Speed & Space Management

How Far Ahead Do You Look?

You should be scanning traffic 15

seconds ahead.

Maintain awareness of the situation ahead.

Allows time to respond to changing conditions.

You’re not dependent on waiting for drivers directly ahead of you to react.

Why Is This Important?

Safe Following Distance?

6 Seconds is a good minimum.

More results in an increased safety margin.

Can You Maintain That?Problem: traffic

will change lanes in front of you.

Solution: vehicles will cut in but many times will cut back out again looking for a faster lane.

Can You Maintain That?

If that doesn’t

happen, you

should make a

slight speed

reduction and

regain your

following

distance.

Can You Maintain That?

It’s up to you to manage your following distance.

What’s Appropriate Here?

Slippery road

conditions or wet

brakes increase

stopping distance –

you should react by

increasing following

distance.

Traffi c ConditionsCongested traffic may

unexpectedly and

suddenly slow or

stop!Increase following distance

What Can You Do… Maintain

awareness of what’s around you.

Pick your lane to minimize lane changes.

Adjust mirrors to remove blind spots.

Check mirrors several times during lane change.…About Traffi c

Beside You?

Traffi c Behind You

What Should You Do?

Scan mirrors frequently to update traffic picture.

Be prepared for passing traffic to cut over at exit.

Tailgating – you can’t prevent it but you can make sure you don’t have to suddenly hit the brakes.

Speed Management

Speed ManagementAre you properly managing your

speed if you drive at the posted limit?

Not necessarily…there can be many reasons to drive slower than the posted limit…

Limited visibility: hilly two-lane road

Bad weather: snow, rain, fog

Exit ramps: posted speed is for cars, not trucks

Long grades, especially in mountains

Heavy traffic

To increase fuel mileage

Speed Management

Recap

Look ahead _______ seconds.

Look ahead 15 seconds and scan traffic periodically. This gives you time to react to changing traffic situations.

Recap

A good minimum following distance is ____ seconds.

Maintain at least 6 seconds following distance, but more is better. Following distance is vital and it gives you time and space to react to sudden traffic changes.

Recap

Increase following distance when roads are ______________________________________.

Any condition that causes slippery road surfaces means you need more stopping distance which makes increased following distance vital.

Recap

You may find it prudent to drive below the posted limit when ______________________________________________________________.

Analyze each new driving situation and slow down if conditions warrant. These are just a sampling of reasons to drive below the limit: Limited visibility

Bad Weather

Exit Ramps

Long Grades

Heavy Traffic

Fuel Mileage

Professionals

Don’t let your defensive driving

skills get rusty….stay focused!

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© 2015 Your Company Resource LLC • Fort Wayne, IN • www.goycr.com

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