Eye Contact is IMPORTANT!
It is a fact that up to 95% of communication between humans is non-verbal, during eye contact, or otherwise. You know? The fact that you look at your partner and you can “see” he’s upset. How would you imagine you’re able to do that, if not for his non-verbal cues of body language?
It’s important to realise that the exact same thing applies on the road as well. Yes, I know vehicles are equipped with indicators, head lights and tail lights….but that’s just the first-line indication of a more intricate communication system at work.
Now take an intersection, for example. When your Path of Travel (POT) is straight and another vehicle is waiting to turn across your path, it is imperative that you make eye contact with that driver to see whether he noticed you. Why? The simple fact of the matter is that the sooner you pick up on his non-verbal cues, the better you can react and also the more time you’ll have to react, should it come to that.
Yes, I know there are rules that apply to everyone and the rule says he can’t cross your path just when he feels like it…BUT can you take that chance; can you really blindly rely on the rules? As you get closer and see the guy’s arguing with his girlfriend in the car, chances are he’s distrated enough to cause a problem for you. Will he, in fact, wait his turn? Is he patient enough? Is he also looking at other factors to base his judgement on?
If there is a reasonably big gap of space before you reach the intersection, consider that guy taking the gap. Trust me! Until the very last second you should have your eyes glued on his to constantly gauge his possible last move. You may have noticed that at the very last second, drivers pull away and leave oncoming traffic very little reaction time.
You would be in a much better position – because you’ll expect him to actually cut in front of you and you would be prepared in the event that he does. When this doesn’t happen…BONUS!!!
Better safe than sorry has never been a more apt expression!
