The Smith System
Explain "Aim High in Steering"
Look up the middle of your lane as far as you can see (at least 15 seconds). Do this while turning or backing too. Make sure your lane is clear and safe.
Explain "Leave Yourself an Out"
Make sure you have an escape route in case of emergency. Adjust to open space in front and to the sides. Stay out, or get out of crowds. Leave at least 3 seconds following distance, and more on wet roads or when behind large vehicles (they can block your view ahead)
Explain "Keep Your Eyes Moving"
This must be done to get the "Big Picture" and keep your side vision (peripheral vision) working
Explain "Make Sure They See You"
Try to get eye contact with others. Tap your horn, flash your lights, use the turn signal, and brake early
Explain "Get the Big Picture"
While "Aiming High" be sure to glance from side to side and check the mirrors every 3-5 seconds.
True or false: 150-200 hours of driving will make you an expert driver
false
True or false: A four second eye lead time is sufficient when in city traffic.
false
True or false: Following too closely is a good way to get the "Big Picture"
false
True or false: If a driver has 20/20 vision, they have proper seeing habits when driving.
false
True or false: If a driver sits too low in the seat, it does not affect driving performance.
false
True or false: In order to have a crash, it takes more than just weak seeing habits, there must be some kind of distraction
false
True or false: Looking left and right when starting up from a traffic signal is a must.
false
True or false: To read steering wheels is not a necessary step in the seeing habit process
false
True or false: When driving, you should have a steering path picked out 100 feet ahead of you
false
True or false: "Get the Big Picture" means you should keep watch over a wide, deep traffic scene (15 seconds ahead) and check mirrors often.
true
True or false: "Low-aim" steering explains lane straddling and the habit some drivers have of going too slow and refusing to move to the right.
true
True or false: "Low-aim" steering habits keep drivers from seeing hazards soon enough.
true
True or false: A common driver conflict during the day is slowing down and being hit from the rear.
true
True or false: A crash is always an unexpected event. If you are expecting a crash, you will probably never have one.
true
True or false: A driver with good seeing habits will not ride any longer than absolutely necessary in a tight pack of vehicles, where a wrong move by anyone could trap everyone else.
true
True or false: Adjusting your speed is a good way to deal with one problem at a time
true
True or false: Always check to the rear before you slow down or change traffic lanes
true
True or false: Attitude is the most important factor in driving.
true
True or false: Drivers who build poor daily driving habits are preparing themselves for a crash that will most probably happen.
true
True or false: Fixed-stare driving is nearly always present just before a driver has a crash.
true
True or false: Fringe, or peripheral vision, detects movement of other objects
true
True or false: If you build correct seeing habits you will allow yourself all the time you need for each problem.
true
True or false: If you build the habit of always keeping an escape route open, you automatically choose the lane of least resistance.
true
True or false: If you have occasional rear miss, you may have built the wrong kind of seeing habits.
true
True or false: Many drivers get involved in crashes because they look very low to the ground when steering around a turn or curve.
true
True or false: Most drivers make the serious mistake of assuming that they know what another person is going to do
true
True or false: Most drivers use their eyes incorrectly while driving
true
True or false: Never simply move the steering wheel away from an obstacle, always aim toward your target
true
True or false: One result of "Big Picture" viewing is a better check at intersections.
true
True or false: The Smith System could be described as the ultimate in defensive driving.
true
True or false: The average driver has a subconscious fear of coming too close to objects on the right side.
true
True or false: The driver who hugs the left edge of the lane is guilty of low aim steering.
true
True or false: The motorist who drives with windows fogged or the rear window covered with snow is probably guilty of not keeping their eyes moving.
true
True or false: The proper use of the eyes is the most important function in driving.
true
True or false: We really drive with out eyes and mind. Our hands and feet are only the tools we use.
true
True or false: When a situation calls for letting up fully on the gas, get in the habit of covering your brake, ready to act.
true
True or false: When steering around a corner, you will have better control if you look well ahead into the traffic lane you intend to follow.
true
True or false: You should allow extra space ahead when boxed in or when on slippery roads.
true
True or false: You should build the strong habits of constantly moving your eyes at least every two seconds
true
True or false: Your central cone of vision is also known as your identification vision
true