LOW RISK DRIVING

Low - Risk Driving a skill for LIFE

- - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - - - -

ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06

Your SAFETY is Driving

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C.25 Better late than DEAD on time

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:

You are more likely to exceed the speed limit!	A mere 5-10 km/hour above your normal speed, increases the risk factor considerably.
Your are less likely allow for a safety margin!	Instead - tailgating, following too closely behind other traffic, taking bends too fast etc.
You are more likely be taking risks!	Trying to overtake when dangerous, going through amber or red lights etc.

A typical example of a crash, caused by driver rushing:

A driver in a hurry >>>
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 car is trying to take. In the rush the driver takes no notice of the pedestrian about to cross into his/her path.

What now? >>>
The rushing white car is trapped between the (possibly slow) pedestrian and approaching traffic (blue car). 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 an unexpected delay.

The 10/10 rule of relaxed driving:

Leaving 10 Minutes late? Expect to arrive 10 Minutes late!

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