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Chapter 5. Defensive driving. Standard collision-prevention formula. 1. Be Alert Never think the other motorist will not make a driving mistake 2. be prepared Learn how to act fast, always expect the unexpected!! 3. act in time
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Chapter 5 Defensive driving
Standard collision-prevention formula • 1. Be Alert • Never think the other motorist will not make a driving mistake • 2. be prepared • Learn how to act fast, always expect the unexpected!! • 3. act in time • Try not to panic. Know what to do if something happens suddenly Note: Know this for the written exam!!!!
Space cushion • KEEPING SPACE BETWEEN YOUR CAR AND OTHERS ON ALL SIDES. THE SPACE BETWEEN YOU AND OTHER VEHICLES GIVES YOU TIME TO REACT IN EMERGENCIES.
Aggressive driving • Aggressive driving- A progression of unlawful driving actions, such as speeding, improper or excessive lane changing, or improper passing. • Road rage- when motorist lose their tempers or become frustrated because of a traffic disturbance.
DistractionsThings to eliminate while driving • 1. Lights a cigarette • 2. trying to fasten seatbelt • 3. watching children or pets • 4. eating • 5. texting/any electronic device • Can you list more distractions???
Maggie’s law • "Maggie's Law," for Maggie McDonnell • a college student killed in 1997 by a driver who admitted to being awake for 30 hours before he crashed into her car.
Highway hypnosis • A TRANCE LIKE STATE WITH THE SOUNDS OF THE WIND, TIRES, AND THE HUM OF THE ENGINE DULLING YOUR SENSES. Note: Know this for the written exam!!!!
Highway hypnosis • How would you avoid highway hypnosis???? • Do not look at one thing for more then a few seconds. * It is recommended that a motorist rest every 2 hours and/or share the driving with another licensed motorist.*
WHAT DO WE MEAN WHEN WE SAY “TALK” TO OTHER DRIVERS? • Communication
communication • THE BEST WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER DRIVERS are…. • HORN • HAND SIGNALS • EYE CONTACT • LIGHTS
tailgating • Following too closely behind a vehicle directly in front
What is a safe distance??? • One car length for ever 10mph • Example: • Driving 50 mph= 5 car length behind • Driving 65 mph= 6 ½ car lengths behind Note: know this for the written exam!!!!
3 second rule • PICK A STATIONARY OBJECT • YOUR CAR SHOULD NOT REACH THAT OBJECT UNTIL THREE SECONDS AFTER THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU HAS PASSED. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoNxTf8f9-Q -How To • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsAafpeOOZg - Proof it works
10 POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PASSING OR LANE CHANGES • 1. ONLY PASS IF NECESSARY • 2. PASS IF IT CAN BE COMPLETED WITHOUT SPEEDING • 3. KEEP A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE • 4. DO NOT TAILGATE • 5. CHECK TRAFFIC AHEAD AND BEHIND • 6. ONLY PASS WHEN ROAD SIGNS AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS PERMIT • 7. SIGNAL EVERY LANE CHANGE • 8. TAP HORN IF NECESSARY TO SIGNAL THE DRIVER AHEAD • 9. RETURN TO THE RIGHT LANE ONLY WHEN AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE BEING PASSED • 10. CANCEL THE TURN SIGNAL
Passed by another vehicle • Stay in the proper lane and slow down to make the pass easier for the other motorist. • Note: know this for the written exam!!!!! Do not speed up and make the pass difficult= aggressive driving
Road conditions • Wet roads • Roads surfaces are the most slippery during the first few minutes of rain fall. • When driving through a puddle, a motorist should test the brakes by pumping them. Note: Know this for written exam
hydroplaning • What is hydroplaning?!?!?!?
hydroplaning • RIDING ON A THIN FILM OF WATER • LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR • After 55mph ,Tires may totally leave road surfaces Note: Know this for written exam
Hydroplaninghow to avoid it: • 1. do not drive on bald or badly worn tires • 2. slow down in heavy rain, standing water (puddles) and slush • 3. heavy rain storm- try to drive on the highest point of the road (center lane) • 4. go 30 mph or less • 5. avoid hard braking • 6. sharp turning • 7. Try to drive in the same track as vehicle in front of you.
Hydroplaningwhat to do if your car hydroplanes • 1. take foot off of gas • 2.steer in the direction you want to go when you gain traction • 3.. Don’t slam on brake, just apply gently • 4. apply brake again when on pavement • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spaOeDD3rgo – What to do
Night driving • a motorist should always be sure the vehicle can stop within the distance that he/she sees ahead*
Night driving4 factors • 1. SPEED YOU TRAVEL AT • 2. YOUR REACTION DISTANCE (distance traveled before hitting the brake) • 3. BREAKING DISTANCE (Distance needed to completely stop vehicle) • 4. STOPPING DISTANCE Note: Know for the Written Exam!!!!
City driving • How many seconds ahead should you look in the city????? • 12 seconds (scanning road ahead)
Reacting to driving problemsskids • Rear end starts to slide • Take foot off gas pedal • If spinning- Turn the wheel the direction the rear of vehicle is skidding (w/0 over steering) • Once under control, straighten the wheels *Key point: a motorist should look in the direction that he/she wants to go* Note: know this for written exam!!!!!
Reacting to driving problemsskids • Side skid: • Avoid using brakes
Reacting to driving problemsrunning off pavement • 1. slow down • 2. regain control • 3. turn slowly onto the road
Reacting to driving problemsbrake failure • 1. shift to low gear • 2. pump brakes fast and hard several times Still Does not work? 3. use the parking brake 4. look for a safe place to stop off roadway 5. call for help
Reacting to driving problemstire blowout • 1. hold steering wheel firmly • 2. keep vehicle straight, while gradually slowing down • 3. remove foot from gas pedal (do not use the brakes) • 4. coast to a stop on its own
collisions • If a collision looks possible: • a motorist should hit something that will “give” (brush, shrubs) Note: know this for the written exam!!!
Collisiontypes: • Rear collision • Side collision • Head-on collision • What would your initial instincts be????
Collisionrear • 1. be ready to apply the brakes – to avoid hitting the vehicle in front • 2. brace body between steering wheel & the seat back • 3. press head firmly against head rest.
Collisionside • 1. tight grip on steering wheel • To prevent being thrown against side of vehicle.
Collisionhead-On If vehicle has airbags & motorist is wearing seat belt. 1. cover face with arms/hands If vehicle does not have airbags & motorist is not wearing seat belt 1. throw yourself across seat, to prevent hitting steering wheel or going through the wind shield.
What to do in case of a collision Witness or involved 1. stop vehicle 2. remain calm 3. assume the worst & get help! 4. wait at scene 5. ask for assistance from passing motorist (if needed) 6. warn oncoming traffic????
Reporting accidents If damage to property is more than 500$ or injury involved: 1. get a police report!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - if no police report, you have 10 days to send a written report to mvc. 2. notify insurance company 3. see a doctor asap if shaken up.