Page 132 - Microsoft Word - NEW 2017 Standard Program.docx

The professional defensive driver recognizes and considers the six conditions that are
present in every driving situation:

qq Light
qq Weather
qq Traffic
qq Vehicle
qq Road
qq Driver

1. LIGHT: Almost 60% of all traffic deaths happen at night. Driving at night requires
the highest degree of alertness and defensive driving skills. Always make sure all
lights on your vehicle are cleaned and working properly and SLOW DOWN! When
blinded by bright lights it takes four to seven seconds for our eyes to readjust. That
means that, at 55 mph, we will travel between 360 and 560 feet blind!

If you meet an oncoming driver with bright lights, decrease your speed and look for
the white line or edge of the road on your right as a guide to keep you on the
roadway. If there is no one ahead of you, briefly turn your lights off then back on.

If the driver behind you has their bright lights on, slow down and let them pass. To
protect against daytime glare, bright sunlight and snow glare, invest in good sunglasses
that block the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Gray lenses are the most efficient. Also use the
vehicle’s sun visor, always remembering to keep the visor pointed away from you.

2. WEATHER: Adverse weather conditions such as rain, sleet, snow, ice and fog require
maximum defensive driving techniques and special attention to speed. In these
conditions, always use the low beam of your head lights.

Rain creates the very dangerous potential for hydroplaning, which develops from a
combination of factors such as water, oil slicks, speed, tire condition and road surface.
Hydroplaning occurs when tires are no longer touching the road and are actually
riding on a layer of water or oil and can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph.

Again, during wet conditions, SLOW DOWN. The Recovery Agent should constantly
remind himself that losing the right, or ability to operate a vehicle ENDS THAT
Recovery Agent’ CAREER.

3. TRAFFIC: Statistics and common sense clearly show that morning and rush hours
are the most congested times for traffic. In addition, lunch time and school zones
create heavy pedestrian traffic. Be especially alert during these hours and in these
locations.