Avoiding Collision with Cars Ahead

AVOIDING A COLLISION WITH THE CAR AHEAD:

When to increase following distance to 3 seconds or more

~ When being tailgated
~ When vision is blocked or visibility poor
~ When speed is increased
~ When adverse roadway or weather conditions exist

Momentary distractions -pick a safe time to look away

~ Check the situation ahead
~ Take short looks
~ Have a passenger help with navigation

Look ahead for trouble

~ Look over and around the car ahead
~ Check ahead for speed on hilltops and curves
~ Watch brake lights in adjacent lanes
~ Start braking early

Locations to watch for trouble

~ Approaching crosswalks
~ Lanes next to parked cars
~ Parking lot entrances
~ Interchanges where cars enter and leave
~ Slippery or ice-covered street

AVOIDING BEING REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE:

• Increase following distance from vehicles ahead
• Signal early for turns, stops, and lane changes
• Brake smoothly and gradually
• Keep pace with traffic when possible.
• Check mirrors for following distance of other vehicles
• Before changing lanes, check direction of travel
• After stopping, keep brake pedal depressed
• Keep rear lights clean and working

PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN A COLLISION CANNOT BE AVOIDED:

Being hit from the rear

~ When to apply the brakes

Being hit from the side

~ Preparing to steer
~ Bracing against the steering wheel

Being hit from the front

~ Protecting your face when wearing a shoulder strap
~ Protection when not wearing a shoulder strap