Keeping Space

One of the best defensive driving techniques that any individual driver has complete control of the entire time they are on the road way is...??? It is controlling of the space in front of the vehicle...!!! Keeping space in front of the vehicle also gives the driver control behind the vehicle.

The other evening, when I was out to dinner with some girlfriends, a lively discussion ensued about how frustrating my girlfriend found it when people left too much space at intersections controlled by traffic lights. She felt that by leaving too much space the driver in front of her was not tripping the traffic light to change. I explained that the proper proceedure for keeping space at a controlled intersection was as follows:

1. When first in line at a controlled intersection it is recommended that drivers leave several car lengths in front of their vehicle, to avoid a rear crash...

2. While waiting for the light to change to green keep checking the rearview mirror watching for vehicles approaching from behind...

3. When a vehicle approaches from behind the driver should slowly move forward still keeping space in front of the vehicle as a place to move into should a second vehicle from behind not stop...

4. Keep watching and moving slowly forward until the light finally changes colour and the driver can proceed forward safely.

This process can also be followed if you are not the first driver in line at a controlled intersection.

Keeping space in front of the vehicle allows drivers to maintain control at all times. It is the drivers responsibility to pay attention to all vehicles and space or lack thereof all around the vehicle.

After I explained the technique and the rationale behind keeping space back from an intersection to control the space behind you and therefore creating an escape route in front should vehicles behind you not stop, my girlfriend seemed to have an appreciation for this technique...but...she was stilled not thrilled by the traffic light not being tripped...!!!

Keeping space works not only for intersections, but also while driving both in the city and highway. There are different defensive driving techniques which can be accomplished by space management. But that is for another post...!!!