PREVENTING ACCIDENTS

Most accidents are caused by driver error. The error may be yours or the other drivers. You can reduce your chances of an accident by knowing and using the standard accident prevention formula: Be Alert. Never think the other driver will not make a driving error. Be Prepared. Learn what to do in any case when you have to act fast. Act In Time. Try not to panic. Know what to do if something happens suddenly.

Some causes of inattentive driving are: searching for a burning cigarette on the seat or floor; trying to fasten a safety belt while driving; reaching across the seat to close a door or look in the glove compartment; reaching for coins in pockets while driving up to a toll booth; trying to wind or adjust a wristwatch; watching children or pets in the car; trying to struggle out of a coat; reading maps and newspapers; eating while driving; adjusting a mirror while driving; using a cellular phone; changing the cassette or compact disc; shaving; using a laptop computer or fax machine; applying makeup. Always try to avoid these and other types of distractions while driving. A seat belt holds you comfortably in position as well as offering protection in the event of an accident. So always buckle up. It is the law in New Jersey. Keep a space cushion To avoid a collision, you need as much time as possible to react. Try to keep plenty of space between your car and others on all sides. Stay in the middle of

your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead to stop or pass safely. The space between you and other vehicles gives you time to react in emergencies. Cellular phones and other technologies The benefits of cellular phones and other technologies include summoning emergency medical service as needed; reporting hazardous road conditions or congestion to authorities; reporting mechanical difficulties as they occur; and deterring personal assault and robbery on the vehicle s occupants. The problem of using cellular telephones, on-board navigation systems, portable fax machines and entertainment systems is the inattention and distraction created by the use of these items while driving, according to the FRSC, drivers should focus on safety when using a cellular phone. You need to control your vehicle with both hands. Just pull over to the side of the road if you. Changing lanes and passing Using the proper lane is important in defensive driving. Do not straddle a lane. Be alert to traffic behind. When you must change lanes, look at your rearview mirror. Glance behind to check your blind spots. Always signal your la e changes. Before passing a other vehicle, keep in mind the points listed below. How to pass Decide if you really need to pass. Decide if you can pass safely without speeding. Make sure you have kept a safe following distance. Do not tailgate. Check traffic ahead and behind. Watch for signs and pavement markings to make sure you are permitted to pass. Signal your lanes change. Tap your horn to signal the driver ahead, except in a business or residential zone. Signal your return to the right lane. Return to the right lane when well ahead of the vehicle you are passing. When you can see the car you passed in your inside rearview mirror, it is a good indication that it is safe to return to the right lane. Cancel your turn signal. Resume normal speed after passing.

When someone passes you When a driver behind you passes, be careful. Be sure you are in your proper lane. You should slow down to make it easier to be passed. Do not return to your normal speed until the passing vehicle is well ahead of you. Following distances Tailgating (driving too close to the vehicle in front) is a common cause of Accidents. If a car ahead stops suddenly, you should have enough space to stop time. Tailgating can cause a series of rear-end collisions when many cars are too close together. While keeping the proper following distance i traffic, you should also know the condition of your brakes. Test them often. Make sure of the distance it might take to stop. This is very important on wet roads and where there is snow or ice. One car length method Although there is no perfect rule for following distance, the rule of thumb most often used is to keep one car length back (about 20 feet) for each ten miles per hour of speed At high speeds or in bad weather, increase your following distance . Minimum safe following distance (car lengths) Road condition 20 mph 30 mph 40 mph Ideal 2 3 4 Wet pavement 4 6 8 Gravel 4 6 8 50 mph 5 10 10

Two-second rule Since most people have trouble judging distances, the two-second rule may be easier to use. It is usable at any speed. Choose some fixed object ahead of the car in front of you. The object may be a sign or a tree. Make sure the object you pick does not distract your attention from driving. As the car in front passes the object, begin counting two seconds (one thousand-one, one-thousand-two). If it takes at least two seconds before you pass the object, you should have enough distance for a sudden stop. The two-second rule takes into account your speed and the speed of the car in front. Try the rule while driving. It can help you develop good judgment for proper following distances.

Reduced visibility Adverse roadway or weather conditions also require an increase in following distance. Rough road, rain or snow require more time and room to respond. Plan to increase your following distance to six seconds or more. FOG. If you have trouble seeing during the day or night, slow down. Keep your headlights on low beam. Turn on fog lights if you have them. Use pavement markings and other vehicle lights as guide signs. SUN GLARE. Adjust sun visors to shield your eyes without cutting off your view. Hold the steering wheel firmly and slow down. Watch for lane markings. Stop at the roadside if you cannot see well enough to drive. Night driving. About 90 percent of driving decisions are based upon what we see. At night, your vision is reduced. Slow down and drive within the range of your headlights. This is about 500 feet on high beam and about 350 feet on low beam. Be sure you can stop within the distance you can see ahead. Night driving tips During late fall and winter there are more auto fatalities at rush hour according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety because night falls early. the speed you travel in miles per hour (mph); your reaction distance or how far you travel before you brake; braking distance or how far you will travel as you brake; and stopping distance or the total distance you ve traveled to stop. Driving and stopping at night (in feet)* mph Reaction distance 20 44 30 66 40 88 50 110 60 132 70 154
*This

Braking distance 25 57 101 158 227 310

Stopping distance 69 123 189 268 359 464

table shows the distance the average driver will need to stop while driving

at a designated speed using low beams at night. Numbers are based on a driver reaction time of 1.5 seconds. A vehicle travels 88 feet per second at 60 mph. Deceleration is 17.02 feet per second. Other safety rules for night driving are:

Drive with headlights on at dusk, night, dawn,on very dark days and whenever weather conditions reduce visibility to less than 500 feet. The law requires that you turn your headlights on when you turn your wipers on. Drive more slowly than during daylight. Watch for road signs, slow moving or unlit vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians and animals. Allow for more safety margins than you would during daylight. Speed You must never drive faster than is safe for the conditions, no matter what the posted speed limit. Judge your speed control by type of road, weather, and traffic. Drivers should slow down enough to see clearly and stop quickly in traffic. It is important to slow down: on narrow or winding roads; at intersections or railroad crossings; on hills; at sharp or blind curves; where there are pedestrians or driving hazards; when the road is wet or slippery. If you cannot keep up with normal traffic because of car problems, pull off the road. Driving too slowly While it is important to slow down when necessary, try to keep up with normal traffic flow. Driving too slowly and backing cause many accidents up traffic. When road surfaces and traffic are normal, New Jersey law prohibits you from blocking traffic by slow driving. Keep to the right The laws of New Jersey require you to keep to the right, except when passing. You must drive on the right half of the roadway unless you are driving on a oneway street. You must drive a vehicle as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle. On a multi-lane roadway, you must drive in the lane nearest to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway when the lane is available for travel, except when overtaking another vehicle or in preparation for a left turn.

You cannot hide drunk driving Drinking affects your thinking. It also slows your reaction time. Alcohol may make you feel good. It may give you a false feeling that you can do anything. A trained policeman will notice a driver who has been drinking. Here are some telltale signs: Speeding A drinking driver often thinks he or she can drive safely at high speeds. Weaving Even though a driver may stay in the right lane, he or she may have trouble steering straight. Slow Driving A drinking driver may be overly cautious and drive slower than the normal traffic flow. Jerking Motion A drinking driver often may have short mental lapses and not keep a steady speed on a clear road. Quick Stops A drinking driver may make sudden stops at a traffic sign or light, rather than easing up to it. This type of driving can cause accidents without the drinking driver being directly involved. Drugs and driving Nobody knows how many accidents drugs cause. In a National Highway Safety Administration multi-state study of drivers killed in accidents,18 percent had drugs other than alcohol in their bodies. Most people think of drugs as narcotics, LSD, or marijuana. These drugs may affect basic driving skills. The use of more common drugs such as antihistamines, cold remedies, pain relievers and moodchanging drugs. Others are hashish, heroin, cocaine, morphine and amphetamines (pep pills). Using even small amounts of alcohol with other drugs is very dangerous. It is also illegal to operate a motor vehicle on New Jersey highways under the influence of drugs. Read the label. The labels of most drugs will describe their effects. Any drug that may cause drowsiness or dizziness is not one you should take before driving. If you buy an over-the- counter drug, ask the druggist how it may affect driving. Do not mix two drugs. Before mixing drugs, ask your doctor about possible side effects. (They can be the same as mixing drugs and alcohol.) Check with a doctor. If you must use drugs, ask your doctor about their effects on driving. As with alcohol, a person using drugs often does not know he cannot drive safely. Alcohol should never be taken with any other drugs or medications. Mixing any drugs or medications can greatly increase the effects of the drug or medication.

Health and driving Health Any health problem can affect your driving. Even little problems like a stiff neck, a cough, or a sore leg can give you trouble while driving. If you are not feeling well, let someone else drive. Vision Vision is important to safe driving. Drivers may be called for an eyesight check every 10 years. Most of what you do behind the wheel is based on what you see. Have your eyes tested every year or two. If you are over 40,have them checked every year for special problems. To drive safely, you should have good side vision. Sidevision helps you see out of the corners of your eyes while looking straight ahead. Your distance judgment is also important in driving. You should know your distance from any object while driving. Bad distance judgment often causes accidents. Hearing Hearing is more important to driving than many people think. It can warn you of danger. The sound of horns, sirens or screeching tires warns you to be careful. You may be able to hear a car that you do not see. If you have a hearing problem, it helps if you install another rearview mirror on the right side of your vehicle. 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 sight. Their driving records are just as good as those drivers with good hearing. Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio is blaring or they are wearing earphones. Keep the radio turned down and don t wear earphones while driving. When possible, open a window to hear more clearly. Emotions Emotions can have a great effect on your driving. You cannot drive well if you are worried, excited, afraid or angry. If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to cool off. Take a short walk. Stay off the road until you are calm. If you are worried about something, try to get it off your mind. Listen to the radio. Listening to someone else helps get your mind off problems. If you are impatient, give yourself extra time. Leave early. That way you will not tend to speed or try to rush through traffic light changes. When you are in a hurry, you are more likely to get a traffic ticket or have a collision. If you are with someone else who is upset, protect him and yourself. Delay, talk, stall, or take a walk. Do anything to keep the person from driving. If you cannot keep an upset person from driving, at least stay out of the car yourself.

Passing You should know the proper lane for normal driving and how to change lanes safely. The rules for passing depend on the type of road. Stay to the right of the centerlines. Passing is only safe when you can see far enough ahead to be sure there is no oncoming traffic. Watch for lane markings. If there are both solid and dashed centerlines, you may only pass when the dashed line is on your side. You must complete the pass before reaching another solid line on your side. Do not pass when there is a solid line on your side. This is not only illegal, but very unsafe. Pass only when safe In most cases you pass on the left. You may pass on the right on roads with more than one lane going in the same direction if vehicles on the roadway are moving in two or more substantially continuous lines, or when the driver ahead is making a left turn and there is room to pass. Do not pass on the right shoulder of the road. This is against the law. Some important rules about passing are listed below. Do not pass on a hill or a curve, or at any time you cannot see far enough ahead; at a street crossing or intersection; at a railroad crossing; on narrow bridges, or in underpasses, or tunnels; when a sign tells you not to pass or there is a solid yellow line on your side of the center line marking; when a vehicle in front of you has stopped to let a pedestrian cross. Yielding the right of way Although there are laws, which govern the right of way, you should always be prepared to yield. There are some basic rules, which always apply. Yield to police cars, fire engines and ambulances when they are giving warning signs (sirens, flashing lights). Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Controlled intersections An intersection is where two or more roads cross or merge at angles. It is controlled if there are traffic lights or signs in any direction. Obey the signals and signs. At a controlled intersection, there are conditions when you must yield: at a 4-way stop, yield to the driver on the right if you both get there at the same time or to the driver already stopped in the intersection; in the intersection, yield to the other driver who is already stopped; at the entrance to an intersection marked with a yield sign, slow down and yield to traffic on the main road or stop;

at a traffic light when you want to turn left, yield to oncoming traffic and to pedestrians within the crosswalk. Uncontrolled intersections When two or more roads join and there are no traffic signs, be extra careful. Keep watch ahead on both sides of the road for crossroads. Most of the time there will be a warning sign ahead. As you near a crossroad that is not controlled, be ready to stop if any traffic is coming from the right or left. A driver coming from a private road or driveway must yield to all traffic on the main road. (But you can never be sure that will occur.)As a general rule, the vehicle on the left should yield to the vehicle on the right. Blind intersections Buildings, parked cars, or bushes may obstruct a driver s line of sight. In the country, trees or crops may hide cross traffic. Slow down to allow time to check traffic. Stop if you have to. Entering highways, parkways and turnpikes Highways, parkways and turnpikes are divided roads (usually multi-laned) with traffic flow only in one direction. There are no direct intersections. To help drivers enter a highway, acceleration (or speed up) lanes are used. These are extra lanes used to allow time for you to enter the highway and speed up to the flow of traffic. The driver must yield to traffic on the main road before moving into the proper lane. Keep the following points in mind when entering multi- laned highways. Watch for, and obey, the posted advisory speed limits (if any) at the entrance ramp. As you reach the acceleration lane, speed up to the flow of traffic. Before you reach the end of the acceleration lane, look for an opening in traffic on the main road. Try to avoid coming to a complete stop. Yield to traffic and enter the right-hand lane when safe. Stopping regulations Signs, signals and traffic rules tell you when you have to stop. The following section highlights some of the important stopping regulations. Do not try to beat a traffic light change. Even if the light is changing to green, be careful. There may be other vehicles coming through or still in the intersection. Most accidents at traffic signals happen in the first few seconds after the light has changed. When a yellow light follows a green light, get ready to stop. If the light changes while you are already in the intersection, go through with caution.

When you must stop at an intersection with a stop sign; where there is a red light;* where there is a flashing red light; when a traffic officer orders you to stop;** when there is a yield sign and traffic on the through road is too close; when a school bus is picking up or letting off children and/or the red lights are flashing; when coming from an alley, private drive way, or building; at a bridge span which is about to open for boat traffic; for a blind pedestrian using a white or metallic colored walking cane, or a trained guide dog,or a guide dog instructor engaged in instructing a guide dog; at a railroad crossing; for a pedestrian in a crosswalk or at an intersection. *Do not speed through red lights;it is a fatal factor in driving (see pp.109-10). Come to a full stop and turn only where permitted after yielding to traffic and to pedestrians crossing on green (see p.43). **The driver must comply with a police officer s request to illuminate the driver s compartment of the vehicle when stopped, or pay a $50 fine. Parking regulations Before you leave your vehicle after parking, check for traffic behind you. Check carefully for bicycles or MOPEDs before opening your car door, since they are more difficult to see than larger vehicles. Getting out into traffic has killed many persons. Whenever possible, get out on the curbside. Look at all parking signs before parking on city streets. Check for parking time limits. Park 6 inches or less from the curb. Parking further away from the curb is illegal. It can cause traffic problems. In general, do not park where you will block traffic. It is illegal for you to stop or park at any of the following places (except to avoid an accident or unless directed by an officer). Improperly parked vehicles can cause accidents.

Do not park on a crosswalk between a safety zone for pedestrians and the adjacent curb,or 20 feet of the end of the safety zone near properly marked street construction in a space on public or private property marked for vehicle parking for the disabled on an interstate highway; on a sidewalk; in a bus stop zone; in front of a public or private driveway; within an intersection; within 10 feet of a fire hydrant; within 25 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection or side line of a street or intersection highway,except at alleys; within 50 feet of a railroad crossing; within 50 feet of a stop sign; within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station.Within 75 feet on the street opposite a fire station entrance; on any bridge,elevated roadway or in any tunnel; next to another vehicle parked at the curb (double parking); an area where parking is prohibited by municipal ordinance.

Defensive Road Use Techniques

The use of Indicators and Brake Lights The law requires you to signal for a sufficient distance prior to: Changing lanes. making a turn. Moving to the right side of the road to park. Changing direction. Changing road position - if the vehicle is moving more than half a car width, e.g., you are moving to the left of the lane to pass a cyclist. If you are unable to give adequate warning with the indicator, earlier use of the brake may be appropriate to give prior warning of slowing down. When using an indicator, always complete the manoeuvre and then cancel the indicator. Observe other drivers who fail to cancel their indicator lights, e.g., when pulling away from the side of the road. Where possible, wait for confirmation of a driver's intention. Scanning and Mirror Use When driving, your eyes should be scanning: From the road environment and signs; To the side and rear vision mirrors; To the instruments; and Back to the road environment and signs. You should also check the mirrors prior to approaching any traffic hazard, indicating, braking, changing to lower gears or changing direction. Blind spots are hidden areas beside and around the vehicle that cannot be seen through the use of the mirrors. They are usually located to the right, behind the passenger seat; and to the left, beside the driver.

Vehicles of different sizes will have manufactured blind spots, where vision is blocked by front, middle and rear pillar posts. These blind spots can be greatly reduced by adjusting all mirrors correctly and turning your head to cover the blind spot before moving.

Remember, you must also pay attention to the vehicles in front of you. Convex shaped or wide angled mirrors are also available to help reduce blind spot areas. For drivers with limited head/neck movement the use of convex mirrors in conjunction with standard mirrors would be advantageous. Stopping Distance

The speed your vehicle is travelling determines its stopping distance. The total stopping distance consists of: Reaction Distance - is the distance covered by the vehicle between the moment you observe the need for action and the moment you take that action; plus Braking Distance - is the distance the vehicle travels from the initial application of the brakes. Braking distance will vary with the condition of the road, brakes and tyres. After realising there is an emergency, the average driver takes about 1.5 seconds to react. Your stopping distance will increase when the road is wet, muddy, slippery, has a loose surface or if you are travelling downhill - so always ensure you drive for the conditions.

Following Distance Rear end collisions are one of the most common crashes on our roads, yet they are the most avoidable. Whenever possible, a good driver will leave a safety cushion of space around the vehicle. If a vehicle is travelling too closely behind a vehicle that brakes suddenly, a collision will be difficult to avoid. What would be considered too close? A recommended method for determining a safe following distance behind another vehicle is the Time Lapse Formula. The Time Lapse Formula is calculated by using a stationary item on the side of the road ahead, (e.g., a tree or sign) as a marker. When the rear of the vehicle in front passes the marker begin counting, one thousand and one, one thousand and two (This takes approximately two seconds to say). If your vehicle passes the marker before you finish saying these numbers at a normal rate, your vehicle is too close. By keeping to a minimum two-second gap, under ideal weather conditions you will have a greater visual field for observation of traffic situations ahead, signs and road markings. This will increase planning ability to help deal with any hidden surprises. Under wet conditions or for longer or heavier vehicles (due to size and weight) stopping distances will increase. Therefore it is recommended that following distances should be up to five seconds. Overtaking Overtaking can be highly dangerous and requires judgement, good observation and planning skills. To overtake, you must have full and constant view of the road ahead and have a complete understanding of any perceived dangers. Traffic regulations do not allow a driver to exceed the speed limit when overtaking and this must be taken into account when travelling at high speeds. You should not overtake if: It is unsafe to do so. Approaching a crest or hill. Your view is blocked. Approaching a pedestrian crossing. There is not an acceptable space ahead to rejoin the traffic, taking into account the size and speed of other vehicles. The manoeuvre cannot be completed quickly and smoothly. When re-entering the traffic flow check the rear vision mirror for adequate distance from the overtaken vehicle for re-entry. On a multi-lane road you must not drive in the right lane where the speed limit is over 80

km/h or a KEEP LEFT UNLESS OVERTAKING sign is present unless you are overtaking, turning right, making a U-turn, avoiding an obstacle or driving in congested traffic. Do not hold up the traffic unnecessarily when travelling in the right-hand lane. When being overtaken, maintain speed and direction to allow for the safe passage of the vehicle overtaking. If danger is imminent from oncoming traffic then move left, give clearance for the overtaking vehicle and be prepared to slow down, allowing the vehicle to complete the manoeuvre. <http://www.free2go.com.au/licence/safedriving.cfm>

If cars are so smart, how come they crash?

I am a student of driving. I have made a study of the art and science for more than 30 years. I've taught racing drivers, police officers, cab drivers, emergency vehicle drivers, university students, seniors and all those who fit in between. I am a keen observer of the driving environment. I watch other drivers, scrutinize highways and secondary roads for potential hazards, read road signs, check out the pixel boards on the multi-laners, and scan constantly for police presence. I note the type and condition of vehicles we drive. I do this not to be a model citizen but because it's a fascinating study. Inevitably when training drivers I get drawn into interesting, and many times, intense discussions about the issue. I'm constantly amazed at the misconceptions and misperceptions that surround an activity that is such an integral part of our daily lives. I believe this is a reflection of how little we know or want to know; how little we credit the complexity of the task or how strongly we would object to any legislation construed as limiting our access to driving. These are not criticisms by any means-just observations. These misconceptions are manifest in reports and stories describing vehicle crashes and collisions. Language is a powerful indicator of our attitudes. Allow me to elucidate (learned this fancy talk from journalist Andy Fotheringham!). From community and national newspapers in the past month I have read: "A northbound vehicle entered the west ditch and struck the tree, wrapping around it. [sic]" "...was the result of a single vehicle losing control and shearing off a hydro pole..." "A vehicle struck the rock cut and rolled..." "A 2001 Aztec was traveling west overtaking traffic when a second westbound vehicle pulled out to pass. The Aztec attempted to avoid the other car lost control and rolled into the ditch." "...the car appears to have spun..." and, a few minute ago, on the radio, "...car spun out blocking the westbound lane..." Amazing. I know major advances have been made in the technology of cars and trucks over the past 20 years. But, vehicles capable of performing these feats boggle my mind.

I'm convinced that vehicles sitting in driveways, parked at a meter, or in a mall parking lot just kind of sit there and are not a menace to anything or anyone. Now, put a driver behind the wheel with little or no training and suddenly the picture changes. Vehicles can't enter ditches, shear off hydro poles, strike rock cuts, spin out, or pull out to pass. They have to be driven into these situations by you and I. They are incapable of performing any task until instructed or guided by us. We drive them into ditches, hydro poles and rock cuts because we were never taught how not to when we qualified for our drivers licenses. A couple of trips around the block and parallel parking practice does not prepare us to deal with an emergency. We don't learn what to do when weather deteriorates, when a tire blows out, or when another driver loses control in front of us. It would seem it's easier to blame the vehicles, highways, weather, other drivers, transports, and almost anything else. Otherwise we would have to admit we are woefully ill prepared to perform the complex task of driving. This state of affairs exists because it seems we are reluctant to take responsibility for our own well-being. So, please, when reporting or describing crashes and collisions let's put the "blame" where it should truly rest: on drivers not vehicles.

Driving under hazardous conditions

Wet Weather Driving When driving in poor weather conditions, you should consider: Reducing speed to compensate for poor visibility. Increasing the following distance behind other vehicles to suit wet weather conditions. Your vehicle's road handling on wet road surfaces. Reducing your speed when forced onto soft shoulders on narrow roads. Avoid sudden turning. Gently pressing brakes to ensure no skidding occurs. Using headlights on low beam for extra visibility of the vehicle when a person or vehicle is not clearly visible 100 metres away. Using the air-conditioning or demister to prevent any fogging of the windows.

Caution should be exercised when travelling where water may be flowing over the road, for example, at creek crossings. If it is absolutely essential that your journey continues and there is no alternative route, you should check the depth and speed of the water by

first walking across. You should also make sure that the planned path of the vehicle's tyres is clear of obstruction and potholes. The water depth should be no higher than the lowest point on the wheel rim of your vehicle. To dry the brakes after travelling through water, drive slowly between 20 km/h to 30 km/h with your left foot gently pressing on the brake at the same time as your right foot is on the accelerator. The RACQ advises that you check your vehicle is properly equipped for adverse weather and road conditions. Vehicles should have: A minimum of 1.5mm tyre tread. Efficient, well adjusted brakes that do not pull the vehicle to one side when stopping or slowing. A clean windscreen. Efficient windscreen wipers. All lights, brake lights and indicators in working order. A demister that is functioning correctly.

While all of the above should be checked on a regular basis, they are particularly important during wet weather. Other Adverse Weather Conditions Other adverse weather conditions in which motorists should slow down and take extra care include: Mist and fog. Rain and hail. Dust and smoke.

Some vehicles are equipped with additional lights, which should only be used in fog, mist or other atmospheric conditions which restrict visibility.

If visibility is still extremely limited, you should: 1. Pull into a safe area. 2. Put on your hazard lights. 3. Wait until the hazard passes.
Hazardous road conditions

Your vehicle's tyres can easily lose traction on loose stones, in ruts or corrugations and on bends with adverse cambers. On rural roads, particularly those with sections of gravel, sand or dirt, choose a speed and plot a course that avoids harsh braking or swerving when encountering potholes or other surface irregularities. In some areas, there are patches of dry bull-dust that could hide ruts and potholes. When driving in these areas you should reduce your speed, especially when towing trailers or caravans. Other hazardous conditions motorists should be aware of include: Heat haze. Fog. Driving into the sun. Smoke from bush-fires and burn-offs. Changes in road surface, e.g., bitumen, gravel and dirt. Dusk and dawn. Straying animals.

When re-entering the traffic flow check the rear vision mirror for adequate distance from the overtaken vehicle for re-entry.

If cars are so smart, how come they crash?

I am a student of driving. I have made a study of the art and science for more than 30 years. I've taught racing drivers, police officers, cab drivers, emergency vehicle drivers, university students, seniors and all those who fit in between. I am a keen observer of the driving environment. I watch other drivers, scrutinize highways and secondary roads for potential hazards, read road signs, check out the pixel boards on the multi-laners, and scan constantly for police presence. I note the type and condition of vehicles we drive. I do this not to be a model citizen but because it's a fascinating study. Inevitably when training drivers I get drawn into interesting, and many times, intense discussions about the issue. I'm constantly amazed at the misconceptions and misperceptions that surround an activity that is such an integral part of our daily lives. I believe this is a reflection of how little we know or want to know; how little we credit the complexity of the task or how strongly we would object to any legislation construed as limiting our access to driving. These are not criticisms by any means-just observations. These misconceptions are manifest in reports and stories describing vehicle crashes and collisions. Language is a powerful indicator of our attitudes. Allow me to elucidate (learned this fancy talk from journalist Andy Fotheringham!). From community and national newspapers in the past month I have read: "A northbound vehicle entered the west ditch and struck the tree, wrapping around it. [sic]" "...was the result of a single vehicle losing control and shearing off a hydro pole..." "A vehicle struck the rock cut and rolled..." "A 2001 Aztec was traveling west overtaking traffic when a second westbound vehicle pulled out to pass. The Aztec attempted to avoid the other car lost control and rolled into the ditch." "...the car appears to have spun..." and, a few minute ago, on the radio, "...car spun out blocking the westbound lane..." Amazing. I know major advances have been made in the technology of cars and trucks over the past 20 years. But, vehicles capable of performing these feats boggle my mind. I'm convinced that vehicles sitting in driveways, parked at a meter, or in a mall parking lot just kind of sit there and are not a menace to anything or anyone. Now, put a driver behind the wheel with little or no training and suddenly the picture changes. Vehicles can't enter ditches, shear off hydro poles, strike rock cuts, spin out, or pull out to pass. They have to be driven into these situations by you and I. They are incapable of performing any task until instructed or guided by us. We drive them into ditches, hydro poles and rock cuts because we were never taught how not to when we qualified for our drivers licenses.

A couple of trips around the block and parallel parking practice does not prepare us to deal with an emergency. We don't learn what to do when weather deteriorates, when a tire blows out, or when another driver loses control in front of us. It would seem it's easier to blame the vehicles, highways, weather, other drivers, transports, and almost anything else. Otherwise we would have to admit we are woefully ill prepared to perform the complex task of driving. This state of affairs exists because it seems we are reluctant to take responsibility for our own well being. So, please, when reporting or describing crashes and collisions let's put the "blame" where it should truly rest: on drivers not vehicles.

Driving under hazardous conditions

Wet Weather Driving When driving in poor weather conditions, you should consider: Reducing speed to compensate for poor visibility. Increasing the following distance behind other vehicles to suit wet weather conditions. Your vehicle's road handling on wet road surfaces. Reducing your speed when forced onto soft shoulders on narrow roads. Avoid sudden turning. Gently pressing brakes to ensure no skidding occurs. Using headlights on low beam for extra visibility of the vehicle when a person or vehicle is not clearly visible 100 metres away. Using the air-conditioning or demister to prevent any fogging of the windows.

Caution should be exercised when travelling where water may be flowing over the road, for example, at creek crossings. If it is absolutely essential that your journey continues and there is no alternative route, you should check the depth and speed of the water by first walking across. You should also make sure that the planned path of the vehicle's tyres is clear of obstruction and potholes. The water depth should be no higher than the lowest point on the wheel rim of your vehicle. To dry the brakes after traveling through water, drive slowly between 20 km/h to 30 km/h with your left foot gently pressing on the brake at the same time as your right foot is on the accelerator.

You are advised to check your vehicle is properly equipped for adverse weather and road conditions. Vehicles should have: A minimum of 1.5mm tyre treads. Efficient, well adjusted brakes that do not pull the vehicle to one side when stopping or slowing. A clean windscreen. Efficient windscreen wipers. All lights, brake lights and indicators in working order. A demister which is functioning correctly.

While all of the above should be checked on a regular basis, they are particularly important during wet weather. Other Adverse Weather Conditions Other adverse weather conditions in which motorists should slow down and take extra care include: Mist and fog. Rain and hail. Dust and smoke.

Some vehicles are equipped with additional lights, which should only be used in fog, mist or other atmospheric conditions, which restrict visibility. If visibility is still extremely limited, you should: 1. Pull into a safe area. 2. Put on your hazard lights. 3. Wait until the hazard passes.
Hazardous road conditions

Your vehicle's tyres can easily lose traction on loose stones, in ruts or corrugations and on bends with adverse cambers. On rural roads, particularly those with sections of gravel,

sand or dirt, choose a speed and plot a course that avoids harsh braking or swerving when encountering potholes or other surface irregularities. In some areas, there are patches of dry bull-dust that could hide ruts and potholes. When driving in these areas you should reduce your speed, especially when towing trailers or caravans. Other hazardous conditions motorists should be aware of include: Heat haze. Fog. Driving into the sun. Smoke from bush-fires and burn-offs. Changes in road surface, e.g., bitumen, gravel and dirt. Dusk and dawn. Straying animals.