Know Your Knowns
Do you drive this route regularly? Take note of the hazards or possible hazards. Sharp curves, bridges, blind intersections, soft shoulders, heavy traffic. Be conscious of them every time and slow down. Even on an irregular route you can look well ahead of your vehicle, giving yourself time to adjust accordingly. The earlier you can detect possible hazards, the less time it will take to react.
The distance it takes a vehicle to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied is largely determined by speed, weight and the friction between your tires and the road surface. With this in mind, here are some tips to avoid skidding:
- Regardless of the posted limit, always drive at a speed that is safe for weather, traffic and road conditions.
- Maintain a safe following distance (at least one second for every ten feet of your vehicle length).
- When turning, make it smooth and gradual. Start slowing down well before a turn or stop and never lock up the wheels.
