Driving requires a great deal of concentration. When you're fatigued, it's difficult to keep your mind on the safe operation of a motor vehicle. Fatigue can be caused by a number of things such as lack of rest, improper eating, excessive physical labor, and even the plush interiors of today's automobiles.
It's easy to become fatigued, especially when driving long distances. When fatigue sets in, it increases a driver's reaction time. It also causes a lack of attention and inaccurate estimations of the driving situation.
And the creature comforts and conveniences found in today's cars contribute to the problem. Today's cars run quieter and smoother than ever before.
The task of driving has been minimized by such conveniences as automatic transmission, cruise control, power steering, and the like.
It's easy for a driver to be lulled into a false sense of security and to drift off into hypnotic states for brief periods, especially on long trips.
When this happens, a collision could happen at any moment since you have briefly lost your concentration on the driving task.
COUNTER MEASURES FOR FATIGUE
When you begin to feel tired, increase your driving space and look for a rest stop. Rolling down the window, changing stations on the radio frequently, or trying look elsewhere on the road so as not to fixate on the center stripe are not good strategies for relieving fatigue. If there is another driver along, who is rested, stop and change drivers. If you are driving alone, the BEST counter measure to fatigue is to pull into a rest stop, then STOP and REST.
Illnesses, both permanent and temporary, can adversely affect the driving process. If you are ill, DO NOT DRIVE. Illness can:
· Increase your reaction time
· Cause loss of attention
· Limit physical movement due to discomfort or pain
Also, if you're taking medication, read the warning labels before you drive. Some prescription medications can seriously impair your driving ability.
COUNTER MEASURES FOR ILLNESS
Don't drive. But if you MUST drive, pay extra attention to the driving environment
COUNTER MEASURES FOR ILLNESS
Don't drive. But if you MUST drive, pay extra attention to the driving environment
Pull off the road and rest frequently
Know your physical limitations
COUNTER MEASURES FOR ILLNESS
Don't drive. But if you MUST drive, pay extra attention to the driving environment
Pull off the road and rest frequently
Know your physical limitations
Increase your safe driving space
COUNTER MEASURES FOR ILLNESS
Don't drive. But if you MUST drive, pay extra attention to the driving environment
Pull off the road and rest frequently
Know your physical limitations
Increase your safe driving space
Drive at a reduced speed
Our ability to see and hear is critical to our ability to respond to normal driving situations, as well as emergencies. Good vision, of course, is the main factor. Although our vision is tested when we renew our licenses, many drivers have no other vision tests. However, drivers should regularly have their vision checked, particularly as they get older.
In fact, aging affects all the senses-- vision, hearing, and smell--which makes driving that much more difficult.
There are no counter measures for aging, but there are some ways to combat physical and mental limitations associated with the aging process. These include:
· Regular medical checkups
· Prescription glasses
· Hearing aids
· Regular exercise programs
· Increased safe driving space
· Participation in driving courses that sharpen driving skills
Smokers in particular should have regular vision checks. One of the gases in tobacco smoke can actually damage the retina in the eye. Traffic experts believe that smoking contributes to a higher collision rate, and it's a proven fact that smoking affects vision.
You can enhance your ability to see by following some common sense rules. Make sure there are no stickers or decals that limit your vision in front, on either side, and to the rear. And always keep your windshield clean. If you wear glasses, keep the lenses clean.
Good hearing is also important for safe driving. We must be able to hear obvious warning signals like horns and sirens, as well as routine traffic sounds.
Few things alert us to danger as much as the sound of screeching tires. That's why it's a good idea to keep the radio at a low level to allow you to hear sounds from outside your car.
Never wear headphones over both ears. Not only is it dangerous, but also it can cause you to miss important warnings.
Also, our sense of touch assists us in driving. It allows us to feel, through the steering wheel, unusual vibrations coming from our car. These vibrations could be an indication of rough road conditions or that something is wrong with our tires or suspension.
Physical disabilities can limit your ability to properly operate a motor vehicle.
Disabilities such as vision impairment, hearing disorders, paralysis, and loss of limbs---even heart and blood disorders---can affect your driving.
State agencies will license drivers with different types of physical disabilities on an individual basis. The effects of a physical disability can increase a driver's reaction time.
COUNTER MEASURES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
Specially equipped vehicles
COUNTER MEASURES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
Specially equipped vehicles
Medication
COUNTER MEASURES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
Specially equipped vehicles
Medication
Hearing aids
COUNTER MEASURES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
Specially equipped vehicles
Medication
Hearing aids
Prescription lens glasses
COUNTER MEASURES FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
Specially equipped vehicles
Medication
Hearing aids
Prescription lens glasses
Increased safe driving space
Stress can also impair your driving ability. Stress is a physical condition in which your blood pressure and heart rate increase. It can increase reaction time and impair vision.
COUNTER MEASURES FOR STRESS
Medication
COUNTER MEASURES FOR STRESS
Medication
Relaxation
COUNTER MEASURES FOR STRESS
Medication
Relaxation
Isolation from day to day problems
COUNTER MEASURES FOR STRESS
Medication
Relaxation
Isolation from day to day problems
Increased safe driving space
It's also important to be well rested when driving, especially when you'll be on the road for an extended period of time. Fatigue can be very detrimental to your ability to respond to driving situations, and it's not just the number of driving hours involved. We often work long hours or engage in recreation for long periods and then attempt to drive when we are worn out.
Not only does fatigue reduce our alertness, but it can also cause some drivers to fall asleep at the wheel--leading to a collision and, possibly, serious injury or death.
Fatigue should be one of the easiest elements to control. We know when we're tired, but too often push ourselves beyond safe limits.
Don't drive longer than six to eight hours at a time. And try to rest at least eight hours between legs of your trip. Also, stop for a break every two hours. The time you might save by trying to cover too much ground without rest can quickly be wiped out by a collision.
COUNTER MEASURES FOR TRIP FATIGUE
Trip planning
COUNTER MEASURES FOR TRIP FATIGUE
Trip planning
Sufficient rest
COUNTER MEASURES FOR TRIP FATIGUE
Trip planning
Sufficient rest
Changing drivers
COUNTER MEASURES FOR TRIP FATIGUE
Trip planning
Sufficient rest
Changing drivers
Pulling over at a rest stop
COUNTER MEASURES FOR TRIP FATIGUE
Trip planning
Sufficient rest
Changing drivers
Pulling over at a rest stop
Increased safe driving space
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MAKE OBEYING TRAFFIC LAWS
A HABIT
Before we were able to get a license to drive, all of us had to exhibit knowledge in order to pass the driving test. However, people with a lot of driving experience tend to become overconfident and start taking shortcuts in proper driving techniques and following the letter of the law.
Cutting corners in making left turns, driving with only one hand on the wheel, not giving the proper turn signal within the required 100 feet of an intersection, driving too fast for existing road conditions -- you've probably observed them all. You may even be guilty of some of them yourself.
Keep in mind, the very least that can happen to you is that you'll be stopped by the police and given a ticket. The worst thing that could happen is that you could be killed or seriously injured by making some of the most common driving errors.
MAJOR DRIVING ERRORS
· Failure to obey traffic laws
· Failure to maintain your vehicle
· Discourtesy to other drivers
· Lack of driving knowledge
· Bad judgment or poor decision-making
In order to be a safe driver, you must know what to do in every type of driving situation. That involves choosing the right driving tactic to safely deal with the situation and executing it in time to prevent a collision.
· You should always check the weather, traffic, and road conditions.
· Check signs, signals, and road markings, as well as vehicles and pedestrians.
· Check for all objects that are critical and could cause you to slow down, speed up, or turn.
· Check far enough ahead to be able to react to unexpected traffic situations.
· Check your rear-view mirror every five seconds. Be aware of blind spots and make a head check, or a quick look over your shoulder, before changing lanes or pulling out to pass.
City and urban driving affects driver performance by increased congestion combined with limited space on our roadways. Furthermore, driver information such as signals, signs and roadway markings can be tightly clustered, intensifying the driving task.
When you're driving in the city:
· Reduce your speed
· Scan far ahead
· Cover your brake
City driving can greatly affect vehicle performance. Increased braking that causes extra wear and tear on your brakes, overheating from driving in stop-and-go traffic, and poor fuel efficiency are some of the effects city driving has on your vehicle.
To help make city driving safer, drive with the flow of traffic within legal speed limits. Don't drive in another driver's blind spot, and if at all possible, avoid driving side-by-side for long stretches. Avoid driving in bunches--back off a little and give yourself more of a safe space and better reaction time.
Plan ahead and choose a safe route based on the time of day and the volume of traffic. The traffic on through-streets generally moves a little faster than on side streets.
Traffic on one-way streets also tends to flow more quickly. And they can be safer because there is no oncoming traffic to contend with. But watch out for tailgaters and rear-end collisions.
Using toll roads can also save time and reduce wear on your vehicle. Toll roads are usually less congested than public roadways.
City driving has its own set of special problems you must contend with. Parked or temporarily stopped cars can obstruct your view of cross traffic. There are often detours because of construction or road repairs. Two-way left turn center lanes can be especially hazardous--watch out for oncoming cars making left turns out of these lanes. And keep an extra sharp eye out for pedestrians and bicyclists. Always scan far ahead to help foresee any problems that might arise.
