Theoretical Driving Course (TDC)

For Student Driver’s Permit Applicants

Subject No. 4

Defensive Driving
and MV Maintenance
Subject Code: TDC-15-S-04
 Defensive Driving and MV Maintenance

Topic Outline:
1. Attitude and Behavior
2. Road Safety, Sharing, Courtesy and Discipline
3. Understanding and Avoiding Road Rage, Stress Management and Gender and Development
4. Causes and Prevention of Road Crashes, and Breakdowns
a. BLOWBAGETS
b. Human Factors
1. Fatigue
2. Uncontrolled Night Life
3. Distracted Driving
4. Arrogance
5. Inexperienced and Aggressive Drivers
6. Poor Eyesight and Impaired Hearing
7. Other Road Users such as Pedestrians/Street Hawkers, Passengers/ Commuters,
Bicyclists and Others
 DEFENSIVE DRIVING AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

OBJECTIVES and
COVERAGE • To learn the do’s and don’ts of driving
• To learn to overcome stress and
COVERAGE: prevent road rage
• ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOR • To identify various causes of road
• ROAD SHARING, crash or road breakdowns
COURTESY AND
DISCIPLINE
• STRESS MANAGEMENT Ultimate Goal
AND ROAD RAGE
• CAUSES AND PREVENTION
TO BECOME A DEFENSIVE DRIVER
OF ROAD CRASHES AND
BREAKDOWNS
 DEFENSIVE DRIVING

• What is Defensive Driving?

• What qualities must a Defensive Driver have?

 Have a positive attitude on road safety
 Be physically and mentally fit to drive
 Have received proper training before driving
 Applies the basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance

1
 DEFENSIVE DRIVING METHOD

Search – the road seen ahead, around and rear of the vehicle
Identify – the potential and immediate hazard on the road
Predict – the actions of other road user
Decide – what to do to avoid an unsafe situation
Execute – the action as a result of decision

2
 HUMAN FACTORS THAT AFFECT DRIVING

Attitude - a feeling, Behavior - an action or

belief, or opinion of reaction that occurs in
approval or disapproval response to an event or
towards something. internal stimuli (i.e.,
What are the positive thought).
attitudes of a defensive What are the positive
driver? behaviour of a defensive
driver?
3
 Keys to Attain an Effective Defensive Driving

• Concentration
• Driving Plans and Decisions
• View from the Vehicle
• Speed
• Fatigue
• Following the laws, rules and
regulations
4
 Defensive Driving Techniques

Proper use of Brakes

Correct S teeri ng
Timely Changing of Gear
Safe reversi ng, maneuvering and changi ng of lanes
• Less experienced drivers keep banging on brake pedal every now and then.
• Skidding is caused by sudden and violent braking.
• A driver must know if the vehicle is equipped with conventional brake or
with anti-lock braking system. Conventional braking system may require
continuous pump while ABS equipped vehicles require a firm press on the
brake pedal.
• Provide enough space for a complete stop.
 Defensive Driving Techniques

P roper use of Brakes

Correct Steering
Timely Chang ing of Gear
S af e reversing, maneuveri ng and changing of lanes
• Comfortable position of hand and relaxed body.
• A firm, not a tight, grip on the wheel is all that is needed. Never grip tightly
on a slippery road.
• Correct hand positioning.
• Free from obstruction (elbows and hands).
• Gradual changing of lane.
 Defensive Driving Techniques

P roper use of Brakes

Correct S teering
Timely Changing of Gear
S af e reversing, maneuveri ng and changing of lanes

• Untimely and improper changing of gear may result to high fuel

consumption or worst engine failure.
• Change of gear depends on the speed, capability and load of the
vehicle.
 Defensive Driving Techniques

P roper use of Brakes

Correct S teering
Timely Chang ing of Gear
S af e reversing, maneuveri ng and changing of lanes
• Proper use of side and rear view mirrors is a must. Look at the side
mirrors quick enough to decide on whatever action to make.
• Always be aware of blind spots. Moving or not moving.
• Double check the side mirror before changing lane.
• Be aware of the movement of vehicles in front. Allow enough space
before changing lane.
 ROAD SAFETY - SHARING, COURTESY AND DISCIPLINE

Road safety refers to the methods and measures used to

prevent road users from being killed or seriously injured.

Road users are motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, bystanders,

law enforcers and street vendors.

Safety Rules are provided to protect:

• the ignorant of what they don’t know
• the idiotic from themselves, and
• the innocents from the action of the other two.
 ROAD SAFETY – SHARING THE ROAD

• With emergency o Slow down and stop

vehicles o Move to the right or left side of the
• With motorcycles lane to give the emergency vehicle a
• With trucks and buses clear way
• With beginners o If you can’t move, stay where you
• With other road users are and let the emergency vehicle
overtake you
AMBULANCE o Never follow the path of emergency
POLICE PATROL VEHICLE vehicles
FIRE TRUCKS o If you are in an intersection, crost first
before giving the right of way
 ROAD SAFETY – SHARING THE ROAD
o Avoid excessive use of horn while
• With emergency vehicles following or overtaking. Never be a bully.
• With motorcycles o Double check the side mirrors and blind
• With trucks and buses spots before and after overtaking.
• With beginners o Allow enough distance when following a
• With other road users motorcycle.
o Watch out for the brake and signal
lights.
o Watch out for the rider’s hand signals.
o Watch out for the head of the rider.
o Watch out for the feet of the rider.
 ROAD SAFETY – SHARING THE ROAD
• With emergency vehicles
• With motorcycles
• With trucks and buses
• With beginners
• With other road users
o Do not overtake if not properly seen.
o Avoid overtaking on a curved road.
o Be sure to have enough power when overtaking on
a steep road.
o Use flashing headlight while overtaking.
o Be careful when passing from the right of a
passenger bus.
o Avoid being in the blind spots by not following too
close.
o As much as possible, do not drive on the lanes
intended for trucks and buses.
o Never cut. Look at the rear or side mirrors before
changing lane
o Provide maneuvering space
 ROAD SAFETY – SHARING THE ROAD
o Never be a bully. Allow new drivers
• With emergency vehicles
enough space for maneuvering.
• With motorcycles
• With trucks and buses
o Avoid following too close.
• With beginners o Be aware of sudden brakes.
• With other road users o Avoid overtaking too close on the
side.
 ROAD SAFETY – SHARING THE ROAD
• With emergency vehicles
• With motorcycles
• With trucks and buses
• With beginners
• With other road users
o Pedestrians, cyclists, street vendors,
law enforcers, construction workers,
etc.
o Allow enough space for other road
users.
o Be extra cautious when maneuvering
on a dense road.
o Be careful when passing school zones
and markets or malls.
o Be aware and considerate of PWDs
o Avoid using excessive horn.
 ROAD SAFETY – COURTESY

What is courtesy?

It is the showing or act of politeness

in one's attitude and behaviour
toward others
Be courteous, but this does not
mean that you are giving the right of
way to anyone at any time. At times,
you need to invoke your right of way
for the other party to learn.
 BE COURTEOUS

• To Passengers
• To Other Motorists
• To Pedestrians
• To Traffic Enforcers
• To Other Road Users

5
 SELF-DISCIPLINE

What is Self-discipline?
Self-discipline is the ability to
control yourself and to make yourself work
hard or behave in a particular way without
needing anyone else to tell you what to do.
Driving requires undetermined level of self
control and doing the right thing upon a
particular situation
 ROAD DISCIPLINE

Road Discipline is…

Knowing and
abiding the traffic
laws, rules and
regulations.
6
 STRESS

Physical, mental or
emotional tension
experienced by a
person that demands
immediate, fair and Grrrrrr !!!!
equitable decision
THE STRESS O-METER

RELAXED
MANAGEABLE
STRESSED
ANXIETY

7
 COMMON CAUSES OF STRESS WHILE DRIVING
• Personal and Family Problems
• Heavy Traffic
• Annoying and Excessive Horn or Noisy Mufflers
• Undisciplined and Discourteous Motorists, Passengers and Pedestrians
• Malfunctioning Traffic Lights
• Improper pavement markings
• Improper parking
• Improper handling of traffic by law enforcers
• Detour or closing of roads
• Fake “Emergency” Vehicles especially “ambulances”
• Incorrect headlights of oncoming vehicles
• Annoying tailgaters
• Unexplained sudden stop of vehicle in front
• Right of way insistence
8
EFFECTS OF STRESS ON YOUR BODY
 HOW TO HANDLE STRESS?

• DUE TO PERSONAL OR FAMILY PROBLEMS

• DUE TO HEAVY TRAFFIC and BAD ROAD
CONDITIONS
• DUE TO UNLAWFUL TRAFFIC ENFORCERS
• DUE TO UNDISCIPLINED MOTORISTS AND
PEDESTRIANS

9
 IS IT WORTH IT TO OVERCOME STRESS?

Remember that every person experiences

stress. It is up to each individual on how they
handle it. But as a driver, you have a big
responsibility in controlling your emotions as
it can greatly affect your driving and may
endanger your surroundings.
 ” STRESS MANAGEMENT ”
S  Smile and Laugh
 Talk yourself through it
T  Relax, enjoy and be happy

R  Eat Right
 Spend Time with Family /
E Friends / pets
S  Sleep well / better
M  Meditate and Focus at present
A  Almighty (Pray)
N  Notes - write it down
A  Avoid too much caffeine
G  Gum (Chew Gum)
 Exercise
E
 Music (Soothing to Listen)
M
E
 Embrace and Cuddle
 “No” Learn to say it
N
T
 Take deep breath
 PRIMARY GOALS OF A DRIVER

As a driver and road user, our

goals are…
To put order on the road
and
To safely reach the destination
 NEGATIVE EFFECT

FAILURE TO OVERCOME
STRESS WILL RESULT TO A
ROAD RAGE
WHO WILL WIN BETWEEN TWO PARTIES?

NEITHER THE AGGRESSIVE

DRIVER NOR THE VICTIM
 ROAD RAGE

an assault, in any
Ang bagal mo!!!
manner, to another Grrrr @#$^#@^
person resulting from
misunderstanding, lack
of traffic knowledge or
discourteousness
 BAD HABITS OF AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS
Cutti
Driving slowly in the left lane ng
off
Gestures

Tailgating

Annoying and Excessive blowing of horns

Fighting over a parking space
 CUTTING AND TAILGAITING

CUTTING OFF
Failing to signal intent, or
see if movement can be
made safely.

TAILGATING
Following other vehicle too
close that may make its
driver feel uncomfortable.
 GESTURES AND DRIVING SLOWLY

GESTURES

DRIVING SLOWLY IN THE LEFT LANE

Hand gestures speak louder than
words and may bring other Drivers may become hostile if
motorist to act more aggressive slower motorists do not make way
for those driving faster
BLOWING OF HORN AND PARKING SPACE

ANNOYING and EXCESSIVE BLOWING OF HORNS

FIGHTING OVER A PARKING SPACE

 DON’T BE A VICTIM

AVOID RETALIATION It takes at least two to have a fight.

KEEP DISTANCE Let the angry driver pass you by.
Forget about winning, driving is not a contest.
PUT AWAY YOUR PRIDE
Engaging in eye contact with an angry driver
AVOID EYE CONTACT could mean a provocation.
MIND CONDITIONING Condition your mind before you leave your
house or office.
GET HELP Call the traffic authorities. They are the proper
authority to deal with an aggressive or
dangerous driver.
 RESULTS OF ROAD RAGE
Emotional Setback Fines and Penalties Imprisonment
Suspension/ Revocation of Driver’s License
Suspension/ Termination from work

Serious Injury
 REMEDIES TO CONQUER ROAD RAGE

YOUR LOVING
FAMILY IS
Adjust your attitude WAITING AT
Forget winning HOME
Get help from a doctor
Pray before and after the trip

10
Gender and Development
Causes and Prevention of Road
Crashes and Breakdowns
 USUAL ROAD CRASH
A person who has the last clear chance or opportunity of avoiding an
accident

11
 FIRST THING FIRST
Roadworthiness is the ability of a motor vehicle to be in a
suitable operating condition or meeting acceptable standards
for safe driving and transport of people, baggage or cargo in
roads or streets
Unsafe Motor Vehicles
a. Below satisfactory maintenance performance
b. Insufficient support from the Company
c. Abusive handling or driving
d. Lack of basic trouble shooting seminar or training
- Reactive Maintenance
- Proactive Maintenance
12
 BLOWBAGETS
B ATTERY TAKING CARE
• Limit short rides
L • Keep batteries tightly fastened
O • Turn off all the lights before getting off
W • Control the corrosion
B • Do not use gadgets or accessories when engine is off
A How to clean the battery?
G - Toothbrush, Water and
Baking Soda/ Soap
E - Slight Petroleum Jelly (or
T Contact Cleaner) on the
battery terminal
S
13
 BLOWBAGETS
- How to check busted brake
B • Always clean LENS
lights?
• Make sure to switch the lights -
L IGHTS ON before sunset
How to check busted
O • Switch OFF cabin lights when signal lights?
W engine is off - Check Battery or Alt icon
• Keep windshield and mirrors after starting
B clean
A • If possible, switch to low beam
lights if you are within 200
G meters of the car in front of you
E • Avoid too much tint
T • Avoid using excessive headlights
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B
L • Check the engine oil level regularly and
O IL add if necessary
• Change engine oil at regular interval
W • Check for oil leaks
B • Avoid prolonged RPM to avoid oil leaks
A • Check ball joint greasing, fluids and
G steering oil or gear oil
E
T
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B
L MAX • Check the water lever regularly
O MIN
• Avoid overfilling the reservoir
W ATER to maintain correct back
pressure
B • Replace radiator cap if
A required, to avoid overheating
• Do not condemn thermostat
G • Always check upper and lower
E hose

T
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B • Check for oil leak on the brake master
cylinder
L • Check for oil leak on the caliper or piston
O • Check for allowable thickness of rotors and
W brake pads
• Regularly wash the rotors and pads to
B RAKE remove residuals or dusts
A • After repair – drive the vehicle and apply
brake within a block then wash the brake
G parts with clean water
E • Always check for leak on pipes
• Check fluid reservoir (color and odor)
T
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B
L
O
W VACUUM BOOSTER
B RAKE FROM AIR INTAKE
A
G BRAKE CALIPER
E OR BRAKE DRUM
T
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B
L
HORN
O
W WIPERS
B WINDSHIELDS
A CCESORIES PARKING BRAKE
G SWITCHES AND CONTROLS
E EARLY WARNING DEVICE
T SEATBELTS
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B Fuel Saving Tips • Check for leaks
L • Avoid Short Trips • Avoid using different
O • Avoid Heavy Traffic brand of fuel
W • Do not carry too much • As much as possible
B load do not overfill the
• Close your windows fuel tank
A
• Accelerate smoothly • Replace fuel tank
G AS / FUEL • Shift Smoothly cap if required
E • Follow the Speed limit
T • Check Tire Pressure
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B • Avoid Installation of electrical accessories
• Must be installed or repaired by a qualified auto electrician
L
• Avoid using substandard electrical wires
O • Avoid using substandard electrical fuse and fuse holders
W • Avoid pouring water on dashboard when cleaning.
B • Never do a spaghetti wire
A
G
E LECTRICAL
T
S
 BLOWBAGETS
B
L
O
W
B
A
G
E
T IRE
S
 BLOWBAGETS

UNDER INFLATION
OVER INFLATION

CORRECT INFLATION
BLOWBAGETS
 BLOWBAGETS
B
L
O
MENTALLY
W
B
AND
A
G PHYSICALLY
E
T FIT
S ELF
CAUSES AND PREVENTION OF ROAD CRASH

The Human
Factor

14
 FAT I G U E

Straight Duty for personal reasons

Straight Duty as induced by Supervisor

Define Rest Hours or Days / Observe the 6-

hour Driving Rule

15
 Uncontrolled Night Life
Drunk Driving and Hangovers (level of alcohol at zero %)
Partying and Socializing (videoke, karaoke)
Gambling and other bad habits (drugs, pot session)
Internet – social media, chatting, e-messengers, watching movies

Poor Hygiene, Tardiness, Poor Reflexes

16
 DISTRACTED DRIVING
Emotions – positive or negative emotions affect driving
Loud Music or Video Players

17
 DISTRACTED DRIVING
Texting, Answering Phone Calls
 DISTRACTED DRIVING
Conversations with Passengers or Fellow Employees
 DISTRACTED DRIVING
What to do when hungry? Eat!!!!!
 DISTRACTED DRIVING
Dashboard/ Windshield Extra Decorations and Accessories (RA 10913)
DISTRACTED DRIVING

Dashboard/ Windshield
Extra Decorations and
Accessories
 DISTRACTED DRIVING
Ordinary Illness (e.g. sore eyes, strain, flu)
 What to do?

FOLLOW THE LAW ON ANTI-DISTRACTED DRIVING

LEAVE ALL EMOTIONS BEHIND
CONCENTRATE ON THE STEERING WHEEL
WHEN SICK….. GO TO DOCTOR
 Ask yourself – Am I safe?

ILLNESS – do I have any symptom?

MEDICATION – am I taking any over the counter prescription or other drugs?

STRESS – any worries about the job, finances or families?

ALCOHOL – have I been drinking for the last twenty-four hours?
FATIGUE – have I worked more than my physical ability, with incomplete rest?
EATING – am I hungry?
 Arrogance and limited knowledge of the law
(Kayabangan at kamangmangan)

Speeding
Carelessness – illegal turns and change of lanes
Blind Curve recklessness
Disregarding Road Traffic Signs, Signals and
Warnings
Allowing other person to drive
Lack of Discipline and Proper Training

18
 Arrogance (Kayabangan)
NORMAL BRAKE AND TIRE CONDITION BRAKING DISTANCE
Carelessness – illegal turns and change of lanes
Carelessness – illegal turns and change of lanes
Blind Curve Recklessness
Disregarding Road Traffic Signs, Signals and Warnings
 Apprentice Drivers and Driver’s without DL

• Apprentice drivers may drive during non-peak hours

• Assigned drivers must teach the proper way on how to pick up
passengers
• Avoid talking to apprentice drivers while on the steering wheel
• Give suggestion to apprentice drivers while on break

Never allow another person to drive without a valid DL

Lack of Discipline and Proper Training
Lack of Discipline and Proper Training
Lack of Discipline and Proper Training
Bullying
 Other Causes

Age Factor
Illness
 Road conditions and Engineering
Improper Warning Sign Locations and Meanings
Improper road construction Warning signs
 Road conditions and Engineering
Confusing Traffic Signs

ON GREEN LIGHT
 Lack of Notice and Communication
Unannounced road repair from LGUs and National Gov’t.
Co-employees failed to inform supervisors or dispatchers on
physical changes along the route.
 Improper Parking May Result to Road Crash

PARKING BRAKE MUST BE

100% WORKING CURB – elevated concrete edging of a street
or path. (gilid ng bangketa)
UPHILL PARKING WITH
CURB – FRONT WHEEL LEVEL PARKING – FRONT WHEEL MUST BE
MUST BE POINTING AWAY STRAIGHT AND PARALLEL TO THE STREET
FROM THE CURB.
UPHILL PARKING WITHOUT CURB – FRONT
WHEEL MUST BE POINTING INTO THE
DOWNHILL PARKING WITH SIDEWALK
CURB – FRONT WHEEL MUST
BE POINTING INTO THE CURB DOWNHILL PARKING WITHOUT CURB –
FRONT WHEEL MUST BE POINTING INTO
THE SIDEWALK
Improper Parking May Result to Road Crash
 Improper Parking May Result to Road Crash
Basic technique in parallel parking or reverse parking;
- Assign an imaginary marker while backing or maneuvering backward
- Never change the imaginary marker
- Imaginary markers must not be more than one foot from the edge of the
vehicle being marked.
 Common Road Crash and Breakdown
due to Mechanical Parts
Overheating
Exhaust Manifold Electrical
Accessories

Oil Leak – Engine

Sticking Brake, Compartment
Brake Fade
Belts, Pulleys
Flat Tires and Wheel and Bearings
Nuts

19
Safety Issue - Shifting

Improper and untimely changing of gear

may cause engine failure.

TIPS
• Shifting of gear requires knowledge on
the capability of the vehicle, the load, the
road condition or engineering design.
• Proper shifting must be done before or
within the green band.
• Never rev the engine up to the red band.
• If possible, switch off the aircon when
driving uphill.

20
Safety Issue - Crabbing

21
 Overheating
Motor Vehicle Factor

Common Causes of Overheating

Common Symptoms of Water Leak or Clogged Radiator
Overheating Clogged Air Filter
High Temperature Gauge Water and Oil Mix on Engine Block
White Exhaust Insufficient Oil
Low Power
Sticking Brake
Common Effects of Prolonged Low Gear (Uphill)
Overheating
Excessive use of Aircon
Engine Stuck up
Belts (broken, loose, etc.)
Engine Fire
22
 Motor Vehicle Factor
Exhaust Manifold
Signs and Symptoms of Manifold Leak
Low power or low engine efficiency
Poisonous carbon monoxide (colorless/odorless smoke) may go inside the cabin
Crack pipe
Extra volume of noise within engine compartment
Sputtering – soft explosive sounds

Worst Effect of
Manifold Leak

Fire

23
 Motor Vehicle Factor
Electrical
Accessories Never add or alter ELECTRICAL
Accessories without proper authority

24
Motor Vehicle Factor
Oil Leak – Engine
Compartment

Causes of Oil Leaks

Back Job
Prolonged Idling
Over RPM
Substandard Gaskets or O-rings
Effects of Oil Leaks
Overheating/ Fire
Internal Damage
Engine Stuck up
25
 Motor Vehicle Factor
Belts, Pulleys
and Bearings

Include water drop or sand check to determine if belt or bearing wear and tear
 Motor Vehicle Factor
Sticking Brake
or Brake Fade
Be aware of brake warning light
Symptoms of Brake Failure
• Hearing a Metallic Squeal While You're
in Motion
• Grinding Sound, Wobbling, Vibration
or Scraping.
• Leaking Fluid
• Car Pulling to One Side When Braking
• Burning Smell While Driving
• Hard brake pedal
 Motor Vehicle Factor

Anti-lock Braking System

Signs of malfunctioning ABS

- Switching the engine ON – ABS light must turn ON
- When engine starts – ABS light must turn OFF
- Blinking ABS when driving

26
 Motor Vehicle Factor
Flat Tires and Wheel
Nuts
 Engineering, Environmental and Weather Factors

• Debris and Construction materials

• Potholes/ manholes
• Undisciplined Pedestrians and Street Vendors
• Rains, Flood, Fogs etc

27
 Weather and Environmental Factors

Debris and Construction materials

Weather and Environmental Factors
Potholes/ manholes
 Weather and Environmental Factors
Undisciplined Pedestrians and Street Vendors
Weather and Environmental Factors
Rains, Flood, etc
 What to do on wet or flooded roads?

Be Aware, Calm and Ready

As much as possible do not step on the
brake
Reduce Speed, by releasing the accelerator
pedal
Gently step on the brakes after passing the wet
road to dry the brake pads, rotors, linings and
drums.
 IN CLOSING

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S A D A AN
D I S I P L I NA
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