Stationary traffic

One of the most common impact situations is being hit from behind when you are stationary, waiting at a roundabout, a road junction, or simply in a queue, this is of particular concern should you be carrying children in the back seats. It is possible to lessen or even avoid the impact altogether by taking action before the collision.

As with most other situations, you should always leave a big gap between yourself and the car in front, or where visibility permits, not to drive up to the edge of the junction. When stationary make it a priority to keep an eye on your rear view mirror and if you see a vehicle approaching likely to hit you, move forward to lessen the impact or move away completely. Consider keeping your foot on the brake to make yourself more visible and use hazards if necessary. If the queue is just over the brow of a hill, place yourself at the top, even if this means you are leaving yourself well short of the queue, and then move forward when the vehicle has seen you.

Bill Plant keeps you driving safely.

Published by admin on November 20th, 2007 in Driving Lessons