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FSI > blog > Posts > Avoid the Crash!
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3/10/2009
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Preventing a collision with the vehicle in front (the rear end collision |
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You are driving along and distracted for just a moment, then you look up and the vehicle in front of you has stopped! Hit the brakes!! |
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Unfortunately in many cases this simply is not enough. Which of the following are critical to avoiding rear end collisions? |
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1. Braking skills |
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2. Vision |
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3. Steering |
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If you said all three – you would be correct. Let’s talk a little about braking first. When was the last time you went out to a safe area and practised emergency braking? (most people – never) Do you know how your vehicle reacts under heavy braking and how the ABS (if you do not know what this stands for, look up anti lock brakes on Google) works? How can you expect to be successful if you have never practised?
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Now let’s talk about vision. Simply put where you look is where you go. If you are focused and looking at the rear end of the vehicle in front during an emergency – chances are you will hit it. You need to “see” the escape route. In other words, in an emergency you have to unlock your eyes from the rear end of that vehicle and look for the escape route. Good drivers, drivers that have and practice good situational awareness already know where that escape route is.
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Once you “see” the escape route, smooth fluid steering is needed to keep the vehicle under control.
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Is the above easy? No, it requires practice. Many people take advanced programs to learn this information, a strategy that I would recommend. If you save just one rear end collision over the next 5 years, the course has more than paid for itself.
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In summary, to avoid a rear end collision, know your car and how it handles in an emergency, see your escape route and steer smoothly to it.
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Randy Flemmer
President of Fleet Safety International | |
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