Forecast is Safety 2
October 22, 2018I’m Tired!
November 5, 2018Good Morning Team!
For those of you in the Wichita area, I hope you were able to take advantage of the break we received from all the rain lately and enjoy the bright and sunny couple of days we had over the weekend. Sure made for a pleasant break as far as I am concerned.
I have done an extra amount of driving in the last month, both for work and pleasure, and I am often surprised at the liberties that some of my fellow drivers appear to take concerning the rules of the road. During the last few weeks, I have actually witnessed other drivers; pass on the shoulder, pass in center turning lanes, pass a stopped school bus with flashing lights with stop sign extended, drive around lowered gate arms at a railroad crossing, lose a load of fence panels, run red lights and stop signs, turn outside their lanes, and speed. I have seen other drivers who were more focused on their mobile devices than the road ahead and in one instance a fellow passed me while reading a book spread open on his steering wheel! I even saw, and almost became a victim of, a driver fleeing a police officer. From a safety standpoint, I am sure you will all recognize these instances and behaviors as downright dangerous.
Before we go any further, let me explain that I myself am not always a perfect driver. I am subject to some of the same reasons other drivers might break the rules as anyone. While there are certain things I will not do, if I am late for an appointment, I might be tempted to go a little faster than the posted speed limit or cut some corners, so to speak. Some might even say that I becoming so focused on what the other guy just did wrong that that might be a distraction in itself! Anyway, while we may not be able to change anyone else’s driving habits, we can remain focused and control our own. Following are some tips to remember for safer driving.
- Wear your seatbelt! No matter the length of drive, develop the habit of donning the belt. It’s the law here in Kansas.
- Watch out for the other guy! Always assume that other drivers will make a mistake. Drive defensively and keep at least 2 seconds in back of the vehicle your following. Increase this to 4 in bad weather.
- Leave early or just be late! Speeding to get to an appointment on time will at the very least expose you to a traffic ticket. At the worst, an accident might occur. How does that get you there any quicker?
- Driving is your only job! Don’t let distractions like the cell phone, other passengers, the radio, grabbing a bite, or the GPS take your focus from the road.
- Secure the load! If you haul a ladder or other materials, make sure you have them securely strapped down to prevent loss. Items within your vehicle should also be secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles during hard maneuvering or sudden stops.
- Maintain your ride! Routine maintenance not only extends the life of your vehicle, but keeps you safer by ensuring that it will stop and go as needed. Make sure that all exterior lighting is functional as well.
- Be predictable! Avoid making sudden stops or lane changes. Always signal your intent when turning.
- Adjust to the weather! Rain, snow, ice or fog all require adjustments to how you would normally drive. Use precautions and follow the guidelines when faced with these driving hazards.
- Know and follow the rules of the road! They exist to ensure that we are all safer when driving.
- Let it go! No matter what another driver does, it isn’t worth the possibility of tragedy to escalate the situation by trying to teach the other guy a lesson.
There will always be the rebel driver that acts as if the road is their sole domain. Our only logical response is to let them have it their way and avoid getting caught up in their game. Let’s not forget what a simple act of kindness can do either. If it is within your power to do so safely, let the vehicle with its turn signal indicating a desire to merge into your lane do so. Stop short of blocking a driveway where another vehicle is waiting to go. Be patient and allow that slow moving driver ahead of you a chance to sort out their issue when they seem to not know what they are doing or where they are going. There are many ways to show a little consideration to our fellow drivers and maybe make it a better day for all concerned.
PS: Don’t forget to be extra cautious while driving on Wednesday evening. There could be numerous ghosts and goblins lurking about!
Have a great week and stay safe!
Sincerely,
Raymond Moore
Director of Facilities Services
Weigand-Omega Management, Inc.