1. Assessing and Managing Risk
Chapter 1
Assessing and Managing Risk

2. Highway- Transportations System
The main goal of the Highway transportation system (HTS) is to enable people and goods to move from place to place as safely and efficiently as possible.
3 parts: Motor vehicles, roadways, and people.
Nearly 4 million miles of roadways link the states, countries, cities, and towns of the US.

3. HTS Regulated?
Federal, state, and local governments work together to regulate the HTS.
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires automakers to build certain safety features.
Seatbelts and shatterproof windows.
National Highway Safety Act established specific guidelines for state motor vehicle safety program.
Vehicle registration and inspection, driver licensing, traffic laws and traffic courts, and highway construction maintenance
Allows each state to set its own statutes, or laws, that concern highway safety
Cities and towns, too, pass driving regulations. Ex: Drivers may turn right at red lights except where expressly prohibited.

4. Risk
Driving involves risk-the chance of injury to yourself or others and the chance of damage to vehicles and property.
The 1st important step toward responsible driving is realizing that this risk is real.
Factors that contribute to risk are bad weather, poor roads, condition of your vehicle

5. Ways to reduce risk Keep your vehicle in top condition
Anticipate the actions of others
Take steps to protect yourself and others
Drive only when you’re in sound physical and mental condition.
Make conscious effort to develop your driving skills.

6. Visibility, Time, and Space
Visibility- what you can see from behind the wheel and how well you see it and to the ability of others-pedestrians and other drivers-to see you.
Reduced visibility= increased risk
Time can refer to the ability to judge your speed and the speed of other vehicles. Also how long it will take your vehicle or another vehicle to stop or intersect paths.
Space refers to distance. Keeping a margin of space between your vehicle and other vehicles allow you to maneuver.

7. SIPDE Process
Search the roadway and off-road areas 20 to 30 seconds ahead for information that can help you plan a path of travel.
Identify objects or conditions within 12 to 15 seconds ahead that could interfere with your planned path of travel
Predict what actions or changes in conditions on or near the roadway could increase the level of risk
Decide what actions or actions to take at least 4 to 5 seconds ahead of time to control or reduce risk
Execute your decision

8. Smith System Aim High and Look Ahead, Not Down Keep Your Eyes Moving
Get the Big Picture
Make Sure Others See you
Leave Yourself a Way Out or A Margin of Safety

9. How does Driver Education Course be of value to you?
Provide you with knowledge of vehicles
Develop your ability to make sound driving decisions
Provide awareness of emotional and physical factors that can impede driving ability
Provide knowledge about vehicle maintenance and traffic laws

10. What factors might interfere with your ability to drive safely?
Emotional state
Effects of illness or injury
Side effects of medications
Alcohol or drugs
Feeling that there is little or no risk involved in driving