SIPDE & Smith Process

Defensive Driving

1.Search

» The roadway and off-road areas 20-30 seconds ahead for information that can help you plan a path of travel

2. Identify

» Objects or conditions within 12 to 15 seconds ahead that could interfere with your planned path of travel

3. Predict

» What cautions or changes in conditions on or near the roadway could increase the level of risk

4. Decide

» What action or actions to take at least 4 to 5 seconds ahead of time to control or reduce risk

5.Execute

» Your decisions

1. Aim High

» Look ahead not down, as rule you should be looking 20 to 30 seconds ahead of your vehicle

2. Keep Your Eyes Moving

» Search roadway and off-road conditions that may change and cause you to adjust your vehicle’s speed or position

3. Get the Big Picture

» Search your whole driving environment not just a small part of it

4. Make Sure Others See You

» Communicate with drivers and pedestrians

5. Leave Yourself a Way Out or Margin of Safety

» Always leave yourself a path of escape-a way to avoid a collision