DEFENSIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES (D.D.T)

Presenter:GARBA ISAH K/MAZUGAL

TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTNATIONAL ORTHOPEADIC HOSPITAL, DALA-KANO

January 6, 2016

OUTLINE:

• Introduction• Major causes of RTA• 4 defensive driving techniques• Physical condition that affects driving

ability• Common driving errors• Conclusion

INTRODUCTION:

• Defensive driving technique is a driving to save lives, time and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.

• Defensive driving technique it shows you ways to drive safely and responsibly, ways that will become habit as you put them into practice.

• This habit can make the difference between life and death, health and injury.

MAJOR CAUSES OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT:

There are 2 major factors that causes road traffic accident;

• 1. Human factor,• 2. Mechanical & Environmental factor• Human factor• you may drive for sixty (60) years without

accident but the skills will test your driving ability, some of these human factors include:

• Over Speeding (excessive speeding): • Keeping within recommended speed limit

help the driver to be in control of the vehicle. On the highway do not exceed 100km/h and within the cities, drive at a reasonable speed and within specifications for particular areas;

• Driver’s over confidence:• Stay calm and confident behind the steering

wheel, but do not be complacent[self satisfied] and over confident. Remain alert at all times when you are behind the wheel, stay in control of the vehicle or the vehicle will drive you away.

• Use of cell phones and other distractions while driving:

• Driving is a serious business. It must not be combined with any other. Holding animated discussions with friends and passengers in the vehicle and taking calls on the cell phone are major distractions. One split second of lack of concentration is all that it takes for an accident to happen. Habitual smoking and chewing sugarcane while driving contribute to distraction of attention.

• Tiredness (fatigue):• Festive periods are full of engagements and

family activities, when you are tired please stay off the steering and let others drive. Fatigue reduces concentration and ability to react quickly. Sleeping is the best form of rest.

• Unsafe acts:• (Failure to obey traffic control devices and

laws).• There are traffic lights and traffic control

officers at specific places. Please look out for these and obey them. When traffic control devices are ignored, you endanger both your life and those of other road users.

• Adverse behaviour:• Driver behaviour and attitude has been

identified as a major factor in motor vehicle accidents.

• Tail getting: (following another vehicle at an improper distance)

• It is dangerous to follow another vehicle too closely. When you follow too closely and the vehicle ahead of you makes a sudden stop, you are trapped, and may either hit the rear of the vehicle or swerve suddenly probably onto on coming vehicles or others passing you.

• It is recommended that you leave enough space between you and the vehicle ahead of you to accommodate another medium size car. At least 10 meters or you apply 5 second rule . When you are able to see the rear tyres of the vehicle ahead of you, then you know you are following at a safe distance.

• Unsafe Condition• Mechanical and Environmental factor:• Poor condition of vehicle and roads:• Before you climb behind the wheel make it

a habit to check the state of your car see that the tires have enough tread and are at correct inflations.

• Check the engine oil and the brake fluid as well as water in the radiator. Before you drive off, adjust the mirrors and driver’s seat to ensure maximum comfort. Drive with caution knowing that most of our roads are marked by potholes.

HERE ARE SOME DEFENSIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES:

• 1. Far and short sightedness: This simply means looking and seeing as far ahead as possible. Aiming high enables you to size up the traffic and other road situations ahead.

• It is good for a defensive driver to always know the type of vehicle that follows him at the back and the range in between, in case of sudden stop, so that he maintains space to maneuver.

• Drivers that aim high will be surprised by pedestrians, suddenly dashing across the road, vehicles appearing at intersections from nowhere, diversion signs on the road, break down vehicles, etc.

• 2. Kinesthetic sense: This means knowing at all times what is happening on all six sides of vehicle, front, left, right, rear, top and bottom. Getting the big picture also helps the driver to avoid distractions. Driving is a full time job and it deserves maximum concentration.

• 3. Focus: The eyes are very critical to driving defensively because they enable us to focus on all the many activities going around us as we drive,

• But this is only true if the eyes are open and moving, seeing all that is taking place around us as we drive along. If the eyes are not moving it becomes improperly focused and we get into a blank stare or may even become drowsy.

• To keep the eyes moving make a habit of scanning from side to side every two seconds as you drive, also scan the mirrors and the gauges every five to eight seconds.

• 4. Communication: Usually there are several users on the road at any given time other vehicles, pedestrians, bicycles. motorcyclists, even animals.

• It is the action or inaction of one of these road users that results in a crash.

• Defensive driving recognizes the presence of other road users and the hazards posed by some of them.

• So, we must learn to establish communication with the just a flash, not full beam of the headlights, turn signals and hand signals.

• Establishing eye contact with pedestrians trying to cross the road may also prevent collision. If you have any doubt slowdown and stop.

• Note:• Ensure you get a feedback or response, it is

only then that the communication is complete.

SOME PHYSICAL CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT DRIVING ABILITY:

• 1. Age: • 2. Mobility:• 3. Hearing:

• 4. Vision:• 5. Illness or use of medication:• 6. Fatigue:

COMMON DRIVING ERRORS:

• Speeding: the only place speeding will get you faster, but is trouble,

• Right of way violation: using the right of way the wrong way can kill you.

• Driving left to centre• Passing or overtaking improperly• Following too closely.

CONCLUSION:• While driving long distances, pulling up

occasionally at a safe side of the road and taking a 15 minutes nap may be all you need. In addition to the factors earlier stated above, these could also contribute to quick distraction of attention;1. Complacency2. Drunkenness (alcoholism and drug addiction)3. Lack of courtesy4. obsolete driving skills

5. Pedestrians suddenly dashing across the road6. Vehicles appearing at intersections from nowhere7. Diversion signs on the roads8. Break down vehicles, etc.

• The old maxim, (formula) if you drink, do not drive, if you drive do not drink remains free of all alcoholic drinks. Festive periods are party periods, friends at parties should designate one person as the driver for the day and as such person should stay off all alcoholic drinks throughout the party.

• Like alcohol, certain drugs that make people drowsy, should therefore not be taken before driving.

• Above all, use your seat-belt always,• STAY ALIVE, DRIVE DEFENSIVELY

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING

Next week (January 13th, 2016):

PINK TEAMFortnight (January 20th, 2016):

MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICES DEPT…Have a Nice Day, once again Happy New Year,

in Arrears