Road Safety Communication from Interactive Driving Systems: RiskCOACH Sharing the road
No matter what type of road user you are, it is possible for you to put others at risk if you don't take care.
Looking out for other road users and displaying considerate behaviour is an important part of everyday travel. Sadly, road users often fail to look out for each other, which can lead to avoidable collisions, injury and death.
Just by being aware of other road users - particularly those more vulnerable than yourself - you can decrease your chances of causing or being involved in a collision.
There are a few things you should remember when you're on the road:
• Be aware of the size and limitations of your own vehicle.
• Be understanding if other drivers cause problems or hold you up - they may be inexperienced or may not know the area well.
• Never allow yourself to become agitated with other drivers, even if they display dangerous driving behaviour.
• Be alert to what is happening around you at all times. This means avoiding distractions such as cell/ mobile phones.
• Remember that everyone has an equal right to be on the road.
• Never drive when stressed as you'll be a danger to yourself and to others.
• Pay particular attention to the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians (particularly the elderly and children), cyclists and motorcyclists.
One example of where we could be better at sharing the road is in relation to tailgating - or driving too close. Tailgating is highly dangerous, and easily avoided. Tailgating a truck or bus is especially dangerous. If you are too close, the driver will not be able to see you in their mirror, as bigger vehicles have larger blind spots. A simple rule to remember is that if you can't see the driver in their side mirror then they can't see you either.
Ed Dubens CEO at Interactive Driving Systems said that: 'Between 70-75% of all truck-related auto fatalities are caused by the car driver, according to figures from the US Department of Transportation. Of these, 35% occur in a truck's blind spots.'
Another reason for keeping your distance is that if you drive too close you will reduce your ability to see the road ahead. This is particularly problematic if the road surface is wet, causing surface spray to affect your vision.
Drivers should also bear in mind that the stopping distance of a truck is much greater than that of a car. The normal stopping distance of a family-sized car travelling at 50mph (80kph) is 13 car lengths. This assumes dry weather and good tyres. A truck can need up to three times this distance - and even more in wet weather.
For managers, it is importance to show leadership in relation to sharing the road, through your own actions and by communicating its importance to your teams to build it into the DNA of the organisation.