360 Degree Vision: Mastering Situational Awareness for Safe Driving
In addition to seeing ahead and around themselves, they must also know what is happening behind them.
It would generally help if the driver looked at the mirrors and blind spots every 5 or 6 seconds. Scanning their area will help keep them updated on the changing surroundings and accommodate them accordingly. This knowledge will help the driver prepare to handle any situation.
360-degree vision, or situational awareness, means being aware of your surroundings, including what is in front of you, behind you, and to the sides. Drivers should have a 360-degree vision to help identify potential hazards and avoid accidents.
To ensure that they are practicing 360-degree vision while driving, students can:
Check all mirrors: If available, regularly check the rearview mirror, side mirrors, and blind spot mirrors.
Look over shoulders: When changing lanes, merging, or turning, glance over both shoulders to check for potential hazards.
Scan the environment: Continuously scan the road ahead, to the sides, and behind for potential hazards. This can help drivers anticipate and react to hazards.
Limit distractions: Avoiding distractions, such as using mobile phones, eating, or applying makeup, can help drivers focus on their surroundings.
Use the two-second rule: Maintain a safe following distance of at least two seconds to give yourself enough time to react to any hazards.
By incorporating these habits into their driving routine, students can improve their situational awareness and better identify and respond to potential hazards on the road.