Many qualified drivers see driving as an easy task and have few worries about it. However, a good driver is ready for every eventuality. There are more hazards than ever on the road these days, with the potential for accidents at an all-time high. Now more than ever, it is essential to adopt a "defensive posture" every time you get behind the wheel of your Porsche
Here is list of the most common roadway hazards encountered in Central Florida and some tips on how to avoid them.
Large Trucks
Central Florida is the crossroads of our state, containing the ever-busy I-4 corridor which means a steady flow of large trucks. When a truck is merging into traffic, it needs more time to accelerate and reach normal speed than a car needs. Be prepared to slow down to allow the truck to merge safely. If you are behind a truck, allow for several car lengths between it and you. Also, be sure to stay out of its blind spots to the sides and rear. If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, the truck driver cannot see you.
When you meet a truck coming from the opposite direction, keep as far as possible to the side to avoid a sideswipe accident and to reduce the wind turbulence between the two vehicles.
Truck drivers sometimes need to swing wide to the left to safely make a right turn. Give them plenty of room, and don't cut in between them and the curb or shoulder to the right. The best thing you can do in general when you see a truck is to stay away from it.
Motorcycles
Motorcyclists have exactly the same rights as any other vehicle but are especially vulnerable in a collision. As they are sometimes difficult to see and can move out of a car's blind spot quickly and unexpectedly, keep an eye out for motorcyclists, especially when passing other vehicles. Additionally, the rate of alcohol involvement was more than 50 percent higher for motorcyclists than for vehicle drivers - more reasons to give them extra room and consideration.
Pedestrians
A recent AAAFTS study tried to find out why an average of 610 pedestrians are killed on US Interstate highways each year. Nearly a third of the crashes in the sample involved "unintended pedestrians:" people walking on the shoulder, pushing or working on a vehicle, or involved in a previous crash.
Another forty percent involved pedestrians crossing or entering a lane of traffic. 75% of Interstate pedestrian fatalities occur after dark and 50% occur in unlighted conditions. An extra bit of caution can help you avoid hitting a pedestrian and all the unpleasant resulting consequences. Resist the temptation to explore the full performance capabilities of your Porsche in areas likely to contain pedestrian traffic. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy your Porsche when pedestrians are present, like watching heads turn when you drive by.
Small Animals
If you think you are going to hit a small animal, it's better to brake than to swerve to avoid it. Swerving can result in a worse collision with a tree or an oncoming vehicle. The brakes on your Porsche are some of best in the world. They can handle it.
Sport Utility Vehicles
Most sport utility vehicles are larger and heavier than the other vehicles on the road, therefore they can have devastating effects against anything with which they collide. One particular danger presented by SUVs to Porsche models like the 911 and Boxster are their higher bumpers, which miss the other vehicle's bumper in a collision and instead collide with the engine or even the passenger compartment itself. The best defense against a potential SUV collision? Keep your distance!
Work Zone Hazards
More than 8,000 fatalities have occurred in roadwork zones over the last ten years. Most of those fatalities were drivers of the vehicles involved rather than the workers themselves. Since there are numerous ongoing major infrastructure projects in the Orlando area, including the I-4 Ultimate, you should use extra caution when driving in this area. Most of these sites will be under construction for quite some time, like the I-4 Ultimate, which will be complete in 2021. Here are some precautions you can take when approaching roadwork:
Drive within the posted speed limits.
Dedicate full attention to the roadway.
Disengage from distracting activities, such as changing radio stations and especially using mobile phones.
Pay close attention to merge signs and flaggers, and don't change lanes within the work zone.
Watch out not only for workers in the zone, but also their equipment.
Turn on the vehicle headlights to become more conspicuous to workers and other motorists.
Remember that you are driving one of the most powerful high performance luxury automobiles ever made and that with great power comes great responsibility. Enjoy everything your Porsche has to offer in a safe and responsible manner for your sake and that of those around you.