LOW RISK DRIVING

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D.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 after 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 !         >

SEEING DISTANCE on bends, at night, or 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, better still, less to gain a safety margin!

Reaction Time+Braking distance = Total Stopping distance >

IF SEEING DISTANCE is much greater than total stopping distance) SAFETY MARGIN >

< Short Seeing distance

Beyond the crest a cyclist was hit by a speeding motorist. In seconds a healthy young man's life was changed forever!

The narrow road could not accommodate a cyclist and two vehicles travelling 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.

If you can't see over the hill, SLOW DOWN !

Disclaimer: Above information could vary in your part of the world. We take no responsibility for any accidents or failed driving tests, even if the advise in this book has been followed. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor. Site copyright ©driving-school.com.au 2001 / Reviewed July 2010	Here is a little test to remember what you have learned. Firstly, answer the True / False question. Secondly, using the letter beside the correct answer, form a word. All answers are on this page!
	T> N	The most important skill a good driver must have is quick reaction.	F> L
	T> E	Drivers often underestimate the distance it takes for their vehicle to come to a stop.	F> O
	T> A	If your seeing distance is less that your total stopping distance you are taking a risk.	F> T
	T> H	Doubling your speed means doubling the total stopping distance.	F> V
	T> E	Reducing speed before a bend or crest reduces total stopping distance.	F> I