Archive for the ‘Driving’ Category
Search Patterns in Urban Areas
The pattern for city driving is similar to that of highway driving. It is not easy to achieve, but is worth practising.
"Looking Up" in Urban Areas
To "look up" in an urban area, look ahead as far as you can see – usually several traffic lights or a number of blocks ahead. This will give you information about the flow of traffic, the sequence of the lights and whether there is construction or major obstructions ahead.
"Referencing Down" in Urban Areas
Next in the sequence, you should reference down. To "reference down" in an urban area, move your eyes down from the "look up" position so that you view the road 12 seconds ahead at city speeds. Even if you cannot see clearly for that distance, you should look around or through the windows of the vehicles ahead. Try to see cars well ahead that are slowing down, changing lanes, turning or stopping. Watch for brake and signal lights. "Sweeping with Your Eyes" in Urban Areas In the city you need to sweep further to each side and to sweep more frequently than you do on the highway. The sequence now should be: look up, reference down, look up, reference down, sweep left, sweep right, look up, reference down, etc.
"Filling in the Gap" in Urban Areas
You need to fill in the gap between you and where you reference down, 12 seconds ahead. In the city, you need to do this more often than on the highway because you do not have as clear a view ahead.
Checking Your "Gates" in Urban Areas You need to be more aware of the status of your gates when driving in the city because vehicles are more likely to be in your blind spot.
Never permit yourself to drive in a situation where there are fewer than two gates open. If you cannot control the rear and side gates, at least you can drop back and double the distance between you and the vehicle ahead – to five or six seconds.
Checking Your Instruments in Urban Areas
You will have little time to check your instruments when driving in the city. From time to time, check your speed. But remember to do this in light traffic or on straight, unobstructed roads. You can check your gauges at traffic lights and stop signs.
Search Patterns at Night
At night, your search pattern is much the same as it is during the day. You should look up and reference down to about 12 seconds ahead. This means that most of the time you will be looking beyond the part of the road illuminated by your lights. You still need to sweep with your eyes, fill in the gap and check your gates and instruments.
Do not look at the side of the road because you will steer there. Obviously, do not look at oncoming headlights because the glare will blind you. Look 12 seconds ahead, directly in line with where you are sitting.
Search Patterns in Emergencies
The rule for where to look in emergencies is simple: look where you want to go and steer there. If you are sliding or skidding sideways, do not look down, do not look at the instrument panel and do not look at what you might hit. Look where you want to go.
Driving in Dense Traffic
If you are not accustomed to driving in dense traffic, the experience can be highly stressful. You can make it easier if you plan where you wish to go in advance. It is nerve wracking to drive in a new environment and to try to navigate at the same time. The most important thing to remember is do not give up your following distance. Do not stop your search pattern. If the drivers around you are driving one second apart, let them, but do not be tempted to follow their example.
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