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Defensive Driving


Session One

Defensive Driving Strategies


A “defensive” of Defensive Driving:

• Defensive driving is driving to save lives, time, and money in spite of the conditions around you and actions of others.


The Definition...

Driving to save lives, time, and money...Saving lives is the most important goal of this course. Time is

second in importance. Collisions cause time, and time is money. The third consideration, money, is critical to life. However, money is tertiary to life and time.

...in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.This part of the definition sets the conditions for defensive

driving. While the goal is to save lives, time and money. The weather, road, traffic, light, vehicle, and/or unsafe actions of other drivers are not an “excuse” for collisions.


Preventable Collision

• A collision in which the driver failed to do everything reasonable to avoid it.


5 Step Formula for Safe Driving

Look far ahead of your vehicle

Maintain a wide view

Know what is ahead and behind your vehicle

Always have an escape plan, don’t be

boxed in

See and be seen


Hazard Recognition -Everyday Driving

Recognize the hazard:• Checking mirrors every 3 to 5 seconds.• Scanning the road ahead, behind and next to

your vehicle.• Watching for sudden brake lights of other

vehicles.• Being aware of the sound and feel of your

vehicle on the road.


Hazard Recognition -Everyday Driving (cont.)

• Understand the defense:• Know what you should do before

encountering a hazard• As you drive, use the what-if strategy to

identify hazards and your defense driving options.

• Generally, to avoid a collision you will either brake, steer to the left or right, or use your horn to alert the erring driver.


Hazard Recognition -Everyday Driving (cont.)

• Act Correctly, in time..• Once you’ve identified a hazard and made a

decision as to what would be the safest maneuver, you must act quickly to avoid the collision.


How to Anticipate & Recognize Driving Hazards

• Recognize the hazard• Understand the defense• Act correctly, in time


Session Two

Professional Drivers’ Characteristics


Professional Drivers’ Characteristics

• What is your idea of a professional driver?


Professional Drivers’ Characteristics (cont.)

• Qualifications & Characteristics of a professional driver– Pride in Profession– Desire to improve driving– Knowledge– Alertness– Foresight– Judgment– Skills


Safety BeltsMyths about safety belts...



• Myth– You really need safety belts only for long trips or

high-speed driving.• Fact

– At least 75% of all deaths and serious injuries occur less than 25 miles from home at speeds of under 40 miles per hour.



• Myth– In a crash, I can brace myself with my hands and

arms.• Fact

– Only if you have superhuman strength. In a frontal collision, an occupant weighing 165 pounds and moving at 30 mph would impact and moving at 30 mph would impact the windshield or instrument panel with approximately 2.5 tons of force-more than most people’s bones and muscles can withstand.



• Myth– In a crash, the safety belt can cause as much injury

as you’d suffer without one.• Fact

– Studies show that the safety belt may indeed cause some injuries to the shoulder, chest or pelvis. However, these injuries are far less severe than those incurred by an unrestrained occupant.



• Myth– In a crash, you’re better off without a safety belt

because you can be “thrown free” of the vehicle.• Fact

– You’ll be “thrown” all right-perhaps through the windshield or the door, maybe onto the pavement, against a tree or into the path of another vehicle.



• Myth– I might be trapped in a burning or submerged car.

• Fact– Less than ½ of 1% of all injury-producing

collisions involve fire or submersion. But, if the vehicle catches fire or is submerged, wearing a safety belt can keep the driver from being knocked unconscious and allow them to escape.


Seat Belts: Know the Law

• All but two states in the United States have mandatory safety belt laws. Kansas is NOT one of them. In fact, in the state of Kansas, the seat belt law is a “PRIMARY LAW”.

Make sure the safety belt fits snugly by:– Adjusting the seat first and the belt second.– Wearing the lap belt across your pelvis, not your

abdomen.– Making certain the belt is in the right clasp.– Wearing the shoulder strap across your shoulder

and chest, not under your arm or behind you.


Driver Conditions That Affect Driving

• Medication• Hearing• Mobility• General Physical Health• Stress• Emotions• Attitude• Fatigue• Vision


Mental Conditions That Can Affect Driving

1) Stress2) Emotions3) Attitude


Things To Reduce Stress

• Relaxation exercises.• Take a break at a rest area or truck stop.• Ignore other drivers with an “attitude”.• Let offensive drivers get ahead of you.• Check your pre-trip mental status.• Create a balance between work and personal

life, if possible.


Pre-Trip Mental Inventory

Before you start to drive, ask yourself....– Can I expect any unusual light, road, weather, or

traffic conditions?– How do I feel...

• mentally• physically


Your Physical Condition

What Causes Fatigue?– Stress– Circadian Rhythm– Lack of quality sleep– Too many hours behind the wheel– Substance abuse– Irregular work hours


Your Physical Condition (cont.)

Fatigue is a major problem for over-the-road drivers. Long work hours, short rest periods, less than ideal sleeping conditions and stress combine to create a climate of fatigue that contributes to collisions.If you look at collision statistics, you will see that there are two main periods when most collisions occur. Those times are between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. and the afternoon period between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.


To Minimize Fatigue...

Here are some things you can try:– Avoid inconsistent napping.– Sleep in a dark room or wear a light-blocking

mask.– Eliminate noise.– Establish firm sleep rules.


To Minimize Fatigue...

Here are some things you can try:– Allow adequate time for sleep each day.– Do not use alcohol to sleep.– Avoid heavy meals before bedtimes because

digestion disturbs sleep.– Get regular exercise, but do so well before

sleeping.


Session Three

Driving Defensively


Vehicle Inspection

• Pre-Trip Inspection Points• In-Route Inspections

– You should check every 150 miles or every 3 hours:

• Oil/Water• Brakes• Tires• Cargo (chains, straps, tarps)• Are you still fit for duty?


While Driving It Is Important To

• LISTEN for irregular sounds.• SMELL for unusual odors that may signal

trouble.• FEEL changes in your vehicle’s response to

the road.• OBSERVE all gauges and parts of your

vehicle and cargo security.


Blind Spots

What is a “Blind Spot”?– Any area on a vehicle that the driver cannot see

into;– Turn you head and see;– See with the mirror, or– Move in the seat to see.

The larger the vehicle, the more blind spots it will have.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see?


Blind Spots (cont.)

Recently, a mirror adjustment issue has come up that can “reduce” blind spots or zones. (Popular Science, Dec. 1992) A blind spot caused by mirror effects is created when a care approaching from the rear leaves the field of view of both the inside and outside mirrors. The principal cause is drivers habitually lining up the outside mirror so that a portion of the side of their car is still visible. At this position, the angle of view of the inside and outside mirrors overlap behind the car, ensuring that a car approaching from the rear is visible in both. However, this creates a wide angel outside the field of view alongside the car where the image disappears from both mirrors.


Blind Spots (cont.)

• If the driver rotates outside mirrors 15 degrees farther outward this will reduce the blind zone. To reference 15 degrees and make an estimate of the proper angle, place your head against the driver-side window and adjust the outside mirror until the side of the car is barely visible. Moving your head to the center line of the car when adjusting the passenger-side mirror creates the same angle. The wide-set mirrors also eliminate night-time headlight glare by not reflecting it directly into the driver’s eyes. Try it, before you buy it. But most people who have re-adjusted their mirrors say it really works.


Right Turns

• Anticipate the turn.• Get in the proper lane as quickly and safely as

you can before you turn. At least 100 feet before the turn.

• Use your turn signal and slow down.• Keep the rear of the vehicle close enough to

the right curb to keep other vehicles out.


Right Turns (cont.)

• Check your right mirror to make sure there are no small vehicles in the way. When clear, turn the wheel.

• Make your turn at a safe speed.• Make your turn without crossing the center

line of the street you are leaving and, if possible, not into the opposing traffic lanes of the road you are entering.


Left Turns

• Anticipate the turn.• Check for other vehicles behind or beside

you.• Get in the lane next to the center line well

ahead of turning.• Use your turn signal at least 100 feet before

the turn and slow down.


Left Turns (cont.)

• Keep your wheels pointed straight.• Let oncoming traffic clear and yield to pedestrians.• Turn into the lane next to the center line.• Keep to the right of and close to the center line of the

road just entered. Don’t let your wheels pass over the center line.

• After the turn, check behind you to make sure the right lane is clear.

• Signal you will be moving right.• Move to the right lane.


Space Management

Factors that Influence Stopping Distance:– Weight – Load– Road Conditions– Reaction Time– Vehicle Condition– Weathers Conditions– Type of Vehicle– Tires– Type/Condition of Road


Reaction Time/Distance

Reaction Time for the average driver, in good physical and mental condition, is ¾(s) of a second. Reaction distance is the number of fee your vehicle will travel from the time you recognize a hazard and get your foot OVER the brake.


Reaction Time/Distance (cont.)

To calculate your reaction distance by:Adding the first digit of your speed to your speed.For example:

– At 20 mph, reaction distance would be 22 feet.• [2 (first digit of 20 mph) + 20 mph = 22]

– At 40 mph, reaction distance would be _____.– At 55 mph, reaction distance would be _____.


Reaction Time/Distance (cont.)

TotalReaction Braking Stopping

Speed Distance Distance Distance

20 MPH 22 30 52 feet30 MPH 33 67 100 feet40 MPH 44 125 169 feet50 MPH 55 225 280 feet55 MPH 60 275 335 feet


Safe Following Distance

To determine a safe following distance for your vehicle, you need to know the vehicle length and your traveling speed (never less than 4 seconds).– For speed below 40 mph, use one second for each

10 feet of vehicle length.– For speeds above 40 mph, use one second for each

10 feet of vehicle length and ADD one more second.

NOTE: Always add one second for each adverse condition. Add one second for every two hours of driving time.


Safe Following Distance Exercise

1) You are traveling 50 mph on a rainy day, total vehicle length is 63 feet.– What is your following distance (sec.)?

2) You are traveling 25 mph and total vehicle length is 20 feet. – What is your following distance (sec.)?

3) You have been driving for 5 hours and it is snowing. Your total vehicle length is 50 feet and you are traveling 60 mph.– What is your following distance (sec.)?


Session Four

Lane Management


Lane Management

What can happen when you pass another vehicle?1) A successful pass2) A head-on collision3) A run-off-the-road4) A sideswipe


Land Management (cont.)

Before Starting to Pass:1) Is it safe?2) Is it legal?3) Is this pass necessary?

NOTE: To avoid a potential passing hazard, you should always make sure it is a legal passing zone and that it is absolutely necessary to pass. In addition, passing is never necessary if it means exceeding the posted speed limit.


No-Passing Zones

No Passing Zones are established for 3 basic reasons:1) Limited or reduced visibility

• i.e., hills, curves, construction areas2) Limited or reduced space

• i.e., bridges, tunnels, intersections, construction areas.3) Areas where there may be pedestrian traffic

• i.e., school zones, hospital zones.


Safe Passing

Once you have determined that you may pass legally AND it is necessary, there are some basic maneuvers you should perform in a safe pass.1) Maintain a proper following distance2) Start to pass.3) Complete the pass.


Safe Passing (cont.)

1) Maintain a proper following distance.– One second for every 10 feet of vehicle length in

ideal conditions.– Look ahead for oncoming traffic.– Look behind, then check your mirrors.– Signal left to alert traffic that you’re about to pull

into the passing lane.– Turn your head 90 degrees to the left and check

your blind spot.– Tap horn to warn other driver.



2) Start to Pass.– Increase speed to the posted speed limit.– Move left completely into the passing lane.– Check the front tires of the vehicle you’re passing

to make sure they are stable in their lane.– Signal right.– Check right, using the right side mirror to make

sure you don’t cut back in too soon and to make sure the driver you are passing doesn’t accelerate to prevent you from complete the pass.



3) Complete the pass.– Move right when the mirror shows clear

pavement in front of the vehicle you have passed.– Cancel the signal.– Maintain proper speed. Do not slow down.


Multi-Lane Roads

Driving on multi-lane roads involves staying alert to traffic around you even more so than on regular highways. Traffic is usually traveling at higher speeds and at times can get very crowded. It is in your best interest to keep as much space as possible around your vehicle.


Entrance Ramps

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are about to enter a multi-lane roadway:

1) Your Speed– The posted speed limits are for four-wheelers, not

18-wheelers.2) As you enter the ramp, scan ahead to the

expressway traffic.– This will give you an idea of the space of traffic

and will also help you identify a gap you may use to enter the traffic flow smoothly.


Entrance Ramps (cont.)

3) Adjust your speed while on the ramp to accommodate the expected gap.– Remember to keep a safety following distance

from the vehicle ahead on the ramp, if possible.4) Keep your eyes on the gap you previously

identified to be sure your space and time will be adequate to merge smoothly.

5) As you reach the merge lane, signal and accelerate, if possible, to a safe merging speed.


Exit Ramps

Getting off an expressway should be just as smooth:– Know your exit by name and number. Also, know

the exits before and after your exit.– Signal your intention to change lanes and exit.– Get into the merge lane as early as possible and

slow down.Remember, a merge lane for an exit may also be a

merge lane for an entrance. Adjust your time, speed, and space accordingly.


Space Management on Multi-lance Roads

• Adjust your speed to the traffic flow, but not over the legal limit.

• Avoid frequent lane changes.• Do not tailgate.• Stay in the right lane.• Give yourself plenty of maneuvering room

ahead, behind, and alongside your vehicle.


Lane Changes

Two types of collisions can occur in a lane change situation:– Sideswipe– Run-off-the-Road

To avoid a lane change, be sure to:– Check that the lane is clear.– Signal your intentions.– Check mirrors and blind spots.


Avoiding a Head-On Collision

Preventing head-on crashes means following the “Four Rs”:

READ the road ahead.– Scan ahead 1 to 2 blocks in the city, or 12 to 15

seconds downs the highway.

Drive to the RIGHT.– Never crowd the center line. Use the far right lane

as much as possible.


Avoiding a Head-On Collision

Preventing head-on crashes means following the “Four Rs”:

REDUCE speed.– Slow down right away and sound your horn or flash your

lights to warn the other driver he/she is doing something wrong that may cause a head-on collision.

RIDE right.– If it still appears that a head-on will occur, drive off the road

onto the shoulder or close enough to ensure your survival.


Split-Second Decisions

1) Drive right, not left. If the oncoming driver recovers, instinct will be to swerve back into his/her lane. If you swerved left also, you would still have a head-on collision in his/her lane.

2) Drive, don’t skid off the road. Maintain control of your vehicle if you need to get off the road.

3) If necessary, hit something soft, not hard. A shrub or breakaway barrel is better than a phone pole or wall.


Split-Second Decisions (cont.)

4) If necessary, hit a fixed object, not an oncoming vehicle. Two colliding vehicles are more likely to result in death or disabling injuries.

5) If you must hit something (a fixed object or other vehicle), hit it with a glancing flow, not head-on. For every inch you hit off center you reduce your chance of being seriously injured or killed.


Session Five

Driving Conditions


Driving Conditions

Uncontrollable Driving Conditions– Light– Road– Traffic– Weather– Other Drivers


Adverse Uncontrollable Conditions

• Limited or Reduced Visibility.• Limited or Reduced Traction.• Limited or Reduced Driving Space.

Every time you drive, you need to be aware of these conditions and adjust your drive to them.


Reduced or Limited Visibility Conditions

• Too much or too little light:– Sun Glare– Snow Glare– Other Vehicle Headlights– Reflected Limit– Construction Light– Parking Lots– Dock Lighting


Weather Conditions That Reduce or Limit Light

Rain, dust, snow and sleetThe time of day also can result in limited or reduced light conditions, i.e., dusk, night and sunrise.

The shape of the road and surrounding terrain may also result in limited or reduced in limited or reduced visibility or in line of sight.


Points to Remember...

When Driving in Adverse Light Conditions:• See and be seen. Turn on headlights well

before dusk and anytime the weather conditions reduce visibility in rain, fog, dust and snow.

• Know the route and potential road hazards of the route.

• Slow down and use appropriate following distance.


Points to Remember...(cont.)

• Make sure your headlights work properly, are clean and are aimed correctly.

• If poor weather conditions are the cause of reduced visibility, consider getting off the road until visibility improves.

• When a vehicle approaching you has high beam lights on, look to the right until you have passed that vehicle.

• Don’t overdrive your headlights.


Reduced or Limited Traction Conditions

• Some causes of reduced or limited traction may be:– Slick road surface due to inclement weather– Type of road surface– Worn tire treads– Poor braking– Poor shifting skills


Reduced or Limited Traction Conditions (cont.)

• Areas or clues where traction might be limited or reduced:– Bridges and tunnels– Shadows– Black ice– Rain– Wet leaves



• Sand, oil or gravel• Road contour• Bumps or holes in toad• Rutted parking lots• Snow at docking area• Trash and debris in docking area



• Actions a driver can take to reduce hazards in limited traction situations:– Slow down– Make sure tires are properly inflated and have

good tread.– Anticipate situations where you need to brake

suddenly.– Increase following distance.



• Try to reduce load shifting• Scan ahead for road conditions that can

contribute to a skid or jackknife.


Reduced or Limited Driving Space Conditions

• Some areas of reduced or limited driving space:– Traffic congestion– Road construction– Delivery areas– Parking lots– Service areas– Alleys– Turns– Curves– Areas with overhead obstacles


Reduced or Limited Driving Space Conditions (cont.)

• Actions a driver can take to reduce collision hazards:– Increase following distance– Slow down– Use and check mirrors frequently– Scan, scan, scan– Use “what if”


Reduced or Limited Driving Space Conditions (cont.)

Heavy traffic can exercise everyone’s patience. It is always appropriate to use a safe following distance and keep alert for sudden traffic stops. Also, be alert for impatient drivers, drivers that cut in front of you and drivers moving down the breakdown lane.

Attitude is everything.

Keep your cool even if other drivers aren’t keeping theirs.


Emergency Vehicles

• When an emergency vehicle is approaching you from behind:– If you are moving, move right toward the

shoulder and stop, if possible move right in your lane and stop, if possible, slow down.

– If you are stopped, do not move unless you are blocking the emergency vehicle’s path.


Emergency Vehicles(cont.)

• When an emergency vehicle is approaching you on a two-lane road:– Follow the same procedure. But remember the

should may not be able to hold the weight of your vehicle. Only move to the shoulder if you know it will hold the weight or if a law enforcement officer orders it.


Session Six

Backing


Backing

Did you know....• In most fleets one out of every four collisions

involved backing?• These collisions account for the majority of

vehicle and property damage costs.


Backing Guidelines

1. Get out and get the picture– Walk around your vehicle to get a complete

picture of what you are backing into.– Check the surface, note road depressions, fixed

objects, and pedestrian traffic.– Check top clearances– Check side clearances. After checking, start

backing immediately before the picture changes.


Backing Guidelines(cont.)

2. Back from the driver’s side– Start the backing movement as close to the dock as

possible. This reduces the distance your vehicle will have to travel in reverse.

3. Back slowly– This helps you maintain control of your vehicle,

ensures correct distance judging, and prevents damage from backing too fast.



4. Check both sides as you back– If you have gauged clearance to the right and top

correctly, you only have to concentrate on the left side your vehicle when baking to the dock. Use your outside mirrors as often as necessary.

– To be sure you are correctly judging distance to the rear, stop about three-quarters of the way, set the brake, get out and take another look. You might pace off the distance between truck and dock and make a mark on the ground an equal from the driver striking the dock.



• Use a reliable guide– Agree on signals to use. Have him/her watch the

area you’re backing into and keep an eye on your blind zone. This person should stand where both you and the area to the rear of your vehicle are clearly visible. He or she will warn you if pedestrians or vehicles move into your path.


Braking

• Anti-Lock Braking Systems:– One of the most important safety features of any

motor vehicle is the braking system. Braking distances are minimally affected by ABS.

– The computerized ABS is designed to prevent the brakes from overheating and locking, which results in an uncontrolled skid.


Braking (cont.)

• Anti-Lock Braking Systems (cont.):– If the computer determines that a wheel is

approaching lock-up, the computer sends a signal to the hydraulic modulator to reduce, then reapply brake pressure several times a second as required. This precision modulation or “pumping action” continues as long as the driver maintains adequate pressure on the brake pedal so that an impending wheel condition is sensed.


Session Seven

Winter Driving Tips


Hazard Recognition

• Plan Ahead– Realize the present condition of the road– Be aware of changing road conditions

• Visibility• Be aware of bridges and shaded areas


Mechanical Tips

• Tire pressure• Wipers• Lights

– Tail lights– Head lights– Turn signals

• Windows


Driving Tips

• Avoid quick stops• Do not panic• Pump brakes instead of applying constant

pressure• Break before entering a turn, and not while

negotiating the turn• Don’t take turns too slowly, a rear end of

vehicle could slide down the curve


Skidding

• In order to get our of a skid, many drivers were taught to turn the wheel in the direction the rear of the vehicle was skidding. However, many drivers who find their vehicle skidding do not know which way they are skidding.

• TRY THIS - In Defensive Driving, the participants are taught to turn the wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. This is a lot easier to remember in a potential panic situation.


Skidding (cont.)

• Avoid skid situations• Don’t panic• Don’t slam on brakes• Turn tires into the skid• Don’t over correct• Allow vehicle momentum to assist you in

regaining control


Limited Traction Situation

• Clear snow from around tires• Don’t spin tires• Rock vehicle back and forth• Start out slowly• Don’t steer too sharp, rear end of vehicle

could slide down


Time Behind the Wheel

• During our lifetime...– We will spend 9 years behind the wheel.

NINE YEARSNINE YEARS

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