Driver Safety Practices

(Defensive Driving Safety Tips)

 Pre-Trip & Post Trip Inspection
Take a walk around your
vehicle.
• Windows clean
• Lights/signals clean & working.
• Tires properly inflated / tread wear.
• Fluid leaks on the ground.
• Check the level of coolant in
radiator
• Check engine oil, steering fluid and
hydraulic fluid.
• Check the battery
• Report any broken or defective
equipment
• Verify back up alarm is audible!
• Make sure steps, catwalks and
handholds free from grease, ice and
loose materials.
• Check belts! Report any frayed, worn
or loose belts.
 Inside the Vehicle

• Check Seat Belts

• Check Mirrors
• Check horn, headlights,
blinkers, and emergency
flashers & wipers
• Verify backup alarm is
working
• Check fuel gauges
 Your State Of Mind

Mental State:
• Stress / Emotions /
Attitudes
• Drowsiness / Fatigue
• Vision / Hearing
• Alcohol
 Getting the Big
Picture

Scan the road ahead

• City (Approx. 1 block)
• Rural (Approx. 1/4 mile)

Keep your eyes moving.

• Check your mirrors every 5
seconds.
 Following Distance

Speed & Stopping distance are

key.
• Stay 3 to 4 seconds behind.
Tailgaters
• Avoid quick changes.
• Increase your following distance.
• Don’t speed up.
• Avoid tricks. (Control emotions.)
 Changing Lane

• Check to make sure there is enough room.

• Signal your intentions.
• Check your blind spot and space again.
• Make the lane change.
• Blind Spots
• Don’t drive in someone else’s.
• Make yourself as visible as possible. (*At all times)
 Right-Of-Way

• At an intersection, the vehicle on the

right has the right to go first.
NO ONE IS GUARANTEED THE RIGHT OF
WAY.
 Backing
• Use extreme caution!
• Use a helper (spotter) when
possible!
• Consider using hand signals!
• Look at your path.
• Back slowly.
• Back to the driver’s side when possible
Tips in different
parking positions
 Emergency
Vehicles
• Immediately move to the right of
your lane, to another lane, or to
the shoulder if possible.
• If moving right is not possible, stay
where you are. Do not move left.
 Accident
Reporting

• Report any accident immediately, no

matter how minor.
• Get a police report whenever possible.
• Complete the vehicle Accident
Reporting Kit!