Spotting Hazards and Avoiding Conflict

Understanding Hazards, Emergencies, and Roadway Conditions

A hazard is any road condition or other road user, such as a driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian, that presents a possible danger. Spotting a hazard early gives you the vital time needed to check your mirrors, signal, slow down, or plan an escape route. In contrast, when an unexpected event forces an immediate reaction, such as a car cutting directly in front of you, it is no longer just a hazard; it is an active emergency.

Roadway characteristics frequently create hidden hazards. Sharp pavement drop-offs can tilt a commercial vehicle toward the roadside, potentially causing the top of the vehicle to strike overhead signs or tree limbs. These drop-offs also make steering difficult when crossing them, whether you are slipping off the road or attempting to steer back on. Additionally, foreign objects on the road surface can puncture tires, bend wheel rims, damage electrical or brake lines, or wedge between dual tires. Even seemingly harmless items like cardboard boxes or paper or cloth sacks may conceal solid, heavy materials that can inflict severe damage.

Ramps and roadside zones demand extra caution. Posted speed limits on exit and entrance ramps may be safe for passenger cars but unsafe for large or heavily loaded commercial motor vehicles. Exits that curve while going downhill are especially dangerous because the downgrade makes it harder to reduce speed, and braking and turning at the same time can be dangerous. Slow down sufficiently before reaching the curved section. When approaching roadside work zones or stopped authorized emergency vehicles, slow down and move into a lane not next to them if safety and traffic conditions permit. If changing lanes is unsafe, reduce your speed to what is safe for conditions and proceed with caution. In work zones, use your four-way flashers or brake lights to warn drivers behind you.