Defensive Driving Training

Transcription

1 Defensive Driving Training Department of Administrative Services Loss Control Services

2 Why is this training presentation needed? Because people like this are taking their Driver s Test. Customer was on practice driver s test and lost control of vehicle.

3 Traffic Collision Triangle Rate yourself as a driver on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the best.

4 In 2010, there were an estimated 9,442,000 vehicles involved in policereported crashes. 97 percent (9,125,000) of which were passenger vehicles. There were 44,712 vehicles involved crashes, of which 79 percent (35,146) were passenger vehicles. More than 22,000 passenger vehicle occupants lost their lives in traffic crashes in 2010, and an estimated 1.99 million were injured. (US Department of Transportation National Highway. Traffic Safety Administration 2010 Data- DOT HS ).

5 In 2008, Georgia experienced 1,493 roadway fatalities (FARS); 115,797 roadway injuries; and 306,367 motor vehicle crashes. Of all the 159 counties in Georgia, Fulton County, having the largest population per square miles, continues to have the largest number of fatalities. Five counties, Clay, Quitman, Taylor, Treutlen and Glascock had zero roadway fatalities. According to the University of Georgia s Observational Survey, in 2009, 88.9 percent of Georgians use seat belts.

6 Causes of Collisions Speed Weather Roads Health Tailgating Fatigue Inexperience Other Drivers Whose watching the road? Inattention: Note #1 Cause cell phone use, texting, cigarettes, make up, adjusting the radio, CD player, GPS, eating, shaving, reading, etc. Attitude: judgment, emotions, etc. Impairment: alcohol, drugs, etc. Vehicle Conditions: Note 3% to 5% attributed to brake failure. 95% of cases are due to driver s error; and 90% of us think we are above average drivers!

7 It s all about Attitude Safe drivers: Have a positive attitude Drive defensively Drive decisively Drive dependably Recognize that one s attitude changes due to surrounding circumstances and therefore can affect your driving.

8 Defensive Driving Techniques Rule #1. Always scan the road at least 15 seconds ahead of you to determine any upcoming/possible problems; then you will be prepared to stop, change lanes or move onto the shoulder. Use the right edge of the pavement as a guide if you are blinded by bright lights of an oncoming vehicle. If you are being tailgated, the sensible thing to do, is to change your lane if it is available or safely move over to allow the tailgater to pass. Maintain a 3 seconds following distance behind the car in front of you.

9 Visibility is critical to the SEEiT Space Management System The driver must: SEARCH for objects or conditions; EVALUTE the path ahead for alternate paths of travel; and EXECUTE any needed adjustments in speed or position in Time.

10 Area a Driver Can See While Looking Straight Ahead Viewing Path of Travel Central Vision Focus Vision Targeting (Reading Signs) Peripheral Vision Motion & Color Changes 90 percent of driving decisions are based on information gathered with the eyes.

11 Defensive Driving Techniques Check your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds. When you are stopped at a light, allow a car length between you and the car in front of you, approximately 15 to 20 feet. When approaching an intersection always look Left- Right-Left. When approaching an intersection, where the light has been green for a while, decrease your speed; this is a called a stale green light. Always check your rearview mirror when braking.

12 Defensive Driving Techniques Stay focused. Pay attention to road conditions, speed, traffic laws, signs, signals, and the cars around you. Stay alert. You must be able to react quickly to hazards and problems. Get away from erratic drivers. Don t speed. Posted limits are for ideal conditions.

13 Defensive Driving Techniques Don t drive behind big trucks that block your view. Don t assume another driver is going to move out of your way or let you merge. Anticipate worst-case scenarios. Position your car where you have the best chance of seeing and being seen. Don t speed. Posted limits are for ideal conditions. 3rd largest blind spot No Zone No Zone No Zone No Zone Right side has the largest blind spot

14 Circle of Safety Walk around your vehicle to get a complete picture of the area. This circle of safety gives a driver firsthand view of the area you are backing into and any limitations. Some employers may use a cone policy that requires you to place orange safety cones at either end of the vehicle whenever you park. Walking around the vehicle to pick up the cones before you leave gives you a chance to inspect the vehicle and your surroundings. The cones also provide good visibility and a warning to other drivers that you are working nearby.

15 Defensive Driving Techniques When you are waiting to make a left turn, keep your wheels pointed straight. When making a turn, turn on your turn signal 100 feet before your turn. Always have your headlights on during rain, fog and snow. When negotiating a curve, slow down before you enter the curve. Speed Kills! Drive the speed limit. Reduce your speed based on conditions (i.e. weather, road, environmental conditions, etc.).

16 Defensive Driving Techniques Expect the unexpected. Look out for animals! When you are going to change lanes, always turn on your signal and look in your blind spot. If your vehicle begins to skid, turn in the direction of the skid. Always check your rearview mirror when braking.

17 Contact Information Hiram S. Lagroon, BS Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404) Charles G. Lawrence, III, CSP, REM, ARM-P Chief Loss Control & Safety Officer (404)