How to reduce errors, prevent tragedies

According to the Road Traffic Management Corporation 14,050 people died on SA roads in 2017. In many cases, it is small things motorists do wrong that lead to tragedy.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists in UK concurs. A study that analysed more than 700,000 crashes found these crashes were mostly not about cars going dramatically out of control and up in smoke. Rather, small errors often have the greatest consequences.

“The accidents that lead to fatalities are all too often the result of what motorists consider to be ‘minor’ offences or oversights,” Dialdirect Insurance head Maanda Tshifularo said.

“If motorists across SA could take a critical look at their driving behaviour and make minor adjustments we could save thousands of lives.”

Here are nine common driving mistakes that could have dire consequences, plus tips on how to address them:

1. Not adjusting mirrors correctly.

Side-view and rear-view mirrors help you to make split-second decisions. Ensure they are adjusted for maximum visibility of vehicles behind or next to you. Invest in blind spot mirrors if your vehicle isn’t equipped with them or a blind spot warning system.

2. Driving slowly in the fast lane.

This causes frustration for vehicles behind you and could see motorists resorting to passing you in the slower inside lane, increasing the risk of an accident. Choose the lane most appropriate for your speed and be considerate by allowing other motorists to pass.

3. Not using indicators.

Indicators provide a simple, yet valuable, way for others to predict and plan around your movements. Get into the habit of signalling even when there are no other motorists around and cancel the indicator after using it.

4. Stopping without warning.

If you suddenly spot an available parking bay or street you need to turn into, avoid slamming on the brakes. First make sure your move allows ample warning time for the vehicle behind you. If it doesn’t, be prepared to go around.

5. Leaving your high beams on

High beams or “brights” are great for illuminating the road, but can have a blinding effect on oncoming traffic. If you are uneasy about what’s ahead of you, rather reduce speed and flash the high beams briefly to look ahead.

6. Bad seating position.

Seats that are set too high or low, or too far forward or backwards, pose a serious safety risk and compromise visibility and control.

Make sure your seat is adjusted in such a way that it allows good all-round visibility, sufficient headroom and easy reach of all driver controls.

You should be able to use controls like the steering wheel, gears, pedals, switches and emergency indicators to their full range of motion, and have a clear view, mirrors included, without having to lean or stretch.

7. Using headlights at night only.

A common misconception is that headlights are only there to help drivers see at night, but they are also fundamental in helping drivers to be seen by others in low light conditions.

Get into the habit of also using these lights in overcast, rainy and foggy conditions. Be extra careful with the latter, however, as using the high beam setting in foggy conditions generally illuminates the fog instead of the road, further reducing visibility.

8. Speeding through a yellow light.

Although yellow means “slow down”, too many drivers see it as a cue to “floor it” in an effort to cross before the light turns red – often leading to a side-on collision or “T-bone”. Rather slow down, stop and wait.

9. Skipping routine vehicle checks

If an indicator isn’t working, tyre pressure is too low or defoggers don’t clear windshields like they should, it could lead to anything from a bumper bashing to loss of life. Make sure your vehicle is checked and serviced at the required intervals.