Unit II. I. Accident Prevention Can accidents be prevented? Six principle conditions that play some part in all accidents. Light conditions (too much or too little) Weather conditions (snow, rain, fog) Road conditions (shape, surface, shoulder) Traffic conditions (heavy or light, fast or slow) Vehicle conditions (maintenance) Driver condition (lack of experience, strong emotions, day dreaming, poor vision, tiredness, elderly, alcohol or other drugs. **Combined conditions can occur!! 1

II. Qualities of a Good Driver I. Vision- Of all the senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, touch, and taste) vision is the MOST IMPORTANT for driving. Qualities of Vision Visual acuity – clearness of vision Depth perception – distance judgment Peripheral vision – field of vision Color perception Night vision – glare recovery 2

Qualities of a Good Driver B. Visual Search – this is what you call the kind of “seeing” you should use behind the wheel; your eyes must be moving! Visual search involves six seeing habits. These habits are the basis for DEFENSIVE DRIVING. Defensive driving is the technique of guarding against the MISTAKES OF OTHERS and preventing accidents in spite of others or adverse driving conditions. 3

Qualities of a Good Driver C. Six Seeing Habits for the Visual Search Aim high while steering – one block in the city, ¼ mile on the freeway. Get the big picture – side, front, and rear Be seen – horn, lights, eye contact, stay out of blind spots Keep your eyes moving – quick glance technique Leave an out- escape route Expect the unexpected Use these seeing habits to look for POTENTIAL HAZARDS. Never allow a potential hazard to become a real one! 4

III.Observing Observing Uncontrolled or Blind Intersections 15 mph or less (including railroad crossings) Sequence of observation: Left-right-left 5

III. Observing Seeing and Hearing Unusual things Listen as well as look Jaywalkers Hitchhikers Pedestrians Bicycle riders Emergency Vehicles ( you must leave the road and come to a stop) 6

III. Observing Seeing and Hearing Unusual things School Buses – if lights are flashing red, cars going in both directions must stop (if road is four lanes with a center divider, cars going in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.) 7

IV. Communication Communicating Your Intentions When to signal “As soon as you can without confusing others” (must use your blinker – mechanical turn indicator) Hand signals (right, left, stop/slow) Movement and position of your car II. B. Communicating Your Presence With your lights (see and be seen) With your horn Stay out of other driver’s blind spots (Be in their mirrors) 8

V. Positioning Keeping a ‘space cushion’ all around your car – visibility and escape ability A space cushion to the front 2-3 second rule 9

V. Positioning 2. A space cushion to the side (choose one example to write) Keep at least one lane between you and cars coming in the opposite direction. On two lane roads, stay as far to the right as possible Stay to the right on curves and hills. Speed up or drop back to avoid traveling next to cars going in the same direction (stay out of blind spots.) 10

Positioning 3. A space cushion to the rear. How to handle tailgaters (a car that follows you too closely-choose one to write) Encourage him/her to pass (pull over to the right lane) Encourage him/her to pass (pull over to the white line) Tap brakes LIGHTLY 11

VI. Adjusting Speed 7. When passing another car Check conditions – is it safe? Accelerate within speed limit Overtake other car gradually Look into rearview mirror and over shoulder When clear, signal your return to former lane. Decrease speed to that of traffic When you are passed Never speed up Help him/her if necessary by slowing down or pulling to the right 12