You're driving down the street toward an intersection. The light turns yellow. You are going at a speed where you could go right through but the car in front of you gets spooked and slams on their brakes. What do you do?
There are a lot of options in this scenario and most people would automatically choose to lock up their brakes and hope for the best. Sometimes that solution works out and sometimes it results in a collision.
But there are probably other options. For example, perhaps there is another lane to steer into (such as a turning lane) to give yourself more distance to stop. Or maybe steering toward the curb is a better option, especially if there is a parking lane. Or maybe given the choice between hitting a car with people in it and a car without people in it, you choose the one that will potentially cause less injury.
Obviously, in the split second you have to decide these options, it's hard to weigh all of the factors and conclude on the best course of action, which is why most people just slam on their brakes and hope for the best. But there might be a better course of action and all it takes is just a little forethought.
As you drive, anticipate the actions of other drivers and decide what you would do in those situations. Ask yourself, "what would happen if the car in front of me stopped suddenly?" or "what would I do if a child ran out in front of my car?"
For every situation, try to come up with two to four contingencies and weigh the consequences of each one – Who could be hurt? What would the ramifications be?
These might sound like morbid thoughts but here's what's going on inside your brain when you ask yourself these questions: You are training yourself to consider the contingencies. You are examining the theoretical possibilities and determining the best course of action.
Safe driving isn't the only place where this kind of theoretical contingency-planning happens. Our suggestion was inspired by "the case study method" of learning, which is a type of study used by the best business schools to teach their students how to apply concepts in real world situations.
So apply the case study method to your driving and train yourself to identify contingencies as you drive.
This won't eliminate every potential collision – some collisions are unavoidable even if you are in complete control of your vehicle – but you'll be surprised at how much more of a safer driver you'll become as you become aware of the road around you.
If you do get into a collision, bring your car to Boyd Autobody & Glass. Our conveniently located repair centres are staffed with friendly collision repair experts who can help to restore your car and get you on your way.
