•DEFENSIVE DRIVING

• SAFE DRIVING FOR LIFE

 BEFORE STARTING

 Fire Alarm
 Coffee, Water
 Mobile Phones
 Notes
 Questions
 INTRODUCTION
All Over The World, Driving Remains one of the
THE MAIN CAUSES OF DEATH & INJURY

• During the last few years in Masila we had an

increasing numbers of road traffic accidents
which resulted in a number of deaths and
injuries.
• From 2000 to 2003 we had
More than 100 Vehicle Accidents Resulted
in at least 40 Rollovers
25 Injuries
12 Deaths
 INTRODUCTION
More Than 90% of Road Accidents
Are Due To DRIVERS UNSAFE BEHAVIOR
OR POOR JUDGEMENT

• The Defensive Driving Program

Is a Training Program Designed to Provide
a Safe Driving Environment in Masila by:
– Promoting Safe driving Practices.
– Ensuring Proper Training.
 OBJECTIVE
Objectives of this course are:

• To Realise the Responsibility and Make the

Commitment to Safe Driving.

• To provide you with the Knowledge and Skills

required for Defensive Driving.

• To Realise the Benefits of being a Defensive

Driver.
 OUTLINES
Outline for this course is:
• You The Driver.
• Rules of the Road
• Driving Environment
• Before Driving
• Accident Avoidance
Section 1

YOU THE DRIVER

1- Defensive Driving
2- Attitude
3- Space & Visibility
 You The Driver
What is Defensive Driving?
It is a Reduced Risk Driving Strategy Designed
to develop the skills required to:
• Increase Hazard Awareness.
• Identify Risks
• Develop a Safer Attitude to Driving

• Defensive Driving means:

Driving so as to prevent collisions in spite of:
The actions of others or the presence of
adverse driving conditions.
 You The Driver
Are you a Good Driver?
• Have you ever been involved in a vehicle accident?
• Do you Check your vehicle before a long trip?
• Do you get in a hurry and perhaps follow the car in
front of you too closely?
• How many times did you make a turn without
signaling?
• Have you ever fallen asleep or briefly nodded off
while driving?

Most of us consider ourselves to be

Very Good Drivers!
We Could Be
Wrong!
 We had more than
100 Vehicle Accidents In Masila

Those involved in the accidents

thought they were Good Drivers

But the accidents proved them

WRONG
DEADLY WRONG
 You The Driver
2- ATTITUDE
•Attitude is the first fundamental in Defensive
driving.
Attitude will seriously affect the way you drive
and therefore your ability to become a Safe
Driver.

Defensive Driving is largely a Matter of

ATTITUDE

Every time we drive, we should drive as though

our life depends on it, Because It Does!
 You The Driver
• Attitude involves the following elements

1- Alertness
Being Aware, Conscious of Traffic Conditions
•Do you occasionally glance from side to side, and at
the side and rear-view mirrors?
•Do you get adequate sleep the night before driving?

To drive well constantly you need to remain alert,

ready to anticipate, identify and then respond to any
given hazard.
 You The Driver
2- Fatigue
Effects of Fatigue
•Fatigue affects your ability to drive
•It delays Hazard recognition
•Slows Response Time
•It causes lack of attention
•Causes periods of semi and full unconsciousness

To Combat fatigue, ensure that:

You are fully rested prior to driving.
Your seat position is correct.
Eliminate sources of noise
Use ventilation controls
Take Regular Rest Breaks. Physical Activity Aids Recovery.
 You The Driver
3- Distraction
Types of Distraction
1- Route Problems
Looking for or at road signs.
Directions that were not clear,,etc.
2- Mental Disturbance
Thinking about stressful problems
Day dreaming
Anger, fear, love or any human emotion
3- Scenery Distraction
People walking down the road.
An accident on the side of the road.
4- In the Car
Eating
Mobile Phone
Looking at people while talking.
 You The Driver
3- SPACE
& VISIBILTY
• What do we mean by space?
• Creating a safety space in front of the vehicle
ahead of you
• Keeping a safety space to the sides and
rear.
• Using mirrors, all round observation
• Create space by using visibility
 You The Driver
• Why do we need to create
space?
• To defend against the uncertain
actions of others.

Space the cushion of safety

QUESTIONS ?
 Section 2
RULES OF THE ROAD
• THE SPEED LIMIT •RIG MOVES
• SEAT BELTS •DRIVING LIGHTS
• TRAFFIC SIGNS •GAT, ALCOHOL
• OVERTAKING & DRUGS
• PASSING ON A HILL •THE RIGHT OF WAY
• KEEPING A SAFE
DISTANCE
 Rules of the road
Speed limit
• Maximum speed limits must not be exceeded.
• Maximum speed limits are not a target to reach.
• Adjust your speed limit to suit the road conditions

• Slow down when approaching a hazard such

as curves, junctions, work area

Speed monitoring is conducted in Masila Roads

Disciplinary actions will be taken against speeders
 Rules of the road
•In many conditions the legal limit may be to fast
80 km/hr Maximum Speed Allowed
UNDER IDEAL CONDITIONS

CHOOSE YOUR SPEED

CHOOSE YOUR CONSEQUENCES
 Rules of the road
Seat Belts
• Seat belts Save lives.
• All Drivers and passengers in a
vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• The driver must not drive if any
passenger is not wearing his seat
belts.
When driving a vehicle at 80Km/h
Every thing inside the vehicle also moves at 80km/h
If the vehicle immediately stops, all unsecured
objects will continue moving at 80 km/h
That includes people
 Rules of the road
Seat Belts
• In a 50 km/h vehicle collision with a solid object,
the unbelted person will slam into the windshield
or other interior surface This is the same impact
as a fall from a 3 story building.
• Number of passengers must equal Number of
Seat Belts.
 Rules of the road
Traffic Signs
• All traffic signs must be obeyed
(Stop, Yield, Speed, Slow, Construction, etc.)
• A stop sign means STOP, not just slow down,
even if there is nothing else approaching.
Signs have different colors
The colors have different meaning
RED indicates Warning or Danger

Warning Speed limit

(maximum 80)

Danger Sharp Curves in road

Warning Stop

Warning Do Not Enter

Blue, Green,White, Yellow are usually information
or direction signs

Fuel

Traffic flow direction

Direction for trucks to go

 Rules of the road
Overtaking
• Never overtake in dust.
• Never exceed the speed limit, not even when
overtaking.
• Never overtake on the right-hand side.
• Passing safely means safely for you and the
vehicle you are overtaking
 Rules of the road
Passing on a hill
• Only overtake if you are
1 Positive there is no oncoming traffic
2 You can see far enough ahead to pass safely.
If you are unsure, remain behind the other vehicle
until the top of the hill and beyond, until you can see
far enough ahead to pass
 Rules of the road
Keeping a safe distance
• Stay back a safe distance when following another
vehicle. “Safety Space”.
• The “Safety Space” must be large enough for you to
stop safely in an emergency

4 seconds

The Four Second Rule

 Rules of the road
Keeping a safe distance
4 seconds

The Four Second Rule

•Watch the vehicle ahead as it passes a stationary marker
point (sign, rock pile, etc.).
•As the vehicle ahead passes the fixed point, start counting
“one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three,
one thousand four”
•This should take approximately 4 seconds to say.
•This will allow enough reaction time and stopping time.
 Rules of the road
Rig Moves
• Oversized loads and Rig movement are
accompanied by two pilot vehicles. One in front
of the convoy, one at the back of the convoy.
• Pilot vehicles uses flashing lights and warning
signs.
• Do not pass piloted loads until instructed by the
pilot vehicle driver.
• Passing a truck with an oversized load could be
dangerous.
 Rules of the road
Rig Moves
 Rules of the road
Driving Lights
• Always have your headlights on while
driving, day and night.
• This will allow other drivers to see you
better, especially in dusty conditions.

SEE AND BE SEEN

 Rules of the road

Gat, Alcohol & Drugs

How do they affect drivers?
Judgment
Awareness
Vision
Response time
 Rules of the road
The use of any illicit drugs is not
allowed on any Nexen work locations

Random checks on the roads are

conducted to monitor vehicles
and drivers .
 Rules of the road
The Right of Way
The right of way should be given as following:
1. According to Traffic Signs or Road Markings.
2. In the absence of signs or markings, the Right of Way is
given according to different considerations
A: Main Road versus Side Road
B: Whether turning or going straight ahead.
C: approaching from Your Right or lift.
3. Emergency vehicles, when their red lights are flashing
(Ambulance & Fire Trucks)
Pull over to the right and allow them to pass.
 Rules of the road
• Reverse Parking
• All drivers are required to be able to back-up
• Avoid Backing up if possible

When Reverse Parking is Necessary?

• Use Mirrors & signal lights before reverse

parking
• When you attempt reversing, always drive slow
and check for pedestrians and objects .
QUESTIONS ?
Show Video
Section 3
DRIVING ENVIRONMENT
1- WEATHER CONDITION
2-TIME OF THE DAY
3- ROAD CONDITION
4- TRAFFIC
 Driving Environment
1- WEATHER CONDITION
• Weather conditions can affect
traction, visibility and vehicle
control

• Dust, Fog & Wind

• Rain

It is not the weather that causes the accidents, it is the

incorrect driving for the weather condition
 Driving Environment
• Dust, Fog
• Dust, Fog can reduce your visibility
• Vehicle traffic and strong winds can create Dust Hazards.

Drivers Must
Slow down
Allow for braking distance.
Stay out of the Dust Cloud.
Always drive with your headlights
on low beam.
Not overtake unless it is really necessary
Overtake only if it is safe to do so.

Driving in dust is the Main Cause of Death In Masila

Can you see what’s in that cloud?
Should you pass?
Some have tried, some have died.
 Driving Environment
• Rain
• Rain can be a hazard for drivers when driving on
dirty or oily roads
Drivers Must
Slow down.
Allow for a double braking distance
(8 Second Rule).
Never brake or change gear if skidding
occurs.
Make gradual steering corrections.

When skidding
Steering becomes very light
 Driving Environment
2- TIME OF THE DAY
Heat and Light can effect the
drivers visibility, alertness and
can cause exhaustion

• Night Driving
• Sun Glare & Heat
First requirement of safe driving is
To See and be Seen
 Driving Environment
Night Driving
• Insufficient light to see
• Too much light
• Oncoming Vehicles Headlight
• Drowsiness (sleepy)

Drivers Must
• Prepare your car for night driving by cleaning lights, and windows.
• Have your headlights properly aimed
•.Reduce your speed and increase your following distance
•.Don't overdrive your headlights
• When following another vehicle, keep your headlights on low beams.
• If you have car trouble, pull off the road, set up reflecting triangles
(30 meters) behind your car.
•avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a

steering guide. Reduce your speed until the other vehicle passes.
 Driving Environment
Sun Glare & Heat
• Too much light, in the early
morning or late afternoon
effects vision.
• Heat can cause exhaustion.

Drivers Should
• Wear sunglasses and use the sun visor.
• Always have plenty of Drink water in your
vehicle.
 Driving Environment
3- ROAD CONDITIONS
• Driving techniques differ depending on
the type and topography of the road.

• Road Type
• Road Features

Adjust your speed to the Road Condition

 Driving Environment
Road Type
• Dirt, Sand, Rocks or oiled and
Asphalt roads.

Be Advised:
•Rain, sand and grit will greatly
reduce traction.
•Your speed should be adapted to
the road surface.
•Stopping distance is much further
on dirt than on a paved asphalt
road.
Spilling Water on Oily Roads
causes accidents
 Driving Environment
Road Features
• Static feature such as junctions, bends, hills
dips, bridges, crossings, hills and slopes.
Be Advised
• These features must be dealt as potential hazards.
• Drive according to the hazards encountered such as
Shifting to low gear before going down a steep hill.
Slowing down when approaching curves and
intersections.
 Driving Environment
4- TRAFFIC
• Vehicles, pedestrians and animals create traffic
conditions.
• Allot of accidents occur as drivers are rushing back to
their camps.
• During rush hours pay close attention to crosswalks or
when driving in a parking area.
QUESTIONS ?
 Section 4
BEFORE DRIVING
• THE DAILY VEHICLE CHECK
• VEHICLE DEFECTS
• PERMISSION & COMMUNICATION
 Before Driving
Why are we doing inspections ?
• To find problems and assess their risk before

an accident or other losses occur.

Importance of Daily Vehicle Checks:
 Allow the company to maintain the vehicle properly
and keep it in good condition.
 Reduce breakdowns on the road and thereby cut
down on the inconvenience to the driver.
 Save time later by highlighting any problems early.
 Make sure the vehicle is in good condition.
 Reduce the cost to the company.
 Provide a better service to the customer.
 Before Driving
The Daily Vehicle Check
A Pre-Trip vehicle check or inspection should be
completed systematically with the aid of a check sheet.

1- External physical check

Walk around conducting a systematic check
of the outside of the vehicle
 Before Driving
The Daily Vehicle Check
2- Engine Compartment Check
Check for any leaks, damage or low level fluids.
Make sure that the vehicle is parked on a level
surface.
Items to be checked
Oil – Quantity and condition
Water – Quantity
Battery - Leads in good condition, no
leaks, securely fastened
Belts – Condition and tension
Hoses - Condition
General look around - look for
anything out of place, or fluid
leaks
 Before Driving
The Daily Vehicle Check
2- Internal Control Inspection
Adjust your seat.
Ensure the handbrake is applied and gear lever in
neutral.
Familiarize yourself with the controls.

Items to be checked
Headlights – main and low beam
Tail lights / Brake Lights
Reverse / Back-up lights (beeper if
equipped)
Hazard lights
Turn indicators
Windshield wipers
 Before Driving
Vehicle Defects
• All defects noted must be reported to your
supervisor.
• Reporting any defects may prevent an accident.
• Report the problem immediately.
• Don’t take chances on defects.

Defects contribute to accidents:

Worn tyres
Improper tyre inflation.
Directional signals, Braking lights not
working.
Headlights not working.
Poor condition of brakes.
Dirty windscreen.
 Before Driving
Permission
• Only an Authorized vehicle operator will be allowed
drive within the Masila Block.
• Driving at night, Restricted areas.

Communication
• LOG IN / LOG OUT
For tracking people and vehicles.
• CONNECTION
Radio or Cell Phone.
QUESTIONS ?
Show Video
Section 5

ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
• SKIDDING
• THE HEAD-ON CRASH
 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
Skidding
Skidding occurs when the forces applied to the
steering and accelerating exceed those forces
between the vehicle and the road (traction).
traction

Causes of Skidding
Harsh braking
Accelerating too quickly
Over-steering
Speed – too fast
Changing speed on a curve
(braking or accelerating)
Slippery road (Rain, Oil)
 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
Types of Skidding
1- Rear Wheel Skid
Occurs when the rear wheel skids during cornering.
Because of too high speed or sudden (jerky) steering.

To Control a Rear Wheel Skid

 Turn the front wheels in the direction of the skid
 Decrease speed Do not apply the brakes! Take your
foot off of the accelerator.
 Over correcting may cause the vehicle to skid in the
opposite direction.
 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
Types of Skidding
2- Front Wheel Skid
Occurs when the vehicle continues in a forward motion
instead of turning in the direction the wheels are turned.

To Control a Front Wheel Skid

 Immediately decrease speed and turn the wheels straight ahead
 The vehicle will start moving straight ahead.
 Apply the brakes gently without excessive braking to reduce speed.
If the wheels lock they will lose traction and the skid will reoccur.
Once your speed is safely reduced, steer in the desired direction
Decrease speed Do no apply the brakes ! Take your foot off of the
accelerator.
 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
Types of Skidding
3- Four Wheel Skid
Occurs when a panicked driver applies excessive braking
and locks the wheels. Once the wheels skid, all

To Control a Four Wheel Skid

 Decrease pressure on the brakes and allow the tires to regain
grip with the road
 If the speed is too high, gently pump the brakes
(firm – loose – firm – loose etc.) to reduce your speed,
Do not lock the wheels. Avoid jabbing the brakes harshly.
 Continue pumping the brakes until full control is regained
 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
The Head-On Crash
Is the deadliest of all collisions.
Occurs with an oncoming vehicle.

Why so Deadly?
•The vehicles involved stop almost immediately.
unfortunately the occupants keep on travelling right
into the dash or windshield.
Most head-on collisions occur slightly off-center,
causing one or both vehicles to spin.
Occupants are ejected out of the vehicle.
This is where seatbelts can save lives.
 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
The Head-On Crash
How to Avoid a Head-On Crash
 Read the road ahead – be alert for a vehicle about to enter
your lane or try passing in your lane
 Ride to the right: never drive to your left. The other driver
may decide to move to his right and hit you head-on.
 Reduce speed: Reducing speed reduces distance traveled
and impact force.
 Ride right off the road: If necessary, Steer to the right and go
off the road. Give the oncoming vehicle your lane.
Anything is better than a head-on crash.
QUESTIONS ?
 IN CONCLUSION
• To be a good driver , you must never stop
learning and developing your skills.

• Every one of us can make mistakes,

but not all of us are prepared to make
allowances for those mistakes
• To drive defensively is to observe,
analyse and anticipate all road hazards
•DEFENSIVE DRIVING

• SAFE DRIVING FOR LIFE