The Critical Importance of Protecting Your Brain The Unique Vulnerability of the BrainUnlike other parts of the human body, the brain does not heal quickly, if at all, when injured. Forty to fifty percent of brain injuries occur in vehicular accidents, and even minor injuries can have long-term, life-altering effects. For children, 20% of head …
The Importance of Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Air bags, technically known as Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), are designed to work alongside seat belts to prevent serious injuries during a crash. Understanding the mechanics and functions of these systems can significantly enhance their effectiveness in protecting vehicle occupants. The Three Collisions in a Crash In any …
Defensive Driving Rule #63: Seat Belts and Air Bags Go Together! Read More »
Why Controlled-Access Highways Are Safer Controlled-access highways, often referred to as Interstates, freeways, or expressways, are designed to provide safer and more efficient travel by minimizing potential conflicts. The key elements that contribute to the safety and speed of travel on these highways include: Common Direction: All vehicles travel in the same direction, reducing …
Defensive Driving Rule #62: Don’t Cross a Freeway Median! Read More »
Stopping on a controlled access highway, such as a freeway or expressway, poses significant dangers and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Here are some key points to consider for your safety and the safety of others on the road: Reasons to Avoid Stopping on the Freeway Visibility Issues: – Many drivers do not …
Defensive Driving Rule #61: Never Stop on a Freeway! Read More »
When faced with the choice between a controlled access roadway (such as a freeway or expressway) and a city boulevard, opting for the controlled access road is generally safer. Freeways lack intersections and typically have traffic moving at similar speeds, reducing the potential for collisions. However, the question arises: what’s the best lane to use …
Defensive Driving Rule #60: Use the Center Lane for Safety Read More »
This is a simple rule, but it is one that many drivers don’t think about. When you are driving down a city street and see a pedestrian crossing the roadway ahead of you, you know you must yield to them; but what about the pedestrians that you cannot see? If you are approaching a crosswalk …
Defensive Driving Rule #59: Beware of Stopped Vehicles at Crosswalks Read More »
This rule is about visibility in heavier traffic situations and collision prevention. You cannot assume the other guy is paying attention — sometimes he’s not — and you cannot assume you will be readily visible. Many factors can prevent the other driver from having a clear view and keep him from recognizing your presence. Take …
Defensive Driving Rule #58: Move Right When Approaching Read More »
Defensive Driving Rule #57: Avoid “Reverse Traffic” Lanes Some cities designate the center lane of major streets as “Reverse Traffic Lanes” to help manage traffic flow during rush hours. These lanes change direction depending on the time of day to accommodate the predominant direction of traffic. For example, in Phoenix, Arizona, 7th Avenue has a …
Defensive Driving Rule #57: Avoid “Reverse Traffic” Lanes Read More »
Some folks call the center two-way turn lane the “suicide” lane! That’s a little extreme — traffic engineers will tell you these lanes are actually pretty safe. But every day, you see people using them in ways that were never intended, and some of these actions are NOT safe. The lane I’m referring to is …
Defensive Driving Rule #56: Don’t Abuse the Two-Way Left Turn Lane Read More »
One of the misconceptions that people have about traffic law is that it is illegal to change lanes in an intersection. Quite often, it isn’t. (Check what the law actually says in your state). One of the laws here in Arizona requires that a driver not pass another vehicle (left of the center line) either …
Defensive Driving Rule #55: Avoid Changing Lanes in Intersections Read More »
