Defensive Driving Module 3 - PetroDocsDefensive Driving Defensive Driving Module 4 This material was producThis material was produced under grant number 46E5ed under grant number 46E5-HT05

Defensive DrivingDefensive Driving Module 4Module 4

This material was produced under grant number 46E5This material was produced under grant number 46E5--HT05 HT05 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S.

Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does

mention of trade names, commercial products, or mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U. S. Governmentorganizations imply endorsement by the U. S. Government

Course OutlineCourse Outline

►►Defensive driving pointsDefensive driving points►►Avoiding rearAvoiding rear--end collisionsend collisions►►Backing safetyBacking safety►►Avoiding deer crashesAvoiding deer crashes►►Inclement weather drivingInclement weather driving►►Railroad crossingsRailroad crossings►►Safety belt use Safety belt use

Course ObjectivesCourse Objectives

►►Be able to identify defensive driving points Be able to identify defensive driving points and their rationaleand their rationale

►►Be able to recognize techniques for avoiding Be able to recognize techniques for avoiding rearrear--end collisionsend collisions

►►Be able to identify tips for backing up safelyBe able to identify tips for backing up safely►►Be able to identify techniques for avoiding Be able to identify techniques for avoiding

vehiclevehicle--deer crashesdeer crashes

Course ObjectivesCourse Objectives

►►Be able to recognize steps to be taken for Be able to recognize steps to be taken for proper driving in inclement weather proper driving in inclement weather

►►Be able to identify safe techniques in Be able to identify safe techniques in approaching and crossing railroad tracksapproaching and crossing railroad tracks

►►Be able to recognize the effects of seat belt Be able to recognize the effects of seat belt use in preventing fatal injuriesuse in preventing fatal injuries

►►Be able to identify the proper way of Be able to identify the proper way of wearing seat belts to prevent injuries wearing seat belts to prevent injuries

Defensive Driving PointsDefensive Driving Points

►►Leave one car length when stopped in Leave one car length when stopped in traffic. Be able to see where the tires traffic. Be able to see where the tires meet the pavementmeet the pavement

►► If vehicle in front stalls, you will be able to If vehicle in front stalls, you will be able to maneuver around vehiclemaneuver around vehicle

►► If either vehicle rolls, no collisionIf either vehicle rolls, no collision►► If road is slippery, you have a If road is slippery, you have a

cushion to stopcushion to stop►► If you are struck from behind, If you are struck from behind,

you wonyou won’’t strike the vehicle in frontt strike the vehicle in front


►►Look both directions twice when Look both directions twice when approaching an intersectionapproaching an intersection

►►Traffic in left lane poses greater chance of Traffic in left lane poses greater chance of hitting youhitting you

►►Double check both directions to Double check both directions to see around mirrors, obstacles, etc.see around mirrors, obstacles, etc.

►►Look for cars making turns, Look for cars making turns, running red lights and stop signsrunning red lights and stop signs


►►Count 1Count 1--22--3 3 before entering before entering an intersection an intersection when the light when the light first first changes to greenchanges to green

►► If someone runs the If someone runs the light, you wonlight, you won’’t get hitt get hit


►►Four to six second following distanceFour to six second following distance►►No matter what the car ahead of you does, No matter what the car ahead of you does,

you stand a better chance of avoiding a you stand a better chance of avoiding a collisioncollision

►►Provides you with a cushion forProvides you with a cushion for YOURYOUR mistakes!mistakes!


►►Check you mirrors every 5Check you mirrors every 5--8 seconds8 seconds

►►Keeps you informed of Keeps you informed of traffic around youtraffic around you

►►You may need that time You may need that time to react to an emergencyto react to an emergency


►►Scan parked carsScan parked cars

►►They give you hints of They give you hints of movement into trafficmovement into traffic

►►They shield kids, animals They shield kids, animals and other pedestriansand other pedestrians


►►Stale green lights. (Lights that have Stale green lights. (Lights that have been green for a few seconds)been green for a few seconds)

►►Take your foot off the accelerator and cover Take your foot off the accelerator and cover the brake, preparing to stopthe brake, preparing to stop


►►Look ahead 8Look ahead 8--12 seconds12 seconds

►►Get the Get the ““BIGBIG”” picturepicture►►Plan ahead (What if..?)Plan ahead (What if..?)


►►Know what is around you and maintain Know what is around you and maintain a a ““safetysafety”” cushion of spacecushion of space

►►If you donIf you don’’t get too close to it, you cant get too close to it, you can’’t hit t hit itit


►►Communicate with trafficCommunicate with traffic

►►Use your turn signals, brake lights, head Use your turn signals, brake lights, head lights, etc.lights, etc.

►►Make sure they see youMake sure they see you►►Make eye contact with the other driver, Make eye contact with the other driver,

when possiblewhen possible


►►Look first before moving in any Look first before moving in any direction,direction,…….and then keep looking.and then keep looking

►►Your head should be on a Your head should be on a ““swivelswivel”” constantly checking mirrors, in front, constantly checking mirrors, in front, behind, and both sides of your vehiclebehind, and both sides of your vehicle

►►Especially keep looking in the direction of Especially keep looking in the direction of traveltravel


►►Never backNever back--up unnecessarilyup unnecessarily►►Only backOnly back--up as a last resortup as a last resort►►Go around if necessaryGo around if necessary►►G.O.A.LG.O.A.L——GGet et OOut ut AAnd nd LLook ook ►►Look around the entire path you are going Look around the entire path you are going

to take, not just behind your vehicle. What to take, not just behind your vehicle. What is behind, above and beside your vehicle is behind, above and beside your vehicle that pose a risk?that pose a risk?


►►Keep speed Keep speed appropriate for appropriate for conditionsconditions

►► Slow down in traffic, Slow down in traffic, inclement weather, inclement weather, darkness, roadway darkness, roadway conditions, conditions, construction areas and construction areas and areas with wildlifeareas with wildlife


►►Keep your vehicle in good conditionKeep your vehicle in good condition

►►Inspect your vehicle and your safety Inspect your vehicle and your safety equipmentequipment

►►Make sure your lights and Make sure your lights and windows are cleanwindows are clean

►►Take care of your vehicle Take care of your vehicle and your vehicle will take care of youand your vehicle will take care of you

RearRear--End CollisionsEnd Collisions

►►

The majority of rear end accidents happen The majority of rear end accidents happen when: when:

The driver of the other vehicle is distracted or The driver of the other vehicle is distracted or inattentive inattentive The driver of the other vehicle is under the The driver of the other vehicle is under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol influence of controlled substances or alcohol The driver of the other vehicle is fatigued The driver of the other vehicle is fatigued The driver of the other vehicle is The driver of the other vehicle is inexperienced inexperienced

RearRear--End CollisionsEnd Collisions

►►

The majority of rear end accidents happen The majority of rear end accidents happen when:when:

There is inclement weather; i.e. rain, snow, There is inclement weather; i.e. rain, snow, ice and fog ice and fog There is a mechanical defect in one of the There is a mechanical defect in one of the involved vehicles involved vehicles Speed is definitely a factor Speed is definitely a factor Last but not least, the driver of the other Last but not least, the driver of the other vehicle has a medical issue vehicle has a medical issue

Avoiding RearAvoiding Rear--End CollisionsEnd Collisions

►►Allowing a larger spacing in wet conditions Allowing a larger spacing in wet conditions ►►Not overestimating the movement of the Not overestimating the movement of the

vehicle directly ahead of you, as well as vehicle directly ahead of you, as well as recognizing the traffic flow ahead recognizing the traffic flow ahead

►►Allowing a larger spacing when following Allowing a larger spacing when following large vehicles that block your view of the large vehicles that block your view of the road ahead road ahead


►►Recognizing your vehicle's braking ability Recognizing your vehicle's braking ability and allowing a larger spacing when your and allowing a larger spacing when your vehicle is heavily loaded vehicle is heavily loaded

►►Adjusting your speed when entering into an Adjusting your speed when entering into an intersection operated by traffic control intersection operated by traffic control signals signals


►►Allowing a larger spacing when following Allowing a larger spacing when following smaller, lighter vehicles, such as smaller, lighter vehicles, such as motorcycles, that can stop more quickly motorcycles, that can stop more quickly than you than you

►►Planning your trip to allow for adequate Planning your trip to allow for adequate travel time travel time

►►Allowing an aggressive driver to pass you Allowing an aggressive driver to pass you rather than have him tailgate rather than have him tailgate


►► Make sure brake lights and turn signals are Make sure brake lights and turn signals are working, and use them correctly working, and use them correctly

►► In emergency stopping situations flash your brake In emergency stopping situations flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind youlights to warn drivers behind you

►► Frequently glance in your rear view mirror, Frequently glance in your rear view mirror, including when stopped at an intersectionincluding when stopped at an intersection

►► Stop a car length short of intersections or Stop a car length short of intersections or crosswalks and keep your wheel straight to allow crosswalks and keep your wheel straight to allow room to roll ahead if struck from behind. room to roll ahead if struck from behind. This This could give you room for evasive action if required. could give you room for evasive action if required.

Backing SafetyBacking Safety►►Visually clear the area behind Visually clear the area behind

the vehicle firstthe vehicle first►►Turn and look to the rear whileTurn and look to the rear while

you back (use side view mirrors you back (use side view mirrors if sight is obstructed)if sight is obstructed)

►►Park so you can pull forward when leaving Park so you can pull forward when leaving ►►Back into your parking space to begin with Back into your parking space to begin with

instead of backing out when you leave instead of backing out when you leave

Deer Vehicle CrashesDeer Vehicle Crashes

►►1.5 million car accidents with deer each year 1.5 million car accidents with deer each year in the U.S.in the U.S.

►►Result in $1 billion in vehicle damageResult in $1 billion in vehicle damage

►►About 150 human fatalitiesAbout 150 human fatalities

►►Over 10,000 personal injuries Over 10,000 personal injuries

Top Ten States for Deer CrashesTop Ten States for Deer Crashes

►► 1) Pennsylvania1) Pennsylvania 2) Michigan2) Michigan 3) Illinois3) Illinois 4) Ohio4) Ohio 5) Georgia5) Georgia 6) Minnesota6) Minnesota 7) Virginia7) Virginia 8) Indiana 8) Indiana 9) Texas9) Texas 10) Wisconsin 10) Wisconsin

Deer Crash PhotosDeer Crash Photos

Photos courtesy of www.Car-Accidents.com ©

http://www.car-accidents.com/

Avoiding Deer CrashesAvoiding Deer Crashes

►►Most deer crash deaths and serious injuries Most deer crash deaths and serious injuries occur when motorists veer to avoid hitting occur when motorists veer to avoid hitting deerdeer

►►Improve your visionImprove your visionSlow down in marked deer caution zonesSlow down in marked deer caution zonesDrive within the range of your headlightsDrive within the range of your headlightsUse of highUse of high--beam headlights when driving in beam headlights when driving in deer territory will increase your vision and deer territory will increase your vision and increase your time to react increase your time to react


►►Watch for DeerWatch for DeerDusk to dawnDusk to dawnSpring and FallSpring and FallNear waterwaysNear waterwaysNear wooded areasNear wooded areas


►►RememberRemember…………Deer are unpredictableDeer are unpredictableDeer travel in groups, so watch for more than Deer travel in groups, so watch for more than oneone

►►DonDon’’t Veert VeerOff the roadwayOff the roadwayOut of controlOut of controlInto oncoming trafficInto oncoming traffic

Inclement Weather DrivingInclement Weather Driving

► Plan ahead; know the current road conditions►► Make sure vehicle equipment is in good working Make sure vehicle equipment is in good working

order; brakes, tires, windshield wipersorder; brakes, tires, windshield wipers►► Clean headlights and have plenty of windshield Clean headlights and have plenty of windshield

washer fluidwasher fluid►► Buckle up and Slow down!Buckle up and Slow down!►► Double the distance between you and the vehicle Double the distance between you and the vehicle

in front of youin front of you

Inclement Weather DrivingInclement Weather Driving►► Watch for icy surfaces Watch for icy surfaces

on bridge deckson bridge decks►► DonDon’’t get t get

overconfident with overconfident with fourfour--wheel drivewheel drive

►► Drive with your Drive with your headlights onheadlights on

►► Look farther ahead in Look farther ahead in traffictraffic

►► Leave room for Leave room for maintenance vehicles maintenance vehicles and plowsand plows

Inclement Weather DrivingInclement Weather Driving

►►Use your low beams in fogUse your low beams in fog►►Remember that driving in Remember that driving in

poor conditions is fatiguingpoor conditions is fatiguing►►Pull over if you need toPull over if you need to►►If you get stuck, generally, the best thing is If you get stuck, generally, the best thing is

stay in your vehicle and keep warm while stay in your vehicle and keep warm while you wait for helpyou wait for help

►►Beware of carbon monoxide emissions Beware of carbon monoxide emissions

Rail Road CrossingsRail Road Crossings


►►In 2003, incidents at public highway rail In 2003, incidents at public highway rail crossings resulted incrossings resulted in

295 deaths295 deaths893 injuries893 injuries502 were killed and 394 injured while 502 were killed and 394 injured while trespassing on rail road rightstrespassing on rail road rights--ofof--way and way and propertyproperty


►► The human eye is The human eye is designed to pick up:designed to pick up:

►►ColorColor►►Motion Motion ►►LightLight


►►The sound, lights and movement effect is The sound, lights and movement effect is put into action specifically at rail road put into action specifically at rail road crossings.crossings.

►►The flashing of the lights, lowering of the The flashing of the lights, lowering of the arms and clanging of the bells alerts us to arms and clanging of the bells alerts us to the movement or approaching of the trainthe movement or approaching of the train


►► The U.S. has 150,000 The U.S. has 150,000 public grade crossingspublic grade crossings

35,000 have gates35,000 have gates25,000 have flashing 25,000 have flashing lightslights1,200 have highway 1,200 have highway traffic signals, wigwags traffic signals, wigwags and bellsand bells


►►Approach with careApproach with care►►Prepare to stop; turn off fans and radio and Prepare to stop; turn off fans and radio and

roll down windowsroll down windows►►Stop, Look and Listen both waysStop, Look and Listen both ways►►Look again before you moveLook again before you move►►Cross tracks with careCross tracks with care►►Keep going once you start, even if lights Keep going once you start, even if lights

start to flash or gates come downstart to flash or gates come down


►► If your vehicle stalls or hangs up on the tracks:If your vehicle stalls or hangs up on the tracks:Get out immediatelyGet out immediatelyMove away (walk toward the oncoming train and Move away (walk toward the oncoming train and away from the tracks at a 45 degree angleaway from the tracks at a 45 degree angleLocate the emergency phone numberLocate the emergency phone numberCall for help (use 911 if you canCall for help (use 911 if you can’’t find the railroad t find the railroad emergency phone number at the site)emergency phone number at the site)

Photo courtesy of Montana Rail Link

Seat Belt UseSeat Belt Use

►►In June 2005, safety belt use in the U.S. In June 2005, safety belt use in the U.S. reached 82% reached 82% --highest level recordedhighest level recorded

►►Use of belts:Use of belts:88% Expressways88% Expressways81% Surface streets81% Surface streets

►►Vehicle Types:Vehicle Types:85% Vans and SUV85% Vans and SUV’’ss83% Cars83% Cars73% Pickup trucks73% Pickup trucks

Safety Belt Use 2005Safety Belt Use 2005

►►NHTSA estimates that 15,632 lives were NHTSA estimates that 15,632 lives were saved in 2005 by the use of safety beltssaved in 2005 by the use of safety belts

►►35% of passenger car occupants and 37% 35% of passenger car occupants and 37% of light truck occupants involved in fatal of light truck occupants involved in fatal crashes were unrestrainedcrashes were unrestrained

►►In fatal crashes, 75% of passenger vehicle In fatal crashes, 75% of passenger vehicle occupants who were totally ejected from occupants who were totally ejected from vehicles were killedvehicles were killed

Use of Seat BeltsUse of Seat Belts

►►Using seat belts cuts the risk of death by Using seat belts cuts the risk of death by 45% for people riding in cars and as 60% 45% for people riding in cars and as 60% for those traveling in trucks and SUVfor those traveling in trucks and SUV’’ss

►►Seat belts save 14,000 lives each year and Seat belts save 14,000 lives each year and every state in the nation has a law every state in the nation has a law mandating seat belt usemandating seat belt use

►►20% of Americans still fail to buckle up20% of Americans still fail to buckle up

Safety Belt Use Safety Belt Use Among Crash FatalitiesAmong Crash Fatalities

1997 1997 -- 20022002

33% 39%0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Work-RelatedCrashes

Overall Population

Potential Benefits of Belt UsePotential Benefits of Belt Use

►►Safety belts can save 1 of every 2 unbelted Safety belts can save 1 of every 2 unbelted fatalities, sofatalities, so……

►►Of the 1,300 work related fatalities each Of the 1,300 work related fatalities each year, about 2/3 are unrestrained (860)year, about 2/3 are unrestrained (860)

►►One half of these, or about 430 employees, One half of these, or about 430 employees, could be saved each year. could be saved each year.

Effectiveness of Safety BeltsEffectiveness of Safety Belts

►►Safety belts, especially lap/shoulder belts, Safety belts, especially lap/shoulder belts, spread the stress and impact forces of a spread the stress and impact forces of a crash along the stronger and broader areas crash along the stronger and broader areas of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, of the body, such as the hips and shoulders, thereby limiting injuriesthereby limiting injuries

►►Safety belts, especially lap/shoulder belts, Safety belts, especially lap/shoulder belts, hold you in place while the vehicle absorbs hold you in place while the vehicle absorbs the impact of the crash and decelerates the impact of the crash and decelerates


►►The safety belt protects your head and The safety belt protects your head and spinal cordspinal cord

►►Safety belts prevent occupants from being Safety belts prevent occupants from being ejected from the vehicle or thrown around ejected from the vehicle or thrown around inside the vehicle, where they can strike inside the vehicle, where they can strike objects within the vehicleobjects within the vehicle


►►In a crash, a safety belt keeps the driver in In a crash, a safety belt keeps the driver in place behind the steering wheel and in place behind the steering wheel and in control of the vehicle, thereby avoiding or control of the vehicle, thereby avoiding or reducing the consequences of an accident reducing the consequences of an accident

►►Safety belts can keep you from being Safety belts can keep you from being knocked unconscious, improving your knocked unconscious, improving your chances of escape chances of escape

DonDon’’ts of Seat Belt Fit ts of Seat Belt Fit

►►Do not allow the buckle to be located in the Do not allow the buckle to be located in the stomach or abdomen area.stomach or abdomen area.

►►Do not wear the shoulder strap under your Do not wear the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back.arm or behind your back.

►►Do not wear the shoulder belt too snug, or Do not wear the shoulder belt too snug, or let it rub against your neck.let it rub against your neck.

►►Do not allow the belts to become too loose Do not allow the belts to become too loose as you travel as you travel

DoDo’’s of Proper Seat Belt Fits of Proper Seat Belt Fit

►►Do wear the lap belt low on the hips, two to Do wear the lap belt low on the hips, two to four inches below the waist, and against the four inches below the waist, and against the thighs thighs

►►Do wear the shoulder strap across the Do wear the shoulder strap across the center of the chest and the center of the center of the chest and the center of the shoulder shoulder

ReferencesReferences1. 1. Iowa Department of Public SafetyIowa Department of Public Safety2.2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSANational Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA3.3. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, National National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, National Occupant Occupant

Protection Use Survey, June 2003Protection Use Survey, June 20034.4. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, 2007, TraNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, 2007, Traffic Safety ffic Safety

Facts, Overview Facts, Overview 5.5. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Work RelaNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, Work Related ted

Crashes: Incidence and Remedies, Jeff Michael, NHTSA Crashes: Incidence and Remedies, Jeff Michael, NHTSA 6.6. Ontario Ministry of Transportation, A safe cushion of air for yoOntario Ministry of Transportation, A safe cushion of air for your driving ur driving

comfortcomfort7.7. Skinner,JSkinner,J. Trunnell, K., What Causes Accidents, 2006. Trunnell, K., What Causes Accidents, 20068.8. U.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation StatU.S. Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Statistics, istics,

2005, Federal High Way Administration2005, Federal High Way Administration9.9. U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety

AdministrationAdministration10.10. U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA National Center for StaU.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA National Center for Statistics and tistics and

AnalysisAnalysis--Safety belt use in 2003Safety belt use in 2003--Use rates in the states and territoriesUse rates in the states and territories10.10. www.Carwww.Car--AccidenAccidents.comts.com

Learning ExerciseLearning Exercise

1.1. When approaching an intersection, traffic in left lane When approaching an intersection, traffic in left lane poses the greatest chance of hitting you.poses the greatest chance of hitting you.

a. Truea. Trueb. Falseb. False

2.2. Try to keep at least a Try to keep at least a seconds following distance seconds following distance between you and the car in front.between you and the car in front.

a. 1a. 1--2 2 b. 2b. 2--33c. 4c. 4--6 6


3.3. One of the purposes of scanning parked cars is to give One of the purposes of scanning parked cars is to give you hints of movement into traffic.you hints of movement into traffic.


4.4. To assist you in avoiding rearTo assist you in avoiding rear--end collisions, Allow a end collisions, Allow a smaller spacing when following smaller, lighter vehicles, smaller spacing when following smaller, lighter vehicles, such as motorcycles.such as motorcycles.


Learning ExerciseLearning Exercise5.5. Which of the following are proper techniques that should Which of the following are proper techniques that should

be employed when backing?be employed when backing?a. Visually clear the area behind the vehiclea. Visually clear the area behind the vehicleb. Park so you can pull forward when leavingb. Park so you can pull forward when leavingc. Back into your parking space to begin with instead c. Back into your parking space to begin with instead

of backing out when you leaveof backing out when you leaved. all of the aboved. all of the above

6.6. DeerDeer--vehicle crashes result in less than 10,000 personal vehicle crashes result in less than 10,000 personal injuries in the U.S. on an annual basis.injuries in the U.S. on an annual basis.



7.7. DeerDeer--vehicle crashes can be avoided by employing the vehicle crashes can be avoided by employing the following techniques:following techniques:

a. Veering off the roadwaya. Veering off the roadwayb. Especially watch for deer from dusk to dawnb. Especially watch for deer from dusk to dawnc. Use highc. Use high--beam headlights when driving in deer beam headlights when driving in deer

territoryterritoryd. Both b and cd. Both b and c

8.8. Double the distance between you and the vehicle in front Double the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you when driving in inclement weather.of you when driving in inclement weather.

a. Falsea. Falseb. Trueb. True


9.9. Driving in inclement weather is fatiguing.Driving in inclement weather is fatiguing.a. Truea. Trueb. Falseb. False

10. Once you start crossing a railroad track, stop and get out 10. Once you start crossing a railroad track, stop and get out if lights start to flash or gates come down.if lights start to flash or gates come down.

a. truea. trueb. False b. False


11.11. In fatal crashes, 25% of passenger vehicle occupants In fatal crashes, 25% of passenger vehicle occupants who were totally ejected from vehicles were killed.who were totally ejected from vehicles were killed.


12.12. The lap belt should be worn low on the hips, two to four The lap belt should be worn low on the hips, two to four inches below the waist, and against the thighs.inches below the waist, and against the thighs.

a. Truea. Trueb. False b. False

Answer KeyAnswer Key1.1. aa2.2. cc3.3. aa4.4. bb5.5. dd6.6. bb7.7. dd8.8. bb9.9. aa10.10. bb11.11. bb12.12. aa

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Defensive Driving Module 3 - PetroDocsDefensive Driving Defensive Driving Module 4 This material was producThis material was produced under grant number 46E5ed under grant number 46E5-HT05