Go Ahead; Get Defensive

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Note to trainer: This presentation includes speaker’s notes.

Agenda

Traffic accident statistics

Factors we cannot control

Defensive driving tips

Aggressive driving

Traffic Accidents by the Numbers

Account for 31% of fatalities

39% are single-car accidents

21% head-on collisions

Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Traffic Accidents by the Numbers

17% striking stationary object

9% at intersections

8% with car moving same direction

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Defensive Driving Habits

Keep it legal

Get in the right frame of mind

Set the bar high

Be nice

Recognize the risks

Things You Can’t Control

Weather

Road conditions

Vehicle failures

Things You Can’t Control

Animals

Night driving

Other drivers

Things You Can Control

Attitude

Focus

Maintenance

Things You Can Control

Inspections

Distractions

Speed

Speed KillsRisk of death doubles for every 10 miles per hour over 50

Speed Risk of death

60 mph 2x higher

70 mph 4x higher

80 mph 8x higher

Stopping at 55 mph

Perception distance +

Reaction distance +

Braking distance =

Total stopping distance

Stopping Distance

The Basics

Enter curves slowly

Slow down before ramps

Pick the right lane

Use your signals

Don’t overload vehicle

The Basics

Buckle up

Avoid distractions

Get plenty of rest

Don’t assume

3 Steps to Preventing Collisions

1. Scan

Look for hazards

2. Prepare Go through the “What if’s”

3. Act Don’t rely on the other driver

Aggressive Driving Red Flags

Speeding

Tailgating

Frequent, sudden lane changes

Failure to yield right-of-way

Disregard for traffic signals

Sharing the Road With an Aggressive Driver?

Take the high road

Make it personal

Practice safe following distance rules

Are You Getting Aggressive?

Leave earlier

Manage your mood

Eliminate stress

Be aware of high-risk areas

Challenge Yourself

So, Go Ahead and Get Defensive…

What steps can you take to improve your defensive driving technique?

Recap

Slow down

Buckle up

Avoid distractions

Recap

Leave earlyGet plenty of rest

Stay in control around aggressive drivers

Resources

National Safety Council Aggressive Driving Policy

United States Road Symbol Signs

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Questions?