A few posts back, I mentioned positioning your car so that other drivers would see what you were going to do. Now, listen on how you can help other drivers.
Way back when, I was at a race where two drivers where fighting it out for position. Another car had crashed and ended up in the middle of the track. As the two cars approached, the first car waited until the last minute to dart to one side, leaving the second driver no time to react. He swerved and spun down the track, actually going into the pits and hitting another car (not to mention just missing all the mechanics who jumped out of the way). It was a very dangerous situation because the first driver blocked the second from seeing the accident.
It is the same on the road. If a car is making a left turn, if you stay to the left of the lane, you block drivers behind you from seeing him until the last minute. While you might not be involved in an accident, you might be the cause. If a driver is going to turn left, slow down and move right, so that drivers behind you can see PAST you. This is especially critical if you are driving a truck or SUV.
Now, the drivers behind you SHOULD be leaving enough room, but in many cases they do not. Common courtesy works both ways - someday you might be the second car......
This is also very important on congested highways, where stop and go traffic is the norm. By moving to one side or the other you can help prevent the chain reaction crash that is so typical. Giving other drivers as much information as soon as possible helps make the roads safer for everyone.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Pot(hole) Luck
For those in the winter areas, the recent warming is a welcome change.
Unfortunately, there is a down side - potholes.
As the ground under the pavement thaws, the subgrade and base wash out and potholes form as cars drive over the weakened road.
With many cars having aluminum wheels and low profile tires, hitting a pothole can run into many hundreds of dollars.
Don't assume that puddle up ahead is not a pothole. Be alert and slow down on side roads. On highways and other high speed roads, leave plenty of room and watch the car in front - if you see him hit a pothole you will have time to slow down or move over slightly to miss it.
Unfortunately, there is a down side - potholes.
As the ground under the pavement thaws, the subgrade and base wash out and potholes form as cars drive over the weakened road.
With many cars having aluminum wheels and low profile tires, hitting a pothole can run into many hundreds of dollars.
Don't assume that puddle up ahead is not a pothole. Be alert and slow down on side roads. On highways and other high speed roads, leave plenty of room and watch the car in front - if you see him hit a pothole you will have time to slow down or move over slightly to miss it.
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