Final answer:
To lessen chances of a crash while driving, it is recommended to scan your path of travel 10-15 seconds ahead in urban areas and 20-30 seconds on highways.
Step-by-step explanation:
To lessen your chances of a crash, you should scan your path of travel seconds ahead. This practice is important as it helps the driver anticipate potential hazards and adjust their driving accordingly. It's a defensive driving technique where you observe the road, other vehicles, and possible obstructions well in advance to maintain safety. Identifying risks early gives you more time to react and is especially critical in poor visibility. While there is no hard and fast rule for the exact number of seconds, experts often recommend scanning 10-15 seconds ahead in urban areas, and up to 20-30 seconds on highways.
By constantly scanning ahead, a driver can avoid sudden stops or quick lane changes, which can lead to accidents. This tactic is part of a larger set of skills known as situational awareness, which is the ability to be aware of what is happening around you and understand how information, events, and your actions will impact your goals and objectives, most immediately in terms of safety on the road.
Moreover, situational awareness extends to planning your route and departure time, being aware of the Doppler shift in traffic (which affects how you perceive the speed of approaching vehicles through changes in sound frequency), and understanding variable speeds in different driving conditions.