When it looks like a collision may be on the horizon, drivers have three primary options to avoid or minimise the severity of the crash: stop quickly, turn (or steer) quickly, and speed up. Stopping quickly involves effectively using the brakes, especially if the vehicle is equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS).
Turning quickly allows the driver to steer away from the hazard, but it’s crucial not to oversteer, which could lead to skidding or rollovers. Speeding up may be necessary in some cases, such as when another vehicle is about to hit the side or rear of the driver’s vehicle and there is room to the front to change the impact area. The key is to maintain a safe following distance and be prepared to take evasive action if a collision appears imminent.
Key Takeaways
- Stopping quickly, turning quickly, and speeding up are the three main ways to avoid or reduce the severity of an impending crash.
- Effective braking, especially with ABS, is crucial for stopping quickly.
- Turning quickly can steer the vehicle away from a hazard, but it’s important not to oversteer.
- Speeding up may be necessary in some situations to change the impact area of a collision.
- Maintaining a safe following distance and being prepared to take evasive action are key to avoiding crashes.
Developing Hazard Perception Skills
According to the first source, the Hazard Perception Handbook, developing good hazard awareness skills is essential for defensive driving techniques and proactive driving habits that can help prevent accidents. This involves three key skills: identifying hazards, maintaining safe following distances, and selecting appropriate gaps when turning, changing lanes, or overtaking.
Identifying Hazards Ahead, Behind, and to the Side
The first step in developing strong hazard perception skills is being able to identify potential hazards in all directions around the vehicle – ahead, behind, and to the sides. This requires actively scanning the environment, anticipating potential risks, and being vigilant for unexpected movements or events that could lead to a collision.
Keeping a Safe Distance from Other Vehicles
Maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front is critical for allowing enough time to detect and respond to hazards. This proactive driving habit gives drivers the necessary space and reaction time to brake, steer, or take other evasive action if needed.
Selecting Safe Gaps for Turns, Lane Changes, and Overtaking
Choosing appropriate gaps when turning, changing lanes, or overtaking other vehicles is another key accident prevention method. Drivers need to accurately assess the speed and distance of oncoming traffic to select gaps that provide sufficient time to complete the manoeuvre safely.
The Hazard Perception Handbook emphasises that these defensive driving techniques take time and experience to develop. Gaining extensive driving practice in a variety of situations is the best way for learners to hone their hazard awareness skills and become safer, more confident drivers.
Common Crash Patterns of Provisional Drivers
The Hazard Perception Handbook, a reliable source on road safety, outlines the five most common crash types that provisional (P-plate) drivers in New South Wales, Australia, are more susceptible to. Understanding these common crash patterns and the associated crash statistics for provisional drivers can help improve provisional driver safety and prevent future incidents.
Rear-End Collisions
One of the most prevalent crash types for provisional drivers is the rear-end collision, where a vehicle collides with the rear of another vehicle. This type of crash is often caused by following too closely, inattention, or poor judgment in maintaining a safe following distance.
Side-Impact Collisions
Another common crash pattern for provisional drivers is the side-impact collision, which occurs when a vehicle collides with another vehicle coming from an adjacent direction, either from the left or right. These crashes can be attributed to misjudging gaps when turning or changing lanes, as well as poor awareness of surrounding vehicles.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions, where two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide, are also a significant concern for provisional drivers. These crashes are typically caused by factors such as loss of control, distraction, or poor decision-making when navigating curves or overtaking maneuvers.
Running Off the Road and Hitting Objects
Provisional drivers are also more prone to running off the road, either on a straight section or on a curve, and colliding with objects or parked vehicles. This can be attributed to factors like speeding, inattention, or misjudging the vehicle’s position on the road.
These common crash patterns among provisional drivers highlight the importance of continuous skill development, risk awareness, and the adoption of safe driving practices. By addressing these crash statistics and implementing targeted provisional driver safety measures, we can work towards reducing the frequency and severity of crashes involving this driver cohort.
The Hazard Perception Test (HPT)
The first source, the Hazard Perception Handbook, explains that the Hazard Perception Test (HPT) is a computer-based assessment that measures a learner driver’s ability to recognise and respond appropriately to potentially dangerous driving situations. The purpose of the HPT is to ensure learner drivers have adequate hazard perception skills before progressing to a provisional (P-plate) licence, as research shows drivers with poor hazard perception skills are more likely to be involved in crashes.
Booking and Taking the HPT
To take the HPT, learners must book and pay a fee, which can be done online, by phone, or at a Service NSW centre. The test is available in multiple languages, and accommodations can be made for applicants with special needs.
Test Format and Instructions
The HPT format includes a welcome screen, test instructions, two practice items, 15 test items, and a feedback screen. Learners must have at least 10 months’ experience on their learner licence before attempting the Hazard Perception Test.
Which Of The Following Is A Way To Avoid The Consequences Of An Impending Crash?
According to the second source, when it appears a collision is imminent, drivers have three main options to try and avoid or reduce the severity of the crash: stopping quickly, turning quickly, or speeding up.
Stopping Quickly
Applying the brakes effectively, especially if the vehicle is equipped with an Antilock Braking System (ABS), can help the driver stop the car as quickly as possible to avoid a collision or minimise its impact. This crash avoidance technique requires skill and practice to execute properly without losing control of the vehicle.
Turning Quickly
Steering the vehicle away from the impending hazard can often help the driver avoid the consequences of an impending crash. However, it’s crucial not to oversteer, as this could lead to skidding or rollovers, which could worsen the situation. Careful, controlled emergency maneuvers are essential.
Speeding Up
In some cases, the best course of action may be to increase the vehicle’s speed, particularly if another car is about to hit the side or rear of the driver’s car and there is room to move forward. This defensive driving strategy can help change the impact area and potentially reduce the severity of the crash.
The key is for drivers to maintain a safe following distance and be prepared to take evasive action if a collision appears imminent, utilising a combination of these techniques as the situation demands.
Defensive Driving Techniques
To avoid the consequences of an impending crash, defensive driving techniques can be invaluable. These proactive driving habits and crash avoidance strategies focus on maintaining control of the vehicle and anticipating potential risks on the road.
Maintaining Safe Following Distance
One of the most important defensive driving techniques is maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle in front. This allows you more time to react and respond to any sudden changes or hazards that may arise. Experts recommend leaving at least a 3-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead, which can be increased in poor weather or road conditions.
Scanning for Hazards
Constantly scanning for hazards ahead, behind, and to the sides of your vehicle is crucial for defensive driving. This involves actively looking for potential risks such as pedestrians, cyclists, merging vehicles, or obstructions in the road. By being aware of your surroundings, you can better anticipate and respond to unexpected situations.
Anticipating Potential Risks
In addition to scanning the environment, anticipating potential risks is a key defensive driving technique. This means looking ahead and trying to predict what other drivers, pedestrians, or road users might do. By being proactive and mentally preparing for possible scenarios, you can react more quickly and effectively if a dangerous situation arises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, being able to avoid or minimise the consequences of an impending crash is crucial for safe driving in Australia. Developing strong hazard perception skills, such as identifying hazards, maintaining safe following distances, and selecting appropriate gaps, is essential. Additionally, knowing how to effectively stop, turn, or speed up in emergency situations can make the difference between avoiding a crash or being involved in one.
By mastering defensive driving techniques and being proactive in anticipating and responding to potential risks, Australian drivers can significantly improve their chances of staying safe on the road. This includes maintaining a safe following distance, continuously scanning for hazards, and anticipating potential risks to take appropriate action when needed.
Ultimately, prioritising hazard perception and defensive driving is not only responsible but can also save lives on Australian roads. By honing these critical skills, drivers can navigate the challenges of the road with greater confidence and reduce the likelihood of being caught in an impending crash scenario.