Toolbox Talks

“Defensive Driving”

LEARNING defensive driving techniques and driving defensively could prove the difference between life and death on the roads, but how many motorists actually know the limits of their vehicle and can handle a critical situation????

Aspects of driving such as proper driving posture, braking, lane changes and reactive manoeuvres, recognizing and controlling skidding and vehicle maintenance are generally covered as part of practical defensive driving courses.

One of the most alarming facts facing drivers is the time and distance it takes for a speeding vehicle to stop.

At 100kmh, the average stopping distance is 80m, but there are several variables that will affect a driver’s ability to pull up in time. The first is human reaction time, which will usually vary from one quarter of a second to three quarters of a second, but can be doubled or tripled by tiredness, alcohol, fatigue and low concentration levels.

Once the brakes have been applied, other variables such as the type of braking system, tyre pressures and tread, vehicle weight, suspension and road conditions all play a part.

All motorists should maintain a safe gap between their vehicle and other vehicles, minimize distractions while driving, share the workload on longer trips, avoid being in a rush and be aware of what other vehicles are around you before stopping or changing lanes.

Disobeying the road rules will eventually come at a price, the least being it will hit the pocket. but much, much, worse, your actions could cause injury or loss of life. There is no greater grief than to unexpectedly lose a loved one.

Some People Don’t Understand – they think they are good drivers, they think they have a good car and they think the road conditions are good at the time but a problem rises when something unexpected happens in front of them. They have no time to react and no time to avoid any hazard that may occur in front of them and this often results in a serious crash or fatality.

Lack of patience can also be a big killer. If people are in a hurry to get somewhere, as they often are during the Christmas period for instance, they will generally start to exhibit a number of bad driving habits which can result in speeding,unsafe overtaking or following other vehicles too closely. These bad behaviours are more likely to result in a crash.

Let us commit ourselves to: Abide by the three C’s (concentration, consideration, control), be patient, DO NOT drive when under the influence, drive to road conditions, avoid speeding, maintain good health and accept limitations, avoid using cell phones while driving, exercise caution at all times, being aware of surroundings and ensuring that vehicles are in good operating condition.

“Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison