It is a major contributing factor to accidents and injuries. Scanning both sides of the road, looking for the next hazard. Brake failure..+ B. Dehydration C. Engine overheating D. Velocitation Collisions caused by fatigue are particularly likely to involve __________ . If your journey involves using unfamiliar limited access highways, planning your route ahead of time is essential. This includes foggy or rainy conditions in which visibility is decreased and can result in poor decision making leading to accidents. (Kitty litter may also work for traction, but the mats are reusable.) hoosing not to drive in rain, snow or fog, at night or during any other hazardous conditions is always the smartest decision. Parked car on our right. Car parking on our left. Drivers are most at risk of sun glare in the mornings and late afternoons, when the sun sits low in the sky. Car pulling out in front of us, yes it does. Preventive Measures: This presents a risk of falling from height.Securing loadsUnrestrained loads can increase the risk of vehicle rollover and load spillage, and risk the life of the driver and other road users. In general, steering away from a potential crash is a faster and more effective option than coming to a complete stop. In addition, floor surfaces should be properly maintained and suitable for the location and activities being undertaken. The majority of truck collisions are not the fault of the truck driver. Veteran truck drivers like Boblett understand how to react to various driving situations. This will require that they are wide enough and, where appropriate, high enough to allow safemovements of vehicles. Vehicles often build up speed moving down a steep hill. Multilane carriageway. The increased risk around work zones means that obeying the signs, signals and traffic control devices established in these areas is every bit as important as obeying them elsewhere. Allowing for the car turning left in front. 3. Checking over the crest of the hill. Pedestrian on the footpath on the left. In addition, drivers would be required to sound the vehicle horn when entering or exiting buildings, negotiating blind cornersand/or reversing. In addition to changing weather, be prepared for steep hills, windy roads, wildlife, and rocks in the roadway. Pedestrian may step out. A well-rounded and comprehensive fleet safety program can help with driver training, changing unsafe driving habits, and improving driver retention. In instances like these, fleet and safety managers that use Motives fleet management system would be alerted when aggressive driving events (hard cornering and braking) are triggered. (Note: The FMCSA may delay implementation until 2022. Two lanes in the one direction. Stick to low-beam headlights in built-up areas and when you are in close proximity to other drivers. reach trucks, counterbalance forkliftsStrict control of vehicle and pedestrian movementsThis is necessary where physical segregation of vehiclesand people is not practicable. The use of a banksman to guide drivers may also be necessary.Selection and training of driversDriver training normally consistsof three distinct stages:1. It is essential to reduce your speed and drive within the reach of your headlights, otherwise you will not have time to react to hazards as they enter your field of vision. Parked cars ahead on our left. Read your owners manual.) different driver categories and the associated risks (e.g. This feature works with your vehicles existing braking systems to block you from going past a certain speed while traveling downhill or on unsteady terrain. In the worst case scenario, vehicles can roll over due to load shift as the vehicle can become unbalanced and overturn. All it takes is a split second for someone to come into your lane without warning. Braking in front. You should avoid overheating the engine by not using the air conditioner and driving more slowly. Truck approaching. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra second of following distance to the recommended three seconds for most drivers. Looking through the corner. A hazard can be any possible source of danger on or near the road that could lead to a crash, and it can come from any direction. What to Do: All cars come equipped with a sun visor, Solomon says. Youll wind up seeing less, Solomon says. Slightly damp roads can pose more of a hazard, as the water may loosen oil and chemicals which have become ingrained in the asphalt. He shares some of his best tips for driving safely: Chad posted a poll on his Facebook group, Rate Per Mile Masters, asking his followers (mostly owner-operators) about the best ways to prevent collisions when cornering or going downhill. This includes using cell phones/smartphones, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, etc. Watch where that car goes. Telephone box. another car suddenly jumping across. An experienced commentator points out potential hazards facing drivers and suggests ways that drivers could respond safely. With the increasing demand for truck deliveries and more traffic, drivers and companies face the challenge of avoiding collisions. Car waiting to pull out in front. It's important to learn how to recognise and avoid hazards while driving to improve road safety for yourself and other road users. Checking the intersection. ; Actually HAVE brakes at the end of the hill! Checking the intersection blocked on our left. On rural roads and open highways, your high-beam headlights will maximize visibility. You may also wish to keep a pair of strong sunglasses in your glove compartment for particularly bright days. When driving on particularly slippery surfaces you should avoid sudden changes in speed or direction, as this may send your vehicle into a skid. Turn on your headlights, activate fog lights, activate your windscreen wipers and reduce speed. For example, the NTSB examined one fatal traffic accident which occurred inside of a tunnel and found that the crash was likely caused by concrete and suspension hardware falling onto . Keep in mind that in most states, drivers are legally required to clear all ice and snow from their vehicles before a journey. Very busy area. Step 3: Evaluate the risk and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done. Winter or summer, the sun sometimes has a way of shining through your windshield just the right angle to effectively blind you. Be alert for large trucks and buses that may be going too fast. In many cases employees will also have to drive long distances while still undertaking a full days work.Driving hoursThese are likely to be linked in many cases to distances travelled.Work schedulesUnrealistic or badly organised work schedules can often result in employees takingchances with safety.StressDriving-related stress often occurs when the individual feels overwhelmed by thesurrounding environment and road conditions.Weather conditionsThe weather can pose a risk as it may hinder the drivers visibility, their ability to stop within safe distances, and their control of the vehicle. Fueling. The hill descent assist helps maintain a safe speed without you needing to use the brakes. Every driver will occasionally find themselves in a situation where an accident or collision seems unavoidable. Additional hazards could include stored energy in the form of compressedair, hydraulic systems or heat from engine components. You need to consider how likely it is that each hazard will cause harm Step 4: Record your Vehicles passing us on the right. Down is more dangerous. In addition, Chad notes the drivers truck was fully loaded and the driver may have been going too fast. Looking on the footpaths, scanning between the cars. Looking amongst the parked cars. ergonomic considerations, mileages that will be covered. Just dont engage them: Theres nothing youre going to do to stop them from tailgating you. What It Does Not Do: Manage a cars speed going up a hill. If you honk, flash your lights, or make an insulting hand gesture, you run the risk of antagonizing someone who is already behaving irrationally. Pedestrian on our left. Keep an emergency supply kit in your car during the winter months, just in case you are stranded by the roadside. The car still may pull out on the left. Learn more about the Motive fleet safety solution. Solomon also keeps a baseball cap in his car so he can use the bill to block the sun without obstructing his view. This would take into account factors such as weather and perhaps the possibility that indoor floors might become wet and slippery (e.g. If glare is coming from the left-side window, remember that most visors are detachable on one end and should be able to pivot and block peripheral light. Do not start a journey if the fog is so thick that the way ahead is completely obscured a few feet in front of your vehicle. It is not only shared between the driver and the company, but with everyone else on the road. If I can see their reflection, then they can probably see me.. A great deal can be done to minimize the risk of being involved in a highway accident though we cannot eliminate that risk altogether. Crest of the hill, looking down the hill. Car approaching on the right. Snow, ice, fog and heavy rain are all likely to significantly affect journey times but are also direct contributory factors in many vehicle incidents. Vehicles changing lanes up ahead. Vehicle approaching. Old but still golden: 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback, First Drive | 2023 Kia EV6 GT-Line | Post Modern Philosophy, More than just a kit | 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross, Breaking the mold: 2022 Chevrolet Tracker LT Redline, If the price is right: 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Premier, Three Tips on How to Safely Drive on Downhill Roads. When driving downhill, scan the road ahead for any dangers and be prepared to steer to safety if necessary. You should also keep a snow shovel and set of snow chains in your vehicle for emergencies. Intersection at the bottom of the hill. car drivers, goods vehicle, passenger or patient transport); specific competencies associated with each driver category (e.g. If you ask us, we would rather take the uphill part of the drive because going downhill is harder. Make sure you know how to fit and use your snow chains before you must do so in an emergency. Pull over to the side of the road if you encounter glare severe enough to completely obscure other vehicles or road signs. A floating vehicle may be swept off the roadway into a deeper body of water. Cars changing lanes. Once the vehicle begins to straighten out, counter-steer in the opposite direction, Solomon says. This means you will have to apply them harder and harder to get the same stopping power. Scanning ahead, car changing lanes in front of us. Use the following tips to prepare for a cold-weather journey: You must avoid driving in a blizzard at all costs. During rear-wheel skids, this will be in the same direction as the skid. Wherepossible, one-way systems and/or turning circles should be incorporated into the design of vehicle routes to minimise the need for reversing. Lighting should also be adequate, and efforts should be made to minimise the number of blind corners, concealed entrances or other potential areas where poor visibility for vehicle drivers or pedestrians could create a risk. Driving at night is far more difficult and dangerous than driving during the day, primarily because your visibility is dramatically reduced. Person waiting at a bus stop. Also, you should be able to maintain a safe speed on winding mountain roads. Pedestrians crossing the road, still trying to cross the road. This may requirethat different types of vehicle are used, e.g. Watch the speed when carrying a heavy load. While the hazard is the source of the injuries or the disease, i.e the thing that can harm you. During freezing and near-freezing conditions you should reduce your speed, even if no ice or snow is visible on the road. Pulling over during a blizzard is often the safest course of action, though you may be stuck for several hours at least. Car indicating to turn across our path. Scanning both sides of the road. Car approaching. I-15 between Las Vegas, NV and Salt Lake City, NV The posted speed limit is 70 mph, which may be too fast. Driving in extremely hot weather can put your health at risk and damage your vehicle. Always keep an eye out for flying debris and other obstacles on the road ahead, when traveling in extremely windy conditions. Sun glare is incredibly dangerous as it can impair vision and in extreme cases, cause momentary blindness. Car braking in front. Check the vehicle temperature gauge regularly and pull over if there is a chance your engine may overheat. This data can also be used as an incentive for drivers to continue to improve their driving records and aid others who need improvement. Pedestrian on our right. Pedestrian crossing. Bright sunlight can impair your vision and even cause temporary blindness. James Solomon has been a defensive driving expert with the National Safety Council for 34 years. He has taught driving courses for 47 years. Some versions of this feature will operate while traveling downhill in reverse, such as reversing out of a driveway that was built on a hill. Slowing, watching for oncoming traffic. Green light ahead. Unfavorable weather and road conditions can create hazards that make driving difficult, and more dangerous. In an emergency, you may either stop, speed up or turn, to avoid a collision. Select your state to get started. Worn tires and incorrect tire pressure make hydroplaning a risk at lower speeds, so be sure to keep your tires in good condition. Clear the snow away from the wheels and try moving forward or in reverse. If a driver is not paying attention, it may be easy to lose control. Thick fog makes for extremely poor visibility. Maintaining a safe following distance. Using your brakes continually for an extended period of time may result in overheating, which could result in brake failure. In bad weather, Solomon says to increase it to seven or even 12 seconds to avoid debris and snow hitting your windshield. Opening the boot. For some practical advice on what to do in these situations, we asked Solomon to break down 10 . Preserve your car's brakes. A fleet safety solution that gets results. Be sure to put your hazard lights on to alert other drivers and recovery vehicles to your presence. Through the corner, following a van, built up area, many things going on. Car waiting to pull out. Speed. Organized into an easy-to-follow checklist, this information can be printed off and revisited as often as needed; you may wish to read through it again before taking your car onto a freeway. 2023 National Safety Council May duck across in front. Road on the left. This may make it run off the road. May help smooth out your drive by adjusting your cars suspension system making it easier to brake and steer. They might take it as a sign to hang back. Motive builds technology to improve the safety, productivity, and profitability of businesses that power the physical economy. If I can, Ill signal, move to the right-hand lane, and that will generally take care of it. If you cant, wait for an intersection so you can make a right turn or drive into a service station. Looking for potential hazards. It will be necessary to segregate vehicles and pedestrians by means of clear markings, signage and, on occasion, physical barriers. Make sure your car is prepared for the conditions in which you are traveling, by purchasing a good-quality set of all-terrain tires or snow tires. Strong winds can be a problem for all car drivers, though they are a particular hazard for drivers of light-weight vehicles, vehicles towing trailers and high-sided recreational vehicles. going over slippery surfaces (such as oil or grease patches); carrying loads at a dangerous height (e.g. Many large vehicles on our left. You can get the details on FederalRegister.gov. Copyright 2023 ePermitTest. Vehicle ducking in front of us. Looking through the corner. An overinflated tire can cause the side tread to leave the surface, leaving only the center tread in contact with the road. Car ahead indicating left, may be turning. It also increases the chance of losing control of the vehicle. You will be the first one to receive the latest updates and announcements.. Be aware of your downhill speed. Pedestrian crossing ahead of us. Distances that drivers have to coverIt is not unusual for some company drivers to spend half their working hours on the road. one and a half times. Brake failure B. Dehydration C. Engine overheating D. Velocitation. Reduce your speed to allow more time to react, should you need to evade an approaching hazard. Vehicle turning out on the right. If that doesnt work, put the mats under the front wheels (for front-wheel drive) or under the back wheels (for a rear-wheel drive). Up- or down-hill driving? When driving through smoke you must be aware of additional dangers. In some places, you will see a sign warning of a steep hill as shown in this figure. Watching for pedestrians. Looking through the corner. However, you must never use high-beams in close quarters with other road users, as you may blind them and cause an accident. Tractor on the right. Should your car stall in water, you must get out and seek higher ground immediately. Six inches of water can cause loss of control, 12 inches will float most vehicles and two feet will float pick-up trucks and SUVs. This can quickly be rectified by pulsing the brakes in a low gear to shake off the excess water. One way road. What features can help reduce risks in the workplace? Visit gomotive.com to learn more. Looking over the crest of the hill. It could be a: child chasing a ball onto the road parked car door opening vehicle merging into your lane or stopping suddenly in front of you slippery road surface after rain. Vehicle waiting to turn across our path. If necessary, you may lightly pump the brakes during a skid. Pedestrian crossing in front of us, allowing for that. While some ice is noticeable, black icewhich occurs when ice has thawed and re-frozencan be hard to spot.