There’s a time in our youth when we learn a hard truth about our mothers: they have two sets of eyes. Even if you never found those extra peepers in the back of her head, she always seemed to know what happened at school, where you misplaced your coat, and whether you actually stayed overnight at your best friend’s house. Moms have unrivaled 360-degree situational awareness. As we celebrate mothers this weekend, how could we be better drivers if we were more like mom?
Good situational awareness happens when we’re aware of everything occurring around us on the roadway and, like mom, using all the intelligence we see and hear to anticipate what may happen next:
- Scan your surroundings:
- Scan left to right across your field of vision every few seconds, checking your mirrors regularly, and looking for potential hazards and approaching vehicles.
- Pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and any objects on the road.
- Eliminate distractions:
- Put away your phone, avoid eating/drinking, and limit conversations with passengers.
- Emotions, stress, and fatigue can reduce situational awareness.
- Maintain safe speeds and following distances:
- Slow down and create a safe gap that allows you high reaction time in any situation.
- Check your blind spots:
- Look over your shoulder for nearby vehicles before changing lanes or merging.
- Be a defensive driver:
- Be aware of other drivers' behavior and anticipate their actions.
- Be ready to slow down, stop, or change lanes if necessary.
In 2025, in Iowa, 75 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of six since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 356 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, visit the daily fatality report.