DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Introduction

Many of us have actually been involved in some type of

accident. Most of the time, we feel it is the other driver's
fault.

Most drivers believe they are better-than-average but there

is room for improvement in all of us.
Course Objectives

This course is designed to help you,

an experienced driver, recognize the
need for improvement.

In the following pages, you will learn

about:

• Attitudes and Driving

• Driving Rules
• Accident Prevention
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Attitudes and Driving

Safe drivers:

• Have a positive attitude

• Drive defensively
• Drive decisively
• Drive dependably
Recognize that attitudes change due to surrounding
circumstances and therefore can affect your driving.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Attitudes and Driving – Preventing Road Rage

• Avoid cutting people off.

• Don’t tailgate or follow closely.
• Don’t make obscene/questionable gestures.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Don’t start a fight – give angry drivers lots of room.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes
Attitudes and Driving

Attitude: Road Rage

To deal with road rage situations:

• Put distance between you and the "rager"

• Don’t offend, don’t engage
• Do not try to "get even" or "teach them a lesson"
• Ignore the person causing the problem
• Drive to a public area
• Do not drive home
• Call the police
 Defensive Driving Attitudes
Attitudes and Driving

Attitude: Road Rage

After an incident, allow yourself to calm down:

• Take deep breaths

• Listen to your radio, and

• If necessary, pull to the side of the road for a few minutes -

make sure the perpetrator has moved on before pulling over
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Defensive Driving Attitude

A defensive driver takes every reasonable precaution to prevent

traffic accidents, over and above what the law requires.

To become a defensive driver, "yield" rather than "take" the right-

of-way.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Defensive Driving Attitude

Adjust your behavior to handle:

• Unexpected actions by other drivers and pedestrians

• Unpredictable and continually changing factors of light, weather,

road and traffic conditions

• How you feel

• Be dedicated to error-free driving

 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Decisive Driving
Before you start each day, perform a
simple pre-trip inspection including the
following:

• Brakes
• Steering
• Tires
• Lights, signals and suspension
• Mirrors and wipers
• Horn
• Safety belts and other devices
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Decisive Driving: Safe Practices

Remember the following:

• Don't rely on another vehicle's signal
lights alone. Confirm the driver's intention
before you move into his or her path.

• Obey traffic laws--

 Halt completely at stop signs

 At controlled intersections, yield to the
vehicle on your right if both of you arrive at
the same time
 Drive within the speed limit
 Use your signals before initiating a turn
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Decisive Driving: Safe Practices

Remember the following:

1. Do not assume that everyone knows how

to drive in inclement weather.

2. Do not drink and drive.

3. Don't hurry, be a courteous &

considerate driver.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Decisive Driving: Check It Out

All three vehicles have:
• Crossed the white painted stop-line
• Poor lane positions
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Dependable Driving
Your senses play an important role in being a
dependable driver:
•Sight - your vision decreases as speed
increases, so make sure to obey all speed
limits and keep alert, also by watching for
turn signals and brake lights.

•Feelings - can warn us of a deficiency in

some area of driving, for instance you are
cornering too fast or have already started to
skid.

•Hearing - communicate with other drivers

by using your horn and realize they will do
the same.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Dependable Driving: Check It Out

• Vehicles with adequate space for 25-30 mph

on a rainy day
• Vehicles with not enough space for the
weather
• Headlights are on during periods of reduced
visibility

Two Guidelines:
1.Whenever windshield wipers are turned on,
and
2.When 10% of all traffic has lights on
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Three Rules of Night Time Driving and Driving at Dawn

• Be visible - help other drivers see your

vehicle.

• Be courteous - recognize that oncoming

headlights can temporarily 'blind' you for 3
to 8 seconds.

• Be cautious - keep the outside and inside

of your windshield clean to minimize glare.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Common Driving Distractions

Some common distractions include:

• Looking at a scenery
• Looking for route signs
• Unfamiliar situations such as, staring at an
auto accident
• Problems inside the vehicle such as, using
a car phone
• Lighting a cigarette
• A bee in the car
• Recognizing someone you know
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Driving Distractions: Calculating the

Distance
Suppose a person is driving a car at 55 mph (80.67
feet/second) during the day on a dry, level road.

He sees a pedestrian and applies the brakes.

What is the shortest stopping distance than can

reasonably be expected?

Reaction time is 1.5 seconds.

The distance the car will travel before brakes are applied = 120.9 ft
Stopping time once the brakes engage = 134.4 ft.
Total Stopping Distance = 120.9 ft + 134.4 ft = 255.3 ft
Reaction time is greatly affected by the alertness of the driver.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Faster Speeds

Faster speeds increase:

• Accidents
• Accident severity
• Fuel consumption
• Maintenance cost

Adjust your speed to the driving conditions and not to the

speed limit.

This is especially true for expressway ramps and curves, where

posted "recommended" limits are developed for cars traveling
in ideal conditions.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Seat Belts

Seat belts:
• Reduce serious and fatal injuries by 60%

• Keep you inside the vehicle where your

chances of survival are 25 times as great
as if you were thrown from the vehicle

• Enhance your chances of survival

• Just as important to wear around town

 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Rural Driving

Extra care should be used at rural intersections.

When you approach a rural intersection:

• Stop
• Look left
• Then look right, check left again
• If clear, proceed

While driving in the country, look as far ahead

as you can see. Look to the next curve or at
least one mile in the open country.
 Defensive Driving Attitudes

Summary

Safe driving involves:

• Making correct decisions based on

defensive driving techniques
employed in a dependable manner.

Good driving demands:

• You have the proper attitude and concentration on

the driving task to prevent you from being distracted
or lulled into a false sense of security.

Maintain a positive attitude!

 Defensive Driving Tips

Setting Up

Adjust your seat so your arms are slightly bent at the elbows when
gripping the wheel.

Keep your hands at the ten o’clock and two o’clock or nine o’clock
and three o’clock positions on the steering wheel.

Hold the wheel tightly enough so your palms do not slip off.

Adjust side mirrors so you can either see the door handles or angled
away to cover blind spots.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Adjusting Side Mirrors for Blind Spots

Park car and have someone walk in both left and right blind spots.

Set mirrors so person is in view.

Check mirrors to see which areas remain invisible.

Re-adjust and check again.

 Defensive Driving tips

Safe Driving Tips - Merging

Merging requires attention to many different factors.

Traffic moving at posted speeds = use the acceleration lane to speed

up and match traffic flow.

Use your signal and look for an opening where you can smoothly
ease into traffic.

If traffic is congested and moving slowly, proceed down the ramp

slowly and look for an opening.

Try to avoid stopping at the bottom of the ramp because it can

disrupt traffic flow.
 Defensive Driving tips

Safe Driving Tips - Intersections

Do not closely follow a large vehicle through an intersection with

stoplights. You can’t see if the light has changed.

Leave enough space so you have a clear view of everything before

proceeding.

When making a left turn, slow down and yield if there is not a green
arrow giving you the right-of-way.

Don’t turn your wheels until you’re ready to move (if your vehicle is
hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic).
 Defensive Driving tips

Safe Driving Tips - Four-Way Stop

First car to arrive at an intersection with a four-way stop (whether

sign or traffic light) should be first to go.

When it's unclear which vehicle arrived first, general rule is driver to
the right has the right-of-way.

Don’t count on other drivers; proceed with caution.

 Defensive Driving tips

Vehicle Maintenance

Neglecting maintenance can cause crashes.

Monitor condition of and air pressure in your tires. Not doing so could
cause blowout or a flat.

Change wiper blades regularly.

Check your owner's manual for a

maintenance schedule, and stick to
it.
 Defensive Driving tips

Vehicle Maintenance - Tires

Check tire pressure regularly, including the spare (at least once a
month).

Inspect tires for:

• Uneven wear patterns

• Cracks
• Foreign objects
• Other signs of wear

Ensure tire valves have valve caps.

 Defensive Driving tips

Vehicle Maintenance - Tires

Check tire pressure before a long trip.

Do not overload vehicle – check tire info placard for maximum

recommended load.

If towing a trailer, remember that some weight of loaded trailer is

transferred to vehicle.

Try not to strike curb when parking.

 Defensive Driving tips

Flat Tire/Blowout - Highway

At the first sign of trouble:

•Firmly grip the steering wheel

•Do not slam on brakes
•Take foot off the gas pedal
•Work vehicle toward the shoulder or exit
•If changing lanes, use turn signals
•Steer as vehicle slows down
 Defensive Driving tips

Flat Tire/Blowout - Highway

At the first sign of trouble:

•Once off road, place reflective triangles

•Keep emergency flashers on
•Change tire, if you know how
•Keep away from traffic
•Call for professional help, if necessary
•Do not stand behind or next to vehicle
 Defensive Driving Tips

Safe Driving Skills

• Keep your eyes constantly moving:

- Look up and down the road
- Look to the sides of the road
- Look into the rear view mirror
• Always leave yourself an out:
- Try to find a place to head if a crash occurs
- Think about other drivers’ blind spots
• Don’t linger while passing.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Safe Driving Skills

• Don’t follow too closely (“tailgate”).

• Avoid “packs” of vehicles.
• Ensure other drivers see you – keep headlights on both day and
night.
• Always use turn signals well ahead of time.
• Never assume what other drivers will do.
• Maintain an average speed on highways; going too fast or too slow
creates a hazard.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Safe Driving Skills

• Use average traffic speed when merging.

• Think ahead – avoid making sudden movements when
exiting highways.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Keep your eyes on the road, not on a cell phone or music
device.
• Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
• Scan the road ahead for animals.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Stopping on Highways

• Don’t be a stationary object or semi-stationary obstacle.

• Stopping at the end of an entrance ramp is dangerous; learn

to time a safe merge.

• Avoid stopping on the shoulder of road; exit highway before

stopping, if possible.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Driving sleepy is driving impaired!

• Reaction time and vision deteriorate

when you are tired.

• Pull over, take a short “cat nap” or just

close your eyes for a while.

• Sometimes taking a short walk will

work.
• Stop every two to three hours if driving
long distances.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Be familiar with your vehicle

• Know what every button, switch and lever does.

• Know where the oil, brake fluid, engine coolant and

window washer reservoirs are.

• Know how to fill those reservoirs.

• Know what every indicator light means.

• Know how to operate basic items, such as the defroster,

wipers, radio and headlights.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Driving at Night

• Traffic deaths are three times greater at night than during

the day (Source: National Safety Council).

• Prepare car for nighttime driving: clean headlights,

taillights, signal lights and windows (at least weekly).

• Have vehicle headlights properly aimed.

• Don’t drink and drive!

• Reduce speed and increase following distances.

 Defensive Driving Tips

Driving at Night

• Don’t overdrive headlights – should be able to stop inside

illuminated area.

• When following a vehicle, keep your headlights on low

beam.

• If oncoming vehicle doesn’t turn high beams down, look to

the right side of road.

• If tired, stop and rest.

• If you have car problems, pull to the side of the road and
place reflective devices; turn on emergency flashers.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes

• Winter driving = slippery roads, visibility issues, cold, etc.

• Spring = rain can cause slippery roads.

• Summer = high temperatures can cause vehicle problems;

there’s more traffic on roads.

• Fall = wet leaves on road can make it slippery.

• Daylight saving’s time = sun's position in sky changes

causing darkness and glare.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Rain

• Drive slowly and carefully – especially on curves.

• Steer and brake with a light touch.

• When slowing/stopping, do not brake hard or lock the

wheels – could cause skidding.

• Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

• Adjust your speed to the wet road conditions.

 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Skids

• Remain calm.

• Ease your foot off the gas.

• Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to

go (“steering into the skid”).

• If vehicle has ABS (anti-lock brakes), avoid slamming on

the brakes, brake firmly while steering into skid.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Hydroplaning

• Occurs when water in front of tires builds up faster than

vehicle’s weight can push it out of the way.

• Water pressure causes vehicle to rise up and slide on thin

layer of water between tires and road.

• Can cause skidding, drifting out of lane, leaving roadway.

• To avoid: keep tires properly inflated, maintain good tread,

slow down, avoid puddles.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Hydroplaning

• If hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly.

• Ease foot off gas until vehicle slows down and you can feel
the road again.

• If you need to brake, do so gently, with light pumping

actions.

• If vehicle has anti-lock brakes, brake normally.

 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Winter

• Ensure vehicle wiper blades are in good condition and

washer fluid is filled.
• Ensure vehicle battery is in good condition and
appropriately charged.
• Clear snow/ice from all windows, lights, hood, trunk and
top of vehicle before driving.
• Adjust your speed accordingly.
• Check tire pressure regularly.
• Dress warmly with layered clothing that is loose-fitting and
lightweight.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Stranded

If in vehicle and stranded due to road conditions:

•Stay in vehicle.
•Display trouble sign (ex: brightly-colored

cloth on antenna).
•Occasionally run engine with heater on to keep warm.
•Keep exhaust pipe free of snow and open window to avoid
carbon monoxide poisoning.
•Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Stranded

If in vehicle and stranded due to road conditions:

•Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.

•Clap hands and move arms and legs frequently.
•Try not to stay in one position for too long.
•Use newspapers, maps, mats, etc., for warmth.
•Avoid drinking fluids containing caffeine or alcohol: can
quicken effects of cold.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes - Stopping Distances and

Wet/Snowpack/Icy Roads

•Vehicle may travel 4x the stopping distance than on dry

road.
•Dry pavement vehicle traveling 70 mph requires 600 feet to
stop; wet road requires 800 feet.
•Snowpacked road requires approximately 1300 feet stopping
distance @ 70 mph.
•Icy road requires 2,500 feet @ 70 mph.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes – Winterizing Vehicles

•Ensure ice scraper and windshield de-icer are on board.

•Carry spare set of wiper blades.
•Carry kitty litter, oil dry or sand for traction.
•Carry blankets, flashlight, road flares.
•Have lock de-icer available.
 Defensive Driving Tips

Seasonal Changes – Winterizing Vehicles

•Get yourself and all others out of and

away from the vehicle.
•Move a safe distance from the vehicle
and call fire department.
•Do not stand near vehicle bumpers.
•Remain away from vehicle; do not attempt to get back into
burning vehicle.
•If trained, are comfortable and fire is small, use appropriate
fire extinguisher.
•If you suspect fire under hood or in trunk, do not open.
 Defensive Driving Tips

General

• Always use seatbelts!

• When backing up, use caution: if you have passenger, ask
them to get out and direct; if not, get out and check area
before backing.
• If vehicle is not operating properly, report and discontinue
use.
• Shut off motor and do not smoke or use cell phone while
refueling.
• Do not leave engine running in an unattended vehicle.
• Report all work accidents, no matter how minor, to your
supervisor.
 Defensive Driving Tips

General

• Always use seatbelts!

• When backing up, use caution: if you have passenger, ask
them to get out and direct; if not, get out and check area
before backing.
• If vehicle is not operating properly, report and discontinue
use.
• Shut off motor and do not smoke or use cell phone while
refueling.
• Do not leave engine running in an unattended vehicle.
• Report all work accidents, no matter how minor, to your
supervisor.
 Defensive Driving tips

Five Basic Driving Rules: Rule 1 – Look far ahead

• In the city – 1 block

• In the country – next curve or hill, as

far as you can see
 Defensive Driving tips

Five Basic Driving Rules: Rule 2 – Move eyes continuously

Since you can only see clearly with your central vision, it is
important to constantly shift your focus. Turn your head
when necessary-

• Every 2 seconds

• Don’t stare

 Scan front area

 Use mirrors
 Check the sides
 Defensive Driving tips

Five Basic Driving Rules: Rule 3 – Take in the whole picture

• Don’t forget:

 Side and rear view

 Use mirrors

• Be aware of:

 Intersections
 Alleyways
 Pedestrians
 Parked vehicles
 Defensive Driving tips

Five Basic Driving Rules: Rule 4 – Maintain adequate distance

Time intervals:
• Car/Van = 2 seconds

• Truck/Bus = 3 seconds

• Tractor trailer = 4 seconds

 Defensive Driving tips Driving Rules

Five Basic Driving Rules: Rule 5 - Communicate

• Turn signals

• Hand signals

• Friendly horn

• Eye contact

• Lane position
 Defensive Driving tips

Five Basic Driving Rules: Summary

1. Look far ahead

2. Move eyes continuously

3. Take in the whole picture

4. Maintain adequate distance

5. Communicate
 Defensive Driving tips

Slowing Down

The following steps will greatly reduce the likelihood of someone

rear-ending you:

• Slow down

• Signal early
 Defensive Driving tips

Summary

In this lesson, you’ve learned about the following five basic rules to
help in your driving experiences:

1. Look far ahead

2. Move eyes continuously

3. Take in the whole picture

4. Maintain adequate distance

5. Communicate
 Accident Prevention

Introduction

Chance does not alone determine the severity of an accident.

Every ‘close call’, every minor ‘fender bender’ should be

analyzed so that the error can be eliminated from future
driving. In this lesson, you will learn about accident
prevention.
 Accident Prevention

Standard Accident Prevention Formula

A standard accident prevention formula consists of these

three steps:
1. See the hazard

2. Understand the defensive driving steps

required

3. Act in time to prevent an accident

 Accident Prevention

Two-Vehicle Crash Positions

The four basic two-vehicle collision types

include:

• Intersection

• Rear end

• Passing

• Head-on
 Accident Prevention

Intersection Accidents

When approaching an intersection take the

following defensive steps:

1. Slow down and expect the unexpected

(take in the whole picture and move your
eyes continually).

2. Show your intentions by lane position and

signals (communicate).

3. Watch out for the other driver and yield

the right-of-way if necessary.
 Accident Prevention

Collision with Vehicle Ahead or Behind

The steps to protect yourself from this type of

collision are:

• Maintain an adequate space cushion

• Take in the whole picture – watch the cars far ahead for
turn signals, brake lights, drifting to the right or left

• Be far-sighted – look beyond vehicles directly ahead of you

to see what obstructions, traffic patterns or hazards might
make them alter their course or speed

• Initiate action - be decisive

 Accident Prevention

Backing Accidents

When backing your vehicle make sure to:

1. Entering to make sure there are no

hidden objects that might cause
problems

2. Back immediately after checking to

assure that conditions don't change

3. If you can position your vehicle to avoid

backing, this is the best approach
 Accident Prevention

Passing or Being Passed Accidents

Awareness of your environment is critical to the

safety in moving with traffic.

Follow safe vehicle passing procedures.

When you are following a slow moving vehicle,

your first step should be to ask yourself if the
pass is really necessary.

If you decide to pass a vehicle:

1. Take in the whole picture, make sure the road is clear and no
one else is starting to pass you
2. Make sure there is enough distance to pass safely
3. Signal your intentions - communicate
4. Pass quickly
5. Resume speed
 Accident Prevention Accident Prevention

Head-On Accidents

Remember:
• Ground viewing habits
• Centrifugal force
• Left turns
 Accident Prevention

Summary

In this lesson, you’ve learned how to prevent

accidents following the five basic driving rules:

• Look far ahead

• Move eyes continuously
• Take in the whole picture
• Maintain adequate distance
• Communicate