Whenever you drive, the risk of collision is always present. Whether you drive on a quiet country road or a busy four lane highway, you must be alert to the probability of risk. Learning how to manage visibility, time, and space in different environments will help you to minimize risk. 

How Can You Manage Visibility?

Visibility refers to your ability to see the roadway and to be seen by other drivers and pedestrians. You can take actions to maximize visibility both before you begin driving and once you’re on the road. 

Advance Preparations

Take these steps to manage visibility before you begin driving:

1. Clear and clean the inside and outside of your car windows. 
2. Make sure all car lights are clean and in good working order.
3. Make sure your defroster and windshield wipers and washer fluid work properly.
4. Adjust rear view and side-view mirrors for maximum visibility.
5. Adjust the driver’s seat properly.  
6. Obtain and keep handy any items you might need to improve visibility such as sunglasses, a flashlight, and a scraper. 
7. Remove any obstructions inside the car.

Behind the Wheel Actions

The first step in managing visibility while driving is to turn on your headlights, day or night. Driving with your low beams on in daylight makes your car visible to drivers and pedestrians more   than 2,200 feet sooner than it would be with no headlights.

Maximize your visibility to other roadway users by signaling your intentions well in advance. Also, avoid driving in another driver’s blind spot. 

To help ensure your ability to see the roadway, always wear glasses or contact lenses if you need them. To shield your eyes from glare, put on sunglasses or use your sun visors.

How Can You Manage Time?

By managing time wisely, you increase your control over driving situations and help to reduce risk. To manage time effectively while driving, always keep in mind that time, speed, and distance are closely linked. 

Initial driver reaction time to a roadway problem is one-half to three-quarters of a second during that time your car continues to move forward. The braking distance is the distance your car covers until it stops once you apply the brakes. Total stopping distance includes the distance traveled from the moment you recognize and react to a problem plus the braking distance. 

The SIPDE process maximizes the amount of time available for you to take whatever evasive action may be required. Here are some guidelines for managing time. 

1. Scan 20 to 30 seconds ahead (which equals 1 1⁄2 to 2 blocks at 25 to 30 mph in the city, and about one-half mile at 50 to 65 mph on the highway) as you drive for information that can help you select a safe path of travel.  
2. Identify objects or conditions within 12 to 15 seconds ahead that could increase the level of risk which is equal to about 1 city block or one-quarter mile when you’re on the highway. 
3. Keep a minimum 2 to 3 second following distance between your car and the car ahead to steer evasively. To figure the distance between your car and the vehicle ahead, notice when the rear of the vehicle passes a fixed point. If the front of your car passes the point before you finish the 2 second count you’re following too closely.

How Can You Manage Space?

Managing space when you drive means managing the distance between your car and the vehicles ahead, behind, and to the sides. Your goal is to allow yourself enough space to maneuver safely at all times. By managing space wisely, you also increase your ability to see and be seen.

• Consider Time, Distance and Speed

The close link between managing time and space is clear in terms of your car’s speed. The faster you’re traveling the more time and distance you need to brake to a stop. If you double your speed you will need four times the distance to stop.

• Assess and Adjust the Space Around Your Car

Having ample space around your car gives you time to observe, think, decide and act or react. By adjusting your car’s position to maintain a safe margin of space, you can generally avoid the need to brake, accelerate, or swerve suddenly. A cushion of space gives you room to steer in case of emergency. Here are some guidelines for managing space.

1. Adjust your following distance as needed. Leave at least 2 to 3 seconds distance between your car and the car ahead traveling at speeds of 20 to 30 mph or less. Leave 4 to 5 seconds at speeds of 40 or 50 mph plus another 5 to 6 seconds if the road is slippery or you’re behind a vehicle that blocks your view.
2. Try to keep a 2 second distance behind your car which is hardest to maintain because other vehicles may tailgate or follow too closely. If you’re being tailgated increase the space between you and the car ahead and if possible let the tailgater pass.
3. Whenever possible try to keep as much as 8 feet on either side of you or at the very least keep a car’s width to one side of you. The more room you have around your car the more space you have to react to threatening situations. 
4. If there is insufficient space ahead, behind, or to the side of your car, take prompt action to increase the space by adjusting your speed to move away from the pack.