Mick's Blog

My thoughts, findings and rants.

  • About
  • Blog
  • Archives
  • ONCOURSE 4×4

Connect

  • E-mail
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Disclaimer

The words and opinions expressed here are my own, and do not, in any way, represent the views of my employer (OnCourse).
You are here: Home / Driving / Can You Spot 6 Hazards?

Can You Spot 6 Hazards?

Published April 29, 2014 By Mick Farmer

This road scene may look safe; and it can be fairly safe as long as the conditions have been identified correctly and the driver has fully understood the implications of the hazards – the correct position, correct speed and correct gear have to be applied before driving into the hazardous area.

Mbale - Mt.Elgon. Nov 2003 009

 

The Hazards…

Click to Show Hazards

1. Unsealed road

An unsealed road is an unstable road surface. Even though it MAY LOOK hard and compact you still have approximately 50% less available traction than on a sealed road. Braking distance is about double that of a sealed road for instance. Makes sense then to take this into account and reduce speed.

2. Changes in road colour

Looking ahead through the road scene you can see that the road changes colour quite often. This indicates differences in the amount of available traction that you may have. For instance if the colour changes from normal to a darker shade then this could indicate that the road surface is wet. If it changes from normal to paler it could indicate that it has become dusty.

3.  Adverse (negative) camber

These can be severe on unsealed roads. They are a major contributor to roll-overs. It is imperative that they are recognised well in advance, enabling a driving plan to be made: For instance, having to slow down /pull over to let oncoming vehicles pass.

4. Grass verges

These can have an adverse camber and at the same time be very soft. Again a contributor to roll-overs.

5. Pedestrians in the road

Indicates that you may be driving into an area where there may be a settlement which is not visible. Crops on the side of the road also indicate this. Be prepared for the local population not having the same amount of “road sense” as the in an urban situation. Plan on “what ifs” with respect to worse case. A child running across the road for instance.

6. Poor visibility on road side

Hides potential hazards such as livestock, children, bicycles on small tracks etc. Another reason not to drive too fast. The faster you go the longer your reaction distance is going to be. Therefore, slowdown to make sure that you cannot be surprised! Again forward planning with respect to worse case has to be applied.

hazard-solutions

Related

Filed Under: Driving Tagged With: driving, road safety

E-Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest updates from OnCourse and my blog.

About Mick Farmer

For the last 20 years, I have been the lead trainer /director for OnCourse. Have played a leading role in developing their courses into, probably, the best off road training courses, globally.

Recent Posts

  • Avoid Fitting HF Aerial Like This
  • Under Pressure – Armoured Vehicle Tyres
  • Still got split rims on your 70 Series Landcruiser?
  • Managing Available Traction
  • Low Traction Road Surface
  • Anticipating Hazards from a Distance

Recent Tags

4wd 4wd operation armoured vehicles awareness levels buttons and switches checklist co2 convoy driver training driving Equipment facility fleet free wheeling hubs gallery Gator-Jaw ground-anchor hazards headlights HF Radio high-lift jack land-anchor Low Traction Mechanical modifications off-road driving OnCourse Pressure Pro questions raised air intake recovery gear review road safety roof rack safety gear seatbelts security shock absorbers snapshot speed bumps target fixation toyota landcruiser tyres winch winch-anchor

Find It Here

OnCourse Links

  • About OnCourse
  • 4×4 Courses
  • Contact