29 Sep Safe Driving – Be an Extra-Safe Driver

Safe Driving – Be an Extra-Safe Driver

Safe driving requires more than knowing the rules of the road. Even experienced drivers face changing traffic, weather, road conditions, pedestrians, distracted motorists, and other hazards that require constant attention and defensive driving.

Professional drivers should set the example by maintaining their vehicles, staying alert, anticipating hazards, and allowing enough time and space to react safely.

Inspect the Vehicle Before Driving

Take a few minutes before driving to make sure the vehicle is safe to operate. Conduct the required pre-trip inspection or walk-around and check items such as:

• Tires for proper inflation, visible damage, and adequate tread.
• Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights.
• Windshield condition and cleanliness.
• Windshield wipers and washers.
• Mirrors.
• Fluid leaks beneath the vehicle.
• Obvious vehicle damage.
• Loads, tools, or equipment to ensure they are properly secured.

Report safety-related defects and do not operate a vehicle when a condition makes it unsafe.

Before You Move

Once inside the vehicle:

• Adjust the seat for comfortable and safe control of the vehicle.
• Adjust mirrors to maximize visibility.
• Fasten your seat belt and require passengers to do the same.
• Make sure you know the location and operation of essential controls.
• Check the fuel or charge level.
• Make sure warning lights do not indicate an unsafe condition.
• Secure loose objects that could become projectiles during sudden braking or a collision.
• Set navigation, climate controls, and other devices before driving whenever possible.

If you are operating an unfamiliar vehicle, take additional time to become familiar with its controls before entering traffic.

Drive Defensively

Defensive driving means anticipating hazards rather than simply reacting to them.

• Obey traffic laws, signs, and signals.
• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Increase following distance during poor weather, heavy traffic, darkness, or other adverse conditions.
• Stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots whenever possible.
• Check mirrors frequently.
• Signal before turning or changing lanes.
• Scan well ahead rather than focusing only on the vehicle directly in front of you.
• Maintain an escape route whenever practical.
• Expect other road users to make mistakes.

Never assume another driver sees you or will yield the right-of-way simply because they are supposed to.

Control Your Speed

A posted speed limit represents the maximum lawful speed under favorable conditions—it is not always a safe speed for existing conditions.

Reduce speed when encountering:

• Rain, snow, or ice.
• Fog or reduced visibility.
• Construction zones.
• Heavy traffic.
• Curves or steep grades.
• Poor road surfaces.
• Pedestrians or bicyclists.
• Emergency scenes.
• Darkness or glare.

Always drive at a speed that allows you to maintain control and stop within the distance you can safely see ahead.

Eliminate Distractions

Driving requires your full attention.

Avoid activities that take your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving, including:

• Texting or reading messages.
• Handling a phone or electronic device.
• Programming navigation while moving.
• Eating or performing other distracting activities.
• Reaching for objects.
• Allowing passengers or conversations to interfere with safe driving.

Pull over at a safe location before performing a task that requires significant attention.

Watch for Pedestrians and Other Road Users

Be especially alert around:

• Intersections and crosswalks.
• Schools and residential areas.
• Parking lots.
• Construction and work zones.
• Bicyclists and motorcyclists.
• Roadside workers.
• Emergency vehicles.
• Children and animals near roadways.

Pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, and smaller vehicles can be difficult to see, particularly when backing, turning, or changing lanes.

Expect the Unexpected

Conditions can change in seconds. Continuously scan the roadway and ask yourself:

• What hazards are developing ahead?
• What are nearby drivers likely to do?
• Where is my escape route?
• Do I have enough following distance?
• Can I stop safely if conditions suddenly change?

Recognizing a developing hazard early gives you more time to respond.

Fatigue and Impairment

Never drive when your ability to safely operate a vehicle is impaired.

Fatigue, illness, alcohol, drugs, and certain prescription or over-the-counter medications can reduce reaction time, concentration, judgment, and coordination.

If you become too tired or impaired to drive safely, stop driving and notify your supervisor as required.

Backing Safely

Backing creates additional hazards because visibility around the vehicle may be limited.

Whenever possible:

• Avoid unnecessary backing.
• Park so you can pull forward when leaving.
• Check the area around the vehicle before backing.
• Use mirrors and cameras, but do not rely solely on them.
• Back slowly.
• Use a spotter when required or when visibility is limited.
• Stop immediately if you lose sight of your spotter.

If you are unsure whether the path is clear, stop and check before continuing.

Remember

Being an extra-safe driver means giving yourself extra time, space, visibility, and attention. Maintain your vehicle, buckle up, eliminate distractions, control your speed, maintain adequate following distance, and continuously anticipate what could happen next.

The safest drivers don’t just react to hazards—they recognize them early enough to avoid them.