Special Traffic Issue 2014Promoting Family Safety

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Protect Our Future!Safety on the Road …

Your Choice!

Inside this issueS P E C I A L T R A F F I C I S S U E 2 0 1 4

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Panorama (Issn 1319-2027) is published quarterly by Saudi Aramco’s Loss Prevention Department and is distributed free of charge to company employees and other readers with an interest in safety. Articles may be reprinted without permission provided Panorama and Saudi Aramco Loss Prevention are credited.

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© Copyright 2014, Saudi Aramco. All rights reserved.

6Passengers are ranked by drivers as among the most

frequent causes of distraction. Young children are four times

as distracting as adults, while infants can be eight times

more distracting; and it takes only a fraction of a second for

an unexpected hazard to cause a disastrous accident.

Distracting Darlings

Special Traffic Issue 2014

Promoting Family Safety

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2 Asleep at the Wheel?Driver fatigue is a serious problem and can seriously affect and impair driver

concentration and awareness. Tragically, its impact on safe driving is often

seriously underestimated by drivers.

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The Boundaries of ParkingRefresh your knowledge of parking rules and regulations

— it can make the frustrating world of driving much

more tolerable for everyone. A small investment, such as

understanding the rules and etiquette in parking lots, can

help prevent a vehicle incident.

Not by AccidentTraffic laws are meant to keep

road users safe but they will only

work when everyone follows

the rules and stops breaking the

law no matter what the excuse.

Everyone is responsible for road

safety.

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Traffic Safety ChallengesEven the best drivers sometimes panic when faced

with a driving challenge. Here are a few reminders

on how to handle some of the most dangerous

driving situations you may encounter.

Asleep at the Wheel?Panorama

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Studies show that drivers don’t fall asleep without

warning and those who do fall asleep at the wheel

have often tried to fight off drowsiness by opening a

window or turning up the radio.

““

It’s a shock, waking up in such an abrupt fashion. Lucky for you, when you’re in an armchair you simply know it’s time to go to bed. But what if you were behind the wheel of a car? What if, instead of awaking to a TV screen, you came face-to-face with another vehicle seconds before a head-on collision?

Driver fatigue is a serious problem and can seriously affect and impair driver concentration and awareness. Tragically, its impact on safe driving is often seriously underestimated by drivers. The facts speak for themselves:

• Research suggests that almost 20% of accidents on major roads are sleep related.

• Sleep-related accidents are more likely than others to result in a fatality or serious injury.

• Peak times for accidents are in the early hours of the day and after lunch.

Fatigue is a feeling of tiredness that has a gradual onset. It can be physical or mental, decreasing your ability to think and focus clearly. Long hours at the office or on the road, busy lifestyles, pushing yourself too hard and simply not getting the recommended eight hours of sleep every night all contribute to a buildup that strains the body and mind, causing fatigue.

For drivers, this can be incredibly dangerous, especially those who “keep going” even when they really feel too tired to do so. This is dangerous for any activity, but when in charge of a vehicle, or any machinery, it can be lethal.

Recognize the signs at the wheel

Fatigued drivers experience the following tell-tale signs:

• Disconnected or wandering thoughts.

• Inability to remember the last few moments or parts of the road just driven.

• Inability to focus solely on the road and surroundings.

• Frequent yawning.

• “Heavy” eyes and difficulty keeping them open.

• Restlessness and muscle soreness.

Reasons for fatigue can be varied and include:

• Lack of proper rest and sleep.

• Driving for long distances/periods of time or having a job that requires this activity.

• Driving at irregular hours (generally considered between midnight and 6 a.m.) Early afternoon (2 to 4 p.m.) has also been identified as a key time for fatigue onset.

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Have you ever been watching television or reading a book when slowly your eyes begin to close? Your head falls forward and before you know it, momentarily you have fallen completely asleep, only waking when your head suddenly jerks back at the moment you completely lose consciousness.

• Consuming a heavy meal before starting a journey.

• Taking medication that causes drowsiness. (Never drive if you are taking medication that causes drowsiness. Check the label to see if it states that you should not drive or operate heavy equipment. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor.)

• Suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — see table below.

Recognizing the signs of fatigue is the first part; taking action is the second. Often, drivers are aware when they are feeling sleepy, so this is the time to make a conscious decision about whether to continue driving. Those who persist can underestimate the risk of actually falling asleep at the wheel. Studies show that drivers don’t fall asleep without warning and those who do fall asleep at the wheel have often tried to fight off drowsiness by opening a window or turning up the radio. This doesn’t work for long. If you

are fighting fatigue, it will win unless you stop and rest.

Even short journeys are a potential risk. Drivers simply cannot be as alert to surrounding traffic situations and pedestrians when they are fatigued. How long does it take to drift into the lane of an oncoming car? A few seconds only. So any time spent on the road when fatigued is potentially the time an accident could happen, possibly a fatal one.

A refreshing startNo one needs to start a car journey tired. Follow our Journey Planner on page 5:

• Plan your journey to include a 15-minute break every two hours.

• Don’t start a long trip if you’re already tired.

• Remember the risks if you have to get up unusually early to start a long drive.

• Try to avoid long trips between midnight and 6 a.m. when you’re likely to feel sleepy anyway.

• If you start to feel sleepy, find a safe place to stop and nap for 10 to 15 minutes — never the hard shoulder of a motorway.

• Drinking two cups of coffee or a high-caffeine drink can help, but this can only be a short-term solution. Drivers can have a false sense of alertness that does not last.

• Remember, the only real cure for fatigue is proper rest and sleep. Do not continue a journey, even after a rest stop, if you are too tired to do so.

It’s not just the driver who is affected by driving while fatigued — his passengers and everyone else sharing the road with him are potential victims of his decision. Never risk driving when fatigued; be fit to drive every time you go out. No driver should make a decision he could regret for a lifetime.

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Obstructive Sleep Apneabstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related medical condition. It occurs when a person is sleeping and the muscles in the nose and throat relax so much that the airway passages narrow, causing disruption to the airflow. The reduced airway results in noisy and turbulent breathing (snoring). On occasion, the airways can close altogether, causing pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses are called apneas (literally, “without breath”) and typically last for 20 to 40 seconds.

A person who has OSA will suffer during the day due to their lack of refreshing sleep at night. The person wakes up feeling tired and may have a headache. Daytime sleepiness is very common with OSA adults falling asleep at meetings, watching TV, even during conversations. But the most alarming fact is that they can also do so while driving.

If you experience excessive daytime tiredness and are falling asleep during the day, you could suffer from OSA. There is now increasing awareness of the relationship between OSA and falling asleep during driving, particularly on long, straight roads. Consult your doctor about possible OSA and treatment for it.

bstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep-related medical condition. when a person is sleeping and the muscles in the nose and throat relax so much that the airway passages narrow, causing disruption to the airflow. The reduced airway results in noisy and turbulent breathing (snoring). On occasion, the airways can close altogether, causing pauses in breathing during sleep. These pauses are called apneas (literally, “without breath”) and typically last for 20 to 40 seconds.

A person who has OSA will suffer during the day due to their lack of refreshing sleep at night. The

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JourneyPlanner

Use other travel modes, it’s safer (e.g., taxi)

Do you have to drive?

Yes

Plan the route

During the journey

If you start to feel sleepy …

Too tired to continue? Find somewhere safe to stop overnight.

Be well rested before you start.

Avoid heavy meals.

Ensure your vehicle is in good condition.

Book an overnight stop if necessary.

Avoid driving in peak sleepiness periods. (2 to 4 p.m. and

midnight to 6 a.m.)

Avoid driving when you would normally

be asleep.

Find a safe place to stop and pull over — NEVER

on the road or the shoulder of the road!

Take two strong caffeine drinks — but don’t rely on these to

keep you awake for long distances.

Take regular rest breaks — stop for 15 minutes every two hours.

Plan to take rest breaks at least every

two hours.

Plan where to stop for the night, if

necessary.

Check for delays — plan alternative

routes.

Only continue if you feel refreshed.

Rest for 15 minutes minimum.

Stay focused and concentrate on your driving.

Make sure you’re not on medication

that could make you drowsy.

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DistractingDarlings

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Children are very distracting

Whether it’s two or more young ones squabbling or a lone infant protesting to be released from a child safety seat, you do not want to divert your attention from the road. My trick was to pull off to the side of the road and recite the multiplication tables until quiet was restored in the back seat. It got to the point where all I had to say was “One times one equals one; two times one” to have complete silence in the car.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety, passengers are ranked by drivers as among the most frequent causes of distraction. Young children are four times as distracting as adults, while infants can be eight times more distracting; and it takes only a fraction of a second for an unexpected hazard to cause a disastrous accident.

How to prepareIt is tempting to discuss, argue, threaten and otherwise get involved with the children, but all of these are distracting and dangerous for a driver.

A little beforehand driving preparation can make the journey smoother and more pleasant for everyone.

Before setting out

Babies

• Plan to feed babies before you depart. If your baby is eating or drinking in the car and starts to choke, you will have limited ability to react.

• Check the child or baby restraint to ensure it is correct for the size, weight and age of the child. According to the AAA one of the things that can prevent children from being distracting is ensuring that they are restrained in the appropriate seat. Start with your baby’s first trip home from the hospital.

Older children

• Set the ground rules. Educate children on car safety. Tell them that parents need to pay attention to the road, so that everyone is safe.

• Make sure you have items that the children may need on hand or within reach. Put snacks and

drinks where they are accessible. Sometimes putting a bag with snacks between the children helps eliminate arguments about space.

• Put toys within easy reach. In all cases, make sure that any heavier items, such as video games or larger books are safely stored in the seatback pockets, so that they won’t become projectiles in the event of a crash.

• Select DVDs if there is a DVD player in the vehicle. Choose those that the entire family can agree on.

• Select CDs with children’s stories and songs for the trip.

On the road• Be a role model. Always wear your seat belt and

drive defensively.

• Keep your eyes forward. Resist the urge to reach back or take your eyes off the road even when you’re stopped. It only takes a second for an accident to occur.

• Do not use mirrors. Your rearview and side view mirrors need to be used for checking the road. They should not be adjusted to view children.

• Do use special mirrors. If your children are in rear-facing car seats, attach a mirror to the head restraint to be able to monitor them.

• Make them wait: Tell your kids that you cannot help because you are driving and that they will need to wait until you can pull over or until you get to your destination. You may have to listen to a tantrum, but at least the child is restrained in a seat and cannot get hurt or hurt anyone else.

• Pull over. If you cannot deal with screaming and need to tend to your child immediately, pull over to a safe spot. It’s safer to get off the road and go into a gas station than move to the side of the road where you could face other hazards such as the possibility of getting struck by another vehicle.

• Distract your children. Engage them in a song or game. Children’s music in the CD player or a DVD of a favorite program can help. Pointing out buses, fire trucks, and traffic lights can help the children focus on what’s outside the vehicle and forget what’s bothering them inside the vehicle.

“Are we there yet?” Every parent who’s traveled with children has heard that question.

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• Stay off the phone. For the safety of yourself and your children (and others on the road), refrain from using a mobile phone to talk or text. You’re carrying precious cargo and your job is to transport them safely. Not to mention you may be potentially setting a poor example. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe place.

Distracting the distractorsMany children have access to electronic games or DVDs while they are traveling and these are usually great ways to keep children quiet and engaged during a trip. When batteries fail or electronics are not available, there are some games that have kept children entertained over the years.

Number of the day

Players: 1 or more

Equipment: A watch (optional)

The players decide on the order of play — for example oldest to youngest. They also pick a number — for example they might choose the number 5.

The first car to pass belongs to Sami, the first player. The license plate is 867HJA. The license plate does not contain the number 5 so Sami’s turn is over.

The second player, Jawaher, gets the next car to pass. The license plate is 151RBJ. Jawaher scores one point for the 5.

Now it’s Ahmed’s turn. The next car that comes has the license plate 555ARZ. Ahmed gets 3 points — one for each of the 5s.

Then it’s Sami’s turn again. The first player to get 25 points wins. If you want a short game, set a lower number.

If you want to play the game alone, time yourself to see how long it takes you to get to your goal number. Then play against your own best time.

Night RiderPlayers: 2 or more

This is a game for 2 or more players. It is a good game to play at night when you can’t see the scenery. It is also a good game when the children are getting too competitive with each other as it is a cooperative game that everyone plays and no one loses.

All you have to do is make a sound — a different sound that is not too loud — whenever you see or do something. For example, when a car passes you, everyone says BZZZZZ, BZZZZ, BZZZZ. When you pass another car everyone says Ding, Ding, Ding.

Some of the most common events and the sounds that go with them:

Car passes: BZZZZZ, BZZZZZ, BZZZZ

You pass car: Ding, Ding, Ding

You go over the bridge: OOOO, OOOO, OOOO

You go under the bridge: Aye, Aye, Aye

You pass a sign: Ahhhh, Ahhhh, Ahhhh

You pass a truck: Shhhh, Shhhh, Shhhh

Truck passes you: Grrrr Grrrr Grrrr

Adapted from The Little Giant Book of Travel Fun, which has dozens of travel games that are good for all ages and for long journeys as well as short trips.Barry, Sheila Anne 2001, The Little Giant Book of Travel Fun, Sterling Publication, Canada.

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Not byAccident

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Saudi Arabia has achieved many successes on the world stage, from being a leader in the energy industry that supplies the world with the power to prosper, to having some of the most modern and well-built road infrastructure. It provides its citizens with free education and medical care. It is a growing power on the world stage; a record that they should be proud of.

There is one record; however, that citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia should not be proud to hold. And that is Saudi Arabia’s traffic safety record. According to the local media, Saudi Arabia’s roads are among the most dangerous and deadly in the world. Road deaths are a principal cause of fatal injuries for male adults between the ages of 16 and 35. With over 300,000 traffic accidents annually, about one third of the hospital beds in the Kingdom are taken up by those injured in traffic accidents. In the Arab News (Nov. 1, 2013, editorial), the rector of the Dammam University and the Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Second Traffic Safety Forum reported that “the total bill for the carnage on our roads is now running at around SR 13 billion … a truly staggering figure.”

Why, you might ask, does Saudi Arabia have this tragic traffic accident record? The country has some of the best developed road networks and infrastructure. It has the same traffic rules and regulations as the rest of the world. According the World Health Organization, Saudi Arabia’s traffic enforcement is improving and currently rated quite high.

So what is the problem? Do the citizens and residents willfully break the law? Traffic accidents don’t just happen; they are caused by a blatant disregard for the Kingdom’s traffic laws. As stated in the Arab News, “road collisions happen because someone behaved stupidly, with lack of consideration for the rules or with reckless abandon.”

Ask yourself, do you willfully disregard traffic rules

and regulations when you get behind the wheel? Here are some of the excuses that people used when they were seriously injured in vehicle collisions. Do any of these sound familiar to you?

• I was running late for a meeting so I had to speed to make up time.

• I considered myself to be a very competent driver. I thought I could handle my vehicle at any speed and maneuver it away from the hazard.

• I didn’t have the directions to where I was going, so I was reading the map to help me get there.

• I was talking to my wife on the phone and didn’t see the stop sign.

• I didn’t have time to take my vehicle to the mechanics to check the brakes.

• I visually checked the tires to see if they were properly inflated. They looked okay.

• My husband couldn’t take me to my medical appointment, so I asked my 14 year old son to drive. Although he doesn’t have a driver’s license, his father taught him to drive.

• I was texting my friend and didn’t realize that we needed to turn, so I instructed my driver to turn left at the last minute.

• My children cry when I buckle them up in their safety seats, so I leave them unrestrained.

• I don’t wear my seat belt — it’s too constraining.

There are just as many excuses as there are vehicle accidents. The list is endless. But, are any of them enough to excuse you from obeying the law and taking the life of another person (or your own)? Traffic laws are meant to keep road users safe but they will only work when everyone follows the rules and stops breaking the law no matter what the excuse. Everyone is responsible for road safety. Even passengers share the burden for the Kingdom’s traffic safety record by allowing their drivers to disrespect traffic rules and regulations.

Accident: An unplanned event or circumstance; an unexpected happening causing loss or injury that is not due to any fault or misconduct on the part of the person injured.

Law: A binding custom or practice; a rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority.

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Stop the excuses nowIf we want to improve the Kingdom’s traffic record and to be safe on the road, then we (drivers and passengers alike) must change our driving behaviors, attitudes and habits. Here are some driving tips to follow to help bring you and your passengers home unharmed each time:

Don’t drive when under medicationCertain medications can blur your vision and impair your judgment and reflexes (reducing your reaction time and coordination), which can cause you to make unsafe driving decisions. Use an alternate form of transportation, such as a taxi or bus, or ask a friend or an experienced family member to drive instead.

Obey the speed limitSpeed limits are not arbitrary numbers used by the traffic authorities to inconvenience you. They are carefully determined to ensure that vehicle speeds match the road and driving conditions. Traffic accident statistics from all over the world show that speeding is the primary contributing factor for fatal traffic collisions. Simply put, speed kills!

If you think you will be saving time and getting to your destination quicker by traveling 16 km/h over the speed limit, think again. You might save a few minutes but you are increasing your chance of being involved in a vehicle collision by as much as 50%. Take your time, obey the speed limit and you will get to your destination safely.

Avoid distractionsNever allow distractions to take your eyes and concentration away from the road. Distractions while driving can take many forms: adjusting the radio/CD player/MP3 player, using a DVD player, smoking, grooming, using a GPS, talking/searching/texting on a mobile phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers, and dealing with noisy children. One common element among these things is that they take our attention away from your primary task of driving safely. So “keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel” as Jim Morrison (rock musician) sang. Be mindful of other drivers who may be using a mobile phone, eating, drinking or otherwise distracted. They can make sudden and unpredictable moves.

Be well restedYou may think that a few yawns while you are driving are nothing to be concerned about. But research has shown that being just a little drowsy increases your risk of being involved in a traffic collision. A tired driver’s responses can be anything from nodding off for a few seconds to simply losing consciousness. This progression can happen without warning. When travelling at any speed, but especially highway speeds, nodding off can be fatal. If you begin to feel drowsy, pull off to the side of the road well away from traffic and rest until you are feeling more alert or ask a passenger to take over while you rest. Remember the best advice is to get a good night’s sleep (for at least 8 hours) on a regular basis. For more information, refer to the article “Asleep at the Wheel” on page 2.

Keep a safe following distance

Safe driving guidelines from all over the world advise drivers to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. Doing so will allow you sufficient time to react to any hazards or traffic situations, such as cars turning or stopping suddenly. The rule of thumb for determining a safe following distance under normal road and weather conditions is to find a stationary object on the side of the road such as traffic sign or street light and when the vehicle ahead of you passes that object, start counting the seconds “one thousand one, one thousand two.” Count at least two seconds before your car passes the object.

Be extra cautious in bad weatherIf you are driving in bad weather (fog, rain, sandstorms) or through construction and poor road conditions, be extra cautious and increase your following distance to 4 seconds or more. Slow down; sand and moisture from fog or rain can make roads slippery. Be especially careful around curves. If visibility is too poor to continue driving, pull off the road as far away from traffic as possible. Turn off your headlights, take your foot off the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights. Wait until conditions improve before starting to drive again.

Watch out for the other guyNot everyone on the road follows traffics rules and regulations. It is impossible to list all the things another driver might do, so be prepared for the unexpected at all times. Being prepared means always being aware of the traffic around you. Check your mirrors and blind spots frequently. Look ahead so you can see what is happening. In the city, look at least one block ahead and keep an eye on side streets so you will know where the vehicles around you are and how they are being driven. On the highway, look at least 400 m ahead. Keep well away from drivers who are weaving in and out of traffic, speeding or driving unsafely.

Keep your vehicle safeProper vehicle maintenance not only extends the life of your vehicle but it plays a major role in keeping you and your passengers safe. Imagine applying the brakes when you need to stop at a red light and the brakes fail, or being involved in a rollover because a tire blew out. At any speed, but especially highway speeds, these vehicle maintenance issues can be fatal. Although the Kingdom requires regular vehicle inspections, you need to be aware of any potential mechanical and safety concerns that can happen at any time. Have the vehicle repaired by a qualified mechanic. Check your vehicle’s tire pressure (including the spare) at least weekly and more often in the summer.

Wear your seat beltAlways wear your seat belt and make sure that all your passengers are properly restrained in age- and size-appropriate vehicle restraints. When worn properly, seat belts help prevent vehicle occupants from being thrown around inside the vehicle or from being ejected from the vehicle. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show that over half of the fatal injuries were to people who were not wearing seat belts. Seat belts help save lives, so buckle up!

Traffic safety does not happen by accident. It requires everyone to obey the traffic laws. No more excuses. Follow these safe driving tips and help change the traffic safety record of the Kingdom.

Traffic safety … it’s your choice!

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The Boundariesof Parking

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Ali rushed in his car to the supermarket so he

would not miss his favorite team’s soccer game.

When he arrived at the store, the parking

lot was packed with cars. He sped through

the narrow lanes hoping he could find a spot

closer to the entrance. With his eyes focused

away from the road, he did not see the car

backing up in front of him. The cars collided.

Ali knew the damage would be extensive

from the sound of the impact. He banged his

fists against the wheel and shouted, “Now I’m

going to miss the football match!”

If you have ever had a vehicle incident, or

known someone who has, you are aware of

the troubles it brings. Dealing with traffic

police, insurance companies and repair shops

can be frustrating and costly. Most of the time,

accidents can be avoided. And since many

accidents happen in or near parking lots, it is

important to know how to act and respond in

these situations.

Mentally shifting gears

Even the safest and most confident drivers get nervous in parking lots. Shifting your mindset is important since drivers abruptly go from driving highway speeds to parking speeds multiple times on a given trip. Many people forget that each change in environment requires a change in thinking.

Anees figured out how to deal with the shift when he drives in parking lots. “I am way more relaxed on the highway, but in a parking lot I become a different person. I get my adrenaline pumping and start concentrating like a martial arts fighter. I drive very slowly — no more than 10 km/h. I’ve seen way too many accidents in parking lots and don’t want to be that guy on the phone calling the police,” he said.

Pedestrian factors

Being a pedestrian also demands that you steer yourself in

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Driver’s Checklist Yes No Park your car as centered and straight in a space as possible.

Yes NoAvoid parking at the end of an aisle where there is the additional exposure from vehicles turning.

Yes No Avoid parking next to cars that are parked at an angle.

Yes No Use your horn to warn others.

Yes No Allow for more time so you are not late or rushed.

Yes NoTake your time backing out of your parking spot. Check the rearview and side mirrors, and look over both shoulders.

Yes No Buckle up before putting the car in gear.

Yes No Use your turn signals to communicate your intentions to the other drivers.

Yes No Look for a parking space where you don’t have to back out.

Yes No Avoid competing and arguing with another driver for a space.

Yes NoConduct of a “walk-around” 360˚ inspection of your vehicle before backing out of a parking space, looking for any driving obstacles.

Parking Safety Checklist

the right direction. One worker who collects shopping carts for a retail store sees shoppers getting into close calls on a daily basis. “They seem to forget that they are no longer behind the wheel when they get out of their car and they walk right in front of moving traffic like they are invincible,” said Ahmed.

The combination of motor vehicles and pedestrians requires everyone to be alert to the constantly changing conditions. Drivers need

to make an extra effort to watch out for pedestrians, especially children. And some parking areas are scarier than others. Poorly placed traffic signs and other hazards (i.e., poor lighting, few crosswalks, rough surfaces) make the typical parking lot experience more perilous.

As Bruce Lee said, “[Parking lot safety can only come] when being wholly and quietly alive, aware and alert, ready for whatever may come.”

Got a lot of skills?

Slow driving and constant alertness are important, but more consideration needs to be taken in a parking environment. Developing and practicing a structured set of skills can help you avoid accidents. Tameem, a youth driving instructor, has created a list for his students when he teaches his parking lessons to his classes.

Rate yourself to see how you would do in Tameem’s class by completing the checklist below.

Pedestrian Checklist

Yes NoWear light-colored or reflective outer wear, if you’re walking after dark so that you will be seen by drivers.

Yes NoWatch where you are going and be alert for obstacles such as curbs and broken pavement. If you are carrying items, make sure you can see over the load.

Yes NoUse extra caution as you walk to your vehicle in conditions such as rain, dust, ice or darkness.

Yes NoAvoid texting, conversations or other things that might distract you from scanning the parking area and being constantly alert for moving vehicles and machinery.

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“If I were to go undercover and test driver’s skills in a parking lot, most adults would fail,” said Tameem. “Many of them set poor examples for their children behind the wheel and later I have

to teach young adults not to drive like their parents,” he jokes.

Refresh your knowledge of parking rules and regulations — it can make the frustrating world

of driving much more tolerable for everyone. A small investment, such as understanding the rules and etiquette in parking lots, can save you time, money and pain.

Parking EtiquetteHere are some suggestions on how drivers and pedestrians can improve their parking manners:

• Double parking is a no-no. No one likes to be blocked in by a stranger. The offending car can,

and should, be towed.

• First come, first served. The universal rule is that the first person waiting for a parking space is

to be the recipient of that parking space. To swoop in and take it is tantamount to theft.

• Use your turn signals to indicate your intentions to others. You may also communicate your

intentions with eye contact, as well as appropriate hand gestures if needed.

• Pedestrians should resist obstructing traffic by walking in the center of a parking lane. Use a

sidewalk if possible and avoid using your mobile phone until you are out of congested parking

areas.

• Keep your children close to you in parking lots — have them hold your hand and stay near

them. Drivers should also watch for families with children, since little ones have a tendency to

jump out and run around at any given moment.

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Traffic SafetyChallenges

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Traffic accidents are preventable. A preventable accident is one in which a driver commits errors or fails to react appropriately to the errors of others. A defensive driver has the ability to avoid accidents despite adverse driving conditions and the actions or errors of others. Most drivers are trained to drive properly. However, even the best drivers sometimes panic when faced with a driving challenge. Here are a few reminders on how to handle some of the most dangerous driving situations you may encounter.

Avoid head-on collisionsHead-on collisions are the most deadly accidents, often resulting in fatalities. Driving on an undivided highway increases your chance of a head-on collision because there is no barrier to separate your vehicle from the traffic moving in the opposite direction. Some of the most unsafe situations encountered on undivided roads include a vehicle attempting to pass another vehicle; a vehicle swerving to avoid a hazard on the road, such as another vehicle, a pedestrian or a cyclist; a speeding vehicle entering your lane because the driver is distracted; and a driver losing control of his vehicle. Most head-on collisions, however, can be prevented using defensive driving techniques:

• Drive only when alert and well rested.

• Frequently scan the road ahead for hazards. Look as far into the distance as you can. Noticing a hazard at a distance allows you more time to react to it and avoid a collision.

• Stay well to the right of the centerline, where oncoming traffic is less likely to stray. Doing so helps you move to the shoulder or side of the road more quickly, if needed.

• Drive at a safe speed for road and weather conditions. This way you will have more time to appropriately react to a hazard.

When you see an oncoming vehicle driving in your lane, take these precautions:

• Slow down and move to the right.

• Sound your horn and flash your lights.

• Be prepared to stop or drive off the road if the oncoming vehicle does not move into its own lane.

• If you decide to drive off the road, avoid slamming on the brakes. Remove your foot from the accelerator, apply the brakes gently and steer firmly in the direction you want to move.

Merge safely into highway trafficWhen merging into highway traffic, you must simultaneously scan the highway for an opening and adjust your speed to match the speed of the traffic on the highway. Follow these safety tips to merge safely into highway traffic:

• Do not stop on the onramp unless it is absolutely necessary. If you stop, it will take longer to reach the speed of the traffic on the highway. You may also set off a chain reaction of collision with the vehicles behind you.

• Allow an adequate gap

between your vehicle, the vehicle that passes the ramp in front of you and the vehicle behind you.

• Turn on your signal light as you merge, use your rearview and side mirrors, and look over your shoulder to make sure that no traffic is in your blind spot or moving to the right of your lane.

Change lanes safelyLane changing is another challenging driving situation. These safety tips will help you change lanes safely:

• Plan ahead so you have plenty of time to change lanes.

• Before changing lanes, check your rearview and side mirrors and blind spots.

• Use your turn signal to indicate your intentions.

• Keep a safe distance between the vehicle in front of you and the vehicle behind you.

• Avoid slowing down or speeding up dramatically. However, be sure to match your speed to the speed of traffic in the lane you are moving into.

• Do not cross more than one lane at a time.

• Turn off your turn signal after changing lanes.

Avoid a collision with the vehicle aheadTo avoid a collision with the vehicle ahead, follow these tips:

• Stay back. Keep at least a two-second following distance. When the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you passes a stationary object, begin counting “One thousand one, one thousand two.” As you

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finish counting, your front bumper should reach the same object. If you reach it before you finish counting, you are too close. In adverse weather conditions, such as rain and fog, increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead to a four- or six-second following distance.

• Stay alert for the actions of the driver ahead of you. Watch for his intentions — turn signals, brake lights, drifting to the right or left in preparation of a turn, etc., and react appropriately.

Avoid a collision with the vehicle behindTo avoid a collision with the vehicle behind you, follow these tips:

• Signal your intentions in time. Use directional signals and brake lights to communicate. Give the driver behind you time to adjust to your moves. When stopped, keep your brake lights on.

• Stop smoothly. By applying the two-second rule with the vehicle ahead, you will minimize the need for sudden stops and thus reduce the chances of rear-end collisions.

• Slow down when the vehicle behind you does not follow at an adequate distance. Adjust your own following distance to at least four seconds. This action encourages tailgaters to either pass you or slow down.

Avoid obstructed vision related accidentsWhen a driver’s vision is obstructed by greenery or houses, or by large vehicles parked on either side of the road, especially at intersection corners, he cannot see oncoming traffic clearly. To avoid accidents resulting from limited line of sight, a driver must follow these safety tips:

• Look around and into the distance before reaching an area with houses, greenery or parked vehicles.

• Exercise caution when approaching the area and watch for oncoming traffic from the opposite road.

• Slow down and be ready to stop if necessary to avoid hazards due to others’ mistakes. Even if you have the right-of-way, be careful and ready to yield to the other driver if necessary.

• Check your rearview and side mirrors for traffic; look over your shoulder for traffic in your blind spot.

Approach a roundabout safelyTo avoid an accident at a roundabout (traffic circle), follow these safety tips:

• Approach cautiously indicating your intentions with a right turn signal.

• Yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the roundabout.

• Once traffic is clear, proceed to the right — you never enter the circle by turning left.

• When you are ready to exit the roundabout, turn on your right turn signal.

• Turn off your turn signal once you leave the roundabout.

Stop intersection accidentsAccidents at intersections are some of the most common types of accidents. Every driver has the responsibility to approach, enter and cross intersections cautiously to avoid accidents that might occur because of the actions of other drivers. These actions include speeding, crossing against a red light or a stop sign, crossing a lane when turning and

coming from a blind spot. Follow these tips to avoid an intersection accident:

• Approach the intersection cautiously.

• Drive defensively; always expect the unexpected.

• Slow down, signal your intentions and observe the traffic around you.

• Never block the intersection by entering it when you cannot clear it safely before the traffic light changes.

• Stop at red lights.

• If the light has been green for some time, expect it to turn yellow. Cross a yellow light only if you are already in the intersection and it is safe to proceed.

• When the light is green, proceed only if traffic has cleared in all directions.

Avoid accidents while reversingAll reversing accidents are preventable. Check all clearances when reversing, including checking the rearview and side mirrors, paying particular attention to blind spots — the area that starts about one half of the car length behind the vehicle and stretches far enough to hide a vehicle. To back up safely, follow these tips:

• Perform a “walk-around” 360° inspection of your vehicle before you drive away. Children might be playing around it or pets might be resting close by.

• Back out with care, driving slower than 22 km/h.

• Stop once after you begin reversing to double-check that no other vehicles or pedestrians are approaching.

Stay clear of aggressive driversThe best way to avoid provoking an aggressive driver and becoming a target is to practice basic traffic courtesy. Here’s how:

• Avoid tailgating.

• Use your horn sparingly.

• Don’t block the passing or the right-hand turn lane.

• Don’t switch lanes without signaling.

• Don’t weave back and forth from lane to lane in traffic.

• Don’t flash your lights to signal the driver ahead to move to another lane.

• Don’t slow down in front of a vehicle you have just passed. Maintain a safe speed according to the speed of the traffic.

• Use the proper turn lane for turning. Do not turn left from the right lane or turn right from the left lane.

• Don’t race to run through a yellow light that’s about to turn red.

• Be careful to turn headlights from high-beam to low-beam when meeting traffic or when following another vehicle closely.

• If you must drive slowly, stay in the right lane; pull over and allow built-up traffic to pass whenever you have the opportunity.

• Don’t inflict loud music on neighboring drivers.

• Don’t take a parking place that another vehicle is obviously waiting for; don’t take up more than one parking spot.

• Don’t stop in the middle of the road to use your mobile phone or talk with a pedestrian or another driver.

• Don’t stop and block traffic to allow passengers to enter or exit your vehicle. Make sure that others can get past.

If you notice that another driver is targeting you in an aggressive manner, don’t show a reaction. Avoid eye contact and put as much distance as possible between your vehicle and his. If verbal interaction takes place, do your best to avoid escalation of the conflict. Be polite and courteous, even if the other driver isn’t.

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