Are you a Defensive Driver?

Drive according to posted speed limits Never tailgate Motor vehicle accidents are the #1 cause of employee injuries and deaths in the U.S. Most could have been prevented by DRIVING DEFENSIVELY. Prepare yourself and your vehicle for the road BEFORE getting behind the wheel Drive according to posted speed limits Never tailgate Eliminate distractions Use practical driving procedures in the city, on the freeway and in rural areas

Have you prepared for the trip? Is your vehicle in good operational condition? no leaking fluids tires well inflated fluid levels are full test headlights, turn signals and brake lights test windshield wipers windshield is clean inside and outside are you familiar with the controls check the brake pedal for resistance adjust driver’s seat and mirrors (rearview & sides) hands at 8 o’clock & 4 o’clock on steering wheel WEAR your seat belt

It’s all about the ATTITUDE ! An attitude of safety and calm can prevent driver error, which leads to 80% of vehicle accidents DO NOT lose control of your emotions when other drivers cut you off, tailgate or drive too slowly (sing Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright to gain your composure). If you need to, pull off on the shoulder or change lanes to avoid the driver. To avoid becoming a Tailgater,use the 3 second rule: Find a landmark (pole, etc.) and when the bumper of the vehicle ahead of you passes the landmark count to 3 and your front bumper should pass the landmark, if not, adjust your speed accordingly. ALWAYS allow 4 or more seconds in rain, snow or fog.

What could be distracting YOU? Preventable factors that could be distracting you and cause an accident: Answering/talking on/dialing a mobile phone while driving Texting while driving Eating while driving Reading while driving (maps, written directions) Writing while driving Wearing headphones Loud music Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs Failure to identify another driver under the influence

Do Not assume everyone drives sober! What to look for: Drifting, weaving or swerving the vehicle Driving at inconsistent or excessive speeds Responding slowly to traffic signals or disregarding them Driving without headlights on at night Changing lanes frequently at excessive speeds If you are driving behind someone you may suspect is under the influence, do not try to pass—keep a safe following distance. If you are in front of someone you may suspect is under the influence, get out of the way by turning at the next right or let the driver pass. Avoid oncoming drivers under the influence by slowing down and moving to the right

Driving safely in the city and on the freeways City and Freeway Be aware of one-way streets, parked vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, school buses and school zones Turn safely by getting in the correct lane at least 100 feet before the turn, use your turning signal and yield the RIGHT of way. Approach all intersections with caution Do not assume you have the right of way If you are approaching your turn or exit and you are not in the correct lane do not speed up and quickly change lanes, just take the next street or exit. Use your turn signal when changing lanes/exiting Use your rearview and side mirrors when changing lanes/exiting

Driving safely in the rural areas Rural Areas have challenges too Sharing the road with animals and farm equipment Bumpy roads with ruts, rock/gravel, or sharp drop-offs Narrow roads and bridges Poorly marked intersections and roads Railroad crossings WITHOUT electric warning devices Special signs, i.e. “Deer Crossing” mean slow down Decelerate immediately when you see a slow-moving vehicle ahead Never pass without checking the rearview mirror and oncoming traffic for a safe distance

What qualities does a Defensive Driver have? Pre-plans route Inspects vehicle inside and out often Always wears a seat belt Increases following distance in bad weather Never tailgates and follows the 3 second rule Eliminates unnecessary distraction inside vehicle Always uses mirrors and directional signals Never drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs Uses safety tips for city, freeway and rural driving

Only YOU have the answer…. Are YOU a Defensive Driver?