Learning Through Defensive Driving TrainingA defensive driving training requires a driver to use safe driving strategies that will help him recognize and respond to road hazards. This practice includes more than just knowing basic traffic laws or procedures. The ultimate purpose of defensive driving is the reduction of the risk of road accidents. Moreover, many government agencies and organizations have acknowledged the great role that defensive driving training play in making all roads safer. Most defensive driving training courses cover the following basic sections: traffic crashes, psychological and human factors that affect driving, dynamics of a collision, safety equipment in vehicles, crash prevention techniques and state traffic laws.
The effects of traffic crashes, its emotional impact to drivers and to society, and the financial cost of an accident wreck are discussed to students taking these training courses. This is done to give the students a clearer picture of what they can avoid by practicing good judgment when using motor vehicles. Psychological and human factors that affect the way a person drives are also discussed. Negative psychological factors like stress, fatigue, distress and anger create distractions while driving. Awareness of these factors will help students overcome them. Human factors that affect driving include using drug or alcohol when driving. Being under the influence of these substances will seriously impair good judgment while driving. Another topic that is discussed in a defensive driving training course is the dynamics of a crash. The speed of a vehicle, place of impact, and size of the object where the force of the impact will be focused on will affect the severity of the initial collision. Moreover, a second collision also occurs and this happens when a driver and other passengers collide with the interior parts of a vehicle. By being aware of these elements, the drivers will be taught how to avoid or limit the impact. Defensive driving training also includes a discussion of the safety equipment available in a vehicle. These safety features include safety belts, air bags, child safety seats and head rests. Proper use of these devices will also be discussed. Moreover, a discussion about crash prevention techniques will also be integrated into a defensive driving training. Important accident prevention techniques include the following: 1. Scanning the road for signs of hazard 2. Using the 2-second rule for following distances 3. Being conscious of the stopping distance of a vehicle 4. Being aware of reaction distance 5. Environmental factors that may make driving difficult 6. Vehicle emergencies 7. Sharing the road 8. Passing and essential clear distance 9. Right of way 10. Adjustments of speed and crossings in railroads Lastly, state traffic laws are incorporated in defensive driving training to provide more awareness to students about what driving practices are allowed and not allowed in a particular state. Specific driving techniques are also practiced through defensive driving. These techniques include choosing a good vehicle, checking car windows and car lights before starting to drive, seeing and being seen while on the road, assuming the worst in other drivers, maintaining an exit route and anticipating danger while driving. |