|
Use Your Street Smarts
– Be a Decision Driver
These driving tips are
courtesy of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.
Avoiding traffic accidents is a
combination of skill and making appropriate decisions
based on what is going on around you. There’s a direct
correlation between crash-free driving and the decisions
you make and the actions you take. That's why Liberty
Mutual developed Decision Driving – a five point,
action-oriented program geared toward reducing crashes:
1. Expand your
look-ahead capacity. Rather than always focusing
directly in front of your vehicle, glance farther down
the road—where many trouble spots begin.
2. Size up the whole scene. Continually scan for
bicyclist, pedestrians, construction, traffic
congestion. erratic drivers and changing road
conditions. Avoid staring at any object for longer than
two seconds and check your mirrors every few seconds.
3. Signal your
intentions early. Use your turn signals, horn and lights
when appropriate. By giving advance notice of what
you’re planning to do, you’ll encourage other drivers to
make correct driving decisions.
4 Plan an escape route. Timing your passing moves
Carefully, avoiding tailgating and figuring a way out of
a potential problem can help you avoid a crash. Think
ahead and allow yourself enough time, space and
visibility to stop or maneuver smoothly.
5. Take decisive action. If you practice the
first four principles, you should know what to do if a
traffic emergency arises, and you’ll have the time and
space to do it safely. Make a decision and then do it!
Ultimately, becoming a decision driver contributes to
you being a safer and, hopefully, a crash-free driver.
|
