1. Defensive Driving
What to know and avoid

2. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among those age 5-34 in the U.S (CDC)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 2.5% of fatal crashes and 2% of injury crashes involve drowsy driving
Speed plays a role in about 30% of fatal crashes
California had 3000 fatal crashes in 2013 (latest data available)
Saturdays are the mostly likely day to have a high speed collision followed by Sundays & Fridays
ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

3. Your Single Most Effective Safety Step
The seat belt
Seat belts are the single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and injury, according (NHTSA)
Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50 percent
Forty-nine states and the District of Columbia have mandatory seat belt laws
What state does not have a seatbelt law?
Information on slide is from National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
New Hampshire has enacted neither a primary nor a secondary seat belt law for adults, although the state does have a primary child passenger safety law that covers all drivers and passengers under 18.
Primary Enforcement Laws
A primary enforcement seat belt law means a police officer can pull someone over and issue a ticket to the driver just because someone in the vehicle is not wearing a seat belt. A secondary enforcement law only allows a police officer to issue a ticket for someone not wearing a seat belt if the driver has been pulled over for some other offense.
Remember the following:
Both the lap belt and shoulder harness, must be in good working order
Don’t operate your vehicle unless you and all your passengers are wearing seat belts
If you wear only a lap belt when driving, your chances of living through an accident are twice as good as someone who doesn’t wear a lap belt. If you wear a lap and shoulder belt, your chances are three to four times better.

4. Distracted Driving
Any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety. These types of distractions include:
Texting, talking on a cell phone or smartphone
Eating and drinking
Talking to passengers
Grooming,
Reading, including maps or using the navigation system
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
There are three main types of distraction:
Visual: taking your eyes off the road;
Manual: taking your hands off the wheel; and
Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving

5. 37,461 lives were lost on U. S. roads in 2016, an increase of 5
37,461 lives were lost on U.S. roads in 2016, an increase of 5.6% from 2015 (data not yet available for 2017) NHTSA
10% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
Drivers in their 20s make up 27 percent of the distracted drivers in fatal crashes. (NHTSA)

6. Cell Phone Use
Use your cellular telephone in the following safe and responsible ways:
Use a hands-free device
Pull over to the side of the road
60% of people surveyed say that they have been hit or nearly hit by someone talking or texting on a cell phone, while nearly 45 percent admit to making a driving mistake while talking on a cell phone. (2012 Data)
If you can’t do either of the above, wait to use your phone until you get to your destination or can find a safe place to pull over
Cellular telephones can be a lifesaver in an emergency. In nonemergency situations, they can be a great tool if used properly. Use your cellular telephone in the following safe and responsible ways: drive to the side of the road to use your cellular telephone, use hands-free devices, don’t use the telephone during hazardous conditions, pay attention to the road, be sensible about dialing, don’t engage in distracting conversations, and use your phone to call for help.
From the California Department of Motor Vehicles
Two laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving went into effect July 1, The first law prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (California Vehicle Code [VC] §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a “hands-free device. The second law effective July 1, 2008, prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

7. More Stats on Cellphone Use While Driving
Talking on a cell phone while driving
69% of drivers in the United States ages reported that they had talked on their cell phone while driving within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
Texting or ing while driving
31% of U.S. drivers ages reported that they had read or sent text messages or messages while driving at least once within the 30 days before they were surveyed.
Sending or receiving a text
Takes a driver's eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent at 55 mph of driving the length of an entire football field, blind
From the CDC:
Each day in the United States, more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,060 people are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.
Information form National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) & National Center for Statistics & Analysis (NCSA).

8. Inspection Time Check the following: Weekly Daily Check
check fluid levels,
belts and hoses
Daily Check
Tire pressure and inspect for wear
Inspect the body for damage
Look for possible hazardous conditions around the vehicle
Any leaking vehicle fluids
Check the following:
Weekly – check fluid levels, belts and hoses under the hood to ensure that there are no breaks and leaks that could cause a break down on the road
Daily Check
Tire pressure and inspect for wear.
Also inspect the body for damage.
Look for possible hazardous conditions around the vehicle such as low lying obstacles, materials on the ground which may cause damage if run over.
And any leaking vehicle fluids

9. Check the Following Check to see if lights & blinkers work
Are the window wipers in usable condition or should they be replaced
Clean windows and mirrors
Keep your windshield and side windows clean inside and out. Bright sun or headlights on a dirty window make it hard to see out. Clear ice, frost, or dew from all windows before you drive. Also keep dashboard free of materials, equipment, & debris to avoid possible injury from items flying around.

10. Before You Put Your Vehicle into Drive
Adjust Seat And Mirrors
Put your seatbelt on
Know your destination by pre-planning
Adjust your seat before you put on your seat belt. You should sit high enough to see the road. If you still can’t see, use a seat cushion.
Adjust your rear and side mirrors before you start driving. If your vehicle has a day/night mirror, learn how to use it. The night setting reduces the headlight glare from the cars behind you and helps you see better.

11. Scanning Your Surroundings
Keep your eyes moving so you know what is around you & look seconds ahead to see hazards early
If a driver next to you makes a mistake you need time to react
Give yourself space between you and anyone driving around your vehicle
Scanning: Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes keeping a safe distance around your vehicle. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. Give yourself this time by keeping a “space cushion” on all sides of your vehicle. This space cushion will give you room to brake or maneuver if you need it.
Don’t have “tunnel vision” – you miss what is going on around you if you just focus on one area
Scanning helps you to see cars and people that may be in the road, warning of problems ahead, & signs giving you directions
Check your rear view mirrors every two to five seconds so you know the position of vehicles near you

12. The “3 Second Rule”
Start counting when the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point
Count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three"
If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely
Allow more time during inclement weather
Most rear end accidents are caused by tailgating. To avoid tailgating, use the "three-second rule." When the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point such as a sign, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." This takes about three seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
You should allow a four-second or more cushion during inclement weather, when towing a trailer, or carrying a heavy load. The extra weight makes it harder to stop.

13. Blind Spots Before changing lanes
Look into your rear view mirror for nearby vehicles
Also over your shoulder to check for blind spots

14. Don’t Be a Tailgater
Tailgating is by far one of the most dangerous habits a driver can pick up. Tailgating is a contributing factor in about 1/3 of vehicle crashes. No one likes to be tailgated, unfortunately millions of people do it every day. Some do it because they are running late or impatient, while others tailgate out of spite or "road rage." Still others follow too closely out of sheer ignorance of its dangers.
Many drivers don’t see as far ahead as they should because they follow too closely (tailgate)
Allow enough space between your car and the car ahead
Tailgating is a contributing factor in about what percentage of vehicle crashes?
Remember that larger vehicles require a greater distance to stop so allow enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you
In bad weather (rain, fog, snow, etc.), it is best to double the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you

15. How Fast Can You Stop?
At 55 mph, it takes about 400 feet to react and bring the car to a complete stop. At 35 mph, it takes about 210 feet to react and bring the car to a complete stop.

16. Meeting on a Mountain Road
Railroad Crossing
When two vehicles meet on a steep road where neither vehicle can pass, the vehicle facing downhill must yield the right-of-way by backing until the vehicle going uphill has enough room to safely pass.
What is the distance you must be able to see in each direction where the speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing?
From the CA DMV Handbook
Driving on a mountain road
The vehicle facing downhill has a greater amount of control when backing up the hill
Railroad Crossing
The speed limit is 15 mph within 100 feet of a railroad crossing where you cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions.

17. Answer the Following What is the speed in an Alley?
What is the speed limit for a blind intersection?
From the CA DMV Handbook
The speed limit in an alley is 15 mph.
Speed limit for blind intersection is 15mph.
An intersection is considered blind if there are no stop signs at any corner and you cannot see for 100 feet in either direction during the last 100 feet crossing. Trees, bushes, buildings or parked cars can block your view to the side. If your view is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see.

18. Driving in the Rain Horns & Headlights
Roads are the most slippery when it first starts to rain or snow because oil and dust have not yet been washed away
Adjust your driving
If you have to use window wipers turn your lights on
Horns & Headlights
Use your horn only when its necessary to avoid accidents
Use headlights
When weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers
On frosty mornings when other drivers’ windows may be icy or "fogged."
California law effective January 1, 2005 requires that drivers turn headlights (not driving lights; not fog lights) on any time their windshield wipers are in use during daylight hours.
Use Your Horn: when necessary to avoid accidents. Don’t honk at other times. Do not Use Your horn if a driver is going slowly, to show other drivers that they made a mistake, or because you are angry or upset.
Use Your Headlights: If weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you must turn on your headlights. You should also use your headlights on frosty mornings when other drivers’ windows may be icy or "fogged." Always remember that any time you have trouble seeing other cars then other drivers will be having trouble seeing you too. It is a good practice to use your headlights at all times regardless of weather or road conditions, this enhances others ability to see you.

19. Emergency Signals Emergency Signals
If you can see an accident ahead, warn the drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers or tapping your brake pedal quickly three or four times
Never stop on the road, unless necessary for safety or to obey a law
Start breaking early to signal others behind you
If your vehicle breaks down pull off the road completely & use emergency flashers
Don’t just stop over the hill or around a curve
Use Your Emergency Signals: if you can see an accident ahead, warn the drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers or tapping your brake pedal quickly three or four times. You can also use the hand signal when slowing and stopping.
Never stop on the road, unless necessary for safety or to obey a law. If you need to stop, then start braking early as a signal to the cars behind you. If your car breaks down on the road make sure that other drivers can see it. If you are having car trouble and need to stop pull off the road away from all traffic if possible. If you cannot get completely off the road, stop where people can see you and your car from behind. Don’t stop just over a hill or just around a curve. Turn on your emergency flashers if you are not moving.

20. School Zones
Slow near school zones – be aware of children darting out between cars
If you must drive on campus for work, try to avoid driving during passing periods or immediately before or after school hours
Be alert for any student or staff that may not be paying attention
If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to what amount?
CA Vehicle Code 22454
If you fail to stop, you may be fined up to $1,000 and your driving privilege could be suspended for one year.

21. How far over should you be when passing a bicyclist?
Be patient when passing a bicyclist. Slow down and pass only when it is safe. Do not squeeze the bicyclist off the road.
How far over should you be when passing a bicyclist?
From CA DMV:
If road conditions and space permit, allow clearance of at least three feet when passing a bicyclist.

22. Road Rage Anyone? Don’t Cut off other drivers
Drive slowly in the left (fast) lane
Tailgate
Make gestures to other drivers or honk your horn
Some do not like to share the road
Avoid potentially violent incident by avoiding eye contact
with an angry driver and giving an angry driver plenty of space

23. Yield to Emergency Vehicles
Never stop in the intersection
If in the intersection when you see an emergency vehicle, continue thru & pull over to the right as soon as possible
FROM CA DMV HANDBOOK:
Drivers are required to move over and slow down when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a vehicle, marked Department of Transportation that is displaying emergency flashing or amber warning lights, while it is stopped on the side of a state highway or freeway. The law is designed to reduce the deaths of police officers, tow truck drivers, paramedics, Caltrans employees, and other emergency personnel who are aiding stranded or injured motorists or involved in road work. Use caution if lane changes are required.
Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. The sound of horns, a siren, or screeching tires can warn you of danger. Sometimes you can hear a car but you cannot see it, especially if it is in your blind spots. Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio, CD, or tape deck is blaring. While driving, do not wear a headset or earplugs in both ears.
You must yield the right-of-way to any police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights. Drive to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle(s) have passed. However, never stop in an intersection. If you are in an intersection when you see an emergency vehicle, continue through the intersection and then drive to the right as soon as it is safe and stop. Emergency vehicles often use the wrong side of the street to continue on their way. They sometimes use a loud speaker to talk to drivers blocking their path.

24. Move Over Law
If you are driving down the freeway, and you see emergency lights on the side of the road, you must move over to pass, leaving an extra lane of clearance between you and the incident.
Whether it's an ambulance, fire truck, police car, tow truck or Cal Trans, it applies.
If drivers are unable to change lanes, the law states they need to slow down to a reasonable speed before passing.
From CA DMV:
V C Section Stationary Emergency Vehicle or Tow Truck
A person driving a vehicle on a freeway approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, a stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or a stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, shall approach with due caution and, before passing in a lane immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, absent other direction by a peace officer, proceed to do one of the following:
(1) Make a lane change into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, if practicable and not prohibited by law.
(2) If the maneuver described in paragraph (1) would be unsafe or impracticable, slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for existing weather, road, and vehicular or pedestrian traffic conditions.
(b) A violation of subdivision (a) is an infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50).
(c) The requirements of subdivision (a) do not apply if the stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying emergency lights, the stationary tow truck that is displaying flashing amber warning lights, or the stationary marked Department of Transportation vehicle that is displaying flashing amber warning lights is not adjacent to the freeway or is separated from the freeway by a protective physical barrier.

25. Something to Remember
Medication – some will make you drowsy & effect your driving ability
Get plenty of rest – especially when you have long trips
Operating a vehicle takes a certain amount of concentration. Don’t let yourself get distracted. Even seemingly minor errors can have a serious effect!

26. Safety Office 858-627-7174 QUESTIONS AHEAD
Visit the Safety Management Website
QUESTIONS
AHEAD
Contact the Safety Office
CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles - Handbook