DEFENSIVE DRIVING

ACCIDENTS Human Error – Emotions Give yourself time to cool off If angry, upset or feeling not yourself in any way pull off the road and regroup

ACCIDENT PREVENTION FORMULA A.) BE ALERT B.) BE PREPARED C.) ACT IN TIME

Aggressive Driving/Road Rage Emotions can have a great affect on a motorist’s driving. If a motorist is angry or excited, he/she should take “time” to cool off until calm.

SPACE CUSHION ESCAPE ROUTES Allows you enough time to act in case something goes wrong in front of you

VISUAL HEAD HOW FAR AHEAD YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING. A.) City streets – 12 seconds ahead B.) Highways – 20 seconds ahead

FOLLOWING DISTANCE Tailgating – following to closely Choose a fixed object ahead A.) Time Rule – 3 second plus rule choose a fixed object Wet Roads – 4 second plus rule Snow covered – 6 car lengths Slippery roads – worst in the first few minutes of rain

Reaction distance – distance traveled before hitting the brake Braking distance- distance needed to completely stop the vehicle Reaction distance + Braking distance = Stopping distance

TRUCKS A.) 25 % longer to stop B.) Always stop or drive outside no zone or blind spot. (see driver in his mirror) C.) Give trucks extra room (turns)

Carbon Monoxide Deadly gas in car exhaust. Never run engine inside (garage) Gas fumes explode.

HYDROPLANING  Tires ride up onto the water on the road  A.) Starts at about 35 mph  B.) Slow down and drive on highest part of the road.  C.) NO QUICK STOPS, NO QUICK TURNS

OVERDRIVING HEADLIGHTS Be able to drive within the distance of your headlights

HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS When one has been behind the wheel a long time and goes Into a trance. Make periodic stops Keep your eyes moving

DISTRACTIONS In many cases, collisions are caused by distraction. Inattentive motorists often: tailgate, go too fast, ignore traffic signs, road markings and other vehicles. Causes: lighting a cigarette, reaching across the seat to a glove compartment, adjusting the radio, trying to remove a coat, eating, shaving, applying make-up.

Communicating and Driving To talk to other drivers on the road the driver can use: o Hand or hand signals o Horn o Lights Always signal before changing lanes.

Changing Lanes Look at the rearview mirror Glance behind to check blind spots Always signal lane changes Keep in mind: Only pass or change lanes when necessary Check traffic ahead and behind Signal Follow pavement markings

When being passed… Slow down, stay in the proper lane and return to normal speed after the passing vehicle is well ahead

Pump Your Brakes After driving through a deep puddle, pump (test) your brakes.

Hydroplaning Occurs starting at 35mph when the tires ride up on a film of water which could cause the motorist to lose control of the vehicle.

Night Driving Nearly90% of driving decisions are based upon what a motorist sees while driving. A motorist should always be sure the vehicle can stop within the distance that he/she sees ahead.

City Driving City driving = heavier traffic and more pedestrians Drive more slowly and watch for the movements of others. Look at least 12 seconds ahead.

Farm Country/Open Land Be cautious of livestock or deer that may cross the road.

SKIDS CAUSED BY BRAKING, SPEED, OR ROAD CONDITIONS. o WHAT TO DO: o RELEASE GAS o NO BRAKE o TURN TOWARDS FISHTAIL

RUNNING OFF PAVEMENT Slow down Regain control Signal and slowly turn on gradually

BRAKE FAILURE A.) Shift to lower gear (neutral) B.) Pump brakes fast C.) Pull your parking brake as a last resort D.) Hit something that “GIVES” (bushes or fencing)

TIRE BLOWOUT A.) Hold steering wheel firmly B.) Keep vehicle moving forward while slowing down gradually. C.) Do not press the gas pedal. D.) Emergency stop procedure (pull off the road, warn traffic, ask for help)

STUDDED SNOWTIRES Nov 15 th – April 1 st

Emergency Stops Signal and turn onto the shoulder, begin to slow down Once on shoulder, turn on the parking lights or emergency warning lights Don’t stand behind the vehicle. Tie a white handkerchief to the antenna or left door handle as a signal if help is needed. Call for help

Construction Zones/Work Zones Traffic fines are doubled for motor vehicle violations committed in the area of roadway construction zones.