the usual thing - making two lanes of traffic into five as they jockeyed for position. The people on the opposite side of the trailer did the same and the result was a mess! It was 4:00 in the afternoon. It was very hot and very dusty from people driving on the dirt verges and overall the situation was pretty miserable. Most of the cars had no air conditioning and people were trying to make the best out of being crammed into overcrowded buses and matatu's.

However, one thing that struck me the most was that although people were all trying to get from A to B, they were all behaving in a very polite manner. Even the matatu's, which usually act very aggressively and annoy everyone, even on a good day, were behaving themselves. People were courteous and let each other into lanes when possible.

Considering Kenya's recent political unrest and spate of violence, this came across as something short of miraculous. It was a perfect opportunity for people's tempers to flare and problems to arise. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't more than a little uncomfortable being trapped in the midst of a huge gridlock for two hours with nowhere to escape to.

To me, this was a huge statement for the people of Nairobi. Everyone seems to be tired of the violence, the fighting and the politics. The average Kenyan citizen wants to go to work, feed their family and pay their bills. They just want to get on with life in a calm, peaceful manner.

It reminded me of the weeks that followed after the horrible incident of 9/11 when terrorist planes hit the Twin Towers. New York taxi cabs were silent for the first time since anyone could remember. Normally New York City is a buzz with the sound of hooting horns from the thousands of cabs that operate on the streets 24 hours a day. But after 9/11, the cabs were silent and everyone was nicer and more compassionate towards their fellow man.

I hope the politeness seen in this huge traffic jam yesterday is a sign of hope for the people of Kenya as well. We need to pull together and start the healing process of this amazing country we all call home.

Stay Informed During Times of Civil Unrest

2008-01-31T19:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends
We often put our head in the sand when it comes to hearing bad news. It's human nature. We get overloaded with it and just don't want to hear the "bad stuff" anymore. I overheard a group of women yesterday saying how they just couldn't face listening to the news or reading the newspapers anymore. It was just too depressing.

The political unrest in Kenya has gone on for over a month now and people are fed up with not being able to live their normal lives. Many people are frightened and confused, so they have a tendency to "switch off."

However, when you are living in areas of conflict where situations can arise at anytime, it is crucial that you keep informed at all times. You should listen to all news bulletins put out by the local media, read the newspapers, watch the news, call your regional security officer at your local embassy, contact your security company for updates and sign up for security news bulletins. Otherwise, you could easily find yourself caught up in a dangerous situation.

Kenya is Crying

2008-01-29T01:35:00.001-08:00

Kenya is Crying is the title of the picture on the left, sent to me via e-mail today. I think it summarizes how the majority of people feel concerning the ongoing violence and deaths that are occurring unnecessarily. It is truly heartbreaking to see our country and our people suffering so much.

All of the staff at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School send their condolences to all of those that have lost loved ones and friends during this time. We send prayers for those that are displaced and have lost their homes.

We plead to all those that live within the borders of Kenya, to reach out to their fellow Kenyans, no matter what their tribe is or who they voted for. We are all Kenyans and are one family. Violence is never the answer. Peaceful negotiations are the only way forward. Please pull together and pray for Amani (Peace).

Dakar Rally Countdown to Cancellation

2008-01-24T22:41:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends

We were recently sent the above time line published in Jan 10, 2008 version of Autosport Magazine, pertaining to the events leading up to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. Glen Edmunds is waiting to hear from the ASO, the French organizing committee, regarding the future of the Dakar Rally event as well as repatriation of funds lost due to the cancellation. He and his team "Kenya Kwanza" are trying to figure out exactly what to do next that will suit the car, the team as well as fit into our busy schedule at Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School. Some of the event options for "Kenya Kwanza" are competing in races in the following countries:

1. St Petersburg, Russia to Bejing, China
2. Aregentina
3. Morocco

Keep reading the blog and our website: www.GlenEdmunds.com to see what the future holds for Glen Edmunds and his "Kenya Kwanza" team! Let us hear from you! We'd love to hear your views.

Glen Edmunds Offers New Security Driving Course!

2008-01-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

Like everyone, we are deeply saddened by the recent events in Kenya. We can only hope and pray that the violence and destruction will end and peace & unity will be restored very soon. Meanwhile, it's critical to be informed of security issues at all times. If you are traveling, contact your local embassy or police hotline for current information before your departure.

In order to help everyone during these troubled times, Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School has developed a new course that is specifically designed for those people that want to learn how to stay safe in hostile and unexpected crisis situations. Topics include: understanding mob mentality, what to do if you are caught up in a riot, dealing with illegal road blocks, driving through fire/tear gas, vehicle control under threat and much more. Contact us for further information, price and course schedule.

DAKAR RALLY CANCELLED

2008-01-16T04:09:00.000-08:00

Glen Edmunds and Dez Page-Morris were bitterly disappointed about the cancellation of the Dakar Rally. There had been so much work and effort in the preparation for the last 12 months and they had already passed the difficult part of scrutineering. The car was parked in parc ferme and all was in place to start the race. The cancellation was received 12 hours prior to the start. The French governing body of the event (the ASO) blamed the cancellation on terrorist threats from Al-Quaida cells in Mauritania. To read the full report log onto http://www.glenedmunds.com/diary.html

Driver Training and Company Budgets

2007-12-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

It was very interesting. After writing the blog yesterday, a well known international company contacted us in regard to driver training for their fleet. To make a long story, short, they only had a budget of US$30 per driver, set aside for driver training. Yet one of the reasons they had come to us was because their drivers were having too many accidents.

Fleet owners will happily spend $20,000 - $50,000 on each vehicle, yet won't spend $200 on proper training for the driver of that vehicle. Am I the only one that can't see the logic in that? A properly trained driver, not only reduces the accident and death rates on the roads, but can also saves the company thousands of dollars in maintenance and fuel costs. Driver training is not an expense, it's an investment and should be treated as a priority.

Road crashes are becoming a ‘new health emergency for Africa,’ representing a huge burden on our health systems and an obstacle to our efforts to overcome poverty. Desmond Tutu

Kenya Road Accidents

2007-12-09T22:22:00.000-08:00

Kenya Road Accidents

On my way to the office this morning I was listening to 105.5FM radio station. They had an entire segment on the road carnage that has happened over the last 12 hours . They reported that 30 people have been killed on Kenya's roads in the past 12 hours. They DJ was horrified along with many others that called in to voice their concerns.

The Daily Nation Newspaper reports the same with more statistics:
47 people have died in road related incidents since 3 December, 2007, while 76 others are injured. Most reports involve public transport vehicles of one type or another.

Kenya has one of the highest death toll rates in the world, with over 3,000 people killed annually, which means one person dies every 3 hours in Kenya from road accident related injuries.

Yet, what is being done to reduce these death rates? Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School is the only advanced driving school in the country of Kenya. We offer a variety of courses from defensive driving, anti-carjacking and other security related driving courses, along with 4WD courses - both on road and off road and many others. However, many bus companies, matatu owners and other fleet operators and corporations won't spend the money for proper driver training. If they do invest in any driver training at all, they choose less expensive companies that don't have properly trained instructors. They are merely "ticking the box" with driver training and it's not making a difference.

We would love to hear your opinions on this topic.

Security Tip

2007-11-29T02:43:00.000-08:00

Don't Be Predictable!

Robbers an car-jackers often do surveillance on you and your home for several days before they strike. Therefore, it’s important not to be predictable in your daily routines. It may not always be possible, or convenient, but try not to be a creature of habit. Use different petrol stations when you get fuel, vary your route to and from work every day, don’t buy the newspaper from the same person at the same place every day, etc. If you aren’t predictable, the attackers may decide to find an
easier target.

SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER! 30% OFF ALL DRIVING COURSES

2007-11-26T03:46:00.000-08:00

Dear All

We have extended our special offer of 30% off all driving courses until 15 December 2007!

I also wanted to remind everyone that 6 December is the last chance to attend our Performance Driving Incorporating Anti-carjacking Techniques Course until February next year!

There are also a few spaces remaining on the following courses:

4 & 5 December - Drive to Survive! Defensive Driving Course

6 - Performance Driving Incorporating Anti-carjacking Techniques Course

7 & 8 December - Advanced Counter Carjacking Including Vehicle Ramming and Barricade Breaching

13 & 14 December - Newly Licensed/Teenage Defensive Driving Course

15 December - 4 WD Off Road Driving Course

18 & 19 December - Armoured Vehicle Training Course

Great Gift Ideas for anyone on your shopping list! Act Now! Spaces are Limited!

The new 2008 schedule will be up on our website later this week.

Safety At ATM Machines

2007-11-22T19:36:00.000-08:00

Security Tip - ATM Machines

Please remember as the holidays grow closer that robberies against consumers using ATMs are one of the fastest growing crimes.

To minimize the chances of being a victim consider the following: memorize your pin number; do your banking during daylight hours; use ATMs that you are familiar with; only use ATM machines in well-lighted, open, high-traffic areas, such as inside malls or busy markets; if lights around the ATM are not working, do not use the machine; take someone with you after hours; as you approach an ATM, observe the area for people that could be questionable or threatening; have your card ready; don’t count your cash in public; put away your cash and card immediately; if anyone suspicious or seemingly dangerous approaches, terminate your transaction and leave immediately, even if it means running away and leaving your ATM card in the machine; should you be robbed, do not resist and give up the cash immediately; do not fight with or attempt to follow the robber.

What You Can Do to Stop Global Warming

2007-11-21T03:02:00.001-08:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I find the whole issue of Global Warming very alarming. In fact, it's terrifying! The planet is in turmoil and unless we do something urgently, life as we know it will change forever. It's a very overwhelming topic, and easy to just ignore it and leave it to the experts. But the truth is, ALL OF US have to do our bit and believe it or not, we as individuals can do something about it!

When I search the web for information I find that: cars are the second biggest cause of global warming. I for one, did not realise this. It's not practical to live without a car, but if you have to drive, it makes sense to drive in the most eco-friendly way possible. Here are some pointers from UK:

Green Driving Techniques – Nottinghamshire County Council

* Service your car at least every year. Get the engine tuned, the wheels aligned and catalytic converter checked.
* Make sure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Under inflation by 7psi wastes half a gallon of fuel in every tank, so it's worth inflating to the manufacturer's guidelines (which are based on cold tyres, so use the petrol station nearest your start point to avoid your tyres warming up too much.)
* Reduce weight, and fuel consumption, by simply removing unnecessary items from your car that do not need to be there for a particular journey. These can include buggies, golf clubs, tools, footwear and so on.
* Avoid overfilling the tank when refuelling as spilled fuel evaporates and releases harmful emissions.

When you are driving:

* Drive smoothly – pulling away too fast uses 60% more fuel
* Slow down. Driving at 70mph can use up to 30% more petrol than driving at 50mph.
* Think ahead to avoid sharp braking - it just throws away energy.
* Avoid using the air conditioning, which uses 15% more fuel.
* It's better to switch your engine off when in stationary traffic. You use more fuel with the engine idling for 45 seconds than if you switched off and restarted 45 seconds later.

So let's not put our head in the sand about Global Warming. It's real and it's happening. And it's happening quickly! Otherwise, polar ice caps will melt, ocean levels will raise, nastier hurricanes will ravage land, droughts and flooding will become more severe and more often and the list goes on and on.

We don't want to leave a mess for our children and grand children do we? Of course not! START TODAY! Learn everything you can about Global Warming!

Gift Certificates for the Holidays!

2007-11-20T05:53:00.000-08:00

Having trouble deciding what to buy the spouse or significant other in your life?

Why not give one of our exciting driving courses.They are great fun and add value to people’s lives by teaching safety/security on the roadways. There are many to choose from such as Performance Driving Incorporating Anti-carjacking Techniques, Drive to Survive Defensive Driving, Women Only, 4WD Off Road, 4WD On Road, Newly Licensed Drivers, Teenage Defensive Driving and more. Visit our website for more details: www.GlenEdmunds.com

The Gift Vouchers are stylishly designed and well received! And we are currently offering a 30% discount on all of our courses! Act now.

http://glenedmunds.com/index.html

Fighting with Matatus!

2007-11-13T02:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends

The next time you are behind the wheel driving down the highway in Kenya, notice how many times you witness the phenomena of Road Rage, particularly with every day road users and Matatu buses! Are matatus a menace on the road? Yes! Do they drive us all crazy? Yes! Do they endanger lives? Yes! However, please consider that fighting with them and trying to "win" some imaginary war is not the answer! It only increases your blood pressure, increases your stress levels and could possibly get you into an accident or even a dangerous confrontation!

A wise saying found on the internet: Realize that you cannot control the drivers around you. You can control only the way you react to them!

Enjoy your day!

Child Safety in Vehicles

2007-11-10T04:01:00.000-08:00

I was quite horrified today when I noticed a big white Toyota Prado pull onto a main road with two young children on the roof aged approximately 5 & 6 years old! They probably only traveled 1/2 kilometre before turning into a country club, but it was a busy road on a Saturday afternoon. Things can go wrong so quickly and I'm amazed that parents risk their children's lives for a bit of fun. In fact, a friend's child fell off a roof while on a drive in a game park and the vehicle accidentally rolled over the child causing serious injury. I know no one would purposely hurt their child, but sometimes people just don't think things through.

I've also noticed multiple times how parents let their young children sit on their laps in the front seat on a car with their noses pressed against the windscreen. Or they are allowed to stand up freely on the seat beside the driver or even in the back seat. Kenya has one of the worst road fatality records on the continent. Eight people are killed every day due to road accidents in Kenya. That means that some one dies every 3 hours from road accidents. Don't you think our children deserve every chance they can get to stay alive while traveling in vehicles on our very dangerous roads? PLEASE make sure that you and your children are buckled into a seat belt every time they are in the car, even if it is for a short trip.

Road to Morocco

2007-11-09T01:37:00.001-08:00

Dear All,

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby would have never expected to travel on these types of roads. And if they did they wouldn’t be making jokes about it.

As you can see the roads the Dakar will take don’t resemble anything that we are used to. In Morocco we will be covering about 900kms plus on road like these, in addition to desert dunes. Morocco will be our first step into the African continent for the event, so it will be very important that we don’t make any mistakes.

The dunes in the desert can be as high skyscrapers, and traversing them is an art form in itself. The first rule we learnt was to never stop in the sand, as you can see, stop and you get stuck.

Because of the roads the cars take a pounding, good suspension is vital. Having the correct suspension makes the car easier to drive and saves the crew from intense punishment.
Having the correct pace is the key; it is dictated by how the car handles over the pistes and dunes. Car has a top speed of 185 kph but it will be difficult to sustain on the rough terrain. Keeping going forward and not damaging the car is imperative.

Tyres are another factor in the Dakar equasion, we will be constantly letting the tyres down for the dunes and pumping them up for the rocks and road sections. In a day we may adjust tyre pressures five or six times. We have installed a special pressurized tank onboard that can help us pressurize the tyres quickly. We will also be watching that we don’t get too many punctures.

The engine is a BMW 6 cylinder turbo diesel, there have been trouble with the turbochargers in the past, which seems to be traced back to cars being stalled in the dunes, while the turbo continues to spin at high rpm. To counter this we have fitted a “turbo oilier” which should give the turbo longer life. In addition, dust is a factor so we had a “snorkel” fitted this reduces power slightly but saves the air filter. The snorkel sucks air from the cleaner air above the windscreen.

If we are able to bring the car to the evening bivouacs’, with as little damage as possible, it will enable the team to do a more thorough job on the whole car rather than wasting time on accident damage and repairs.

Fatigue is going to be a BIG factor on the Morocco leg, with the pounding in the car, heat, concentration, all sapping energy. Water intake, eating, and getting some sleep when possible will be an essential part of surviving the Morocco stage.

4 November '07 - Crime Alert

2007-11-09T00:06:00.000-08:00

I would like to pass on an alert to all who might wish to try using the (unbuilt) By-Pass between Langata road coming out just near Lenana School on Ngong road. I have personally used this by-pass as an adventure trying to see how it is and now realise what danger I had put my family in by doing that.

One of our colleagues in the Pharma industry used this bypass on Sunday from church and was Carjacked by seven gun wielding thugs. They proceeded to rob them and raped his house girl and threatened to rape his wife.

The thugs proceeded to use his car to go to the ATM and withdrew money from his Account. This ordeal lasted 5 hours and apart from his family, another two couples were car jacked at the same time and put through the same ordeal. The fourth couple to be Car Jacked were Europeans.

Please let all your friends know so that they can ensure that they do not put themselves in unnecessary danger.

First Post Test

2007-09-29T23:39:00.000-07:00

Welcome Everyone to the Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School Blog.

We'll be keeping you updated regularly on a variety of subjects such as driving tips, security information, special offers, Dakar Rally information and much more!