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Auto Liability claims seem to be less so far this year than
they were the last couple of years. It is important to
remember that just one bad accident can make the difference
between a good year and a bad year.
As
a rule, during the second half of our season we have the
most claims. We need to keep reminding each other to stay
alert and keep safety our number one priority.
Following
are some safe driving tips from Liberty Mutual’s Decision
Driving Program. I would like everyone, not just our truck
drivers, to take the time to read and follow these
recommendations:
Look
Ahead Capacity
Expanding
your look ahead capacity is one of the most important
elements in Decision Driving. Look ahead capacity:
Helps
you keep your vehicle centered in your lane
Lets
you see roads signs in the distance
Allows
you to recognize potential traffic problems
Improves
your ability to select the proper lane and speed for
conditions
Provides
for a smoother more relaxed ride
How
To Expand Your Look Ahead Capacity
Glance
ahead frequently to where you will be in the next 8 to 10
seconds
Check
the center of your driving path to keep your vehicle
centered
Watch
two blocks ahead in the city for lights, vehicles,
pedestrians and children
Look
as far ahead as possible on the highway
Watch
for merging vehicles around ramps
Drive
at a speed that will let you stop within the distance
covered by your headlights
How
Do Look Ahead and Following Distance Work Together ?
Look
Ahead allows you to know what is in front of your vehicle.
Following
Distance allows you to have adequate space to stop or take
other types of Decisive Action.
Without
adequate Look Ahead you will not be able to maintain
adequate Following Distance to avoid crashes.
The
Timed Interval Rule For Following Distance
Maintain
one second of following distance for every ten feet of
length.
Applies
under ideal conditions.
Use
two to three times this much space when road conditions are
poor, visibility is impaired and when the vehicle condition
or loading is not ideal.
Use
fixed objects as reference points to determine your
following distance
Distracted
Drivers Have No Look Ahead Capacity
Drivers
reading newspaper while driving.
Look
Ahead is two feet not where the vehicle will be in 8 to 12
seconds.
Following
Distance is unknown.
Many
other types of distractions can exist (i.e., eating while
driving, cell phone use, looking at directions, road side
distractions, taking pictures of drivers reading)
In
Summary
Near
misses add up to crashes.
Make
sure someone is always driving the vehicle when it is in
motion.
Everyone
has family that is on the road. make sure you drive like it
is your family in the vehicle next to yours.
Use
the timed interval rule for Following Distance
-One
second for each 10 feet of vehicle length
-Use
fixed objects to measure following distance
-Double
or triple your Following Distance in less than ideal
conditions. Get off the road if conditions warrant it.
Use
adequate look ahead capacity
-Two
blocks in the city
-8
to 12 seconds in most situations
-As
far as you can see on the interstate
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