Defensive Driving

 1. Be Alert  Never think the other driver will not make a mistake  Tired drivers increase your risk of an accident tremendously  2. Be Prepared  Learn what to do in case you need to make a quick decision  3. Act in Time  Try not to panic

 Emotions can and do effect driving.  Aggressive Driving  Impatient drivers tend to speed and rush.  Road Rage – drivers lose their tempers or become frustrated  ** Trunk Monkey Video

 Lighting a cigarette  Fasten seat belt while driving  Reaching across the seat  Removing your coat  Eating  Adjusting mirror while driving  Using cell phone  Adjusting the radio  Shaving  Using Laptop  Applying makeup

 A tired driver is a dangerous driver.  Highway Hypnosis – trance-like state when driving for extended periods of time  Don’t look at any one thing for more than a few seconds.  Rest every 2 hours.

 DO NOT TAILGATE!! ◦ Tailgating- Is following too closely behind the vehicle directly in front of you.

 The One Car-Length Method ◦ There is no perfect rule for determining following distance; KEEP AT LEAST 1 CAR LENGTH for each 10 miles per hour of speed.

 The Three-Second Plus Rule ◦ To use this rule as a gauge safe following distance locate an object (sign, tree etc.) ◦ At least 3 seconds should elapse between the two cars passing the sign or tree. ◦ During bad weather, the three-second rule should be increased to 6 or more.

 Keep the following points in mind when passing or changing lanes: ◦ Only pass or change lanes if necessary ◦ Only pass if it can be completed without speeding ◦ Keep a safe following distance, do not tailgate ◦ Check traffic ahead and behind ◦ Only pass if road permits to do so ◦ Signal every lane change ◦ Tap horn if necessary to signal to the driver ahead

 Stay in the proper lane  Be careful  Consider slowing down to make the pass easier

 Wet roads- take extra caution!- road surfaces are most slippery during the 1 st few minutes of rainfall  City driving- use the 12 second rule!!  Hydroplaning- starts at about 35 mph ◦ Can cause a driver to lose control ◦ At 55mph, tires may totally leave the road ◦ To avoid hydroplaning, slow down! ◦ If “ABS” kick in keep break pushed to floor, do not pump  Snow and Ice – snow tires between Nov. 15 and Apr. 1  Reduced Visibility – Frost, Fog, Sun glare

 Nearly 90% of driving decisions are based on what a person sees.  When driving at night visibility is reduce.  Consider the following factors when driving at night: ◦ Speed ◦ Reaction time- distance traveled before hitting breaks ◦ Breaking distance- distance needed to come to a complete stop  High Beams – 500 ft. Low Beams – 350 ft. ◦ Vehicle travels 88 ft/sec at 60 mph

 Be very alert  Always yield to pedestrians.  Look at least 12 seconds ahead  See about 1 block ahead.

 When should horns be used?  Define hydroplaning.  Define uncontrolled intersection.  Define acceleration lane.  How close to a stop sign can a motorist park?  When are right turns on red allowed?