Evasive Driving Policy

EVASIVE DRIVING POLICY

Evasive driving begins by practicing safe driving techniques to reduce the possibility of an accident. Because traffic hazards can turn into traffic emergencies in a matter of seconds, KBD drivers must know how to correctly react, how to maintain control of their vehicle, and how to best avoid the possibility of contact.

GOAL of PROFESSIONAL DRIVER

The goal in an emergency is to avoid hitting anything while bringing your truck to a safe and controlled stop in your lane of travel or on the shoulder of the road.

THREE EVASIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES

  1. FOLLOWING DISTANCE
  2. BRAKING
    • By adhering to proper following distance, a driver should then have enough time to stop their vehicle.
    • Never attempt to change lanes before braking.
  3. STEERING
    • On a 2-lane road or if in the right lane on a road > 2 lanes, always steer to the right. Otherwise, try to stay in your lane;
    • NEVER steer into oncoming traffic;
    • AVOID changing lanes to reduce the risk of hitting a vehicle in another lane;
    • With ABS brakes, it is possible to steer and brake at the same time.

Usually in an emergency, some combination of braking and steering will be necessary, which includes steering straight ahead. Time to properly react may be very short so it is important to remain attentive and ready to make a split-second decision at all times. In traffic, always travel 3-5 kph slower than the traffic flow.

EXAMPLE of EVASIVE DRIVING: TIRE BLOW-OUT

In a tire blow-out, avoid the initial reaction of wanting to stomp on the brakes! By lightly applying the throttle, steering the truck straight, then gradually easing off the throttle when the vehicle is under control, drivers should be able to steer their equipment gently to the shoulder to stop. The truck will want to pull in the direction of the blown tire so it is important to keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.