DefensiveDriving.com's
Wheels in Motion Video Course Outline
Please click on a sub-section to expand its content
SECTION I
Course Introduction
- How the course works
- Benefits of the course
- Changing habits and reactions
The Traffic Safety Problem
- Economic, human and emotional costs of driving
- There are no "accidents" in driving
- Almost all crashes can be avoided
- Five leading causes of motor vehicle crashes
- Actual crash reenactment
Factors that Influence Driver Performance
- Attitudes, feelings and emotions
- Making good decisions before you drive
- Drowsy driving crash reenactments
- Understanding the driving task
- Making good decisions before you drive
- Ways to keep motions from taking over driving
- Physical conditions affect driving
(fatigue, stress, illness, alcohol, etc.)
SECTION 2
Traffic Laws and Procedures
- Merging is dangerous
- Changing lanes properly
- Crossing and entering traffic
- Right of way
- Dangers of passing
- Exiting safely
- Categories of traffic signs, signals highway markings
- Turns
- Stops
- Railroad crossing safety
- Evasive actions
- Pedestrians
- Intersections
- Occupant restraints
- Anatomical gifts
- Litter prevention
- Law enforcement and emergency vehicles
SECTION 3
Specific Skills for Driving Situations
- Driving in inclement weather
(includes tips from the American Automobile Association) - City, urban, rural and expressway environments
- Reduced visibility conditions - hills, fog, curves,
light conditions (darkness, glare, etc.) - Roadway conditions
- How well can you see and stop
Physical Forces that influence Driver Control
- Speed control
(acceleration, deceleration, etc.) - Traction
(friction, hydroplaning, stopping distances, centrifugal force, etc.) - Force of impact
(momentum, kinetic energy, inertia, etc.) - Natural laws that affect driving
Perceptual Skills Needed for Driving
- Visual interpretations/perceptions
(includes setting your mirrors) - How you drive depends on what you see
(road familiarity, distractions, tinted windows, etc.) - Mental and physical distractions
- Road course test demonstrating driver reactions
- Controlling a skid
(includes visual target driving demonstration) - Techniques for emergency lane changes, discussion and demonstration
- Judging speed and distance
- Paying attention to all senses while driving
- Backing up safely
SECTION 4
Defensive Driving Strategies
- Trip planning
- Evaluating the traffic environment
- Anticipating the actions of others
- Decision making
- Implementing necessary maneuvers
- Compensating for the mistakes of other drivers
- Avoiding common driving errors
- Interaction with other road users
(motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, pedestrians, etc.)
SECTION 5
Driving Emergencies
- Collision traps (front, rear, and sides)
- Off-road recovery, paths of least resistance
- Mechanical malfunctions
(tires, brakes, steering power, lights, etc.) - Actual driver questions with responses by Dr. William Van Tassel
- Being prepared for any emergency
Occupant Restraints and Protective Devices
- Legal aspects
- Vehicle control
- Crash protection
- Operational principles
(active and passive restraints) - Helmets and other protective equipment
SECTION 6
Alcohol and Traffic Safety
- Physiological effects
- Psychological effects
- Legal Aspects
- Synergistic effects
- Countermeasures
- Discussion with Dr. Maurice Dennis
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Watch samples from the Wheels in Motion Video.