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