1. Defensive Driving Hortica Insurance Loss Control Department 2009

2. Federal Motor Carrier 2007 Statistics Crash Type: Large Trucks All Vehicles Fatal: 4321 38,588 Injuries: 77,000 1,746,000 Property Damage: 287,000 4,189,000 Average Cost per crash: $91,112

3. Safety Behind the Wheel Road Conditions-are the roads safe? Injuries while working or off work Unsafe acts behind the wheel Driving under the influence Road Rage Unsafe conditions Vehicle safety features California Department of Motor Vehicles

4. Unsafe acts behind the wheel Shaving Putting on make-up Reading map Reaching behind you Not using a seatbelt Driving under the influence Talking/texting on cell phone Disciplining children Driving at an unsafe speed Failing to stop or yield Unsafe passing Tailgating Not using turn-signals Eating while driving Smoking Others?

5. Unsafe Conditions Poor visibility -Driving at night (Fatality rates are 4 times higher at night) -Dust Storms -Rain Storms -Fog -Windshield wipers not effective Poor road condition -Slippery surfaces from weather -Road not properly maintained - Road construction Improper vehicle maintenance -Inadequate brakes -Worn tires -Engine tune-up -Taillights/turn-signals out -Headlight(s)/backup out -Rearview mirror adjustments

6. Roads & Risks are Shared It’s important to remember that we all share the roads… (other drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals

7. Defensive Driver Has knowledge of laws and safe driving strategies Alertness-to focus attention on driving and changing conditions Foresight to recognize hazards in advance and know what might happen Judgment to decide the safest action Skills to carry out action

8. Factors Contributing to a collision The Driver The Vehicle The Conditions National Safety Council

9. The Driver Not using safety belt Improper speed Failure to yield right of way Improper or unsafe turns Following to closely Impaired driving Improper overtaking and passing

10. The Vehicle Pre-trip Inspection – What is involved? Proper and Timely Maintenance Familiarize yourself with vehicle or rental car

11. The Environment Light Weather Road Traffic (includes other drivers)

12. Defensive Driving Collision Prevention Formula Recognize the Hazard Understand the Defense Act Correctly and in Time National Safety Council

13. Intersection Safety Formula Know-the procedure for each type of intersection Show other drivers what you are going to do Slow down as you approach the intersection Go through the intersection when it is SAFE, CLEAR, and LEGAL

14. Passing Cars?? To get in front of other vehicle Late for appointment Emergency Leader of the pack attitude “Me First” attitude Habit To be able to see better, if following larger vehicles

15. Before Passing another Vehicle Ask Yourself: Is this pass necessary? If I do not pass what will I lose? Why am I passing? Is it safe and legal to pass?

16. When it is not legal No passing zone School zone Railroad crossing or 100 ft. before In intersections or 100 ft. on either side In tunnels or 100 ft. before In curves with passing restrictions Within 100 ft. of the crest of the hill Many bridges or 100 ft. before At a stopped school bus with extended arm or flashing lights Hospital and Construction zones

17. You are driving on a two lane road. A mile down the road a car is passing a truck. The car is not moving to the proper lane and is headed straight at you, what would you do? The 4 R’s Read the road ahead recognize the hazard Drive to the right Reduce speed Ride off the road National Safety Council

18. Driving near Trucks or Buses Blind Spots Gusts of wind Size and weight make for longer stopping distances Don’t tailgate or cut in too soon after passing

19. Emergency Vehicles Move to the right or to the shoulder if possible If you can not move, stay where your at.

20. Fog Driving Tips: Drive with lights on low beam Reduce speed Listen for traffic you cannot see Use wipers and defroster as necessary for maximum vision If car stalls or is disabled, move away from vehicle to avoid personal injury and turn on emergency blinkers If you can postpone your trip until fog clears California Highway Patrol

21. Rain Driving Tips Get feel of road and make speed adjustments Make sure tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread Wipers and defroster in good condition When slowing or stopping, gently apply the brakes Drive with headlights on Wet brakes may pull or stop slower than usual Be alert for signs of hydroplaning California Highway Patrol

22. Driving in the snow Decrease your speed and leave yourself room to stop Brake gently to avoid skidding Turn your lights on Keep windshield and lights clean Use low gear to keep traction Be careful on bridges, overpasses, shaded roadways… black ice Don’t pass snow plows Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel drive can encounter problems

23. Alcohol Related Accidents 36 people die each day 700 are injured each day Annual cost of alcohol related crashes $51 billion + 13,470 people died in 2006 1.4 million drivers arrested in 2007 18% of all accidents drug related 306 children died as passengers 2006 45 children died as pedestrians or bicyclists, from alcohol impaired drivers Illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher CDC-Centers for Disease Control

24. “Road Rage” (Road rage is driving under the influence of too much Anger, Impatience, and Competing)  Provoked by: Feeling endanger of someone else’s driving  Resentment at being forced to slow down  Righteous indignation at someone who breaks traffic rules  Anger at someone taking out their frustrations on you  Therapy for road rage:  Take a deep breath and just let it go!

25. Fatigue Fatigue can affect our level of alertness and can lead to poor driving. Poor mental judgments, by slower reaction and a general inability to “See the Big Picture”

26. Safe Driving Checklist Obey the Law Observe speed limits Obey traffic signs and signals Pass only when you can do it safely Yield to drivers who have the right of way Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs Use your seat belt Obey state laws on use of Cell Phones Familiarize yourself with your vehicle Never tailgate Dim headlights for oncoming traffic Be aware of what ahead Expect the unexpected Slow down in bad weather Watch out for “Black ice” and/or “Hydroplaning” Maintain your vehicle Never abuse your vehicle, it is what helps maintain your income Watch out for children

27. Your Family Needs You! It’s All Up to You The End Presented by: Hortica Insurance