BEAT THE HEAT

OF SUMMER
With
Defensive driving basics
2013
DEFENSIVE DRIVING BASICS

 Maintain proper levels for all fluids.

 Make sure all tires are in good condition, are
properly inflated, and have proper tread depth.
 Check regularly for cracked hoses, belts and
frayed wires.
 Make sure windows, mirrors, directional
signals, head, tail, and brake lights are clean
and not broken.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING BASICS

 Stay alert to changes

 Look well ahead

 Observe the entire

situation

1a
DEFENSIVE DRIVING BASICS

 Recognize potential hazards

 Decide on an
appropriate
response

 Carry out your plan

What would your response to this situation be? 1b

DEFENSIVE DRIVING BASICS
 Slow Down on Rain-slicked Streets
 Hydroplaning is a frightening experience and can cause serious
and fatal crashes

 Maintain a Safe Following Distance- minimum 4 seconds

 Look out for road construction and detours as most road
construction take place during the summer

 Slow Down Even in Good Weather

 Watch out for children playing in the streets, people will be out
cycling, skating or walking

What is the number one cause of vehicle crashes in the US ?

DEFENSIVE DRIVING BASICS
 REDUCE YOUR DRIVING SPEED IN ADVERSE ROAD
AND/OR WEATHER CONDITIONS

 ENTER CURVES SLOWLY

 REDUCE YOUR SPEED BEFORE ENTERING AN

EXIT/ENTRANCE RAMP

 DRIVE SLOWLY WITH A LOADED TRAILER

 SLOW DOWN IN WORK ZONES

SEEING AND BEING SEEN

 Keep the windshield and mirrors clean and

clear

 Use mirrors

 Constantly scan
traffic to the
front and sides

2a
SEEING AND BEING SEEN

 Look 10 to 12 seconds ahead in the city

 Look further
ahead on the
highway

What should you be looking for ? 2b

SEEING AND BEING SEEN

 Use mirrors before changing

speed or position in traffic

 Signal all turns and lane

changes

2c
SEEING AND BEING SEEN
 Keep signal on until move is completed

 Keep lights
on for safety

 Avoid distractions

What are some common distractions ? 2d

CITY DRIVING

 Keep your eyes moving – continually scan

 Check all mirrors

 Watch the
taillights

3a
CITY DRIVING

 Bikes and pedestrians

 Driveways, alleyways, parking lot

entrances/exits

 Overhead wires,
delivery vans,
and dumpsters

3b
CITY DRIVING

 Make sure there’s

enough space

 When stopped in traffic, wait to proceed

until the
vehicle ahead
has moved

3c
CITY DRIVING

 Watch your speed

 Plan your route accordingly

3d
UNDERPASSES

 Avoid unmarked or low clearance

underpasses

 Approach carefully
 never assume the marked height is correct

4a
UNDERPASSES

 Watch for signs of road repair

 Watch for “bridging”

 If there isn’t enough space, pull over and use

another route

4b
 INTERSECTIONS

 It takes longer to cross due to additional length and slower

acceleration

 Go slow and watch for vehicles, pedestrians, people, bikes, etc.

 At busy unmarked intersections

stop, assume you don’t have
the right of way

5a
INTERSECTIONS

 When approaching a controlled intersection

stop two times

 First, at the
stop sign or
light

 Second, after easing forward to a point

where you can clearly see oncoming traffic
5c
MERGING

 Size up the traffic conditions

 Signal early

 Watch for an
opening

6a
MERGING

 Build up speed

 Watch the
mirrors

 Watch for
oncoming
traffic

6b
EXIT RAMPS

 Signal early

 Get into the

turn lane as
soon as
possible

6c
EXIT RAMPS

 Check mirrors

 Shift down to
a lower gear

 Make the exit

6d
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

Drive
Safely Or Not
At All