Defensive Driving
The Collision Prevention Formula
Help avoid collisions through proper vehicle maintenance. From clean windows to properly-adjusted
mirrors to regular engine servicing and much more, you can be held responsible for the little and
big defects in your car.
Know, Show, Slow, Go
 | | Know the rules for intersections and know which way you plan on going before you
arrive at the intersection. |
| | Show your intentions with signals and proper lane positioning before entering it. |
| | Slow down as you approach the intersection, and place your foot over the brake. |
| | Proceed through the intersection after you're sure the coast is clear. Don't assume
other drivers know what to do at the intersection or that they will follow the rules. |
Stopping
The weight of your car is the major determining factor in how long it takes you to stop it. The
heavier the car, the longer it takes to stop.
On average, at 65 mph it will take the length of a football field to completely stop your car.
Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) only help prevent stopping in a swerving skid. ABS do not guarantee
shorter stopping distances.
The Two Second Rule
Watch the vehicle ahead of you pass a fixed object or point, like a pole or mile marker. Begin
counting: "One thousand and one, one thousand and two." If your car reaches that marker before you
finish counting, you're following too closely. Ease up, and check again.
The Two Second Plus Rule
In adverse conditions, use The Two Second Plus Rule. Add one second of following distance for each
adverse condition. Adverse conditions include:
| | Driving at night, in fog, rain or snow. |
| | Driving behind a truck or vehicle making it difficult for you to see ahead. If you
can't see a truck driver in the truck's side mirror, then that driver can't see you
or your car. You're in the vehicle's blind spot and should pull out of it as soon as
it is possible and safe. |
| | Driving behind a motorcycle. |
| | Driving through an intersection. |
Practice the 4 Rs
Head-on collisions are the most violent type of auto accident. Practice the 4 Rs:
| | Read the road ahead. |
| | Reduce your speed. |
| | Drive to the Right. |
| | Ride off the road if necessary. |
A driver who's coming head-on toward you in your lane may suddenly wake-up and realize they've crossed
into your lane and then correct their error by heading to your left, or back into their proper lane.
So, drive to the right and off the road if necessary. Don't
swerve left.
This information highlights examples of safety precautions you can consider to protect yourself, your
family, and your property. This list is not meant to be all-encompassing. Moreover, a particular
precaution may not be effective or appropriate in all circumstances. We encourage you to use your own
good judgement about what's appropriate.
