Florida Drivers Handbook |
3.1. Defensive Driving
Good driving is based on practice and being
alert at the wheel. When driving, you must make sure that
nothing interferes with your ability to see the road, react
to situations or operate your vehicle properly. You must
look down the road, to the sides and behind your vehicle
and be alert for unexpected events. Be alert to what is
going on around you and do not take your eyes off the road
for more than a few seconds at any one time. Do not have
objects inside your vehicle that might interfere with your
ability to drive safely. This might include objects that
obstruct your view of the road or mirrors.
Distracted Drivers
Good drivers develop habits that focus their full attention
on driving. Some drivers can develop bad habits that can
be very dangerous when driving. Some bad habits that distract
your attention away from driving are:
-
Driving when ill, upset or angry.
-
Driving while eating and drinking.
-
Driving while adjusting the radio or
changing CDs/tapes.
-
Driving while calling, answering or
talking on a mobile phone.
-
Reading while driving.
-
Driving while drowsy or fatigued.
Getting Ready to Drive
Before you start your engine:
-
Make sure all windows are clean. Remove
anything that blocks your view of the road.
-
Adjust the seat so you can reach all
controls.
Adjust the inside and outside rearview
mirrors. You should not have to lean forward r backward
to use them.
-
Lock all car doors.
-
Put on your safety belts. Ask all passengers
to do the same.
-
Make sure your car is in park or neutral
gear before starting the engine. Never moveyour car until
you have looked in front, behind and to the side for pedestrians
and oncoming traffic. Then, signal and pull into traffic
when safe.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means doing all you can to prevent
crashes. As a defensive driver, you will "give"
a little. You will change your driving to fit the weather
conditions, the way you feel, and the actions of other drivers,
bicyclists and pedestrians. Follow these steps to avoid
crashes:
-
Look for possible danger. Think about
what might happen. If there are children playing by the
road, plan what you will do if one runs or rides into
the street.
-
Understand what can be done to prevent
a crash. See the defensive driving tips which follow and
Handling Emergencies.
-
Act in time. Once you have seen a dangerous
situation, act right away to prevent a crash.
Use these defensive driving tips if you
see that you are about to be involved in a crash:
-
It is
better to swerve right instead of toward oncoming
traffic to prevent a crash.
-
Hitting
a row of bushes is better than hitting a tree,
post or solid object.
-
Hitting
a vehicle moving in the same direction as you
are is better than hitting a vehicle head-on.
-
It is
better to drive off the road than skid off when
avoiding a crash.
-
It is
better to hit something that is not moving instead
of a vehicle moving toward you.
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When You Back Up
Check behind your vehicle before you get in. Children or
small objects cannot be seen from the driver's seat. Place
your right arm on the back of the seat and turn around so
that you can look directly through the rear window. Do not
depend on your rearview or side mirrors as you cannot see
directly behind your vehicle. Back slowly; your vehicle
is much harder to steer while you are backing. Whenever
possible use a person outside the vehicle to help you back
up.
Avoiding Rear-end Collisions
Many crashes happen because one vehicle runs into the back
of another one. Here are some things you can do to lower
the risk of someone running into the rear of your vehicle.
-
Check your brake lights often to make
sure they are clean and working properly.
-
Know what is going on around you. Use
your rearview mirrors.
-
Signal well in advance for turns, stops
and lane changes.
-
Slow down gradually. Avoid any sudden
actions.
-
Drive with the flow of traffic (within
the speed limit). Driving too slowly can be as angerous
as driving too fast.
-
To avoid striking the vehicle in the
front of you, keep at least two seconds following distance.
This is accomplished by using the two-second rule. Information
for the two-second rule is found under the section, Minimum
Safe Following Distances.
Basic Driver Improvement
Any driver can take a basic driver improvement course. The
course teaches ways of keeping crashes from happening. One
driver can sign up, or a group can request a class. Consult
your yellow pages under Driving Instruction for the location
nearest you.
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