Page 59 - Driving Commercial Vehicles Manual

chapter 3 — basic driving skills

Always stay far enough behind the vehicle you’re following to allow you to
make your stops in a smooth, gradual way, even if the vehicle ahead makes
a panic stop. Giving yourself enough room to make gradual stops reduces
the likelihood of you hitting another vehicle and gives drivers behind lots of
notice that you’re reducing your speed. This reduces your chance of being hit
by a tailgater.
Finally, never assume that the other driver has seen you. Many collisions are
the result of drivers not seeing something the other driver expected them
to see.

Using your mirrors

To drive defensively, it’s important to know where your vehicle is in relation to
fast fact other vehicles on the road. Scan the traffic ahead, behind and to your sides
constantly. Look ahead for clues that will tell you whether other vehicles are
Convex or spot mirrors about to change speed or stop. Frequent checks in your rear- and side-view
make things look smaller mirrors will alert you to drivers who are passing or getting ready to pass you.
and farther away than they These checks also help you know whether there are vehicles behind you. Give
actually are. all drivers plenty of warning whenever you’re about to stop, change directions
or change lanes.

Looking ahead
You should develop the habit of watching the traffic well ahead of your
driving tip vehicle. Look for traffic lights, turn signals, pedestrians and vehicles pulling
into your lane or making other lane changes. Approach every intersection
By looking ahead, keeping considering whether the lights are likely to change. A light that’s been the
good space margins, and same colour for some time is “stale.” That means it could change before you
anticipating road hazards, reach the intersection. Be prepared to stop. Traffic lights are synchronized on
you can avoid sudden stops some streets, so by driving at the posted speed you’ll make every green light.
and changes in speed. Adjust your driving speed to take advantage of this.
These smart driving habits
also save fuel.
Which lane should you use?
Choose the lane that gives you the best vision, allows you to go where you
driving tip want to go, and that best allows you to blend in with other traffic. A right-
hand lane is best on a multi-lane divided highway. This is especially important
Choose a lane that will if you’re driving more slowly than other vehicles or if signs direct you to keep
allow you to go where you out of the left lane.
want to go and maintain a
steady speed. The fewer On freeways, drive in the far right or centre lane, leaving the left lane for
lane changes you do, higher-speed traffic and passing vehicles.
the better. Frequent lane
changes increase the risk of Lane use
a collision and can increase
fuel consumption.
Look ahead for lane-use changes so you’re prepared if the lane ends or
becomes a turning lane. Be sure that you’re in the lane that allows you to go
where you want.

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