Defensive Driving

Trains and light rail vehicles (LRV's)

OBEY ALL WARNING DEVICES AT RAILROAD GRADE CROSSINGS, The only safe and legal place for anyone to cross railroad tracks is at designated crossings., Ensure you can clearly see down the tracks in both directions before proceeding.

Car

Perform a pre-drive check, schedule regular tune-ups and maintenance, keep an emergency kit and fresh water.

Weather

Plan ahead of time, don't start a trip at the start of a rain shower it's usually most slippery, slippery road conditions vastly increase your stopping distance (by as much as 10 times!) accelerate and decelerate slowly, Keep your headlights and/or fog lights engaged at all times.

Inexperience safe skills response

Practice defensive driving habits in a car with an adult and assess your fitness to drive before you get in the car, your mental, physical and emotional well-being.

Improperly maintained roads

Scan constantly, Plan your trip ahead of time to avoid poorly maintained roads, or roads under construction.

What is the HTS

The Highway Transportation System

Speed

The faster you drive, the longer it will take to stop. In fact, every time you increase your speed, your stopping distance grows exponentially as fast.

Road surface

The less traction you have, the longer it will take to stop. Plus, on low-traction surfaces, hard braking is more likely to cause a skid.

Hills

The more gravity that pulls your car forward down a hill, the longer it will take to stop. On the other hand, when you're driving uphill, the effect of gravity will actually reduce your stopping distance slightly. When driving downhill, it will take you about 15% longer to stop.

Vehicle

The weight and condition of your car can affect how long it takes to stop. Heavier cars, cars with a higher center of gravity, tires that are worn or poorly inflated, and worn-down brakes can all increase your stopping distance. For instance, in a van or SUV, it could take you about 20% longer to stop than in a normal passenger car

Poor lighting

Turn on your headlights well in advance of dusk, Use your high beams on poorly lit or rural roads, but be sure to switch to low-beam headlights when you see an approaching car, Use night view on your rearview mirror.

Types of roads

Unpaved roads/ gravel roads , narrow roads, rural roads, single lane roads, remote areas

Driving at night

Use the defensive driving skills, Drive more slowly at night, Expand your space cushion, Adjust your rearview mirror for night use, Use your low and high beams appropriately, Always wear your prescriptive glasses or your contact lenses if you need to, and have an extra pair in the car along with lens solution.

Motorcycles

Wear a helmet and protective clothing, and insist that your passengers do too, Stay within your lane at a following distance of four or more seconds, Take a motorcycle safety course, Keep in mind that the state of Florida requires that new Motorcyclists (age 16 and older) must take and pass the Basic Rider Course (BRC)

remote areas

always have a good old-fashioned map with you, as you may lose reception for your GPS device.

Single lane roads

especially at night, be mindful of animals that may be grazing near the road or about to cross, slow down

icy roads

it will take you almost five times as long to stop.

wet roads

it will take you approximately 33% longer to stop. On dirt roads, it will also take you about 33% longer to stop.

Buses, taxis, and rideshare vehicles

similar to the safety issues with trucks, You must stop for a stopped school bus displaying a STOP signal, Stay out of designated bus lanes.

single lane roads

slow down to a speed that allows you to see as much as possible before taking a blind curve.

Unpaved/gravel roads

slow down! A rock or hidden object might throw your car out of whack and give you a flat or worse.

Narrow roads with no shoulder or with twists and turns

slow down, same as unpaved or gravel roads

8 Types of Vehicles on the HTS

*Cars *Motorcycles *Vans and trucks *Buses, taxis, and *rideshare vehicles *Emergency vehicles * Low-speed vehicles * Motorist assistance and construction vehicles * Trains and light rail vehicles (LRVs)

6 Common Risk Factors for Young Drivers

*Inexperience *Teen passengers *Distractions *Risky driving *Impaired driving *Driving at night

Risky Driving

Consider others. Drive for their safety, as well as your own. Use the defensive driving skills.

What is defensive driving?

Defensive driving means anticipating other drivers' actions, being aware of potential hazards, and responding appropriately with safe habits, thereby making yourself and everyone around you as safe as you can.

Impaired driving

Drive sober plan ahead for a ride so you all get home safely, If you're tired, angry, or have fever, don't drive

Stopping Distance

Effects of Gravity and Friction x Speed x Speed

Emergency Vehicles

Ensure that you will hear the siren, pull over and stop along the side of the road immediately, The Florida Move Over law requires you to move over a lane for emergency vehicles stopped along the side of the roadway. These include law enforcement and other emergency vehicles like ambulances and firetrucks.

Distractions

Focus on driving, Put your phone on do not disturb and dock it on the dashboard.

Low-speed vehicles

Give low-speed vehicles plenty of space and increase your following distance, Slow down, only pass if you can do so safely and legally

Motor assistance and construction vehicles

Give these vehicles plenty of space and increase your following distance, slow down, wait patiently if they block the road, Remember the Florida Move Over law

Vans and trucks

Keep your distance, stay out of their blind spots, Be mindful that delivery drivers may stop suddenly. Be ready to brake when you drive near them!

teen passengers

Make sure you and your friends are buckled up, and they understand that they should not distract you. Make sure someone you trust and who is reliable sits in the front seat