Report Number: 09-0000082
Report Date: 01/28/2009
Event Description
I was driving the engine when the near miss occurred. The event was downtown and in an area that I was unfamiliar with and had never driven the engine through. I was unsure of where I was going and was getting directions from my captain. It was foggy, wet and in the peak of morning traffic. I merged onto a bridge crossing a river and did not realize two other roads merged onto the same bridge. As my lane ended and I began to merge to the right. I noticed a car directly beside me in my mirror. If I had not been paying attention, I would have sideswiped the car and could have caused a major accident.
Lesson Learned
After driving for four years, I know my district like the back of my hand. This contributed to me becoming complacent and also helped hide how complacent I really was. However, driving in a new environment caused my guard to be down. I made a mistake which almost caused an accident.
To view the whole report