AVOIDING COLLISIONS

To avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead you must be able to stop in time. The factors that affect stopping time and distance are:

• your driving speed;
• road conditions;
• the condition of your car;
• reaction time.

Tips to ensure adequate time and distance:

Do Not Tailgate- Allow 1 car length for every 10 mph.

Test Your Distance-Use the 3-second rule:

• Watch the vehicle ahead pass some point on the road;
• Count one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three;
• If you reach the mark before you finish saying those words, you are following too closely.

React Quickly - Any delay in braking can result in an accident.

Don't Panic, Stop - Lightly touch your brakes as soon as you sense trouble.

You also must:

Be Alert - Watch for signs of the driver's intentions:

• Turn signals or brake lights on;
• Slowing to indicate some change of course;
• Drifting to one side of the lane suggesting a turn.

Stay Ahead of the Situation-Look beyond the driver ahead of you:

• Vehicles in the roadway or on the shoulder;
• An upcoming intersection;
• Any parked cars, pedestrians or children playing.