Welcome to this month's Safety Training Series!

Let's get "back to basics" this quarter and finish up with the Smith System methods for defensive driving. Even though these are probably firmly planted in your driving DNA by now, a little refresher is always a good investment of time and energy.   

Please watch the videos below (about 35 minutes of viewing), check out the supporting materials and then certify that you've completed the module at the bottom of the page. 

Thanks and stay safe out there!

 

Whether you've been driving for 5 months or 5 years or more, the key tenets of the "Smith System" of defensive driving will help you avoid crashes and other incidents (like hard brakes, etc.)!  

When used correctly, the Smith System can reduce preventable accidents by 60 percent!! By employing these tips, you can help drive safer every day.

 

THE 5 KEYS TO SMITH SYSTEM DRIVING

Using the mnemonic “All good kids like milk” is a good way to remember the “A,” “G,” “K,” “L” and “M” of Smith’s 5 Keys:

Aim High in Steering

Get the Big Picture

Keep Your Eyes Moving

Leave Yourself an Out

Make Sure They See You

 

This quarter, we're just going to focus on the last 3 "keys". 

The third principal of the Smith System is to "Keep Your Eyes Moving".

 

Keep Your Eyes Moving every two seconds.

Observe things in quick glances.

This technique maximizes your central and peripheral vision. It keeps your early warning system continuously engaged and your mind alert. It assures your avoidance of a fixed or blank stare.

 

Here are some tips:

Avoid focusing on any one object for more than 2 seconds: Can’t remember the last exit—or the last few miles, for that matter? You’ve been on autopilot!

Distracted driving — daydreaming or thinking about things other than the job at hand — can be a recipe for disaster. Keep your eyes moving!

Consistent eye movement prevents your body from entering a trance state and allows you to remain alert by stimulating brain activity.

When you stare at any object for too long, you reduce your peripheral vision and increase your chances of missing something on the road.

Before entering an intersection, look left, right, and then left again. Look left twice because, normally, the first vehicle that could hit you would come from the left.

Do not yield to distractions inside your vehicle or your own mind and steer clear of others who do.

The 4th "Key" to the Smith System is to "Leave Yourself an Out". 

 

A defensive driver always has an “out” so that they are able to react to changing conditions around them and have a safe option to take to avoid a collision.

You do not want other drivers to box you in because it reduces the chance of being able to avoid a hazard.

Situations such as a car in front of you braking unexpectedly or a driver swerving into your lane are unsafe acts that can put you at risk for serious injury if you are not prepared to react.

Always strive for a Space Cushion!

 

Here are some tips: 

You need space to the front, to the rear and on both sides of your vehicle

You open up space for an out when you choose the proper lane, leave space ahead, and to one or both sides

Do not follow other vehicles too closely and do your best to leave at least the front and one side open.

Plan for space, be ready for the unexpected

Allow for extra following distance when crowded by a tailgater

Pass only when there is space, visibility and distance to do so safely

Quickly re-establish space around the vehicle when space diminishes

Anticipate potential hazards and be sure to set yourself up with a way out.

Don’t wait until the last minute to try to maneuver into a better position, or you may get stuck in a bad spot.

You should maintain a following distance of four seconds

When stopped, leave one car-length of space between the vehicle in front of you

Upon starting up from a stop behind another vehicle, count "1-2-3-4"

The 5th "Key" to the Smith System is to "Make Sure They See You"

 

Make Sure You Are Seen. This rule prevents accidents by removing assumptions made behind the wheel.

Direct eye contact with other drivers, using your headlights or flashers, and of course a short blast of your city or air horn will help you communicate with other traffic and make sure they see you!

You should never assume another driver can see you or that they are concerned with driving safely.

By getting eye contact from those who are seemingly unaware, you can avoid potential accidents.

The worst thing that you can do is assume. Assume other drivers can see them, assume other drivers are not dangerous, or even assume that they will just get to their destination safely.

 

Here are some tips: 

Use your turn signals as early as practical for turns and lane changes and check to see that other drivers are heeding your signals

Communicate with the drivers behind you (use hand signals, turn signals, tap of the horn or soft brake applications)

Get eye contact, when appropriate

Turns your lights on when visibility is low in order to be seen

Don't ride in the blind spot of drivers on the left or right 

If you feel you are coming into another driver’s blind spot, use the horn to get their attention

Use your horn, lights and signals to establish eye contact with vehicles and pedestrians

Use the "SMOG" Method when changing lanes or merging:

SMOG - When pulling away from a curb or shoulder or changing lanes:

The sequence of actions taken should be:

Activate the left signal.

Look at the right mirror for hazards

Look at the other (left) mirror for hazards.

Turn your head and glance over your left shoulder to clear the left side of the vehicle.

Here are some totally optional, but really great additional resources:

 

Smith System 5 Keys Presentation