In 2022, 42,514 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Many of these crashes involved alcohol, speeding and lack of seatbelt use that contributed to that death toll.
The reality is that driving motor vehicles is a complicated, dangerous process even in the best of circumstances. So why not control what you are able to in order to make your driving experience more likely to result in a safe return home?
To help all of us, in 1948 Harold Smith created his Smith Driving System. Smith collaborated with Ford Motor Company to promote his methods and improve driver safety, which brought impressive results. Smith’s company still sees success with its program today, training truck fleet drivers, heavy equipment operators and others.
Below are the five “keys” to the program.
Key 1 – Aim High in Steering – Look ahead to where you will be at least 15 seconds into your future. Our eyes are designed to work for us at walking speeds, so the average person has not adjusted visually or mentally to the higher speeds of motor vehicles.
- 15-second eye-lead time provides advanced warning and gives you an additional margin of safety.
Key 2 – Get the Big Picture – Consistently update your information
- While scanning ahead, don’t forget the sides and rear.
- Check at least one of your mirrors every five to eight seconds.
- Do not focus attention on insignificant objects.
- Stay far enough behind other vehicles to obtain the visibility necessary to make your own decisions.
Key 3 – Keep Your Eyes Moving – Avoid focusing on any one object for more than two seconds. Focusing on any object for too long diminishes your peripheral vision.
- Avoid distractions in your vehicle and your thinking.
- Recognize and avoid drivers who seem distracted.
Key 4 – Leave Yourself an Out – Surround your vehicle with space. The safest position in traffic is with few or no vehicles around you.
- Choose the proper lane and adjust speed accordingly to maintain your space cushion. Position yourself at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you and give yourself a bigger gap for trucks, buses, etc.
- If you lose part of the cushion, work to keep at least the front and one side open.
- Avoid tailgaters. When one is present, the collision potential is high.
Key 5 – Make Sure they See You! The final principle of the Smith System is to make sure other drivers see you. You should never assume another driver can see you or that they are concerned with driving safely.
- By getting eye contact from those who are seemingly unaware, you can avoid potential accidents. Use your blinker and your horn, if necessary, to alert others of your next move.
When used correctly, the Smith System can reduce preventable accidents by 60 percent. By employing these tips, you can drive safer every day.