Module Sept. COLLISIONS: COSTS AND PREVENTIONS

Good defensive driving techniques will help you stay collision-free.

To avoid a collision, you need as much time as possible to react. Keep plenty of space between your car and all other objects. Stay in the middle of your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead to stop or pass safely. The space between you and other vehicles gives you time to react in emergencies. Always allow a two-second following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Two seconds is the minimum recommended safe following distance in Florida. In hazardous conditions or bad weather, adjust the following distance as necessary.

IF YOUR HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY GO OUT AT NIGHT:

Try the dimmer switch. This will often put them on again. Try the headlight switch a few times. If that doesn't work, put on the parking lights, hazard lights, or turn signals. If none of these work, pull off the road as quickly as possible and leave the hazard lights on.

Choosing Correct Lane Position

Use appropriate lane positions so you can make adjustments and create more space between your car and problem situations. Choose the lane best suited for both the legal requirements of the road and destination. Make a lane change early and be in the correct lane for your turns. Anticipate lane blockages by looking one-and-a-half blocks ahead and select the lane that allows movement with the least conflict. Last minute lane changes could result in a collision with the car ahead.

A rear-end collision

happens when a vehicle is hit from the back. This type of collision usually occurs when the vehicle behind you is driving too close to your car. Avoid sudden moves and stops so that vehicles behind you have time to react. Keep pressing your brake pedal even after stopping. If you stop or turn unexpectedly and the car following hits you, it could be your fault.

Safe drivers are full-time drivers

hey remain alert and keep their eyes on the road. They make the task of driving their number one priority. Taking your eyes off of the road even for a brief moment can cause you to veer into traffic or rear-end the car ahead of you. A little distraction—allowing your eyes to stray from the road—can cause a big problem.

Consistently being aware of what is going on in the space around you and ready to make adjustments based on that awareness,

is critical to defensive driving.

Look ahead and keep your eyes moving

it will be easier to spot potential hazards.

When you drive,

keep your eyes moving. Look near and far, and always anticipate trouble or potential hazards. Look over and around the vehicle ahead. Do not just look at the back of the vehicle ahead of you.

Avoid distractions and if you really need to look away,

pick a safe time to do it.

The faster the speed,

the less control you have of your car.

This helps you ...

visualize the space you intend to occupy and allows you to plan ahead. You will be more aware of your surroundings, which includes other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles, work equipment, and you will be able to avoid hazards and obstacles by changing lanes or adjusting speed. Check ahead for traffic lights, stop signs, and posted speed limits and make adjustments accordingly. Think of a speed limit sign as a cue to look at your speedometer and adjust speed.

. For example,

wait until you can bring your car to a complete stop at a traffic light or stop sign before touching the stereo or your navigation system.

Keep both hands on the steering wheel. In order to turn quickly,

you must have a firm grip on the steering wheel with both hands.

Rather than just looking at the legal posted speed limit,

you should consider what could affect the safe operation of your car.

FOLLOW THESE RULES AT INTERSECTIONS -LOOK BOTH WAYS

You should look left, right, and left again just before entering the intersection. Look to the left first, since cars coming from the left are closer to you. Some drivers do not obey traffic signals. At an intersection, look left, right, and left again even if the other traffic has a red light or a stop sign. A drunk or reckless driver may not stop.

Always be alert.

Your first line of defense from a deadly pile-up is your ABILITY TO PAY ATTENTION. You have to SEE IT to be able to AVOID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never turn your vehicle's ignition to the "lock" position while it is still in motion.

Your steering wheel will lock and you will lose control of your vehicle.

defensive driving

a set of driving skills that allows you to defend yourself against possible collisions due to other drivers, weather, or road conditions.

IPDE

a step-by-step reasoning process for safe vehicle operation which uses the principles of defensive driving and careful visual perception in traffic. IPDE is an organized process of thinking and acting that you should always use when driving.

Once you identify a potential hazard and decided what to do

act immediately. Don't "wait and see."

It's very important to maintain a two-second following distance.

between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.

When your vision is blocked

by poor visibility on road (e.g., fog, heavy rain).

When driving on hilltops and curves,

check ahead for hazards or problems (e.g. a stalled car) and adjust your speed and following distance. Check ahead for speed limit signs on hilltops and curves. Slow down when driving downhill and before entering a curve. On long, steep downgrades, keep a look out for large vehicles that can gather speed very quickly.

If someone is tailgating you (following too closely behind),

"lose" the tailgater as soon as you can by changing lanes. If you cannot change lanes, slow down enough to encourage the tailgater to go around you. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

Wait 20 minutes, start up the engine, and if the temperature light does not come on, proceed directly to the nearest garage.

. If at any time the gauge goes back into the red zone or the temperature light comes on, pull over immediately, turn off the engine, and repeat the process.

afety experts estimate that a driver makes nearly 200 decisions for every mile of driving

. Think about it. Let's say you're traveling at 60 mph. If you look down for just two seconds to choose a CD or adjust the air conditioning, you will have traveled 176 ft blindly. That's more than half the length of a football field. If the vehicle moves into a high-risk situation while you are distracted, you lose precious seconds for recognizing the situation and making an emergency maneuver.

If you are stopped at a traffic light or stop sign and another vehicle is approaching you from behind at a high rate of speed, do the following:

1. If possible, pull your vehicle forward in an effort to give the approaching vehicle more room to stop. 2. If the collision cannot be avoided, brace yourself between the steering wheel and the back of the seat and release your brake an instant before impact. This will help to lessen the impact.

If you are in danger of a potential head-on collision:

1. Reduce your speed and flash your headlights in an effort to warn the other driver. Using your horn may also be effective. 2. Head for the shoulder of the road, even if you must hit a fence or drive through bushes. 3. If you cannot avoid the collision, try to maneuver your vehicle in such a way as to lessen the severity of impact. Always wear your seat belts. This is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from injury in the event of a collision.

All drivers are required to obey posted speed limits. However, a good driver always knows when to slow down.

1. Slow down when the road is wet (rain, snow, sleet). 2. Slow down when the road is crowded. 3. Slow down when your vision is limited. You should always be able to stop within the distance that you can see ahead of your car. In darkness or bad weather, do not drive beyond your range of vision. A good driver always adjusts speed according to his or her own physical condition and the condition of the vehicle, ensuring complete control of the situation at all times.

When it looks like a collision may happen, many drivers panic and fail to act. In some cases they do act, but not in ways that help avoid the collision. There is almost always something you can do to avoid a collision or reduce its severity. In attempting to avoid a collision, drivers have three options:

1. Stop 2. Turn (or steer away) 3. Speed up

In Florida, there are two insurance laws:

1. The Financial Responsibility Law 2. The No-Fault Law Every driver who purchases insurance in Florida is issued an insurance ID card. You must have this card with you every time you drive in Florida. Forging or making a false statement about car insurance is a second degree misdemeanor.

AVOID sudden braking or "hitting the brakes" at the last minute.

"Tap" your brake pedal several times to warn drivers behind you to slow down.

The four steps of the IPDE process are:

IPDE

Most vehicles have dashboard gauges or lights that indicate the engine temperature. Activities such as driving in stop-and-go traffic on a hot day, driving on steep inclines, and towing a trailer can cause your engine to run hotter than normal.

If your temperature gauge moves up to just below the red zone, turn off your air conditioner and turn on your vehicle's heater to its highest and hottest setting to draw some of the heat away from the engine; then immediately seek out a service station with a mechanic.

TURNING QUICKLY

In most cases, you can turn the vehicle faster than you can stop it. When you don't have enough room to stop, you may have to steer away from what's ahead. How to turn quickly and safely:

Going slower than other cars or stopping all of a sudden can be just as bad as speeding.

It tends to make cars bunch up behind you and it could cause a rear-end collision. If many cars are pulling out to pass you, maybe you should increase your speed to the speed limit or move over into the right lane. You can be cited for driving too slowly and blocking the flow of traffic.

Executing the decision

Once you have evaluated the situation and made a decision, executing it involves figuring out how much braking or acceleration you need, what lane position to take, and whether there is a need to communicate (signal, horn, tap on the brake, etc.) in establishing and maintaining a safe space.

STOPPING QUICKLY

In order to stop, you have to use your brakes effectively. Most new vehicles have ABS (Antilock Braking Systems). Be sure to read the vehicle owner's manual on how to use the ABS. The ABS system will allow you to stop without skidding.

When the speed increases and the traffic flow is fast.

In such cases, you need a space of at least five seconds.

Establishing Space Ahead and Behind:

Always have an escape route. Do this by establishing a safe space around your vehicle. This means that you should always be aware of any secondary spaces or gaps in the adjacent lanes that could be used as an escape route. The gap can be in the front, back, or side of your car. At the same time, it is important to always maintain a two-second distance between your car and the one in front. It can also be equally important for the car behind you to maintain a good following distance. A tap on the brake or slowing your speed can discourage a tailgater and reestablish a cushion of safety.

Defensive drivers anticipate the actions of other road users and are willing to adjust their own speed and position to prevent collisions.

Defensive drivers also adjust their driving practices to reflect changes in weather and road conditions. With practice, the IPDE process becomes a natural driving habit.

D (Decide)

Determine what action to take, and when and where to take it.

In most cases, you can turn the vehicle faster than you can stop it. When you don't have enough room to stop, you may have to steer away from what's ahead. How to turn quickly and safely:

Do not apply the brake while you are turning. It's very easy to lock your wheels while turning. If that happens, you may skid out of control. Do not turn any more than needed to clear whatever is in your way. The sharper the turn, the greater the chances of a skid or rollover. Be prepared to "counter-steer," that is, to turn the wheel back in the other direction, once you've passed the obstacle.

If you are involved in any sort of collision, it is essential for you to stop. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately. Exchange information with anyone else involved in a collision. You are required to give your name, address, and vehicle registration number. You must also show your drivers license.

Do not block traffic. Move your car out of the way and make sure it doesn't pose a threat to anyone else on the road. Call a tow truck if you are not able to move the vehicle yourself.

An automobile skids when its tires lose their grip on the road surface. You can avoid a skid altogether if you simply slow down when road and weather conditions are poor. And don't forget to check your tires before you drive—worn tires are dangerous. To help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces, you should::

Drive slowly and stay farther behind the vehicle ahead. Slow down as you approach curves and intersections. Avoid fast turns. Avoid quick stops. "Pump" the brakes to slow or stop. (Antilock brakes should not be pumped.) Shift to low gear before going down a steep hill.

Here are some guidelines to help you adjust speed:

Go 5 to 10 mph slower on a wet road. Cut your speed in half on packed snow. Slow to a crawl on ice.

Expect the other driver to make mistakes.

Have an escape plan in mind, so if another driver makes a mistake, you will be prepared to defend yourself. Never assume that other drivers are sober, alert, or will follow the rules of the road at all times.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY LAW:

According to the Financial Responsibility Law, the state of Florida requires owners and operators of motor vehicles to submit proof of financial responsibility in the event of a collision. A driver must have liability insurance (sometimes called mandatory insurance) on any vehicle that he/she owns or drives. Motorcycles must also be insured.

E (Execute)

Act by maneuvering the car to avoid hazards.

If you need to attend to something important while driving, first check the situation ahead, then check traffic by taking frequently, short looks.

Also check your mirrors in between movements.

The navigation systems can be distracting if you program your route while driving..

Always designate a front-seat passenger to serve as a "co-pilot," and keep your eyes on the road rather than fumbling with maps or navigation systems yourself. If you are driving alone, map out destinations in advance.

To avoid being rear-ended by another vehicle, you should:

Always signal when you change direction. Signal even when you don't see any cars around. A car you don't see might hit you. Signal early for turns, stops or lane changes. Always signal before pulling next to (or away from) the curb. Even though you signal, do not assume that the space you wish to occupy is clear. Look in your mirrors and over your shoulder to check your blind spot before making a lane change.

EXAMPLE:

Should you drive 35 mph (the posted speed limit) on a curve down an icy mountain road? Many new drivers do not slow down to safe speeds for each road. That is one reason why new drivers have more "out-of-control" collisions than experienced drivers.

P (Predict)

Anticipate when and where possible hazards may occur.

STOPPING QUICKLY: In case you have a conventional braking system:

Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking them. The vehicle can go into a skid if you brake too hard. If the brakes lock-up, you will feel the vehicle start to skid. Quickly let up on the brake pedal. As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on the brake pedal again. Keep doing this until the vehicle has stopped. In case of brake failure, pump the brake pedal quickly. After three or four pumps, you will know if the brakes are going to hold. This action may build up enough brake pressure to steer the vehicle off the highway and stop safely.

In case your vehicle begins to skid, do the following:

Avoid using the brakes if possible. If you are in danger of hitting something, pump the brakes gently. Steer the vehicle into the direction of the skid. This will help straighten the vehicle and help you gain control. Steer the vehicle back towards the direction you intend to move in.

IF YOUR TIRE SUDDENLY BLOWS OUT:

Avoid using the brakes. Focus your steering to avoid hazards. Attempt to slow the car gradually. Once the car is under your control, brake softly. As you slow down, pull the car off the road.

Keep your rear lights clean and functioning.

Check these lights at least once a week or whenever you stop for gas. Replace any burned out bulbs immediately. If your brake lights are not working, the driver behind you will not know if you are stopping or slowing down and might run into your car.

Any time you come to a place where people may cross or enter your path, you should look to the sides to make sure no one is coming. THIS INCLUDES:

Cross streets, side streets, and alleys Crosswalks and railroad crossings Expressway entrances Driveways, shopping center entrances, etc.

Every intersection where streets with sidewalks meet at a right angle has a crosswalk, even if there are no painted lines.

Crosswalks are often marked with white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines may be painted at school crossings. Before turning a corner, watch for people who are about to cross the street.

Learn to compare potential threats.

For example, there may be parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left. In such cases, the best thing to do is "split the difference." Steer a middle course between the oncoming cars and the parked cars. If one danger is greater than the other, give the most room to the biggest threat. Suppose there are oncoming cars to the left of you and a child on a bike to the right. The child is more likely to make a sudden move. Therefore, give him or her lot of room. It may mean moving closer to the oncoming cars.

Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the road. To avoid these multiple hazards:

Identify all potential hazards early. Rate the hazards on the level of threat to your safety. Make predictions about what might happen or go wrong. Make adjustments in your speed and position to make sure you are safe. Have escape routes in mind before you are faced with a dangerous situation.

REPORTING COLLISIONS:

If the accident results in property damage, injury, or death, you are required to report it. Make sure to call your local law enforcement agency, Florida Highway Patrol, or county sheriff's office. If a DUI charge is involved or damage is so extensive that the wreckage must be towed, a law officer will fill out the report. If the incident is to be investigated, you are not required to file a report yourself. If property damage is over $500 and a report is not made by law enforcement, you will be required to file with the Department of Highway Safety Motor Vehicles within 10 days. Make sure to maintain a copy of any report for your records.

On slippery roads

If the car ahead slows or stops, you will need more distance to stop your car.

When following motorcycles...

If the motorcycle falls, you'll have to avoid hitting the rider. Motorcycles fall more often on wet or icy roads, bridge gratings, railroad tracks, and on gravel.

If your temperature gauge is rising and you are stopped in traffic, briefly put the car in park (P) and lightly step on the gas to help circulate coolant.

If the temperature light goes on or if the gauge enters the red zone, immediately pull off the road, well away from traffic, and stop the engine.

If you hit an unattended vehicle or object and cause damage, you must attempt to find the owner.

If you can't locate the owner, leave a note with your name, address, and plate number. You are also required to report the incident to your local law enforcement office.

Watch the brake lights of the cars you're following and lights of vehicles in adjacent lanes.

If you see the brake lights of several cars come on or traffic slowing, start braking early.

Don't make assumptions about another driver's intentions.

If you think drivers in parked vehicles will remain parked at all times, vehicles will always yield at intersections, or remain in one lane at all times, etc., you risk being hurt when drivers fail to meet your expectations.

Driving safely requires an awareness of all available driving options and a willingness to use them.

Keep in mind at all times that driving is, substantially, a decision making process. In many ways, the decisions that are made are about space management. Safe driving is constantly avoiding dangerous situations.

I (Identify)—

Locate potential hazards in the driving environment.

IF THE ENGINE DIES:

Move to the side of the road as safely as possible. The steering wheel may take more force to turn than normal. Stop the car. You may have to push the brake pedal hard if your car has power brakes. Restart the engine and proceed with caution.

Sometimes you will find interchanges that are really an intersection of two roads, with one road for exiting and the other for entering the expressway.

Negotiating these interchanges requires cooperation and communication. The car exiting has the right-of-way unless there is a safety threat.

Defensive drivers avoid dangers on the road by using safe driving practices. Tips for defensive driving:

Plan for the unexpected Control your speed Be prepared to react to other drivers Don't expect that everyone is a defensive driver Manage time and space Be aware of special road and weather conditions Be alert and avoid distractions (e.g., cell phone use, eating)

Stopping quickly with ABS:

Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and maintain the pressure. You might feel the brake pedal pushing back when the ABS is working. DO NOT let up on the brake pedal. The ABS system will only work with the brake pedal pushed down firmly. NEVER PUMP ANTILOCK BRAKES1!!!!

IF YOUR BRAKES SUDDENLY GIVE OUT:

Pump the brake pedal for about three or four pumps. Doing this fast and hard will build up brake fluid pressure. NEVER PUMP ANTILOCK BRAKES. Downshift into a lower gear. Apply the parking brake slowly while holding down the release lever or button. This will prevent the car's wheels from locking and help prevent skidding. You can also rub the tires against a curb to slow the car, or attempt to move off the road if there is an open space without obstacles. You can still steer and swerve. Steer into bushes or something soft. Sound your horn and flash your lights to warn other drivers. When you no longer need to change direction, turn off the ignition.

IF YOUR ACCELERATOR SUDDENLY GETS STUCK:

Shift to neutral. Apply the brakes. Keep your eyes on the road. Look for a way out. Warn other drivers by blinking and flashing your emergency lights. Try to drive the car safely off the road. Turn off the ignition when you no longer need to change direction.

Stopping distances increase on slippery and ice covered surfaces.

Remember, stopping distances on slippery roads may be 2 to 10 times greater than on dry roads. Focus your attention as far ahead as possible—at least 20 to 30 seconds. Look out for hazards (other vehicles) in side or oncoming traffic. Other cars may lose traction on slippery surfaces and enter your lane.

Check the traffic in both rear view and side view mirrors.

Safe driving requires you to know the traffic conditions behind your car as well as to the sides. By checking the mirrors you will be able to judge the following distances of other vehicles on the road and spot tailgaters.

IF YOUR HOOD SUDDENLY FLIES UP:

Slow down. Try to look under the hood to see. If you can't, put your head out the window and use the centerline or the lane marking as a guide. Turn on the emergency flashers and safely pull off the road as soon as possible.

Keep a space between yourself and parked cars. Watch for trouble when driving in lanes next to parked cars.

Someone may step into the street from behind a car. A car may start to pull out suddenly or it's doors can swing open. In a parking lot entrance, watch out for all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

SPEED UP

Sometimes it is necessary to speed up to avoid a collision. This may happen when another vehicle is about to hit you from the side or behind and you have room at the front of your vehicle to get out of danger. Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed. Remember to always keep at least a two-second (or greater) space cushion between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

It is important that you know how to establish two-way communication with other drivers. This could be a nod, a flash of the lights, a hand signal, a tap on the horn, or yielding to allow another driver to proceed.

Sound your horn when necessary to avoid collisions. Don't honk at others. A gentle tap on the horn is enough to catch the attention of a pedestrian or another driver.

Always remember that the safest position in traffic is the place where the fewest vehicles surround you.

Space is the key, and your objective is to always surround yourself with as much space as possible.

Speed Control Options:

Speed variance is your best option in managing space. After determining road conditions, you have the following choices for controlling your speed: Maintain your speed Slow down your speed Increase your speed Apply the brake Used effectively and timely, these choices should provide you with the correct option to maintain a safe space cushion at all times. Travel at a speed based upon the speed limit and environmental conditions. If you determine that a zone is closing to your front, always reduce speed. Avoid using any unnecessary acceleration into a closed zone. When you see a red light or stopped traffic, reduce speed until you arrive at an open zone. When your ability to see others (who may enter your path) is reduced, lower speed. Use speed limit signs as a cue to check the speedometer and other vehicle gauges. Select the best lane for the legal requirements of the road and destination. Select a lane position that provides the best separation from potential problems.

When it rains or snows.

Stopping distances increase on snowy and wet roads.

IPDE can help you avoid collisions and become a defensive driver

Take a moment to think through the IPDE process and how you may use it while driving. Defensive driving is the art of protecting yourself and others from dangerous and unexpected changes in the driving environment.

Collisions tend to happen when one driver is traveling faster or slower than the surrounding cars. If you are traveling faster than traffic, you will have to keep passing other cars. Each time you pass another car, you risk a collision.

The car you are passing may change lanes, stop, or run into some other hazard suddenly. On a two-lane road, an oncoming car may appear suddenly. It may not be a big risk, but if you are passing one car after another, the risks begin to add up. Note that speeding does not save more than a few minutes in an hour's driving.

The driver's blind spots are shown in the picture. The driver cannot see vehicles in these blind spots when looking only in the mirrors.

The driver must turn his or her head in order to see a car in one of these blind spots. Drive through another driver's blind spot as quickly as you can or drop back.

By maintaining a good visual lead, you'll be able to manage space well, know a good driving situation from a poor one, and make changes to improve it.

The safe driver can figure out what is going on and make adjustments in the physical driving space. The main objective is to maintain the safest possible space around the driver.

Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet and chilled.

These roads usually have warning signs. Look out for these signs and make adjustments in your speed and following distances. You should avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

Traffic access on expressways is controlled.

This means that you can enter or leave the expressway only at entrances and exits, which are called interchanges.

Use threshold braking for conventional brakes also known as heel-and-toe method. Place the heel of your foot on the floor, so that the ball of your foot makes contact with the pedal.

This will enable you to use your toes to make fine adjustments in pedal pressure and to pivot your foot smoothly between the brake and accelerator. If lock up occurs, steering control can be gained by releasing brake pressure slightly.

Don't weave; stay in one traffic lane as much as possible!

Weaving in and out of lanes could anger other drivers on the road and create unsafe conditions. On two-way roads, use the left lane for passing and the right lane for your normal path of travel. If you can choose among three lanes on your side of the road, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. Use the left lane to go faster, pass, or turn left. Use the right lane to drive slowly, enter, or turn off the road.

Give yourself extra cushion:

When a tailgater is crowding you, allow extra room between your car and the car ahead. Then, if you need to slow down, do so gradually after checking your mirrors. You will be able to avoid braking suddenly and being hit from behind.

you will also need space...

When merging on an expressway.

NOTE:

When the posted speed limit is 70 mph, the minimum speed limit is 50 mph.

In crowded downtown areas and suburban neighborhoods, children play in the streets because there may not be parks or playgrounds nearby. You must always yield to children playing in the street or nearby.

You are responsible for driving with extreme caution when children are present. Slow down near schools, playgrounds, and residential areas. The cost of hitting a child is very high—in dollars, grief, and guilt.

Never attempt to remove the radiator cap when your car is hot, and do not pour water over a hot radiator or engine.

You must wait a sufficient amount of time until your engine cools.

When following or driving next to vehicles that block your view ahead (e.g. trucks, SUVs, buses).

You need the extra room to see around the vehicle and to the sides.