1. Unit II. I. Accident Prevention
Can accidents be prevented?
Six principle conditions that play some part in all accidents.
Light conditions (too much or too little)
Weather conditions (snow, rain, fog)
Road conditions (shape, surface, shoulder)
Traffic conditions (heavy or light, fast or slow)
Vehicle conditions (maintenance)
Driver condition (lack of experience, strong emotions, day dreaming, poor vision, tiredness, elderly, alcohol or other drugs.
**Combined conditions can occur!! 1

2. II. Qualities of a Good Driver
I. Vision- Of all the senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, touch, and taste) vision is the MOST IMPORTANT for driving.
Qualities of Vision
Visual acuity – clearness of vision
Depth perception – distance judgment
Peripheral vision – field of vision
Color perception
Night vision – glare recovery 2

3. Qualities of a Good Driver
B. Visual Search – this is what you call the kind of “seeing” you should use behind the wheel; your eyes must be moving! Visual search involves six seeing habits. These habits are the basis for DEFENSIVE DRIVING.
Defensive driving is the technique of guarding against the MISTAKES OF OTHERS and preventing accidents in spite of others or adverse driving conditions. 3

4. Qualities of a Good Driver
C. Six Seeing Habits for the Visual Search
Aim high while steering – one block in the city, ¼ mile on the freeway.
Get the big picture – side, front, and rear
Be seen – horn, lights, eye contact, stay out of blind spots
Keep your eyes moving – quick glance technique
Leave an out- escape route
Expect the unexpected
Use these seeing habits to look for POTENTIAL HAZARDS. Never allow a potential hazard to become a real one! 4

5. III.Observing Observing Uncontrolled or Blind Intersections
15 mph or less (including railroad crossings)
Sequence of observation: Left-right-left 5

6. III. Observing Seeing and Hearing Unusual things
Listen as well as look
Jaywalkers
Hitchhikers
Pedestrians
Bicycle riders
Emergency Vehicles ( you must leave the road and come to a stop) 6

7. III. Observing Seeing and Hearing Unusual things
School Buses – if lights are flashing red, cars going in both directions must stop (if road is four lanes with a center divider, cars going in the same direction as the bus are required to stop.) 7

8. IV. Communication Communicating Your Intentions
When to signal
“As soon as you can without confusing others” (must use your blinker – mechanical turn indicator)
Hand signals (right, left, stop/slow)
Movement and position of your car
II. B. Communicating Your Presence
With your lights (see and be seen)
With your horn
Stay out of other driver’s blind spots (Be in their mirrors) 8

9. V. Positioning
Keeping a ‘space cushion’ all around your car – visibility and escape ability
A space cushion to the front
2-3 second rule 9

10. V. Positioning
2. A space cushion to the side (choose one example to write)
Keep at least one lane between you and cars coming in the opposite direction.
On two lane roads, stay as far to the right as possible
Stay to the right on curves and hills.
Speed up or drop back to avoid traveling next to cars going in the same direction (stay out of blind spots.) 10

11. Positioning
3. A space cushion to the rear. How to handle tailgaters (a car that follows you too closely-choose one to write)
Encourage him/her to pass (pull over to the right lane)
Encourage him/her to pass (pull over to the white line)
Tap brakes LIGHTLY 11

12. VI. Adjusting Speed 7. When passing another car
Check conditions – is it safe?
Accelerate within speed limit
Overtake other car gradually
Look into rearview mirror and over shoulder
When clear, signal your return to former lane. Decrease speed to that of traffic
When you are passed
Never speed up
Help him/her if necessary by slowing down or pulling to the right 12