Defensive DrivingChapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE“Defensive Driving”

PREVENTING ACCIDENTS:

Prevention Formula:1. Be Alert2. Be Prepared3. Act In Time

Describe the Actions of an Aggressive Driver:

1. Speeding2. Improper or excessive lane changing3. Improper passing

Define Road Rage:Occurs when motorists lose their tempers or become frustrated because of a traffic disturbance.

Seven Characteristics of Road Rage:1. Run stop signs or red lights 4. Weave through traffic

2. Speed 5. Honk horn/flash high beams

3. Tailgate 6. Unsafe lane change

7. Hand or facial gestures

DistractionsCollisions are caused by distracted drivers!!

Smoking eating cell phoneApplying make-up Adjusting radio

Reading maps or newspapers shaving Remove coat watching children or pets

Finding toll money texting using laptop

fastening seatbelt while driving

Highway Hypnosis:

Definition: After long hours of driving you feel trance-like with sounds of the wind, tires and hum of the engine dulling your senses.

Tips to Prevent Highway Hypnosis

1. Rest before you start.2. Do not take any drugs that may make you drowsy.3. Do not drive long hours or late at night. Only 300-400 miles a day4. Rest stops every two hours.5. Switch off with another driver every hour or so.6. Keep shifting your eyes from one part of the road to another.7. Chew gum or sing with the radio.8. Roll down window and get fresh air.

Communicating with Other Drivers:

1. Turn signals or hand signals

2. Catch other motorists eyes

3. Tap Horn

FOLLOWING DISTANCES:

Tailgating is a common cause of accidents in NJ!!

1. One Car Length Method: One car length back for each ten miles per hour of

speed.

2. Three-Second Rule: Choose a fixed object as the car in front of you

passes it. Begin counting to three seconds. It should take three seconds before you pass the object.

3. In bad weather, the three-second rule should be increased to four or more seconds.

Passing & Changing Lanes:

A. List points necessary when passing or changing lanes:

1. only pass if necessary 6. signal every lane change

2. only pass if it can be completed 7. tap horn to signal without speeding driver ahead

3. keep a safe following distance 8. return to lane when

vehicle being passed is seen in rearview

mirror

4. Check traffic ahead and behind 9. cancel the turn signal

5. Only pass when road signs and pavement markings permit

B. What should you do when being passed? Slow down and make it easier to pass you

ROAD CONDITIONS:

Wet Roads:1. Drive more slowly

2. Complete turns and stopping with care

3. Increase two-second rule to four or more seconds

4. When are the roads the most slippery during a rain storm?

First few minutes – rain mixes with oil on road surface

5. If you drive through a deep puddle, what should you do to test the brakes?

Test brakes by applying gentle pressure

Hydroplaning:

1. Definition: a driving condition where tires lose traction on a wet road and float on a layer of water or slush.

2. To avoid hydroplaning – do not drive on badly worn tires, slow down when raining or standing water or slush on road.

Snow and Ice:What should be done before driving in cold weather?

1. Let vehicle warm up2. Remove all snow and ice from car,

including roof!3. Check for windshield wiper fluid

Braking precautions:1. Anti-lock brakes- apply steady pressure

(DO NOT PUMP)2. Conventional brakes- gently pump

brakes – do not lock wheels

Fog:

Increase following distance to 6-seconds

1. SLOW DOWN!!2. Keep headlights on low beam and use fog lights3. Use pavement markings and other vehicle’s lights to guide you.

Night Driving:

Vision is reduced, what should be done to remain safe while driving at night?

a. Keep a safe speed.

b. Drive within the range of your headlights

What factors should be considered when driving at night?

a. Speed

b. reaction time (distance traveled before hitting brake)

c. braking distance (distance needed to completely stop)

d. Watch for unlit vehicles, pedestrians and animals

ADJUSTING TO DIFFERENT ROADS:City Driving:

1. A driver must handle many more

driving tasks in the city.

2. Drive more slowly and watch for the movements of others.

3. Develop the habit of looking 12 seconds ahead.

4. When approaching an intersection, reduce speed, look right and left, COVER your brake.

5. Watch for uncontrolled intersections-no signs or lights.

Highway Driving:1. Stay alert!!

2. Stay within the speed limit!

3. Keep eyes moving!

4. Keep mind alert!

5. Always be ready to react to the unexpected!

Secondary Roads:These roads are not designed for heavy traffic. SLOW DOWN!!

Curves:1. Slow down before getting to the curve. Your car will tend to go

straight.2. Once in the curve, maintain a steady speed.

Road Hazards:1. Include: hills, dips narrow bridges, bumps and railroad tracks.2. Slow Down!3. Speeding and applying the brakes hard can cause a skid.

Construction Zones:

1. Traffic fines double!! Slow Down!!