Safe Driving Advice from Massachusetts Traffic Safety Coalition

Scanning the road ahead prepares you for hazards in advance. Try to avoid only staring at the pavement directly in front of your vehicle when traveling. Instead, spend more time focused 10-15 seconds down the road and let your peripheral vision pick up any issues immediately in front of you. By focusing further ahead you give yourself an opportunity to react to future emergencies like disabled cars, sudden braking ahead or even a pedestrian about to approach a crosswalk.

It may feel natural to want to focus on what is immediately in front of you, but it’s far safer to keep your eyes on what lies ahead. At 50 MPH you should try to scan ½ mile to a full mile down the road. This will alert you of upcoming issues and help your navigate safely before it’s too late for you to react. With practice, it will be easier and will keep you and your passengers much safer in the process. #MARoadSafety

Source: Massachusetts Road Safety