Benefits of Proactive Driving

No matter how good of a driver you may be or how diligent you are in following speed limits and road regulations, you cannot control the actions of other drivers on the road. There are many factors that contribute to car collisions, and as a driver, practicing proactive driving can help keep you and your passengers safe! 

Proactive driving is when you anticipate any possible hazards on the road and take the necessary action to minimize, reduce or avoid them before they can occur. While you might be a cautious driver, others might not, so it’s important to anticipate possible errors other drivers might make on the road. In this blog, we’ll explore different techniques that will help you drive proactively and minimize the possibility of collisions. Read on to learn more! 

Maintain Your Distance

The most common cause of serious motor vehicle accidents in Edmonton is drivers colliding after following too closely to the car ahead of them. Whether on the Whitemud, Yellowhead or cruising down Whyte Ave, you should always follow the 2-second rule, where you maintain a minimum distance of 2 seconds behind the car ahead. When you’re driving in less than ideal weather/ road conditions or following large vehicles such as semi-trucks or motor homes, it’s recommended to maintain a minimum of 4 seconds following distance. 

Tip: To help you determine if you’re 2 or 4 seconds behind the car ahead of you, make a note of a fixed object on the road and count the seconds it takes the driver ahead of you to reach the object. If they reach the object before you reach 2 or 4 seconds, you’re following too closely, and it’s recommended that you reduce your speed. (The 2-second rule and 4-second rule work at any speed!)

Be Aware of Potential Hazards

You might encounter many hazards on the road, and a sure way to reduce risks is to watch your surroundings and be aware of any potential hazards. There are generally two types of hazards on the road: fixed and variable hazards. 

Fixed hazards, such as hills, curves and hidden driveways, are permanent road conditions that restrict your vision. Intersections and merging roadways are also fixed hazards as they require you to drive with caution and be aware of other drivers surrounding you. Variable hazards are conditions that change throughout the day, such as weather conditions, construction conditions and other temporary road conditions. School children, pedestrians and cyclists are also considered variable hazards. Even though left-turning vehicles are also regarded as variable hazards, drivers turning left across the path of others is one of the major causes of car collisions in Edmonton. Whether you encounter variable or fixed hazards, you must be prepared to take immediate action to avoid any potential problems. 

Tip: A general rule of thumb when driving is to always expect the unexpected and plan a safe escape route in case of possible collisions. 

You can also read more about proactive driving here. 

Contact James H. Brown and Associates Today!

If you or someone you love has been hurt in a motor vehicle accident, our team is here to help! With over 250 years of combined experience in personal injury law, James H. Brown and Associates have helped hundreds of motor vehicle victims in Edmonton receive their rightful compensation. Our team of experienced personal injury lawyers will help you understand your legal options and advise you on the best legal action you should take. Experiencing a life-altering accident can be scary, but with James H. Brown and Associates, we will support and guide you every step of the way. 

Book a free consultation with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers today or call us at (780) 428-0088.