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

What would your response to this situation be?

1b

Slow Down on Rain-slicked Streets

Maintain a Safe Following Distance- minimum 4

seconds

Hydroplaning is a frightening experience and can cause

serious and fatal crashes

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

What should you be looking for ?

2b

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

What are some common distractions ?

2d

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 theres

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 isnt 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 dont 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