Running
late is seldom anyone’s fault. The person calling didn’t know you
were about to leave for an appointment; the baby soiled the nappy just
as you were walking out the door or you had forgotten you had to
call at a friend’s place before driving work. Such things happen.
However,
the natural reaction, after leaving late, is to try to make up lost
time on the road. Without thinking you are increasing your risk of
crashing in three ways:
| 1.
You are more likely to exceed the speed limit! |
A
mere 5-10 km/hr (4-6 mp/h) above your normal speed, increases the risk factor
considerably. |
| 2.
Your are
less likely allow for a safety margin! |
Instead
you're - tailgating, following too closely behind others or
drive dangerously around bends etc. |
| 3.
You are
more likely be taking risks! |
Trying
to overtake when dangerous, going through amber or red lights etc. |
|
Here is a
typical crash caused by a risk-taking driver:
|
|
The
white vehicle appears to be a hurry to cross behind the yellow
van. There is a small break behind the van, which the white
sedan thought is big enough to rush through the intersection.
But then...
In
the rush the driver takes no notice of the pedestrian about
to cross into his/her path.
|
|
|
No
safety margin! What
now? >>>
The
white car is trapped between the (possibly slow moving)
pedestrian and approaching traffic, the blue car on the left.
Elderly citizens are vulnerable to this kind of mishap.
|
 |
If you are
running late, phone the other person, if possible. For real important
appointments, such as catching a plane or a job interview, allow time for
a unexpected delays.
The
10/10 rule of relaxed driving:
|
If
you leave
10 minutes late,
expect to
arrive 10 minutes
late!
|
|
