Defensive Driving Course (2016)

Statistics on crashes US&TX:

-3 million people injured in automobile accidents every year in US (same # of ppl in Dallas and Houston combined) -In TX alone, approximately 300, 000 ppl injured every year in traffic related crashed -Cost of auto crashes in US $150 bill -TX auto crashes 7 bill -40,000 ppl die in crashes -TX alone, 4,000 ppl die each year

distractions:

-sleepiness -fatigue -distractions -makeup -radio -cellphone -eating -backseat -tv while driving? (illegal for any visible display; not illegal for gps)

stress:

-slow down, don't rush

value of time:

-traffic were delayed 5 hrs minor crash

alcohol&drugs:

-wait 1 hr after 1 drink -don't drive under influence -designated drivers

drivers age:

-younger drivers under 25 are in 4x more crashes than driers 65+; but 3x likely to die (more frail; health conditions; lose ability to see well at night, reaction time) -lack of experience -night driving -alcohol -adjusting speed -avoided crowded areas and times -weather

are crashes avoidable?

yes; habits and reactions

pt II Safety&Legal Rules

-Merging (Ryan Wickerham) -Assoc. Prof. Eastern Kentucky Univ (Dr. Terry Kline) leading authority in traffic safety and expert on traffic rules

TX legislature allowed driving safety courses with:

-TX Driver and Traffic Safety Education Act

longest highway in TX:

-US Hwy 83; 899 mi long; from Perryton (panhandle) to Brownsville (Rio Grande Valley)

driving safety course:

-a course of instruction intended to improve a driver's knowledge, perception, and attitude about driving

bad driving is caused by:

-bad habits -lack of knowledge -incorrect reactions

if pulled over with or under medication:

-charged -sent to jail -fined -license suspended

Terry Mc...?

-designated driver

top 2 fatal crash causes:

-drivers to go too fast for conditions -under the influence of alcohol or drugs

top 5 crash causes in TX:

-driving @ unsafe speed (faster than speed limit, slower, or too fast) -failure to yield when other driver has right of way -driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol -disregarding stop&go signals and signals and signs -drivers to follow to close to driver in front of them

Emotions and driving:

-emotions can affect how to think clearly -too emotional, mind preoccupied, don't drive, you are hazard -maintain a mature attitude -identify troublesome situations (know what stresses you out, and react maturely) -plan ahead (avoid stressful situations without rushing -expect mistakes from others; just accept it -don't drive when upset -depression can make driving dangerous -if other driver shows aggression, be careful, no eye contact

physical health:

-falling asleep at the wheel -traveling long distances in monotonous areas -fatigued/ autopilot -pull over, legally stop and park; get sleep -drinking caffeine -vision -epilepsy -sleep disorders

safety belts:

-help control car better -safety

tips:

-if there is a vehicle blocking vision, expect the worse; ease off gas and slow down; steer another direction if needed -yellow light; always stop; unless you can't safely stop -never locking hands on wheel; loose grip helps maintain control of wheel

drowsy driving crashes:

-late night (midnight-6am) -late afternoon -alone -long highways -young drivers (16-29) men

prevention:

-limit driving -enough sleep -no alcohol -maintaining vehicle -weather

worker costs:

-on average death of employee cost more than 130,000

new generation of drivers:

-poor judgement (pass without room) -distractions (talking to someone in backseat, cell phone); must stay attentive -better across US in safety per miles down; TX now lower in alcohol related fatality -safety belts (1986 only 25% were safety belts); decline in rates

good habits:

-scanning road in front of you -seatbelt -slowing down on slick roads