by Norman Halls, contributor
Cars came into global use during the 20th century, and developing economies depend on them. The year 1886 is claimed to be the birth of the modern car by Karl Benz. In 1908 the Model T by Ford rolled off the assembly line. Since the Model T, 110 years ago, drivers still don’t understand the concept of sharing the road.
We all see the yield sign, when you enter the highway or others when the street intersects with another. Yield does not mean to speed up. It does mean to slow down and wait your turn. When you enter a highway, make sure you are clear to enter and only then your get-up to speed without delay. Make sure you use your signal before entering the highway.
Drivers, don’t know the width of their car. Spatial awareness for drivers is very important. I’ve notice that many drivers ride on the yellow line. When they come around a turn they are way over the center line. When drivers are looking at something on one side, the car turns the opposite way. Many drivers do not slow down when they come upon a runner or a cyclist. They swing out in the oncoming traffic, which causes problems.
Following a car that makes a right turn, if the car following doesn’t slow down he/she pulls into the oncoming lane causing the incoming car to almost go off the road. Every notice a car stopped in 2 lane road, you can see cars behind the car have to brake hard because they are following too close.
The other day a driver was following me too close. The driver decided to pass, the driver drove over double lines and into oncoming traffic. The driver couldn’t see the other car when it came upon a knoll. When the other driver approached, she/he almost took my left front fender off. Patience when driving is the virtue that many drivers don’t have.
The ability to have visibility of the other driver and to distinguish where he/she is going to turn is important. Obstructions like tinted windows or the driver holding an animal is not the best way. Drivers must be able to identify where the other driver is looking.
Today there are a number of vehicles that our economy depends on, especially trucks. Trucks are the backbone of the economy. There are all sizes of trucks. Many are owned by commercial businesses and have professional drivers. There are many rental trucks too with less experienced drivers. It is important for car drivers to share the road responsibly with large trucks. Trucks weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, large trucks and truck-tractor combinations require more acceleration and deceleration time than an average passenger vehicle and can have blind spots in multiple locations.
Drivers should always take extra care and observe the following safety tip. “No Zones” are danger areas around large trucks in which crashes are more likely to occur. Because of a truck’s size, there are four large blind spots where cars disappear from the driver’s view. Passenger car drivers should avoid lingering in these areas whenever possible.
As a driver, we all have a responsibility when we are behind the wheel, i.e.: (a) no drinking while driving or before, (b) no taking drugs, (c) no cell phone, and (d) no texting. A good driver must be alert!
Statistically, you know you’re a better driver than most other people on the roads. Right! We’re talking about those other ones. When it comes to defensive driving, obeying traffic rules and using common sense are essential. Traffic rules are in place to help protect you and others while operating a vehicle on the road. Make sure you know the rules and that you apply them to your own driving every day.
