NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — As a former police officer and truck driver with more than a million miles of driving experience - a good number of those miles pulling a gasoline tanker and responsible for training new drivers in safe driving practices - I am for the next few weeks, going to offer some tips on safe and sensible driving which I prepared several years ago because of the foolish things I've seen drivers do on the road.
I almost hate to share these tips because most are so obvious any driver should be able to figure them out on his own. Yet, every time I’m out on the roads, I’m reminded that many haven’t given such common-sense tips any thought at all.
I can't say I've seen improvement in driving habits in recent years. The truth is, at least in my perception, that not only have the numbers of drivers increased, bad driving habits have too. Every day, I see people risk their own lives and thelives of others doing foolish things that, sooner or later, are going to cause an accident and maybe a lot worse.
And, speaking of worse, every police officer or emergency responder has imbedded images in his mind of what can and does happen because of a moment's inattention or an ounce of imprudence. And no parent or loved one wants to get that call or have an officer knock on the door with that terrible news. I know; I've had to deliver it.
Anyway, I've kept my tips brief, basic and to the point. I hope you and all who take the time to read these tips will study them, consider them and put them into practice. Perhaps, then, a few of you might live a little longer and some of you might, over time, even qualify for safe-driving discounts on your auto insurance.
Safe and Sensible Seeing
You have to be able tosee to get a driver's license, don't you? Well, yes; but just because all states give vision tests and have certain minimum requirements before one can get a driver's license doesn't mean that all the drivers out there practice safe and sensible seeing. Some are looking at themselves in the rear view mirror, tuning a radio, texting or making a call on a cell phone, or disciplining their kids in the back seat. Many who are looking through the windshield are watching the road about 10 feet in front of their hood ornament and are oblivious to anything else going on beyond the tail lights of the car in front of them. They may have 20/20 vision, but they aren't seeing safe and sensibly.
What is safe and sensible seeing? Well, following are some pointers to safe and sensible seeing which may just also make you a safe and sensible driver:
Don't just look immediately in front of your vehicle; look far ahead so that you can see and anticipate where you are going and what is coming up along your way. Not only do you need to see and watch what is going on right around you; you need to look ahead down the road as far as you can clearly see so that you can adjust your driving tobe safe on the road ahead of you. A good way to test yourself and see how far ahead you are looking is to count the seconds it takes you to get to that point where your eyes are focused - looking 15 seconds ahead is a good rule (that's about a quarter of a mile on open highway, and two to three blocks in urban areas). You newer drivers will find that this high-aim steering (looking way out ahead) will help you drive straight down the road and not be steering this way and that just to stay in your lane - it helps a lot on curves too!
Don't just stare straight ahead; keep your eyes moving and watch your mirrors too. If you just stare straight ahead, you'll be oblivious to what's going on to the side of you and behind you; and, chances are, you'll soon be oblivious to what's ahead too unless something startles you and wakes up your mind and brings it back from wherever it went. A good rule of thumb is to move your eyes every few seconds, and check your mirrors every five to eight seconds. That way, you'll know what's going on around you, see hazards before they get to you and keep your mind from becoming so bored with what you're seeingit goes somewhere else or falls asleep.
Don't drive with obstructed vision; make sure you can see in every direction around your vehicle. This point is so obvious, it shouldn't have to be mentioned; but almost everyday you can see people driving with windows iced up or fogged over, windshields or mirrors broken, or sheets and towels hanging over side windows. This just isn't safe and sensible. How can you look out there, far ahead, if you're trying to peek through one little cleared spot of an iced-over windshield? How can you check your mirrors and know what's behind you and beside you if your mirrors are broken? And, how can you see who or what is coming from the side if you have your side windows draped or tinted too darkly? The simple point is: safe and sensible seeing requires clean glass and properly adjusted mirrors. And, if you need glasses or contacts, you just might want to wear them too!
Don't assume other drivers see you; make sure they do. Not only do you need to see other drivers and what they are doing; they need to see you too. How do you get them to see you and let them know what you are doing? It's not that hard. Just use your lights, turnsignals, brake lights and, on those special occasions when nothing else works, your horn.
It's not a bad idea to drive with your headlights on low beam (not high) even during the day - it makes you much more visible to other drivers. Always use your headlights when visibility is reduced - at night, in fog, rain, snow, dust, at sunrise and sunset, and the like - and don't forget to dim those high beams when another car or truck is approaching or you are following a short distance behind another vehicle.
Though many drivers neglect to signal their turns, don't forget to signal lane changes and turns far enough in advance to let other drivers know what you are going to do - that simple act may prevent an accident and even save your life.
Of course, in order for your lights, turn signals and brake lights to be seen, they must be working properly. Check them regularly. It's the safe and sensible thing to do!
Next week, we’ll consider a few tips on driving a safe and sensible speed.
Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer. He may be reached by email at rmoll@ nwaonline.com.
Opinion, Pages 6 on 08/08/2012