You should reduce speed in the city for the following reasons:
Allows for more time to see details and identify their meaning.
Allows for more time to analyze information and predict what might happen.
Allows for more reaction time to decide what to do.
Allows for additional time to execute decisions or avoid dangerous situations.
You should look ahead of your vehicle about two blocks, which in the city is approximately 10 to 15 seconds of travel time. This way, you will have enough time to predict and respond to events that are happening further along down the road.
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Preview Look Ahead for Traffic Hazards
Do not simply stare straight ahead. Constantly scan the roadway from side to side in order to see obstacles or wrecks ahead of time. Stalled vehicles, hidden driveways, other vehicles, children, and closed lanes are just some of the problems you may encounter while driving in the city.
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Preview Leave Enough Distance to Maneuver
Create a space cushion around your vehicle as you drive, and maintain at least a 3-second following distance (4-seconds if there are adverse traffic or weather conditions present; see Chapter 3 for additional information on following distance). This will give you the extra space you need to maneuver or stop.
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Preview Signal Lights
When you come to a signal light in the city, you should:
Look ahead for traffic hazards.
Leave enough distance to maneuver.
Check for stale green lights (lights that have been green for a long period of time).
Since there are many controlled intersections in the city, always stay alert for unexpected traffic lights. You don't want to run a light, exposing yourself and others to a collision.