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BACK TO BASICS: a review of defensive driving techniques
2: Maintaining Space for Life: SCANNING TECHNIQUES
One of the most important aspects of maintaining a space for life is being aware of what is happening near your vehicle. Actively looking for any activity in your path of travel ahead, to either side, and behind you that may have an adverse affect on your ability to drive safely and defensively is called scanning. Its activity and purpose are very similar to those of a scout who is charged with maintaining an alert watch for danger in enemy territory. The drivers who share the roadway with you may not be trying to do you harm, but generally you can be confident that they are looking out for their own best interests, probably even at the expense of yours. Never become complacent, never allow yourself to be distracted, never let your eyes rest too long in one place. Watch for changes or potential changes that may interfere with the completion of your task by introducing danger or inconvenience. Only then can you maintain the freedom of movement and maneuverability that will assure safe completion of your trip.
Safe driving principles are relatively simple and are applicable in all driving environments and under any driving condition. Different environments require attention to different details. Allowances must be made for varying circumstances due to speed, traffic congestion, or direction of travel. The driving environment segments of Back to Basics will address the specifics of focus necessary for safe driving in the specified setting.
Scanning, as with any other aspect of maintaining a space for life, depends on the driver. Only the driver can provide the timely input needed for safe driving… thus, only the driver can be responsible. Drivers should maintain visual control of an area 12 to 15 seconds in front (ranging from 1-1½ blocks at city speeds to ¼ mile at highway speeds), along both sides, and to the immediate and approaching rear of their vehicle. This will involve constant point-to-point observation along the direction of travel interspersed with quick checks of the mirrors and sides every 3 to 5 seconds. The driver's eyes should be constantly moving. This is necessary because of the limited field of view and the potential for other vehicles being lost to the driver's vision due to blind spots.
Scanning is not a natural talent: it is a practiced habit. With some diligence, it will become second nature and an integrated part of a driver's time behind the steering wheel. Scanning not only can help provide an accident-free trip, it also can reduce delay and inconvenience from congestion, work crews, or accidents of others by alerting the driver in time to make lane or route alterations that will avoid the problem. Proper scanning also pays the driver personal dividends. Matching vehicle speed with driving conditions, avoiding near-miss situations, and creating a space for life are results of scanning that greatly reduce the driver's workday stress.
SCANNING... A BRIEF RECAP
| Who: |
You... cannot rely
on your passenger, and you certainly cannot rely on the other drivers
on the road |
| What it is: |
Actively looking for any activity in your path of travel
Thorough examination by repeated point-to-point observations
Focused, but constantly moving eyes
Search for changes in the status quo that may adversely affect you
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| What it isn't: |
Staring out the front windshield
Staring into a mirror
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| Obstacles: |
Complacency
Distractions
Eyes that rest too long in one place
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| Why: |
To provide a safe (i.e., accident free) trip
To reduce delay and inconvenience by maintaining maneuverability
To reduce driver stress
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| When: |
Constantly in the direction of travel
Every 3-5 seconds in rear view mirror and along both sides
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| Where: |
12-15 seconds traveling distance ahead of your vehicle
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1 to 1_blocks at city speeds
_mile at highway speeds
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To both sides of your vehicle
Behind your vehicle: anywhere within the range of your rearview mirrors
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| How: |
By constant, diligent practice
By assuming nothing and taking nothing for granted
As if your life depended on it... because it does
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