Two Systems Of Defensive Driving Are

Two Systems of Defensive Driving: A Comprehensive Guide to Safer Driving

Defensive driving isn't just about following traffic laws; it's a proactive approach to driving that anticipates potential hazards and minimizes risk. It's about being a safer driver, not just for yourself, but for everyone else on the road. While there isn't a universally recognized, rigidly defined "two systems" framework, we can effectively categorize defensive driving strategies into two primary approaches: the Smith System and what we'll call the Predictive System. These aren't mutually exclusive; in fact, they complement each other for maximum safety.

The Smith System: A Five-Step Approach to Defensive Driving

The Smith System, developed by the late Colonel Richard Smith, emphasizes a proactive, five-step approach to driving. It's a widely recognized and highly effective method for improving driving skills and minimizing accidents. Let's break down each element:

1. Aim High in Your Steering: Looking Ahead, Not Just at the Car in Front

This crucial step involves looking far ahead, scanning the road well beyond the vehicle immediately in front of you. Instead of focusing solely on the car directly ahead, anticipate potential hazards by scanning the entire road ahead. Consider the following:

• Expanding your visual field: Look at least 12-15 seconds ahead. This allows ample time to react to changing conditions.
• Scanning for potential problems: Look for stopped vehicles, pedestrians, animals, road debris, and other potential hazards.
• Considering the bigger picture: Don't just look at the road directly in front of you. Observe the entire traffic flow, including merging lanes, intersections, and side streets.
• Anticipating potential issues: Think ahead about what might happen. Are there potential conflicts? Can you see any potential problems developing?

Aiming high doesn't just mean looking far ahead; it also involves consistently checking your mirrors and blind spots to maintain situational awareness.

2. Keep Your Eyes Moving: Constant Scanning for Hazards

While aiming high provides a broad overview, keeping your eyes moving ensures you constantly scan for potential hazards. Don't fixate on a single point; your eyes should be continuously moving, checking mirrors, scanning the sides of the road, and observing the surrounding environment.

• Regular mirror checks: Make frequent checks of your rearview and side mirrors to monitor the traffic behind and alongside you.
• Blind spot checks: Before changing lanes, always check your blind spots using quick glances over your shoulder.
• Peripheral vision utilization: Become aware of what's happening around you without consciously looking at it directly. Your peripheral vision is surprisingly effective.
• Awareness of surroundings: Don't just focus on the vehicles directly around you; pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.

Consistent scanning keeps you informed about the dynamic situation surrounding your vehicle.

3. Get the Big Picture: Understanding the Whole Traffic Scene

This involves understanding the overall traffic situation. This is more than just observing individual vehicles; it means interpreting the flow of traffic and anticipating the actions of other drivers.

• Traffic flow analysis: Observe the speed and behavior of other vehicles, and anticipate potential lane changes or slowdowns.
• Predicting driver behavior: Try to understand what other drivers are likely to do. Are they distracted? Are they impatient?
• Understanding traffic signals and signs: Pay close attention to traffic signals, signs, and markings, and anticipate potential delays or changes in traffic flow.
• Situational awareness: Develop a mental picture of the overall traffic environment and identify potential conflicts or hazards.

Understanding the big picture allows you to react more effectively to changing conditions.

4. Make Sure They See You: Improving Visibility and Communication

This step emphasizes making your presence known to other drivers and pedestrians. This can involve using your signals correctly, maintaining proper lane positioning, and using your horn when necessary.

• Signal your intentions clearly: Use your turn signals well in advance of making a lane change or turn.
• Maintain a safe following distance: Avoid tailgating, which can reduce your reaction time and visibility.
• Use your headlights appropriately: Use your headlights even during the day to increase your visibility to other drivers.
• Horn usage: Use your horn sparingly, but don't hesitate to use it if necessary to warn other drivers of your presence.

Making sure they see you significantly reduces the chances of an accident.

5. Leave Yourself an Out: Maintaining a Safe Following Distance and Escape Route

This final step is about maintaining a safe following distance and ensuring you always have an escape route. This requires consistent situational awareness and the ability to quickly react to unexpected events.

• Safe following distance: Maintain a safe following distance, allowing ample time to stop safely. The three-second rule is a good guideline.
• Escape routes: Always be aware of potential escape routes, such as an adjacent lane or the shoulder of the road.
• Defensive positioning: Position your vehicle in a way that maximizes your visibility and provides more escape options.
• Avoid risky situations: If possible, avoid situations that might put you in danger, such as driving in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.

Leaving yourself an out is crucial for avoiding accidents. It’s about preparedness and having a plan B.

The Predictive System: Anticipating and Preventing Hazards

The Predictive System focuses on anticipating potential hazards before they arise. It emphasizes proactive driving habits that minimize the likelihood of accidents. This complements the Smith System, moving beyond reacting to situations to actively preventing them.

1. Hazard Perception: Identifying Potential Dangers

This involves continuously scanning the environment for potential hazards, even before they become immediate threats. This requires developing a keen sense of anticipation and awareness.

• Road conditions: Pay close attention to road surface conditions (e.g., wet, icy, or uneven).
• Weather conditions: Be prepared for changes in weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog.
• Other road users: Anticipate the actions of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Environmental factors: Consider the effects of things like construction zones, animals, and limited visibility.

Hazard perception is a crucial component of proactive driving.

2. Risk Assessment: Evaluating the Severity of Potential Hazards

Once potential hazards have been identified, the next step involves assessing their severity. This involves understanding the potential consequences of various situations.

• Severity of potential impact: Estimate the potential damage or injury that could result from a collision.
• Probability of an incident: Assess the likelihood that a particular hazard will lead to an accident.
• Reaction time assessment: Evaluate the time available to react to a developing hazard.
• Mitigation strategies: Develop plans to mitigate or avoid potential hazards.

Risk assessment allows drivers to prioritize hazards and react accordingly.

3. Decision-Making: Choosing the Safest Course of Action

This stage involves choosing the safest course of action based on the hazard perception and risk assessment. This might involve slowing down, changing lanes, or stopping altogether.

• Selecting the best option: Choose the safest course of action based on the specific circumstances.
• Executing the plan: Execute your chosen plan smoothly and safely.
• Monitoring the situation: Continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments as necessary.
• Flexibility: Be ready to adapt your plan if the situation changes.

Effective decision-making is essential for avoiding accidents.

4. Execution: Implementing the Chosen Action Safely

This involves carrying out your chosen course of action smoothly and safely. This requires good vehicle control and driving skills.

• Smooth control inputs: Avoid abrupt braking, steering, or acceleration.
• Safe lane changes: Execute lane changes smoothly and safely.
• Accurate signaling: Use your signals clearly and consistently to indicate your intentions.
• Maintaining control: Maintain control of your vehicle at all times.

Safe execution ensures that your chosen course of action is carried out effectively.

5. Post-Action Review: Learning From Experiences

After each driving experience, reflect on your performance and identify areas for improvement. This might include identifying situations where you could have reacted more effectively, or areas where your driving skills could be enhanced.

• Identifying weaknesses: Identify areas where you could have improved your driving.
• Learning from mistakes: Learn from any mistakes you made and strive to avoid repeating them.
• Continuous improvement: Strive to continuously improve your driving skills and decision-making abilities.
• Seeking feedback: Consider seeking feedback from experienced drivers or driving instructors.

Continuous learning is key to becoming a safer and more skilled driver.

Integrating the Smith and Predictive Systems

While presented separately, the Smith and Predictive systems are not mutually exclusive. They work best when integrated, creating a comprehensive approach to defensive driving. The Smith System provides a structured framework for immediate hazard recognition and response, while the Predictive System focuses on anticipating and preventing hazards before they become immediate threats. By combining both, drivers achieve a higher level of safety and situational awareness.

Think of it this way: The Smith System is your reaction plan; the Predictive System is your prevention plan. The best drivers use both proactively.

This comprehensive approach, combining the proactive nature of the Predictive System with the structured steps of the Smith System, empowers drivers to navigate complex road conditions safely and effectively. This is ultimately about becoming a safer driver, contributing to safer roads for everyone. The goal is not just to avoid accidents, but to cultivate a driving mindset that prioritizes safety and responsibility above all else.