At Boyd, we believe that safe driving is the most effective way to reduce the number of collisions on Canadian roads and save lives. So in 2012, we're going back to basics and writing about 12 safe driving skills (one skill each month) for people to work on during the month to become safer drivers.
In the month of April, the safe driving skill we're focusing on is Planning Ahead. Safe driving doesn't just happen by accident. It is a decision, and part of that decision to be a safe driver is knowing what you are going to face when you get out onto the road.
Before any trip, plan ahead.
Start by looking at the weather and determining what the weather will be like between now and when you reach your destination. (There won't be any weather change in a 5 minute trip but a 5 hour trip could see some significant weather change).
First, consider the following weather or environmental elements and their impact on your driving:
- Temperatures: Air temperature and road-surface temperature
- Precipitation (rain, snow, and even fog will all play a factor in your driving, but will also be impacted by temperatures)
- Lighting conditions (Full sun? Dusk or Dawn? Cloudy? Are you driving into the sun or away from it?)
Second, note the route you plan to take. What will you face on that route? Is there construction? Do people park along the road? Are there a lot of pedestrians? In the winter, is it a route that is plowed? What is an alternate route if that route is closed for some reason?
Third, consider the time of day. Note if you are going to be driving in rush hour, or when school lets out or during night when difficult-to-see animals can become hypnotized by your headlights.
Fourth, consider how your car will handle given all of this information. Are your windows clean so you can easily spot hazards or are not blinded by the rising sun reflecting off of your bug-splattered windshield? Are your headlights and signal lights working? Do you have the right tires for road conditions? Do you have safety equipment and a shovel (especially on longer trips)? Do you have enough fuel to get where you need to go?
Safe drivers never get into the car unprepared. When they do get into the car, they know exactly where they want to go, how they'll get there, and they have spent a few minutes anticipating what hazards, obstacles, and dangers lie ahead. Obviously you can never prepare for everything but a little preparation will help to reduce many of the collision risks you face.
