Studies have shown that as young drivers gain driving experience, their risk of being involved in a crash declines considerably. Accordingly, the objective of Driving Skills for Life is to help young drivers “improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60 percent of teen vehicle crashes: hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.” This handy 4-item list closely resembles ICBC’s 6-item list of the “key driving skills” used by drivers with “road sense:” observation, hazard perception, space margins, speed control, steering, and communication.

 

The observation skill enables experienced drivers to know at all times what is going on around their vehicles as they drive. It involves scanning the driving environment, observing blind spots, and mirror checking. It also involves shoulder checking at every turn or lane change.

Hazard perception or “reading the road” involves seeing hazards soon enough to take care to avoid them. A hazard is defined as “anything in the driving environment that could result in harm to you or other road users.” Hazards include anything that could move into a driver’s space, unpredictable elements that force a driver to react quickly, things that obstruct a driver’s vision, and surfaces that affect the vehicle’s traction and steering.” Experienced drivers constantly look out for other road users and all objects or road surfaces that might cause problems for them or others.

 

An experienced driver maintains a space area around the vehicle big enough to give time to react before a hazard or to react when another road user gets too close. This area of safety is needed because how other road users will act or react is largely unpredictable. Space margin management involves keeping a safe following distance of at least two to three seconds (depending on the travel speed), and keeping room on all sides, especially when turning.

Speed control or “speed management” involves keeping within posted speed limits at all times, and maintaining a safe speed—usually slower than the posted limit—when conditions such as bad weather or hazards or small children near the road require caution. Essentially speed control involves readiness to slow down or stop smoothly whenever necessary.

 

Steering is a big part of expert vehicle handling. Skillful steering involves smooth, controlled handling of the steering wheel and proper hand positioning.

 

Communicating with other drivers—giving clear signals well in advance—and watching for communication from other road users helps all road users stay safer.

 

Although the Driving Skills for Life program is aimed at young drivers, it is useful and encouraging for drivers of all ages.