LOOK AHEAD

The Four Safe Defensive Driving Principles

L . L . L . C.

#1 - LOOK AHEAD

*Look far ahead while driving. Train your eyes to see where your vehicle will be 15 seconds from now.

Head-on collisions are the most deadly accidents, often resulting in fatalities. Driving on an undivided highway increases your chance of a head-on collision because there is no barrier to separate your vehicle from the traffic moving in the opposite direction. Some of the most unsafe situations encountered on undivided roads include:

 • a vehicle attempting to pass another vehicle;

 • a vehicle swerving to avoid a hazard on the road, such as another vehicle, a pedestrian or a cyclist;

 • a speeding vehicle entering your lane because the driver is distracted, and

 • a driver losing control of his vehicle.

Most head-on collisions, however, can be prevented using defensive driving techniques:

•Drive only when alert and well rested.

 •Frequently scan the road ahead for hazards. Look as far into the distance as you can.

   Noticing a hazard at a distance allows you more time to react to it and avoid

   collision.

•Stay well to the right of the center line, where oncoming traffic is less likely to stray.

   Doing so helps you move to the shoulder of the side of the road more quickly, if needed.

•Drive at a safe speed for road and weather conditions. This way you will have more time to

   appropriately react to a hazard.

When you see an oncoming vehicle driving in your lane, take these precautions:

•Slow down and move to the right.

•Sound your horn and flash your lights.

•Be prepared to stop or drive off the road if the oncoming vehicle does not move into  

   its own lane.

•If you decide to drive off the road, avoid slamming on the brakes. Remove your foot

   from the accelerator, apply the brakes gently and steer  firmly in the direction you

   want  to move. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SAFETY TIPS 
*Adapted from Saudi Aramco Loss Prevention and Panorama