Sharing the Road Safely
– If it seems like
bicycles are everywhere these days, it’s not
your imagination. According to federal government
statistics, 660 bicyclists died in crashes with motor
vehicles in 2002 -- the most recent year for which
fatality data are available. Thirty-three percent
of those deaths happened between September and December.
“What the statistics don’t tell you is
that a lot of those accidents were avoidable,”
says Jeff Beyer, senior vice president and chief communications
officer of Farmers Insurance Group. “Driver
distraction, or failure to use due care was probably
to blame in a lot of the cases.”
It’s pretty easy to get
caught up in the world within our motor vehicles.
The radio or CD player is on, people are talking in
the backseat, and you’re on the cell phone.
There are often more distractions inside the car than
on the road, but Beyer says that’s no excuse
for being inattentive and causing an accident.
Here are some tips Farmers encourages
drivers to keep in mind -- particularly about bicycles
and motorcycles -- when driving during the fall, and
any time of year for that matter.
* When you come to an intersection,
make a complete scan. Look not only at traffic around
you, but for what’s ahead on the road. There
may be kids on bikes a few yards behind an oncoming
car, about to enter the intersection.
* Make a habit of looking for
the unusual. Broaden your spectrum of where to look
and what you might see. Many seemingly unavoidable
accidents might be prevented through better surveillance.
* Try to drive with an open
space in the adjacent lane, as opposed to right next
to another vehicle. This will improve your ability
to react to potential trouble ahead.
* Don’t be shortsighted.
Get into the habit of looking down the road at what’s
ahead. Don’t think in terms of distance, but
time. Always think of where you will be in 10 seconds.
* Keep your eyes moving. Every
now and then, sneak a glance off into the distance,
and don’t forget to check your mirrors.
For more driving safety tips,
log on to www.farmers.com and click on the link that
says “Fun on the Road.”
