Most collisions are caused by motorist error. A motorist can reduce the chances of a collision by practicing defensive driving strategies. If we are to experience a drop in the number of collisions and the corresponding loss of property and lives, it will be as a result of drivers taking responsibility for being a part of the traffic safety solution. Look for at least one thing that you can do differently that will lower the risk in your driving environment. Drivers should always be alert and never think the other motorist will not make a driving mistake. Always be prepared, and learn what to do in any situation when you have to act fast. Drivers should expect the unexpected. Act in time, and know what to do if something happens suddenly. Try not to panic.
Most of us are technically good drivers. However,
- Familiarity leads to complacency
- Complacency leads to carelessness
- Carelessness leads to mistakes (collisions)
Evaluate the traffic environment:
S-A-F-E (that is, SAFE) is an acronym for a defensive driving strategy designed for collision avoidance:
- See and evaluate
- Anticipate potential hazards
- Find and decide on an escape route
- Execute the necessary evasive actions
This collision avoidance strategy consists of four simple phrases. When memorized and consistently practiced, these keys will help you to avoid collisions.
National Percentages and Numbers for 2019
In 2019, there were 50,930 drivers involved in fatal crashes that occurred in the United States.. Some of the most frequent violations that contribute to fatal crashes nationwide are as follows:
- Alcohol – 5,164 fatalities
- Speeding – 8,746 fatalities
- Distracted Driving – 3,008 fatalities
The age group with the highest number of fatalities is those drivers who are ages 25-34 reporting 4,501 fatalities. Following are the reported number of fatalities broken down by age group
It is important to note that over 75 percent of fatalities are male. In 2019, there were 17,477 male drivers that were killed in fatal accidents compared to 5,115 female drivers that were killed.
The time of day when most fatal crashes occur is 6 PM to 9 PM with 5,624 fatal crashes with most crashes occurring on Saturdays.
California Percentages and Statistics for 2019
In 2019, California had 4,989 fatal crashes. Similar to the national statistics, the most common types of violations that caused traffic fatalities are alcohol-impaired driving (752) and speeding (984).
Passenger vehicle occupants accounted for the largest number of occupants killed at 1,189 followed by light-truck occupants at 711, and motorcyclists at 474.The age group with the highest number of occupants killed was 25-34 with 564 killed.
The time of day with the most fatal traffic crashes is from 6 PM to 9 PM with 584 fatal crashes.
Similar to the national statistics, over 70% of traffic fatalities were male at 2,609 compared to 995 females that were killed.
Data NHTSA
COMMON CAUSES OF COLLISIONS
Unsafe Speed
Speeding is a multi-tiered threat because not only does it reduce the amount of time necessary to avoid a crash, but it also increases the risk of crashing and makes the crash more severe if it does occur.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), when speed increases from 40 mph to 60 mph, the energy released in a crash more than doubles.
Simply slowing down and obeying posted speed limits can go a long way toward making the roads safer. The U.S. Highway Patrol reported that an average of over 100,000 people will receive a speeding ticket in one day, with 40,000,000 on average speeding tickets being issued in one year. Additionally, speeding is one of the major causes of traffic collisions, particularly for younger or newer drivers. The Department of Motor Vehicles reports that speeding was the leading factor in over 30% of fatal crashes caused by drivers between the ages of 16 to 19.
Collisions are more likely to happen when one driver goes faster or slower than the other cars on the road. If you drive faster than other traffic, you increase your chances of being involved in a collision. Studies have shown that speeding does not save more than a few minutes in an hour of driving time. It is better to slow down and be safe than to save a few minutes by speeding and possibly endanger yourself or others.
The faster you drive, the greater distance will be needed to safely stop your vehicle. A car traveling at 55 miles per hour will take approximately 400 feet to react and bring your vehicle to a stop. At 35 mph it takes about 210 feet to react and come to a complete stop.
Driving slower than other vehicles or stopping suddenly can be just as dangerous as speeding. In some instances, it can be more dangerous because you may cause other drivers to swerve to avoid hitting your vehicle, or even worse, cause a rear-end collision. If you are in the fast lane and you notice vehicles moving to the right lane to pass you, or a line of vehicles is forming behind you, be considerate and move into the right lane, when it is safe, and let the vehicles pass.
There are three things that add up to total stopping distance:
Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance = Total Stopping Distance
Perception Distance + Reaction Distance
This is the distance your vehicle moves from the time your eyes see a hazard until your brain comprehends it. In other words, the distance traveled from the time your brain tells your foot to move from the accelerator until your foot is actually pushing the brake pedal. The perception time for an alert driver is about 3/4 seconds.
Braking Distance
The distance it takes to stop once the brakes are put on is the braking distance. At 55 mph on dry pavement with good brakes, it can take a vehicle about 145 feet to stop. If your vehicle’s brakes are worn or the pavement is slippery due to rain, snow, or sand, then the distances will substantially increase.
When deciding what speed you should be traveling at, you should consider the overall road conditions. Never travel too fast or too slow for the road conditions. When you are driving down a street or roadway monitored by traffic control devices, or anywhere that stopping might occur, you should always allow a safe space cushion between yourself and the cars in front of you.
Every driving situation requires adaptation on your part. Collisions occur without warning, so you need to be prepared and give yourself time to react. Exceeding the speed limit is a common contributing factor of fatal and other types of collisions. A motorist must always obey the speed limit. Speed affects almost everything that can happen when driving. A good rule is to keep up with the flow of traffic at any legal speed. In order to make safe emergency stops when necessary, it is important to keep enough distance from surrounding traffic. California law sets top speed limits for any given road, street, highway, or freeway.
California’s “Basic Speed Law” says that you must never drive faster than is safe for the conditions. No matter what the speed limit sign may say, your speed should depend on:
- The number and speed of other cars on the road.
- Whether the road surface is smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide, or narrow.
- Bicyclists or pedestrians walking on the edge of the road.
- The amount of rain, fog, snow, ice, wind, or dust.
Remember- Even though you may think it is safe, you may never legally drive faster than the posted speed limit. If any conditions are less than optimum, drive well below the posted speed limit.
The greatest danger in driving too fast is that the crashes that occur are far more severe.
Maximum Speed Limit- The maximum speed limit on most California highways is 65 mph. However, for two lane and undivided highways, the maximum speed limit is 55 mph unless posted for a higher speed.
On some highways, the maximum speed limit is 70 mph but only if there are signs posted showing 70 mph. In a business or residential district, a school zone when children are present, senior centers and senior activity areas when posted with a warning sign, the maximum speed limit is 25 mph unless posted otherwise.
The maximum speed limit on all California highways for large trucks (big rig) is 55 mph.
Other speed limits are set for the type of roads and traffic in each area. All speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions.
On the freeway, left-hand lanes (or #1 and #2 lanes) are reserved for faster through traffic.
Driving faster than the posted speed limit or than it is safe for current conditions on any road is dangerous and illegal. High speed increases your stopping distance. The faster you go, the less time you have to avoid a hazard or collision. The force of a 60 mph crash is not just twice as great as at 30 mph– it is four times as great!
When you drive too slowly – No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation because of a grade or in compliance with the law. CVC 22400.
A motorist should always try to keep up with the normal flow of traffic while not exceeding the posted speed limit. Some collisions are caused by driving too slowly and backing up traffic. Don’t drive too much slower than the posted speed limit though. If you do, traffic can bunch up behind you. This is called “impeding traffic.” Driving too slow on a busy highway can be just as dangerous as driving too fast. It can make a crash more likely to happen. If you are in the left (or fast) lane, move to the right when another driver is close behind you and wishes to drive faster.
If you need to drive slower than the speed limit, stay in the far right lane. Watch traffic conditions around you. If traffic gets bunched up behind you, speed up or pull off the road so the traffic can go around you. On a divided road, try to not block lanes by driving beside other traffic. If someone stays beside you, speed up or slow down so traffic behind can get by. If you block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic by driving too slow, you may receive a ticket.
Reduced Speed Is Often Required
Slower speed is necessary when:
- You approach or cross another roadway;
- You approach or pass a stopped emergency vehicle with its emergency lights flashing
- You approach a flag person, barricades, flare, or reflector on the road
- You travel on a narrow or winding roadway
- You approach a curve or hilltop
- You approach or cross a railroad crossing
- A hazard exists, such as a pedestrian, bad weather, or highway conditions
Speed Limits on Bridges – Special speed limits and “no passing” signs may be posted on bridges. Watch for and obey these limits.
Designated Lanes for Designated Vehicles – When you are driving a bus, towing a vehicle, or driving a large truck, you will usually be traveling slower than other vehicles. You must drive in the right hand lane or in a lane specially marked for you.
If no lanes are marked, and four lanes go in your direction, you may only drive in either of the two lanes closest to the right side of the road.
NOTE: When you are towing a trailer or other vehicle and following behind another towed vehicle or a three-axle truck, you must stay at least 300 feet behind it.
The rule does not apply when you are:
- In a business or residential district
- On a highway with two or more lanes for traffic moving in the same direction
- Overtaking and passing the vehicle ahead
Some vehicles may require observing lower than posted speed limits in certain circumstances. The vehicles subject to these regulations include multi-axle trucks, school buses, vehicles transporting explosives, and trucks transporting farm workers.
Maximum Speed for Designated Vehicles:
22406 CVC – No person may drive any of the following vehicles on a highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour:
(a) A motor truck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motor truck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle.
(b) A passenger vehicle or bus towing any other vehicle.
(c) A school bus transporting any school pupil.
(d) A farm labor vehicle when transporting passengers.
(e) A vehicle transporting explosives.
(f) A trailer bus, as defined in Section 636.
Prima-Facie Speed Limits:
22352CVC – As it is stated in the California Vehicle Code, if any conditions are less than optimum, drive well below the posted speed limit.
Unless different limits are posted on traffic signs, the following California speed limits apply in normal driving conditions:
- Near a school, the speed limit is 25 mph while children are outside or crossing the street.
- In any alley and at uncontrolled blind intersections, the speed limit is 15 mph.
- When traversing railroad tracks where there is no signal device installed and you do not have an unobstructed view for a distance of 400 feet in each direction during the last 100 feet of your approach to the crossing the speed limit is 15 mph.
- In business or residential districts, the speed limit is 25 mph.
In school zones, reduce speed when children are present. Obey the posted limit.
In work or construction zones, reduce speed and drive with care. Obey the posted limit. Drive slowly near schools, playgrounds, parks, blind intersections, alleys, near railroad tracks, and while passing a streetcar, trolley or bus.
Residential Areas – According to CVC 23352(b) (1), the speed limit in any residential neighborhood is 25 mph. When there are no speed limit signs for driving in a residential district, the speed limit is 25 MPH, but don’t be afraid to drive slower if conditions seem to warrant.
Business Districts – According to CVC 23352 (b) (1), the speed limit in any business or residential neighborhood, around any school zone or senior citizen center is 25 mph. If you do not see any sign, assume this to be the limit, but don’t be afraid to drive slower if conditions seem to warrant a slower speed.
School Zones- According to VC 23352 (b) (2), within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street, the speed limit is 25 mph, unless otherwise posted.
Also, if the school ground has no fence and children are outside, never drive faster than 25 mph no matter what the speed limit sign states. Always drive more carefully near schools, playgrounds, parks, and residential areas because children may suddenly dart into the street.
Railroad Crossing – According to VC 23352 (a) (1) (2), the speed limit at blind intersections states that the maximum speed limit at an uncontrolled blind intersection is 15 MPH. At uncontrolled railroad crossings, the speed limit is 15 miles per hour. Trees, bushes, buildings, or parked cars at an intersection can block your view of cars approaching from the sides. If you are within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions, you may go faster than 15 mph if gates, a warning signal, or a flag man controls the crossing.
Blind Intersections and Alleys – Blind intersections are intersections where you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet before crossing.
Trees, bushes, buildings, or parked cars at an intersection can block your view of cars approaching from the sides.
You need to approach a blind intersection slowly enough (15 mph) to be able to stop if a vehicle pulls out suddenly. However, you may drive as fast as the posted speed limit sign if YIELD or STOP signs on the side streets give you the right-of-way. The speed limit in any alley is 15 mph.
REMEMBER: Trees, bushes, buildings, or parked cars at intersections can block your view of vehicles coming.
Freeway – The maximum speed for most freeway driving is 65 mph. The Vehicle Code, however, allows Cal Trans to post a higher speed of 70 mph when such higher speed is deemed safe and prudent.
Driving on the wrong side of the road
Driving on the wrong side of the road is a leading cause of traffic collisions. It may be tempting to pass stopped traffic when there is a line of vehicles, but it is never safe to do so. If you are following a vehicle that is traveling at a slow speed and you are approaching a passing zone, it should not be done if there is too much traffic to safely pass that vehicle. Additionally, passing in a no-passing zone can lead to a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle and should never be attempted.
Generally, drivers are required to drive on the right side, not on the left side, of the roadway. However, there are circumstances when you are permitted to drive to the left of the roadway. But remember, even though it may be permitted, safety is always the main concern.
All drivers are required to drive on the right side of the road, except when:
Passing another vehicle that is traveling in your same direction.
When making a left turn.
When the right side of the roadway is under construction or repair.
When the roadway is a one-way street.
When the roadway is not wide enough.
When your vehicle is traveling so slowly that it blocks the flow of traffic, and it is safe to travel on the side of the road temporarily to allow faster traffic to pass.(CVC 21650)
It is illegal, no matter where you are in the country, to drive on the wrong side of the road. Even though all 50 states in the country have different traffic laws, this law is universal across all 50 states. Driving on the wrong side of the road is illegal if done for a long period of time. When a motorist passes another driver on a two-lane road, he or she will need to drive on the wrong side of the road. If the other motorist is passed in a legal passing zone, this will not be illegal. If passing occurs in a no-passing zone, then this is an illegal action. Driving on the wrong side of the road can occur when a motorist is impaired by drugs or alcohol, is distracted by a passenger or another item in the car with them, falls asleep at the wheel, or many other reasons.
Wrong-way driving is the act of driving a motor vehicle against the direction of traffic. It can occur on either one- or two-way roads (in the latter case, arising from driving on the wrong side of the road), as well as in parking lots and parking garages, and may be due to driver inattention or impairment, or because of insufficient road markings or signage. It can also occur due to drivers from right-hand traffic countries being unaccustomed to driving in a left-hand traffic country, and vice versa. Often, people also drive in the wrong direction intentionally because they missed an exit, for thrill-seeking, as a suicide attempt, or as a shortcut.
It is a serious problem when it occurs on divided highways because of the high speeds usually involved. In the United States, about 350 people are killed each year in accidents caused by drivers headed in the wrong direction on the highway. Most drivers who enter a divided highway or ramp in the wrong direction correct themselves by turning around.
What to do if you encounter a driver who is on the wrong side of the road
If an oncoming vehicle is drifting into your lane, pull to the right as far as possible, slow down, and warn the other driver with your horn or lights. Never pull into the opposing lane, because the oncoming driver may pull back sharply into that lane. In most cases, steering to the shoulder or ditch is safer than risking a two-vehicle head-on crash. A defensive driver always has some idea of the shoulder and ditch on the right because that may be an escape route.
Improper turns
Improper turns are the cause of many traffic crashes and can result in serious injury and death. Move into the correct lane for your turn ahead of the place where you will make the actual turn. Be sure it is safe to make the lane change.
You should signal at least 100 feet before your turn. Signals are given to let both pedestrians and drivers know what you plan to do. Continue signaling until you start turning. Keep your wheels straight while waiting to turn. You are less likely to be pushed into oncoming traffic if your vehicle is hit from the rear.
Make sure in advance that it is safe to turn. Do not make sudden turns from the wrong lane of traffic. Watch for other vehicles that may be in front of or behind you. Also watch for problems developing in the street you plan to enter. Always finish your turn in the correct lane. When the car ahead of you is signaling for a left turn, slow down and prepare to stop. Slow down before making turns. Do not have the brakes on or the clutch pedal pushed down while actually turning.
The simple oversight of not looking before making a turn is one of the top causes of car crashes and often leads to major personal injuries or traumatic deaths.
Improper Turns That Can Lead to Collisions:
- Turning when there is a “No Turn on Red” sign at a red light. A right or left turn may not be made against a red arrow.
- Turning at a stop sign or red light without coming to a complete stop or yielding to traffic or pedestrians.
- Making a left at a red light where doing so is prohibited.
- Turning without signaling, which is also called “Improper Turn Signal Use.”
- Turning without having the right-of-way.
Many drivers get lazy, relying on their outside mirrors without looking, or make poor decisions while rushing to make a turn. No matter the cause, the outcome of improper turning is usually not good.
Some steps to take to avoid collisions caused by Improper Turns:
- Turn in one single, smooth motion.
- Take your time and slow down. Do not rush, especially when making the actual turn.
- Don’t let other automobile drivers intimidate you into making an unsafe turn by honking their horn or other actions. Only turn when you believe it is safe, not others.
- If it is illegal to make your intended turn at a particular spot, look to the road signs as indicators and follow them completely.
- Always look for oncoming traffic before turning. Never make a turn without checking to make sure that you have the right-of-way and that there are no other cars for a potential car crash.
Remember that making the proper turn is usually very easy. Driving safely is not a difficult task, but laziness and poor choices can make you turn improperly, causing a serious collision. If you take care to make sure that you are following the simple rules of the road and making proper turns, then you are one step closer to arriving home safely.
In order to avoid making improper turns, you need to understand how to make proper left and right turns.
Protected and Unprotected Turns:
Protected Left Turns – Occur when a special left turn light, a green arrow, an advanced (or delayed) green light, or a traffic officer controls the other traffic and directs you to proceed. You would think that you have the right-of-way. This does not clear you of responsibility; you must still check for hazards (cyclists, pedestrians, etc.). Any road user already in the intersection has the right-of-way. The law also specifies that you may not proceed until it is safe to perform the maneuver.
Unprotected Left Turns – Made at any uncontrolled intersection or when a controlled intersection does not have a special turn light. Also, when a special turn light ends, if you are still permitted to turn, the maneuver then becomes an unprotected turn.
Protected and Unprotected Right Turns – Protected right turns (a special light, green arrow, delayed light, or traffic officer) are less common than for left turns. Most drivers consider right turns less dangerous because you are not required to cross oncoming traffic. However, three possible conflicts might occur: road users crossing in your path (cyclists, pedestrians), a rear-end collision with a vehicle behind you, or oncoming vehicles turning left at the same time as you turn right.
Scan for Hazards for Both Left and Right Turns – As you approach your turning point, scan and identify any hazards (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists) or special situations (controlled lanes, signals). Activate your turn signal, and check traffic to the rear. Tap the brake pedal, and then apply the brake to reduce speed. Be prepared to stop prior to turning. If the way is clear, recheck the mirrors and blind spot. If the maneuver can be performed safely, proceed to turn.
Blocked View for Turning- When your view is blocked, begin to inch forward slowly after stopping. Vehicles approaching may honk to communicate with you, so listen carefully. Continue to inch forward until you can see clearly.
Left Turns:
- Left turn from a two-way street – Start the turn at the left-hand edge of the lane closest to the middle of the street. You must use a left turn lane if there is one. Complete the turn, if safe, in either lane of the cross street (shown by arrows.) Use the center left turn lane if there is one.
- Left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street – Start the turn from the far left-hand portion of your side of the road. You may turn into any lane that is safely open.
- Left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street – Start the turn from the far left-hand portion of your side of the road. Turn into either of the lanes that are safely open, as shown by the arrows.
- Left turn from a one-way street into a one-way street – Start the turn from the far-left lane. Watch for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists between your vehicle and the curb because they can legally use the left turn lane for their left turns. Turn into any lane that is safe.
Right Turns:
- Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street – After starting your turn in the far-right lane, you may use any lane open to traffic, if safe to do so. Sometimes signs or pavement markings will let you turn right from a lane next to the far-right lane.
- Turn at a “T” intersection from a one-way onto a two-way street – Through traffic has the right-of-way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane. Watch for vehicles and bicycles inside your turn.
- Right turn from a two-way street into a two-way street – When making a right turn, stay as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.
Turning on Red: At the intersections, you may turn right after stopping for a red light if you are in the correct turn lane and your path is clear and no sign telling you otherwise. You may make a left turn at certain intersections after stopping for a red light. This is allowed if you are driving on a one-way road and turning left onto another one-way road where traffic moves from right to left, and your path is clear.
- Stop before entering crosswalk area or intersection
- Yield to all traffic and pedestrians
- You may not turn on red lights at intersections where NO TURN ON RED signs are posted.
U-Turns – You may not make a U-Turn unless you can do so without causing problems for other traffic. U-Turns are very risky maneuvers. When making a U-Turn, scan for hazards (any other road users). Check for signs that prohibit U-Turns and position your vehicle properly to complete the turn. You must start the U-Turn from the left-most legal lane; the left turn lane if one is available.