Chapter 5 Defensive Driving Defensive Driving p 47

Chapter 5 Defensive Driving

Defensive Driving p. 47 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • Most accidents occur because of driver error • Standard Accident Prevention Formula 1. Be alert 2. Be Prepared 3. Act in time

Emotions p. 47 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C • Emotions can effect driving • Take time to cool off • Impatient drivers tend to speed and rush through traffic light changes • Learn to leave early

Communicating and Driving p. 47 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • Use all available means and signals • Use turn and hand signals to indicate intentions • Catch their eye • Use your horn and lights

Keep a Space Cushion p. 48 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • Do not tailgate • Tailgating is following to closely to the car in front of you • Reaction time is important • Keep sufficient space on all sides of your car • This space gives you time to react

Changing Lanes and Passing p. 48 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -A, B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • • • Only pass or change lanes if necessary Only pass if it can be completed without speeding Keep a safe following distance Check traffic ahead and behind Only pass when road signs and pavement markings permit Signal every lane change Tap horn to signal intent Return to lane when you can see headlights of the car passed in your rearview mirror Cancel turn signal

Being Passed p. 49 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • Stay in lane • Slow down to allow car to pass safely • Return to normal speed after being passes

Following Distance p. 49 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • • One car length method (rule of thumb) 1 car length for every 10 mph your traveling 2 sec rule Choose a fixed object, when car in front of you passes object, begin counting, one thousand one, one thousand two. If your car passes fixed object sooner, increase your following distance • Bad weather, increase distance to three or four seconds

Road Conditions p. 49 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • Wet roads, drive more slowly • Quick turns may cause skidding • Road surfaces are most slippery during first few minutes of rainfall. Oil rises to surface and washes to the side

City Driving p. 49 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • Slow down • Watch for pedestrians • Look 12 sec ahead

Hydroplaning p. 50 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • • Tires ride up on a film of water Can happen around 30 mph or higher Braking and turning is impossible Avoid by driving more slowly and keeping tires in good condition

Snow and Ice p. 50 -51 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • You are responsible for moving snow and ice from vehicle • Motorists are responsible for damage caused by ice or snow that comes off your car • Make sure visibility is clear • Snow tires can be used between November 15 and April 1

Reduced Visibility p. 51 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • Keep headlights on low beam in fog, use fog lights if available • Use pavement markings as guides • In sun glare, use visors to block sun

Night Driving p. 51 CCS-2. 1 -E, 2. 2 -B, C, 2. 5 -A, B, C, D • • • 90 percent of decisions are based on what we see At night, vision is reduced Keep a safe following distance and speed Drive within the range of your headlights Be sure you can stop within the distance you can see Use headlights at dusk, dawn or anytime visibility is less than 500 feet • High beam – 500 feet • Low beam – 350 feet • Headlights should be used ½ hour before sunset to ½ hour after sunrise