1. Are you a Defensive Driver?

2. Drive according to posted speed limits Never tailgate
Motor vehicle accidents are the #1 cause of employee injuries and deaths in the U.S. Most could have been prevented by DRIVING DEFENSIVELY.
Prepare yourself and your vehicle for the road BEFORE getting behind the wheel
Drive according to posted speed limits
Never tailgate
Eliminate distractions
Use practical driving procedures in the city, on the freeway and in rural areas

3. Have you prepared for the trip?
Is your vehicle in good operational condition?
no leaking fluids
tires well inflated
fluid levels are full
test headlights, turn signals and brake lights
test windshield wipers
windshield is clean inside and outside
are you familiar with the controls
check the brake pedal for resistance
adjust driver’s seat and mirrors (rearview & sides)
hands at 8 o’clock & 4 o’clock on steering wheel
WEAR your seat belt

4. It’s all about the ATTITUDE !
An attitude of safety and calm can prevent driver error, which leads to 80% of vehicle accidents
DO NOT lose control of your emotions when other drivers cut you off, tailgate or drive too slowly (sing Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright to gain your composure). If you need to, pull off on the shoulder or change lanes to avoid the driver.
To avoid becoming a Tailgater,use the 3 second rule:
Find a landmark (pole, etc.) and when the bumper of the vehicle ahead of you passes the landmark count to 3 and your front bumper should pass the landmark, if not, adjust your speed accordingly. ALWAYS allow 4 or more seconds in rain, snow or fog.

5. What could be distracting YOU?
Preventable factors that could be distracting you and cause an accident:
Answering/talking on/dialing a mobile phone while driving
Texting while driving
Eating while driving
Reading while driving (maps, written directions)
Writing while driving
Wearing headphones
Loud music
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Failure to identify another driver under the influence

6. Do Not assume everyone drives sober! What to look for:
Drifting, weaving or swerving the vehicle
Driving at inconsistent or excessive speeds
Responding slowly to traffic signals or disregarding them
Driving without headlights on at night
Changing lanes frequently at excessive speeds
If you are driving behind someone you may suspect is under the influence, do not try to pass—keep a safe following distance.
If you are in front of someone you may suspect is under the influence, get out of the way by turning at the next right or let the driver pass.
Avoid oncoming drivers under the influence by slowing down and moving to the right

7. Driving safely in the city and on the freeways
City and Freeway
Be aware of one-way streets, parked vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, school buses and school zones
Turn safely by getting in the correct lane at least 100 feet before the turn, use your turning signal and yield the RIGHT of way.
Approach all intersections with caution
Do not assume you have the right of way
If you are approaching your turn or exit and you are not in the correct lane do not speed up and quickly change lanes, just take the next street or exit.
Use your turn signal when changing lanes/exiting
Use your rearview and side mirrors when changing lanes/exiting

8. Driving safely in the rural areas
Rural Areas have challenges too
Sharing the road with animals and farm equipment
Bumpy roads with ruts, rock/gravel, or sharp drop-offs
Narrow roads and bridges
Poorly marked intersections and roads
Railroad crossings WITHOUT electric warning devices
Special signs, i.e. “Deer Crossing” mean slow down
Decelerate immediately when you see a slow-moving vehicle ahead
Never pass without checking the rearview mirror and oncoming traffic for a safe distance

9. What qualities does a Defensive Driver have?
Pre-plans route
Inspects vehicle inside and out often
Always wears a seat belt
Increases following distance in bad weather
Never tailgates and follows the 3 second rule
Eliminates unnecessary distraction inside vehicle
Always uses mirrors and directional signals
Never drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Uses safety tips for city, freeway and rural driving

10. Only YOU have the answer….
Are YOU a Defensive Driver?