Denison University

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Denison University

• Defensive Driving Program
• Presented by Denison University
• Campus Security and Safety Department

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Denison University Defensive driving Program
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Vehicle Safety at Denison

• Denison Universitys vehicle safety program is
  based on a loss prevention model, and as we make
  safety a top priority at Denison we find that
  accidents are preventable.

• The prevention of vehicle accidents not only
  reduces personal injury, property damage, and
  insurance costs but most importantly, furthers a
  safe educational environment.

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Defensive Driving

• Defensive driving is an art and skill that is
  developed over time. It requires a different
  mindset than is usually taught. A good rule to
  remember when you are driving
• Remember you are not only driving for yourself,
  but most generally the other driver as well.
• In todays world of cell phones, and advanced
  billboard signs, drivers are more easily
  distracted, and likely to miss a step and cause
  an accident.
• Remember accidents can be avoided, with the
  proper defensive driving technique.

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Goals and Assets

• practices, particularly when driving vehicles for
  the University, every student or employee who
  accepts the responsibility to operate a motor
  vehicle for Denison should consider safety as a
  fundamental part of his /her job.

• Our students and employees are our most important
  assets, and their safety is one of our greatest
  goals
• While it is the responsibility of all community
  members to participate in safety

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What is understood by the term University vehicle

• IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE TERM UNIVERSITY
  VEHICLE INCLUDES ALL VEHICLES USED BY THE
  UNIVERSITY WHETHER OWNED, RENTED OR LEASED BY
  DENISON UNIVERSITY.

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1.0 Compliance with traffic laws

• While engaged in business or college functions,
  all operators of University vehicles will comply
  with all traffic regulations, laws and ordinances
  at all times. This also applies to operators of
  other vehicles who are representing Denison
  University in an official capacity.

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2.0 Alcohol and Drugs
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• Denison University strictly forbids the use of
  alcohol and /or drugs by the driver or passengers
  of University vehicles, either while in
  possession of the vehicle or immediately prior to
  such possession. In 2000 alcohol related
  crashes killed almost 17,000 people. In 2002
  that number increased to almost 18,000.
• Did you know Ohio considers a driver impaired
  when their blood level is .08, this was lowered
  from .10 in 2003.

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The Effects of Alcohol

• Its a scientific fact that alcohol has an effect
  on a persons motor abilities, Medically
  classified as a depressant alcohol acts like an
  anesthetic on the central nervous system slowing
  activities of the brain and spinal cord. The
  drug causes a person to relax and produces a
  feeling of euphoria-that everything
  -is-pleasant- and -the- world -is- good feeling.
  This may not be bad in itself, but it can make
  dangerous situations seem less dangerous and make
  a driver feel more capable than he or she really
  is.
• Alcohol affects reaction time, and vision

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None for the Road is Best

• A clear mind, excellent reflexes and good vision
  are essential to being an alert, safe driver
  under the best circumstances-excellent physical,
  mental and emotional conditions-alcohol clouds
  the mind, delays reaction and blurs vision Any
  of these can result in a crash with grave
  consequences.
• The best advice is dont drink and drive.
  Despite how well they control their drinking, it
  is important for those people to realize they are
  likely to have had one drink too many even after
  just one drink.
• Information compliments of AAA

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• Visual Perception
• Safe driving relies on visual perception-the
  process of searching for and identifying danger
  in traffic.
• It also requires predicting what might occur,
  determining an appropriate course of action and
  executing the proper response.
• In some situations a driver must repeat this
  search/identify/predict/decide/execute process
  as many as 200 times per mile.

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Alcohol and Drugs distort

• Eye focus Alcohol and drugs relaxing affect
  results in less control over general body
  musculature including the delicate muscles that
  move the eye.
• Reduced control over light the ability to see
  clearly and comfortably, the proper amount of
  light must reach the retina. This process is
  controlled by the pupil. It usually takes about
  one second for the pupil to constrict in response
  to the glare of oncoming headlights After
  exposure it can take from 2-8 seconds for the
  pupil to enlarge again Alcohol/drugs slow this
  recovery process.

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• Alcohol and drugs will diminish visual acuity,
  studies in West Germany showed that after gradual
  alcohol intake, visual acuity at twilight is
  reduced by nearly 30 percent.
• Other areas affects of alcohol/drug usage are
  double vision, decreased ability to judge
  distance, reduced peripheral vision, ability to
  distinguish colors and reduced night vision.
• Remember GOOD VISION is essential to safe
  driving. Proper visual perception is a
  fundamental aspect of safe driving. Science and
  common sense dictate one obvious conclusion
  Drivers with alcohol/drug impaired vision are a
  traffic danger and are more likely to be involved
  in serious or fatal accidents.
• Information compliments of AAA.

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3.0 Use of Safety Belts

• In compliance with state law, all drivers are
  required to use safety belts while operating a
  motor vehicle for the University. Likewise, all
  passengers, regardless of placement in the
  vehicle, must also wear safety belts while the
  vehicle is in motion. It is the drivers
  responsibility to insure strict adherence to this
  regulation by both driver and passengers.
• Each year one out of every sixteen drivers are
  involved in a reported motor vehicle crash. In
  1999 alone there were over 41,000 motor vehicle
  crash related deaths and 3.2 million injuries.

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• Even though safety belts supplemented by air bags
  provide the best available protection during
  automobile crashes the American driver has only
  achieved moderate safety belt use. Only 68 of
  American drivers use their seat belts.
• Why we need crash protection In a 35 mph crash
  a vehicle crushes as it slows down. Within
  one-tenth of a second, about two feet -the
  vehicle comes to a stop
• But unrestrained occupants keep moving forward
  until they slam against the vehicles interior.
  This sudden stop concentrates the impacts force,
  causing serious injury or death.
• Restrained occupants are more likely to escape
  harm, by spreading the force of impact and
  gradually stopping the body, safety belts
  effectively reduce the severity of injuries

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• Consider these facts Using lap/shoulder belts
  reduces injuries by nearly 50.
• Almost 50 fewer fatalities are associated with
  automatic belt equipped vehicles than
  non-automatic belt equipped vehicles.
• Use of lap/shoulder belts in vehicles with air
  bags, reduces injuries by nearly 60.
• Additional reasons to wear your seat belts
• Better vehicle control
• Less fatigue
• Belts keep you in the vehicle
• Belts prevent you and passengers from hitting
  the interior of the vehicle.
• Information courtesy of AAA

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4.0 Authorized use of University Vehicles

• 1) Only qualified and approved students and
  employees are authorized to drive University
  vehicles.
• 2) To qualify as an approved driver, one must
• A Possess a valid drivers license
• B Have no more than two (2) minor moving traffic
  violations within a thirty-six (36) month period.
• C Complete a University approved driving
  program.
• What if you get a traffic violations
• If you have been convicted of a major violation,
  IE., driving under the influence of alcohol or
  drugs, reckless operation, hit/skip, driving
  under suspension, fleeing from a Police officer,
  or acquire more than two (2) minor moving
  violations in a

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• Thirty six (36) month period, you are not
  insurable to drive for the University. Likewise,
  if you are convicted of a major violation after
  becoming an approved driver, you must notify the
  University of such conviction, at which time you
  will be barred from driving for the University in
  the future. Your defensive driving card will be
  pulled, and you will be required to take the
  defensive driving course over again. A thirty
  day waiting period may be imposed for first time
  drivers losing their driving privileges. A
  second violation may result in your permanently
  losing your driving privileges.
• 5.0 Authorized Passengers
• Only those individuals affiliated with the
  University, I.e. employees, students, or
  University invited guests, are to be transported
  in University vehicles. Personal use is strictly
  prohibited. It is the drivers responsibility to
  enforce this policy.

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6.0 Accidents involving University Vehicles

• If you are involved in an accident, the first
  order of safety is to attend to the injured
  passengers. Secondly, each drivers packet
  contains information on accident reporting, as
  well as an insurance card bearing the name of the
  Universitys insurance broker. No driver should
  operate a motor vehicle for the University unless
  they have the accident reporting kit and
  insurance card.
• Denison University policy dictates that any
  accident involving University vehicles,
  regardless of severity, location or fault, should
  be reported immediately to the local law
  enforcement authority and Denisons Chief of
  Security and Safety or Director of Auxiliary and
  Risk management Services, Or any available
  Security Officer.

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7.0 Denison University Defensive Driving Program

• Any Student or employee planning to drive
  University vehicles must first successfully
  complete the University sponsored defensive
  driving program.
• Nearly all vehicular crashes are preventable.
  Defensive driving is driving to prevent
  collisions from occurring in spite of the actions
  of others or the presence of adverse driving
  conditions.

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Mastering the basics

• In keeping with the goal of prevention, the
  following is a three fold approach to avoiding
  collisions
• 1) Recognize a hazard. Scan the road ahead,
  behind and around your vehicle. Be alert of all
  driving conditions as they may change.
• 2) Understand the action to be taken. If a
  collision seems likely, anticipate what will
  happen and decide how to avoid or lessen the
  crash.
• 3) Act correctly in time. Keep reaction time
  fast, act quickly to save lives with proper
  driving techniques.

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Passing

• Passing properly.
• Pass traffic traveling the same direction only
  when the left side of the road is clearly visible
  and is free of oncoming traffic.
• You can pass traffic traveling the same
  direction on the right side when a vehicle is
  making a left turn and when there are clearly
  marked lanes on the right side of the vehicle.
  Do not pass on the right if you must go off the
  pavement or on the shoulder.

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Passing continued

• Do not pass left of center
• When the view is obstructed by a bridge, viaduct
  or tunnel.
• When approaching the crest of a hill or on a
  curve where the view is obstructed.
• When approaching within 100 feet of an
  intersection.
• When approaching within 100 feet of a railroad
  grade crossing.
• Where signs or a solid white or yellow line
  indicate No Passing.

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Vehicle Control

• Discussion of car control basics

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Vehicle Control

• The main objective of those involved in the
  education of our drivers surely must be highway
  safety. No doubt, much time is expended
  discussing the very real dangers of excessive
  speed and the misuse of alcohol. This section we
  will be addressing highway safety from the
  standpoint of Vehicle Control.

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Seating position

• Drivers need to have good seating position to be
  better prepared to handle any sudden changes
  while driving.
• Knees and arms slightly bent, with the right foot
  able to extend under the brake pedal.
• Hands should be able to grasp the top of the
  steering wheel without straightening the arms or
  lifting the shoulders from the seat.
• Hands positioned on the steering wheel at 9
  oclock and 3 oclock or 10 oclock and 2 oclock.

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Use of Controls

• Steering wheel, accelerator pedal, and brake
  pedal, must all be used in a smooth, easy
  manner.
• We must use the controls in a way that eliminates
  or reduces all unnecessary forces into the tires
  and suspension.

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Seat Belts

• In addition to their obvious occupant protection
  capabilities, a properly designed and worn seat
  belt system could aid control in an emergency
  situation.

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Managing Visibility, Time and Space

• 1) Visibility Rule
• 2) Distance Rule

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• Defensive driving requires that you manage
  visibility, time and space while driving in
  traffic. This can help reduce the risk of
  collision Drivers must constantly process
  information to make accurate decisions, they do
  this by
• Searching the roadway and off-road areas 20 to 30
  seconds ahead for information that can help plan
  a path of travel.
• Identifying objects or conditions 12-15 seconds
  ahead that could interfere with the path of
  travel.
• Predicting actions or changes in conditions on or
  near the roadway that could increase the risk
  level
• Deciding at least 4 to 5 seconds ahead what
  actions to take to control or reduce risk.
• Executing decisions-steering around the pothole,
  for example

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Use of Vision

• The eyes are our early warning system.
• The correct use of ones eyesight will greatly
  reduce the likelihood of being involved in an
  accident.
• Many drivers tend to concentrate their vision on
  the area directly in front of their vehicle.
• It is important to focus ones vision far down
  the road, relying on peripheral vision to supply
  information about the areas closer to the car.

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Driver Visibility

• What do we mean about driver visibility, and what
  is the rule to follow.
• When you obtain a vehicle, it is your
  responsibility to make sure all equipment is
  working on the vehicle. You must during
  inclement weather, clean off the windshield and
  windows.
• Adjust your mirrors, when you first get in the
  vehicle.
• When we speak of visibility we not only want you
  to be able to see everything around you. We also
  want the other driver to see you.

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Visibility Contd

• Here are examples on how to insure your
  visibility
• 1) Always clean off windows.
• 2) During winter always warm the vehicle, before
  starting out.
• Remember you need adequate visual lead time to
  choose a safe path of travel and you need enough
  time to make speed or position adjustments well
  in advance of possible problems. This lead time
  allows you to identify alternate paths if an
  emergency develops

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Visibility Continued

• Drivers must learn to look at least 20-30 seconds
  ahead at highway speeds of 50-65 mph. The 20-30
  second visual lead time translates into one-third
  to one-half mile. At city speeds of 30 mph, this
  would equal one and a half to two city blocks.
• You can establish a 20-30 second visual lead time
  by checking a fixed point and counting 1,001thru
  1,030 before you pass the fixed point.

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Visibility continued

• Always adjust mirrors, so that you can see
  completely around your vehicle.
• While driving a university vehicle, always travel
  with the headlights on.
• When you want to pass the vehicle in front of
  you, there are two things you must do first.
• 1) Indicate your desire to pass, by turn signal
  and sounding your horn.
• 2) Use your turn signals, and flash your lights
  if at night.

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Visibility Contd

• Always let the driver in front of you, know what
  you are doing. This protects them as well as
  you.
• INFORMATION FROM AAA

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Distance Rule

• 4-6 second rule for following distance
• In all driving situations, the best way to avoid
  potential dangers is to position your vehicle
  where you have the best chance of seeing and
  being seen. Since the greatest risk of collision
  is in front of you, use the 4-6 second rule for
  establishing a safe distance

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The 4-6 second rule.

• A 4-6 second following distance is intended to
  provide time to steer and is acceptable in heavy
  traffic. This following distance provides time
  to brake to a stop only if you are monitoring the
  actions of the four or five vehicles ahead in
  your path of travel. Maintaining a safe
  following distance between your vehicle and
  vehicles ahead allows
• You to see potential dangers ahead of the vehicle
  youre following.
• Vehicles ahead to see you in their mirrors.

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4-6 Second rule

• In normal traffic under good weather conditions,
  a following distance of 2-3 seconds is somewhat
  safe Traveling at 30 mph you cover 44 feet per
  second or about five car lengths in 2 seconds.
  Denison however encourages the 4-6 second
  following distance rule.
• This 4-6 second following distance allows you to
  see around the car ahead and plan a maneuver to
  avoid potential danger

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How to measure this distance

• Choose a fixed object, road sign, mailbox,
  pavement marking
• Start to count as the vehicle ahead passed the
  fixed object, road sign, mailbox or pavement
  marking.
• You should be able to count 1001...1002...1003...1
  004 before you pass the object the vehicle ahead
  of you just passed.

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• This will not only give you additional stopping
  distance, but will allow you to view what is
  going on ahead of you, and allowing you to take
  proper safety action.
• Remember these factors affect the time and
  distance it takes you to stop.
• Adverse weather conditions
• Increased speeds, such as freeway driving.

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Alternate paths of Travel

• When driving you should identify an immediate
  path of travel. This is where you want your
  vehicle to be four to six seconds from now, based
  on existing road and traffic conditions.
• At highway speeds greater than 50 mph, you will
  need at least four to six seconds to stop the
  vehicle to avoid something in your path of
  travel. You also need to identify an alternate
  path of travel-an escape route in case of
  emergencies.

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Positioning

• Defensive driving requires careful positioning of
  your vehicle in relation to front, rear and
  lateral -or side- traffic. This efficient
  management of visibility, time and space means
  selecting
• Speeds to position your vehicle between clusters
  of vehicles to your front and rear.
• A lane position within groups of traffic to
  allow the greatest room to maneuver. This is
  lateral positioning.
• Speed and lane position that provides the
  greatest visibility and allows you to see and
  others to see you.
• HAVING ADEQUATE TIME AND SPACE TO MANEUVER WILL
  INCREASE THE NMBER OF OPTIONS OPEN TO YOU.

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Separating Dangers

• When you are faced with several dangers at the
  same time, its necessary to simplify some
  situations by separating the dangers. In these
  situations, the drivers task is to avoid having
  to cope with too many dangers at once.
• For example while driving on a narrow two-lane
  road, you might identify a pedestrian walking on
  the side of the road and a truck approaching in
  the oncoming lane. By adjusting your speed, you
  can avoid meeting the oncoming truck and passing
  the pedestrian at the same time.
• You have simplified the situation by separating
  one danger from another.
• Position your vehicle so that you have the
  greatest space possible between you and any
  potential danger.

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Compromise Caution

• At times, separating dangers in not easy. For
  example when adjusting to a sudden slowdown
  ahead, you also need to allow space to your sides
  and rear. In this situation, you may have
  several different factors influencing you at
  once. Reducing the risk associated with each
  danger is called compromising.
• Although we expect other drivers to behave in an
  appropriate manner, we cannot depend on them
  always to drive as expected. Thats why its
  essential to practice visibility, time and space
  management
• Thanks to AAA for information on Defensive Driving

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Freeway Driving Skills

• Freeways are among the nations safest roads.
  Their special design separates traffic,
  eliminates intersections and prohibits
  pedestrians and slower vehicles. These factors
  make freeway driving relatively collision-free.
  Even though statistics show fewer crashes occur
  on modern freeways, the collisions that do occur
  are more severe due to higher speeds and
  increased traffic volume. Freeway driving
  requires drivers to make complex but quick
  decisions at critical moments, and special
  driving techniques are needed.

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Entering A Freeway

• When entering a freeway make sure you choose an
  entrance ramp. Look for signs directing you to
  the freeway. The entrance ramp leads into an
  acceleration lane. This is an extra lane next to
  the through lanes that permits you to reach
  freeway speeds before joining traffic.
• Merging with through traffic
• The two most frequent merging mistakes are
  slowing or stopping suddenly and merging at
  speeds to slow for freeway traffic. For a smooth
  transition into through lanes, follow the
  following steps

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• As you approach the entrance ramp, check freeway
  traffic with quick glances in your rearview
  mirror and over your shoulder.
• At the top of the ramp, look for an appropriate
  gap in the through lane. Selecting a gap as you
  enter the ramp provides ample opportunity to time
  your arrival on the freeway. Adjust speed and
  merge into the gap at freeway speeds.
• Check traffic in all directions and lanes. The
  vehicles ahead may slow or stop unexpectedly
  allow extra space between your car and the
  vehicle ahead Vehicles in other lanes may move
  suddenly into the merge lane watch traffic
  carefully for unexpected lane changes.

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• To alert other drivers of your intended move,
  signal in advance of your lane change and
  continue to signal until you have entered the
  through lane.
• Steer gradually into the through lane. Avoid
  sudden or unexpected moves that could startle
  drivers near you.
• Small adjustments in speed may be necessary while
  merging in order to blend smoothly with other
  traffic.
• Exiting the Freeway
• Plan your route for smooth exits
• Since Freeway exits usually are some distance
  apart, planning ahead is important. Traffic
  moves quickly on the freeway make sure you have
  enough time to navigate to the exit lane well
  ahead of your intended exit.

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• Negotiating the exit
• Follow these steps to avoid traffic congestion at
  an exit
• Watch for signs designating the exit
  deceleration lane for your desired exit
• Enter the lane next to the exit deceleration lane
  a mile or more before your intended exit.
• Signal and enter the exit lane well in advance to
  avoid sudden, last-second movements.
• If you miss your exit, go to the next exit.
  Backing up on a freeway is extremely dangerous
  and greatly increases the risk of a rear-end
  collision.

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Responsibilities as a University vehicle driver

• As the driver of a University Van, Rental vehicle
  or golf cart., you are ultimately responsible not
  only for the vehicle but also your passengers.
• As a driver it is your responsibility to
• 1) Obey all posted legal speed limits.
• 2) Check your vehicle for any problems,
  mechanical or equipment. Report these problems
  to your immediate supervisor.

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Driver responsibilities Contd.

• Always park the vehicle yourself, never let
  another person park the vehicle you have been
  entrusted with. Take the time to park it. You
  are ultimately responsible for any damage that
  occurs to the van while signed out to you. Never
  allow someone to park the van for you.
• Distractions The drivers attention should
  always be on the safe operation of the vehicle.
  Distractions such as eating or drinking should be
  refrained from while the vehicle is in motion.
  Smoking is prohibited.
• 5)Know where the safety equipment is located on
  the Van, and how to use it.

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Driver Responsibility Contd

• 6) Always make sure that you and your passengers
  are wearing your seat belts. This is your 1
  line of defense against serious injury, in the
  event you are involved in an auto accident.
• Luggage
• All Luggage and equipment shall be stored in a
  secure fashion such that it does not hinder the
  safe operation of the vehicle or endanger the
  safety or the passengers.

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Unruly Passengers

• Unruly passengers should be reported to the Dean
  of Student Life upon completion of the trip.
• Reflectors
• If the vehicle becomes disabled, triangular
  reflectors which are located in the vehicle
  should be placed to the rear of the disabled
  vehicle. (You will find a card in the van
  packet, instructing you on how to set up and
  place the triangle).

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The Distracted Driver

• Many more things can distract you as you drive, a
  driver is not paying full attention to driving if
  he or she is
• Trying to perform other tasks, like reading a
  map.
• Using a cellular phone or other electronic device
• Interacting with passengers
• Other Drivers
• A safe driver is ready for other drivers who
• stop suddenly
• turn at the last moment
• drift or swerve
• pull out in front of you
• disregard traffic rules, signs or signals
• drivers must also be aware of pedestrians and
  bicyclists

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Road Hazards

• These may include, but are not limited to the
  following
• Work zones
• Changing weather or traffic conditions
• animals
• parked or broken-down vehicles.

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Winter Driving Techniques

• Winter driving can present troublesome challenges
  for even the most diligent drivers. Snow and ice
  make driving more difficult and sometimes even
  dangerous.
• When driving in the snow, do everything slowly
  and gently. Even if you maintain control of your
  car, not everyone else will.

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Starting

• To get started you must first clear a path in
  front of the wheels for several feet. This can
  be accomplished by driving forward and backward
  in the parking space, or if the snow is too deep,
  some additional shoveling may be required..
• With front wheels pointed straight to minimize
  rolling resistance, shift to drive and with
  gentle pressure of the accelerator, try to ease
  out of the parking space without spinning the
  wheels. If you let the wheels spin, you will
  only dig deeper.
• If the wheels spin creating a rut, stop and let
  the tires cool If nothing works, you might try
  rocking the vehicle out of the rut.

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Tracking and Following

• When driving on slippery surfaces, remember
  traction is greatest just before the wheels spin
  Gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when
  starting is the best method for retaining
  traction and avoiding skids. If your wheels
  begin to spin, let up on the accelerator until
  traction returns. Once underway, keep going.
  When approaching a hill, observe how other
  vehicles are reacting and keep far enough behind
  the vehicle immediately ahead so that you will
  not have to slow down or stop. This will allow
  you to maneuver around any stuck vehicles and to
  increase your speed (within reason) at or near
  the bottom of the hill to give you the extra
  momentum to carry you over the top. As you reach
  the top, reduce your speed and proceed down the
  hill as slowly as possible. Minimize brake use
  on very slippery, icy hills.

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• If further speed reduction is needed, gentle slow
  brake application (squeezing the brake) is
  recommended to avoid locking the wheels and
  skidding.
• Normal dry pavement following distance (4-6
  seconds) should be increased to 8-10 seconds when
  driving on icy, slippery surfaces This increased
  margin of safety in front will provide the longer
  distance needed if you have to stop.

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Steering

• Snowy or icy surfaces make steering difficult and
  require smooth, careful, precise movements of the
  steering wheel. Skidding in which the front,
  rear or all four wheels move laterally is caused
  by hard acceleration or braking, speed to fast
  for conditions, and quick jerky movements of the
  steering wheel. Skids can best be avoided by
  anticipating lane changes, turns and curves
  slowing down in advance and by making smooth,
  precise movements of the steering wheel.
• If a skid should develop due to deteriorating
  road conditions or high speed, DONT PANIC.
  Dont brake, dont jerk the steering wheel. In
  all skids, disconnect the driving force on the
  drive wheels. To do this shift into neutral

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• Next to maintain or regain directional control
  look and steer where you want to go by making
  smooth, precise steering movements.

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Skids

• A skid occurs when you apply the brakes so hard
  that one or more wheels lock, or if you press
  hard on the accelerator and spin the drive
  wheels. Skids also occur when you are traveling
  too fast on a curve and encounter a slippery
  surface. Skids fall into three groups
  Regardless of the type of skid you encounter, to
  regain control of your vehicle, DO NOT PANIC!
• Rear wheel skids
• Front-wheel skids
• and Four wheel skids

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Rear-Wheel Skids

• The most effective way to get your vehicle back
  under control during a skid is as follows
• Take your foot off the brake if the rear wheels
  skid due to hard or panic braking. Ease off the
  accelerator if the rear wheels lose traction due
  to hard acceleration
• Shift into neutral
• Look and steer in the direction you want the
  front of the vehicle to go.
• Just before the rear wheels stop skidding to the
  right or left, counter-steer until you are going
  in the desired direction.
• In a rear-wheel drive vehicle if you over-correct
  the first skid, be prepared for a rear-wheel skid
  in the opposite direction. Practice and the use
  of timely, gentle movement of the steering wheel
  are necessary to avoid this type of skid.
• Once the vehicle is straight, shift to drive
  apply gentle accelerator pressure so that the
  engine speed matches the road speed and
  accelerate.

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Front-Wheel Skids

• Front-wheel skids are caused by hard braking or
  acceleration if your vehicle has front-wheel
  drive. When the front wheels lose traction, you
  will not be able to steer the vehicle.
  Regardless of whether the vehicle has front,
  rear, or four wheel drive the best way to regain
  control if the front wheels skid is
• Take your foot off the brake if the rear wheels
  skid due to hard or panic braking. Ease off the
  accelerator if the rear wheels lose traction due
  to hard acceleration
• Shift into neutral
• If front wheels have been turned prior to loss of
  traction, dont move the steering wheel. Since
  the wheels are skidding sideways, a certain
  amount of braking force will be exerted.

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• Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again,
  as soon as traction returns, the vehicle will
  start to steer again.
• When the front wheels have regained their grip,
  steer the wheels gently in the desired direct of
  travel.
• Shift to drive and apply gentle accelerator
  pressure so that the engine speed matches the
  road speed, and accelerate smoothly to a safe
  speed.

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Four-Wheel Skids

• Sometimes all four wheels lose traction. This
  generally occurs when the vehicle is driven at a
  speed too fast for conditions. Here are three
  situations that often result in four-wheel skids
• 1) you enter a curve that is wet or covered with
  ice, snow, sand, gravel or wet leaves
• 2) You are driving down the road and cross a
  bridge covered with invisible ice, commonly
  referred to as black ice.
• 3) You are driving on a slippery straight road
  and apply the brakes too hard locking the rear
  wheels, before the front wheels lock.

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Handling the four-wheel vehicle skid

• Take your foot off the brake if the rear wheels
  skid due to hard or panic braking. Ease off the
  accelerator if the rear wheels lose traction due
  to hard acceleration
• Shift into neutral
• Look and steer in the direction you want the
  front of the vehicle to go.
• Wait for the wheels to grip the road again. As
  soon as the wheels regain traction, the vehicle
  will travel in the desired direction.
• Shift to drive and apply gentle accelerator
  pressure so that the engine speed matches the
  road speed, and accelerate smoothly to a safe
  speed.

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Stopping

• Stopping on Slippery surfaces requires longer
  seeing, following and stopping distances.
  Drivers proficient at driving and braking on
  slippery roadways have acquired these techniques
  by practice in secluded areas beforehand. These
  drivers are also knowledgeable of the additional
  dangers associated with and created by
  temperature changes at 32 degrees. Stopping
  distances are twice as great as at 0 degrees.
• To compensate for longer stopping distance focus
  your attention as far ahead as possible at least
  20-30 seconds ahead. And allow for the greatest
  margin of safety to the front.

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Braking on Ice and Snow

• When road conditions change so do the braking
  requirements. The most efficient technique for
  braking under these conditions is to use
  threshold or squeeze braking together with
  shifting to neutral. If you dont have anti lock
  brakes the best way to threshold or squeeze
  brake, is the heel toe method, Keep the heel of
  your foot on the floor and use your toes to apply
  firm steady pressure on the brake pedal just
  short of lockup, the point at which the wheels
  stop turning But remember you must keep your
  heel on the floor.

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• Braking with Anti-Lock Brakes
• If you have an antilock brake system (ABS), use
  the heel and toe method, but do not remove your
  foot from the brake When you put on the brakes
  hard enough to make the wheels lock momentarily,
  you will typically feel the brake pedal pulse
  back against your foot.
• DO NOT PUMP THE PEDAL OR REMOVE YOUR FOOT FROM
  THE BRAKE. The system is working as it was
  designed to work.

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Some Additional Hints

• 1. Avoid driving while fatigued
• 2. Use your seat belt every time you get in the
  vehicle
• 3. Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area,
  such as a garage.
• 4. Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• 5. Never mix radial tires with other tire types
• 6. Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid
  gas line freeze up.
• 7. If possible, avoid using your parking brake in
  cold, rainy, and snowy weather.

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Tips and Facts Go right rules.

• Traffic in both directions must pull to the right
  and stop, when you do there is room for the
  emergency vehicles to pass safely.
• If in heavy traffic, you must pull as close to
  the curb as possible. If you are in the left
  hand lane, you must pull as close to the right
  lane traffic as possible.
• Left turns must always be halted if an emergency
  vehicle is approaching from behind. Usually, you
  should proceed straight through the intersection,
  then pull to the right and stop, being sure not
  to block the intersection.
• Always be sure to see that all emergency vehicles
  have passed through the intersection before
  proceeding.
• You should pull right and yield to emergency
  vehicles even before they get on the road. Be
  alert, when you see a fire engine or ambulance
  coming out of its station, go right and stop.

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Construction Zone Safety

• To prevent more of these crashes, you can be
  cautious of
• In recent years there have been thousands of
  crashes in construction zones, causing death and
  injuries. More crashes occurred in urban
  areas-most on city streets.
• Work crews, law enforcement personnel on duty and
  other pedestrians surrounding construction sites.
• Heavy equipment where visibility may be blocked
  and the operator may not see or hear your vehicle
  when maneuvering the machinery.
• Rough pavement, potholes, building materials,
  barriers, etc, that could cause a collision if in
  the path of your car.
• Speed limits in construction zones are 10MPH
  slower, than the posted speed.
• A new law doubles the fines for speeding.

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What is driver fatigue

• Its when a person behind the wheel is to worn
  out or drowsy to drive safely. Its the cause of
  many crashes, injuries and death.
• All it takes is one exhausted driver to put
  people and property at serious risk.
• Poor Judgement Fatigued drivers are more likely
  to make poor decisions--for example, speeding up
  when slowing down would be safer
• Slowed reaction time Fatigue reduces response
  time and the ability to react.
• Decreased awareness This results from
  fatigued-related problems such as, tunnel vision,
  wandering thoughts, shortened attention span.

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Causes of Driver fatigue

• Long distance driving The longer you go without
  resting, the greater the chance that you will
  become tired.
• Time of Day Most dangerous time of driving is
  between 2AM and 6AM.
• Tough Road conditions Snow, Ice, rain, fog can
  wear a driver down.
• Poor Sleep Habits People who have trouble
  sleeping, can have increased fatigue.
• Alcohol and other drugs Combined with driving,
  alcohol and certain other drugs are deadly. They
  can increase exhaustion.
• Driving Experience In general a person with
  less driving experience in long distance driving
  will tire easily.
• Age To the surprise of many, younger drivers
  tire more easily than older drivers.
• Long Work hours Dont drive after several hours
  of work.

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You can fight fatigue

• The following strategies can help, especially on
  long drives.
• Get enough Sleep Avoid staying up late the night
  before, get plenty of sleep.
• Take Regular Breaks Stop every couple of hours
  to relax, stretch and drink liquids.
• Avoid Junk food Stick to a healthy diet.
• Tune to Talk shows The discussion helps you
  mentally sharp.
• Share the driving Switch drivers every two
  hours, if your traveling with a companion.
• Set realistic travel goals Dont plan to cover
  two days of travel in one day.
• Turn down the heater Cooler temperatures in
  your car or truck will help keep you refreshed.
• Most importantly getting a good nights sleep
  before a long drive can save your life.

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What you should know

• The only way to really prevent drowsy driving or
  fatigue is to get enough sleep/rest on a regular
  basis.
• Most sleepiness-related crashes occur between
  200 am and 600 am, during normal sleep periods.
• There is only one sure way to wake yourself up
  when youre sleepy take a 15-20 minute nap
  before driving.
• Watch for Danger Signals

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Driving in Rural Ohio

• Ohio has several thousand miles of rural
  highways, and most people know when they are on a
  rural highway, but do not adapt their driving
  behavior. They believe they are still on the
  super highway, on the fast lane. A very basic
  key to safe driving on Ohios rural roadways, is
  to not exceed the posted speed limit. On the
  average around 145,000 motor vehicle crashes
  occur each year in Ohio.

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• Tips to driving on rural Roads.
• Rural roads are usually more narrow, than city
  streets. Drivers should take extra caution on
  rural roads where there are sharp turns, dips,
  and blind corners shaded by woods or fields.
• Learn to share the road with slow moving vehicles
  like farm equipment.
• Only pass when it is legal.
• Dont think a vehicles slower speed gives you a
  license to pass.
• Always allow enough stopping distance.
• Remember that gravel roads have less traction,
  and there could be snow on rural roads in the
  winter.

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Deer Crossing

• There are thousands of motor vehicle-deer
  collisions reported state wide every year.
  Safety advocates are urging motorist to drive
  with extra caution.
• According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Fall
  and winter are the peak seasons for deer related
  crashes. More drivers are in crashes involving
  deer during this time of year than at any other
  time.
• Steps motorist can take to minimize their risk
• Drive with extreme caution in areas with
  deer-crossing signs.
• Highest-risk periods are from sunset to midnight,
  followed by the hours shortly before and after
  sunrise.
• After dark use high beams when there is no
  traffic.

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Aggressive Driving

• What is aggressive driving? Its driving
  behavior that is frightening or rude to other
  drivers--and very unsafe. Aggressive driving
  Is dangerous yet it can commonly lead to road
  rage.
• Aggressive Drivers Who are they
• Heres what we know so far
• 1. These high risk drivers climb into the
  anonymity of an automobile and take out their
  frustrations on anybody at any time.
• 2. For them, frustration levels are high, and
  level of concern for fellow motorists is low
• 3) They run stop signs, and red lights, speed,
  tailgate, weave in and out of traffic, pass on
  the right, make improper and unsafe lane changes,
  make hand and facial gestures, scream, honk and
  flash their lights.
• 4) They drive at speeds far in excess of the norm
  which causes them to follow too closely, change
  lanes frequently and abruptly without notice
  (signals), pass on the shoulder of unpaved
  portions of the roadway, and leer at and/or
  threaten-verbally or throw gestures at motorists
  who are thoughtless enough to be in front of
  them.

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Aggressive driving affects everyone.

• Even drivers who are usually calm can get angry
  or frustrated and act out their feelings in
  dangerous ways. Anyone can be affected by
  another drivers aggression.
• Aggressive driving can be prevented Theres a
  lot you can do to keep tempers from rising while
  on the road. Stay safer around an aggressive
  driver.
• Causes of aggressive driving
• Often the cause is a combination of
• crowded roads
• road work
• stress from other areas of life.
• Dangerous driving attitudes
• Exploding over trivial things

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How to avoid aggressive driving

• Learn to manage stress better.
• Dont drive when you are angry.
• Take on a positive attitude toward driving.
• Reduce the stress of driving.
• Give other drivers a break.
• The golden rule of the road Treat others as you
  would like to be treated.

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When Confronted by Aggressive driving

• First and foremost make every attempt to get out
  of their way.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Put your pride in the backseat, do not challenge
  them by speeding up or attempting to hold your
  own in your travel lane.
• Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
• Wear your seatbelt. It will hold you in your
  seat if you need to make an abrupt driving
  maneuver and it will protect you in a crash.

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When Confronted continued

• Always report aggressive drivers to the
  appropriate authorities. Providing license
  numbers, location and if possible direction of
  travel.
• If you have a cell phone, and can safely do so.
  Call the police.
• If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash
  farther down the road, stop at a safe distance
  wait for the police and report the driving
  behavior that you witnessed.

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Auto Accidents

• In the event that you are involved in an auto
  accident, no matter how small it seems to you,
  always file an accident report with the law
  enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the
  area where the accident has occurred.

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Auto Accident Contd

• There are three things you must do in the event
  that you have an accident, while operating a
  University owned or leased vehicle.
• 1) Attend to the injured passengers first.
• 2) File an accident report with the local law
  enforcement in the area.
• 3) Always report the accident to Auxiliary
  Enterprises, or security immediately upon
  returning to campus.

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• As previously stated, if you are involved in an
  accident the first order of safety is to attend
  to the injured passengers.
• Secondly, each drivers packet contains
  information on accident reporting, as well as an
  insurance card bearing the name of the
  Universitys insurance broker.
• Denison University policy dictates that any
  accident involving University vehicles,
  regardless of severity, location or fault, should
  be reported immediately to the local law
  enforcement authority and Denisons Chief of
  Security and Safety or the Director of Auxiliary
  and Risk Management Services, or any available
  Security Officer.

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Additional Points of Consideration during an
accident

• A- Make no statement to anyone, except police and
  University Management.
• B- Make no statement about payment of damage.
• C- Admit no liability.
• D- Do not move vehicle unless instructed by
  police, as it may help explain the accident.

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Driver responsibility

• E- Protect the vehicle against further damage.
• Student or employee drivers of University
  vehicles are responsible for all citations
  received as a result of an automobile accident
  and/or excessive speed.
• As this section points out, the driver of a
  Denison Vehicle has multiple responsibilities.
  Please be aware of these and be prepared to
  fulfill them each time you get behind the wheel.

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Recognize a water hazard Hydroplaning

• Your vehicles grip on the road depends on a
  small area of contact where the tires meet the
  road surface, called the tires foot print. The
  amount of water on the road your speed and the
  condition of your tires affect footprint
  traction. With only one-twelfth of an inch of
  water between your tires and the road, each of
  your tires has to displace one gallon of water
  per second Good tread allows water to escape
  from under the tires. Proper inflation also
  increases traction. Low tire pressure allows the
  tread to squeeze together reducing the tires
  ability to wipe or channel away water. Tires
  specifically designed for wet weather traction
  allow more water to escape keeping the footprint
  in contact with the road surface.

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Look and listen for signs of hydroplaning

• Standing water, raindrops bubbling on the road
  or a sloshing sound from your tires
• Choose a speed consistent with the amount of
  water on the road. At 30 mph or less properly
  inflated tires with good tread will maintain
  contact. Even a brand-new tire will lose some
  footprint contact at speeds as low as 35 mph At
  60 mph water may separate the tire from the road
  and cause hydroplaning.
• To reduce chances of hydroplaning slow down,
  avoid hard braking or turning sharply, drive in
  the tracks of vehicle ahead of you and increase
  your following distance.

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Vehicle Brake Failure

• In the event that you experience brake failure,
  pump the brake pedal quickly two or three times.
  If you do not get any response from the brakes,
  begin to apply your emergency brake while you
  downshift the transmission.
• Tire Blows/Goes flat
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, keeping
  the vehicle in a straight path.
• Apply slow steady pressure to the brakes, until
  you have slowed enough to pull the vehicle onto
  the roadway shoulder.
• If you have a tire that blows out, while
  traveling on the highway, the vehicle will have a
  tendency to pull to the side, which has the blown
  tire.

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Van Packet Information

• If you are scheduled to drive a University van,
  you may pick up the van packet from the Campus
  Security dispatcher, located in Level P1 of the
  parking garage. To pick up a van you must show
  your drivers license to the dispatcher.
• On the outside of the van packet, will be
  instructions on what to do in the event of
  breakdown, and what size parking garages to use.

The van packets contain the following items 1)
Insurance card 2) Credit cards 3) Accident
reporting kit 4) Vehicle Registration 5)
Instructions on how to use the emergency triangle.
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What happens when you are charged with a
misdemeanor violation or at fault accident or
cited for a major infraction

• First Offense lose driving privileges for 30
  days.
• Second Offense lose driving privileges for 60
  days, mandatory repeat of defensive driving
  course.
• Third Offense Loss of driving privileges for
  remainder of stay at Denison.
• Misdemeanor offenses will include, any traffic
  violation that you are cited for.
• Any minor accident that you are at fault for.
• Loss of driving privileges shall be instantaneous
  if you are cited for Driving Under the influence,
  Driving under suspension, Driving under the
  influence of drugs and any major accidents
  involving injury and major property damage, that
  you are cited for.

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Now that you have completed this power point
program on Defensive Driving, you are ready to
take the defensive driving written test.To take
the test you will have to go to
http//www.denison.edu/sec-safe/ddc/test1.html.Wh
en you have taken the test, and you have received
your results (you must pass the test with a
minimum of 82). You will be notified by
e-mail, of the date and time of the next
scheduled road test.Remember you must pass both
portions of the course in order to drive a
University vehicle.
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• Thanks to AAA Traffic Safety Department for much
  of the information presented in this program.
• Also Thanks to NHTSA and the Federal Highway
  Safety board for information
• End Program