Defensive Driving and Motor Vehicle Defensive Driving Techniques
Maintenance
Proper Use of Brakes
What is Defensive Driving? ● Less experienced drivers keep
- Pagiging maingat sa pagmaneho. banging on brake pedal every
now and then.
What qualities must a defensive driver have? ● Skidding is caused by sudden
● Have a positive attitude on road safety and violent braking.
● Be physically and mentally fit to drive ● A driver must know if the
● Have received proper training before vehicle is equipped with
driving conventional brake or with
● Applies the basic knowledge of vehicle anti-lock braking system.
maintenance. Conventional braking system
may require continuous pump
Defensive Driving Method while ABS equipped vehicles
require a firm press on the
● Search - The road seen ahead, brake pedal.
around and rear of the vehicle. ● Provide enough space for a
● Identify - The potential and complete stop.
immediate hazard on the road.
● Predict - The actions of other road Correct Steering
user ● A comfortable position of hand and
● Decide - What to do to avoid an relaxed body.
unsafe situation ● A firm, not a tight grip on the wheel is
● Execute - The action as a result of a all that is needed. Never grip tightly on
decision. a slippery road.
● Correct hand positioning
Human Factors that Affect Driving ● Free from obstruction (elbows and
hands)
Attitude - A feeling, belief, or opinion of ● Gradual changing of lane.
approval or disapproval towards something.
Timely Changing of Gear
Behavior - an action or reaction that occurs
in response to an event or internal stimuli (i.e., ● Untimely and improper changing of
thought). gear may result to high fuel
consumption or worst engine failure.
What are the positive attitudes of a defensive ● Change of gear depends on the speed,
driver? capability, and load of the vehicle.
● Calm and not hot-headed
Safe Reversing, Maneuvering, and Changing of
What are the positive behaviors of a defensive Lanes
driver?
● Follows traffic laws and thinks of the ● Proper use of side and rear view
well-being of others while driving. mirrors is a must. Look at the side
mirrors quick enough to decide on
Keys to Attain an Effective Defensive Driving whatever action to make.
● Concentration ● Always be aware of blind spots.
● Driving Plans and Decisions Moving or not moving.
● Views from the Vehicle ● Double check the side mirror before
● Speed changing lane.
● Fatigue ● Be aware of the movement of vehicles
● Following the laws, rules and in front. Allow enough space before
regulations changing lane.
Road Safety (Sharing, Courtesy, and ● Use flashing headlight while
Discipline) overtaking.
● Be careful when passing from the right
● Road Safety refers to the methods of a passenger bus.
and measures used to prevent road ● Avoid being in the blind spots by not
users from being killed or seriously following too close.
injured. ● As much as possible, do not drive on
● Road users are motorists, cyclists, the lanes intended for trucks and
pedestrians, bystanders, law enforcers, buses.
and street vendors ● Never cut. Look at the rear or side
mirrors before changing lane.
Safety Rules are provided to protect: ● Provide maneuvering space.
● The ignorant of what they don’t know
● The idiotic from themselves With beginners
● The innocents from the action of the ● Never be a bully. Allow new drivers
other two. enough space for maneuvering.
● Avoid following too close
Sharing the Road with Emergency Vehicles ● Be aware of sudden brakes
● Avoid overtaking too close on the side.
With Emergency Vehicles
● Slow down and stop. With Other Road Users
● Move to the right or left side of the ● Pedestrians, cyclists, street vendors,
lane to give the emergency vehicle a law enforcers, construction workers,
clear way. etc.
● If you can’t move, stay where you are ● Allow enough space for other road
and let the emergency vehicle overtake users.
you. ● Be extra cautious when maneuvering
● Never follow the path of emergency on a dense road.
vehicles. ● Be careful when passing school zones
● If you are in an intersection, cross first and markets or malls.
before giving the right of way. ● Be aware and considerate of PWDs.
● Avoid using excessive horn.
With Motorcycles
● Avoid excessive use of horn while Gender and Development
following or overtaking. Never be a
bully. R.A. No. 9710 - Magna Carta of Women
● Double check the side mirrors and ● Is a Comprehensive Women’s Human
blind spots before and after Rights Law that seeks to eliminate
overtaking. discrimination against the women by
● Allow enough distance when following recognizing, protecting, fulfilling and
a motorcycle. promoting the rights of Filipino
● Watch out for the brake and signal women, especially those in
lights. marginalized sector.
● Watch out for the rider’s hand signals.
● Watch out for the head of the rider. Executive Order No. 227 The New
● Watch out for the feet of the rider. Family Code of the Philippines
With Trucks and Buses
● Do not overtake if not properly seen. R.A. No. 7192 - The Women in Development
● Avoid overtaking on a curved road. and Nation Building Act
● Be sure to have enough power when ● Integration of women as full and equal
overtaking on a steep road. partners of men in development and
nation building.
● Not a war of the sexes ● E.O. No. 348 - The Philippine
● Not male bashing Development Plan for Women
● Both women and men are victims, (PDPW)
although women are affected more ● E.O. No. 273 - Philippine Plan for
than men. Gender-Responsive Development
R.A. No. 6725
- An Act strengthening the prohibition
on discrimination against women with Road Safety - Courtesy
respect to terms and conditions of
employment What is courtesy?
- It is the showing or act of politeness in
R.A. No. 7877 one’s attitude and behavior toward
- An Act declaring sexual harassment others.
unlawful in the employment, - Be courteous, but this does not mean
education or training environment, that you are giving the right of way to
and for other purposes anyone at any time. At times, you need
to invoke your right of way for the
R.A. No. 9262 other party to learn.
- An Act Defining Violence Against
Women and their children, providing Be courteous
for protective measures for victims, ● To passengers
prescribing penalties therefore, and ● To other motorists
for other purposes. ● To pedestrians
● To traffic enforcers
Implementing Rules and Regulations of ● To other road users
R.A. No. 11313 “Bawal Bastos” Law
Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in What is Self-discipline?
Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) - Self-discipline is the ability to control
- The license of a driver and the yourself and to make yourself work
operators CPC may be suspended or hard or behave in a particular way
revoked by LTO and LTFRB if GBSH is without needing anyone else to tell you
committed during the operation of what to do.
PUV. - Driving requires an undetermined
level of self control and doing the right
Other laws Related to Gender and thing upon a particular situation.
Development
Road Discipline is knowing and abiding the
● R.A. No. 7322 - an Act increasing traffic laws, rules, and regulations.
maternity benefits in favor of women
workers in the private sector. Stress is the physical, mental, or emotional
● R.A. No. 7655 - an Act increasing the tension experienced by a person that demands
minimum wage of househelpers. immediate, fair, and equitable decision.
● R.A. No. 6949 - an Act to declare
March 8 of every year as a working
special holiday to be known as
National Women’s Day
Development Plans for Women
- Remember that every person
experiences stress. It is up to each
individual on how they handle it. But
as a driver, you have a big
responsibility in controlling your
emotions as it can greatly affect your
driving and may endanger your
surroundings.
Common Causes of Stress While Driving
● Personal and Family Problems
● Heavy Traffic
● Annoying and Excessive horn or noisy
mufflers
● Undisciplined and discourteous
motorists, passengers, and pedestrians
● Malfunctioning traffic lights
● Improper pavement markings
Primary Goals of a Driver
● Improper parking
- As a driver and road user, our goals
● Improper handling of traffic by law
are to put order on the road and to
enforcers
safely reach the destination.
● Detour or closing of roads
● Fake emergency vehicles especially Negative Effect
ambulances - Failure to overcome stress will result
● Incorrect headlights of oncoming to a road rage.
vehicles
● Annoying tailgaters Who will win between the two parties?
● Unexplained sudden stop of vehicle in - Neither the aggressive driver nor the
front victim
● Right of way insistence
Road rage is
- An assault, in any manner to another
person resulting from
misunderstanding, lack of traffic
knowledge or discourteousness.
Bad habits of aggressive drivers
● Driving slowly in the left lane - drivers
may become hostile if slower motorists
do not make way for those driving
faster
● Tailgating - following other vehicle too
How to handle stress
close that may make its driver feel
● Due to personal or family problems
uncomfortable
● Due to heavy traffic and bad road
● Annoying and excessive blowing of
conditions
horns
● Due to unlawful traffic enforcers
● Fighting over a parking space
● Due to undisciplined motorists and
● Gestures - hand gestures speak louder
pedestrians
than words and may bring other
motorist to act more aggressive
Is it worth it to overcome stress?
● Cutting off - failing to signal intent, or BLOWBAGETS
see if movement can be made safely
Battery
How to take care
● Limit short rides
● Keep batteries tightly fastened
● Turn off all the lights before getting off
● Control the corrosion
● Do not use gadgets or accessories
when engine is off.
How to clean the battery?
- Toothbrush, water, and baking
Result of Road Rage soda/soap
● Emotional setback - Slight petroleum jelly (or contact
● Fines and penalties cleaner) on the battery terminal.
● suspension/revocation of driver’s
license Lights
● suspension/termination from work How to take care of
● Imprisonment ● Always clean lens
● Serious injury ● Make sure to switch the lights on
● Death before sunset
● Switch off cabin lights when engine is
Remedies to conquer road rage off
● Adjust your attitude ● Keep windshield and mirrors clean
● Forget winning ● If possible, switch to low beam lights if
● Get help from a doctor you are within 200 meters of the car in
● Pray before and after the trip front of you
● Avoid too much tint
YOUR LOVING FAMILY IS WAITING AT ● Avoid using excessive headlights
HOME
How to check busted brake lights?
Causes and Prevention of Road Crashes and - Check Battery or Alt icon after starting
Breakdowns
Oil
Roadworthiness How to take care
- Is the ability of a motor vehicle to be in ● Check the engine oil level regularly
a suitable operating condition or and add if necessary
meeting acceptable standards for safe ● Change engine oil at a regular interval
driving and transport of people, ● Check for oil leaks
baggage, or cargo in roads or streets. ● Avoid prolonged RPM to avoid oil
leaks
Unsafe motor vehicles ● Check ball joint greasing, fluids and
A. Below satisfactory maintenance steering oil or gear oil.
performance
B. Insufficient support from the company Water
C. Abusive handling or driving How to take care
D. Lack of basic troubleshooting seminar ● Check the water level regularly
or training ● Avoid overfilling the reservoir to
maintain correct back pressure
Reactive Maintenance ● Replace radiator cap if required, to
Proactive Maintenance avoid overheating
● Do not condemn thermostat
● Always check upper and lower hose. Electrical
● Avoid installation of electrical
Brake accessories
How to take care ● Must be installed or repaired by a
● Check fo oil leak on the brake master qualified auto electrician
cylinder ● Avoid using substandard electrical
● Check for oil leak on the caliper or wires
piston ● Avoid using substandard electrical
● Check for allowable thickness of rotors fuse and fuse holders
and brake pads ● Avoid pouring water on dashboard
● Regularly wash the rotors and pads to when cleaning
remove residuals or dusts ● Never do a spaghetti wire
● After repair - drive the vehicle and
apply brake within a block then wash Tires
the brake parts with clean water
● Always check for leak on pipes Self
● Check fluid reservoir (color and odor) ● Mentally and physically fit
Cause and Prevention of Road Crash
The Human Factor
Fatigue
● Straight duty for personal reasons
● Straight duty as induced by supervisor
● Define rest hours or days/observe the
6 hour driving rule
Accessories
● Horns Uncontrolled Night Life
● Wipers ● Drunk Driving and Hangovers (level of
● Windshields alcohol at zero %)
● Parking Brakes ● Partying and Socializing (Videoke,
● Switches and Controls Karaoke)
● Early Warning Device ● Gambling and other bad habits (drugs,
● Seat Belts pot session)
● Internet (Social media, chatting,
Gas/Fuel e-messengers, watching movies)
Fuel Saving Tips
● Avoid short trips Poor hygiene, tardiness, poor reflexes
● Avoid heavy traffic
● Do not carry too much load Distracted Driving
● Close your windows ● Emotions - Positive or Negative
● Accelerate smoothly emotions affect driving
● Shift smoothly ● Loud music or Video players
● Follow the speed limit ● Texting and Answering Phone Calls
● Check tire pressure ● Conversation with Passengers or
● Check for leaks Fellow Employees
● Avoid using different brand of fuel ● Eating while driving
● As much as possible do not overfill the ● Dashboard/Windshield Extra
fuel tanks Decorations and Accessories (RA
● Replace fuel tank cap if required 10913)
● Ordinary Illness (e.g. sore eyes, strain,
flu, LBM)
What to do? Other Causes
● Follow the law on anti-distracted ● Age Factor/Illness
driving ● Road Conditioning and
● Leave all emotions behind Engineering - Improper warning
● Concentrate on the steering wheel sign locations and meanings, improper
● When sick, go to a doctor road construction warning signs
● Confusing Traffic Signs
Ask yourself–Am I safe? ● Unannounced road repair from
LGUs and National Gov’t. -
Illness - Do I have any symptom? Co-employees failed to inform
Medication - am I taking any over the supervisors or dispatchers on physical
counter prescription or other drugs? changes along the route.
Stress - Any worries about the job, finances,
or families?
Alcohol - Have I been drinking for the last
twenty-four hours?
Fatigue - Have I worked more than my
physical ability, with incomplete rest?
Eating - Am I hungry?
Arrogance and Limited Knowledge of
the Law
● Speeding
● Carelessness - illegal turns and change
of lanes
● Blind Curve recklessness
● Disregarding Road Traffic Signs,
Signals, and Warnings
● Allowing other person to drive
● Lack of discipline and proper training Basic technique in parallel parking or reverse
parking:
● Assign an imaginary marker while
backing or maneuvering backward.
● Never change the imaginary marker
● Imaginary markers must not be more
than one foot from the edge of the
vehicle being marked
Apprentice Drivers and Driver’s without
License
● Apprentice drivers may drive during
non-peak hours
● Assigned drivers must teach the
proper way on how to pick up
passengers
● Avoid talking to apprentice drivers
while on the steering wheel
● Give suggestion to apprentice drivers
while on break
● NEVER allow another person to drive
without a Valid Driver’s License
Safety Issues - Shifting Causes of Oil leaks
Improper and untimely changing of gear may ● Back Job
cause engine failure ● Prolonged idling
● Over RPM
TIPS: ● Substandard Gaskets or O-rings
● Shifting of gear requires knowledge on
the capability of the vehicle, the load, Effects of Oil leaks
the road condition or engineering ● Overheating/Fire
design ● Internal damage
● Proper shifting must be done before or ● Engine Stuck up
within the green band
● Never rev the engine up to the red Belts. Pulleys, and Bearings
band
● If possible, switch off the aircon when Include water drop or sand check to determine
driving uphill. if belt or bearing wear and tear
Motor Vehicle Factor Be aware of brake warning light symptoms of
brake failure
Common Causes of Overheating
● Water leak or clogged radiator ● Hearing a metallic squeal while you’re
● Clogged air filter in motion
● Water and Oil Mix on engine block ● Grinding sound, wobbling, vibration
● Insufficient oil or scraping
● Sticking brake ● Leaking fluid
● Prolonged Low Gear (uphill) ● Car pulling to one side when braking
● Excessive use of Aircon ● Burning smell while driving
● Belts (broken, loose, etc.) ● Hard brake pedal
Common Symptoms of Overheating Anti-Lock Braking System
● High temperature Gauge Signs of malfunctioning ABS
● White Exhaust ● Switching the engine ON - ABS light
● Low Power must turn ON
● When engine starts - ABS light must
Engine Stuck up turn OFF
Engine Fire ● Blinking ABS when driving
Signs and Symptoms of Manifold Leak Weather and Environmental Factors
● Low power or low engine efficiency ● Debris and Construction Materials
● Poisonous carbon monoxide ● Potholes/Manholes
(colorless/odorless smoke) may go ● Undisciplined Pedestrians and Street
inside the cabin Vendors
● Crack pipe ● Rains, floods, etc.
● Extra volume of noise within engine
compartment
● Sputtering - soft explosive sounds
Worst effect of manifold leak - fire
NEVER add or alter electrical accessories
without proper authority
