Recognise The Hazard

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31765, 23 August 1968, Page 11

Recognise The Hazard

rpHE standard formula for A accident prevention, is, first, to recognise the hazard, second, to understand the defence, and third, to act in time. This applies equally at night and during the day, but at night the hazard is sometimes more difficult to recognise.

A safe driving speed must be determined according to road conditions and weather, the vehicle and the driver.

Mention has been made of the unpredictability of the actions of others. However, careful analysis of all possible

situations is a valuable exercise and an integral part of defensive driving. The other driver can be in only six positions in relation to your car. He can be ahead, behind, coming towards you, passing, being passed or at an angle to you at an intersection. For each of these situations there is.a defence.

Keep well behind the car in front, supervise its driver carefully so that you are prepared to stop quickly but smoothly should he stop suddenly. Allow the car behind to pass if it is too close and its lights are blinding you.

Before braking check your rear vision mirror so that you know you can stop without getting hit from behind. Keep well to the- left when another car is coming towards you and always look to the left edge of the road—not at the approaching headlights.

Be prepared to pull off the road if necessary. Stop when in doubt. Watch for vehicles about to overtake, and assist them to get past quickly and safely. Always approach an intersection expecting to have to stop, and position your car correctly well before the corner. Adjust your approach speed according to visibility across the comers, show your intention to turn by unmistakable signals, and turn only when you can do so safely. Before you pull out to pass, make sure you have assessed the position correctly, that you signal your intention and that you can complete the manoeuvre

within a reasonable distance. Recognising the hazard is harder at night than' by day, but planning and forethought, the correct assessment of prevailing conditions and constant observance of the principles of road safety will assist you to cope with most situations.

Expecting other drivers to make errors will allow you a greater margin of safety.