DEFENSIVE DRIVING MTA Training Program

Being a defensive driver…. A defensive driver is someone who is, Aware of their surroundings Anticipates the worst from other drivers Prepares the best action for dangers Takes proper action if necessary

In other words, Awareness Anticipation Action

Awareness Always know your surroundings Things to be aware of; - Road Conditions - Traffic Conditions - Your vehicle - Yourself Concentration is essential to proper defensive driving, it is the most important attitude you can develop

Driving Alert Scan the road In front, behind, and beside you (even off the road) Use your mirrors Be mindful of blind spots (yours AND other vehicles) Watch for clues; such as, Exhaust smoke Brake/backup lights Turned wheels

Traffic Trouble Spots As traffic gathers your room to maneuver becomes limited, A lower speed will give you more reaction time Mind Traffic Conditions Be alert for signs of trouble Seeing brake lights Driving through busy areas Driving in rush hours Passing schools, playgrounds, or residential areas Near railroad crossings These are places when a defensive driver will exercise the most caution

Anticipation You can’t rely on other drivers to drive responsibly As a defensive driver you need to be prepared for a situation to happen, and expect it will

Keeping your “Safety Cushion” You need your space; Leave space around your vehicle whenever possible, more space = more time to react Merge with a 4-second window When changing lanes Entering roadways Merging with traffic Never cut across multiple lanes

Pass and Merge When a merge or pass is need a defensive driver minds their timing Merge into traffic with a minimum 4 second window Have enough space to complete an intersection cross Starting pass: 10 seconds is needed to complete a pass with in the speed limit of a single vehicle. Be sure to have you sight set beyond that point before passing Finish pass: Do not count on other drivers to make room for you. It is not safe to return to the lane until you can see both headlights of the passed vehicle in your rear view mirror

Action Different situations call for different courses of action Since a defensive driver anticipates danger, the reaction to said danger is already thought of

Handling Driver Errors Slow Down Allow room This action is recommended for all driving situations

Road Rage Do Give driving your full attention Obey the law Give an angry driver plenty of space Control emotions Relax and drive with in the speed limit Pass only when necessary Don’t Join in the confrontation Tailgate Dive defensively Take traffic problems personally

Specific Types of Accidents Intersection Collision Sideswipes Head-on Collision Skidding Pedestrian Collision Animal Collision Backing a Vehicle When Handling Cargo

To Properly Maneuver Obstructions can be avoided if the driver knows Height of the vehicle Width of the vehicle Pays attention to posted clearances Takes the time to properly judge clearances

Intersection Collision A defensive driver recognizes the right of way Approach the intersection at a safe speed Prepare to stop before entering the intersection Be ready to apply breaks at a blind corner Look both ways before proceeding through the intersection

Sideswipes Continuously check for escape routes Anticipate the actions of oncoming vehicles Allow merging vehicles to merge smoothly with you Gauge distance properly when leaving a parking place Enter traffic smoothly Look to front and rear for approaching traffic Pull into traffic only when a change in speed is not required

Head-on Collisions Swerve off the road to avoid a head on collision

Skidding Operate at a safe speed, considering weather and road conditions Keep at least twice the safe following distance used for dry pavement Anticipate ice on bridges, in gutter, ruts, and near curbs Be alert for water, ice, or snow in shaded areas or loose gravel, sand, ruts, etc. Don’t cross other vehicles at wide angles Keep out of other vehicle tracks

Pedestrian Collision Keep as much clearance between your vehicle and parked vehicles as safely possible Stop when other vehicles stop Stop and wait for a green light at signals Stop for an unloading school bus Prepare to stop Be aware of children Prepare to stop in congested areas

Animal Collision Be watchful and aware Use extra caution at dusk and dawn Reduce speed if an animal is seen Break hard if situation allows (i.e. no other vehicles around) Report large animal crashes to the police DON’T: Flash your lights at the animal Swerve to avoid the animal

Backing a Vehicle Back out slowly Judge clearances accurately Select the best route possible Plan ahead If possible, try to pull forward from the parking space Try to avoid: Narrow streets Dead-end alleys

Backing without Sight If you cannot see where you are backing: Have someone guide you Look all around the vehicle before backing Back out immediately after looking Use the horn while backing out Turn and look to the rear (in addition to looking into the rearview mirror) Having a guide does relieve you of fault when backing a vehicle

When Handling Cargo Inspect your vehicle Know your cargo Handle with care

Night Driving Precautions Adjust your speed to the range of your headlights Keep your eyes moving Protect your eyes from glare Keep windshields and headlights clean Use lights wisely

Defensive Driving in Inclement Weather: Rain Rain reduces the effectiveness of headlights, causes poor visibility, and less traction The key is to increase visibility 1.Replacing wiper blades every six months or so 2.Using water repellent on the windshield 3.Wear polarized sunglasses 4.Check headlights 5.Watch road surface Beware of Hydroplaning!

Defensive Driving in Inclement Weather: High Winds Avoid going fast Be extra careful in high profile vehicles (i.e. tall, boxy vehicles) Stay far away, as safely possible, from trailers and other towing vehicles Avoid taking turns and corners fast

Defensive Driving in Inclement Weather: Snow.Know tire type Different types of tires are good for different conditions If there is known snow driving, obtain a snow appropriate tire Keep headlights and windshield clear Achieve this with water repellent and up to date wiper blades Use Low gears This maintains traction Use extra caution when crossing bridges and overpasses Maintain a low speed

Defensive Driving in Inclement Weather: Ice Remain calm Maintain a slow speed Give plenty of room to stop Allow at least three times the normal amount of room

Defensive Driving in Inclement Weather: Fog Keep headlight on to be seen by oncoming traffic Don’t use high beams Increase following distance Maintain a safe speed If stopping is necessary, pull as far off the road as possible

Take Aways to being a Defensive Driver Time to react is key The 3 A’s: Awareness = Know your situation and your surroundings Anticipation = Expect other driver’s to make mistakes Action = Know what to do and be prepared to do it Always be cautious, courteous, and prepared to stop Defensive driving has several benefits, first and foremost Keeping you safe.