A Proactive Driver With The Proper Attitude

A Proactive Driver With The Proper Attitude drivers#

Generally itвЂ™s good to think of things in advance when on the road. Give yourself enough room when stopped at a light to be able to change lanes without going in reverse. If another vehicle is tailgating, itвЂ™s best to let them pass you if possible. Rather it is giving other vehicles enough space behind you, in front of you, and to the sides of you.

Unfortunately this is not a cushion in space. If the person does not pass, create a wider space cushion between you and the vehicle ahead. If someone is following too closely, and if it is safe, reduce your speed just enough to encourage them to pass. Leave enough space between yourself and the vehicle ahead, behind and to either side to stop safely or steer around a possible hazard. Expect the unexpected and always plan anДЄgain always prepare for the worst and give yourself an out in case the worst happens.

Green lights that are about to turn yellowД«e prepared to take action to avoid a problem as the situation changes.

Roads with different weather conditions like ice.

Children playing or people crossing the street.

Variable hazards change through the day, including:

Restricted vision areas such as curves, hills and hidden driveways.Here are two types of hazards (fixed and variable)ДЇixed hazards are things that are always there and just part of the road way: If you see one developing, youвЂ™ll have to take action. These are fixed (those that do not change) and variable (those that change).ДЄlways be on the look out for hazards. There are two types of hazards that should be recognized. Proactive driving involves a continuous process of watching your surroundings and thinking about whether hazards are developing, and then taking action to reduce risks. And always remember to check how fast youвЂ™re going.

A Proactive Driver With The Proper Attitude drivers#

You should be checking your rear-view mirrors every 10 seconds or so, looking for hazards or problematic drivers behind you. Do not forget to glance at your speedometer to check your speed. Be aware of vehicles on both sides and in your blind spots. Glance in your rear view mirrors when you anticipate slowing or stopping. Give yourself 25ish seconds in less populated, rural areas.Д¬heck behind you by glancing in your rear view mirrors every eight to 12 seconds (about every block in an urbanДЄrea). That comes out to about a block and a half. If youвЂ™re in a city or well populated area, look around 15 seconds ahead of your car. Give most of your time and attention to hazards developing ahead of you. This is your visual lead time, which provides you with time to respond to hazards ahead of you. When you are driving in rural areas, look at least 20 to 25 seconds ahead of your vehicle. This is about one to one and a half blocks. When you are driving in an urban area, look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. Most of your attention should be given to looking forward and scanning for hazards that are developing ahead of you. The follow paragraphs will help you do that. Think about what a bad driver might do and prepare for that scenario. This chapter describes the skills and techniques you can use to drive proactively.ДЄlways assume other drivers will make mistakes and not drive perfectly or carefully. Might happen can help you to avoid collisions caused by the driving errors of others. Never assume other drivers are always going to drive carefully or respond correctly at all times. Proactive or defensive driving means that you think about, plan for, and anticipate possible dangers on the road in order to lessen and avoid hazards before they occur. Proactive driving is driving with the aim to anticipate possible hazards and take action to reduce, minimize or avoid danger before it can occur.