Every driver should have the goal to be as safe as possible on the road. The 2 most important habits that will prevent collisions are diligent observation and keeping space around your vehicle. A driver’s eyes should not be fixed on one point for more than 2 seconds, and even less at higher speeds.
A little head movement while looking around will allow a person to see around the blind spot of the vehicles frame and to get vision around outside objects like shrubs and buildings that can block objects like bikes and pedestrians as well as cars.
Keeping 1 ½-2 car lengths behind stopped vehicles may look strange to others on the road around you, but that extra space could mean the difference between hitting the car ahead if you went forward for any reason, and having time to stop or swerve if someone hit you from behind or you accidentally pushed the gas pedal.
That old lady you make fun of for keeping 5 car lengths behind vehicles ahead on the highway when you keep only 3 car lengths behind has a much better chance of avoiding a collision if the car ahead came to a sudden stop.
Many people call them car “accidents”, but really the correct term is “collisions” or “crashes”. In a vehicle collision someone was acting in a way that caused the crash to happen which could have been prevented had they acted differently. If it could have been prevented it is NO accident.
6 Top Reasons for Crashes
- Distraction- The biggest distraction on the road believe it or not, is drivers on-looking at a collision site!
- Fatigue-Be well rested especially starting a long drive.
- Alcohol-These are usually the most serious, often fatal collisions.
- Speeding-It’s better to arrive late than not at all!
- Aggressive driving-Sometimes you need to be assertive behind the wheel, but not aggressive. The big difference is emotion.
- Weather-Respect the road conditions in wet, windy weather. Always operate a vehicle in accordance with “current” road conditions
“Deliberate success occurs when preparation and opportunity intersect.” Eric Allenbaugh
