Submitted by Cedric Hughes on Wed, 05/24/2006 - 01:07
We recommend www.roadtripamerica.com especially for the article on its “Tips for Road trippers” page entitled, Drive Safe with Uncle Bob. “Uncle Bob” isBob Schaller, a former long-haul truck driver, commercial pilot, salesman, civil servant in Arizona's judicial branch, a defensive driving instructor and an expert in Arizona traffic law. He is also a plain speaking fount of knowledge, wisdom, and common sense about safe driving which he has distilled into 70 rules, each illustrated by a road sign that clearly communicates its essence.
Uncle Bob claims that his 70 rules of defensive driving cover “all the main concepts and more, from general to specific,” is a fair assessment of what may be one of the best collections of safe driving rules anywhere.
His Rule 70 entitled, Use Uncle Bob’s Defensive Driving System, recommends remembering his first five (highest ranked) rules, for an excellent chance of living to a “ripe old age.” The following is a paraphrased summary of Uncle Bob’s top five for you to clip and post, or give to your kids:
1. Pay attention. The number one cause of traffic collisions is inattention and distraction. When you are behind the wheel, your number one task is to drive without hitting someone else or his or her property. You are not honoring this responsibility when you are daydreaming, eating a burger, or chatting on your cell phone. You do not have the right to endanger others. Paying attention is the first and most important way of shouldering this basic responsibility.
2. Don't speed. It’s “rubbish” (Uncle Bob’s word) to say that speeding does not "cause" collisions. Speeding—driving at a speed higher than is safe for conditions—leaves you with less reaction time and distance than you may need to avoid a crash. Speed also increases the risk of serious injury in a crash. "Speed not reasonable and prudent" is the most common measurable element in traffic collisions.
3. Use the Two-Second Rule. About 40% of all collisions are rear-ending collisions. Avoid them by maintaining your following distance. This is a basic rule; however, it is one of the most ignored. Furthermore, keep in mind that two seconds is the minimum—three or four is better. And this technique should also be applied in heavy traffic.
4. Don't drive impaired. You need 100% of all your skills and faculties for driving. Even small amounts of alcohol impair the skills you need to drive safely. You should wait at least two hours for each drink before driving. Studies have proven that impairment starts with blood-alcohol concentrations as low as .03% or .04%. The first thing affected is a person’s judgment. Some studies suggest that about 30% to 50% of all collisions have driver impairment as a factor, and that a fatality is more likely in alcohol-related crashes.
5. Buy and use safety equipment. Today's motor vehicle is the safest vehicle ever produced for ground transportation. Take advantage of its safety features. For example, buy ABS brakes, traction-control systems, and air bags. Wear your safety belts. The use of safety belts alone typically cuts the rate of injury and death in collisions by about 50%.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
