AboutTerry Godchaux Expertise I can answer questions about vehicle safety issues, vehicular counter-terrorism training, police pursuits in general (specifically for california), emergency response in general (specifically for california), criminal justice, and police academy training.
Experience I have recently retired as a Deputy Sheriff from California. I have served in Patrol, Investigations and Narcotics.
My last position for 10 years was assigned to our Regional Training Center at the Police Academy. I taught at the Academy and administrated the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). I also was a subject matter expert in narcotics and vehicle operations and training. I also served as a member of CalPOST.
I am a subject matter expert in vehicle operations, vehicle safety, code-3,
pursuit, and counter-terrorism operations. I have also served as a subject
matter expert for the California Police Officer Science and Training (CalPOST)
consortiums within the state.
Organizations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for EVOC
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for Simulations
Former P.O.S.T. Board Member for the Sheriff’s and Police Academy
Former Instructor for the Las Positas College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Instructor for San Joaquin Delta College (A.J. EVOC)
Former Lead Instructor for EVOC at the ACSO Police Academy
Publications
Numerous within the S/O I had worked for.
Education/Credentials
Baccalaureate Degree in Pre-law
Management and Administration Certificate
Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Intermediate California P.O.S.T. Certificate
Advanced California P.O.S.T. Certificate
California P.O.S.T. Crises Management
California P.O.S.T. Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Advanced Crime Prevention Training
California P.O.S.T. Environmental Engineering School
California P.O.S.T. Drug Recognition Expert
California P.O.S.T. DARE Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) Tactical
California P.O.S.T. Firearms Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Awareness Instructor (DAI)
California P.O.S.T. Pursuit Driving Training Instructor (DTI)
California P.O.S.T. Basic Motorcycle School
California P.O.S.T. Motorcycle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Tactical Vehicle Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Dignitary Protection Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Counter-Terrorist Instructor
California P.O.S.T. Driver Simulator Instructor
California P.O.S.T. P.I.T. certification
Barricade Braking certification
California P.O.S.T. Counter Terrorism Driving School
Past/Present Clients I currently work as a contract Instructor for the Jutice Department when training needs concerning EVOC arise outside of the U.S.
Question I overdosed and have physical limitations. How can I improve my chances of safely driving again?
Answer Hi Liz and welcome to AllExperts!
The question seems a little vague, and I will need more specific information to provide a better and more clear answer.
However, based on what you have written, I will assume that you have been released medically from any injuries sustained or issues that triggered the OD which led to the injury.
I will also assume that you are receiving rehabilitation for your injury that is causing your limited control of motion or dexterity related issues.
Based on these assumptions, I can only guess that you are now looking for a program to learn new safe driving techniques so as to compensate for your new found limitations, or have been advised by your DMV that such a program is essential to drive again.
If all of my assumptions are correct thus far, then I would suggest you attend a civilian (active) safe driving course. Notice the word 'active'. Most all safe driving courses have a classroom learning activity mated with a slow and non-stress related behind the wheel driving activity.
An 'active' course utilizes high speed hazard avoidance, emergency braking, several chicanes, serpentine's, offset alleys and other course work which represent real world responses to unusual or emergency situations a driver must take to survive an accident.
The best place to go for one of these specialized programs is your local police or county sheriff's department. They usually have what's known as an EVOC program (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course), and many offer this also for civilians. It's usually a one day event and costs around $150.00 - $300.00
I hope this helps. Again, I apologize for my vagueness in answering your question or misunderstanding your particular needs. If you need further info, please write back with a more detailed background of your incident.
