With

Defensive driving basics

2013
 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

1b
What would your response to this situation be?
   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 ?

 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

 Keep the windshield and mirrors clean and
clear

 Use mirrors

 Constantly scan
traffic to the
front and sides

2a
 Look 10 to 12 seconds ahead in the city

 Look further
ahead on the
highway

2b
What should you be looking for ?
 Use mirrors before changing
speed or position in traffic

 Signal all turns and lane

changes

2c
 Keep signal on until move is completed

 Keep lights
on for safety

 Avoid distractions

2d
What are some common distractions ?
 Keep your eyes moving – continually scan

 Check all mirrors

 Watch the
taillights

3a
 Bikes and pedestrians
 Driveways, alleyways, parking lot
entrances/exits

 Overhead wires,
delivery vans,
and dumpsters
3b
 Make sure there’s
enough space

 When stopped in traffic, wait to proceed until

the
vehicle ahead
has moved

3c
 Watch your speed

 Plan your route accordingly

3d
 Avoid unmarked or low clearance underpasses

 Approach carefully
 never assume the marked height is correct

4a
 Watch for signs of road repair

 Watch for “bridging”

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

another route

4b
 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
 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
 Size up the traffic conditions

 Signal early

 Watch for an
opening

6a
 Build up speed

 Watch the
mirrors

 Watch for
oncoming
traffic
6b
 Signal early

 Get into the

turn lane as
soon as
possible

6c
 Check mirrors

 Shift down to
a lower gear

 Make the exit

6d
 Drive
Safely Or Not
At All