3.6 Identifying and Responding to Hazards

The driving environment around you is constantly changing. Consider for example, how the scenery and roads change during the short drive from your home to the grocery store. When you first began driving, you may have been in a neighborhood setting, with specific speed limits and less traffic. But once you left your neighborhood, you may have had to merge onto roads with multiple lanes in one direction, or even possibly the freeway, to get to your destination. It is for this reason that you should prepare for potential changes that could affect your ability to drive safely.

Driving Environment

A driver needs to understand that the environment and conditions of the roadway are constantly changing. He or she should be prepared to handle these types of unexpected changes:
 

• Weather
• Traffic
• Accidents
• Construction areas
• Sunrise and sunset

One way a driver can prepare themselves for conditions such as these is to listen to traffic and weather reports. Doing so may allow the driver to avoid areas of congestion, construction areas, traffic accidents, or areas that may be affected by severe weather.

Scanning for Hazards

We have talked often in this course about observing the environment around you while you are driving, so that you may avoid potential hazards. Scanning is a technique that can be used by drivers to do just that. Scanning means observing everything in a 360-degree radius around your car. Scanning means constantly moving your eyes and/or your head when driving, so that you can detect hazards that may arise in front of, to the sides, and behind your vehicle.

Effective scanning takes practice. Research shows that unfortunately, new drivers are not good at scanning. They tend to focus only on the road ahead of them versus looking at the bigger picture. Drivers who are effective at scanning move their eyes, head, and perhaps their upper body to get a good view of what is going on right around their car. This means looking out of the windshield and side windows to see what is coming up ahead, and using their mirrors to see what is behind them.

 

You should keep in mind when using your mirrors that there are some cars or other objects that you will not be able to see. These cars or objects are in your “blind spot” and require you to do a head check, meaning you must turn your head and look out the side windows. Blind spots will be different on each vehicle you drive. Vehicles such as vans or trucks often have more blind spots than passenger cars.

Scanning Routine

 

• Scan 10-15 seconds ahead.
• Check your mirrors every 2-5 seconds.
• Check your blind spots with a head check before you turn or diverge.

Looking Ahead

A visual lead of 10 to 15 seconds or one city block is appropriate when driving in traffic, in urban areas. However, there are times when unavoidable distractions will appear, causing you to react swiftly. In order to avoid last minute moves when driving in traffic, you should:

• Look ahead for traffic hazards such as road construction, accidents, and detours.
• Leave enough distance to safely maneuver around hazards or disabled vehicles.
• Look ahead for signal changes such as yellow lights and flashing crosswalk signs.

Planning Your Trip

Planning the details of your trip and how you will get to your destination is part of safe driving. If you have clear directions to your destination, you won’t be tempted to try to read a map while driving. There are many good websites that can be used to plan your route prior to leaving.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions affect visibility and breaking distance. Driving becomes more difficult when visibility is reduced or when road surfaces are covered with snow, rain, or ice. It is a good idea to check the forecast before you begin a trip, so that you can prepare accordingly for driving in the expected weather.

Safe Driving Distances

It is important to remember that drivers must keep their vehicle under control at all times. Leaving enough room between your car and the car in front of you is crucial. Adequate following distances and breaking distances will ensure the driver has time to slow down and stop when necessary.