The 2nd "Key" to the Smith System is to "Get The Big Picture".
This simply means to be aware of everything in your "driving picture". Look out for hazards and try not to focus on insignificant objects.
- While scanning ahead, do not forget the sides and rear.
- Consistently update your information.
- Check at least one of your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds.
- Do not focus attention on insignificant objects.
- Stay alert to the relevant information that can assist you in making well-informed decisions.
- Eliminate visual barriers by establishing proper following distance.
- Stay far enough behind other vehicles to obtain the visibility necessary to make your own decisions.
2. Get the Big Picture
To "get the big picture", you should aim to keep a 7-second minimum following distance: Select a fixed object ahead and count “1,001, 1,002, 1,003,” etc., until you reach that landmark.
That is your following distance!
Scan mirrors every 5–8 seconds — at highway speeds, the landscape of traffic and terrain changes quickly.
Of course, you should increase your following distances in adverse road conditions, like rainy or snowy weather.
Don’t be caught off guard; scan those mirrors!