Speed: your speed should not be too fast for road and weather conditions. Be mindful of slick roads and reduce your speed when the roadway is wet. Get access to free and research-validated resources for safety leaders who are ready to build an AI-driven safety program. Bus approaching. When your visibility or vehicle control are impaired by adverse conditions, the guidance provided here and in your states driving manual will help you handle the situation. In 2020, the Federal Motor Carriers Association (FMCSA) will introduce Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) to enhance current driver training and increase fleet safety on the roads. He/she will need to regularly check that the lights, indicators, windscreen wipers and washers, tyres and brakes are all in good working order. Practicing defensive driving techniques can help you avoid accidents and emergencies on the highway. This includes using cell phones/smartphones, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, etc. Heres what he had to say. You can recover from an acceleration skid by easing your foot off the gas. While people use it interchangeably. Less severe sun glare can distort road signs and traffic signals, leading drivers to make potentially devastating mistakes. Youre a sitting duck there, Solomon says. Having a vehicle riding too close to your rear bumper can be a nerve-wracking experience. Cars approaching. He has been down the Denver I-70 many times and knows how to handle a truck and trailer down this steep mountain grade. What to Do: A little foresight is best here. Solomon advises you keep a shovel, brush, and a pair of traction mats in your trunk. Chad Boblett, owner of Boblett Brothers, LLC and Rate Per Mile Master, is an expert when it comes to trucking and fleet safety. Pedestrian on our left, mother with child down below. While the hazard is the source of the injuries or the disease, i.e the thing that can harm you. It may go back into the other lane. The hill descent assist helps maintain a safe speed without you needing to use the brakes. All or part of the load may be damaged if it falls from the trailer. Checking amongst the trees. You can estimate depth by sticking a penny upside-down in the tread: If the top of Lincoln's head is visible, it's time for new tires. Get ready for the permit test with DriversEd.com. So, here are, Advisory: DPWH to conduct weekend repairs in Makati, Pasig, Mitsubishi launches referral program for L300 to celebrate 60th anniversary in PH, Cavitex C5 Link Segment 2 Phase 2 construction works to begin soon, MMDA hints possible number coding suspension next week, MMDA single ticketing system dry run slated Apr. one hazard associated with driving downhill is: Checking amongst the parked cars. Hill Descent Assist - My Car Does What Looking through the corner. Shift to reverse and repeat this step traveling backward. Person crossing the road. If I can, Ill signal, move to the right-hand lane, and that will generally take care of it. If you cant, wait for an intersection so you can make a right turn or drive into a service station. Snow chains can be an enormous help in slippery situations, where it would otherwise be impossible to gain traction. Driving through it can reduce visibility in a manner similar to a bad snowfall. You need to consider how likely it is that each hazard will cause harm Step 4: Record your findings. One way road. Fleet owners and safety managers all play a key role, and all must work together as a team to address concerns about safety. 16 percent: Use lower gears and jake brake to avoid burning out your brakes, 5 percent: Use runway truck ramp if you cant slow the truck down, 4 percent: Go slower than the posted truck speed limit, 1 percent: Double, or in some cases, triple your following distance. Examples of risk and hazard are below in the article to better understand the difference. You also want to turn the wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Checking the footpath. Vehicles approaching. If you have standard braking, keep your foot entirely off the brake. The term work zone refers to any area on a public road where utility, construction or maintenance work is being conducted. Car indicating to turn left. View the short videos showing real life driving situations. vehicle merging into your lane or stopping suddenly in front of you. Turning, vehicles approaching. Unfavorable weather and road conditions can create hazards that make driving difficult, and more dangerous. Rock your vehicle back and forth using the last two steps, until it rolls free. Pedestrian may step out. And make sure theyre not being held back by your cleaning habits. List the ways in which forklift trucks may overturn? The problem is when people pull it down and the edge is pointed at your nose. With any luck, you will not need to take evasive action or use escape techniques too often! Dont attempt to travel down hills or other declines that are steeper than you would normally attempt to traverse when using hill descent assist. Pull off the highway if your vehicle engine is in the red zone (too hot). What to Do: First, dont assume your brake lights are still working. Steering and counter-steering should be done three to five times while braking. Keep doing it until you feel the wheels grip the pavement. And one of the best pieces of advice he can give has absolutely nothing to do with an automobile. brakes / tyre bursts. car drivers, goods vehicle, passenger or patient transport); specific competencies associated with each driver category (e.g. Vehicle turning out on the right. Additional hazards could include stored energy in the form of compressedair, hydraulic systems or heat from engine components. If youre behind two, or in the middle of them, you might start to feel trapped. Once the vehicle begins to straighten out, counter-steer in the opposite direction, Solomon says. To compensate for low visibility, reduce your speed and make sure your headlights, taillights and windshield are all clean. The same holds true for buses. The majority of truck collisions are not the fault of the truck driver. The brake should lock up the rear wheels and allow the car to come to a stop. Water collecting in pools on the road is dangerous, though thankfully, relatively easy to spot. 10 Unique Dangers To Driving On Rural Roads Pedestrian crossing ahead of us. Don't drive in neutral or with your foot on the clutch. Getting behind the wheel without proper training can result in accidents, injuries, and workplace catastrophes. If you honk, flash your lights, or make an insulting hand gesture, you run the risk of antagonizing someone who is already behaving irrationally. US 278 GA/6 West of Atlanta This route is heavily traveled, has some downgrades, and sharp turns. You should also keep a snow shovel and set of snow chains in your vehicle for emergencies. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, you should apply firm and consistent pressure to the brakes without pumping them. Pedestrians crossing the road, still trying to cross the road. A load must be tilted back across all grades, if applicable. Organized into an easy-to-follow checklist, this information can be printed off and revisited as often as needed; you may wish to read through it again before taking your car onto a freeway. For some practical advice on what to do in these situations, we asked Solomon to break down 10 common driving obstacles and the best ways to cope with them. Limit driving to daytime hours if necessary; Fatigue. The hill descent assist will ensure your vehicle doesn't reach an unsafe declining speed by further applying the brakes if needed. Car stopped in front. Bus shelter on the left. You can avoid hydroplaning by reducing your speed on wet and rainy days. What to Do: If youre in deer country and its dark, you can try flashing your headlights to get a deers attention. Choosing not to drive in rain, snow or fog, at night or during any other hazardous conditions is always the smartest decision. Looking for potential hazards. A great deal can be done to minimize the risk of being involved in a highway accident though we cannot eliminate that risk altogether. If youre going through car washes and theyre using wax, the wipers are going to be sliding over that, he says. Scanning both sides of the road, looking for the next hazard. Instead, pull the visor down and then push it all the way toward the windshield, then slowly bring it forward until it blocks the sun. Use a low gear to help slow your vehicle down. Water on the roadway that is more than a few inches deep is extremely dangerous and must be avoided. After a heavy snowfall, you might return to your car to find the wheels surrounded by snow. You must learn how to identify and compensate for these hazards, to protect yourself and other road users from harm. Looking at the parked cars on the left. Copyright Carmudi 2014-2023. Learn more about the Motive fleet safety solution. Here are the 12 forklift hazards in the warehouse to be aware of: Improper Use. Other versions of this feature will not work in reverse, however, so check your owners manual or with your vehicles manufacturer to determine whether it can work in reverse or not. Cars approaching. Go 5 mph slower than the posted limit. Hydroplaning or Skidding Out of Control Skidding or sliding of cars occurs when there is a lack of friction between tire and road. Know what gear you need to be in before going downhill. Strong winds can be a problem for all car drivers, though they are a particular hazard for drivers of light-weight vehicles, vehicles towing trailers and high-sided recreational vehicles. Car approaching. Solomon cautions to watch out for passing traffic, as other drivers might have trouble spotting you. Media Room, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Q&A on the present and future of crash avoidance technologies, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety information on in-vehicle safety technology. Heritage-Crystal Clean reduced compliance violations by 25%. Looking on the footpaths, scanning between the cars. On rural roads and open highways, your high-beam headlights will maximize visibility. Pumping the brake pedal repeatedly C.) Resting your foot on the brake pedal Get the Correct ANSWER Cars approaching. Understanding how this occurs will help you regain traction in an emergency. Pull over to the side of the road if you encounter glare severe enough to completely obscure other vehicles or road signs. Car entering on our right. 10 Common Road Hazards and How to React to Them 1. In a low gear, gently increase pressure on the accelerator to move the vehicle as far forward as possible, without allowing the wheels to spin. This is where the shovel comes in handy. Hazards of Operating Electric Forklifts in Narrow Aisles Fit your car with snow tires if you are likely to drive in winter conditions regularly. Looking up the hill. Looking through the corner. An unsecured load can shift inside the trailer and is more difficult to unload. May step out in front of us without thinking. Check the intersection on our left. Risk factors for motor vehicle crashes that are particularly elevated among teenage drivers include: Car may turn, car is crossing our path. Dont let a traffic ticket affect your driving record or insurance rates. A wax stripper found at automotive stores can erase that residue, clearing your windshield and allowing your wipes to make better contact with the glass. Clear the snow away from the wheels and try moving forward or in reverse. In addition, Chad notes the drivers truck was fully loaded and the driver may have been going too fast. Person waiting at a bus stop. another car suddenly jumping across. Driving too fast makes it difficult to stop or turn in time to avoid an obstacle. It could be a: As drivers gain experience they develop skills in scanning the road ahead and around them, and they become better at recognising that a potentially dangerous situation is developing. Scan well ahead, look amongst the parked cars. Approaching vehicles. Watch for bicyclists near the right edge of the road. Two lanes in the one direction. Every driver must have a basic understanding of the tactics required to free a vehicle that has become stuck in snow, ice or mud. Chad discusses driving issues truKkers face on some U.S. highways where hard braking and cornering triggers a warning on the ELD. While skidding is often caused by rain, mud, snow or ice, it can also happen when you turn, change lanes, brake or accelerate suddenly, as this can throw weight from one part of the vehicle to another. Vehicles passing us on the right. Locked wheel skids occur when traveling at speed and the brakes are applied too sharply. Your owner's manual or a label inside of the driver's side door will tell you the correct tire pressure for the vehicle. Step 3: Evaluate the risk and decide whether existing precautions are adequate or more should be done. On average, a pedestrian was killed every 81 minutes and injured every 10 minutes in traffic crashes in 2020. 7. Copyright 2023 ePermitTest. Due to the force of gravity, a car travelling downhill: May accelerate on its own if not controlled properly. one and a half times. Whether traveling during light rain or torrential downpour, drivers will have to contend with reduced visibility and slippery roads. Get past the obstacle. Freeing your car from deep mud or snow takes patience. May duck across in front. Left lane appears to be ending. Defect reportingprocedures should be clearly set out. The need for drivers to demonstrate that privately owned vehicles are only used for work purposes if they are insured for business use The need for drivers to hold a licence for the type of vehicle they use and for periodic checks on the validity of that licence. Driver training options, e.g. Fleet safety: how to stay safe when driving downhill | Motive (Kitty litter may also work for traction, but the mats are reusable.) Other road hazards like fog, deer, and road-hogging commercial trucks never seem to take a break. Visit gomotive.com to learn more. If youre struck by another vehicle, theres no place for your car to go. Scanning both sides of the road. If its that bad, pull over to the side of the road and wait for the downpour to ease up. (Following distance is the amount of time it would take for your car to pass a landmark, like a roadside sign, after the driver in front of you has passed it.) May be an out we need. Intersections on both sides. Workman probably on the right. Being careful. Vehicle pulling out. The driverFactors to consider in relation to thedriver of the vehicle, such as their competence and/or experience of the type of drivingAll drivers, however, should know the basics, such as: the correct adjustment of seats, headrests and seatbelts for comfort and safety; how to check tyre pressures, lights, indicators, windscreen washer levels; how to use ABS (anti-lock braking systems) if fitted; the safest way to distribute and secure any load they may be carrying; and the height of the vehicle (goods vehicles).The vehicleSuitabilityThis means making sure that the vehicles are fit for the purpose for which they are used, which raises questions such as: What are the safety standards for the particular vehicle(s) in respect of driving andpublic health and safety? Is the vehicle suitable for the job in hand? How well does the vehicle measure up to the ergonomic needs of drivers? Should vehicles be hired or leased and what impact will this have on how maintenance will be undertaken? Is it better to allow employees to use their private vehicles on company businessCondition of vehiclesEmployers will have toensure that adequate maintenance arrangements exist and that repairs or service are carried out to an acceptable standard and that manufacturersrecommendations are observed in respect of safetycritical features. Check traffic through your mirrors. All rights reserved. It could be a: child chasing a ball onto the road parked car door opening vehicle merging into your lane or stopping suddenly in front of you slippery road surface after rain. Cyclist on the footpath on the left. You need to consider how likely it is that each hazard will cause harm Step 4: Record your Keep in mind that in most states, drivers are legally required to clear all ice and snow from their vehicles before a journey. Many parked vehicles. Vehicles often build up speed moving down a steep hill. As they spin, they cant find any grip on the slick powder, and youre going nowhere fast. Subscribe to get the latest news, industry trends, blog posts, and updates. All Rights Reserved. Looking for pedestrians. This section summarizes those must-know highway driving techniques and safety practices. Car pulling out on the right up ahead. Most cars differ in their allowable operating range for hill descent assist, with some allowing you to go as slow as 3 mph or as fast as 38 mph. An acceleration skid may occur if your drive wheels lose traction. I-5 between Medford, OR and Roseburg, OR This stretch of highway is a steady descent with sharp curves. It is not only shared between the driver and the company, but with everyone else on the road. Always keep an eye out for flying debris and other obstacles on the road ahead, when traveling in extremely windy conditions. A worn tire at 2/32 of an inch is asking for a crash, as the stopping distance of a car is increased and traction is reduced. Keep your gas tank at least half-full as fuel may freeze in extremely low temperatures. Down is more dangerous. Manual handlingHandling products can involve the frequent movement of some fairly substantial loadsLifting operationsOperations involving cranes or vehicle mounted lifting equipment (e.g. Braking may be your first instinct when your vehicle begins to skid, though steering is the most effective way to correct traction. Brainscape helps you realize your greatest personal and professional ambitions through strong habits and hyper-efficient studying. Checking the intersection blocked on our left. Veteran truck drivers like Boblett understand how to react to various driving situations. This blog discusses 15 common road hazards and the best ways to prevent them. Vehicles changing lanes up ahead. If it sounds like there might be inclement weather the next day, Solomon tells Mental Floss, set your alarm an hour early. Many parked cars on our left. Your ability to remain calm and take appropriate evasive action during such situations could mean the difference between life and death. This data can then be used as a training tool to aid the driver in becoming safer on the road. Its not uncommon for the mat to get bunched up behind the brake pedal, making it hard to move. Many vehicles ahead. Some of the hazards mentioned above (e.g. This feature is designed to prevent you from entering an unsafe speed while you travel downhill or on uneven terrain. Instead, ease off the gas pedal until you can feel your tires regain connection with the road. Stick to low-beam headlights in built-up areas and when you are in close proximity to other drivers. Watching for anything the cyclist must suddenly avoid. There are several different kinds including: Distracted driving. Use the following tips to help you: If necessary, clear space around your tires. Entering into a school zone. Oversteering often happens when the driver takes a bend or lane-change too quickly, when the surface of the road is slippery. Do not shift into neutral. If you see a deer up ahead, take your foot off the gas to slow your speed, then flash your lights. Braking in front of another driver B.) Parked cars, people may step out, their vision is obscured. Some versions may be activated from your multifunction display or in your terrain management control's dial. Checking the intersection. Braking in front. For example, the NTSB examined one fatal traffic accident which occurred inside of a tunnel and found that the crash was likely caused by concrete and suspension hardware falling onto . As the winter months approach and the days grow shorter, you will often need to compensate for poor visibility and additional hazards. . What to Do: Its important to determine whether the truck driver is aware of your existence before you attempt to pass. Training that is specific to the type of work and environment that they will be working in. 13. In 2020, 16% of children age 14 and younger killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. What management control activities are required in high risk areas? Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts. Cars stopping in front. Looking amongst the parked cars. When vehicles meet on a steep, narrow road which is not wide enough for two vehicles, the vehicle going downhill must yield the right-of-way by backing up to a wider place or by stopping to leave sufficient space for the vehicle going uphill, except where it is more practical for the vehicle going uphill to return to a wider space or turnout. Top Driving Safety Hazards You Should be Aware of: How to Avoid Them with a lift truck load fully raised); collisions with other vehicles and/or fixed objects or structures; and/or. Slightly damp roads can pose more of a hazard, as the water may loosen oil and chemicals which have become ingrained in the asphalt. Lots of traffic markers. Youll wind up seeing less, Solomon says. If a driver is not paying attention, it may be easy to lose control. When driving through pooled water or heavy rain, your brakes may get wet and become ineffective. Coming up a hill, our vision becomes obscured. Drive with two hands on the wheel, put your emergency flashers on, check your mirrors, and get over to the right shoulder of the road if at all possible, Solomon says. Traffic island. There may be barriers, cones, heavy equipment, temporary signs, signal lights and workers in the roadway, prior to, during and beyond work sites. What are the 5 key steps that should be followed in assessing the risks in driving? It makes for fine gothic horror movies and 80s music videos, but fog is otherwise a hazard. Governors Highway Safety Association publishes a list of states that have distracted driving laws, as well as information about the dangers of cell phone usage while driving.Details regarding individual state laws have been summarized by the Governors Highway Safety Association.These summaries and lists are updated often, so be sure to double check to make sure you have the most current . Maintaining a safe following distance. Driving in extremely hot weather can put your health at risk and damage your vehicle. All drivers face risks, but the factor that contributes most to crashes and deaths appears to be inexperience.1Newly licensed drivers, primarily teenagers, have the highest crash rates, but even drivers well into their twenties have higher crash rates than older drivers. Opening the boot. If you ask us, we would rather take the uphill part of the drive because going downhill is harder. What systems should be in place for managing work related road safety? Of all the adverse weather conditions you may have to deal with while driving, fog is the most dangerous. For some practical advice on what to do in these situations, we asked Solomon to break down 10 . While traveling in extreme heat, stay hydrated and cool by drinking plenty of water and using the air con, or open windows to ventilate the car. Of course, the number-one rule of defensive driving is to avoid unnecessary danger. This will require that they are wide enough and, where appropriate, high enough to allow safemovements of vehicles. A. If visibility gets too bad, pull over to the side of the road and wait for conditions to improve. What to Do: Your instinct might be to put on your high beams to better illuminate the road ahead. Keep speed to a minimum and drive gently when using snow chains. Pedestrian walking down the road on our left. Vehicle is pulling out. This feature uses the engine and transmission to down shift to help keep the vehicle speed under control so you dont rely solely on the brakes.