The Ford Barn - View Single Post - Two Model A's drive off the road today in French Lick to avoid hittings cars in front

John LaVoy · 06-18-2010, 11:40 AM

The victims are in our prayers. I hope everyone comes out of this in good shape.

We have always felt that not enough attention is made on the brakes on the Model A. In the Model A Times we have addressed this important topic several times, but it looks like it should be addressed again.

But in perfect shape the mechanical brakes are not the same as modern brakes on cars today. Perhaps there was some driver error involved in this, perhaps following closer than they should because they were not aware of the greater stopping distance of a Model A as opposed to a modern car. Even if they were use to the brakes on a Model A the added weight of five people in the car would tax the brakes and should be taken into account when leaving distance between the car in front and the driver's vehicle.

Having a brake check at the meets before the tour would be nice, but quite the chore and might make the grand tour less attractive of an event. Perhaps some local "Model A driver" training could be done by the member's local chapter. When I was president of a local chapter I had a driving instructor come to the meeting and speak about defensive driving in regards to the Model A and current traffic. But any one who has done a lot of Model A driving might be able to put together a similar talk.

06-18-2010, 11:40 AM	#10
John LaVoy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rocklin, CA Posts: 1,219	Re: Two Model A's drive off the road today in French Lick to avoid hittings cars in f The victims are in our prayers. I hope everyone comes out of this in good shape. We have always felt that not enough attention is made on the brakes on the Model A. In the Model A Times we have addressed this important topic several times, but it looks like it should be addressed again. But in perfect shape the mechanical brakes are not the same as modern brakes on cars today. Perhaps there was some driver error involved in this, perhaps following closer than they should because they were not aware of the greater stopping distance of a Model A as opposed to a modern car. Even if they were use to the brakes on a Model A the added weight of five people in the car would tax the brakes and should be taken into account when leaving distance between the car in front and the driver's vehicle. Having a brake check at the meets before the tour would be nice, but quite the chore and might make the grand tour less attractive of an event. Perhaps some local "Model A driver" training could be done by the member's local chapter. When I was president of a local chapter I had a driving instructor come to the meeting and speak about defensive driving in regards to the Model A and current traffic. But any one who has done a lot of Model A driving might be able to put together a similar talk.