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SHARING THE ROAD WITH OTHER VEHICLES
To reduce the chance of an accident with a large truck, motorists must be familiar with big vehicles' physical capabilities and how they maneuver.
Braking
Large trucks take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 60 kmph can stop in about 400 feet. However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take almost 800 feet to stop. Don't pull in front of a large truck and suddenly slow down or stop. The trucker will not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid crashing into you.
Turning
For all turning vehicles, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. This is why truck drivers must often swing wide to complete a left turn. When you follow a big truck, look at its turn signals before you start to pass. If you think the truck is turning right - wait a second and check the turn signals again. The driver may actually be turning left.
Trucker's Blind Spots
Passenger vehicle drivers falsely assume that a truck driver can see the road better because they are higher off the road. While they do have a better forward view and bigger mirrors, they still have serious blind spots. Your vehicle can get lost in those blind spots. If you stay in those blind spots you block the trucker's ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation. Generally speaking, if you can't see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, he can't see you. These blind spots are often called the "NO ZONE."
Maneuverability
Trucks are designed to transport products and they are not as maneuverable as passenger vehicles. Large trucks have longer stopping and starting distances. They take more space for turns and they weigh more. On multilane highways and freeways, large trucks usually stay in the center portion of the lane to help the flow of traffic. This also increases the trucker's options in case he or she must change lanes to avoid a hazard. Here are some of the most common mistakes passenger vehicle drivers must avoid when driving around large trucks. - Cutting off a truck in traffic: Cutting into the open space in front of a truck is dangerous. Trying to beat a truck to a single-lane construction zone, for example, removes the truck driver's cushion of safety and places you in danger. Slow down and take your turn entering the construction zone. Don't speed up to pass a truck so you can exit the roadway. Take a moment to slow down and exit behind a truck-it will only take you a few extra seconds.
- Don't linger alongside a truck when passing: Always pass a large truck on the right side and after you have passed the truck move ahead of it. If you linger beside the truck, you make it very difficult, if not impossible, for the trucker to take evasive action if an obstacle appears in the road ahead.
- Following too closely or tailgating: When you follow behind a truck and you cannot see the truck driver's side view mirrors, the trucker has no way of knowing you are there. Tailgating a truck, or any vehicle, is dangerous because you take away your own cushion of safety. Where will you go when the vehicle in front of you stops quickly?
- Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer: A large tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling at a slower speed because of its large size. Many passenger vehicle- truck accidents take place at intersections because the passenger vehicle driver did not realize how close the truck was or how quickly it was traveling.
EMERGENCY VEHICLES
You must yield the right-of-way to a police car, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red light. Pull as close to the left edge of the road as possible and stop until the emergency vehicle(s) has passed. However, don't stop in an intersection. Continue through the intersection and then pull to the left as soon as you can. Sometimes emergency vehicles will use the wrong side of the street to continue on their way. They sometimes use a loud speaker to talk to drivers blocking their path.
You could interfere with the essential services of police, fire fighter, ambulance crews, or other rescue or emergency personnel if you drive for 'sigh-seeing' to any emergency call site. It is best that you keep the area clear so that the emergency crew can work effectively.
Comply With An Order From Police, Fire Fighters, Traffic Officers, And Others
You must obey any traffic direction, order, or signal by traffic or police officer or a fire fighter. Obey any order in emergency or special situations, even if it conflicts with existing signs, signals, or laws. You must obey instructions from school crossing guards and signal persons at road construction sites. For the crossing guard's safety, allow him or her to get safely to the side of the road before driving ahead.
SLOW MOVING VEHICLES
Some vehicles have trouble keeping up with the speed of traffic. Look for these vehicles and adjust your speed before you reach them. Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts, and road maintenance vehicles usually travel 25 kmph or less. Watch for large trucks and small, underpowered cars because on long or steep hills they lose speed. When entering traffic, they take longer to get up to speed. | IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE DRIVING A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE THEN DRIVE IN THE LEFT LANE OR CLOSER TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD. |
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ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES
Horse or cattle drawn vehicles and riders of horses or other animals are entitled to share the road with you. It is rude to scare horses or stampede livestock as it may cause a worse traffic jam than clearing the road. Slow down or stop, if necessary, and when requested to do so by the riders or herders.
MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS
Two wheelers (motorcycles and scooters) have the same rights and responsibilities on public roadways as automobile drivers. While everyone must follow the same traffic laws, motorcyclists face unusual dangers because they require exceptional handling ability. Consider driving two wheelers with the headlight on, even during daylight hours, to increase visibility. Here are a few specific actions you should take to share the road safely with motorcyclists: - When changing lanes or entering a major thoroughfare, make a visual check for motorcycles, in addition to using your mirrors. Motorcycles are small and this allows them to tuck easily into the blind spots of other vehicles
- Allow a four-second following distance for motorcyclists. Four seconds will allow you time to avoid hitting the motorcyclist if he or she should fall
- Motorcycles are entitled to the same full lane width as all other vehicles. Although it is not illegal for motorcycles to share lanes, it is unsafe.
- When preparing to make a turn, make sure you check for motorcyclists and know their speed before turning
- Road conditions that are minor annoyances to you, can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement can cause motorcyclists to change speed or direction suddenly. If you are aware of the effect of these conditions and drive with care and attention, you can help reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities
BICYCLES
Bicycle riders (cyclists) on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. Cyclists are not out of place on the roadway-they are part of the normal traffic flow and share the road with other drivers. Here are some critical points for drivers and cyclists to remember:
RIGHT & WRONG - Cyclists must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it. They should ride on the roadway not on the sidewalk
- Cyclists should normally ride in a straight line as near to the left curb or edge of the roadway as practical. However, cyclists can move right to turn right, to pass a parked or moving vehicle, another bicycle, an animal, or to make a turn, avoid debris, or other hazards. They may also choose to ride near the right curb or edge of a one-way street
- Cyclists make left and right turns in the same way that drivers do, using the same turn lanes
- Drivers should look carefully for cyclists before turning left and merge safely toward the curb. Do not overtake a cyclist just before making a left turn. Merge first, then turn
- Cyclists should avoid, for safety reasons, riding on a fast moving road like freeway. If you have to drive on a fast road be extra careful to drive near the left curb and use flashers at night
- Drivers must be careful when driving close to cyclists. Drivers should allow a minimum of three feet of space between the vehicle and bi-cycle when passing
- Before passing a cyclist in a narrow traffic lane, wait until the traffic is clear in the opposite lane and then change lanes to pass the cyclist. Do not attempt to squeeze past the cyclist
Pedestrian safety is a serious issue. Pedestrians lose in any accident, regardless of who had the right-of-way. Drive cautiously when pedestrians are near and may cross your path. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at corners, whether or not painted white lines mark the crosswalks.
Stop for the safety of anyone crossing the street on foot. Do not pass a vehicle from behind someone who has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian hidden from your view may be crossing. Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it at a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to any pedestrian.
MOBILITY AND GRIDLOCK
DEALING WITH TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Chronic traffic congestion is the commuter's biggest headache, but even small changes in driving habits could provide fast relief. Here's a list of several driving behaviors that contribute to congestion: - Rubbernecking: Perhaps the most frustrating of behaviors that means slowing down to look at accidents or virtually anything else out of the ordinary, is one of the worst congestion offenders
- Tailgating: Following too closely is common on our roads, accounting for innumerable accidents which in turn clog major roads, often for hours
- Unnecessary lane changes: Although it produces virtually no improvement in arrival times, many motorists insist on weaving in and out of lanes, which slows down all traffic. This is one of the behaviors that can be listed as high as rubbernecking
- Inattention: Commuters can commonly be seen eating, grooming in the rearview mirror, and talking on a cellular telephone while they drive. Drivers who do not watch the fuel gauge or maintain their vehicles properly can also cause traffic congestion. These vehicles can malfunction or stall on the road or surface streets and cause bottlenecks and major slow downs in traffic flow
DEALING WITH ROAD RAGE
Road rage happens when one driver reacts angrily to another driver. Angry drivers may lash out by deliberately braking suddenly, pulling close to another car, or taking more violent steps such as coercing a driver to pull over to "settle" the dispute. Here are some suggestions for avoiding behaviors that can provoke other drivers: - Don't cut off other drivers: When you merge, make sure you have enough room and always signal before you merge
- Don't drive slowly in the fast lane: Avoid using the fast lane except for the brief time it takes to pass another driver. Driving slowly in the fast lane frustrates other drivers
- Don't tailgate: Many drivers get angry when they are followed too closely. Remember to keep the appropriate following distance between you and the car ahead of you
- Don't signal gestures to other drivers: Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Making obscene gestures to other drivers may provoke him or her
- Use your horn for emergencies only: Even a polite tap of your horn may be enough to provoke another driver. In India, we are too 'horn happy' and tend to use the horn all the time. It has been medically proven that noise pollution can cause blood pressure to rise. So, use your horn sparingly and enjoy the drive!
You can protect yourself from becoming involved in a potentially violent incident by following some basic tips: - Avoid eye contact with an angry driver: To some people, eye contact is the same as a challenge. If someone is determined to act out his or her frustrations, even a friendly smile can be misinterpreted
- Give an angry driver plenty of space: If you make a driving error (even accidentally), it is possible the other driver may try and pick a fight with you. Put as much distance between your vehicle and the other car as you can
DEALING WITH TECHNOLOGYCellular telephones are everywhere. In an emergency, they can be a lifesaver. In non-emergency situations, they can be a great tool if you use them in a safe and responsible manner. Here are some tips: - Pull over to the side of the road to use your cellular telephone: This is the safest precaution you can take
- Know your cellular telephone: Get to know your phone and its many features such as speed dial and redial. Take advantage of these features so you won't take your attention off the road
- Use hands free devices: If available, use a hands free device. Two hands on the steering wheel is always safer than one
- Your phone should be within easy reach: If your phone is within reach you can grab it without taking your eyes off the road
- Don't use the telephone during hazardous conditions: If your driving conditions are hazardous (heavy traffic, hazardous weather conditions, etc.), tell the person you are talking to that you are driving and will call back. Remember, your first responsibility is to pay attention to the road
- Pay attention to the road: While you are driving, don't take notes or look up phone numbers. If you are busy doing other things, you are not paying attention to your driving
- Be sensible about dialing: If possible, place your calls when you are not moving or before pulling into traffic. However, if you need to dial while driving, dial only a few numbers at a time and check traffic and your mirrors in between. Then continue dialing
- Don't engage in distracting conversations: Stressful or emotional conversations don't mix with safe driving. This combination can be dangerous because you are not paying attention to your driving. Tell the person you are talking with that you are driving and will call back. Be safe!
Now-a-days the cars are fitted with a lot of technology like stereos, air-conditioners, power windows etc. You must familiarize with the operations of all these gadgets so that you can operate them without having to take your eyes off the road or losing control of the vehicle. Be considerate of the people around you and do not play your music so loud that others cannot enjoy the music of their liking or slience in their own vehicle.
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