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Defensive driving is driving to prevent accidents in spite of the incorrect
actions of others or adverse driving conditions, such as weather, traffic,
lighting, vehicle or road condition, or the driver's physical or mental state.
The defensive driver assumes that other drivers may make mistakes and is on
guard in the event an error is made.
Your safety program should include defensive driver training. Here are some
areas that should be addressed and tips to help your driver become a defensive
driver.
Management issues
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Do you periodically have a qualified person ride along with your drivers to
evaluate their defensive driving habits?
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Do your drivers understand how they should be driving to be defensive drivers?
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Does your company encourage defensive driving?
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Have your drivers been trained in regard to defensive driving?
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Are drivers aware of the concept of a preventable accident? A preventable
accident is one in which the driver failed to exercise every reasonable
precaution to prevent the accident. This is irrespective of the extent of
property damage or personal injury, to whom it occurred or the location of the
accident.
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Does your company have an accident review program for classifying preventable
and non-preventable accidents?
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Has your company defined a standard for judging safe driving performance for
its drivers?
Driver tips
To be a defensive driver, drivers should:
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Learn to recognize driving situations that can be hazardous.
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Assume other drivers will make errors.
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Adjust speed, position, direction and attention to be able to maneuver safely
if a hazard develops.
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Scan far enough ahead to be able to react safely to approaching situations.
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Scan frequently to the side and rear for passing or approaching vehicles.
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Scan thoroughly before changing speed or direction.
COPYRIGHT ©2005, ISO Services Properties, Inc.
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