MODULE 2

THE DRIVER

FACTORS INVOLVED IN COLLISIONS

Three factors in collisions, of which you only have control over the first two;– 1. Driver– 2. Vehicle– 3. Environment

DDC Prevention Formula (R-U-A Safe Driver?)

Recognize the hazard – scan/check/focus– Scan one block in urban areas, and to the next hill, curve,

overpass in rural areas or expressway.– Check mirrors every 3-5 seconds.– Keep focused on driving, use senses (feel, sight, smell)

Understand the defense – Know what to do – Use what if strategy.

Act correctly, in time- Avoid the hazard to prevent the collision. To act in time, you must be set up properly.

WHAT IF?

While scanning the road for hazards, ask yourself questions such as;

– What if the ball those kids are playing with rolls into the road? Can I avoid it?

– What if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly? Do I have time to stop?

By practicing these what if strategies, if the situation arises and you are not as aware as you should be, your mind will react quicker because it has played the scenario out in the past.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING VS. ROAD RAGE

Aggressive driving is defined as; – Driving in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner,

without regard for the rights or safety of other drivers.

– It is a ticketable offense.

Road Rage is defined as;– Using a vehicle as a weapon with intent to do

harm. – Physical assualt of a driver or vehicle.– A criminal offense.

PERSONAL DRIVING BEHAVIOR SURVEY

Answer these questions honestly. Answer 1 if it is often, 2 if it is sometimes, and 3 if it is never.

I speed up to close the gap with the vehicle ahead to prevent drivers from entering my lane.

I change back and forth between lanes to whichever seems to be moving faster.

I try to get ahead of other drivers, even if I’m not in a big hurry.

I brake suddenly when being tailgated.

PERSONAL DRIVING BEHAVIOR SURVEY

I pass as many vehicles as possible when a highway merges into a single lane.

I curse at other drivers.

I tailgate other drivers who I think drive too slow.

I speed up to avoid getting caught at a light that has been green for a long period of time.

I view other drivers as opponents.

PERSONAL DRIVING BEHAVIOR SURVEY

Unless you scored a 30, which is never for all statements, you may have a problem controlling negative emotions.

The most important question is why? Why is it necessary to behave that way? What am I gaining by my aggressive driving?

Ways to reduce stress and aggression behind the wheel

Allow enough travel time to reach your destination.

Find alternative routes when available to avoid congested traffic.

Don’t driver when you are tired, angry or upset.

Make your personal space inside your car comfortable.

Personalize with the other drivers. Remember they are somebody else’s family and friends.

ROAD RAGE& AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS

When confronted with an aggressive driver;– Stay calm and relaxed.– Get away from the situation safely, let him/her pass.– Avoid eye contact.– Ignore verbal comments or gestures, do not return them.– Do not challenge them by speeding up, or attempting to hold

your position.– Be Responsible, your life depends on it!

OFTEN THE ANSWER IS TO LET THE OFFENSIVE DRIVER OUT OF YOUR LIFE THAT MOMENT, BEFORE THEY BECOME A

PART OF YOUR LIFE FOREVER.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

Age Hearing Vision Illness or use of medication Fatigue

FATIGUE

Effects of Fatigue; Slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgment, increases risky driving behaviors.

How do we know if we are fatigued?– If we are easily distracted.– Can’t focus or keep eyes open.– Have Wandering, Confused Thoughts– Can’t maintain steady speed– Can’t remember last few miles driven.

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF FATIGUE, AND DEAL WITH IT, DRIVING WHILE FATIGUED IS JUST AS

DANGEROUS AS DRINKING AND DRIVING.

Making Choices You Can Live With

Before continuing to the next slide, on a separate piece of paper write down the names of five of the most important people in your life.

Then choose two of them and cross them off.

Making choices you can live with

TWO OUT OF EVERY FIVE AMERICANS WILL BE

INVOLVED IN AN ALCOHOL RELATED COLLISION IN THEIR

LIVES!! (Whether or not they drink

or use drugs)

WARNING!

The next two videos are extremely powerful and emotional. Sadly many of us have had our lives negatively impacted by people who were

drinking and driving or distracted by a cell phone. If you have had a traumatic experience

you may wish to excuse yourself for the remainder of this module.

EXIT AND PLAY PRESENTATION 2(A) DRINKING AND DRIVING

VIDEO