Driving Safely on a Motorway: How to Avoid the Potential Hazards
Driving on the motorway requires excellent observation and concentration skills because of the high speeds involved. However long periods of sustained motorway driving can become very mundane causing concentration levels to wane, and allowing bad driving habits to creep in. Therefore it is very important to constantly assess the road and traffic situation as they can change suddenly and quite dramatically, requiring quick and dynamic reactions.
Not surprisingly the incorrect speed for road environment is the largest cause of accidents on the highway. Drivers with an excellent car going 70 miles per hour need 20 metres to react to a change in road conditions, and another 50 metres to bring the car to a stop. This example is based on having the tyres and brakes in perfect working order. Total it takes 70 metres or more for a car to be stopped in an emergency.
The distance needed to stop a moving vehicle on the highway requires a 2 second space between vehicles. By using roadside markers you can count how long it takes you to pass the same marker the car in front of you just passed.
Sadly there will always be an inconsiderate driver who uses your two second safety gap to pull in, in front of you, and they may even undertake you to do this. However, whilst their foolhardy driving is no doubt annoying and frustrating you need to protect your own safety by maintaining the safety zone.
In some cases a motorist may tailgate you. You do not want to let this alert your behaviour. Instead when you have a moment to pull off the road you should do so, letting the other driver by. Chances are some day this reckless driver is going to cause an accident, and you do not want to be there when it happens.
The traffic situation can change very quickly on the motorway and it is very easy to come across a traffic jam before you realise. Guard against this problem by making a conscious effort to look as far ahead as possible, and if you do spot a potential hazard consider switching on your hazard warning car bulbs to warn the drivers behind you.
When driving for long periods of time your mind may begin to think of other things, leaving the driving task on autopilot. You will not have to shift gears often, or even have much input on steering. It is best to combat these feelings with a break every two hours. Service station breaks allow you to stop the fatigue and relax before continuing on.
If you still have some distance to go before you have the chance to pull off of the motorway and rest, then there are a few things you can do to help fight the fatigue. Consider turning the air conditioning down to cold or opening a window to get some fresh air onto your face. Turn up the radio or start a conversation with your passenger and switch off any driver aids, like cruise control, to sharpen up your concentration and awareness levels.
It is very easy to become complacent when driving on the motorway in a nice warm car listening to your favourite music. However you need to maintain your concentration and observation levels throughout the journey and be ready for any potential hazards when they occur, because when accidents happened on a motorway they happen very quickly and often with fatal consequences. - 21396
Not surprisingly the incorrect speed for road environment is the largest cause of accidents on the highway. Drivers with an excellent car going 70 miles per hour need 20 metres to react to a change in road conditions, and another 50 metres to bring the car to a stop. This example is based on having the tyres and brakes in perfect working order. Total it takes 70 metres or more for a car to be stopped in an emergency.
The distance needed to stop a moving vehicle on the highway requires a 2 second space between vehicles. By using roadside markers you can count how long it takes you to pass the same marker the car in front of you just passed.
Sadly there will always be an inconsiderate driver who uses your two second safety gap to pull in, in front of you, and they may even undertake you to do this. However, whilst their foolhardy driving is no doubt annoying and frustrating you need to protect your own safety by maintaining the safety zone.
In some cases a motorist may tailgate you. You do not want to let this alert your behaviour. Instead when you have a moment to pull off the road you should do so, letting the other driver by. Chances are some day this reckless driver is going to cause an accident, and you do not want to be there when it happens.
The traffic situation can change very quickly on the motorway and it is very easy to come across a traffic jam before you realise. Guard against this problem by making a conscious effort to look as far ahead as possible, and if you do spot a potential hazard consider switching on your hazard warning car bulbs to warn the drivers behind you.
When driving for long periods of time your mind may begin to think of other things, leaving the driving task on autopilot. You will not have to shift gears often, or even have much input on steering. It is best to combat these feelings with a break every two hours. Service station breaks allow you to stop the fatigue and relax before continuing on.
If you still have some distance to go before you have the chance to pull off of the motorway and rest, then there are a few things you can do to help fight the fatigue. Consider turning the air conditioning down to cold or opening a window to get some fresh air onto your face. Turn up the radio or start a conversation with your passenger and switch off any driver aids, like cruise control, to sharpen up your concentration and awareness levels.
It is very easy to become complacent when driving on the motorway in a nice warm car listening to your favourite music. However you need to maintain your concentration and observation levels throughout the journey and be ready for any potential hazards when they occur, because when accidents happened on a motorway they happen very quickly and often with fatal consequences. - 21396
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When driving at high speeds good vision is essential, and you can enhance your car's visibility by fitting new xenon bulbs. These improved driving car lights, which includes the Osram Night Breaker car bulbs range, will ensure that your vehicle is distinctive to other drivers both during the day or night.
posted by X - Men @ 4:33 AM
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