Driver Safety

Course overview:  The amount of caution you exercise while driving combined with your vehicle’s condition determines your safety on the road. Proper vehicle maintenance is a frequently overlooked safety precaution. Worn tires, tires with low pressure, wiper blades, and dirty lights, will interfere with your visibility and the vehicle’s maneuverability. It is recommended that you replace your tires if the tread depth is less that 3/32nd of an inch. You can determine this by inserting a penny upside down into your tire tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace your tires. Worn, cracked, or loose hoses and belts can disable your vehicle and leave you stranded. Loose items on the dashboard are very dangerous. During an accident, these objects become missiles.

Learning Objectives

• Identify examples of poor driving behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and driving tired (fatigued); how to avoid poor behaviors while driving; and the safety benefits of wearing seat belts and following company policies and procedures.
• Recognize how proper vehicle maintenance can prevent driving accidents and the benefits of keeping emergency preparation items in the car trunk.
• Identify safe driving practices in adverse weather conditions, at night, and how to stay safe on the roadway when presented with an emergency situation.
• Recognize defensive driving practices, how to respond to distracted drivers, and how to respond appropriately to others using the roadway.