Preventing Motor Vehicle Incidents

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PatriotT4R

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Influencer III

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Lillington, NC 27546
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We all have some sort of pride in our capabilities to operate or handle our rigs however, we can not let our own ego's depict our failures on the trail and potentially put lives in danger. What should be taken seriously is how to mitigate or lessen possible accidents that can turn out to be quite costly not only to our wallets but most importantly to somebody's life.

Believe it or not hitting a fixed, stationary object is more likely to happen than crashing into a moving objects. Whether it is a fixed object, stationary object or collision, these types of crashes are often caused by driver inattention or rushing. Accidents with a fixed or stationary object are mostly always considered 100% preventable, there are a few scenarios out there that are unavoidable these situations have to be approached differently. When backing up is necessary, drivers must be aware of their surroundings. Remember to apply the GOALden rule of backing: “Get Out And Look.” Proper utilization of ground guides is imperative to avoid an accident. Use a Ground Guide. Practice situational awareness. Pay attention!

Operating any vehicle or equipment at a National / State Park, Forest, established trail such as the the TAT or Gerorgia Traverse have rules and regulations governing vehicle travel which we must comply with while no matter how far out into the middle of nowhere you find yourself. These requirements include:

Complying with all traffic laws and posted signs

Driving at speeds appropriate for the road, traffic, and weather conditions

Being aware of roads that are not wide enough for certain vehicles or equipment

Being aware of weather condition that can cause unstable ground

Only using cell phones, GPS or other devises when absolutely necessary: if you can pull over safely off the road to gain your bearings or make that important call its best to practice this and lose a little time.

Requiring all occupants to use their seat belts before moving the vehicle

Paying attention to parked vehicles on the side of the road

Always coming to a complete stop at posted stop signs

Ensure sufficient clearance before making turns. Avoid turning too soon causing the vehicle to strike objects next to it

Ensure sufficient clearance when driving between objects or parking. Be careful of low clearance bridges, low hanging tree limbs or even parking garages so you do not tear of your roof racks!

Ensure objects that move, such as gates or roll up garage doors, are secured from moving and provide adequate clearance before driving through the area

While driving at night, increase distance when following behind another vehicle. It is more difficult to judge other vehicle’s speed and distance when visibility is limited.

Give the right away to other vehicles just entering the trail and wait for the signal to pass, move forward and leave slowly. When the signal has been given to pass, note again the size of your vehicle and its load in comparison to the obstacles you must now navigate. Use your mirrors. Remember, some crossings are difficult to pass…Watch to be sure your vehicle and load is passing.

If you are driving alone allow groups or convoys coming your way to pass unimpeded. This helps to ensure your safety, the safety of others on the same trail.

Routinely perform safe driving observations on vehicles and ground guide use with to help operators and ground guides recognize hazards and apply safe practices to assist in safely executing route driving.

Use a vehicle only for its intended purpose, operate your rig in a safe and responsible manner. Do not drive recklessly or endanger other vehicles or pedestrians and do not operate a vehicle while physically or mentally impaired.

Observe posted speed limits and adjust to current road conditions.

Turn off the engine when leaving a motor vehicle unattended.

Never allow passengers to ride on a vehicle tailgate and do not permit passengers to ride in a truck bed without proper protective gear.

Only access authorized areas for which you have proper permission to access and egress.

The end state is we must practice a little bit of humility about our own driving capabilities and lead by example!
 

12C20

Rank V
Launch Member

Trail Mechanic II

1,500
South Jordan, Salt Lake County, Utah, United States
First Name
John
Last Name
Ellis
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6385

Another good rule relates to overcoming our ego: Do not be so determined to go forward that you won't let yourself consider turning around.

When that little voice in your head tells you to stop, then stop. When you think you *might* be able to make it, then really scout it out and consider it well.

You'll get a lot less grief from your buddies for turning around than you will for wrecking your rig. It'll cost less financially, too. And the life you save just might be your own.
 
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Overland A Far

Rank V
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

1,798
Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
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9779

At work we were able to take a series of collision avoidance courses put on by the Police Department driving instructors. These were really helpful and a few key learnings stuck with me.
1 - most people over drive their ability to stop while driving the posted speed limit or 55 mph at night with the lights on dim. Most people just cannot react on time.
2 - when at a light or stop sign and behind another vehicle, you should stop far enough back so you can see where their rear tires touch the ground. This leaves a safe space in case you have to move ahead cause the guy behind you isn't stopping! This habit works well in areas with winter snow/ice road conditions. Plan more distance.
3 - While driving through a city the instructors had us talk to them about everything we were seeing and identifying as a risk/hazard while se were moving along. Makes you constantly move your eyes, improves awareness and makes a person read the road. Great habit for new drivers to learn.
4 - We used skid cars to practice skid control. One point they made is that if an object (wildlife) jumps out in front of you and you veer to avoid it do not focus on the object but focus far out in front of you to look for road conditions, other traffic, etc. Your peripheral vision will automatically work and help you to steer clear. It is odd but it works!
Drive Safe Everyone!
 

MOAK

Rank V
Launch Member

Off-Road Ranger I

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Wernersville Public Library, North Reber Street, Wernersville, PA, USA
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Donald
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Diehl
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At work we were able to take a series of collision avoidance courses put on by the Police Department driving instructors. These were really helpful and a few key learnings stuck with me.
1 - most people over drive their ability to stop while driving the posted speed limit or 55 mph at night with the lights on dim. Most people just cannot react on time.
2 - when at a light or stop sign and behind another vehicle, you should stop far enough back so you can see where their rear tires touch the ground. This leaves a safe space in case you have to move ahead cause the guy behind you isn't stopping! This habit works well in areas with winter snow/ice road conditions. Plan more distance.
3 - While driving through a city the instructors had us talk to them about everything we were seeing and identifying as a risk/hazard while se were moving along. Makes you constantly move your eyes, improves awareness and makes a person read the road. Great habit for new drivers to learn.
4 - We used skid cars to practice skid control. One point they made is that if an object (wildlife) jumps out in front of you and you veer to avoid it do not focus on the object but focus far out in front of you to look for road conditions, other traffic, etc. Your peripheral vision will automatically work and help you to steer clear. It is odd but it works!
Drive Safe Everyone!
Great advice- very similar to the Smith System of safe driving..
 

legrena

Rank III
Member
Investor

Enthusiast III

646
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
First Name
Sergio
Last Name
Kyriakis
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US Army Veteran
Having ridden motorcycles for most of my life, I will take and retake both beginners, intermediate and advanced courses on a regular basis just to keep it all fresh. You always learn something regardless how"expert" you may feel you are. It makes sense to think safety and act safe as often as possible. This is a great thread for the reminders that obvious things are often overlooked. We need to be reminded so that we can stay around longer and help others around us do the same.
 
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