Aggressive Driving Kills Don’t Bug Out Aggressive Driving Kills “Don’t Bug Out” is targeted to elementary and middle school children. It can also be used for high school students that mentor younger students. Discuss the reason for the presentation and the importance of the topic.

Reckless, aggressive driver The Characters Duke Bugsky The safe driver Trooper Dale Gotcha’ Big Sid Reckless, aggressive driver Duke Bugsky – Is the careful cautious driver that we should all emulate Big Sid – Is the aggressive driver that we see on the roads Trooper Dale Gotcha’ – The lawman that will get any and all violators of the road Engage students in conversation about the different bugs and who they can compare them to.

What is Aggressive Driving? Aggressive driving is when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger themselves, other persons or property. Have students write down or draw what they believe is aggressive driving. Here are aggressive driving behaviors to look out for: Get angry at drivers Get angry at fast or slow drivers Get angry when cut off Get angry in traffic jams Get angry at tailgaters Get angry at passengers Compete with other drivers Punish “bad” drivers Use high beams on other drivers Impatient with other drivers

Aggressive Driving Situations Inform your audience that you will see a series of aggressive driving situations and further discuss after showing clips. 4

Tailgating Tailgating is when a vehicle is following another vehicle too closely. When drivers tailgate they reduce the space and time that is needed to a complete and safe stop. Perception and reaction times are jeopardized. Our perception is the time we need to see and process what’s ahead and reaction time is the time needed to physically react to that perception. Show the next slide with a clip on tailgating. 5

Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roads Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roads. Aggressive driving is when an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger themselves, other persons or property. (NHTSA) 6

What behaviors are expressed by Big Sid? Impatience Aggression Anger Disregard for other drivers 7

What behaviors are expressed by Duke Bugsky? He observed the threat from behind He got out of the way He slowed down He didn’t personalize Big Sid’s anger He didn’t engage in it; he let it go by He allowed greater space margins 8

The result… 9

Shoulder Driving Shoulder driving is when a driver leaves the intended roadway to drive along side of it. In the event of an emergency or breakdown, a motorist can pull into the shoulder to get out of the flow of traffic and obtain an element of safety. (source U.S. DOT) 10

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What factors contribute to Big Sid’s aggressive driving? Rush hour traffic Horns blowing He thinks he can get around it He breaks the law to drive on the shoulder 12

What was Duke Bugsky’s response? He was patient He remained calm He did not follow suit He obeyed all traffic laws 13

The result… 14

Water-Bugging Water-bugging or weaving is a form of reckless and aggressive driving. It is when a driver swerves between lanes and cut off other drivers. According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 24% of people encountered cars weaving in and out of traffic when they’re on the road. (2008)

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What factors contribute to Big Sid’s behavior? He wanted to return the video tape in time Traffic 17 17

List Big Sid’s violations He was speeding He was not using car signals He ran a stop sign He was not paying attention He ignored pedestrians He made an illegal turn 18

The result… 19

Kids Can Help Make sure everyone’s buckled up Don’t get in a car with an unsafe driver Remind parents that their emotions affect driving Be a good passenger Discuss the Parent Driving Report Card with Mom & Dad 20

Driver Evaluation Card 21

Grading Mostly A’s Mostly C’s Mostly B’s If the driver got they are a “Duke Bugsky” and they’re OK If the driver got Mostly C’s They are violating the law and will get pulled over by “Trooper Dale GOTCHA!” Mostly B’s they are a “Big Sid”: they are unsafe Students can use the stickers on the back of the report card to grade the driver they are assessing. 22

Remember… Jst Drv Keep Your Eyes on the road Hands on the wheel Mind on driving 23

Free Safe Driving Resources 18 East 50th Street New York, NY 10022 866-SAFEPATH (723-3728) info@nrsf.org www.nrsf.org • www.teenlane.org @NRSForg @NRSForg @NRSForg nationalroadsafety