III.

Defensive Driving

Driving Courtesy and Attitude

We earlier talked about the importance of being a responsible and courteous driver. A responsible driver knows how to handle difficult traffic situations, how to drive safety and how dangerous it is to mix drinking and driving. In addition to being a responsible driver, one has to be a courteous driver as well. Common courtesy on the road goes a long way toward making driving a pleasant experience for all motorists. Extend the same courtesy to others that you would like to have extended to you. Here are a few pointers that every driver should keep in mind while behind the wheels:

bullet Do not honk at a driver because he's going slow. He could be lost, new to the area or just confused. Slow down and let him find his way. Remember, we all have been in similar situations.
bullet You're driving on the freeway and someone needs to get into your lane of travel. Many people will speed up and close the gap preventing the other driver from coming into the lane. The courteous driver will wave the driver in. Believe me, you'll get to your destination at almost the same time.
bullet Tailgating is a major problem in freeway driving. The impatient driver will follow the vehicle that's probably already going at the legal speed. If you're the tailgater, don't do it. Serious collisions have resulted because someone was following too closely. If you happen to be tailgated, move over to the next lane and let the other driver go ahead. Your safety and peace of mind are more important than losing a few seconds.
bullet If you see a vehicle on the road with some equipment problem and the driver is unaware of it, simply tap on the horn to get the driver's attention; he'll be grateful for it.
bullet Although you may have the right-of-way, it's not always wise to insist on it. Let the other driver go ahead, you may avert a collision.

Situations like these occur at all times. All of us know how and when to be courteous; we simply don't do it often enough. Below, can you write some more situations where you feel courteousness would have been in order?

Exercise:

 

Road Rage

COLUMBIANA, Ala., Dec. 4 A woman was sentenced to 13 years in prison today for the "road rage" shooting death of another motorist on a highway exit ramp.

Shirley Henson, 41, was convicted of manslaughter for killing Gena Foster, a 34-year-old mother of three.

Prosecutors said Henson, driving a sport-utility vehicle, stayed on the bumper of Foster's car even as Foster accelerated. Foster got out of her car on an exit ramp and walked back to Henson's vehicle. Henson, who said she feared for her life, rolled down her window and shot Foster once in the face.

Road Rage Quiz

Take the following quiz to see how much road rage is in you. Answer each statement as Y or N as it applies to you. Answer all statements and then see below for your road rage rating.
1. I tailgate other drivers to encourage them to speed up and go faster.   Yes    No
2. I flash my lights in order to signal other drivers to move right.  Yes    No
3. I signal my lane changes.   Yes    No
4. I use obscene gestures with other drivers.  Yes    No
5. I use my horn to indicate my irritation with other drivers.   Yes    No

7. If someone cuts me off I will try to return the favor.   

 Yes    No
8. I normally drive the speed of the traffic as long as it is moving sufficiently.   Yes    No
9. I try not to make eye contact with angry drivers.   Yes    No
10. I react quickly when the light turns green.     Yes    No

11. I use my cell phone while driving. 

  Yes    No
12. I try to be a polite and courteous driver.  Yes    No

13. I stay right except to pass.   

 Yes    No

14. I make lane changes only when there's sufficient space available for me.   

 Yes    No

15. I try to avoid driving behaviors that may irritate or antagonize others.   

 Yes    No
16. I get into confrontations with other drivers.     Yes    No

17. I follow all motor vehicle laws.   

 Yes    No

18. I'm always in a hurry to go wherever I'm going. 

  Yes    No
19. When there is a conflict between me and another driver, I am never the one who is at fault.  Yes    No
20. I get impatient and start honking if the driver ahead is slow to start after the light has turned green.   Yes    No

21. I think that it is important to drive to the speed of the traffic.   

 Yes    No

22. I think that most collisions are caused by drivers less experienced than me. 

  Yes    No

23. I don't exceed the speed limit.   

 Yes    No
24. If others let me into their lane, I wave at them (or flash my lights) to acknowledge their kindness.   Yes    No
25. I avoid driving in another's "blind spot".     Yes    No

26. I think that most drivers who pass me are "going way too fast". 

 Yes    No
27. If someone behind me honks at me, I do not get mad, I just give them room to pass me.   Yes    No

28. I am surely the best driver on the road. 

  Yes    No
29. I only pass people who are going significantly slower than me.   Yes    No
30. If I see someone "flipping me off" I will return the gesture.     Yes    No

31. It doesn't take a lot to get me fly off the handle.   

 Yes    No
32. I leave a space in front of my vehicle in order to let other drivers merge right, into my lane.   Yes    No

Rate Yourself. Add up all Y's and N's. Subtract the smaller number from the bigger number. (Example: Y's-14, N's-18. Result: 18-14=4.) If your result is

0         Perfect driving attitude.

1-5     Need attitude adjustment. Be aware of your reactions to other drivers.

6-10    You're a driving rage, ready to go off at the slightest provocation. You're a  danger to yourself and others on the road.

What Is Road Rage?

Have you ever experienced a bad day when you just didn't feel like yourself? Then, on your way home, some "jerk" makes you angry. These conditions are perfect for road rage, and almost everybody has experienced them at one time or another. The only difference between you and a road rager is how you deal with these feelings.

Most road rage incidents start off as a simple encounter between two drivers. An initial encounter can soon escalate and lead to more aggressive and dangerous behavior. To protect yourself you have to get a hold of your emotions. The worst thing that can happen is you meet someone who is as angry as you, or possibly even more possessed by rage. This is likely to cause a confrontation on the road that may lead to an exchange of gestures, dangerous driving tactics and physical violence. If you are angry at someone on the road, let it go.

If you are an innocent victim of road rage by some angry driver you must protect yourself. Follow some of the tips below to help yourself overcome these types of situations. Most importantly, do not make eye contact with an angry driver. An angry look is all he or she needs to increase the level of rage. The best advice is to safely get away from an angry driver as quickly as possible. Take the
next right turn and choose an alternate route to your destination. If necessary, pull over and cool off before continuing on your way.

If an enraged driver attempts to follow you there is a good chance that the level of violence may increase. Do not go home. Go straight to the nearest police station and file a complaint/report when you arrive there. Do not endanger yourself by trying to evade a road rager. Drive the speed limit and observe all traffic rules.

Tips That May Save Your Life
bullet

Do not retaliate. Never take the other driver personally who is only reacting to his or her road rage instinct.
bullet

Don't make eye contact with an angry driver.
bullet

Before you react to anything that is done to you, ask yourself, "Is getting back at that jerk worth my life?"
bullet

Be polite and courteous, even when others are not.
bullet

Always ask yourself: "Could the other driver have possibly made a mistake?"
bullet

If you are harassed by another driver and being followed, do not go home; go to the nearest police station.
bullet

Slow down and relax!
bullet

Never underestimate other drivers' capacity for mayhem.
bullet

Reduce your driving stress by allowing enough time to get where you are going. Know the roads that are under construction and listen to weather reports that may cause traffic delays. Practice patience and keep your cool.
bullet

Remember that you cannot control the drivers around you, but you can control the way they affect your well-being. Be calm and drive safely.

Penalties

There are penalties for those who commit road rage on a highway. The court may suspend the driving privilege of such a person for six months for a first offense and one year for a second or subsequent offense.

Source: Roadragers.com

Health And Emotions

Whether you are calm, nervous, or hot-tempered, your personality affects the way you drive. Don't let your emotions interfere with safe driving. Use all of the good judgment, common sense, courtesy, and safe driving rules that you can.

Some conditions, such as poor vision, heart problems, diabetes, or epilepsy may affect your driving. Discuss your condition with your physician and follow his or her advice. You should also let DMV know of any condition you have that might affect your ability to drive safely.

Don't drive when you are upset or ill. You should know when you are not fit to drive. You should know how your passengers (by their actions or advice) may affect your driving. If you are in "good shape," you can decide more easily if a friend's advice about driving is good or bad. If you are upset or ill, you may follow a friend's bad advice because you are not thinking clearly. If you feel good, you will drive better than when you are angry or sick.

A few years ago my wife and I and my two sisters-in-law were driving down from upstate New York to New York city. We had been driving all day and were feeling tired and wanted to get to the hotel before evening. I was driving at about 55-60 mph and making good time. Then, my wife who's always impatient about everything started to prod me about hurrying up. First, I ignored her. Then I told her we have ample time to reach the hotel before dark. Anyway, after a few minutes of her pushing and prodding, I speeded up a little to keep her quiet. I must not have gone more than a few miles when a blue light appeared from nowhere in my rearview mirror. Needless to say, the time we spent with the state trooper more than wiped out a minute or two I might have gained. I do not even want to mention the embarrassment and the cost of the traffic ticket. I never let anyone tell me how to drive, but that day, somewhat unconsciously, I forgot my own resolve and paid a price for it.

Some Important Points To Remember

bullet If you are ill or upset, don't drive.
bullet Don't drive after drinking or using drugs.
bullet Don't ride with anyone who has been drinking or using drugs, either.
bullet Emotions, such as anger or worry, can make you drive unsafely. Never let out your anger by driving recklessly.
bullet It is illegal to drive impaired.

Alertness

When you are tired, you are less alert. The body naturally wants to sleep at night and most drivers are less alert at night, especially after midnight. You may not see hazards as soon or react as quickly, so the chance of a crash is greater. If you are sleepy, the only safe course is to get off the road and get some sleep. If you don't, you risk your life and the lives of others. To keep getting tired on a long trip:

   Get a lot of rest before you start: at least a normal night's sleep.

   Don't take any drugs that can make you drowsy: even the night before you start.

   Don't drive long hours. Driving straight through can be dangerous if you are tired and sleepy. Set a common sense limit of 300 to 400 miles a day. What good does it do to drive "straight through," if you fall asleep when you get there?

    Try not to drive late at night. Your body is used to going to sleep at that time.

   Take regular rest stops, even if you are not tired. Switch off with another driver every hour or so. Stop for coffee or a soft drink every 100 miles or every two hours.

   Keep shifting your eyes from one part of the road to another. Look at objects near and far, left and right.

   Try chewing gum or singing along with the radio.

   Roll your window down and get some fresh air in your face.

   If you are tired all the time and fall asleep often during the day, you should have your physician check for a sleep disorder.

Vision

Good vision is needed for driving. Most of what you do behind the wheel is based on what you see. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot judge distances or spot trouble, so you won't be able to do something about it. You need to see "out of the corner of your eye." This lets you spot cars creeping up on either side of you while your eyes are on the road ahead. 

You may see clearly and still not be able to judge distances. Good distance judgment is important in knowing how far you are from other cars. Many people who may see clearly in the daytime have trouble at night. Some see poorly in dim light. Others may have trouble with the glare of headlights.

It is important to have your eyes checked every year or two. You may never know about poor peripheral vision or poor distance judgment unless your eyes are checked.

If you are required to wear glasses or corrective contact lenses while driving, DMV may suspend or revoke your license if you violate this restriction.

Hearing

Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. Your hearing can warn you of dangerthe sound of horns, a siren, or screeching tires. Sometimes you can hear a car that you cannot see because it is in your blind spot.

Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio, CD, or tape deck is blaring. Keep it turned down, and keep at least one window partly open if you are listening to it.

While driving, don't wear a headset or earplugs. It is against the law.

Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly that you do not notice them. Drivers who know they are deaf or have hearing problems can adjust. They can learn to rely more on their seeing habits. A right hand rear view mirror on the vehicle will help.

Medications

It is important to remember that all medications, prescriptions and over-the-counter, are potentially dangerous.

Over-the-counter medicines that you take for headaches, colds and allergies can make you drowsy and affect your ability. Carefully read and follow the directions about dosage and side effects. Pay close attention to warnings about continued dosage and who should and should not take the medication.

Under no circumstances should you mix medications directed by your physician.

Never take medications prescribed for someone else.

Do not mix alcohol with your medications. This applies to both prescribed and over-the-counter medications.

If you must take medication before driving, find out the effects of the medication from your physician or pharmacist. Remembereven though you may feel fine, you may not be totally free of the adverse effects that can affect your driving. It is your responsibility to know the effects of medications you take.

Adjusting to the Driving Environment

Daytime vs. Nighttime

Nighttime driving is inherently more dangerous due to drastically reduced visibility. Statistics show that although far fewer miles are driven at night, the ratio of collisions to miles driven is much higher at night. Driving at night means you have to depend upon street lighting or your headlamps to guide you. You are not able to see pedestrians or street signs as well as you are during the day. Further, the glare from other cars interferes with your ability to see objects in the dark. Young people's eyes adjust to glare and recover from it in 4 to 6 seconds. For older persons, this adjustment period lengthens to 20 to 30 seconds.

Clearly then, your nighttime driving speed must take into account this reduced visibility. Allow more than ample following distance. Be extra careful of pedestrians stepping off a sidewalk into your path. Since street signs are so difficult to read at night, you should plan your route carefully. Look up the unfamiliar address on the map. Get directions ahead of time and jot down prominent landmarks.

Weather

Rain, fog and snow are additional challenges to driving. Slow down when there is a lot of water on the road. In a heavy rain, your tires can lose all contact with the road at about 50 mph. Your car will be riding on water or "hydroplaning." A slight change of direction or a gust of wind could throw your car into a skid. If your vehicle starts to hydroplane, slow down graduallydon't apply the brakes.

Slippery Roads

Slow down at the first sign of rain on the road. This is when many roads are the most slippery because oil and dust have not been washed away. If the road is slippery, it will not give your tires the grip they need. You must drive slower than you would on a dry road.

Here are some guidelines to help you adjust speed:

bullet Wet roadgo 5 to 10 miles slower.
bullet Packed snowcut speed in half.
bullet Iceslow to a crawl.

Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet. These roads usually have warning signs. Here are some clues to help you spot slippery roads:

bullet On cold, wet days, shade from trees or buildings can hide spots of ice. These areas freeze first and dry out last.
bullet Bridges and overpasses can also hide spots of ice. They tend to freeze before the rest of the road does. If it starts to rain on a hot day, pavement can be very slippery for the first few minutes. Heat causes oil in the asphalt to come to the surface. It makes the road slippery until the oil is washed off.
bullet Close to the freezing point, the road is icy and may be more slippery than at colder temperatures.

Road Conditions

Road conditions are also a contributing factor to traffic collisions. Poorly maintained roads with pot holes and broken pavement surfaces can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially if the driver is going at an excessive speed.

When the shoulder of the road is soft, it has a tendency to pull the car off the road when the right wheels are on the shoulder and the left wheels are on the pavement. The driver will feel the car pull strongly to the right. The driver should grasp the steering wheel firmly and steer slowly back onto the paved surface.

Any edge of the road not level with the pavement can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle when the wheels go past the paved area.

As the California's Basic Speed law says, regardless of the posted sign, you must never drive faster than is safe for the present conditions.

Intersections

Intersections may be controlled or uncontrolled. Before making any turn or lane change, turn the signal on at least 100 ft. in advance to warn other drivers. Many intersections have solid white limit lines. You must stop at the first limit line before entering the crosswalk. If there's no limit line or crosswalk, the driver must stop at the entrance to the intersection.

We've discussed the subject of intersections in considerable detail elsewhere.

City, Freeway, Open Roadway, Mountain Driving

Driving on freeways, city roads, open highways and mountain roads each requires different skills and due regard for traffic and road conditions. Again, driving under each of these situations in covered in detail elsewhere.

Driving Distractions

A few years ago, a young lady while driving on a California highway momentarily took her eyes off the roadway to change cassettes in the player. Her momentary distraction resulted in four bicyclists getting hit by her car.

We all have seen drivers talking on their cellular phones causing them to slow down. At worst, there have been many incidents reported where the driver on the cellular phone has rear-ended into the vehicle ahead. Children within the vehicle could also be a distracting element. Collisions have also been caused by drivers busily consulting the road map. A safe driver has to ensure that driving gets his undivided attention.

Distractions are not always restricted to those coming from within the vehicle. "Rubber-neckers" - slowing down to look at a collision - often end up causing another accident. Many a times a disabled car on the side of the freeway or a police officer ticketing a motorist seem to act as magnets; tragic collisions have resulted when an errant driver has ploughed into these roadside distractions.
Do You See Yourself in the Mirror?
Valerie Nordstrom was late to work and decided to apply her mascara as she was driving on Interstate 95 during rush hour.
Although she wasn't speeding or weaving in and out of lanes, a Virginia State Police trooper thought she was endangering the lives of other motorists and gave her a ticket for reckless driving, a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Yesterday, a Fairfax County judge found Nordstrom guilty of the lesser offense of improper driving and fined her $25.
"Put your makeup on at home," General District Court Judge Jonathan C. Thacher told the 40-year-old Prince William County woman.
But Nordstrom was upset by the judge's decision, which would put three points on her driving record, and said she will appeal.
"Putting on makeup is not any different from dialing a number on your cell phone, lighting a cigarette, changing radio stations or drinking a cup of coffee," Nordstrom said. "I don't understand why it is construed as reckless."
Her attorney, Mark Yeager, asked Thacher to dismiss the case because there was no evidence that Nordstrom was engaging in any type of driving behavior that could be called reckless. Virginia law defines reckless driving as a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of others.
Trooper Robert Thomas testified that Nordstrom was headed north on I-95, just north of Route 1, shortly before 9 a.m. on Feb. 23 when he noticed her holding the steering wheel in her left hand and putting on mascara with her right hand while looking in the rearview mirror.
Thomas said that it had been raining and that there was heavy traffic on the road that morning. He said he watched her put on mascara for 1 1/2 miles before he pulled her over. He said Nordstrom was "stretched forward" as she looked in the mirror.
"I asked her why she was putting on mascara in this nasty weather with heavy traffic, and she said she was running late for work," Thomas said.
Nordstrom said she will be in Fairfax Circuit Court on June 11 to argue her case.
Source: Wendy Melillo, Washington Post April 15, 1998

Crash Causation

The most common causes of crashes:

bullet Unsafe speed
bullet Driving on the wrong side of the road
bullet Improper turns
bullet Violation of the right-of-way rules
bullet Violation of stop signals and signs

Below is a summary of factors that contribute to crash causation.

Mental: If you're having some mental or emotional problems, feeling anger or depression, avoid getting behind the vehicle. You're too upset to drive.

Physical: We talked about the importance of being alert while driving. Major fatalities have occurred because the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

Environment: Road conditions, although superior in most instances, have been a cause of crashes.

Visual Habits: Get in the habit of seeing all around you. When a person looks intently straight ahead he misses the big picture.

Other Drivers: A defensive driver always looks for the mistakes of other drivers.

Crash Avoidance

Drive Defensively To Avoid Crashes

What is defensive driving? It is driving to defend yourself against possible crashes caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, poor weather, and heavy traffic.

You drive defensively when you:

bullet Look ahead.
bullet Put space between you and the vehicle ahead.
bullet Keep your eyes moving.
bullet Leave yourself an out.
bullet Make sure other drivers see you.

If you look ahead, and keep your eyes moving, you will spot a hazard more easily. Once you have seen the hazard and decided what to do, act. Never "wait and see." Never think that everything will be all right. Children playing in the street may not see you. The boy on the bike may ride in front of you. If you have a collision, you may not be legally at fault; however, you may be morally at fault, if you could have prevented the accident, but didn't. Remember, you can prevent most collisions if you drive defensively.

You should think about every "close shave" or accident you have. Decide what went wrong and who made the mistake. Could you have avoided the accident or near accident? What did you do wrong? By asking yourself these questions, you can see if you need to change our driving habits. Such change might help you avoid a serious accident later on.

Safe Driving Practices

How do you drive depends on what you see. To be a good driver, you need to look carefully by:

bullet Looking ahead.
bullet Looking to the side.
bullet Looking behind you.

Looking Ahead

In order to avoid last minute moves, you should look down the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. A driver needs to look that far ahead to see hazards early. Constantly staring at the road just in front of your car is dangerous.

If you look ahead, you will be able to see important things that you can't see later on, such as someone getting into a parked car.

In the city, 10 to 15 seconds is about one block. When you drive in city traffic, you should look at least one block ahead. On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about a quarter of mile.

Take in the Whole Scene: Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead does not mean looking only at the middle of the road. It means looking at the side of the road as well. "Scanning" the roadside helps you to see:

bullet Cars and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them.
bullet Signs warning of problems ahead.
bullet Signs giving you directions.

Keep your eyes moving. Look near and far. Turn your head before changing lanes, because mirrors have blind spots. These blind spots can hide a motorcycle or bicycle. Watch for things about to happen like a ball rolling into the street; a car door opening; a swerving bicycle.

Watch for Hazards: Look beyond the car ahead of you. Don't develop a "fixed stare." Look around. Keep your eyes moving. Check your rearview mirrors frequently (every 2 to 5 seconds) so that you know the position of vehicles near you.

On the freeway, be ready for changes in traffic conditions. Watch for signals from other drivers. Expect merging vehicles at on ramps and interchanges. Be prepared for rapid changes in road conditions and traffic flow.

As you look ahead, think about what will (or might) happen on the road. Be alert for vehicles on either side, to the front, and to the rear. Use your mirrors. Leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead for safe stops. Always leave yourself an "out." Mistakes cause collisions. To protect yourself, know which lanes are clear so you can use them if you need to.

Looking To The Sides

Anytime you come to a place where people may cross or enter your path, you should look to the sides to make sure no one is coming. Always look to the side at intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings.

An intersection is any place where one line of traffic meets another. It includes:

bullet Cross streets and side streets.
bullet Freeway entrances
bullet Driveway and shopping center entrances, etc.

Follow these rules when you approach an intersection:

Look Both Ways

 
bullet Look to the left first, since cars coming from the left are closer to you.
bullet Look to the right.
bullet Take one more look to the left before you pull out, just in case there is someone you didn't see the first time.

Don't Rely On Traffic Signals

bullet Some drivers do not obey traffic signals.
bullet At an intersection, look left and right, even if other traffic has a red light or a stop sign. A drunk or reckless driver may not stop.
bullet While entering an intersection, look left, right, and ahead for approaching traffic.

Make Sure You Have A Good View

  1. Make sure you can see before crossing an intersection. If your view of a cross street is blocked by a building or a row of parked cars, edge forward slowly until you can see.

Crosswalks: Every intersection where streets with side walks meet "at about right angles" has a crosswalk for pedestrians to cross the street even though there may be no painted lines. The crosswalk is that part of the pavement where the sidewalk lines would extend across the street and are areas set aside for people to cross the street. They are often marked with white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines may be painted at school crossings.

Most crosswalks are at corners. Sometimes they are in the middle of the block. Before turning a corner, watch for people who are about to cross the street. Remember, if you have a green light, the light is also green for them. Some crosswalks, especially in residential areas, are not marked.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way in crosswalks. If you stop in the crosswalk, you put pedestrians in danger. Those pedestrians often have to go into the traffic lanes to avoid being hit by you because you have violated their right-of-way.

Roadside Areas: Whenever there is a lot of activity along the side of the road, there is a good chance that someone will cross or enter the road. Therefore, it is very important to look to the sides when you are near:

bullet Shopping centers and parking lots
bullet Construction areas
bullet Busy sidewalks
bullet Playgrounds and school yards, etc.

Looking Behind

It is a good idea to check traffic behind you often. This way, you will know if cars are tailgating or coming up behind you too fast. You may have time to get out of the way before being hit from the rear. It is very important to check behind you before you change lanes, slow down quickly, back up, or drive down a long or steep hill. On long, steep downgrades, keep a look out for large vehicles which can gather speed very quickly.

Whenever you change lanes, check behind you to make sure you are not getting in the way of cars in that lane. Changing lanes includes:

bullet Changing from one lane to another.
bullet Entering the freeway from an on ramp.
bullet Entering the road from a curb or shoulder.

Before changing lanes, always check traffic behind and beside you by:

(Refer to the picture.)
bullet Checking all mirrors.
bullet Glancing over your left or right shoulder to make sure the lane you want is clear. If you use only your left or inside rearview mirrors when looking for cars, you may not see vehicles near the rear of your car because of a "blind spot."
bullet Always check traffic to the sides quickly. Do not take your eyes off the road ahead for more than an instant. Check for other cars with their turn signals on. Someone in another lane may plan to move into the same spot you want.

When you must slow down suddenly, take a quick glance in your mirrors. You should also check your mirrors when you are preparing to turn into a side road or driveway, and when you are stopping to pull into a parking space.

Backing up is always dangerous because it is hard to see what is behind your vehicle. Whenever you need to back up or back out of a parking space, follow these rules:

bullet Check behind the car before you get in. Children and pets are hard to see from the driver's seat.
bullet Turn and look over your right shoulder when backing the vehicle. Do not depend only on your mirrors or only looking out a side window.
bullet Always back slowly to avoid collisions.

Following Distance

When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. You can give yourself this time by keeping enough space between your car and the vehicles around you. Keep a "space cushion" on all sides of your car. It will give you space to brake or maneuver if you need it. The white area in this picture illustrates the area around the car that should be empty whenever possible.

Keep A Cushion Ahead

Many driver don't see as well as they should because they follow too closely, and the vehicle ahead blocks their view of the road.

Good drivers keep a safe following distance so they can see better. The more space they allow between their car and the car ahead, the more time they will have to see a hazard or accident down the road. They will have more time to stop, or to avoid the hazard.

Keep enough space between your car and the car ahead so that you will have "a bigger picture" of what lies down the road and steering will be easier. You can travel in the center of the lane instead of hugging one side or the other to let you see.

Most rear end collisions are caused by following too closely. To avoid this, use the "three-second rule." When the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a sign, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." This takes about three seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely. At faster speeds the distance should be greater.

Sometimes you will need more than a "three-second" cushion. Give yourself a "four-second or more" cushion:

bullet When you are crowded by a tailgater. You should allow extra room between your car and the car ahead. Then, if you need to slow down you can do so gradually. You will be able to avoid braking suddenlyand being hit from behind by the tailgater!
bullet On slippery roads. If the car ahead should slow or stop, you will need more distance to stop your car.
bullet When following motorcycles. If the motorcycle falls, you'll have to avoid hitting the rider. Motorcycles fall more often on wet or icy roads, on metal surfaces such as bridge grating or railroad tracks, and on gravel.
bullet When the driver behind you wants to pass. Slow down to allow room in front of your car so the driver will have space to move into.
bullet When you are pulling a trailer or carrying a heavy load. The extra weight makes it harder to stop.
bullet When following large vehicles that block your view ahead. You need the extra room to see around the vehicle and to the sides.
bullet When merging on a freeway.

NEVER ASSUME
ANOTHER DRIVER WILL SHARE
SPACE WITH YOU!

When you follow too closely and another driver "cuts" in front of you, normal reaction is to slam on your brakes and swerve out of the way. Swerving out of the way most often results in cutting someone else off or possibly driving off the roadway. It might also result in the car behind you crashing into you or other cars around you.

If another driver "cuts" in front of you, it would be better if you just take your foot off the gas. This will give you space between your car and the other driver without swerving into another lane. Don't overreact if your are cut off. Plan your emergency escape route before emergency happens.

Keep A Cushion To The Side

Keep a space cushion on each side of your car.

Don't drive in the blind spot of another driver. The other driver may not see your car and could change lanes and hit you.

Avoid driving alongside other cars on multilane streets. Someone may crowd your lane or try to change lanes and pull into you. Move ahead of the other car or drop back.

Keep as much space as you can between yourself and oncoming traffic. On multilane streets, stay out of the lane next to the center line, if you can. That way you will have more room to avoid an oncoming car that suddenly swerves toward you. This is very important at intersections where another driver could turn left without giving a signal.

If possible, make room for vehicles entering freeways even though you have the right-of-way.

At freeway exits, don't drive alongside other cars. A driver on the freeway may pull off suddenly or a driver leaving may swerve back on.

Keep A Cushion Behind

Watch for tailgaters! If one is following you, be careful! Brake slowly before stopping. Tap your brake lightly a few times to warn the tailgater before you slow down. Your brake lights will flash.

"Lose" tailgater as soon as you can by changing lanes. If you can't change lanes, slow down enough to encourage the tailgater to go around you. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

Taking Dangers One At A Time

Look at the pictures. Suppose there is only one oncoming car to the left and a child on a bike to the right. Instead of driving between the car and the child, take them one at a time. Slow down and let the car pass. Then, move to the left to allow plenty of room before you pass the child.
      
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Splitting The Difference

Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the road. For example, there may be parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left. In this case, the best thing to do is "split the difference." Steer a middle course between the oncoming cars and the parked cars.

If one danger is greater than the other, give the most room to the worst danger. Suppose there are oncoming cars to the left of you and a child on a bike to the right. The child is most likely to make a sudden move. Therefore, give him or her a lot of room. It may mean moving closer to the oncoming cars.

 Allow A Cushion For Problem Drivers

There are certain people you should give a lot of room to. Here are some of them.


Drivers who cannot see you. Someone who cannot see you may enter your path without knowing you are there. People who have trouble seeing you include:

- Drivers at intersections or driveways, whose view is blocked by buildings, trees, or other cars.
- Drivers backing out of driveways or parking spaces; drivers whose windows are covered with snow or ice; people with umbrellas in front of their faces or hats pulled down over their eyes.

People who are distracted. Even when others can see you, allow extra room if you think they may be distracted. People who may be distracted include:

- Delivery persons.
- Construction workers.
- Children, who often run into the street without looking.
- Drivers or people who are talking to each other, taking care of children, or looking at maps.

People who may be confused. A person who is confused is very likely to make a move without looking. People who may be confused include:

- Tourists, often at complicated intersections.

- Drivers who slow down for what seems to be no apparent reason.

- Drivers looking for a house number.

Drivers in trouble. If another driver makes a mistake, do what you can to help him or her out. Drivers who need help include:

- Drivers who pass you as you approach a curve or an oncoming car.

- A driver who is about to be forced into your lane by a vehicle, a pedestrian, a bicyclist, an obstruction, or fewer lanes ahead.

Protecting Yourself In Collisions

Most drivers hit the brakes first to avoid a collision. Sometimes this locks the wheels (unless you have antilock brakes). The car begins skidding, making things worse.

Remember, you can do three things to avoid a collision. You can stop quickly, turn, or speed.

bullet To stop quickly, apply firm, steady pressure on the brake. If the car begins to skid, release the brake. Step on the brake again, using firm, steady pressure. Repeat this process until the car stops. Note: antilock brakes must not be pumped.
bullet If you don't have time to stop, turn. Run off the road if you have to and if there is room. Running off the road is usually better than hitting another car. Try not to brake as you turn.
bullet Sometimes you can speed up to avoid a collision. This may work if a car is going to hit you on the side or rear.
bullet If you can't avoid a collision, protect yourself as well as you can.

If you are going to be hit from the rear:

bullet Be ready to brake so that you won't be pushed into another car.

If you are going to be hit from the side:

bullet Use your arms and hands to still yourself against the impact.  Perhaps you can keep yourself from being thrown against the side of the car.

If you are going to be hit from the front:

bullet Use your arms and hands to protect your face if you are wearing shoulder strap.
bullet If you are not using a shoulder strap, throw yourself across the seat so that you don't hit the steering column or the windshield.

On the Lighter Side: Reckless Driving
The Pope had just finished a tour of the East Coast and was taking a limousine to the airport. Having never driven a limo, he asked the chauffeur if he could drive for awhile. Well, the chauffeur didn't have much of a choice, so the chauffeur climbs in the back of the limo and the Pope takes the wheel. The Pope proceeds to hop on 95 and starts accelerating to see what the limo could do. Well he gets to about 90 mph and, WHAM !, there are the blue lights of our friendly State Patrol in his mirror. He pulls over and the trooper comes to his window. Well the trooper, seeing who it was, says "Just a moment please. I need to call in." The trooper radios in and asks for the chief. He tells the chief, "I've got a really important person pulled over and I need to know what to do." The chief replies, "Who is it, not Ted again ?" The trooper says,
" No, even more important." The chief replies, "It's the Governor, is it ?" The trooper replies, "No, even more important." "It's isn't the President is it ?" "No, more important," replies the trooper. "Well who the heck is it !," screams the chief. "I don't know," says the trooper. "But he's got the Pope as a chauffeur."

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