CHAPTER 5

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

Preventing Accidents pg 80

A. Most accidents are caused by driver error.

B. Standard Accident Prevention Formula:

1. Be Alert

2. Be Prepared

3. Act In Time

Aggressive Driving/Road Rage

Speeding Improper or excessive lane changing Tailgate Pass illegally on the right Make facial or hand gestures Screaming Honking the horn Flashing high beams

Call (888) SAF-ROAD or cell phone #77.

Distractions

Collisions are caused by a distracted motorist Tailgate, Go too fast Drift Ignore

Traffic signs and signals, Road markings Potential traffic hazards Road conditions Other vehicles

WHY?? Pg 81

Lighting a cigarette looking in the glove compartment Watching children or talking to other

passengers in the vehicle Eating Using a cellular phone or any other electronic

device • Adjusting the radio or CD player • Applying makeup

Tired Driver

Maggie’s Law- illegal to knowingly drive while impaired by lack of sleep

Establishes driving while fatigued as reckless under the vehicular homicide statute

Highway Hypnosis

Driving behind the wheel for a long period may experience highway hypnosis

Trance like state Should try to rest every 2 hours http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RajlY1mzl

ZQ

Communication

A. Use signals horn and lights to communicate with other drivers.

B. Try to make eye contact with other drivers.

C. At night quick flip of headlights

Adjusting To Different Roads

A. City Driving- you must be able to handle more:

1. Heavy traffic, pedestrians, less visible vehicles

2. You need to look at least 12 seconds ahead.

3. Be ready for anything.

Highway Driving

A. Speeding is a factor in 29% of fatal crashes on dry roads, 32% on wet roads, 47% with snow, & 54% on ice.

B. Slow Down , don’t be in a rush to die.

Curves

A. Slow down before the curve.

B. On right hand curves don’t drift into the other lane.

C. On Left hand curves, watch for other vehicles drifting into your lane.

Construction Zones

A. Slow down, fines for moving violations are doubled in a construction zone.

B. Annually there are nearly 800 fatal and over 300,000 serious injury crashes in work zones.

Keep A Space Cushion

A. To avoid a collision you need time to react.

B. Keep space on all sides of your car.

C. Don’t get boxed in.

Following Distance p. 84

A. Tailgating is a common cause of accidents.

B. One car length for every 10 MPH

C. The 3 seconds Plus Rule 4 seconds or more in the rain

D. Roadways are most slippery in the first few minutes of rain or a misting.

Following Intervals

2 Seconds… Permits driver time to steer out of problem areas at all listed speeds on a dry surface and braking out of problems at speeds under 35 mph.

3 Seconds… Permits driver time to steer out of problem areas at all listed speeds on dry surface and braking out of problems at speeds to 45 mph.

4 Seconds… Permits driver time to steer out of problem areas at all listed speeds on dry surface and braking out of problems at speeds to 75 mph

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZluKqZpm5g

Wet Roads Hydroplaning

A. Tires can ride up on a film of water like water skis at speeds of 35 MPH or more.

B. To avoid slow down in heavy rain, standing water or slush and do not drive on bald or worn tires.

C. Quick turns or changes in speed may cause car to skid

D. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdwuftIUwYY

Snow and Ice

A. Motorists are liable if ice flies from their vehicle and causes death, injury or property damage.

B. You will skid if you: Accelerate to quickly, Turn to fast, Brake improperly

C. Snow tires can be used between Nov. 15 & April 1 of each year.

Night Driving

90% of driving decisions are based upon what a motorists sees.

Vision is reduced Slow down Be able to stop within the distance

you can see

Reduced Visibility

Under these increase your following distance Frost/Ice Fog – low beam Sun Glare

Driving Problems

Ignition system Skids

If the rear end of the vehicle starts to slide, take foot off the gas pedal.

turn wheel in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding

Emergency stops Slow down Pull off when safe Put 4 ways on

Stalling on RR tracks

Driving Problems Continue

Running off Pavement Slow down. Regain control. Turn slowly onto the road.

Car Fires Get everyone out Do not attempt to put it out

Plunging into water 3-5 minutes to get out Escape through window

Vehicle Failure

Brake failure Tire Blow out Power Steering failure headlight Failure Gas Pedal problems Hood latch failure Windshield Wiper failure

Avoid collisions

Stop quickly

Turn quickly

Speed up

Avoiding Collisions cont..

Avoid Head-On CollisionsAvoid Head-On Collisions Drive off road rather than skid off road Hit something soft rather than something hard Hit something going your way rather than

something stationary Hit stationary object with glancing blow Hit stationary object rather than an approaching

object Steer to avoid oncoming traffic

In case of a collision

Stop vehicle Remain calm Notify police Wait at the scene but try not to block traffic Ask for assistance from bystanders Warn other traffic

Types of Collisions

Rear Side Head-on Parked Vehicle