1. Introduction to Defensive Driving Lesson Overview Introduction Safe driving is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk involved with . driving by anticipating dengerous situations, despite adverse 45 minutes conditions or the mistakes of others. Lesson Objective After completing this lesson, you will be able to: * Define Defensive Driving # Recognize the need for Defensive Driving © Identify the differences between good and bad driving behaviors * Describe personal responsibilty in regards to Defensive DrivingDefinition As defined in Wikipedia, safe driving is o form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk involved with driving by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. This can be achieved through adherence to a variety of general rules, as well as the practice of specific driving techniques. Tue FO. LZ Se True or False Ac Deretrinentie tier tie (ol owing sterementeicre keer (clear Aa 1. Defensive driving can save you money. TOF 2. Defensive driving does not include watching out for pedestrians or Write bicyclists; it only addresses automobile drivers. i 8 3. Defensive driving can be stressful for the driver and those riding in the car. ieee: A, Regardless of weather or traffic conditions, a defensive driver should stay calm and be polite to those on the road. T OF 5. Defensive driving con prevent most car accidents. 1) FImportance Why is defensive driving important? Write Key Points The majority of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by You should always expect that the drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists cround you are Weather and traffic conditions vary and can make the roads. Real-life Examples of Defensive DrivingWrite Key Point Defensive drivers remain calm in all situations, pay attention to the road and those around him or her, Different situations trigger different emotions. List emotions you have felt while driving an automobile. Situation Emotion cand obey cll traffic laws, Write Good or Bad Activity Read the statement and determine whether it represents a good or bad decision. 2 oR ON . Wearing a seatbelt. . Drinking ond driving (even one drink). ing the speed limit regardless of weather conditions. Slowing down in construction zones. . Driving very close to the vehicle in front of you — even though the driver is going under the speed limit. . Texting your friends or talking on the cell phone. . Obeying traffic signals — even on quiet rural roads. Honking your horn at a driver if he or she “cuts you off.” PEGe Gece Bad Bad Bad Bad Bad BadPersonal Responsibility Activity In your group, describe what personal responsibility means to you, as a driver. Be prepared fo share pouurdeasiminieres clive cess InteractionTo prevent an accident you must be alert and be prepared! Be Alert List examples of how you can be an alert driver. Interaction a 4 Be Prepared List examples of how you con be a prepared driver. Interaction (continued on next page)Identify Steps for Accident Prevention (continued) Practice Activity 1. If driving in a busy parking lot, « defensive driver should a. Look for a good parking spot b. Drive slowly in case children are unattended c. Speed up before pedestrians walk in front of the car d. Take up two parking spols so another car will not hit you 2. When passing on a Wwolane road, a defensive driver should Gradually speed up while passing b. Honk at the car being passed fo alert him or her that you are coming around c. Make sure there are no cars coming over an upcoming hill d. Poss and then slow down so the other driver knows how it feels to be behind 2 a slow poke 3, An alert driver should | @. Change out CDs while driving = b. Eat and talk on the cell phone ¢. Focus on traffic and glance at the surrounding mirrors frequently wh d. Talk to his or her friends in the back seat and make eye contact with themLesson Wrap Up * What did you learn that you didn’t already know about defensive driving? * What good and bad decisions did you make today on your way to defensive driving class? © What steps can you take immediately to become a more responsible and defensive driver?2. Smart Drivers Make Smart Decisions Lesson Overview 45 minutes Introduction Safe driving is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk involved with driving by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. Lesson Objective After completing this lesson, you will be able to * Identify situations that may prevent safe driving and how to overcome them. * Recognize common distractions that frequently cause accidents © Explain the legality, importance, and life saving qualities of seatbelts, child restraints, and airbags © Identify aggressive behaviors that negatively affect driving decisions. * List the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs.Accept Your Limitations Wood and Mallon conducted a study to determine whether visual impairment and age affected driver performance and safely. Participants included 30 younger, 25 middle- aged, and 35 older subjects with normal vision; and 47 older subjects with visual impairment. All subjects were legally eligible to drive. Driving performance was assessed during intraffic conditions by @ professional driving insiructor and an occupational therapist using specific scoring criteria. The results showed group allocation significantly affected driving performance as assessed by the driving instructor and occupational therapist. Of the drivers who were scored as being unsafe, all were older and the majority (75%) had visual impairment. Overall, older drivers with or without visual impairment were rated as being less safe than the younger ond middlle-aged drivers with normal vision Report Conte for Eye Research, School of Optometry, Queensland University of Technology, Brabone, Autalia, | wood@autedu.ay How Does Age Affect You? ‘Age affects young and old differently...it does not discriminate. How does your age affect you © Eyesight * Agility * Hearing Fatigue Fatigue is basically exhaustion caused by many factors and can increase over time list factors that may contribute to your fatigue. Write {continued on next page)How to Overcome Age and Fatigue Work in pairs to complete the following table. WHEN this happens.. THEN do this... Notice a change in vision Notice a change in hearing Notice a change in physical agility Drive on a long trip Take medication that may cause drowsiness Work long hours for an extended period of time Skip a meal 2 Use Caution = Just like you know you should use more caution when you are driving in the _=_ tain, you should use more caution when your work environment changes os <= well, Beating deadlines, lack of sleep, being required to do something new with little or no training, etc. All these faciors can lead to an accident becouse of carelessness, lack of training/knowledge or rushing to get something done. We've all been there and o lot of us have had accidents because of these Tip factors. Next time you find yourself in this situation, take the time to think about what you are doing and how you can be safe so you don’t cause an accident,Distractions The world has come a long way since the age of the horse and buggy. We have more gadgets and gizmos than we know what fo do with. While this technology brings convenience, it also brings distraction. Write Examples of distractions on the roadways include: You need to know... Whenever you're driving a vehicle and your attention is not on the road, you're puting yourself, your passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians in danger. RememberExplain the Legality, Importance, and Life Saving Qualities of Seatbelts, Child Restraints, and Airbags Seatbelts For many years, the wearing of a seatbelt was optional for drivers and their possengers. To this day, not all passengers are required to wear them, however, in time we hope that will change. Drivers and front seat passengers are required by law to wear their seatbelt. To enforce this low, police officers have the authority to pull over and ticket drivers who are seen no! wearing a seaibelt. #4_ Seatbelts Save Lives = by wearing a seat belt correctly, you immediately increase your chances _ of survival by 50%. Many individuals have misconceptions regording = —~ seatbelts and feel they may do more harm than good. That is FALSE! Seatbelts prevent passengers from being thrown out of vehicles during a collision, provide additional control for the driver by keeping them in their seat, ond most importantly, a seatoelt helps absorlo some of the impact of @ crash. Tip Child Restraint Laws All states have child restraint laws. Child restraint laws require children to travel in approved child restraint devices, and some permit or require older children to use adult safety belts. The age at which belts can be used instead of child restraints differs among the stotes. Young children usually are covered by child restraint laws, while safety belt laws cover older children and adults. Because enforcement and fines differ under belt use and child restraint laws, it’s important to know which law is being violaied when a child isn’t restrained. _~_ Child Restraint Statistics Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and acquired dischility among ll US. childien older than one year. Previous studies have shown that using age- and size- appropriate child restraints reduces a child's risk of injury in a crash to less than one percent. For all children under age nine, riding in an adult seat belt clone puts them at Report _iWice the rick of injury in o crash, compared with using the right car seat or booster sea! for their age and size. In particular, these children are much more likely to suffer serious abdominal and spinal injuries, known as “seat belt syndrome,” which are caused by an improper fit of the bel: (continued on next page)‘enforcement action. PLEASE PROPERLY RESTRAIN CHILDREN! £ P y Child Restraints (| Fe ) Police officers observing violations ofthis law ore permited to stop drvars and! take Remember Air Bags Air bags are designed to complement conventional restraints such as seatbelts and seatbelt pre-tentioners, not replace them. Air bags help absorb the brunt of a collision by quickly expanding and protecting the upper chest of the driver from being impaled by the steering column and wheel. Additional Safety Tips ALWAYS: ‘* Wear your seatbeli correcily, using both the lap belt and shoulder harness. * Follow instructions to the letter when installing child safety seats and place them ALWAYS in the back seat. Airbags and children are not a safe combination. * Adjust your steering wheel in the direction of your chest, not your head. This will benefit you in the case of an accident and your cir bog is deployed. * Lock all doors, including the back tailgate. In case of an accident, these doors could open and create more damage. * Keep the head restraints in an upright position. In case of an accident, this will create added protection to the head and neck area. Safety S:Aggressive Behaviors Aggressive behavior can be a major factor in driving safely. list examples of aggressive behavior. Write Multiple Choice Activity 1. When merging onto a major freeway, o defensive driver should a. Use the appropriate turn signal and merge with traffic b. Speed up and go around the car in front of you in order to get ahead c. Come to a complete stop until you see enough room for your vehicle to “safely merge” d. None of the above 2. When driving home from work during rush hour, a defensive driver should 7 a. Follow closely behind the car in front of you that is in the fast lane, until they move over b. Weave in and out from lane to lane in order to get around the cars that are blocking you cc. Be realistic about rush hour and keep plenty of space between you and and the car in front of you d. Straddle the line of two lanes with your vehicle so no one can get around you 3. When driving in @ busy ca lot, another driver takes “your” parking spot. An example of road rage would be «a. Finding a porking spot one row over b. Rolling your eyes and driving away . Backing up your vehicle ond rearending their cor d. Waving good-bye and driving offStatistics © A drunk driver in this country kills someone approximately every 42 minutes. © Nearly one in six drivers in deadly accidents had some form of drug in their system besides alcohol. When driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the driver is said to be “impaired”. Drugs can be legal, illegal, prescription, or over the counter; all can have deadly consequences on your driving ability Key Points @ DO NOT TAKE ILLEGAL DRUGS. ‘* When taking prescription or over the counter drugs, ask the pharmacist what the effects are in regards to driving * Follow the instructions on all medications and do not drink alcohol with your medicine. Combining the two may increase the side effects. * DO NOT DRIVE while impaired — call a cab or catch a ride. What medications may affect your driving? How can drugs and/or alcohol affect your decision making behavior? How does this impact your driving?Lesson Wrap Up * List two challenges that affect your driving and how you intend to overcome them. * Identity three distractions that you experienced on your way to class today. © Lista common misconception about air bags, seat belts, and child car seats. © Which aggressive behaviors are likely to lead to road rage? * What does driving under the influence or driving while impaired mean to you?3. Plan Ahead Lesson Overview Introduction Sefe driving is a form of training for motor vehicle drivers that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of driving. Its aim is to reduce the risk involved with driving by anticipating dangerous situations, despite adverse conditions or the mistakes of others. 45 minutes Lesson Objective After completing this lesson, you will be able to: * Explain how proper vehicle maintenance can positively affect your driving. * Recognize driving hazards and poor driving conditions. * Explain defensive driving techniques that will help you overcome hazards and poor conditionsYour Vehicle Your vehicle is something within your control and therefore your responsibility. Keeping your vehicle properly maintained could help prevent accidents associated with poor vision conditions, brake issues, ‘and steering problems to name o few. The following pages list general inspection checks that you should make on your car daily, weekly, monthly, and twice a year. See a mechanic for help if you are not familiar with car parts and maintenance. Daily Maintenance Before driving each day, you should moke sure the following basic car ports are in good working order (Note: Always check for leaks as well) * Exterior lights * Rearview and side mirrors ¢ Windshield wipers Tip © Tires ‘Alter getting into your vehicle but before driving each day, you should always follow these steps in order to ensure optimal driving conditions. * Lock your doors * Buckle up. © Adjust your seat and mirrors into comfortable positions. * Start your engine and check all gauges and warning lights. * Make sure your heat or air is set to a comfortable temperature. What did you do today? Which of the above daily maintenance did you do today? Write (continued on next page)Weekly Read your owner's manual because some vehicles may differ regarding the best time of the day and/or how offen to check the following. Additionally, each vehicle is different and may require a certain grade or brand of oil/Fuid, so refer to the owner's manual. * Oil level © Washer fluid level * Tires ~ Check pressure for over- or under-inflated tires Monthly Again, check the ovmer’s manual for advice and directions regarding the following fluid amounts. * Auiomatic transmission fluid © Broke flui Twice a Year Routine maintenance can significantly improve driving conditions. Many accidents are related to weaknesses in the vehicle, and there is no reason to have an accident due to things you can control. * Tires — Rotate and check for tread wear © Power steering fluid © Windshield wipers — Change the blades if they are hard or leave streaks Which of these do you do? List all weekly, monthly or yearly maintenance you perform on your vehicle. Write (continued on next page)Explain How Proper Vehicle Maintenance Can Positively Affect Your Driving (continued) True or False Activity Read the following sentences and indicate whether they are true or false. All vehicles drip a litle uid, so some leaking is perfectly okay. Tne) N Most cil brands are comparable, so it does not matter what type or grade of oil you choose to use, as long as you keep it ful. si F 3. Even good tires are subject fo regular wear and tear and should be checked for tread wear at least twice a year. Tie Write 4, The inside of your car to. ar the Proper maintenance can help you remai that are out of your control. - aRecognize Driving Hazards and Poor Driving Conditions Light What adjustments should you make when there is too much or too litlle light? * Too much: This typically meons the sun is bright or there is @ glare from snow or rain or from another vehicle. In this situation you should wear sunglasses to reduce the glare and adjust your sun visor in order to shield some of the light from your eyes. * Too little: Many cars are now made with aulomatic lights that tun on when the light conditions are dim. You should always turn on your lights a half hour after sunset and a half hour before sunrise or when driving in overcast conditions. Bright lights can help you on extremely dark roads, but remember you must turn your bright lights down to normal when there is oncoming traffic. Other Drivers * Responsible following distance: When driving behind another vehicle, make sure you leave plenty of room between you and the car in front of you. You never know if the driver will be making a sudden stop, so leaving plenty of room between you and the car in front of you will allow plenty of siop time. When following a vehicle during bad weather, heavy traffic, or if they are pulling a trailer etc., make the appropriate adjustment and leave extra space. Blind Spots: Large vehicles, including big trucks, have blind spots and cannot see you if you are 10 close. Typically, a large truck has about four blind spots — one on either side, and one in both the front and back. Never drive too closely to a large truck, and when passing, do so in short order and do not get back in the lane until you can see the truck {including the front tires) in your rearview mirror. This will ensure that the truck driver can see you. Emergency Vehicles: Drivers of emergency vehicles always have the right of way. Typically you will hear the siren before you ever see the vehicle, but once you do, make sure you slow your speed and pull over to the right of the road in order to make 1oom for that vehicle ~ regardless of the direction the vehicle is coming from.Recognize Driving Hazards and Poor Driving Conditions (Continued) Road Con Road conditions can be anything from potholes to work zones to a stream of school buses on a narrow road. Each scenario requires a defensive driver fo make appropriate driving decisions ns © Construction Work Zone: When driving in a work zone, you should always slow down and prepare to merge if necessary. Be aware that other vehicles are also trying to merge, so always be polite and courteous in order to prevent aggressive driving that can lead to road rage. Be prepared fo stop and keep your eyes on the road for potential signs alerting you or giving you directions along with potential workmen giving directions as well. Oftentimes, there are reduced speed limits posted, and so be alert. * Narrow or Windy Roads: Roads can be narrow and windy and even filled with potholes that we sometimes try ond avoid. Always moke sure you stay in your lane — especially on a narrow road. You never know when there is another driver coming from the opposite direction ond just around the comer. Oftentimes, we find ourselves behind school buses or trucks. Be aware that children don’t always think when getting off of a bus, so you must be aware and know that thay might be crossing the street. You have to stop when there is a school bus dropping off kids — regardless of whether or not you are in front of or behind the bus. * Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and be alert if you see « pedesirian, in case he or she steps out into traffic by accident. Remember to remain calm — especially if the pedestrian is eldeily, disabled, or a child, When driving in a residential neighbothood or around a school or nursing home, be extra aware of pedestrians — you never know with kids! Weather Depending on the season, weather can be unpredictable and typically a constant factor in road conditions, Sometimes, the weather is good, and road conditions are favorable. Other times, there can be snow and sleet or rain and storms — causing unfavorable road conditions. © Slow Down: The main defense for weather related driving conditions is to slow down. Be careful not fo slam on your brakes as that will likely make you lose control. Slow down gradually, turn on your lights (if visibility is @ problem), windshield wipers, ond be very cautious. * Be Cautious: Know the type of car and brake system you have, and do not be overly confident because you are in a big vehicle, have four-wheel or all wheel drive. Fourwheel and allwheel drive vehicles do not allow you to stop any quicker than regular drive. Though you do have better traction, you can sill slio ond slide like any other vehicle.Explain Defensive Driving Techniques That Will Help You Overcome Hazards and Poor Conditions How Light Affects Your Driving Pera re Ucies te conireitie ghetclreeictel st exranplos chemien|tahnestcced yeoranana: Write How Other Drivers Affect Your Driving Not everybody drives defensively. List examples of how other drivers may affect your driving Road Conditions Road conditions, such as accidents, construction work zones, narrow roads, etc., can affect your driving. List examples of road conditions that may affect your driving.Explain Defensive Driving Techniques That Will Help You Overcome Hazards and Poor Conditions (continued) True or False Activity Determine whether the following sentences are true or false. . Snow, rain, and sleet are considered weather related driving conditions, but not fog or haze. TOF 2. A pretty sunny day is perfect for driving and therefore not considered hazard T OF 3. As a defensive driver, you should be alert and aware of not only your ‘own driving but also that of your fellow drivers. T F » . Driving conditions typically do not change, so as long as you are familiar with your route, you will be okay. TOF 5. The most common and obvious driving hazard out of our control is weather. TOF o Various lights such as glare from other cars and glare from the sun hitting the snowy roads is considered a dangerous hazard. TOF 7. Ifyou are young, fit, and have good eyesight, most of these “hazards” cre not serious — only something to be aware of. TOF Fase {rve hi ah A Oo {continued on next page}vn Multiple Choice Activity Read the following scenarios and select the correct answer. 1. IFyou are the owner of an all-wheel drive vehicle, during an ice storm you should be careful because a. All the neighbors will want to ride with you to the grocery store. b. Getting the vehicle set in all-wheel drive is tricky and the gears get stuck in the cold. c. Allwheel drive vehicles can slide just os badly on icy roads. wae d. None of the cbove In the late afternoon, when the sun is going down and the glare is in your eyes, you should a. Weor sunglasses and pull down the sun visor fo block some of the glare b. Close your eyes. c. Putona hat and pull it very low over your eyes. d. Look straight into the sun so that your eyes become desensitized. . Poor road conditions include all of the following except a. Potholes b. Narrow roads c. Steep hills d. Trash in the median |. When passing a large truck, how many blind spots should you take into consideration? aoe wane . Werk zones affect road conditions and are not in your control. When you see a flashing light indicating road work ahead you should a. Speed up because you do not have time to get stuck in traffic. : on the shoulder so you can get around the drivers who are looking at the roadwork and causing rubbernecking. c. Slow down, follow instructions, and merge as soon as possible if necessary. . Roll down your window and yell at a fellow driver for not letting you merge in front of him or her.Lesson Wrap Up ‘What types of routine maintenance should you check for everyday - inside and outside of your vehicle? Write What maintenance can you commit to doing weekly, monthly, and twice a year? Weekly: Monthly: Twice a year: List common driving hazards that are out of your control. Which of these are most common in your area?4. How to Prevent an Accident Lesson Overview Introduction You can only control what you do behind the wheel, not what your fellow drivers do. But take responsibility when you drive and focus on the task at hand. I's not a fime to return phone calls or put on makeup or log onto your email. Driving isn’t a mindless activity, it’s an exercise in self-resiraint, self-defense and selt-preservation. 45 minutes Lesson Objective Afier completing this lesson, you will be able to: © Explain how to enter an intersection correctly © Identify how to properly turn © Describe safe passing techniques © Explain the dangers of speeding © List common mistakes drivers makeIntersection violations or “right of way” mistokes account for These include: © Running a red light * Not stopping completely at a stop sign * Failing to yield appropriately Even though you obay the traffic regulations in the instances mentioned above, accidents are still possible due to the negligence of other drivers or road conditions beyond your control. This is why you must always be a defensive driver. How to Enter an Intersection To safely enter an intersection: * Confirm the intersection is clear of traffic and safe to enter. Note: Beware of other drivers who run red lights, are out of control, or even emergency vehicles. © Scan the area in front of you and to your left and right before entering the intersection. * Refrain from slamming on the gas to move forward. Slowly accelerate into the intersection and stay aware of the vehicle around you. # NEVER speed up to “make the light”. Always maintain the safe ond legal speed of the roadway. * |Fthe light remains green and is safe to enter — continue through the intersection, Key Points to Remember (One tip when nearing an intersection is to lft the right foot off the gas and be prepared to place your foot on the brakes if necessary. Being prepared just might save your life. NEVER enter into an intersection that isn’t clear for you to completely drive through. You don't want to be “that driver” that blocks the intersection for oncoming traffic once the Remember ight turns red.Identify How to Properly Turn Common Turning Errors Incorrectly navigated turns are common occurrences in traffic accidents such as: © Turning from or into the wrong lane « Illegal Usurns * Veering into neighboring lanes when navigating a turn Consequences of Being Lost We often take turns due to getting lost. Know the correct way to get where you are going. If you are lost, safely pull over and get your bearings before proceeding any further. By minimizing confusion, you can decrease the chance of causing an accident. Use Your Turn Signals Always signal when you are preparing for a tum. Signaling © Alerts drivers behind you * Alerts drivers who may be turning into the same lane Yield to Pedestrians When turning, ALWAYS yield to pedestrians.Identify Safe Passing Techniques Passing As a general rule, pass only one car at a time and give yoursalf at least 10 seconds to pass the car safely. * 10 seconds equates to about 1600 to 2000 feet or 1/3 of a mi When approaching an intersection, itis dangerous to attempt to navigote a pass around another vehicle. One must ALWAYS assume other drivers are not as aware of their surroundings. Since @ driver needs at least 1/3 of « mile to pass another car safely — one should treat @ hill as on oncoming vehicle. This should help when making the decision of whether or not to pass. Once safely past the vehicle you may enter back into the correct lane alter seeing their headlights in your rearview mirror, and be sure to use your blinker. sa as ae Faseg 5 Look ahead for other things that may prevent safe passing such as: © Pedestrians * Potholes * Objects in the road (debris, limbs, etc.) * Vehicles entering roadway * Hills © CurvesExplain the Dangers of Speeding Speeding Of all the contributing factors to collisions, SPEEDING is the #1 behavior blamed for fatal crashes. Key Points © Speed limits are the LAW. * Driving too fast reduces a driver's ability to maintain control of the vehicle. © When a driver speeds - each 10 mph over the limit doubles the chance of « fatality. Multiple Choice Activity Read the following scenario and select the correct answer. Driver A is driving 50 mph for 10 miles — it will take 12 minutes for Driver A to arrive to his/her destination. Driver B is speeding at 70 mph following the same path. How much time does Driver B save? ) 7 minutes b) 1 minute ¢} 5 minutes d) 3 minutes‘Swerve into traffic © Speed up or slam on brokes * Follow other vehicle too closely © Drive left of the centerline How to Prevent Common Mistakes * Plan chead ond leave early. If you can avoid being rushed, chances are you won't have any need fo speed. © Obey the signs — school zones and work areas often post decreased speed limits. PAY ATTENTION! * Never “hog” the left lane. Respect other drivers ond drive in the right lane when not passing. Just because you are obeying the speed limit in the left lane, it doesn’t mean that someone may not be speeding dangerously toward you from the rear. * Be aware of the speedometer. It is easy fo drive a lot faster than you reclize. Depending on road and weather conditions, one may need to adjust their speed. For instance — if there is rain, fog, heavy traffic or other issues, it may be necessary to drive much slower than the limit. USE COMMON SENSE!!! Common Mistake Activity What “mistakes” did you make on your way here or in the recent pas!? Did you have any close calls that could have been avoided? Important Point IFyou take one thing with you from this class, we hope it is the ability to avoid being in or causing an accident. Common sense should tell us that speeding, switching lanes erratically, running stoplights and driving under the influence are all contributing factors to collisions that could be fatal. You should now be able fo recognize bad driving behaviors and correct yours as you drive.Work as a group to identify three key take-aways from this lesson. Be prepared to present your ideas and provide examples of how you plan to change current behaviors.Introduction This lesson serves as the final course review. After discussing the highlights from each of the lessons, you will take a final course exam. 1 hour Lesson Objective After completing this lesson, you will be able to: * Pass the final course exam.* A defensive driver is someone who takes respor for helping to reduce traffic accidents regardless of weather or traffic conditions, as well as the action or inaction of those around him or her. * The majority of all fatal traffic accidents are caused by poor driving decisions. * You should always expect that the drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists around you are Remember distracted and not paying attention to you — so always watch out for them. © Weather and traffic conditions vary and can make the roads ~ urban, rural, express or otherwise — much more dangerous. * When choosing to get behind the wheel, a driver can choose to be polite and calm or rude and aggressive. Defensive drivers remain calm in all situations, pay attention to the road and those around him or her, and obey all traffic laws. © Personal responsibility includes but is not limited to paying altention to the road despite distractions, adjusting your speed during inclement road conditions, watching out for all pedestrians and animals that might be in the road and cause an accident, and keeping your car in proper working order.Challenges — Age affects young ond old differently. Age-related limitations include poor eyesight, agility, and hearing loss. Fatigue is the other main challenge in regards to being a defensive driver. Diet, illness, long work hours, and a lack of rest contribute fo fatigue. Overcoming your challenges can be as easy as seeing a doctor for your vision or illness. Wearing glasses, maintaining a responsible work and sleep schedule, and eating a balanced diet can help keep the mind and body focused on driving. When the above suggestions are not possible, alternative transportation arrangements should be made. Distractions on the roadway are a major concern for defensive drivers. Distractions can lead you to take your eyes off the road in that crucial moment or turn the wheel just slightly — unaware until it is too late. Below is a list of the common distractions discussed earlier in Lesson 2. ~ Dialing a cell phone number = Applying makeup ~ Checking your hair in the rearview mirror ~ Adjusting your radio station, changing CDs or docking your iPod — Typing an address into your navigation system = Screaming kiddos that are upset because the mavie Shrek is over - Other distracted drivers that have screaming preteens in their car who are upset that they didn’t get Hannah Montana tickets — Reaching behind or below your seat for your cell phone that you dropped while texting a message — Adjusting your seat and mirrors while driving = Slowing down to “check out an unfortunate accident on the side of the road — also known as “cubbernecking” Seatbelts have both a legal and lifesaving component. Drivers and the front seat passengers are required by law to wear their seatbelts. Not wearing your seatbelt can result in a ticket. Additionally, seatbelts can save lives. Seatbelts prevent passengers from being thrown out of the vehicle during collision, keep the driver in his or her seat during a collision, and absorb some of the impact of the crash. Wearing your seatbelt will immediately increase your chances of surviving by 50%. (continued on next page)