Defensive Driving
Road hazards, poor weather, vehicle collisions and crime are the worst possible conditions a driver can
face. However, you’ll have better control of your vehicle and the situation when you anticipate and
prepare for these conditions before they occur.
This handout defines the various conditions that create hazardous driving situations. It also contains
precautionary measures and preventive maintenance steps that will help you be prepared for the worst.
Fog
Dangers
 Reduced visibility
 Wet and slippery road conditions
Precautionary Measures
 Gradually decrease speed.
 Use only low-beam headlights.
 Signal for turns well in advance.
 Brake early to warn other drivers.
 Never try to pass another vehicle.
 Move to the right lane and slow down in order to allow other drivers to pass.
Snow and Ice
Dangers
 Difficulty when braking.
 Increased chance of skidding.
 Increased glare.
Precautionary Measures
 Drive slowly.
 Allow for extra time and space to stop safely.
 Brake safely by applying the SQUEEZE TECHNIQUE:
-Press brake pedal until you feel the brakes are about to lock
-Let up and then press the pedal again
-Do not apply this technique if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes.
Instead, keep your foot on the pedal.
Preparation and Preventive Maintenance
Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle containing:
 First-aid supplies
 Blankets
 Jumper cables
 Flashlight and flares
 Shovel
 Bag of salt, sand or kitty litter to lay on the snow for better traction
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Set of properly-fitted snow chains.
If you have a front-wheel drive vehicle, make sure the snow tires are on the front axle - the driving axlefor better traction.
One of the hazards of driving on snow- and ice-covered roads is skidding. In the event of a skid, you
should know how to react quickly and effectively.
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Turn the wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
Grip the steering wheel firmly.
Avoid making sharp turns.
Do not accelerate or brake before you regain control of the vehicle -braking or accelerating could
fishtail your vehicle in the opposite direction.
Keep your foot off the accelerator and off the brake.
You could also get stuck in the snow. If this happens, do not spin your wheels. You’ll just dig the wheels
in deeper. Instead, try the following:
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Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push the snow out of the way.
Lightly touch the accelerator and ease forward.
Rock the vehicle by shifting gears from forward to reverse and back again. Each time you’re in gear,
give a light touch to the accelerator until the vehicle gets going again. But check your owner’s manual
before doing this because rocking can damage the transmission on some vehicles.
Rain
Dangers
 Slick road surfaces
 Flooding
 Visibility may be reduced.
Precautionary Measures
 Slow down immediately.
 Avoid sudden turns.
 Increase following distance.
 Pull over to the side or exit the highway during downpours.
 Leave your vehicle if it stalls in flood conditions.
Hydroplaning can occur on wet roads when tires lose contact with the road and ride on a sheet of water.
To regain road contact, take your foot off the accelerator. As your vehicle slows down, the tires will
deflect the water and allow better traction.
To lower the risk of your vehicle hydroplaning, be sure you:
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Check tire pressure and treads regularly.
Replace worn or balding tires.
Inflate tires to recommended pressure.
Rotate tires.
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Steer around puddles.
Avoid roads prone to flooding.
Drive slowly.
Night Driving
Deaths from vehicle collisions occur three times more often in the evening, so pay special attention while
driving in the late afternoon, early evening and early morning hours.
Dangers
 Visibility may be reduced.
 Peripheral vision is not as sharp.
 Darkness impairs your ability to judge distances, movements and colors.
 Early morning and late afternoon are prime times for drowsiness.
Precautionary Measures
 Use the visors in your vehicle and wear sunglasses to combat glare at dawn and in the late afternoon.
 Turn headlights on at twilight.
 Before starting to drive at night, give your eyes and extra five minutes to adjust to the dark.
 Slow down and leave at least 300ft between you an and the vehicle ahead of you.
 Don’t look directly at the high beams of an approaching vehicle; look forward and slightly to the
right.
 Flip your rearview mirror to the NIGHT position in order to reduce glare.
Breakdown Basics
As a defensive driver, you should always anticipate and be prepared for vehicle breakdowns. If a
breakdown occurs, remember to:
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Pull to the side of the road and onto the shoulder.
Turn on your hazard-warning lights and interior lights.
Store road flares or reflective triangles in your vehicle.
Stay in your vehicle and wait for a police officer or tow-truck.
Consider keeping a phone in your vehicle for emergency use.
Personal Security
Street-smart defensive drivers are less likely to become a moving target for carjackings, robberies or
drive-by shootings.
Precautionary Measures
 Plan your route and revise it if it goes through high-crime areas.
 Make it a habit to lock your doors and keep your windows rolled up while driving.
 Be alert and pay attention to your surroundings. When traveling alone, never stop your vehicle or
leave it in locations where loiterers or individuals could threaten your safety.
 Trust your instincts. If a suspicious-looking person approaches your vehicle, honk the horn to attract
the attention of others.
 Park your vehicle in a well-lit area.
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Consider using a car alarm or a steering-wheel locking device such as a club to secure your vehicle
against theft.
Quiz
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1. True
False
Road hazards, poor weather, vehicle collisions and crime
are some of the worst possible conditions a driver can face
2. True
False
Fog, snow and rain can reduce visibility and increase the
risk of accidents and breakdowns.
3. True
False
One of the dangers of driving in snow and ice is a decreased
chance of skidding.
4. True
False
In fog, you should use only high-beam headlights.
5. True
False
When driving in snow and ice, do not apply the squeeze
technique if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes.
6. True
False
If your vehicle skids, keep your foot off the accelerator but
step on the brake.
7. True
False
Keep an emergency kit in the trunk of your vehicle
containing items such as a bag of salt, sand or kitty litter.
8. True
False
When your vehicle hydroplanes, the tires deflect water and
allow better traction with the road.
9. True
False
One of the dangers of night driving is that darkness impairs
your ability to judge distances, movements and colors.
10. True
False
When driving at night, compensate for your reduced vision
by slowing down and leaving at least 30ft between you and
the vehicle ahead.
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