Tailgating, most common cause of traffic crashes.

            Drivers who don’t think ahead may find themselves bumper to bumper with the car in front of them. To the law enforcement officers, it’s called “ not being able to stop within an assured clear distance” also known as a violation of the basic law. Most of us call it tailgating. It is the most common cause of traffic crashes.

            To avoid becoming another traffic crashes statistic. Always think ahead of your car. Stopping your car safely requires being alert, having a good reaction time, and knowing he mechanical limitations of your vehicle.

            Always plan ahead. Allow not less than two seconds between vehicles during the daytime, three seconds at night, and four seconds during inclement weather such as during rain. Be especially cautious when approaching traffic lights, intersections, and when changing lanes. Anticipate potentially hazardous situations that could cause the driver in front of you to stop suddenly.

            If you need to stop quickly, don’t slam on the brackers; instead, use firm even pressure. If your brakes lock, release the pedal and use a pumping action. However, if you car is equipped with an ABS braking system, never pump the brakes. Remember, too, that alcohol, some types of prescription drugs, fatigue, and your reaction time and could lengthen you stopping distance. Don’t wreck your life! Keep your eyes on the road, never drink and drive, and always wear your safety belt.

School bus safety

            School is finally back in session. The school day begins and ends with a trip on a school bus. The greatest risk for these children is not riding the bus, but when they are approaching or leaving the bus. Both children and adults must know and follow traffic safety rules designed to keep them safe.

            Children should arrive at their bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. When the bus approaches, stand at least six feet away from the street or curb. Do not cross the road or enter the bus until the driver says that it is okay.

            Never walk behind the bus or along side the bus where the bus driver is not able to see you. Use caution near school bus stops, keep your eyes on the road. Let us all help make this a safe year for school children.

Always check your blind spot

When driving, keep your eyes constantly moving, scanning the road ahead to the side. Check your mirrors every five second or so. When using mirrors there is an area on each side of your vehicle where you cannot see. You may not see people or vehicles when they are at these a pots.

Make sure you see others drivers and they can see you by doing the following.

• Keep a clear view when driving. Do not put anything in your windows that will block your view.

• The windows should  not be coated with any material that keeps you from seeing out in any direction. Neither should the wind shied or front door windows be coated to keep someone from seeing inside the vehicle.

• Check and adjust your mirrors and find your blind spots. Check your blind spots by turning your head to look over you shoulder before changing lanes, passing, turning or before opening your door when parked next to traffic.

• When making a lane change, check your mirrors for a space in traffic where you can enter safely. Signal when you want to move left or right. Check again to make sure the way is clear and steer gradually into the new lane, maintaining the same speed or gently increase it.

• Stay out of other driver’s blind spots, especially large vehicles like trucks.

• Take extra care to make sure the way is clear behind you when backing up.

 Article contributed by AAM

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