Defensive Driving Fundamentals 2020

Topics Covered

• The dangers and penalties for distracted driving
• How to avoid distracted driving
• Understanding and applying advanced observation and recognition skills
• Understanding the importance of eye lead time and how to calculate it
• Visual search and scanning techniques
• Developing total situational awareness by getting a big picture view
• Mirror adjustment to minimize or eliminate blind spots

ANTICIPATE HAZARDS

Hazards abound in every driving environment. Defensive drivers recognize the hazards in their environment and understand how to mitigate the risks the they present

• Using superior vision to identify potential hazards
• Recognizing potential hazards before they become critical
• Classifying types of hazards using risk assessment strategies
• Predicting other traffic movements and planning responses in advance

KEEP YOUR OPTIONS OPEN

Space around the vehicle in traffic affords a driver time to respond to other driver actions and other hazards. Managing space is skill necessary to effective defensive driving and this module provides multiple strategies to develop and maintain a safety cushion of space around the vehicle in a variety of situations.

• Concepts of space cushion driving and the safety zone around a vehicle
• Establishing and maintaining a safe following distance and adjusting for speed, vehicle configuration and conditions
• Optimum spacing at stops and intersections to provide vision and sight lines
• Freeway and highway space risk management

MANAGE THE RISK

Risk exists whenever a vehicle is in motion. The defensive driver understands the risk and takes action to eliminate unacceptable risk entirely (like choosing to not drive in a vehicle unequipped for the conditions) and mitigating acceptable risks by taking concrete action like covering the brake or choosing safer lanes or routes. Many risks are associated with the driver themselves including impairment resulting for substances like alcohol, cannabis or drugs (prescription or otherwise) and fatigue Strategies are explored to mitigate a variety of types of risk.

• Understanding and avoiding impairment and impairing substances including alcohol, cannabis and drugs when driving or working
• Recognizing fatigue and the risks associated with insufficient rest and/or sleep
• How to make good decisions to minimize risk in common driving situations
• Identifying safe speeds
• How to take proactive steps to reduce risk in critical situations

CONTROL WITH FINESSE

Superior vehicle control is the capstone to defensive driving skills. Optimizing traction is the objective and is achieved by developing smooth and balanced control inputs. Great steering, braking and acceleration skills permit abrupt or evasive manoeuvres to avoid crashes to be executed successfully under control

• Vehicle seating position for optimal control
• Total control steering technique as used by high performance drivers
• Maintaining vehicle balance and stability to optimize traction
• How to develop superior steering, braking, and accelerator control
• Correct use of anti-lock brakes

This course takes approximately 75 minutes to complete

A passing grade of 80% or higher required. Up to 3 attempts are provided.

A certificate will be provided upon the successful completion of this course