Episode 184 - Hydroplaning, Pothole Detector, and Zoning Out Behind the Wheel

Executive Protection and Secure Transportation Podcast

Hydroplaning

In the aftermath of Henri here in New England, I thought I'd lead off with the topic of Hydroplaning and the role tires play. Hydroplaning happens when one or more tires are lifted from the road by a wedge of water that gets trapped in front of and under a tire as the vehicle drives through the water. Hydroplaning most frequently occurs during heavy rainstorms when water creates puddles on the highway. In addition to the accompanying splash and scaring the heck out of the driver, hydroplaning typically causes the steering wheel to jerk.

In addition to hydroplaning, drivers need to be extra careful during heavy rains and tropical storms, be wary of potential deep standing water and other road hazards.

Mercedes' launches Pothole Speed Bump detection in select models

Pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion per year, according to a study from the AAA. Some of the more common damage is a flat tire, bent or damaged rims, suspension damage, steering damage, and even damage to the car's body. Potholes can even knock your car out of alignment.

Clearly, potholes are more than just a pain in the neck — they are a real safety hazard for drivers. According to Pothole.info, out of approximately 33,000 traffic fatalities each year, one-third involve poor road conditions. Now Mercedes-Benz is doing something to help alleviate both the dangers and the cost of damage caused by potholes.

Vehicle Crashes Remain Leading Employee Death Cause

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 38% of workplace fatalities are from vehicle accidents, and total motor-vehicle injury costs were estimated at $463.0 billion. Costs include wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, motor-vehicle property damage, and employer costs.

Even though traffic volume decreased significantly in 2020, our roadways have been deadlier. Last year 42,060 people died in crash-related incidents—the highest in 13 years. These highway fatalities represent a 24 percent spike compared to 2019, which was the highest fatality rate in 96 years since 1924.

The fact is that the time an executive spends in their vehicle is without a doubt the highest risk period of their day. From a safety standpoint, this is borne out by the latest statistics on fatal vehicle crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

It is important express that a Security Driver is also trained to supply safe driving. At times the Principal may not understand the secure driving is also safe driving. A good security driver operating the vehicle proactively can prevent accidents.

The safety and security of the vehicle occupants during this most dangerous period of time has been and is the responsibility of the security driver.

Are You Zoning out Behind the Wheel?

A great article on the Axiom website about the Safety Systems in Vehicles: as a Security Driver or supplier of Secure Transportation, you are aware of how many driving tasks are now automated — speed control, braking, lane-keeping, and even changing lanes. It seems never-ending. Carmakers keep adding more automated features in the name of safety. But now, the government wants to find out if assisted-driving technology itself is dangerous by making it too easy for people to misuse. The more sophisticated the assisted-driving system, the more complacent drivers can become, abdicating their own responsibility for operating the car. This can lead to avoidable crashes and dangerous incidents that undermine public confidence in automated driving. Even with the latest technology, drivers still need to watch where they're going and be prepared to take the wheel; fully autonomous vehicles are years from widespread deployment.