The Five Fundamentals of Defensive Driving
THINK AND LOOK AHEAD
Superior vision and observation is the first fundamental for safe, incident free driving. Vision is a learned skill that is often not taught properly (or at all) to new drivers regardless of whether they are trained by family of in a school setting. This foundation skill is taught in-depth in preparation for the skill to follow. Avoiding distracted driving is a key element in this module
The dangers and penalties for distracted driving
How to avoid distracted driving
Understanding and applying advanced observation and recognition skills
Understanding the importance of eye lead time and how to calculate it
Visual search and scanning techniques
Developing total situational awareness by getting a big picture view
Mirror adjustment to minimize or eliminate blind spots
ANTICIPATE HAZARDS
Hazards abound in every driving environment. Defensive drivers recognize the hazards in their environment and understand how to mitigate the risks the they present
Using superior vision to identify potential hazards
Recognizing potential hazards before they become critical
Classifying types of hazards using risk assessment strategies
Predicting other traffic movements and planning responses in advance
KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN
Space around the vehicle in traffic affords a driver time to respond to other driver actions and other hazards. Managing space is skill necessary to effective defensive driving and this module provides multiple strategies to develop and maintain a safety cushion of space around the vehicle in a variety of situations.
Concepts of space cushion driving and the safety zone around a vehicle
Establishing and maintaining a safe following distance and adjusting for speed, vehicle configuration and conditions
Optimum spacing at stops and intersections to provide vision and sight lines
Freeway and highway space risk management
MANAGE THE RISK
Risk exists whenever a vehicle is in motion. The defensive driver understands the risk and takes action to eliminate unacceptable risk entirely (like choosing to not drive in a vehicle unequipped for the conditions) and mitigating acceptable risks by taking concrete action like covering the brake or choosing safer lanes or routes. Many risks are associated with the driver themselves including impairment resulting for substances like alcohol, cannabis or drugs (prescription or otherwise) and fatigue Strategies are explored to mitigate a variety of types of risk.
Understanding and avoiding impairment and impairing substances including alcohol, cannabis and drugs when driving or working
Recognizing fatigue and the risks associated with insufficient rest and/or sleep
How to make good decisions to minimize risk in common driving situations
Identifying safe speeds
How to take proactive steps to reduce risk in critical situations
CONTROL WITH FINESSE
Superior vehicle control is the capstone to defensive driving skills. Optimizing traction is the objective and is achieved by developing smooth and balanced control inputs. Great steering, braking and acceleration skills permit abrupt or evasive manoeuvres to avoid crashes to be executed successfully under control
Vehicle seating position for optimal control
Total control steering technique as used by high performance drivers
Maintaining vehicle balance and stability to optimize traction
How to develop superior steering, braking, and accelerator control
Correct use of anti-lock brakes
