Driving Safety.pptxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Driving Safety

1. DRIVING SAFETY

2. Basics of Safe Driving Always wear a seatbelt Adjust the seat and check mirrors Pay attention Do not talk on the phone Never drive impaired Do not speed Never run stop signs or red lights Give pedestrians the right of way Get rid of all other distractions Look out for the other driver – Drive defensively

3. Be a Defensive Driver Driving defensively means being responsible for your own actions but also keeping an eye out for other drivers. Secure all passengers with safety belts Driving too fast or too slow raises the likelihood of an accident Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. Never drink and drive Stay clear if you notice a car swerving, making wide turns, or stopping abruptly, the driver may be impaired Do not follow too close or cut off other drivers Allow 3 to 6 seconds reaction time Abide by the rules of the road and respect other drivers .

4. Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes Distracted drivers Keep from: Talking on the cell phone Looking at scenery or “rubbernecking” Adjusting the radio/ loud music

5. Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes 2. Driver fatigue – You should: Pull over & stop if drowsy Take a break from driving every 2 hours Share driving time Get a good nights rest before a long trip

6. Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes 3. Drunk driving never mix drinking with driving always : designate a driver in advance

7. Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes Speeding – Always: Obey the speed limit Do not drive in a hurry Give yourself extra time to recognize hazards around you

8. Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes Aggressive driving – Do not: Tailgate or frequently change lanes Deliberately cut off another vehicle If you encounter an aggressive driver: Remain calm & keep your distance Do not pass unless you have to Change lanes once it is safe

9. Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes Weather – Be careful of: Heavy rain High winds Fog

10. Driver Settings Your seat should be adjusted so that there’s a slight bend at the elbow while gripping the wheel. Think of the wheel as a face clock- your hands should be positioned at either 10 O’clock and 2 O’clock, or 3 O’clock and 9 O’clock Grip the wheel tightly enough so your hand don’t slide off. Have your side mirrors adjusted so the back door handles are just visible, or angled to reduce blind spots.

11. Adjusting Side Mirrors for Blind Spots When adjusting your blind spots, park your car and have someone stand in your blind spots. Adjust the side mirrors until you can see the person. Check your mirrors to see which spots still remain invisible, then re-adjust and check again.

12. Merging Merging requires your attention to a few different factors. When the traffic is moving at posted speeds, use the acceleration lane to speed up and match traffic flow. In doing so, use your turn signal and look for an adequate opening where you can smoothly merge. During heavy traffic, move down the ramp slowly and wait for an adequate opening. Avoid stopping at the bottom of entrance ramps because it can disrupt the flow of traffic.

13. Intersections Avoid closely following large vehicles through intersections with stoplights. It’s very difficult to see light changes. Ensure you have clear view of everything before proceeding. During a left turn, slow down and yield if there is not a green arrow. Don’t accelerated until you’re ready to move; if your vehicle is hit from behind, it could push you into oncoming traffic.

14. 3 Way Stops The first vehicle to arrive at an intersection with a four-way stop (whether sign or traffic light) should be first to go. The general rule is that the driver to the right has the right-of-way if two cars arrive at the same time. Proceed with caution in case another driver doesn’t follow the correct procedure.

15. Vehicle Maintenance Vehicle that haven’t had adequate maintenance can cause car crashes. Maintain the proper air pressure in your tires to prevent blow-outs or flat tires. Wiper blades should be changed regularly. Your owner’s manual should have a maintenance schedule which can help you plan necessary maintenance.

16. Tire and Wheel Maintenance Check tire (including spare) air pressure regularly; at least once a month. Check for: Uneven wear patterns Cracks Foreign objects Other signs of wear All tire valves have valve caps. Pressure before a long trip. Check tire info placard for maximum recommended load of your vehicle. When towing a trailer, some weight of loaded trailer is transferred to vehicle, so ensure it complies with the max.

17. Flat Tire/Blowout on the Highway At the first sign of trouble: Firmly grip the steering wheel Do not slam on brakes Take foot off the gas pedal Work vehicle toward the shoulder or exit If changing lanes, use turn signals Steer as vehicle slows down Once off road, place reflective triangles Keep emergency flashers on Change tire, if you know how Keep away from traffic Call for professional help, if necessary Do not stand behind or next to vehicle

18. Safe Driving Skills Keep your eyes constantly moving: Look up and down the road Look to the sides of the road Look into the rear view mirror Always leave yourself an out: Try to find a clear spot to go if a crash occurs Consider other drivers’ blind spots Don’t linger while passing. Never “tailgate”, or follow someone too closely. Avoid “wolf packs” of vehicles.

19. Safe Driving Do’s and Don’ts Make sure that other drivers can see you. Allow plenty of time when using a turn signal. Maintain a consistent, average speed on highways. Conform to the traffic speed when merging. Avoid rapid or sudden movements when exiting highways. Obey traffic signs, lights and signals. Keep your eyes on the road, avoid distracted driving. Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. Watch for animals.

20. Safe Driving Skills Stopping on Highways: Never be a stationary object or semi-stationary obstacle in the lanes. Never stop at the end of an exit ramp. Avoid stopping on shoulders, and try to exit highways before stopping.

21. Driver Fatigue Your reaction time and your vision deteriorate when you are tired. The best way to combat fatigue is to pull over, take a short “cat nap” or even just closing your eyes for a while. Taking a short walk also works. Try stopping 2-3 hours when driving long distances.

22. Knowing Your Vehicle You should know: What every button, switch and lever does. Where the oil, brake fluid, engine coolant and window washer reservoirs are. How to fill those reservoirs. What every indicator light means. How to operate basic items, such as the defroster, wipers, radio and headlights.

23. Driving at Night Traffic deaths are 3X greater at night than during the day (Source: National Safety Council). To prepare for nighttime driving, clean headlights, taillights, signal lights and windows (at least weekly). Never drink and drive! Drive carefully and increase following distances. Don ’ t out-drive your headlights – your should be able to stop inside illuminated area.

24. Driving at Night Keep your headlights on low beam when following vehicles. Look to the right side of road if an oncoming driver doesn’t dim their high beams. Stop and rest if you’re tired. Pull to the side of the road and turn on emergency flashers if you have vehicle issues.

25. Driving in Rainy Weather Drive slowly and carefully; particularly on curves. Steer and brake with light pressure. Do not brake hard or lock the wheels, it could cause skidding or hydroplaning. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal. Adjust speed to the road conditions.

26. Skids If you’re skidding, remain calm. Ease foot off the gas pedal. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go; also known as “steering into the skid”. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), avoid slamming the brakes; brake firmly but consistently while steering into skid.

27. Hydroplaning When water in front of tires builds up faster than vehicle’s weight can push it out of the way, causing loss of traction. The water pressure then causes the vehicle to tread on a thin layer of water between tires and road. This can can cause skidding, drifting out of lane, leaving roadway or “fishtailing”. To avoid hydroplaning, keep your tires properly inflated, maintain good tread, slow down and avoid puddles. If you suspect you’re hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. Ease your foot off gas until vehicle slows down, and you can feel traction again. When braking, do it gently, with light pumping actions. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS) you’ll be able to brake normally.

28. If You’re Vehicle is On Fire Get everyone, including yourself, out of and away from the vehicle. Get a safe distance from the vehicle and call fire department. Do not stand near the vehicle bumpers. Stay away from vehicle; do not attempt to get back into burning vehicle. If you’re trained are comfortable, and fire is small, use appropriate fire extinguisher. If you think the fire is under hood or in trunk, do not open.

29. General Driving Safety Tips Always wear your seatbelt! When backing up, use caution: if you must, have a passenger get out and direct; or get out and check area before backing. If a gas pump is not operating properly, report it and discontinue use. Shut off your motor and do not smoke or use cell phone when refueling. Don’t leave the engine running in an unattended vehicle. Report all work driving accidents, no matter how minor, to your supervisor. PPT-032-02 29

30. General Vehicle Safety Tips Inspect vehicle before driving. Check that: The horn, lights and turn signals work. The tires are in good condition. The brakes are working (test upon moving). The emergency brake works. The gauges after starting (e.g., fuel, battery, temperature, etc.) to ensure they’re working.

31. Distracted driving is a factor in more than 20 percent of vehicle crashes. Drivers on cell phones fail to see up to half of the information in their driving environment. Do not text while driving – pull over or send your texts before driving. Pull over to talk on phone – even “hands free” devices can be distracting. Distracted Driving

32. Preventing Road Rage Don’t engage with angry drivers, and don’t try to offend them. Stay calm. Avoid cutting people off. Don’t “tailgate”. Don’t make obscene or questionable gestures. Avoid eye contact. Don’t start a fight. De-escalate the situation as best as you can.

33. Overview Operating a vehicle is a pleasant experience, but can also be dangerous. Use your common sense, obey speed limits, drive defensively and observe “road safety rules.” Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as alcohol-impaired driving. Be a careful, alert, courteous and safe driver. Drive safe!