Prevent a Collision (crash) The accident prevention formula: Be Alert Be prepared Act in Time

Road Rage Aggressive driving – Defined as a progression of unlawful driving actions. #77 on cell to report Failing to consider how their actions affect others. Road Rage occurs when a motorist loses their temper and their actions turn into aggressive driving. Emotions affect driving ability Stop and take the time to “cool down”

#1 cause of all accidents Distractions #1 cause of all accidents TTLB: Since I can remember I have dreamed of the day I could drive. Don’t waste the thrill by doing something else now that you are driving.

Highway Hypnosis Maggie’s Law – driving while fatigued is considered reckless driving Highway Hypnosis – Putting yourself in a trance like state while driving. Usually cause by being tired and staring at a constant object. More susceptible when driving at night and on highways. To avoid this avoid driving when tired rest every couple of hours when driving and constantly move your eye focus

Communication & Defensive Driving Every action you take communicates the type of driver you are. The horn & signals are the best way to “talk” to other drivers. Other ways: speed, eye contact hand gestures, quick flash of your lights. Are you a defensive or offensive driver? Defensive – do whatever it takes to avoid incidents and accidents Offensive – See Aggressive driver

Safe Following Methods One Car Length – Legal, for every 10 mph you travel you should leave 1-car length of space, which is about 20 feet. So at 50 mph, you should leave 5 car lengths 3-Second Rule – better method, leave 3 seconds of space between you and the car in front of you. When the car passes a stationary object count the time it takes you to pass that object. If it’s 3 or more seconds you are at a safe distance

Adjustments For either system you must make adjustments when the conditions are less than ideal. Rain or wet pavement – double Snow – triple Ice – quadruple

Changing Lanes & Passing Three things to ask yourself before you pass: Is it legal? Do I have to? Is it safe? Signal, complete within the zone, look ahead and behind, return to lane when safe, cancel signal When being passed slow down and allow the pass to be completed

Road Conditions Wet Roads – Driver slower on wet roads. The road is the most slippery during the first few minutes of a rainfall. When driving through puddles a motorist should test brakes by pumping them Hydroplaning – starts at about 35 mph and is when the wheels lose contact with the road surface. At 55 mph the wheels may be completely of the road

Road Conditions continued Snow & Ice Car should be warmed up according to manual. All snow & ice must be removed, driver liable Snow tire improve traction in snow, but not ice Tire chains are best for iced & packed snow Studded tires - permitted from Nov. 15th to April 1 Use low gear and rock car

Road Conditions continued Reduced visibility Always completely scrap ice or frost from windows Fog – Head lights on (low beam), fog lights if you have them, use the road markings to follow. Sun Glare – Adjust sun visor & use sun glasses *In case of all visibility impairments – slow down, pull off the road if it’s to bad and use low beams

Road Conditions continued Night Driving – 90% of driving is based on vision. The key to driving at night is being sure you can stop within the distance you can see. High Beam – 500 feet of vision Low Beam – 350 feet of vision At 60 MPH a car takes about 359 feet to stop and you have very little side vision

Driving Situations City Driving – in urban environments there is typically more traffic (auto, pedestrian & bikes), which requires even more attention while driving. Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead or through the next intersection. Focus on intersections for controls & pedestrians. Always slow when approaching

Highway Driving Tips for the highway: Look down the road about ½ mile. Look in blind spot before changing lanes Avoid traveling in blind spot Beware of truck debris

Reacting to Driving Problems Ignition – NEVER turn the to the locked position while car is in motion. Wheel will lock and you will lose control of the car Skids – rear is moving opposite the front end Take foot of gas Turn in direction of skid Avoid breaking and over steering

Reacting to Driving Problems Emergency Stops: Paved shoulder: Signal, turn off road, slow down Unpaved: Signal, slow down, then turn off Turn on hazards Carefully exit vehicle Raise hood Place flares or markers Ties white rag to car Avoid standing on road or behind car

Reacting to Driving Problems Running off pavement – This situation is handled the opposite of emergency stops on unpaved shoulder. Slow down Regain control Slowly turn back onto road Car Fires – Get out and away from car, don’t attempt to put out fire unless you have the proper type of fire extinguisher

Reacting to Driving Problems Plunging into Water – Two key are don’t panic and wear your seatbelt. Attempt to open a window first and climb out. Attempts to open door will fail, don’t waste time. If window won’t open try others, then attempt to kick out window If these fail, wait until car is almost filled with water then attempt to open door again. While waiting get in back seat (front will sink first)

Reacting to Driving Problems Stalling on train tracks – Attempt to restart Shift car to neutral Get out & check for train Clear attempt to push car off tracks If train is coming walk toward train

Vehicle Failures Brake Failure Shift to low gear Pump brakes If this fails gradually apply parking brake keep hand or foot on release Tire Blowout Grip wheel firmly Take foot off gas Keep car going straight When going slow pull off road

Vehicle Failures Power Steering Failure Keep firm grip, steering still works but you’ll have to turn hard. Car may have stalled try to restart. Brake may also fail, be prepared to press hard Headlight Failure Bring vehicle to stop Try switch again, if still out don’t try to drive car Turn on parking lights or hazards Call for help

Vehicle Failures Gas Pedal Problem Don’t attempt to reach down to adjust Keep eyes on road Shift to neutral Steer to safe place to stop Hood latch failure If hood should pop up try to look under hood to see, if that doesn’t work look out side window. Use road marking to guide you to a safe stop

Vehicle Collisions Avoiding Collision (not accidents) Choices: Speed up Stop Turn Last minute choices React properly & quickly can minimize damages Turn away from on coming traffic Driving off the road may be a better option Choose to hit something that will “give”

Vehicle Collisions If involved in a collision or crash: Stop vehicle Remain calm Assume the worst and call for help Try not to block traffic You must notify police when someone is injured or property damage of $500. You should always notify police when others are involved.

When should you report an accident Always A police report protects you from… Uninsured motorists Unlicensed drivers Forgetful people Your insurance company Fraud & scams