Essential Tips to Avoid Collisions

Collision prevention is crucial for safe driving. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you avoid accidents on the road:

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents. Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Distracted driving significantly increases accident risk. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration(NHTSA), distracting driving in US roads claimed 3308 lives in 2022 https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving.

To prevent collisions:

• Ignore your phone while driving. Accidents happen in an instant. Research shows that 80% of collisions occur because the driver took their eyes off the road just 3 seconds prior to the crash. It's critical to stay focused at all times while driving. (https://www.leavethephonealone.ca/en/facts)

• Set your music before starting your journey

• Avoid tailgating other vehicles

• Never text while driving

• Avoid eating, grooming, or reading while behind the wheel

• Be cautious when talking to passengers

Practice Defensive Driving

Being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards is critical:

• Scan the road ahead to recognize potential dangers

• Leave one lane to the left open on multi-lane roadways

Maintain Proper Distance

Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles gives you more time to react:

• Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you

• Increase this distance in poor weather conditions or when driving a heavier vehicle

Navigate Intersections Safely

Intersections are common accident sites. To reduce risks:

• Pause briefly after the light turns green to ensure no one is running a red light.

• Be cautious of drivers speeding to make it through a yellow light.

• The collisions at the intersections may be T-bone (side-impact), front-end, or rear-end collisions.

• Approach yellow lights with caution and avoid taking unnecessary risks

• Follow the one-at-a-time rule at the intersections. This means only one car at a time should wait at the intersection while turning left.

Be Mindful in Parking Lots

Parking lots can be hazardous due to limited visibility:

• When reversing, don't rely solely on mirrors or backup cameras

• Turn around to check blind spots

• Consider parking farther away from high-traffic areas

Stay Alert and Well-Rested

Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving:

• Take regular breaks on long trips, ideally every two hours

• Avoid driving after taking medications that cause drowsiness

• Maintain a cool temperature inside the vehicle to stay alert

  Advanced Safety Systems

  In addition to the basic collision prevention tips, incorporating advanced driver assistance technologies can significantly enhance safety on the road. Here's how to effectively use adaptive cruise control (ACC) and other technologies to prevent collisions:

  Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

  ACC is a powerful tool for maintaining safe distances and reducing the risk of rear-end collisions:

  - Use ACC on highways and in stop-and-go traffic to maintain a safe following distance automatically.

  - ACC can reduce harsh braking events by up to 67% on motorways.

  - Remember that ACC is not infallible; always stay alert and ready to take control.

• Other Advanced Safety Systems

  - Forward Collision Warning (FCW): This system works with ACC to alert you of potential frontal collisions.

  - Lane Keeping Assist: Helps prevent drifting into other lanes, reducing the risk of side-impact collisions.

  - Automatic Emergency Braking: Engages when a collision is imminent, even if ACC is inactive.

  Best Practices for Technology Use

  - Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's specific ACC system and its limitations.

  - Don't rely solely on technology; always maintain situational awareness.

  - Regularly check that sensors and cameras are clean and unobstructed for optimal performance.

  - Be prepared to disengage ACC in complex traffic situations, such as approaching roundabouts.

  Combining Technology with Traditional Safety Measures

  While using advanced technologies:

  - Continue to maintain proper following distances manually when ACC is not engaged.

  - Stay vigilant in parking lots where ACC may not be active.

  - Adjust your speed manually in adverse weather conditions, as ACC may not account for reduced traction.

  By integrating these technological aids with traditional safe driving practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of collisions and contribute to safer roads for everyone.