Defensive Driving What are the attributes of a good driver? Alert, prepared, able to act in time, defensive, polite What are the attributes of a poor driver? Reckless, rude, aggressive, self centered

DEFENSIVE DRIVING SMITH SYSTEM/S.I.P.D E. Aim High in Steering Search Keep Your Eyes Moving Identify Get the Big Picture Predict Make Sure They See You Decide Leave Yourself an Out Execute

DEFENSIVE DRIVING SMITH SYSTEM/S.I.P.D.E AIM HIGH ISTEERING Search 12 SECONDS AHEAD USE CENTRAL & SIDE VISION GLANCE DON’T STARE SEARCH LOOK FOR POTENTIAL PROBLEMS

What are you searching for Other vehicles - cars, trucks buses slow moving vehicles Pedestrians Animals Signs, lines and pavement markings Yellow lines double solid (NO PASSING) Solid and broken Passing on broken side only

Factors that may influence your line of sight Time of day night time Headlights on Use Low and high beams Road features- curves hills urban vs suburban, school, business weather rain (lights on) Fog (low beams) Snow (studded snow tires Nov 15- Apr. 1) Make sure all windows are clear of frost

KEEP YOU R EYES MOVING IDENTIFY/ IDENTIFY KEEP EYE FIXATIONS MOVING SCAN TRAFFIC SCENE RECOGNIZE PROBLEMS KIDS,CARS, CURVES

GET THE BIG PICTURE PREDICT CHECK MIRRORS OFTEN CHECK BLIND SPOTS BEFORE LANE CHANGES ANTICIPATE OTHERS NEXT MOVES WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT

Good eye Habits Eyes should never stay fixed on one object for more than a brief pause Mirrors rear and side should be checked frequently ( keep track of who is approaching from behind especially on highways (tailgaters) slow down move to the right Prevents highway hypnosis

You must be aware of who is around you at all times No Zones or Blind spots (lane changes) Mirrors, blinker blind spot –Pass- then repeat procedure Truck No zones and dealing with trucks at intersections Blind spots before you start a trip

MAKE SURE THEY SEE YOU DECIDE COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER DRIVERS MAKE CHOICE ON HOW TO AVOID A PROBLEM SLOW DOWN, COVER BRAKE, MAKE LANE ADJUSTMENT

Stay out of the NO ZONES Following distance 3 Second rule Weather conditions increase this Stay out of blind spots Leave pedestrians especially children more room and slow down Cover your brake to reduce your stopping distance by eliminating a reaction distance

LEAVE AN OUT EXECUTE MAINTAIN SAFETY MARGIN (FRONT REAR SIDES) DO THE DRIVING SKILL NEEDED IF YOU ARE PAYING CAREFUL ATTENTION, HARD BRAKING WILL NOT BE ONE OF THE CHOICES

How to Execute your plan Slow down Adjust lane position (when possible) Flash your lights Use your horn If you practice these DEFENSIVE DRIVING principles you will become a much safer driver.

State Test Information Library Use of Bright beam lights. In open country driving. City driving Drive slowly, yield to pedestrians, look at least 12 seconds ahead Diamond shaped sign Construction or warning Not stopping for a pedestrian in a crosswalk has a fine of $500, up to 25 days in jail, 6 mos. License suspension, 2 points and community service To reduce your chances of having an accident use the standard accident prevention formula; Be Alert, Be Prepared, Act in Time If a motorist is passing you: you should slow down and make it easier for them to pass

State Test library If a large truck or bus cannot see you in their rearview mirror you are in their NO- ZONE or blind spot Trucks take 25% longer to stop during bad weather Child safety seats belong in the rear seat Parking rule for a fire hydrant is 10’ Keep a safe distance: to decrease reaction time, get a clear view of the road, have time to react to emergencies Parking for a stop sign is 50’

State test Headlights on in daylight hours when your headlights and wipers are on 3 second plus rule helps you keep a safe distance Braking distance on dry roads at 60 mph = 300 ft. When approaching a curve your vehicle wants to keep going straight