Unit 12 - Drivers Ed - The Need to Drive Defensively

Anticipation of what other roadway users might do is an important aspect of the evaluation process. Most collisions occur when something happens that the driver wasn't expecting. Always be on the lookout for trouble and give more space to drivers who seem distracted. If you expect parked cars always to remain parked, drivers at intersections always to yield, oncoming drivers always to remain in their lane, or pedestrians always to cross the street only when the signal permits them to, you're in for some unpleasant surprises!

A driver in city traffic makes 50-60 decisions per mile. Evaluating data for that kind of "decision stream" must become a second-nature reflex.

Always keep your eyes moving. In addition to the near and far visual ranges in front of you, you must also remember to scan your mirrors, your blind spots, and the areas to the side of your car continually. This will let you know if a vehicle is tailgating you or approaching too quickly.

By developing and continually performing a comprehensive search pattern, you can make sure that you give equal attention to the different areas of the roadway. An example of a scanning pattern you might use: Look to the target area range 20-30 seconds ahead of you. Search the operating zones in the secondary range. Scan nearby driveways and intersections for potential conflicts. Check your rearview mirror. Evaluate the immediate range in front of your car. Check your side mirrors and blind spots Check the secondary and immediate ranges again. Check your rearview mirror again. Check your instrument panel and gauges.

Be aware of how the shape and surface of the road may affect your driving. Look for objects on and around the roadway that could distract other drivers or potentially cause a collision. Debris such as tires, garbage, or other items can appear suddenly. If there is a problem, find another path. Look to the sides of your vehicle at intersections, crosswalks, driveways, and other places where you may need to maneuver or where other road users may enter the roadway suddenly.

Decrease your speed when you notice problems with the road surface such as loose gravel, large potholes, and patches of slippery or icy terrain. Be alert to any upcoming hills or curves so you can reduce your speed or change gears appropriately. Adjust your driving when weather or visibility conditions begin to change. A good rule of thumb is that if you need to use your windshield wipers, you need to turn on your headlights.

In 2013, there were 5,687,000 motor vehicle collisions in the United States. That means that on average, one driver was involved in a collision every six seconds! Always be prepared for another driver to act unsafely. Pay constant attention to everyone on the road, because someone could make a mistake at any time.

Defensive Driving is a driving strategy that ensures you'll be prepared to respond to any dangerous or unexpected situation on the road. When playing defense in football, your goal is to prevent the other team from scoring any points. When driving defensively, your goal is to prevent other drivers (and dangerous road and weather conditions) from putting you in a dangerous situation.

If the car in front of you stops suddenly, you should use threshold braking or steer into your escape route if there isn't enough space in front of your car. Keep your hands on the steering wheel while you brake. Consider the position of the car behind you when responding to a driver stopping suddenly. Try to avoid forcing others to perform evasive maneuvers. Use your escape route if the driver behind you is following closely, as he or she may not be able to brake in time if you stop abruptly.

If a car suddenly enters your lane from the left or right, either with an abrupt maneuver or without signaling, or both, remove your foot from the accelerator immediately. If you must brake, do so gradually so the car behind you has enough time to respond. Even if the gap in front of your car is large enough for the other car to enter, you'll need to reduce your speed until there is a safe distance between you and the car that has entered your lane.

In many situations, stopping will not be the safest maneuver. Steer away from the hazard if possible, even if it requires you to drive off the roadway temporarily, as this is safer than hitting another vehicle. Sometimes the best way to avoid a collision is to speed up. If a vehicle is about to hit you from the side or the rear, you should speed up to avoid or minimize the collision. This will work best if you have left a large gap in front of your vehicle.

If you must stop quickly, use threshold braking. Threshold braking will improve the traction in your car's front wheels, allowing you to stop more abruptly and maneuver more sharply if you need to to avoid an obstacle. Apply as much pressure to the brake pedal as you can without causing your wheels to lock. In cars with antilock brakes, simply pressing the brake pedal as hard as you can should provide you with enough traction to stop or maneuver your car quickly.

One of the reasons that scanning the road is so useful is that it allows you to adjust your driving gradually rather than requiring you to stop or steer away from a hazard abruptly at the last minute. However, there will be times when you will have to respond immediately to a sudden hazard. When a threat seems imminent, many drivers will hit the brakes without thinking. However, this can make matters worse, especially if you do not have antilock brakes, as you may end up skidding out of control.

It's essential that you evaluate the situation before executing a maneuver. While your first impulse may be to act first and think later, this will often only make matters worse. As a defensive driver, you should never be completely surprised by another driver's actions. By planning ahead, you should be able to respond safely even in an emergency situation.

Aim high in steering: Scan the road 12-15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. Keep your eyes moving: Conduct an orderly visual search pattern to look for possible hazards on critical areas of the road. Get the big picture: Be aware of everything around your vehicle and ahead of you on the roadway that may affect your driving. Make sure others see you: Use your horn and lights, as well as hand signals and eye contact, to communicate with other road users. Leave yourself an out: Prepare yourself for potential mistakes that you or others on the road may make by making sure that you always have a way to escape from your current path of travel.

More recently, the SEE IT process has been developed as a defensive driving system because of how easily its steps can be remembered. SEE IT is a step-by-step system for managing space on the road. By following this three-step system, you'll be able to remain in control of the zones around your vehicle and prepared to react when sudden problems occur.

Searching the road for potentially hazardous situations is the first step of the SEE IT system. You must be able to analyze the entire road and identify anything that might interrupt your line of sight or path of travel. You must even identify threats that come from behind. Situations that may increase risk include: The presence of other vehicles, pedestrians, or animals Impediments in the roadway or obstructions to your line of sight Curves, hills, railroad crossings, intersections, or interchanges

Remember that you should direct your vision along your path of trave 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. In a city, 10 to 15 seconds is one block. On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about a quarter mile. When road conditions are less than ideal, or when you are traveling at particularly fast speeds, you should increase the area of the roadway that you scan to 20 to 30 seconds ahead of your vehicle.

Whenever you think there's a chance that you may need to brake soon, take your foot off the accelerator and place it over the brake pedal, without pressing down on the pedal. Known as Cover Braking, this technique will allow you to bring your vehicle to a stop or return to cruising speed with equal ease, depending on how the situation unfolds. It also mentally prepares you to brake if necessary, so your reaction time will be reduced.

Sometimes, the most appropriate response involves communicating with other road users. Use your horn or flash your lights to alert other drivers to your presence so you can avoid a collision. If you see a hazard or crash scene ahead, flash your brake lights to warn drivers behind you. Use your horn only when there is no other way to prevent a collision. It's always preferable to stop or steer away when you can do so safely, as another driver may not respond to your horn as you intended.

Often, the most appropriate response will involve adjusting your speed. Your speed should be adjusted when: The posted speed limit is changing ahead You're driving significantly faster or slower than the flow of traffic There is heavy traffic on the road The condition or traction of the road surface is changing There are pedestrians and bicyclists near the roadway Visibility is decreased due to weather conditions or the time of day

f you're traveling faster than the flow of traffic, you'll have to keep passing vehicles ahead of you. Every time you pass a car, you increase your chances of a collision. This is because the car you're passing may suddenly decide to move over or you may get into a conflict with another driver. In general, you should remain a consistent distance behind the vehicles ahead of you. If you continue to overtake other cars, slow down. If everybody else is slowing down, they probably know something you don't!

SEE IT stands for Search, Evaluate, Execute in Texas. Search: Scan the road to get the big picture and identify potential hazards within your road space, including changes in road and traffic conditions. Evaluate: Judge where potential conflicts may occur, locate alternative paths to use in an emergency, and determine the best option available to you given current circumstances. Execute: Perform the action most likely to avoid conflicts and prevent hazardous situations.

The goal of the SEE IT space management system is to choose the ideal speed, lane position, and communication strategies for a given situation. The SEE IT system never dictates a particular response, but rather helps you choose the best response given some specific circumstances on the road. SEE IT requires you to: be aware of the specific conditions of your driving environment; determine which potential threats are most significant; and respond in the way most likely to minimize risk.

As you approach an intersection, decide whether or not it is safe to enter before you reach the point of no return. Look left first, then right, then left again before entering an intersection. Watch for drivers failing to obey traffic signals. If you're planning to turn, look into the turn as you approach to make sure there are no obstructions on your intended path. Choose a new target as you enter the turn.

Driving safely requires anticipating the actions of other vehicles, each of which handles and reacts to roadway conditions differently. Moreover, each and every vehicle is controlled by a person with his or her own thoughts, concerns, and motivations who may act unexpectedly. Note the kinds of vehicles on the road and observe the actions of other drivers for potentially dangerous behaviors. Adjust your speed and position in accordance with the limitations of the kinds of vehicles on the road.

As you evaluate the road, you should choose an escape route so you can avoid a collision if conditions change rapidly or you have to perform evasive maneuvers. This involves selecting an alternate path you can use if your chosen path is blocked. To select an escape route, find a 4- to 5-second gap in a lane adjacent to yours that you could safely enter in an emergency. Leave enough space all around your car so you can quickly enter your escape route if necessary.

Identify potential escape routes 12 to 15 seconds in advance and give yourself as much time as possible to change lanes if you need to use one. Remember to check your blind spots and to check for other traffic that may be entering the gap in the lane before performing the maneuver.

Sometimes there will be potential hazards everywhere you look on the road. You must learn to evaluate the relative amount of risk associated with each threat and give the most room to the worst danger. Avoid having to deal with multiple hazards at the same time by identifying hazards early, predicting potential hazards, and prioritizing the relative risk of each hazard. If you give yourself more time and space to evaluate the road, it will be easier for you to deal with each threat individually.

If a pedestrian is walking on your side of a narrow, two-lane road and a truck is approaching from the opposite direction, slow down to let the truck pass and then move to the left to give the pedestrian extra room. If there are parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left of your lane, remain centered in your lane so that you are not too close to either threat If traffic is approaching on your left and there is a child riding a bike to your right, you should give the child extra room because he or she is more likely to move suddenly, even though it requires you to move closer to oncoming traffic.

Minimize the risk of a collision by helping drivers when they make mistakes. Watch out for drivers who: Attempt to pass you near a hill or curve or when oncoming traffic is approaching Make an illegal move such as driving on the shoulder Are forced out of their lane position by a vehicle, pedestrian, bicyclist, or obstruction Are stuck in a dangerous situation, such as the middle of an intersection or a lane that is about to end Are trying to split lanes

Remember to choose a position where you can best see and be seen by others. A driver who doesn't know you're there may enter your path unexpectedly. Move to the side of the lane that best lets you and other drivers see each other when: Approaching an intersection with a view blocked by buildings, trees, or shrubs Driving in adverse weather conditions Driving near another car's blind spots Driving around a blind curve or approaching the crest of a hill Your line-of-sight is suddenly blocked by another vehicle or obstruction

You may realize that there's a potential hazard on the road before other drivers do. You should perform any action you can to decrease the possibility that you or another driver will get into a collision. Don't count on other drivers to keep you safe. Instead, do everything you can to protect yourself while avoiding actions that will increase the risk to other drivers.

When performing any maneuver, your primary responsibility is reducing the risk of a collision. That is why you should give up the right-of-way whenever it is necessary to avoid a collision. Yield: Every time you're legally required to do so Every time you're unsure whether you're legally required to do so Every time another driver fails to yield the right-of-way appropriately

Always signal before any maneuver. Make sure your signal is deactivated when the maneuver is complete. Drive steadily in the center of your lane except when there is a specific need for you to adjust your speed or position. Brake early and gradually, rather than abruptly and at the last minute.

Always perform maneuvers in a way that allows you to avoid dangerous situations as much as possible. If you must enter another lane to perform a maneuver, wait for the road to become clear or for another driver to yield the right-of-way. If another driver is acting erratically, slow down and wait to perform the maneuver until he or she has cleared the roadway.

Always perform a visual search before making any maneuvers. Don't just look towards the area of the roadway that you plan to enter: only by scanning the entire road can you be sure that your maneuver won't be affected by another driver. For instance, you may think it's safe to pass another car if there is an open area in the lane adjacent to it. However, if you don't search to your sides, you may not notice a car about to enter the same lane from a driveway.

Always search the road ahead, and look behind you, and to your sides, any time you are: Changing lanes Entering or exiting an expressway from an onramp or exit ramp Making abrupt changes in your speed Entering the roadway from the curb or shoulder Backing up Driving down a long or steep hill Turning Stopping

Defensive drivers: Take responsibility for their own safety Understand that they have a considerable amount of power when it comes to avoiding collisions Scan the road constantly to spot potential hazards Act immediately upon noticing a potential threat Remain aware of activity in front of, behind, and to the sides of their cars Avoid driving while fatigued, emotionally distressed, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol

As we've seen, your safety on the road is dependent on your ability to maintain a sufficient amount of traction, visibility, and space around your car, and time to stop when necessary. Space Management is a strategy for making sure you have each of these, maximizing your chances of being able to respond adequately to any emergency situation that appears on the road. By adopting an effective space management system, you can help to avoid dangerous situations that might put your life at risk.

It's your responsibility as a defensive driver to look for anything that may affect your path of travel or obstruct your line of sight. As you scan the road, you can gather information more effectively by grouping similar items into four basic categories: Traffic control devices, including signs, signals, and road markings Features of the highway, including its structure, surface, and direction Motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals

As you know, signs, signals, and road markings enable traffic to move in an organized manner. By looking out for signs, signals, and road markings, you can anticipate the condition of the road ahead and better predict the actions of other road users. Watch for warning and construction signs, signal changes, flashing railroad crossing signals, or any other indication that conditions ahead are changing.

Large trucks and buses travel more slowly, make wider turns, take much longer to stop, and have larger blind spots. Leave extra space around any large truck and avoid driving in its "no-zones." Watch out for motorcycles, as they may pass, change lanes, or stop more suddenly than other vehicles. They are more likely to be concealed in your blind spot as you drive than large vehicles are. Look for them and listen for them.

Avoid driving in a pack or side-by-side with other vehicles. Someone may crowd your lane or try to enter the lane position where you are driving. Pay attention to the brake lights of the vehicles you're following so you can start braking early when traffic begins to slow or stop. Tap your brake pedal several times before stopping to warn drivers behind you. Watch for vehicles crossing lanes without activating their turn signals and give them extra space when driving nearby.

Remember that in bad weather, both visibility and traction are likely to be reduced. As a result, you'll be less able to see everything going on around you and you will not be able to stop or maneuver your car quickly. Reduce your speed, give yourself extra room, and brake gently at any indication of danger. You won't be able to perform the same evasive actions when the road is slippery, so be sure not to brake abruptly or steer sharply.

By practicing space management, you will be able to anticipate dangerous situations and safely manage them when they are unavoidable. With SEE IT, you will be prepared to handle dangers on the road by: Searching the road for potential risks and identifying the relative danger associated with each Evaluating the options available to you and deciding how you should maneuver in response Executing the speed and position adjustments that will allow you to proceed as safely as possible

If you search the road ahead of you effectively, you'll usually only have to make small adjustments that can be performed within your lane. Nevertheless, you'll sometimes need to execute a maneuver that requires you to enter another lane of traffic. When changing lanes, turning, or pulling over to the side of the road, you should plan ahead, make yourself predictable, keep yourself away from danger, and avoid others rather than forcing them to avoid you.

Effective space management involves preparing for a maneuver in advance so you can find a safe opportunity to perform the maneuver. If you have to perform the maneuver at the last minute, you're more likely to do so unsafely and to disrupt the driving of others. Whenever possible, plan your trip in advance so you can anticipate where you'll need to maneuver and avoid searching for street signs and guide signs.

After you've evaluated road and traffic conditions, you must execute the maneuver you've decided is most appropriate for the current situation. Executing a decision can be as simple an action as releasing the accelerator or adjusting your speed for roadway conditions. On the other hand, it could mean spinning your steering wheel rapidly while pressing the brake pedal to avoid hitting something on the road.

In order to respond to hazards on the road, you must be able to evaluate the situation rapidly and execute your decisions smoothly, efficiently, and appropriately. Knowing how you should respond will do you no good if you can't perform the necessary maneuvers properly. If you don't have the attention, judgment, reflexes, and physical ability to maneuver your vehicle out of danger, you cannot be a safe driver and you may not be issued a license.

Space management is essential for driving defensively. It will help you identify the best ways to search the road, recognize what to focus on as you do so, and develop effective strategies for adjusting your driving in response to the road situation. To be successful, a space management system must be easy to use and it must be applicable to all highway situations. Over time, you will build on the strategies discussed in this lesson and develop a well-defined space management system to help you gather, process, and act on information in the driving environment.

The area around your car is known as the Vehicle Operating Space, which is divided into seven basic zones. Zones 1-6 correspond to the different areas around the car: Zones 1-3 represent the space in front of the car. Zones 4-6 represent the space behind the car. Zones 1 and 6 are in the same lane as the car. Zones 2 and 4 are in the lane to the left and zones 3 and 5 are in the lane to the right of the car.

Keep in mind that to execute a maneuver, there must be a sufficient gap in traffic for you to perform it. You will need: A four second gap to change lanes A seven second gap to cross an intersection on a four-lane road An eight second gap to merge An eight second gap in traffic coming from the left to turn right A nine second gap to the right and a seven second gap to the left to turn left A 20-30 second gap to perform a three-point turn When stopped in traffic or at an intersection, wait two seconds before moving your vehicle to make sure that it's safe to proceed.

Watch for things about to happen, like a person running into the street, a car door opening, or a swerving bicycle. By understanding the tendencies of other drivers, you'll be better able to predict how others will respond to upcoming situations on the roadway. If you see a green light turning yellow, realize that the cars in front of you may soon be stopping. If you see flashing crosswalk signs, look out for pedestrians hurrying across the street. If a car is tailgating you, assume it could rear-end your car if you brake suddenly. If the car ahead of you is tailgating the car ahead of it, then there is likely to be a rear-end collision. Give them extra space.

If you're already in the other car's path of travel, speed up to remove yourself from their path until you reach the other side of the intersection. If you have not yet begun to cross the other car's path of travel, brake and turn your steering wheel in the direction the other car is moving. This will help them respond properly to you, and if you do get into a collision, it will be less severe if you and the other car are moving in the same direction.

Watch out for people exiting cars parked on the side of the road and pedestrians walking on the road to enter their cars. If you see a car pulling into traffic, slow down. Never speed up to avoid a pedestrian. If a pedestrian begins to cross your path of travel, stop your car or maneuver it away from the pedestrian, even if they are jaywalking or doing something dangerous.

The kinds of decisions you will make as a driver include: Adjusting the speed and position of your car based on road, visibility, and weather conditions Reducing your speed when you see a red light or realize that you are approaching heavy traffic Traveling at a speed appropriate for the posted speed limit as well as environmental conditions Selecting a lane position that poses fewer potential problems and allows for smoother driving Maintaining a safe following distance to reduce the possibility of a collision

When Your Following Distance Should Be Increased Maintain a sufficient cushion around your vehicle to avoid being involved in a collision if you need to brake quickly. Prepare to adjust your position when: Being tailgated Driving on a slippery road or in poor visibility conditions Transporting heavy cargo or pulling a trailer Following a large vehicle that is harder to see around Approaching a railroad crossing behind a bus or vehicle carrying hazardous materials Approaching a curve or the crest of a hill Merging onto an expressway

Leave extra room for motorcyclists, who are more likely to fall from their vehicles. When the driver behind you wants to pass, slow down as they do, so there is more room in front of your car for him or her to reenter the lane. Increase your following distance around drivers who seem confused, distracted, or drunk. These drivers may be looking at a map or for an address, making deliveries, or driving erratically for no apparent reason.

When Your Lane Position Should Be Adjusted Position your car so you have a safe amount of space on both sides. Select the lane position that gives you the most room to maneuver. Adjust your position when: You're driving in the lane closest to the centerline on a multi-lane street Traffic is entering your lane on the expressway You're driving near a row of parked cars You're sharing the road with a bicyclist You're driving in a cluster of vehicles

You should be especially cautious around pedestrians, bicyclists, and animals because they are more vulnerable than other roadway users. Slow down and prepare to yield when driving in areas where pedestrians may suddenly enter the road. School zones, playgrounds, bus stops, business and residential neighborhoods. Watch for bicyclists approaching along the right side of the roadway. When you see construction or emergency workers on the road, slow down. Be prepared to pull over, adjust your driving, or take a detour.

When you're riding as a passenger with other drivers, practice looking at the place where the vehicle will be 10 to 15 seconds in the future. Be attentive to what you observe, like a green light turning yellow, flashing crosswalk signs, or a potential hazard in the road. Consider what situations are most likely to result in a conflict or collision. Think about how you would adjust your own driving if you were behind the wheel. If the driver acts differently than you expect, ask him or her to explain his or her decision.