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Defensive driving is driving so as to prevent accidents in spite
of the incorrect actions of others or adverse driving conditions,
such as weather, traffic, lighting, vehicle or road condition, or
the driver's physical or mental state. The defensive driver
assumes that other drivers may make mistakes and is on guard in
the event an error is made.
Your safety program should include defensive driver training on
the proper way to interact with pedestrians. Most pedestrian
accidents occur when the pedestrian walks onto a roadway and into
the path of an approaching vehicle. Pedestrians often misjudge
the speed and closeness of a motor vehicle and assume a driver
can and will slow down for them. Pedestrians also tend to believe
that, because they can see the vehicle, the driver can see them.
These kinds of errors are why pedestrian accidents occur frequently.
Drivers should try to anticipate pedestrians making such errors
and be prepared to compensate. Here are some areas that should be
addressed regarding defensive driving and tips to help your drivers
become defensive drivers.
Management issues
- Have drivers been trained to maneuver safely near pedestrians?
- Do you know if your drivers safely maneuver around pedestrian traffic?
- Do you periodically have qualified personnel ride with your drivers to assess their driving habits?
- Do drivers properly adjust mirrors and perform a pre-trip inspection to assure that all lights and horns are functioning properly?
- Are drivers aware of the concept of a preventable accident? A preventable accident is one in which the driver failed to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the accident. This is irrespective of the extent of property damage or personal injury, to whom it occurred or the location of the accident.
Driver tips
To be a defensive driver when interacting with pedestrians, drivers should:
- Anticipate that a pedestrian may do the unexpected.
- Scan around the vehicle thoroughly when pedestrians are present.
- Adjust their driving speed to safely avoid a pedestrian. It is difficult for pedestrians to correctly judge how fast a vehicle is approaching. A pedestrian will often misjudge a vehicle’s speed and enter the roadway thinking there is time to cross, especially if the vehicle is going faster than normal for the area.
- Not assume that a pedestrian will give them the right-of-way until it is obvious the pedestrian is waiting for the vehicle to pass.
- Be extra careful at night in pedestrian areas, as pedestrians may assume a driver can see them because they can see the vehicle headlights so easily.
- Remember improper trailer tracking in turns may cause a trailer to run onto the sidewalk. Drivers should turn wide enough to avoid this and go very slowly.
- Remember that pedestrians too often walk or stand in the blind spots in front of and to the right of a vehicle.
COPYRIGHT ©2005, ISO Services Properties, Inc.
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