Prevent a Collision (crash)

The accident prevention formula:• Be Alert• Be prepared• Act in Time

Road Rage• Aggressive driving – Defined as a progression of

unlawful driving actions. #77 on cell to report • Failing to consider how their actions affect others. • Road Rage occurs when a motorist loses their temper

and their actions turn into aggressive driving. • Emotions affect driving ability • Stop and take the time to “cool down”

Distractions#1 cause of all accidents

TTLB: Since I can remember I have dreamed of the day I could drive. Don’t waste the thrill by doing something else now that you are driving.

Highway HypnosisMaggie’s Law – driving while fatigued is

considered reckless drivingHighway Hypnosis – Putting yourself in a trance

like state while driving. Usually cause by being tired and staring at a constant object. More susceptible when driving at night and on highways. To avoid this avoid driving when tired rest every couple of hours when driving and constantly move your eye focus

Communication & Defensive Driving • Every action you take communicates the type of

driver you are. The horn & signals are the best way to “talk” to other drivers. Other ways: speed, eye contact hand gestures, quick flash of your lights.

• Are you a defensive or offensive driver? • Defensive – do whatever it takes to avoid

incidents and accidents• Offensive – See Aggressive driver

Safe Following MethodsOne Car Length – Legal, for every 10 mph you

travel you should leave 1-car length of space, which is about 20 feet. So at 50 mph, you should leave 5 car lengths

3-Second Rule – better method, leave 3 seconds of space between you and the car in front of you. When the car passes a stationary object count the time it takes you to pass that object. If it’s 3 or more seconds you are at a safe distance

AdjustmentsFor either system you must make adjustments

when the conditions are less than ideal.• Rain or wet pavement – double• Snow – triple• Ice – quadruple

Changing Lanes & PassingThree things to ask yourself before you pass:

1. Is it legal? 2. Do I have to? 3. Is it safe?

• Signal, complete within the zone, look ahead and behind, return to lane when safe, cancel signal

• When being passed slow down and allow the pass to be completed

Road Conditions

Wet Roads – Driver slower on wet roads. The road is the most slippery during the first few minutes of a rainfall.

When driving through puddles a motorist should test brakes by pumping them

Hydroplaning – starts at about 35 mph and is when the wheels lose contact with the road surface. At 55 mph the wheels may be completely of the road

Road Conditions continuedSnow & Ice• Car should be warmed up according to manual. • All snow & ice must be removed, driver liable• Snow tire improve traction in snow, but not ice• Tire chains are best for iced & packed snow• Studded tires - permitted from Nov. 15th to April 1• Use low gear and rock car

Road Conditions continued

Reduced visibilityAlways completely scrap ice or frost from windowsFog – Head lights on (low beam), fog lights if you

have them, use the road markings to follow.Sun Glare – Adjust sun visor & use sun glasses*In case of all visibility impairments – slow down,

pull off the road if it’s to bad and use low beams

Road Conditions continuedNight Driving – 90% of driving is based on vision.

The key to driving at night is being sure you can stop within the distance you can see.

• High Beam – 500 feet of vision• Low Beam – 350 feet of visionAt 60 MPH a car takes about 359 feet to stop and

you have very little side vision

Driving SituationsCity Driving – in urban environments there is typically

more traffic (auto, pedestrian & bikes), which requires even more attention while driving.

Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead or through the next intersection.

Focus on intersections forcontrols & pedestrians. Alwaysslow when approaching

Highway Driving

Tips for the highway:Look down the road about ½ mile.Look in blind spot before changing lanesAvoid traveling in blind spotBeware of truck debris

Reacting to Driving ProblemsIgnition – NEVER turn the to the locked position

while car is in motion. Wheel will lock and you will lose control of the car

Skids – rear is moving opposite the front end• Take foot of gas• Turn in direction of skid• Avoid breaking and over steering

Reacting to Driving ProblemsEmergency Stops:Paved shoulder: Signal, turn off road, slow downUnpaved: Signal, slow down, then turn off

• Turn on hazards• Carefully exit vehicle• Raise hood• Place flares or markers • Ties white rag to car• Avoid standing on road or behind car

Reacting to Driving Problems

Running off pavement – This situation is handled the opposite of emergency stops on unpaved shoulder.

• Slow down• Regain control• Slowly turn back onto roadCar Fires – Get out and away from car, don’t

attempt to put out fire unless you have the proper type of fire extinguisher

Reacting to Driving ProblemsPlunging into Water – Two key are don’t panic and

wear your seatbelt.• Attempt to open a window first and climb out.• Attempts to open door will fail, don’t waste time.• If window won’t open try others, then attempt to kick out

window • If these fail, wait until car is almost filled with water then

attempt to open door again. While waiting get in back seat (front will sink first)

Reacting to Driving ProblemsStalling on train tracks – Attempt to restartShift car to neutralGet out & check for trainClear attempt to push car off tracksIf train is coming walk toward train

Vehicle FailuresBrake Failure• Shift to low gear• Pump brakes• If this fails gradually apply parking brake keep

hand or foot on releaseTire BlowoutGrip wheel firmlyTake foot off gasKeep car going straight When going slow pull off road

Vehicle FailuresPower Steering FailureKeep firm grip, steering still works but you’ll have

to turn hard. Car may have stalled try to restart. Brake may also fail, be prepared to press hard

Headlight FailureBring vehicle to stopTry switch again, if still out don’t try to drive carTurn on parking lights or hazardsCall for help

Vehicle FailuresGas Pedal ProblemDon’t attempt to reach down to adjustKeep eyes on roadShift to neutralSteer to safe place to stopHood latch failure If hood should pop up try to look under hood to

see, if that doesn’t work look out side window. Use road marking to guide you to a safe stop

Vehicle CollisionsAvoiding Collision (not accidents)Choices:1. Speed up2. Stop3. TurnLast minute choicesReact properly & quickly can minimize damagesTurn away from on coming trafficDriving off the road may be a better optionChoose to hit something that will “give”

Vehicle CollisionsIf involved in a collision or crash:Stop vehicleRemain calmAssume the worst and call for helpTry not to block trafficYou must notify police when someone is injured or

property damage of $500.You should always notify police when others are

involved.

When should you report an accident

• Always• A police report protects you from…

– Uninsured motorists– Unlicensed drivers– Forgetful people– Your insurance company– Fraud & scams