CHAPTER 1: DRIVING SMART

The following section summarizes the concepts, practices, and techniques that are covered in more
detail in later sections. It's the longest section for just that reason: because it introduces you to all
the material. As you read it, think about how attitude, aptitude, anticipation and attention all work
together to make for a safe, fun driving experience.

SECTION 1: DEFENSIVE DRIVING

All good drivers have learned the rules of the road, and have acquired the skills to adapt quickly to
changing situations. They know how to use their common sense to anticipate problems. Their skills
and their common sense work together to make them the safest drivers on the road. The marriage of
learning and common sense to anticipate and avoid problems has a name: Defensive Driving.

A. Driving Courtesy and Attitude

1. Be as Courteous While Driving as in Other Social Contacts

Many of us think of driving as a solitary experience. We get in our vehicle and go, and feel wrapped
in the solitude of 3000 lbs. of steel and upholstery. In fact, when we drive, we are a part of a huge
community that includes other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, etc. As in any community, rules of
courtesy are the key to comfort and survival. Never underestimate the power of stupid people in
groups. First, courtesy means that you are aware of those around you...and awareness is the basis
for survival on crowded roadways filled with hurtling vehicles.

The other important fact is this: If you are courteous, you help create a more gentle and comfortable
driving environment. It makes driving more fun.
2. Right-of-way

A lot of heated driving disputes occur over the simple question: 'Who gets to go first?' 'Right-of-way'
rules help avoid these disputes by laying out the order that drivers can proceed through an
intersection that has no stop signs or traffic signals (called an 'uncontrolled intersection') when two
or more vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time.

The right-of-way rule says that a driver that reaches an uncontrolled intersection first has the right-
of-way to go through the intersection after making certain that it is safe to proceed.

If two vehicles arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the vehicle to the right proceeds first.

a. When to use it: Take the right-of-

way when you have it under the rule,
and when it is safe to proceed.

However, look at the other drivers first

to make certain that they understand
that you are proceeding. If another
driver proceeds improperly as you are
taking your right-of-way, you won't feel
any better about a collision knowing
that under the law, you were in the
right.

b. When to give it up:

• To pedestrians in a crosswalk
• At stop signs
• To pedestrian and vehicle when you are
emerging from an alley
• To emergency vehicles Vehicle #1 is to the right of vehicle #2 and
• At four-way stops proceeds first..
• When making a left turn

3. Stress, Anger, Emotion, and Fatigue

Stress, anger, and/or fatigue – if unchecked - impair your ability to think clearly and concentrate on
the job at hand. Learn to identify and control these conditions.
 a. How to recognize it: Before you start your
vehicle, think about how you feel. Are you angry,
exhilarated, or depressed? Has something made
you edgy? If you do not feel relaxed, take time to
clear your head.

b. How it affects driving: If you are distressed

or fatigued, you are not clear-headed and you
will be less apt to recognize danger as it
develops. You will be less prepared to make
critical, split-second decisions once the danger is
apparent.

c. Collision potential: High or low emotional

states affect your ability to concentrate, greatly You are responsible for your
increasing your chances of collision. Fatigue also emotions on
affects your concentration, and is often a factor the road...and emotions kill if you
in mishaps on long trips. don't
control them.

B. Adjusting to the Driving Environment

The driving environment changes constantly. Your job is to adjust and adapt to changes.

1. Daytime vs. Nighttime

Driving during daylight hours, your biggest problem can be keeping your eye on the road rather than
rubbernecking at the scenery. At night, you tend to lose depth perception. You also tend to
unconsciously speed-up and 'overdrive' your headlights. Thus, driving in daylight tests your focus,
while driving at night is a bigger test of your driving technique.

a. Visibility: Always concentrate on seeing and being seen. During the day, avoid
being blinded by road glare. Make sure to keep your windshield clean. It is not a bad
idea to drive with your lights on during the day to increase your visibility to others. At
dawn and dusk you will find yourself driving through low-contrast 'white light.' This is an
especially dangerous time, because low contrast ensures that you see less than you
think you do. Avoid passing or driving too fast for conditions.

b. Speed: When the sun goes down, so should your speed, since your visibility is cut
to approximately 500 ft…the distance your headlights cast their beams. You must be
able to stop your vehicle within the range of your headlights.
 c. Planning the route: If you are driving at
night, plan a route that takes you along well-
lighted streets. Business areas and urban
freeways are better lighted than secondary
roads and residential areas. Where do forest
rangers go to 'get away from it all?'
Nighttime reduces your vision to
the throw
of your headlights. It is also
primetime for intoxicated drivers.

2. Weather

In California, a leisurely day's drive can take you from hot, dry badlands to icy, snow-covered
mountains to rainy coastal plains. Each of these climatic zones presents its own challenges, and their
conditions can co-mingle to create wind, hail, rain, and fog…all within a few dozen miles.

a. Fog, Rain, and Snow: Driving in a fog is unlike any other driving condition. Fog
slicks up the road. It makes it difficult to see. It makes it difficult to judge distance. It
makes you lose sense of exactly where you are on the road, in which direction you are
driving, and at what speed you are driving. To make matters worse, fog reflects your
high-beam headlights back into your eyes turning the fog into a solid, impenetrable
wall. So, only use low-beams when driving in the fog – never high-beams.

In one recent year in the U.S. there were 1,387 deaths due to foggy conditions. In
November 2002 198 vehicles collided in a single chain reaction due to soupy fog on the
Long Beach Freeway. According to Ted Eichman of the California Highway Patrol, the
collision occurred because motorists badly misjudged their stopping distance in the fog,
continuing to drive too fast. In dense fog, drivers often steer their vehicles by following
the taillights of the vehicle ahead…which is blind reliance on a stranger.

Roads become especially slippery during the first 15 to 20 minutes of precipitation (fog,
rain, or snow), because moisture washes-up oil that has permeated the road surface.
This mixture of old oil and water can be lethal to an unaware driver.

The same slippery conditions that hold in fog apply to light dustings of snow. Also,
drifting snow obscures the road; high winds can blow your vehicle off a slippery road;
deep snow reduces traction; and vehicle problems such as vapor lock can leave you
stopped and stranded.
 (1) braking distance: 'Braking distance' refers to
the time it takes your brakes to stop your vehicle.
In wet weather, this often increases as road
moisture penetrates your tire-wells and makes
your brakes slick, causing loss of traction. Leave
plenty of braking distance. Avoid hard braking in
bad weather, which leads to skidding.

(2) speed: Your total stopping distance (reaction

time/ distance plus braking distance) is affected
by your speed. On slippery roads, reduce your
speed.

(3) wet roads: Wet roads affect all aspects of your

vehicle's performance and control, including the
effectiveness of your brakes and tires in stopping
your vehicle. Increase your safety margin by
heeding the following.
Your worst nightmare: driving in a
snowstorm at night.
Keep your headlights on low-beam to
avoid reflection, and SLOWDOWN!

Slippery: Below are tips for adjusting to slippery, wet roads.

• Get the 'feel' of the road and adjust your speed accordingly.
• Be sure tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated.
• When slowing or stopping, gently apply the breaks.

Hydroplaning: When it rains, water collects on the roadway in

a thin sheet. If your tires are bad, or you are driving too fast,
your vehicle can actually lose contact with the road surface
and ride up on top of this sheet. This condition is called
'hydroplaning.' Here's what you should do, when hydroplaning
occurs.

• Avoid braking.
• Reduce your speed by decelerating.
• Steer smoothly in a straight line.
• Follow in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.
• Open up extra space between you and the traffic.
• If conditions are ripe for hydroplaning, stay out of the fast
lane where, if you spin-out, you can strike the center divider.
 b. See and Be Seen: Headlights are
required to be activated during darkness,
which is from 30 minutes after sunset to
30 minutes before sunrise. Darkness is
also defined as any other time when
visibility is not sufficient to render
discernible a person or vehicle at a
distance of 1000 feet. Turn on your low-
beam headlights in rain, fog or snow The
law (CVC 24400 a & b) now requires your
headlights to be activated whenever your
windshield wipers are in continuous
operation and whenever visibility is such
that you cannot clearly see another
vehicle or a person from a distance of
1000 feet. In special circumstances – you
are slowing down for safety, for instance -
tap your brakes, thus activating your
brake lights. Always keep your windshield, This is a lethal combination of snow and
headlights, and taillights clean. fog...not
uncommon in the mountains during
3. Road Conditions winter, spring, and
autumn. Drive with your lights on to see
a. Soft Shoulder: Often road shoulders and be seen.
are made of softer material and are lower
than the paved portion of the roadway.
Not only does this reduce your traction,
but you can become trapped on the wrong
side of an abrupt edge.

b. Drop-offs: A drop-off may be

engineered next to the roadway to funnel
rainwater, or rainwater can erode a deep
gutter alongside the roadway.

c. Bad Pavement: Secondary or less

traveled roads may be poorly maintained.
Urban streets are often rutted by cracks
and potholes. Poor road conditions not
only cause collisions, they can cause
damage to your vehicle's alignment and
tires.
Rough road
d. Seasonal Hazards: Each season
presents its own hazards. Beware of fog
and slippery roads in the winter, spring,
and autumn. Summer heat is hard on your
vehicle, and road glare is a problem.

4. Intersections
 a. Controlled and Uncontrolled: A controlled intersection is an intersection protected
by a signal light, traffic control officer or a stop or yield sign. Uncontrolled intersections
have no such safeguards, leaving you to proceed through the intersection at your
discretion. 'Discretion' can be defined here as your common sense about the rules of the
road, combined with your anticipation of trouble given the situation.

(1) signaling distance: You must signal a change of direction, such as a

turn or lane change, for 100 feet continuously before the maneuver.
Regardless of your speed, it is recommend that you signal for 5 seconds
before making any lane change.
(2) speed: Since most collisions occur at intersections, be cautious as you
approach. Cover your brake and be ready to stop.
(3) stopping limits: Always stop at the limit line, if marked, or before
entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no
crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway
or rail-grade crossing (Think of it as an imaginary line from curb to curb).
Keep in mind there are marked crosswalks (with painted lines) and
unmarked crosswalks (no painted lines). In the absence of a posted sign
prohibiting pedestrian crossing, you can assume a crosswalk at any
intersection, even if there are no lines painted on the pavement.
(4) signal controlled: These are intersections with signal lights controlling
the flow of traffic.

Red Stop
Red arrow Do not turn against this arrow
Flashing red Come to a full stop before proceeding with caution
Yellow Proceed with caution and prepare to stop
Flashing
Proceed cautiously through the intersection
yellow
Yellow arrow The 'protected' turning time is ending; prepare to stop
Green Go, after yielding to vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists in the intersection
Go in the direction of the arrow, after yielding to any vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist in
Green arrow
the intersection
Traffic signal
When there is an electrical power failure, treat the intersection as a four-way stop
blackout

5. City, Freeway, Open Roadway, Mountains

Each of these driving environments presents challenges.

a. Speed: As you drive,

read and follow the posted
speed limit signs. Always be
aware of the weather
conditions, the type of road
and the amount of traffic in
determining your speed on
the road.

b. Following distance: You

must be able to stop before
striking the vehicle in front
of you if it stops or slows
unexpectedly. If a turtle
doesn't have a shell, is he
homeless or naked?

c. Braking distance: Keep

in mind that braking
distance depends on a
number of factors.
• How quickly
you see and
react to the
hazard
Less space on the roadway and more traffic
• Conditions of considerably limits your reaction time when driving
the road in the city. Always be looking ahead and
• Condition of anticipating trouble.
your brakes
• Condition of
your tires
• Gravity-
up-/downhill
Remember: Braking distance
increases exponentially with
speed. Your braking distance at
60 mph will be four times your
braking distance at 30.

d. Signaling
distance: The law
requires that
drivers signal at
least 100 feet
before turning. At
higher speeds,
signal sooner. For
example, on open
highways or at
freeway speeds,
signaling five
seconds prior to a
lane change is
recommended.

e. Traffic
conditions: In
larger cities,
traffic can be
congested during
most daytime
hours. Properly
prepared drivers
will listen to traffic
reports on radio
stations
throughout the
day to find
whether traffic
conditions on their
intended route are
good.

f. Passing: Below are some tips for passing.

(1) open roadway: Passing on a two-lane road requires

you to travel into the oncoming traffic lane…a
dangerous maneuver in any event.

Never pass:

• Over double yellow lines or against a 'No Passing'

 sign;
• If the
vehicle
ahead of
you is
traveling
at the
speed
limit;
• When an
oncoming
traffic is
too close;
• Several
vehicles
in front of
you at a time (pass only one vehicle at a time);
• On a curve when your line of sight is limited;
• On or near an underpass or bridge; and/or
• Near an intersecting road, in the event that vehicle is
making a right turn from cross-traffic into your line.
(2) mountains: There are several dangers involved in
passing in mountainous areas. Be prepared for:

• An oncoming vehicle moving into your lane to pass;

• Difficulty passing a slower moving vehicle on a
narrow road;
• Blocked field of vision on sharp curves and steep
hills;
• Loss of braking on a steep downgrade;
• Extreme weather conditions such as heavy fog, rain,
and snow.

6. Driving distractions

Collisions often occur when the driver of one or more vehicles is distracted. This is
especially unfortunate, since most distractions are avoidable. Below are some
distractions you do not want to fall prey to.

a. Inside vehicle

• Talking to passengers
• Dialing, answering, and talking on cell phone
• Pets roaming in the vehicle
• Lighting a cigarette
• Eating and driving
• Insects such as bees
• Changing radio stations, audio tapes, or compact discs
 Adults are required to use a hands-free set-up when talking on a mobile
phone, and may not use an electronic device to write, send, or read a
text-based communication (e.g., text message, instant message, e-
mail), when driving. Those under the age of 18 are prohibited at all
times from using any wireless telephone or other mobile service device
when driving. The law provides exemptions for using mobile
communications devices to place an emergency call to law
enforcement, the fire department, a health care provider, or other
emergency services.

b. Outside vehicle

• The scene of a collision

• Interesting sights
• Looking too long at scenery
• Finding a location and address.

C. Collision Causation

Driver error is the most common cause of traffic collisions. Below are some pitfalls to
avoid.

1. Mental

The best defensive driving techniques and attitudes are compromised by mental errors. If
you are unfocused, distracted, or unaware, you can't anticipate and respond effectively
to dangerous situations. These types of mistakes are caused by stress or fatigue, or just
plain sloppy mental habits.

2. Physical

Fatigue, physical disability, illness, and/or being medicated all qualify as physical
conditions that can compromise defensive driving. Aging is factor that sometimes affects
vision, hearing, and mental alertness.

3. Environment

Adapt to your environment. Also, be prepared for changing environments. If you're

driving from the mountains to the coast, you can drive through many different climate
and weather conditions within several hours.

4. Visual Habits

Bad visual habits will lull you into complacency and reduce attentiveness. Train yourself
to scan the driving environment...and then think about what you are seeing, so that you
actually understand the meaning of what you are looking at.
5. Other Drivers

You can never really predict what other drivers will do. Protect yourself by anticipation
and awareness.

6. Collision Types

Collision types tend to differ with road-type and terrain. Collisions on city streets often
happen at intersections, whereas freeway collisions tend to be more varied and
unpredictable.
a. Intersections

(1) blind: A 'blind' intersection is one

in which you cannot see 100 feet to
the left or right down the cross-street
when you are within 100 feet of the
intersection because of some natural
or manmade obstacle. A blind
Blind intersection
intersection can be controlled (one
that is protected by signals or signs)
or uncontrolled (no signals or signs).
By law, you must slow to 15 mph
within 100 feet of a blind intersection
that is uncontrolled. For your own
protection, be prepared to stop at
the corner before entering the
intersection. You are allowed to drive
at the speed limit (or safe speed)
when approaching a controlled blind
intersection as long as you obey all
signs and controls.

If the police arrest a mime, do they

tell him he has the right to remain
silent?

(2) right-of-way: Watch for drivers

careless about giving the legal right-
of-way to others. Beware of
pedestrians in the crosswalk when
you are turning left. Anytime you are
in a controlled or an uncontrolled
intersection there is a chance that an
emergency vehicle will be
entering the intersection against
traffic.
(3) turns: Turns are often the occasion of collisions
in the city. Remember the following.
Left: Turning left requires
that you judge the speed
of oncoming traffic
(traffic you are 'turning
against'). Add to this the
presence of pedestrians
in crosswalks and/or
changing lights, and you
have many things to
keep track of. As you
move into the
intersection, keep your
wheels straight and cover
the brake while waiting
to turn, so that a rear-
end impact could not
push you into oncoming
traffic.

Right: Nowadays many

urban streets have
bicycle lanes to the right
of the traffic lanes.
Drivers must cross these
lanes to turn right. In
such cases, bicyclists
going straight have the The vehicle on the right misjudged the
right-of-way. Meanwhile, turning radius of this
watch for pedestrians in commercial vehicle (tow truck towing
the crosswalk as you vehicle) and ended upforced to the curb.
turn…crosswalks are
prime spots for collisions
involving pedestrians.
 Simultaneous: At some intersections, it is
permissible for two vehicles side-by- side to turn in
the same direction at the same time. If you are
making such a turn, keep a close eye on any vehicle
turning with you to make sure they stay in their
lane. Be prepared to maneuver to get out of their
way, should they – on completing their turn – drift
into your lane.

Wide turns - commercial vehicles: Large commercial

vehicles (usually multi-wheeled, articulated
tractor/trailers) must make wide turns – that is,
turns that take up space in two lanes – in order to
avoid turning into oncoming traffic. When you are
side-by-side with one of these vehicles – if the driver
does not see you - you can get run-over whether
you're on the lane inside or outside of the vehicle.
Remember: As long as a driver's face is visible to
During simultaneous turns, you in the vehicle's mirrors, he can see you.
stay in your Otherwise, he may be unaware of you.
lane, and be wary of the other
guy
drifting out of his and into
yours'.
(4) pedestrians: According to the California Highway Patrol 2003
SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System) Annual
Report, 712 pedestrians were killed and 13,991 pedestrians were
injured in traffic crashes during 2003. Children under 15
accounted for 24.7% of all pedestrian victims. The most vulnerable
age group for pedestrian victims (killed and injured) was 15-24
years. Overall, the majority of pedestrian victims tend to be male.
These numbers are appalling! Pedestrians are the most vulnerable
users of our roadways. One of your primary responsibilities as a
driver is to do whatever possible to avoid a collision with a
pedestrian.
Pedestrians have a responsibility for their own safety as well. If
you are a pedestrian, follow these rules:
• Use sidewalks
•Cross only at intersections and crosswalks
•Look left, right, left for traffic before stepping off curb.
•It is illegal to cross mid-block between 2 controlled intersections.
•A pedestrian crossing illegally (i.e. outside of crosswalk) must
yield to traffic.
•Pedestrians walking in the road should walk opposing traffic,
along the left-hand edge of the road.
b. freeways: Due to the higher speeds of freeway traffic, when a collision
occurs it often involves a chain reaction as nearby vehicles swerve to avoid
the collision. Beware of being caught in a collision not of your own making.
(1) merging: Two common causes of collisions as vehicles merge
onto the freeway are slower moving vehicles being struck from
behind, and drivers merging without adequate space.

(2) exiting: Three prime causes of freeway-exiting collisions are:

• An exiting vehicle slows too much and is hit from behind;

• A driver fails to read the sign 'slow to 15 mph' and strikes the
barrier;
• An impaired or disoriented driver enters in the exit ramp.

(3) space cushion: Think of the space around your vehicle (front,
rear, and both sides) as a cushion that protects you from contact
with other vehicles. Obviously, - depending on the speeds you are
traveling, as well as other factors – that cushion may need to
change form or expand.
c. Lane Changes: Inattentive or sudden lane changes are a major cause of
collisions on the freeway. Often these are caused by 'blind spot errors.' Stay
out of the blind spot of other drivers, and do not let other drivers cruise in
your blind spot. Before making a lane change, be sure to glance quickly in the
corresponding blind spot to be sure there is no conflict.

d. Passing: A major cause of collisions is one vehicle passing another and

cutting that vehicle off while merging back into the line of traffic. Don't get
out of your passing attitude until you have arrived at where you want to be.

e. Head-on: Head-on collisions usually occur late at night when traffic is light.
An intoxicated or disoriented driver enters the freeway on an exit ramp
thinking it is an on-ramp. Watch for wrong-way drivers on one-way streets
and anticipate the possibility of a vehicle crossing the centerline on a curved
roadway.

f. Rear-end: Colliding with a vehicle in front of you should it stop or slow

unexpectedly is a common and avoidable collision. Always drive at a safe
following distance (you'll read about the 3 Second Rule later in the course)
and be sure to eliminate distractions in your vehicle (like the cell phone) that
might cause you to look away and miss the brake lights being activated on
the vehicle(s) in front of you.
 g. Fixed objects: The major fixed objects on
a freeway are the ends of the guardrails
and trees at the bottom of the freeway
embankment. There is the additional
problem of debris and large items sitting in
lanes - another reason to always scan up
the road to anticipate your need to change
lanes.

h. Slippery surface skids: When the

weather first begins to turn, road
conditions and weather are often at their
worst. Also, it takes time to shift focus from
fair- to foul weather driving. When
conditions change, change focus with them.
So always reduce speed, increase following
distance and heighten\n your vigilance
when driving on wet roads.

i. Vehicle Failure:
(1) brakes: Brakes tend to fail when overused to slow or stop the
vehicle on long, downhill stretches or in stop-and-go traffic. In
stop-and-go traffic, this can be avoided by driving more slowly in a
lower gear. On long, downhill stretches, drive in a lower gear.

(2) tires: Tires with worn tread tend to blow out and skid easily.

D. Collision Avoidance

1. Defensive Driving Techniques: The Smith System and SIPDE

There are two defensive driving techniques that are especially helpful to know: The Smith
System of Accident-free Driving; and the SIPDE process. Each is enumerated below.

The Smith System

1. Aim high when steering: Look as far as a block

ahead when driving.
2. Keep your eyes moving: Constantly move your eyes
side walk to sidewalk near and far.
3. Get the big picture: Take in everything in the driving
scene, rather than merely other vehicles.
4. Make sure they see you: Whether pedestrians, two-
wheeled vehicles, or other automobiles, use horn and
lights to be seen; make eye contact and yield right-of-
way when necessary.
5. Leave yourself an out: Continually visualize escape
routes as you travel. Maintain your space cushion by
adjusting your speed, which will give you the time to
use your escape route.
 Good anticipation...

...plus a good space cushion

around your vehicle ...makes
you a defensive driver.

SIPDE process

1. Scan or search - for possible trouble.

2. Identify - problems or conflicts on the
roadway.
3. Predict - signals will change; vehicles will turn;
pedestrians will cross.
4. Decide - which maneuver should be taken.
5. Execute – the maneuver.
Stay well behind the vehicle in front of you, especially in bad
driving conditions. If you collide with the rear-end of
another vehicle, you will almost always be cited for driving
too close for conditions.

a. Be alert - don't assume: As you drive along, envision a plan for escaping
trouble as you drive, and be committed to that plan. Although each situation
is different, you are only going to get a few cues before you must commit to a
maneuver. Many times, there are no advance cues at all. If a vehicle crosses
the centerline, are you going to swerve left? Swerve right? If you know what
you will do beforehand, and you commit early, you stand a better chance of
 avoiding trouble.

b. Escape techniques: Learn escape techniques. Be prepared to commit to an

escape technique. Most important, maintain a space cushion that will give you
time to make decisions.

c. Reaction time: Reaction time is the time

you take to move your foot from the
accelerator to the brake, once you see a
hazard. The quickest among us can react to
a hazard in a half second. Average reaction
time is three-quarters of a second. One of
the reasons that a defensive driver stays
focused is that inattention can significantly
increase reaction time.

d. 'Three Second Rule': The 'Three Second

Rule' basically states that you should
maintain a space between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you that would take
three seconds to travel at the posted speed
limit.

e. Think ahead: Pay attention at all times to the driving task and drive within
your ability to handle your vehicle.

f. Use of horn: Don't be afraid to use your horn, particularly to communicate

your presence to other drivers or pedestrians that may be unaware of you.

2. Avoiding a Collision with the Car Ahead

a. Importance of vehicle lane placement: Because large vehicles such as

sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and recreational vehicles (RVs) limit sight lines,
it is up to you to make certain that they know where you are on the road.
Remember a couple of things:

• Do not drive in another's blind spot, and do not let others drive in yours'
(speed up or slow down). If you have to be in a blind spot, make certain the
driver sees you in his/her mirrors (if you can see the driver's face in the
mirror, s/he can see you).
• Increase your following distance when following a larger vehicle.
• Momentary Distractions: If a distraction is serious, pull off the roadway to
address it.

b. How to establish a three-second gap: When the vehicle ahead of you passes
a stationary reference point such as a sign, count, "one-thousand-one, one-
thousand-two, and one-thousand-three." If you pass that pre-established
reference point before you are finished counting, then you are following too
closely.
c. When to increase the following distance to four (or more) seconds:

• Following large trucks and vans

• Driving in rain/fog
• Driving on icy routes
• When being tailgated
• When vision is blocked or visibility is poor
• When speed is increased

d. Momentary distractions – pick a safe time to look away: A momentary

distraction is one that you can resolve quickly (less than a second or two). If
you cannot resolve the distraction in this time, then pull off the roadway. If
you can safely resolve it in this time, here are pointers:
• Assess the situation ahead before reacting to the distraction. If you don't
see a couple of seconds worth of clear sailing on the road ahead, don't
attempt to resolve the situation. In other words, don't look away in busy
traffic.
• Take short looks: If you must look away from the road, do not do so until the
road is straight and you have made certain that have enough room to stop.
Only then can you look away. Then, take short looks, returning your eyes to
the road constantly.
• Have passengers help with navigation: Do not use time on the roadway to
check maps for navigational information. If you are unfamiliar with where you
are going, get good directions, a phone number, and check maps before you
leave. If you have a passenger, let the passenger navigate.

e. Look ahead for trouble: When you're driving in the city, look at least 12 to
15 seconds (about one block) ahead of your vehicle. On the freeway, extend
the time/distance to 15 to 20 seconds ahead.

• Look over and around the car around the car ahead.
• Check ahead for speed on hilltops and curves:
Remember that your line of sight is significantly
shortened as you near the crest of a hill. Similarly,
on a curved road, your vision will be blocked.
• Watch for brake lights ahead or in adjacent lanes: If
you see brake lights ahead of you or to your side,
that usually means that something needs your
attention.
• Start braking early: Immediately check your mirrors
and apply light brake pressure. This slows you down
and warns drivers behind you that you might have to
suddenly stop. If you're looking for trouble, pick on a truck.

f. Locations to watch for trouble:

• Traffic-controlled intersections: In the fluid conditions of a traffic-controlled
intersection, anticipate that some drivers will accelerate to beat a light,
change their minds, and slam on the brakes. Anticipate vehicles entering the
intersection against the light.
 • Approaching crosswalks: Pedestrians often step off just before or just after
the light changes. As you near an intersection, remember to cover your
brakes…put your foot over – but do not ride – the brake pedal.
• Lanes next to parked vehicles: Always scan lines of parked vehicles for
people exiting by the driver's side, or vehicles pulling out into traffic. Position
your vehicle so that the driver's side is close to the painted lane marker on
your left.
Below are a few cues to look for:
• Person in driver's seat
• Pedestrian moving between cars
• Exhaust from parked car
• Front wheels turned outward
• Opening doors
• Parking lot entrances: Don't assume that a vehicle signaling to turn into a
parking entrance will turn immediately. Often the driver must wait to give
right-of-way to pedestrians and/or vehicles.
• Freeway interchanges: Freeway interchanges have marked lanes for
acceleration and deceleration when entering or exiting, respectively.
However, don't ever assume that other drivers will use them properly. The
freeway is full of drivers speeding up across deceleration lanes to make an
exit and/or braking in acceleration lanes to merge.
• Slippery or ice-covered streets: Particularly in shaded areas or on bridges
and overpasses, streets will remain slippery longer.
• Where children are at play: Be careful around schools, parks, playgrounds,
and residential areas.

3. Avoid Being Rear-ended by Another Vehicle

a. Increase following distance: Check your mirrors frequently to gauge the

following distance of the vehicles behind you. Try to open space between you
and the vehicle following you, particularly if the vehicle is tailgating. Change
lanes, if necessary.
b. Signal early for stops and lane changes: Provide plenty of room for
inattentive drivers to recognize your intentions.
c. Brake smoothly and gradually: Smooth braking, along with signaling, is
another cue to drivers behind you to slow.
d. Keep pace with traffic, when possible: If you are keeping pace with traffic,
you reduce the chances of being hit from the rear.
e. Check your mirror for the following distance of other vehicles.
f. Before changing lanes, check the direction of travel: On freeways and urban
streets, make sure that the lane you are entering is not reserved for
oncoming traffic.
g. After stopping, keep your brake pedal depressed: If you are hit from the
rear, this technique minimizes the chance of your being propelled into the
intersection where a chain reaction can begin.
h. Keep your taillights clean and working: Taillights are your first line of
defense against being rear-ended if you must stop quickly. Make certain they
are visible.
4. How to Choose an Alternate Path of Travel Escape Route

A defensive driver is always looking for an escape route especially on a narrow curvy
road.

a. Importance of adequate visual leads: A proper

visual lead allows you to see trouble as it's developing.
It also allows you more reaction time. I wish my
brother would get a job, so I'd know what kind of work
he's out of. Train your eyes to look 12 to 15 seconds
ahead of your vehicles in city driving. On higher speed
freeways or open highways, use a visual lead-time of
15 to 20 seconds.

• Choosing a safe path of travel: Usually lanes #1 and

#2 – the two left lanes - are used for higher speed
thru-traffic. Use the right-hand lanes if you plan to
drive more slowly, or are preparing to exit.
• Possible speed or position adjustments: Be prepared
to make quick – but not abrupt - adjustments,
particularly if you come up on a vehicle that blocks
your visual lead. Find a gap in another lane, signal,
and change lanes.
Finding an alternate route of
b. Positioning the vehicle laterally: Since you travel can save you time and
always want to keep your options open, avoid being aggravation.
trapped in clusters of vehicles. If you find yourself in a
cluster, identify lateral spaces (spaces to your sides)
that will be open in case you need to move.
• Select speeds to position your vehicle between clusters of vehicles: First,
position yourself using your speed in an area that gives you the most lateral
options; then signal and move in either direction out of clusters.
• Select lane position within traffic clusters to allow the greatest
maneuverability: If you can't get out of a cluster (e.g., in rush hour traffic) opt
for the position within the cluster that promises the most maneuverability.
You can then expand your space cushion to the front by allowing space to
open up.

c. Avoiding multiple hazards: Be alert and leave a space cushion.

• Identify hazards early: Be scanning ahead 20 seconds.
• Predict potential hazards: When you are approaching a school zone, expect
children crossing the street. Anticipate vehicles turning in front of you if you
are driving through an area with uncontrolled intersections.
• Adjust speed and position to avoid potential hazards: Slow down or speed
up and position yourself in the edge of the lane away from potential hazards.
• Anticipate and plan possible escape route: Continually identify open spots
around you for evasive maneuvers.
 d. Compromise to reduce the risk of hazards: Compromise is the basis of
courtesy.

• A long line of cars approaching from the opposite direction: Move to the
right. Being the first driver facing a long line of approaching vehicles requires
you to be prepared to slow, stop, or move to the shoulder.
• An approaching vehicle drifts into the lane of travel: Sometimes an
inattentive or distracted driver coming at you from the opposite direction will
drift over the line into your lane of travel. Be prepared to:
• Slow down;
• Pull to the right;
• Sound your horn and flash your lights.
• On a curve: Going into a curve, remember to slow down on the way into it
and stay toward the right of the lane.

5. Protecting Yourself When a Collision is Unavoidable

a. Being hit from the rear: There are things you can do to reduce the impacts.
Leave enough space when following another vehicle so that you can pump
your brakes (to alert a driver approaching from your rear) or swerve into an
empty lane if you see an inattentive driver approaching you from behind.
• When to apply the brakes: Try to release the brake at impact to reduce the
force; then, brake hard to avoid being pushed into vehicles stopped or slowed
in front of you.
• Use of head restraints: Brace your head against the head restraint to
minimize whiplash.
b. Being hit from the side: If you see
a vehicle approaching from the side,
speed up or slow down if possible to
protect the driver's-side door. Being
stuck in the front wheel or rear trunk
will reduce your chances of injury.

• Preparing to steer: Steer sharply away

from the other vehicle to reduce the
impact of a collision from the side.
• Brace against the steering wheel to
avoid being thrown around in the
vehicle.

c. Being hit from the front: Avoid a

head-on collision at all costs. If a head-
on collision seems imminent:

• Protect your face when wearing a

shoulder strap: Use your arms and
hands to protect your face if you are
wearing a shoulder strap. The strap will
act to keep you in the vehicle, and your
 priority should be protecting your head.
• Protection when not wearing a
shoulder strap: If you are not wearing as
shoulder strap, throw yourself across
the seat so you don't hit the steering
wheel or the windshield.

6. Emergency Situations

Again, your most trusted resource should be your ability to anticipate hazards.
a. Maintenance and construction areas
: If you are in a construction zone, it will be
well-marked with orange cones and/or signs.
Watch for construction machinery and
construction workers.

Stay cool despite the delays that can

accompany construction work. A person
convicted of the assault or battery of a
highway maintenance or construction
worker engaged in the performance of his or
her duties may be punished with a fine of up
to $2,000 and/or up to one year of
imprisonment in a county jail for each
offense!

b. Children: Children are likely to be either

in school zones or residential areas. Almost
any maneuver is permissible to save the life
of a child (or another adult), if you think you
can walk away from the results alive.

c. Animals: Animals can be almost

anywhere and are always unpredictable.
Anticipate pets if you are in a residential
area. In rural areas, prepare to encounter
domesticated farm animals such as cows
and horses, especially if you see a 'livestock
crossing' sign. If a collision with an animal is
unavoidable, brace yourself and drive
'through' the animal at speed. Attempting to
brake or drive around an animal at high
speeds is more dangerous than driving
straight and hitting the animal. How do they
get the deer to cross at that yellow road
sign?

BEWARE: THE CAR YOU ARE DRIVING MAY BE A “DEADLY WEAPON”

Many of us probably do not know this fact, but according to the United States Government collision crash test site,
www.Safercar.gov many of the poorly rated cars for safety on the road today could result in its occupants becoming
one of the horrific, 40,000 plus annual causalities (in the United States). This statistic should make us very
uncomfortable, especially when we compare this figure to those killed in any major war. There is great news
though… Now, every one of us can do something about this, and make an informed decision, by simply checking
the US government site to see how safe our car really is. Even if you are a very safe and cautious driver, the fact
remains that nearly all of us will someday get into a serious collision during our lifetime. Unfortunately, too few of
us pay attention to the car safety features or ratings when buying a car. Please take this important moment to visit
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration government test site to see if your car (or that of a loved one) is
basically safe. The data at www.safercar.gov covers over 14 years of new and used vehicle safety records and this
information will surely surprise and enlighten you. Indeed, some of the safest cars on the road today happen to be
smaller makes and models, while many of the worst performers are the large family cars that most of us assume are
the safest. Please help save the lives of your close friends and family by visiting www.safercar.gov and see if your
car (or theirs) has mostly five star government crash safety ratings (the highest level). If it doesn’t…well we can’t
advise you what to do, but can only ask that you use your imagination. Being safe usually will not cost you any extra
money. However, picking the right car can mean the difference of surviving an accident. At Comedy School For
Less Money, we feel that 40,000 deaths in car collisions is 40,000 people too many and we hope this public service
announcement will save one of our student’s lives. And we hope it’s yours!!!
 Continue

FAQ | Student Center | Log Off

You missed the question marked as red.

Nr Question
1 To slow fatigue, stop driving your vehicle every four to five hours.
2 Roads become especially slippery _______.
3 Braking distance at 60 mph is _______________ farther than at 30 mph.
4 One pedestrian is killed every _______ minutes in the U.S.
In the section on Defensive Driving, the author asks: Where do __________ go to "get
5
away from it all"?
6 The "Three-second Rule" has to do with following distance behind another vehicle.
7 When driving on a freeway, drivers should look _______ down the road.
When driving on city streets, drivers should look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of
8
your vehicle.
If your vehicle is about to be struck from the side, it is best to be hit _______ the
9
driver's side door.
10 When being hit from the rear, brace your head against the _______________.
11 According to the DMV, a common cause of collisions is _______.