Question:

What are some important key words we should always keep in mind when we drive?

Answer:

We have already covered the words RESPONSIBLE and RISK in the last two months and this month we will cover another very important word, or two words, that will help keep drivers and those around them safe – COMMON SENSE!

COMMON SENSE

What is common sense?  The actual definition of common sense is:

            Good sense and sounds judgement in practical matters.

Common sense does not require specialized training or education, it simply means using your sound judgement and good sense and applying it to situations you come across in life, including while on the road.  You’ve probably heard people say “common sense is not that common anymore” which indicates that people are feeling that not everyone is remembering to use their good judgement and sense in their every day lives.We all need to ensure we are using our common sense, especially on the road.

Why is common sense so important for drivers?  The short answer is, to keep you and others on the road safe!  Using common sense while driving will help you avoid dangerous situations.  Just because someone has their license does not mean they have common sense.  I have heard numerous horror stories and have seen many drivers over the years that are not using any common sense when behind the wheel.  This puts everyone on the road at risk!

An example of not using your common sense while driving is one I see all too often, vehicles passing cyclists in an unsafe manner.  If you are approaching a cyclist and there is traffic coming toward you – DON’T PASS!!  Many drivers feel they are in a rush and forget to use their common sense and still pass!!  This puts the cyclist at great risk – failing to give them the required 1 meter of space when passing could cause the cyclist to crash.  You could clip them with your vehicle, or they could lose control and go off the road, or even into your lane and your vehicle.  Use your COMMON SENSE and wait for oncoming traffic to clear so you can make a wide, safe pass, giving the cyclist plenty of room.

So often it is COMMON SENSE in driving that will help you avoid unsafe actions and therefore unsafe situations!!  It is part of your RESPONSIBILITY as a driver to avoid taking a RISK by using your COMMON SENSE when driving!

Use your common sense EVERY TIME you get behind the wheel!

Stay smart – stay safe!