Safe Driving Habits
The City of Winchester encourages you to practice safe driving habits while in your vehicle. Find out more about what you can do to decrease potential accidents by clicking on the information below (provided by the Virginia Municipal League’s Insurance Program).
Avoiding Back Bumps
Backing accidents are the most frequent type of accidents in the US and we can make a good argument that backing accidents are among the easiest accidents to avoid. We usually think that backing accidents cause only minor property damage and rarely cause injury to people. However, personal injuries do occur – sometimes with tragic results.
Close Encounters of the Rear-End Kind
The answer is obvious, but have you ever been tailgated? Okay, let me ask you another question - if everyone hates being tailgated, then why are there so many TAILGATERS?
Watch Out for Cyclists
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration forecasts that over 900 cyclists will be involved in fatal accidents this year. Most cyclists will be between the ages of 5 and 16. The actions of these younger riders can be hard to predict. Even when they are riding on the sidewalk, they can easily lose control and veer into the street.
Develop the Space Cushion Habit
Professional drivers recognize that maintaining an adequate space cushion all around your vehicle is a basic element of defensive driving. A space cushion “bubble” keeps you from getting into a position where an impact is unavoidable.
Don’t Be Mr. Magoo
A truly defensive driver must practice the habit of “getting the big picture”.
Pedestrians and Intersections
The most hazardous 100 ft. of any road is when it crosses another road. In any collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle, we all know who is going to lose. Actually, both the pedestrian and driver will lose, regardless of who was at fault. Judging speed and distance is a serious challenge for pedestrians and motorists.
Preparing for Winter Driving
Most drivers understand the importance of keeping their vehicle in good mechanical condition at any time of year. When winter comes, the condition of your vehicle is even more important than at other times of year.
Stay Ahead of Backing Accidents
Driving one mile to reach a destination is easy. In contrast, backing five feet can be the most hazardous driving you do all day.
Steer Clear of Rear Ends
Rear end collisions are the easiest collisions to avoid. YOU have almost total control over the space between you and the vehicle ahead. Therefore, rear-end collisions are easy to avoid when you drive defensively.
Adjust to Weather Conditions
Rainy weather and wet roads may cause people to panic and use unsafe driving habits. Taking the proper precautions before and during your drive can make your trip in the rain much safer.