You
want to know the other driver sees you, and this rule
will provide you with some ways to make sure they do. Use
your lights and horn when necessary to let others know you
are there. If you make eye contact with another driver,
there is perhaps less chance he will pull out in front of
you or make some other error that infringes on your space
(although you cannot count on that.) Even more likely, if
you are looking at the other driver, and he is NOT looking
at you, then you know there is an increased possibility
he might not be aware of your presence. But WAIT, there's
MORE!
Back in the "olden" days,
it was customary when you wanted to pass someone to quickly
flash your lights to let them know you were coming around.
In fact, that practice is still memorialized in law in many
states: if a driver approaching from the rear flashes his
lights or uses the horn to communicate his intention to
pass, the driver of the vehicle being overtaken is often
required by law to give way to the right, and not increase
the speed of his vehicle until the other driver's pass is
complete. I think it's funny how things change over the
years. If you do that same thing today, the other driver
will likely think you're a jerk, and often times go out
of his way NOT to "give way." About the only folks
that practice that kind of courtesy today are the truck
drivers; they routinely signal each other when passing,
and they even flash their lights—often in unique or
"signature" ways—to say thanks.
While you are driving, there are other
ways to "communicate." Position yourself in a
lane (left or right) so others can see you. Don't drive
in other drivers' blind spots. When approaching a signal
light, for example, move to the right side of your lane
so that oncoming left turners can see you even if traffic
ahead and in the lane to your left partially blocks the
view.
Make sure to signal ALL turns. Despite
what you might think, signaling is not always required by
law. In my state, for example, a signal is required whenever
your turn or lane change might affect other traffic. If
no one is around, you don't have to signal, legally. Of
course, as a defensive driving practice, you should always
signal. You want to create the habit so when you DO
need to signal, you don't forget.
Make certain that your brake lights are
functioning properly (and all your other lights, for
that matter). Much of another driver's reaction time might
be consumed if your brake lights don't alert them to the
fact you are slowing or stopping—and they may not be
left with enough space to avoid hitting you once they see
you are stopping. I often tap my brakes once or twice before
I apply them, so that the flashing brake lights alert the
following driver that I am about to slow. Any time I see
someone coming up quickly behind me, I'll flash my brake
lights a few times to grab their attention. Remember that
many folks are not looking much farther than the end of
their hood.
Turn on your headlights in the daytime
when you are driving on two-lane highways—this has
been shown to increase your visibility to oncoming traffic.
Turn on your lights in tunnels. Do this not so you can see
(since most tunnels are well-lighted), but so everyone can
see YOU. Think of the results if there were 100 cars in
a tunnel, and the lights go out suddenly! If you already
have your lights ON, then those other 99 drivers can see
you well enough not to make you into a steel sandwich. Turn
on your lights any time visibility is reduced.
With all of these tips, you communicate
your presence and intentions to other drivers, and help
them avoid colliding with you. And that's ALWAYS a good
thing!
<Rule
#13: Create Space!
Rule #15: Be Predictable!>
