The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. “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. The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The Characters Duke Bugsky: The safe driver Trooper Dale Gotcha’ 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. Duke Bugsky: The safe driver Trooper Dale Gotcha’ Big Sid: Reckless, aggressive driver The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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 The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

Aggressive Driving Situations Inform your audience that you will see a series of aggressive driving situations and further discuss after showing clips. The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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. The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

What behaviors are expressed by Big Sid? Impatience Aggression Anger Disregard for other drivers The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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 The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The result… The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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) The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

What factors contribute to Big Sid’s aggressive driving? Rush hour traffic Horns blowing He thinks he can get around it He brakes the law to drive on the shoulder The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

What was Duke Bugsky’s response? He was patient He remained calm He did not follow suit He obeyed all traffic laws The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The result… The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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) The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

What factors contribute to Big Sid’s behavior? Wanting to return video tape in time Traffic The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

List Big Sid’s violations Speeding Not using car signals He ran a stop sign Not paying attention Ignored pedestrian Made an illegal turn The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The result… The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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 The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

Driver Evaluation Card Hand out one of the driver evaluation cards and discuss with students behaviors they can look out for in their parents or other drivers they may be in a car with. The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

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

EYES on the road, and your MIND on driving. REMEMBER… JST DRV! Keep your, HANDS on the wheel, EYES on the road, and your MIND on driving. The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc.

The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. For FREE materials log on to www.nrsf.org The National Road Safety Foundation, Inc. 18 East 50th Street New York, NY 10022 (866) SAFEPATH (723-3728)