Tips for the new driver

Hi, I recently came a cross tips to safety my company talks about and wish to post it here.

1. One car space at red lights--- allows the car to move back or you to move forward to avoid accidents
2. Look twice before crossing intersection. Swivelhead twice to take in a panoramic view of whats going on
3. Three second pause before entering intersection which turns from red to green. although I don't physically count. I do not even let go of my clutch until the light turns green. The first in and the last out are the most dangerous places at an intersection.
4. Four second lead time. Don't tail gate. especially when loaded, wet, snowy or dark. Increase it to six seconds
5. five second mirror check, Manage your space. watch your rear. You're dragging 53 feet or more behind ya for cripes sake!
6. Scan, Identify and eXecute if necessary. Always look for hazards (potential stupid drivers and pedestrians) that may turn into emergencies
7. Can't remember number seven. Have to get back to you on that one

8. 8 second lead time. eyes are scanning at least eight seconds ahead of your truck taking in as much as you can.
9. 99% rule. 99% of all accidents happen while backing. Get Out And Look (G.O.A.L.) pride comes before the fall.
10. Pay AtTENtion. No cell phones, computers, invoices, drinks, Food etc while driving.

 

7. Stale Green Lights! That was number seven. Any green you see is pretty much a stale green except for one that changed to green right in front of you. Slow down. Lift and cover the break to reduce reaction time, When you hit the solid white lines before the intersection AND are going the speed limit. Proceed with caution. If going slower than the speed limit. Wait a little bit more before proceeding. I assume most green lights are stale. Also because you lift the foot off the accelerator you start to decelerate already and your load will have less chance of shifting or sloshing as you brake if it does turn yellow. But once you commit, Don't reverse your decision, Pedal to the metal at yellow AND well into the solid whites, Just before the stop bar is usually when I hit it. You got five seconds to cross. But at the same time you still have to look twice Rule number two. which has priority

This is the most Scary time driving in the city, Some of the crossing signals have timers which help a lot.