Another collision on Nova Scotia's highways has claimed the lives of three people. I have yet to hear the details but I suspect that other than the names, ages and gender of the victims the story will be the same. A car crossed the centre line and struck an oncoming vehicle.
Nova Scotia's 100 series highways claim lives on an alarmingly regular basis. And even though Nova Scotia has less deaths and collisions than other provinces it doesn't mean that more can't be done to prevent collisions on our undivided highways.
The pictures of the collision indicate that it occurred on a curve in the highway. Chapter two of the Nova Scotia driver's handbook clearly explains the proper way to handle curves in the roadway.
"Stay on your side of the road and drive as far to the right as you can for curves to the right, and in the middle of your lane for curves to the left."
(2001) Nova Scotia Driver's Handbook, p.52. Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.
As a driving instructor I emphasize this point to all my students. Failure to follow this rule can result in tragedy. It only takes one moment of inattention to fall victim to a driver coming over the yellow line.
There is no shortage of bad examples when I take my students out on the roads. Every curve we come to there are drivers with poor lane position. Those curving left hugging or over the centre line and those curving to the right allowing their car to swing out from the right side of the road close to the yellow line.
When these two types of drivers arrive at the same curve at the same time the potential for a collision is great. One moment of inattention on either drivers part can result in a collision.
Contrary to popular belief collision avoidance does not refer to the act of swerving suddenly or braking hard to avoid an imminent collision. Collision avoidance means driving in a manner that reduces the likelihood of a collision.
Maintaining proper lane position is one thing we can do to reduce our chance of being involved in a fatal collision.
PS The rules at crosswalks have changed in Nova Scotia as of June 1st 2008. Follow the links below for the new rules.
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