Your  SAFETY  is  Driving

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Low - Risk Driving  a skill for LIFE

 - - - - - - - - - Road Safety by Dieter Fischer - - - - - - - -

ISBN No. 0 09577 426 06   

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D.31    DON'T OVER-REACT

 

Inexperienced city motorists often find themselves in difficulty driving in country areas, especially on windy roads or at high speeds. Their driving practice has been limited to suburbs and cities, which is vastly different.

What are the main causes of serious road crashes in rural areas?

Research has shown that running off the bitumen, then losing control of the vehicle, results in major crashes by both experienced drivers and beginners.

A moment's inattention, looking at the scenery or nodding off when overtired, is enough for the car to leave the bitumen. A second later, before the driver can correct the mistake, two of the four tyres are in the dirt. 

 

Why do drivers drive too fast into bends?

Bad judgement of speed, ignoring advisory signs, inexperience, alcohol, showing off are common crash factors.
Why do drivers misjudge corners?

Distractions, misreading the shape of bends and corners, reduced visibility!  

These errors do not necessarily lead to a crash!

 

The tyres driving onto the dirt does not pose a problem - yet. Don't panic! A motor car is designed to drive on a gravel surface. It's often the over-reaction by the driver, trying to bring the vehicle back onto the sealed road, which causes a crash. 

Avoid these two mistakes, incorrect (over) reactions:

1. Sharp braking! Imagine sudden, heavy braking with two wheels on gravel and two wheels on bitumen. The car may skid sideways right into oncoming traffic.
2. Jerking the steering wheel to correct error !  Turning the steering wheel suddenly, trying to recover is dangerous at high speed. Not only may you cross into the oncoming traffic, but lose control altogether.

 

After running off the road, don't panic, stay in control!

1. Immediately come off the accelerator. 

2. Brake lightly, if at all necessary. 

3. Gently steer back onto the bitumen!

*The steering wheel must be held tightly, should the vehicle have to drive over a deep drain, culvert or over an object!

 

When suddenly confronted with debris on the road, don't brake sharply. If stopping is not possible, running over the obstacle, keeping a firm grip on the wheel, may be the better option.

Take extra caution in wet weather and/or on slippery surface! Motorists easily lose control, unless they are prepared and don't over-react.

The ABC of gentle motoring:

 Accelerate gently - Brake gently - Corner gently 

 

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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 /  Revised June  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>   F    Leaving the sealed part of the road may not cause a crash, if you stay in control.   F>    N

  T>   O   Nodding off just for a moment could cause a head-on collision in an instant.           F>    D  

  T>   R   If you find yourself driving on gravel - don't panic or swerve back onto the road.    F>    B