[Driver Safety] Looking Ahead

Driving is a dynamic activity. The world around you is constantly changing. Importantly, you have to prioritize your decision making in this environment. When you are behind the wheel you have to organize this fluid world in order to make proper decisions in a timely manner.
 

In the Zone. In order to analyze and understand your driving world, you must organize it. The Eos Safe Driver System teaches PMPs to divide their “forward view” into what is called a Three-Zone Organizer. The goal is to spot problems and potential problems as early as possible. By spotting hazards early, you and your technicians will have time to deal with them safely and smoothly in traffic.

The zone that is closest to you is called the Reaction Zone. This zone lies only five to six seconds ahead of you. When you spot a hazard in this zone, it requires immediate action.

Accidents are born in the Reaction Zone. The only options a driver has when he or she spots a hazard in this zone is to hit the brakes or swerve. Often, these drastic maneuvers result in skids, loss of control or contact with other vehicles. You want to adjust to hazards before they reach your Reaction Zone.

The Identification Zone is where you will make most of your adjustments. This is the zone that lies from six to about 15 seconds in front of you. In this zone you clearly see hazards. However, they are still far enough away that you can make that smooth adjustment that is so necessary to safe driving. Importantly, you can make that adjustment in consideration of those other drivers who are not using this skill and haven’t yet identified the problem that lies ahead.

In short, by using the Identification Zone you can not only avoid the hazard but, avoid the mistakes of others.

The best drivers use the Attention Zone. This is the area that lies from about 16 seconds ahead of you all the way to the horizon. That might be a couple blocks in city traffic but it might be two miles on the open road. When you spot hazards or potential hazards in this zone, you have the early warning necessary to protect yourself.

When you spot something in your Attention Zone, you may not know what it is, but it does have your attention. You will track it as it draws closer and identify it as soon as possible in your Identification Zone. You can check the behavior of all the crazies around you and make a smooth, safe adjustment.

A simple technique for incorporating the Attention Zone in your driving is to look into the Attention Zone every time the scene changes. When you crest a hill, check the Attention Zone. When you round a bend, check the Attention Zone. When you re-establish your visibility from being blocked by a big vehicle, check the Attention Zone.
 

Final Thoughts. Organize your driving world by using a Three-Zone Organizer. Make smooth adjustments to hazards while they are still in your Identification Zone. You and your technicians should use the Attention Zone to heed early warnings needed to avoid hazards and the mistakes of others.

Harry Willis is founder of Eos Safe Driver. Learn more by visiting www.eosdriving.com or calling 918/592-1153.