January ToolBox Talk: Defensive Driving

It’s easy to get complacent behind the wheel. Maybe you have a stellar driving record, or you’re just lucky enough to have avoided trouble so far. But that can change in an instant, and the more lax you are, the less prepared you’ll be when hazards pop up. And they will pop up!
 
Below are Basic Principles of Defensive Driving

Defensive Drivers’ Principles

• Seeing and being seen
• Having a heightened awareness
• Managing your speed and space
• Having the right attitude

 
Before you hit the road

• Conduct an inspection of your vehicle each day to make sure you and your vehicle start out in good operating condition.
• Make a sound plan that includes exactly where you’re going, the route you’ll take, where you’re stopping and when you will arrive.

 
Seeing and being seen

• The more you can see what’s going on around you the better you can avoid situations.
• Even if your vehicle is in plain sight, assume other vehicles, motorist or cyclists may not see you.
• Use your signals and 4 way flashers in plenty of time for other motorist to react appropriately.

 
Having heightened awareness

• It isn’t enough just to be able to see well out of your windows and in your mirrors and ensure that you’re seen. You also have to actively look for potential trouble.
• Constantly scan immediately in front of your vehicle 12 to 15 seconds ahead and to both sides.
• Look for anything that could be a potential hazard, including:
  • Distracted or aggressive drivers
  • Pedestrians
  • Road debris
  • Construction zones
  • Accident scenes
  • Anything that might turn into a problem
  • Be aware of what’s going on behind your vehicle

Managing your speed and space 

• Have a good safety cushion around your vehicle at all times so you have time to respond to hazards.
• Always obey posted speed limits, unless traffic or weather conditions demand that you drive slower than what’s posted.
• Understand how much stopping distance you’ll need based on conditions.
• If you are being followed too closely, get in the right lane and allow tailgaters to get past you.

 
Having the right attitude

• Attitude is everything when you drive.
• You can’t avoid sharing the road with motorists no matter how well or badly they drive. But if you have the right attitude about it, and follow safe driving rules yourself, at least you can control the situation.
• One way to look at it is to think of other motorist as your team on the road and yourself as the team Captain. It’s up to you to know what everyone on your team is doing, how fast they’re driving, whether they’re distracted, or whether they’re angry. And then, do what you can to make up for any shortcomings in their performance.
• Play a mental exercise of “What if?” What if the driver talking on the cell phone suddenly changes lanes? What if the driver approaching the intersection from the right doesn’t stop? Anticipate what other drivers might do, have a plan, and be ready to follow that plan if it becomes necessary.

 
Always remember to follow these Basic Defensive Drivers’ Principles, and  “Don’t leave your safety up to someone else.”