Precision driving : Avoid accidents as a top priority

Just because you have the legal right to smack an open car door on the side of the road doesn’t mean you should. Two weeks ago, when I cited the pertinent law, RCW 46.61.620, I reported that the legal fault for this common mishap lies with the one who opens the door into the path of traffic. That is correct.

But J.M., a commercial fleet driver based in Colville, sent me a valid reminder about fault: being legally right doesn’t always make things better. According to J.M., accident avoidance should be a driver’s top priority, regardless of written law. I concur.

In the case of hitting a car door suddenly opened on the side of the road, J.M. believes it is the fault of the openee, not the opener — the hitter, not the hittee. He reminds us that with a proper space cushion on all four sides of one’s vehicle, there should be ample time to maneuver out of danger when faced with surprises. J.M. councils, “Looking as far down the road as possible and from ditch line to ditch line allows you to be more aware of any possible dangers, (like vehicles on side of road).”

I fully agree with your sentiment, J.M. Being in the right when you have an accident doesn’t keep it from ruining your day, your car, or your health. If a motorcyclist strikes that open door, the person legally at fault may be the only accident member still alive.

I’ve often said that I find some of the best drivers to be members of commercial fleets. In the case of J.M., the solid 29-year safety record he enjoys with his company is a source of pride, and proof of successful defensive driving.

Fleet drivers usually log many more miles than the average motorist, and this exposure to traffic invokes a necessary vigilance. The wary watchfulness is mandatory due to a “perform or perish” eventuality. Those commercial drivers who can’t perform lose their jobs, or at times, their lives.

High-mile drivers adhere to many sound driving principles to stay accident-free. What is good for them is good for everyone, and even if you cover minimal miles annually, the mentality of a professional driver is still warranted.

The DriveCam Website lists some tips for fleet drivers to remember while in their family cars:

“Remember your priorities. While driving, your greatest act of love for your children is to focus on driving safely. Problems in the back seat such as a dropped toy, fighting amongst children or a child wanting a snack must be ignored while you are behind the wheel.

“Seatbelts. You wear one at work. Set the example at home and wear yours every time you are in the car.

“Don’t look back at your children (or passengers) while driving. A common cry from young children is, “Mom look!” Children frequently want you to look back at them so they can show you something. NEVER DO THIS. This could be exactly the moment something has changed ahead.

“Stay off the cell phone. Every study to date has found that the use of a cell phone behind the wheel — whether used during work or after-work hours — reduces driver awareness and increases risk.

“Use common sense safe driving principles. Space is the most important of these and always the starting point for any safe driving efforts. Space provides margin for error … whether it’s a driving error or an internal distraction. And remember, the way you drive now will influence how your children will drive when they grow up.

Now I see a recurring theme: space. Whether it’s J.M. in his commercial rig, you in your family car, me on my motorcycle, or dozens of drivers sliding on winter’s ice, the chances of our having trouble increase with lack of space. Maintaining proper following distances, while observing a space cushion all around you, allows you the time needed to react to potential hazards.

Please don’t succumb to distraction, indifference, or non-vigilant driving. At times, driving may seem uneventful, and at these times we may revert to lax operators. If your discipline slips behind the wheel, snap out of it, since emergencies pop up with little warning. Reacting well to these emergencies requires your full-time attention, and accident avoidance may be the pleasant payoff.

Thanks, readers, for your input — keep those cards and letters coming.