1. Drivers Education Dave Haskins
The Smith System
Drivers Education
Dave Haskins

2. Major Concept Space Cushion Driving Why? Unlocks Vision Barriers
Good Vision – buys time and space and gives you the opportunity to avoid trouble and adapt to traffic conditions.

3. Five Habits Aim High in Steering Get the Big Picture
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Leave Yourself an Out
Make Sure they See You

4. Aim High Look far ahead in the lane you are using.
Vision high – look seconds down the road
Main idea: “Look where you want to go and not where you are at.”

5. What you should do. . . Stay in the center of your lane
See objects (moving and fixed) well ahead of you
Stay back from other vehicles
Adjust your speed according to weather conditions

6. Big Picture
New scenes and new situations are constantly presenting themselves as your drive.
It is YOUR responsibility to get the BIG PICTURE

7. What is it?
About 20 seconds down the road and the width of the roadway.
Not just what you can see, but what you should see.

8. What you should do Eliminate barriers 4-8 second following distance
Reduce speed if following distance is not possible
CONCENTRATE AND ANTICIPATE!!!

9. Keep your Eyes Moving This is key to establishing the big picture
Because the traffic around you is continuously moving, your eyes should be too.
Every 2 seconds, your eyes should move.
You should be looking at,
Near, far, inside mirror, outside mirrors, etc.

10. What you should do
Eyes move every 2 seconds – check rear every 5-8 seconds.
Before changing lanes, turning or stopping, check the rear
Avoid drivers who appear erratic or unsafe
No eye distractions (phones, traffic accidents, etc)

11. Leave Yourself an Out Space Cushion!
Choose the proper lane, leave space ahead and on one or both sides
Plan for space, but be ready for anything

12. What you should do Choose the lane of least resistance
Leave one side open for swerving if necessary
Only pass when it is safe to do so (you have enough space, the visibility is good and there is appropriate distance)

13. Make Sure They See You COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER DRIVERS
Use your turn signals
Hand signals, soft brakes
Eye contact
Gentle tap on horn

14. What you should do Turn on lights in darkness or low visibility
Signal early
Avoid driving in the blind spots of other drivers

15. Smith System Driver Evaluation Check List
Aim High in Steering
Keeps vehicle centered in the lane.
Sees moving and fixed objects at least a block away in city traffic and at least one half mile ahead on expressways or highways.
Maintains a safe following distance.
Avoids swerving when passing other vehicles, turning or approaching parked vehicles.
Reduces speed to allow for poor conditions or reduced visibility.
Get the Big Picture
Avoids being boxed in when lanes ahead are blocked.
Avoids severe breaking and abrupt turns.
Adjusts speed when approaching intersections.
Correctly anticipates moves of other drivers and pedestrians and avoids conflicts.
Slows down before entering “no control” intersections or where there is a possibility of conflict.
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Keep eyes moving at least every two seconds and checks to the rear every five to eight seconds.
Checks to the rear before changing lanes, turning, or stopping.
Stays clear of erratic drivers.
Checks in all directions and leaves a space cushion before starting up at intersections.
Disposes of eye holding distractions quickly.
Leave Yourself an Out
Recognizes the lane of least resistance and positions the vehicle accordingly.
Allows extra following distance when crowded by a tailgater.
When possible, leaves at least one side open for swerving room.
Passes only when there is space, visibility, and distance to do safely.
Quickly re-establishes space around the vehicle when space diminishes.
Make Sure They See You
Alerts non-attentive drivers and pedestrians with gentle tap of the horn or flick of the lights to get eye contact (includes those on bicycles and motorcycles).
Turns on lights when visibility is low in order to be seen.
Tries to obtain eye contact with people when conditions dictate that it should be done.
Gives early signals for turns of lane changes and checks to see if they are heeded.
Does not ride in the blind zone of drivers on left right.
Note: This checklist is copyrighted by Smith System Driver Improvement Institute, Inc., 1993.