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Inadequate evasive action may
be defined as situations when drivers fail to execute a proper evasive maneuver by not using sufficient steering inputs, not braking appropriately, or a combination of insufficient steering and braking inputs.14 This may include drivers failing to slow in advance for stopped or stopping traffic, and abrupt steering maneuvers to avoid a vehicle, or
object.14 A 2005 study reported that 14 percent of safety-critical events occurred when the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver executed an inadequate evasive action.80 Below are some tips that will help you to safely evade a traffic
conflict. Focus on several lead vehicles ahead, or at least 15 seconds in front of you.16 Focusing on the vehicles ahead of you and being aware of their brake lights will allow you to safely react to changing
conditions.41 Did You Know? It takes 3/4 of a second from the moment your brain sends the signal to your foot to move from the accelerator to when your foot actually applies the brake. In this short period of time, you may have already traveled 60
feet.16 Focusing on the vehicles ahead of you will help you react in a safe and timely manner. An example of a driver performing an inadequate evasive action is shown in the video clip below. Training exercise questions follow the video clip. VIDEO DESCRIPTION: The CMV driver is traveling in the right lane of a two-lane highway during the day. He is approaching stopped traffic ahead of him, but does not slow down and instead passes the stopped vehicle on the right side, crossing onto the shoulder. He then approaches a stop light and again fails to
decelerate, this time passing the stopped vehicle from the left side and proceeding through the middle of an intersection. TRAINING EXERCISE: After viewing the video, try to answer the following questions: Scan the driving environment and be aware of potential hazards. Recognize the hazards, determine what action to take, and then execute your actions safely. Knowing what hazards to be aware of will keep you prepared to execute proper evasive actions. Did You Know? Two-vehicle crashes between large trucks and passenger vehicles result from inadequate evasive action 6.6 percent of the
time.81 Last updated: Wednesday, February 11, 2015TIP #1: Watch for Brake Lights
TIP #2: Practice Good
Scanning Habits
If an oncoming vehicle crosses the centre line and is coming straight at you and you cannot stop, you should: If an oncoming vehicle crosses the centre line and is coming straight at you and you cannot stop, you should:
A. Drive onto the wrong side of the road and hope the other vehicle does not do the same.
B. Slow down and hope that the driver will turn away.
C. Brake, look for room to the left, sound your horn and flash your lights.
The correct answer is C
Correct. The more speed you can scrub off, and the further you are to your left, the more chance you have of avoiding an accident, or at least minimising its effects.
Avoiding a head-on crash
It is always better to hit a stationary object than an object coming towards you at an equivalent speed to you. If you anticipate this scenario early enough then you should (with a modern car that has antilock brakes and other electronic aids) be able to apply full braking power while steering where you want to go.
Try not to get 'target fixation' - this is where you look at the place that you don't want to go, but end up steering into it. Look where you want to go and you are more likely to go in that direction.
You will get the most braking power by remaining on the tarmac for as long as you can rather than driving on the verge where grass or gravel will have much less friction.
You should never swerve to the other side of the road as there might be other traffic coming towards you, and the other driver may regain control and move back to the correct side of the road.
Don't flash your lights and sound your horn at the expense of controlling your vehicle.
If you do have to drive off the road you will have to make a quick decision, especially if you are on the edge of a steep drop. And what might look like a nice soft exit (e.g. a ditch) could have a hidden culvert. Small saplings, bushes and shrubs will slow you down more gently than larger trees which will simply stay standing while your vehicle wraps itself around them.
If you are going to run into something that will cause the airbags to go off, taking your hands off the steering wheel at the last minute will help prevent broken wrists and powder burns on your arms. If your arms are crossed when the airbag goes off, the airbag will hit your forearms while you are gripping the steering wheel. This can easily break your wrist. Your arm will be flung backwards into your face which can break your nose and knock out teeth, as well as break your forearm.