IPDE Process &

Smith System

IPDE Process:

4 steps… I = IdentifyP = PredictD = DecideE = Execute

Identify Accurate picture of the scene in order to

identify any critical objects. Vision

Space cushion – Space around your vehicle Field of vision – everything you can see

while looking straight aheadSight distance – distance you see ahead

AuditoryHonking horns, train horn, siren, squealing

tires

Predict

Predict possible outcomes. Traffic laws and controls, physical forces, and

reading other driver on the road.

Important questions are:Which of these could cause a threat?Which ones are potential hazards? Which are real hazards?

Decide Planning a course of action.

Escape path – where to go incase of an unexpected conflict.

Safe path of travel – path free of all hazards.

Minimize – putting more space between you and a potential hazard.

Separating – handling one hazard at a time.

Execute

Taking action…A driver has three courses of

action:

1. Accelerate2. Brake3. Steer to left or right.

Smith System

Five points:1. Aim High Steering2. Get the Big Picture3. Keep Your Eyes Moving4. Leave Yourself an Out5. Make Sure They See You

Aim High Steering

Keep 12 – 15 seconds of eye lead-time Look ahead, far ahead.

Look far down the road, where the road disappears.

Know Field of vision.

Peripheral Vision – how far a person can see to the right and left while looking straight.

Central Vision – area in your central vision where you can see clearly while looking straight.

Get the Big PictureBe Aware of all objects &

obstacles:

1 - 2 city blocks ahead. ½ mile on highways, expressways &

country roads. Sidewalk to Sidewalk. All of the area around your vehicle.

Keep Your Eyes Moving Check mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds. Scan your eyes every 2 seconds. Never stare at an object for more than 2

seconds. Eliminate Eye Holding Problems.

Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down Change Lanes. Adjust Radio: Turn on music, turn up music,

turn down music, and change station… Roll down window, turn up air conditioner, and

turn off heater. Sing or talk to yourself or others. Pull over, take a break or get rest.

Leave Yourself an Out Leave a 1 car-length space cushion at stop signs

and intersections. (Stop so you can see their tires!)

Keep at least a 2 seconds following distance in front of your vehicle. (If possible 4 seconds).

Keep at least a 3-4 seconds following distance during adverse weather.

Eliminate Tailgaters: Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down. Change Lanes. Allow them to pass: Pull over to the side of the road or

turn off on to anther road. Signal a warning: Turn on / Turn off Headlights. Machine gun brake tap. Use turn indicators

Make Sure They See You

COMMUNICATION: Make Eye Contact. Honk Horn (Twice). Turn on / Turn off Headlights. Brake Tap. Use turn signals.

Review Game

Let’s PLAY!!!

#1

Name 3 potential hazards.

#2

What are the five steps to the Smith System?

#3

What does IPDE stand for?

#4

Explain the Smith “leave yourself an out” step.

#5

Define Separating. When might I use this.

#6

How do we prepare for a traffic light?

#7

Define space cushion. What will a space cushion allow me, the driver, to do?

#8

Define field of vision. Why is this important?

#9

When executing what are your three courses of action?

#10

What is an escape path?

#11

What do we call a light that has been green for a long time?

#12

What does field of vision mean? And how will I use it?

#13

What IPDE step tells me what might happen?

#14

What IPDE step helps you become aware of problems?

#15

What IPDE step tells me what action to take?

#16

Explain the Smith “keep your eyes moving” step.

#17

How far ahead should we be looking and planning?

#18

What is the point at an intersection where we should go through a yellow light called?

#19

What does aiming high mean?

#20

Explain the Smith “get the big picture” step .