33. Over the hill - not far away

Blind bends, crests of hills or when driving at night all hold one hazard in common: Visibility is limited.

If your speed is such, that your total stopping distance is greater than your seeing distance, you are running a risk.

Your total stopping distance is made up of your reaction time (average 3/4 second) plus the actual stopping distance once the brakes have been applied. 

The greater your speed the greater the distance to bring the vehicle to a halt.

This is what it looks like as a diagram:              

              Reaction Time       +       Braking distance >>>>>>>>>  Total Stopping distance

               Your SEEING DISTANCE on Bends - at Night - before Crests      DANGER    ZONE  

 

To eliminate the Danger Zone, reduce your speed, so that your total stopping distance is equal to your seeing distance or even a little less. 

Beyond the crest a cyclist was hit by a speeding motorist and tragically changed from a healthy young man into a quadriplegic.    The narrow road could not accommodate a cyclist and two vehicles traveling in opposite directions.

As with a blind bend, anything could be blocking your path over the crest. Drivers may boast about good reflexes and think they can stop quickly, but usually it takes far longer to stop a vehicle than they estimate. 

Double your speed and your braking distance multiplies not twice, but 4 times!

The best option is to allow for danger on the other side of the crest and to reduce speed. Unless you do, you are gambling with your life and that of others. Even a reduction of 10 km/h. makes a big difference to the total stopping distance.

Never assume the road is clear beyond the hill

 

Your safety is

DRIVING PLUS

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Disclaimer: Above information is for Australian learner drivers. Regulations could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents, failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend to use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. 

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