Back roads can often be nestled directly in the path of deer, animals that have no understanding of passing traffic and can appear out of nowhere. Entering intersection, through green light. I-5 between Medford, OR and Roseburg, OR This stretch of highway is a steady descent with sharp curves. defensive driving courses, off-road driving for forestry workers. What to do in the event of vehicle breakdown, bad weather conditions and/or any other delays that might occur. Prohibition of the use of handheld mobile phones if driving Frequency that breaks from driving should be taken, e.g.15 minutes in every two hours or every 100 miles The factors influencing the choice of vehicle and, if appropriate, the drivers input to that choice, e.g. Road on the left. Veteran truck drivers like Boblett understand how to react to various driving situations. Solomon also keeps a baseball cap in his car so he can use the bill to block the sun without obstructing his view. Being careful. Do not start a journey if the fog is so thick that the way ahead is completely obscured a few feet in front of your vehicle. This includes foggy or rainy conditions in which visibility is decreased and can result in poor decision making leading to accidents. Speed. Cars approaching. Some versions may be activated from your multifunction display or in your terrain management controls dial. If youre struck by another vehicle, theres no place for your car to go. Solomon also recommends changing your wipers regularly: a more durable winter blade, a March rain blade, and another August rain blade. Step 1: Look for hazards that may result in harm when driving on public roads. Step 2: Decide who might be harmed. Step 3: Evaluate the risk and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done. Significantly reducing your speed is the only way to stay safe when driving through fog. A fleet safety solution that gets results. Checking for pedestrians on the footpath. Going over the crest of a hill. If you ask us, we would rather take the uphill part of the drive because going downhill is harder. Risk factors for motor vehicle crashes that are particularly elevated among teenage drivers include: Manual handlingHandling products can involve the frequent movement of some fairly substantial loadsLifting operationsOperations involving cranes or vehicle mounted lifting equipment (e.g. You must understand how to manage theses challenges and drive safely during wet and rainy conditions. If you have standard braking, keep your foot entirely off the brake. Many parked cars, looking through the corner. Vehicles passing us on the right. If you cannot free your vehicle, call 911 and wait for assistance. Very busy area. It is also illegal in most states. It will be necessary to segregate vehicles and pedestrians by means of clear markings, signage and, on occasion, physical barriers. In front-wheel skids, this logic does not apply. Every driver will occasionally find themselves in a situation where an accident or collision seems unavoidable. If a collision cannot be avoided, you must know how to minimize the impact of the crash to protect yourself and other drivers. Road markings change here. 2. Know what gear you need to be in before going downhill. During winter months in colder states, some roads will be impassable without snow chains. Vapor lock and tire blowouts are the two most common mechanical failures which drivers experience in extreme heat. Be aware that the surface of the road may be slick with moisture during foggy conditions. This hazard occurs when your car hits a pool of water fast enough to glide across its surface. Checking amongst the parked cars. Low to zero-visibility, freezing temperatures and extremely slippery roads make blizzards the worst weather conditions for driving, by far. Mountain driving is very different from driving in flat lands. Your ability to remain calm and take appropriate evasive action during such situations could mean the difference between life and death. Car parking. . When your visibility or vehicle control are impaired by adverse conditions, the guidance provided here and in your states driving manual will help you handle the situation. It is essential to reduce your speed and drive within the reach of your headlights, otherwise you will not have time to react to hazards as they enter your field of vision. Looking over the crest of the hill. 2023 National Safety Council The majority of truck collisions are not the fault of the truck driver. An unsecured load can shift inside the trailer and is more difficult to unload. Vehicle turning across our path up ahead. Practicing defensive driving techniques can help you avoid accidents and emergencies on the highway. Reading the traffic up ahead. Speed: your speed should not be too fast for road and weather conditions. Which of the two options would you choose? All rights reserved. The problem is when people pull it down and the edge is pointed at your nose. work at height, manual handling) maybe present during repair or maintenance of vehicles. Looking through the rear windscreen of the vehicle in front for brake lights. Slippery roads are the biggest challenge you will face when driving through ice or snow. Watching the vehicles in front, they may turn across our path. You must learn how to identify and compensate for these hazards, to protect yourself and other road users from harm. Brake failure B. Dehydration C. Engine overheating D. Velocitation. You can avoid hydroplaning by reducing your speed on wet and rainy days. 16 percent: Use lower gears and jake brake to avoid burning out your brakes, 5 percent: Use runway truck ramp if you cant slow the truck down, 4 percent: Go slower than the posted truck speed limit, 1 percent: Double, or in some cases, triple your following distance. You should avoid overheating the engine by not using the air conditioner and driving more slowly. The value of loadsThe value of the load, and the subsequent risk of theft, can increase the threat of violenceVehicle repair and maintenanceMaintenance and repair can also be hazardous, and as with all such work, the risks can sometimes be greater because ofthe perceived urgency of the situation. One strategy for assessing the validity of the scores generated by a hazard perception test is to determine whether they can predict on-road driving performance. Locked wheel skids occur when traveling at speed and the brakes are applied too sharply. Chad says the driver, who was new to the industry, was most likely unfamiliar with how to navigate the tricky, mountainous roads of Colorado. For example, the NTSB examined one fatal traffic accident which occurred inside of a tunnel and found that the crash was likely caused by concrete and suspension hardware falling onto . As you are about to enter a decline, reduce your speed below your feature's activation threshold. Do not coast downhill by shifting into neutral or disengaging the clutch.. When driving through pooled water or heavy rain, your brakes may get wet and become ineffective. Examples of risk and hazard are below in the article to better understand the difference. Just dont engage them: Theres nothing youre going to do to stop them from tailgating you. Parked cars on the right. All rights reserved. Limit driving to daytime hours if necessary; Fatigue. ; In fact, you will increase the life of your brakes by a few months (or even years, depending on how much steep downhill driving you do) if you simply use engine braking whenever possible rather than actually pressing the . If not, its time to brake: Swerving off the road at highway speeds is risky and can cause serious injury to the driver and passengers. However, you must never use high-beams in close quarters with other road users, as you may blind them and cause an accident. Vehicle turning out on the right. Your vehicle's engine may get overheated when driving on a steep incline for an extended time. They might take it as a sign to hang back. Keep speed to a minimum and drive gently when using snow chains. Up- or down-hill driving? Cyclist on the footpath on the left. Freeing your car from deep mud or snow takes patience. Heritage-Crystal Clean reduced compliance violations by 25%. Vehicles passing that may cross the centre line. Preventive Measures: He has taught driving courses for 47 years. Deer dont look both ways before crossing, Solomon says. reach trucks, counterbalance forkliftsStrict control of vehicle and pedestrian movementsThis is necessary where physical segregation of vehiclesand people is not practicable. Car pulling out in front of us, yes it does. licence entitlement for class of vehicle, ongoing competence assessments); and any risks that might be specific to individual drivers or their driving circumstances (e.g. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes and injured every 10 minutes in traffic crashes in 2020. Watch for steep grade signs along the highways as well as speed limits. Another pedestrian crossing. Once the wheels are on the mat, try turning to get away from the snow. Checking the road ahead. Wherepossible, one-way systems and/or turning circles should be incorporated into the design of vehicle routes to minimise the need for reversing. Lighting should also be adequate, and efforts should be made to minimise the number of blind corners, concealed entrances or other potential areas where poor visibility for vehicle drivers or pedestrians could create a risk. For some practical advice on what to do in these situations, we asked Solomon to break down 10 . To avoid getting stuck by the roadside in soaring temperatures, make sure your car is hot-weather ready before commencing your journey. 13. Look for people. To correct this type of skid, you must remove your foot from the brake pedal. May step out in front of us without thinking. Driving through it can reduce visibility in a manner similar to a bad snowfall. If you continue to use the brakes like this, they will fade until you cannot slow down or stop at all. Brake failure..+ B. Dehydration C. Engine overheating D. Velocitation Collisions caused by fatigue are particularly likely to involve __________ . Pedestrians on the side. Pedestrian crossing. Dont attempt to travel down hills or other declines that are steeper than you would normally attempt to traverse when using hill descent assist. View the short videos showing real life driving situations. Vehicle approaching. Strong winds can be a problem for all car drivers, though they are a particular hazard for drivers of light-weight vehicles, vehicles towing trailers and high-sided recreational vehicles. It makes for fine gothic horror movies and 80s music videos, but fog is otherwise a hazard. Your vehicle will grip the roads surface more effectively when the wheels are rolling. Reduce your speed to allow more time to react, should you need to evade an approaching hazard. Car pulling out. Making journeys when traffic flows are reducedTimeSufficient time should be allowed for journeys to be undertakenDistanceThe distances that are driven may well have a bearing on safety.Weather conditionsWeather conditions can create additionalproblems when planning journeys. Which of the two options would you choose? It is not only shared between the driver and the company, but with everyone else on the road. Cyclist on the right. HIABs) to load or unload vehicles can be hazardous.Working at heightThis can be an issue when working on a loading bay or perhaps the trailer or tail-lift of a vehicle. Other road hazards like fog, deer, and road-hogging commercial trucks never seem to take a break. Many things to deal with, scanning both sides of the road. Intersection at the bottom of the hill. Car crossing the bridge. Check your tire pressure at least once a week, especially in winter, when the pressure can drop. Pedestrian walking down the road on our left. Bus shelter. A good rule of thumb is to add an extra second of following distance to the recommended three seconds for most drivers. Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts. Fueling. Be mindful of slick roads and reduce your speed when the roadway is wet. Be alert for large trucks and buses that may be going too fast. Checking the intersection. Car ahead indicating left, may be turning. Black ice is especially dangerous, as it is difficult to spot. The beam shines further into the fog and reflects off the water particulates, shining the light right back into your eyes. Instead, keep your lights dim and slow down. Looking through the corner. Winter or summer, the sun sometimes has a way of shining through your windshield just the right angle to effectively blind you. A floating vehicle may be swept off the roadway into a deeper body of water. Pull over to the side of the road if you encounter glare severe enough to completely obscure other vehicles or road signs. Was the crash caused by the brakes burning out? Suitably designated parking areas for vehicles should be provided, preferably away from pedestrian or working areas. Take our basic traffic school course to keep your record clear. Parked cars on both sides. And as bad as it may sound, it will be even worse if they survive the impact. We'd love to hear from you! If youre down to three good tires, youre no longer in a position to drive safely on the road. You may still encounter crashes irrespective of how careful you are, as you cannot rely on other drivers to make safe decisions all the time. Scan well ahead, look amongst the parked cars. What to Do: First, dont assume your brake lights are still working. Rock your vehicle back and forth using the last two steps, until it rolls free. Defect reportingprocedures should be clearly set out. The need for drivers to demonstrate that privately owned vehicles are only used for work purposes if they are insured for business use The need for drivers to hold a licence for the type of vehicle they use and for periodic checks on the validity of that licence. Driver training options, e.g. Person crossing the road up in front. Lots of traffic markers. Driving in extremely hot weather can put your health at risk and damage your vehicle. In addition, Chad notes the drivers truck was fully loaded and the driver may have been going too fast. Of course, the number-one rule of defensive driving is to avoid unnecessary danger. Earlier this year, a tragic truck collision in Denver ended up in the deaths of four innocent people and sparked a deeper conversation about fleet safety in the trucking industry. Instead, ease off the gas pedal until you can feel your tires regain connection with the road. Car waiting to pull out in front. As the winter months approach and the days grow shorter, you will often need to compensate for poor visibility and additional hazards. If I can see their reflection, then they can probably see me.. Scanning both sides of the road, looking for the next hazard. A blown front right tire will cause the vehicle to drift left, for example. Some versions may be activated from your multifunction display or in your terrain management control's dial. No vehicles approaching. The driverFactors to consider in relation to thedriver of the vehicle, such as their competence and/or experience of the type of drivingAll drivers, however, should know the basics, such as: the correct adjustment of seats, headrests and seatbelts for comfort and safety; how to check tyre pressures, lights, indicators, windscreen washer levels; how to use ABS (anti-lock braking systems) if fitted; the safest way to distribute and secure any load they may be carrying; and the height of the vehicle (goods vehicles).The vehicleSuitabilityThis means making sure that the vehicles are fit for the purpose for which they are used, which raises questions such as: What are the safety standards for the particular vehicle(s) in respect of driving andpublic health and safety? Is the vehicle suitable for the job in hand? How well does the vehicle measure up to the ergonomic needs of drivers? Should vehicles be hired or leased and what impact will this have on how maintenance will be undertaken? Is it better to allow employees to use their private vehicles on company businessCondition of vehiclesEmployers will have toensure that adequate maintenance arrangements exist and that repairs or service are carried out to an acceptable standard and that manufacturersrecommendations are observed in respect of safetycritical features. Dealing with the vehicles coming towards us. one hazard associated with driving downhill is:1970 chevelle vin number locations. If I cant see the drivers rear-view mirror, he cant see me, Solomon says. You dont want power of any kind going to the wheels, Solomon says. Drive as cautiously in patchy fog as you would in consistently thick fog, as you could enter a denser stretch of fog at any point and lose visibility altogether. Most cars differ in their allowable operating range for hill descent assist, with some allowing you to go as slow as 3 mph or as fast as 38 mph. Brake failure B.) In addition to adverse weather, traction loss can be caused by issues with your vehicle. This usually occurs when driving in wet or icy conditions, stopping suddenly or entering a turn at a high speed. Many car dealerships, could be many pedestrians. Looking up the hill. The faster you are traveling, the greater the likelihood that hydroplaning will occur, as speed creates lift and reduces your cars grip on the surface of the road. It is a major contributing factor to accidents and injuries. Up- or down-hill driving? You must drive slowly enough so that your brakes can hold you back without getting too hot. Looking amongst the parked cars. Truck approaching. Some of the hazards mentioned above (e.g. May be a conflict here. And make sure theyre not being held back by your cleaning habits. Computer-based hazard perception tests are used in a number of countries as part of the driver licensing processes, and hence evaluating the validity of such tests is crucial. another car suddenly jumping across. Checking that. Remember, they must not be used on bare pavement that is not covered in ice or snow. Chad Boblett, owner of Boblett Brothers, LLC and Rate Per Mile Master, is an expert when it comes to trucking and fleet safety. Copyright 2023 ePermitTest. Watching on both sides. This will require that they are wide enough and, where appropriate, high enough to allow safemovements of vehicles. If youre going through car washes and theyre using wax, the wipers are going to be sliding over that, he says. An acceleration skid may occur if your drive wheels lose traction. When you are going down, gravity works against your intent to slow down . What features can help reduce risks in the workplace? This would take into account factors such as weather and perhaps the possibility that indoor floors might become wet and slippery (e.g. Having a vehicle riding too close to your rear bumper can be a nerve-wracking experience. You will be the first one to receive the latest updates and announcements.. Be aware of your downhill speed. Dont. If glare is coming from the left-side window, remember that most visors are detachable on one end and should be able to pivot and block peripheral light. Multilane carriageway. In many cases employees will also have to drive long distances while still undertaking a full days work.Driving hoursThese are likely to be linked in many cases to distances travelled.Work schedulesUnrealistic or badly organised work schedules can often result in employees takingchances with safety.StressDriving-related stress often occurs when the individual feels overwhelmed by thesurrounding environment and road conditions.Weather conditionsThe weather can pose a risk as it may hinder the drivers visibility, their ability to stop within safe distances, and their control of the vehicle. Front-wheel skids are referred to as understeering, this type of skid usually occurs in front-wheel drive vehicles when braking or accelerating too sharply. Dont pump the pedal: The ABS can pulsate the brakes faster than your foot can. A. Whether traveling during light rain or torrential downpour, drivers will have to contend with reduced visibility and slippery roads. No vehicles passing us on the left. Animal crossings. The driver would be involved in this process by undertaking periodic checks of tyre condition and pressures, windscreen wiper bladesThe journeyThe route that is taken can also have a significant impact on safety.Route planning should take into account other factors such as tunnels, level crossings or low bridges.SchedulingThe proper scheduling of journeys should also be given consideration. Pedestrian crossing ahead of us. Heres what he had to say. Scanning both sides of the road. Pumping the brake pedal repeatedly C.) Resting your foot on the brake pedal Get the Correct ANSWER Use the following tips to prepare for a cold-weather journey: You must avoid driving in a blizzard at all costs. In the worst case scenario, vehicles can roll over due to load shift as the vehicle can become unbalanced and overturn. Get to the side of the road immediately and exit the car. Bright sunlight can impair your vision and even cause temporary blindness. Stick to low-beam headlights in built-up areas and when you are in close proximity to other drivers. Employers with five or more employees are required torecord the significant findings of their risk assessment. a proper check was made; those who might be affected were consulted; and all of the obvious hazards were identified and addressed. Step 5: Review your assessment and revise as necessary to ensure that the risks to those who drive, and others, are controlled. Instead, pull the visor down and then push it all the way toward the windshield, then slowly bring it forward until it blocks the sun. Be aware of hazardous conditions and always drive defensively. Two lanes in the one direction. You also want to turn the wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go. When driving downhill, scan the road ahead for any dangers and be prepared to steer to safety if necessary. Other versions of this feature will not work in reverse, however, so check your owners manual or with your vehicles manufacturer to determine whether it can work in reverse or not. Head on collisions happen for a multitude of reasons from distracted driving to drunk driving to fatigued driving and more. This feature keeps helps keep your vehicle at a pre-determined safe speed when traveling downhill or on very uneven terrain. Driving too fast is one of the most common hazards on the road. Checking for pedestrians. If your car begins accelerating past a safe downhill speed, this feature will further apply the brakes. In bad weather, Solomon says to increase it to seven or even 12 seconds to avoid debris and snow hitting your windshield. Hit your emergency flashers and pump the brake quickly three or four times, Solomon says. Pedestrian crossing in front of us, allowing for that. Chad discusses driving issues truKkers face on some U.S. highways where hard braking and cornering triggers a warning on the ELD. hoosing not to drive in rain, snow or fog, at night or during any other hazardous conditions is always the smartest decision. Feeling the rush of wind that accompanies a passing 18-wheeler can give you a healthy respect for these road behemoths. Clear the snow away from the wheels and try moving forward or in reverse. The total weight of your vehicle and how that weight is distributed (over front tires, rear tires or evenly) affects your grip on the road. Media Room, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Q&A on the present and future of crash avoidance technologies, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety information on in-vehicle safety technology. Car approaching. Getting behind the wheel without proper training can result in accidents, injuries, and workplace catastrophes. May be an out we need. As they spin, they cant find any grip on the slick powder, and youre going nowhere fast. Understanding how this occurs will help you regain traction in an emergency. Don't drive in neutral or with your foot on the clutch. There may be barriers, cones, heavy equipment, temporary signs, signal lights and workers in the roadway, prior to, during and beyond work sites. One hazard associated with driving downhill is: A. If that doesnt work, put the mats under the front wheels (for front-wheel drive) or under the back wheels (for a rear-wheel drive). Also, you should be able to maintain a safe speed on winding mountain roads. This includes using cell phones/smartphones, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, etc. More Traffic and Driving Hazards Statistics. For some practical advice on what to do in these situations, we asked Solomon to break down 10 common driving obstacles and the best ways to cope with them. Pull off the highway if your vehicle engine is in the red zone (too hot). Boblett says the key to fleet safety is to pay attention and be proactive when driving. Always check your pressure and bring a spare if possible. If youre in a skid, you may have to keep your foot on the accelerator a little bit to force the wheel to move forward.. Pedestrians on both sides. Improper Maintenance. What It Does: Steady the cars speed when driving down a hill. One hazard associated with driving downhill is: A.) Car waiting to turn right. US 278 GA/6 West of Atlanta This route is heavily traveled, has some downgrades, and sharp turns. Car turning left. Make sure your car is prepared for the conditions in which you are traveling, by purchasing a good-quality set of all-terrain tires or snow tires.