Traffic insight and spotting hazards
Verkeersinzicht en gevaar herkennen · 13 min
In the animation questions you see a situation from the car and choose: brake, release the accelerator or do nothing. Here you learn how to decide quickly and well.
Brake, release the accelerator or nothing?
- Brake: there is a hazard close by and you must slow down or stop now, for example someone steps into the road just ahead.
- Release the accelerator: a hazard *could* develop, but it is not close yet. You get ready to brake.
- Nothing: there is no hazard, or the hazard has already passed.
Keep asking yourself: how far away is it, and how fast could it get into my path?
Parked cars and children
Someone may step into the road between parked cars, or a door may open. If a ball rolls into the street, expect a child to run after it.
Near schools and playgrounds you drive more slowly and keep your foot near the brake.
Blind spot of trucks
A truck driver can hardly see anything to the right of and just in front of the cab. When a truck turns right, the driver may miss a cyclist or a small car next to it.
So do not stay to the right of a turning truck, and keep your distance.
Keeping your distance
In dry weather keep at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front. Count from the moment the car in front passes a fixed point: 'one thousand and one, one thousand and two'.
In rain, snow or fog keep more distance, because your braking distance gets longer.
Reaction distance and braking distance
Your stopping distance has two parts:
- Reaction distance: the distance you travel before you start braking. At 50 km/h with a 1-second reaction time that is about 14 metres.
- Braking distance: the distance while braking. If you drive twice as fast, your braking distance becomes about four times as long.
Tiredness, alcohol and your phone make your reaction time longer.
Fog, rain and tiredness
Choose your speed so that you can stop within the distance you can see to be clear. So in fog you drive slowly, even on the motorway.
If you notice you are getting tired, stop at the next opportunity and take a break. Opening a window or loud music does not really help.
Looking well
Look far ahead, not just at the car in front. Check your mirrors regularly.
At a junction look in all directions, with extra attention to the side where traffic with priority comes from. When turning and changing lanes, also look over your shoulder into the blind spot.
Vulnerable road users
Pedestrians, cyclists, children and elderly people are the most vulnerable. They sometimes move unexpectedly.
- Give cyclists plenty of room when you overtake.
- A cyclist who looks back or sticks out an arm will probably turn or move out.
- Elderly people often need more time to cross.
Schools and children
Near a school (sign with children) expect children to cross suddenly, especially at the start and end of the school day.
A school crossing patrol (verkeersbrigadier) may stop traffic at a crossing. You must obey their signal.
Driving in the dark
In the dark you see less far. Drive so that you can stop within the distance your lights show.
Are you dazzled by an oncoming vehicle? Then look at the right-hand edge of the road and slow down if needed. Pedestrians and cyclists in dark clothes are seen late.
Distraction and tiredness
Looking away for a few seconds is enough for a crash: at 50 km/h you drive almost 28 metres 'blind' in 2 seconds.
- Set your navigation before you leave.
- Phone away: you may not hold it while driving.
- Tired? Stop and take a break. Coffee or an open window do not solve tiredness.
Alcohol, drugs and reaction time
Alcohol, drugs and some medicines make you slower and often overconfident. You see danger later and judge distances worse.
Only time removes alcohol from your body. Coffee, food or fresh air do not help.
Side wind, trucks and buses
In strong side wind (sign with a windsock) your car can be pushed sideways, especially on bridges and at gaps between buildings or trees. Hold the steering wheel firmly.
Trucks and buses have a large blind spot and a long braking distance. Do not stay next to them or right behind them.
Economical, calm driving
Economical driving is also safe driving:
- Look ahead: release the accelerator early instead of braking hard.
- Shift up early and drive in a high gear.
- Tyres at the correct pressure.
- No unnecessary load or roof box.