Driving Safety Tips

Right Way vs. Right-of-Way
Fighting for your rights on the road is a losing game. Even when you feel you win, you lose.

If the other driver wants the right-of-way, let him have it. Every year nearly half of all traffic fatalities were "in the right." Good drivers can cut down that percentage.

Avoid the squeeze play. Allow a cushion of safe space around your vehicle at all times. Anticipate potential crash situations by looking ahead, sideways and backwards. Danger can come from any direction. Use your headlights, stoplights, turn signals and horn to make your presence and intentions known to other drivers and pedestrians.

Below are four typical accident situations and the defensive actions to avoid them:

Trap 1

• The light turns green, you start across with your vehicle and you are hit by a vehicle running the red light.
  
  Defense: Even when you have the green light, always check to see that cross traffic has stopped completely before entering the intersection.

Trap 2

• As you drive along a through street, a driver waiting at a stop sign suddenly pulls out in front of you.
  
  Defense: Never assume that the stop sign will automatically hold them until you have passed. They may think it's a four-way stop or the driver may simply be daydreaming. Slow down, use the horn and be ready to react.

Trap 3

• You are sideswiped on a freeway by a merging vehicle which tries to race you for a position.
  
  Defense: In anticipation of a merging vehicle, move one lane to the left if possible, or slow down to allow space for one vehicle to enter safely.

Trap 4

• As you enter an intersection, an approaching vehicle suddenly makes a left turn in front of you.
  
  Defense: Never assume a signaling vehicle will yield to you until it has stopped completely. If you see a vehicle slowing down but not signaling, be cautious. Slow down and have the foot poised above the brake pedal.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY -
YIELD IF THERE IS THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT

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