PLANNING TRIPS
Packing: first aid kit, flashlight, blanket, navigation aid, warm clothing, etc. In-vehicle
Knowing the best route to take, when to take it, and road conditions that may be present make a big difference in the risk you will experience. Whether it is short or long, if possible, when you take a trip, plan to drive when traffic is less of a threat. You may take a longer route to avoid a congested roadway resulting in less stress and fewer hazards.
Try to be in your best condition in which you are rested and alert. If the weather looks like it will affect your safety, see if you can plan around driving when conditions are poor. If you plan your trip with enough time, you will be able to make better decisions, experience less stress, and make your trip much more safe and enjoyable.
Give yourself plenty of time to deal with unexpected problems such as slow drivers, traffic jams, or bad weather, and you will experience a less stressful drive.
A simple first aid kit packed in your car is a great idea. If you have the above items – you can weather most situations that could arise if you were to somehow get stuck in your car. A first aid kit can help you with small injuries (this is just a good item to have in your car every day!) too.
Some first aid kits have expiration dates printed on the container. It is always a good idea to check the expiration date for every oil change or once a year.
Flashlights are very important when you’re stuck somewhere in the dark – especially if there are no city lights. It also may be necessary to check your engine or tires in the event of a breakdown. Like first aid kits, the batteries in flashlights have expiration dates, so it would be a good idea to make sure your flashlight is in good working order from time to time.
A blanket and warm clothing are a great idea when driving in colder temperatures. Because snow has a way of sneaking up on us – it’s easy to get stranded or stuck in a snowstorm. In the event that you can’t run your heater, you’ll rely on blankets and warm clothing to maintain a safe body temperature.
Electronic navigation systems or Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are very common these days and come in a variety of sizes, styles, and price points. A Navigation aid can be as simple as a good old-fashioned paper map or as high-tech as a GPS system.
Ideally, you’ll have access to both. If the GPS system fails and you are lost or need to change your route for any reason – a paper map should do the trick in helping you find your way. GPS is great because it has the ability to pinpoint your location and help you find the best way to your destination. Some GPS systems can also track you – which would be especially helpful if you were lost on a mountain road and loved ones were not sure how to find you.
If you decide to utilize a GPS system, it may be quite daunting at first use. GPS systems of today are quite advanced and provide a multitude of options for the user to customize a route or set various waypoints, locate the closest gas stations, etc. Be sure to familiarize yourself with your GPS system before you use it on a trip in order to avoid any learning curves that may arise should you attempt to figure out how to maneuver throughout the many options and menus of your GPS system.
Another good thing to pack for a long trip is food and water. If there is a chance to get stranded without nearby gas stations, stores, or restaurants – you’ll want to make sure provisions are packed. A few granola bars and bottled water can go a long way in keeping you satiated if you’re stuck for a long time.
Traveling with kids? If you’re not lucky enough to have a DVD player in your car, you may have to improvise. Try classic road trip games like “I spy with my little eyes,” car bingo, or the license plate game. Plus, you can never have too many books, portable games, and crayons to keep your little ones entertained, allowing you to concentrate on driving defensively.
Checking road conditions/construction (heavy congestion, collisions, chains required, etc.)
A simple defensive driving technique is to do a little research before leaving your home. Before going to work in the morning, it’s a good idea to know what roads, bridges, and freeways to avoid due to closures or accidents. For most people, this becomes a mere inconvenience or annoyance that makes them late for work.
If you are planning a longer road trip, it’s a good idea to do more extensive research, so you know if there are any stretches of highway that are closed. When driving in the snow, you’ll want to know if chains are required (this is another item that should be packed when driving in places where snow may fall). Again, this is all about being prepared, so you don’t endanger (or inconvenience!) yourself and your passengers.
Three Simple Ways to Check Road Conditions:
- Caltrans Road Conditions Website: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/roadscell.php
- Plot your map using Google Maps at maps.google.com. This will show you how busy the roads are and will let you map different routes to avoid hazards.
For long trips use the National Weather Service (NWS) Enhanced Data Display. This will show weather radar for your entire route: https://preview.weather.gov/edd/.
Inspect or have someone else inspect your vehicle for safety before taking a long trip
Perform basic maintenance on your vehicle before you head out, such as checking wipers and fluid levels. Also, schedule any necessary service such as oil changes or tune-ups. A vehicle in top shape will have a better chance of staying reliable and efficient.
- Check your battery to make sure it is holding the manufacturer’s suggested charge and that the terminals are free of any corrosion: A little baking soda and water will do the job. A road trip is no fun if your car won’t start
- Inspect your tires for any tears or bulges in the side wall. The tires should have a good amount of tread left. The easiest way to check the tread on your non-commercial vehicle tires is to insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see his entire head, your tread is worn and it is time to replace them. However, the legal tread depth is 1/32 of an inch in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire. . Make sure the tire pressure is set to the figures that are printed on the placard on the driver’s door jam, or what’s listed in your car’s owner’s manual.
- Have your service station inspect your car’s brake pads to make sure they aren’t worn or need replacing.
Look in your owner’s manual to see if you have any services that will come due during your trip and do them before you leave.
Allow extra travel time
One of the easiest ways to provide a safer driving experience is to allow for extra time. Whether taking a long trip across the country or driving a few miles to work – if you leave a little early or allow for a time cushion, you’ll find that the little things that pop up (traffic, collisions, closures, construction) won’t be as troublesome.
When you have more time, you are also less likely to speed, run red lights, and other erratic behavior of a person rushing to get somewhere. A defensive driver has already allowed for any number of things to happen in the driving plan – which means that the journey should be a smooth, pleasurable and safe experience.
AVOIDING PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD
Maintaining a safe following distance
Tailgating (driving too close to the car ahead) is a common cause of collisions. The closer you are to the vehicle ahead of you, the less you can see down the road ahead, and the less reaction time you will have. If the vehicle ahead suddenly stops, you will be too close to stop safely before colliding with it.
Three second and three second plus rule
One way to practice defensive driving is to keep a good consistent following distance from the leading vehicle. This is the “three-second” rule. To follow this rule, just find a fixed object next to the road. Once the car in front of you passes that object (signpost, light pole, mile marker, etc.), you start to count the seconds. You should not pass the object until at least three seconds have elapsed. You will want to increase this distance to three seconds plus when the conditions are not prime (wet roads, inclement weather, curves, etc.).
A vehicle cannot stop on a dime. That is why the three-second following rule is so important. If you can maintain a proper distance with the lead vehicle, you can properly stop safely before hitting it. Braking distance is a factor of three components: perception time, reaction time, and braking distance. In ideal circumstances, perception time is about one second and reaction time is three-fourths of a second. This means that almost two seconds have already gone by before you even begin to slow down. If you are tired or distracted these times will increase. The faster the speed, the harder it is to stop.
Make sure you always place your vehicle safely in the lane. For example: when driving on a narrow two-lane highway, stay over to the right because it will give you more time to respond to any out-of-control vehicles crossing the center lane into opposing traffic.
Allowing more space behind motorcycles
When following a motorcycle, you should use the four seconds rule because motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car or truck. Increasing the following distance to four seconds or more will allow the driver more room to cope with any factors adversely affecting the driving task.
Additionally, motorcycle riders may downshift or let up on the gas, meaning you won’t see a change in the brake light, yet the rider may end up slowing down right in front of you. If you get surprised and hit your brakes, that can cause an accident between you and the car behind you.
Avoid driving in the blind spots of other vehicles
Driving in other vehicles blind spots should feel uncomfortable. All vehicles have blind areas-even motorcycles. (Motorcyclists are sometimes limited in how far they can twist their head to look behind them.) Yet, some drivers habitually change lanes without checking their blind areas for other vehicles. It’s a good idea to adjust your position relative to other traffic to stay out of blind spots.
It is important to check your mirrors every 2 to 5 seconds while driving. At the same time, it’s not enough just to check the mirrors. Blind areas on most vehicles are large enough to hide other vehicles.
It is essential to turn your head and look before making a lane change. Mirrors also will not reveal a vehicle that is changing lanes from two lanes away. Example: You are driving in the right-hand lane of a multi-lane roadway and signal to change lanes to the left. Another vehicle in the third lane changes lanes to the right. Both of you may be trying to occupy the same place in the second lane. And it is always possible that a lane that was clear of other traffic just a second ago may quickly be occupied… traffic is often fast-moving and fluid and empty spaces tend to fill up.
Where are your blind spots? That depends on the vehicle – but typically, there are 8 blind spots while driving: 2 in the front of the car, 2 on each side, and 2 in the rear. A car has blind areas at the sides near the rear of the vehicle, meaning you cannot see anything in these areas by looking in your correctly-adjusted mirrors.
Other vehicles may be blind to anything that is directly behind. Vehicles in which the driver sits very high may have forward-quarter blind spots-they may not be able to see anything low to the ground in front or to the sides near the front.
When you’re driving, you’ll notice blind spots that you are unable to see while looking forward on the road or by using the car mirrors. To prevent an accident, you need to avoid blind spots.
- Know the blind spots of your own vehicle. Before you begin driving, familiarize yourself with the areas that you are unable to see when sitting in the driver’s seat and buckled in.
- Adjust mirrors to reduce the blind spots. Align the rear view and side mirrors to minimize the spots that you are unable to see while driving. While on the road, you may find that additional mirror adjustment is needed.
- Turn your head before changing lanes. Lane changes require a head turn on the part of the driver. This is due to the fact that it is impossible to completely eliminate blind spots while facing forward.
Look for a split second. Put your body at a 45 degree angle and see whether the lane is clear before you change. If you see a car in your blind spot, wait until it is clear.
Planning for an evasive action (e.g., sudden stop ahead or sudden lane change ahead)
IPDE (Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute) is a very useful strategy for driving.
IPDE is a way of gathering, interpreting, and acting on traffic information. It involves identifying possible hazards and predicting how they may affect you and other highway users. Then, using this information, you must decide what action to take to avoid a collision. Finally, you execute, or carry out your action.
The first step in the IPDE process is identifying possible problems.
As you drive, constantly search for any objects or changes in the traffic situation that are possible sources of danger or hazards to you. Any part of the driving environment-including roads, traffic-control devices, your own car, other vehicles, and pedestrians, can become a hazard at any time. To avoid the hazard, you may have to change direction, change speed, signal others, or perform a combination of these maneuvers.
You can usually predict traffic congestion based upon common patterns. Traffic is usually congested during rush hour. Also, when returning to town after the weekend you can usually anticipate traffic congestion.
In addition, certain areas and certain roadways experience a great deal of traffic congestion, like shopping areas and areas around theaters and amusement parks.
You should also evaluate potential construction and emergency conditions before beginning your trip.
The second step in the IPDE process is the act of estimating what is likely to occur in a given situation.
You should always try to anticipate the actions of others. Be prepared for the unexpected: actions may change in seconds. Use your eyes and other senses, and study the road and road conditions. Read the road ahead for any emergencies, and understand the reactions of others to certain conditions.
For example, if you know how long it takes you to stop your car at 30 mph, you can plan the proper distance to stay behind other vehicles. If you know that a heavy truck is likely to pick up speed on a downgrade, you can keep to the right to allow the truck to pass. Predicting is an important step in your driving strategy because it enables you to think about hazards before they actually occur. As a result, you can reduce and sometimes even prevent the hazard.
Driving with your headlights on during the day to increase your vehicle’s visibility
Headlights aren’t just for use at nighttime or during inclement weather. By driving with your headlights on at all times, even on bright sunny days, recent statistics show that you reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision by as much as 32%.
Turning on your headlights lets the other driver see you first; because the human eye is light-seeking, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists will see an oncoming car sooner and be less likely to pull into its path.
Many newer model cars automatically turn the headlights on when the outside light reaches a low level and then off when the vehicle is turned off, which saves the battery should we forget to turn them off. Other cars are being manufactured with “daytime running lights,” which are on whenever the vehicle is running.
Headlights aren’t just for use at nighttime or during inclement weather. By driving with your headlights on at all times, even on bright sunny days, recent statistics show that you reduce the likelihood of being involved in a collision by as much as 32%.
Turning on your headlights lets the other driver see you first; because the human eye is light-seeking, drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists will see an oncoming car sooner and be less likely to pull into its path.
Many newer model cars automatically turn the headlights on when the outside light reaches a low level, and then off when the vehicle is turned off which saves the battery should we forget to turn them off. Other cars are being manufactured with “daytime running lights” which are on whenever the vehicle is running.
Avoiding lane changes near intersections
The risk of a collision occurring at intersections is high because motorists encounter four types of potential danger: oncoming traffic, cross traffic, turning traffic, and pedestrians. Getting through an intersection safely in the face of these dangers requires good defensive driving skills and consideration for others.
A frequent source of crashes is lane changes where the driver does not perceive other vehicles or incorrectly estimates their speed. Drivers traveling two lanes apart might unwittingly try to merge into the same space – one from each side. To avoid this, check over your shoulder for traffic in the lane you wish to enter and in the next lane over (for other drivers wishing to enter the same space as you). Once you start to change lanes and your tires cross the lines on the pavement, glance quickly over your shoulder one more time to make sure another driver is not going for that same space
Scanning for hazards
The goal of defensive driving is crash prevention. The use of emergency maneuvers, while sometimes unavoidable, can usually be prevented by scanning ahead, behind, and to the sides of your vehicle, and anticipating potential problems, forecasting the appropriate defense, and using that defense if needed.
Be Alert – Do not assume that other drivers will drive courteously. Expect the unexpected. Be prepared for a child or pet to dart into the street, a piece of furniture to fall off a truck, or a drunk driver to suddenly weave in front of your car. Always give yourself enough room to brake so you can maneuver around an emergency.
Escape techniques – Be on the lookout for developing situations in traffic at least 10 – 15 seconds ahead. Your eyes should be like radar, constantly scanning between the traffic ahead, your rear and side-view mirrors, and the speedometer. Keep a constant vigil for escape routes, such as a break in traffic or an off-ramp.
Reaction time – The reaction time for an adult in good health and under prime circumstances (well-rested, not distracted, etc.) on average is 3/4 second. This is how long it will take before you begin to change speed or direction in response to a problem. At 55 mph, you are 67 feet closer to the problem before taking any action. Be aware that as we get tired, our reaction time and general driving skills deteriorate.
- For parked vehicles moving into traffic
Vehicles parked along the side of the road may block your view. Be aware when you are driving in the lane next to parked cars. Position your car in the lane properly and safely; keep to the left side of your lane. When driving past parked cars, watch for cars turning out in front of you. Always watch for a car door being opened in front of you. If anyone is sitting in a car, expect them to open the door.
Watch for pedestrians or bicyclists trying to cross the road between parked cars. Be especially watchful for children. When you are behind the wheel, your focus should be on driving – whether you are on the highway or in a parking lot.
- At intersections for vehicles taking your right-of-way
Every four-way, two-lane intersection has 32 potential conflict points with other vehicles merging, diverging, or crossing, and there are an additional 24 possible conflicts when pedestrians are involved!
Intersections are busy places with many hazards for all drivers, but did you know that one-third of all fatal crashes for older drivers occur in intersections?
- Before making lane changes (ahead and blind area)
Lane changes involve several steps to ensure a safe change. Always scan for other vehicles that could also be planning a lane change into your lane or those that you may not see due to blind spots.
- Cover the brake as you approach an intersection or recognize hazard ahead
Most collisions occur at intersections and within two to three seconds after the light changes. Always be courteous and be prepared to yield the right of way at any intersection. At 4-way stops, yield to vehicles that arrived first and always yield to pedestrians. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left should yield to the one on the right.
Stop Lights can be very hazardous. Beware of the “stale green” light, one that is green and will turn yellow, then red very quickly. Remember that yellow means “caution, prepare to stop,” not “put the pedal to the metal.”
When the light turns green, avoid the urge to accelerate immediately into the intersection. Take an extra second or two to scan left and right, and then left again to look for oncoming traffic.
- Inattentive driver or erratic driving
Always be alert for unpredictable drivers who may swerve, speed, run red lights/stop signs, or other hazardous behaviors. These actions could be indications of a drunk or drowsy driver, which can be highly dangerous.
Knowing when to give up your right of way
One of the most important roadway rules of courtesy and common sense is the “right-of-way” rule. The right to use a particular part of a roadway when two or more users of the roadway want to use it at the same time is called the right-of-way. A right-of-way law gives someone the legal right of way; the fact that the law is stating who must yield is only semantics. Right-of-way rules are designed to help people drive safely.
If one vehicle or pedestrian is supposed to yield to another vehicle or person, then, in reality, the law is stating the other vehicle or pedestrian has the legal right of way. It is true that you may not be able to safely exercise your legal right of way unless the other vehicle yields to you, but you still have the legal right of way. Even if you believe the right-of-way is yours, never assume that another driver will give it to you; you should yield if doing so will help you avoid a collision. If a driver does not yield to you, let them go first. This will prevent a collision and make the driving experience more pleasant for everyone.
Yielding up the right of way to other drivers can help avoid crashes, as does gaining eye contact with all drivers of vehicles that come directly into conflict with you. We should endeavor to be both courteous and conscientious toward other drivers.