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An Improper Lane Change Can Cause A Collisions A Ten-Minute Training Presentation from
Improper Lane Change Training Topic Agenda 1. Introduction 2. Traffic & Weather Conditions 3. Signal your intentions 4. Watch out for other drivers 5. Look before moving (5.a). & check space 6. Summary
1. Introduction Lane change collision STATISTICS An estimated 539,000 improper lane change crashes involving 1,078,000 vehicles occur every year. This constitutes about 9% of the 6.3 million crashes NHTSA report Analysis of Lane Change Crashes 9% of all fatal crashes and 15% of crashes involving injuries are due to the failure to yield the right of way. National Safety Council s Injury Facts
1. Introduction Putting Safety First An improper lane change collision is when one vehicle makes contact with another vehicle in an adjacent lane. These types of collisions can be very serious, especially if they occur on a highway at higher speeds.
1. Introduction Lane change collisions can be CAUSED by: Cutting in front of anther vehicle without adequate clearance Drifting into another lane unintentionally Attempting to pass or overtaking a vehicle that unexpectedly slows down or speeds up misjudging their speed Merging into another lane Merging onto a highway from an onramp or exit Pulling into traffic after being parallel park on the side of the road Etc.
1. Introduction Lane change collisions can be AVOIDED by: Considering the conditions of traffic patterns, volume, and weather Signaling prior to starting a lane change maneuver Observing if other drivers may attempt a lane change or other maneuver Looking to make sure the other lane is clear, with enough space, before proceeding
2. Traffic & Weather Conditions During rush-hour, when the volume of traffic is heavy and drivers maybe aggressive, traveling in one lane could save a life. Jockeying for position is dangerous. When road construction projects and patterns alter the consistent flow of traffic anticipating the need to change lanes in advance is important. Poor weather conditions can reduce vehicle traction and control as well as visibility. Patiently travelling in one lane reduces spray and is courteous. At dawn or dusk or night, and especially during inclement weather and low visibility conditions, allowing extra room for lane change and passing maneuvers is highly recommended.
3. Signal your Intention Always Communicate before making a move ALWAYS use signals to alert other motorists of your intention to change lanes. COMMUNICATE intentions especially during poor/reduced visibility conditions. Signal BEFORE beginning a lane change maneuver not just as the maneuver begins.
4. Watch out for other Drivers Plan on other drivers behaving in unpredictable ways. Whether merging into traffic, changing lanes on an expressway, or passing on a single lane road, other drivers may suddenly slow down, speed up, or change lanes without warning or signal. A common panic maneuver is when a driver thinks they will miss their exit and cut across multiple lanes. BE PREPARED! Be prepared!
5. Look Before Moving The main cause of Lane Change Collisions is not seeing the other vehicle. Look carefully before making any lane changes. Avoid drifting out of the lane. All vehicles have blind spots (obstacles that block a driver s vision i.e. support columns, cargo areas, etc.). Blind Spots block the driver s ability to see where other vehicles are. Mirrors can help drivers see along the sides or the rear of most vehicles Mirrors alone do not eliminate Blind Spots Look to see if it is safe before moving into another lane. Turn your head and shift in your seat Look over your shoulder (when practical and safe) The responsibility is yours to look carefully before moving into another lane. SafetyFirst offers online training modules designed to reinforce positive driving behaviors. For more information contact SafetyFirst at customerfirst@safetyfirst.com
5.a. & Check Space Judging available space and relative speed of other vehicles DO NOT PASS If there is any doubt there is not enough room to change lanes or to pass DO NOT PASS. If the vehicle you are passing maintains its speed, you will need to accelerate, pass, and merge back into the lane with adequate clearance. Single Lane Road When attempting to pass on a single lane road, it is far to judge how fast oncoming traffic traveling. If they arrive before you can merge back into your lane there could be a crash.
6. Summary Put SafetyFirst to Avoid an Improper Lane Change Regardless of your vehicle s design: Truck, van, car, length, weight, mirror configuration, etc. The ultimate responsibility for safely changing lanes is yours! Put safety first before moving!
Slow down. Maintain a generous following distance. Avoid changing lanes unless necessary. Put safety first. 6. Summary Put SafetyFirst! Communicate lane change intentions with other motorists by using the turn signal. Start your signal before beginning the maneuver. Lookout for merging situations at exit and entrance ramps.
6. Summary Put SafetyFirst! Make certain all mirrors are clean and properly adjusted before heading out on the road. Thank you for putting SAFETY FIRST.
Increasing Focus! Building Perspective! www.safetyfirst.com customerfirst@safetyfirst.com safetysales@safetyfirst.com 201-267-8900 Motorist Observation Report State MVR Records Vehicle Tracking - Driver Behavior Safety Hotline How s My Driving? Corporate Needs Pre-hire Screening (License points ) States issue MVR Records Third Party Provider Company Policy and Procedures Violations History Driver Risk Management based on MOR/GPS/ MVR Performance Monitoring Insurance Risk Management MVR Score Reported Events Crash Records Telematic data filters Process Improvement Assign training based on events Registration Reminders Driver s License Renewals MOR /MVR/TeleMatic Events Trigger the Need for Training Translating Data into Measurable Results! 1. Tailgating 2. Cell Phone/texting 3. Improper Lane Change 4. Honoring the Rightof-Way 5. Driving too Fast for Conditions 6. Running Red Lights / Stop Signs 7. Aggressive Driving 8. Drug/Alcohol Use 9. Drowsy Driving 10. Faulty Equipment 11. Driving Too Slowly 12. Exceeding the Speed Limit Habitual Speeding Hard Braking Excessive Idling Routing/Geo Fencing Instant Alerts ONLINE Training Topics for Behavior Modification 13. Parking Lot Risks 14. Electronic Distractions 15. Rules of the Road 16. Driving in inclement weather (Rain&Fog) 17. Intersection Collisions 18. The other driver 19. Van 1 pre-trip Inspection 20. Van 2 handling Passenger vans 21. Van 3 Special concerns