Chapter 8 - DEFENSIVE DRIVING STRATEGIES -

TRIP PLANNING

The following planning tips can be used as a starting place to help you stay safer on the road:

Plan your trip out in advance.
Have your vehicle checked out by a qualified mechanic before you leave.
Wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the most significant safety device ever invented.
Avoid rush hour traffic if at all possible. This includes traveling during peak hours over major holidays.
Time your driving for daylight hours only. Poor visibility and fatigue can play a major factor in accidents during the night and twilight hours.
Alter your travel plans during bad weather or when you experience any adverse driving conditions.
Choose routes that are well-marked and well-lighted. Make a note of landmarks and exits that can help you navigate.
Turn on your headlights and buckle up your seat belt every time you drive your car. Using your headlights in the daytime helps other drivers see you.
Adjust your seat and mirrors for the best visibility.
Drive at the posted speed limit, unless weather, traffic, or other adverse driving conditions indicate otherwise. If you must drive more slowly, then stay in the right lane.
Practice good defensive driving techniques and yield the right-of-way. Never insist on the right-of-way, even if you are correct.
Stay in the appropriate lane. Do not weave back and forth between lanes, straddle two lanes, or change lanes near intersections.
When coming to an unexpected slow down or stoppage of traffic, especially on highways, turn your flashers on to get the attention of the person behind you.
Plan on taking a break after driving every 90 minutes. Get out of your vehicle and stretch or take a walk. You can plan driving breaks around meal times as well.

EVALUATING the TRAFFIC ENVIRONMENT

Keep your concentration focused on the driving task and use your rearview mirrors to stay aware of all situations around you.
Scan ahead and anticipate potential hazards. People exiting their parked vehicles, intersections where left turns are made without yielding, right turns on red in front of you, children running out from between parked cars are just a few examples of what can cause you to slow down, stop, or alter your path dramatically.
Obey all traffic signals and signs.
Be prepared to anticipate the unexpected actions of other drivers.
Keep your distance. On a dry road and in good weather conditions leave at least a two second gap (the two second rule) between your vehicle and the one in front.
On wet, slippery roads or in poor visibility leave at least a four second gap (the four second rule).
Use your signals to communicate your actions to others.
Take particular care when approaching construction sites. Reduce your speed and obey warning signs.

ANTICIPATING the ACTIONS of OTHERS

Stay alert and anticipate the other driver to do the unexpected and know how to safely react to each move.

Keep a cushion of space around your vehicle. Have a plan of action and the space around you to allow yourself to make a maneuver to avoid a crash.
Have a plan of action. For example, if a driver turns his/her head, expect them to turn. Be prepared to slow down.
To anticipate whether or not a vehicle is about to move, watch the front wheels, they will be the first to move, sometimes before the driver has even decided they are going to accelerate.

Be alert to drivers with out-of-state plates or rental cars, as well as drivers who have a map out or their interior lights on. These drivers may not be familiar with the area, and thus may be confused or distracted.

Rental trucks like U-Haul are rented by people who don’t have a truck but need to move items. Anticipate these people to make maneuvers more like a car and not a huge, long truck.

Keep a safe distance, whenever possible, behind trucks with cargo that could easily spill onto the road. These vehicles could send debris flying into your line of travel, or into the path of those around you.

Look out for drivers backing up into the road from a driveway or parking lot, as these drivers may have a limited field of vision.

DECISION MAKING

Every time we get behind the wheel of our vehicles we are bombarded with decisions to make, both consciously and unconsciously. We make an array of decisions before we even start the engine; seat position, adjusting the mirrors, fastening the seat belts and making sure everyone has got their seat belts fastened is just the beginning.

Once we get on the road the decisions we make happen faster and more frequently. Although a lot of these decisions are reflex, different situations can present themselves requiring you to make decisions that are not part of your regular routine. When these happen, remember you have options you may not have considered.

Depending on the situation, you may have the option to:

Change lanes
Speed up
Slow down
Stop altogether
Yield
Steer around an obstacle in your path

IMPLEMENTING NECESSARY MANEUVERS

Even with our best efforts, sometimes driving situations require us to make quick maneuvers to avoid a crash. Once a situation has been identified, you must decide what driver action you will implement (accelerate, steer, decelerate, or any combination of these vehicle control maneuvers) to avoid a crash with a real (or potential) hazard. This will require good judgment, time and space to implement the “decided upon” control maneuver. Be certain that your chosen escape path is still available and access space is available. If you have to implement a “less desirable” emergency avoidance maneuver, leaving the roadway may be an option.

Carry out your decided-upon action. This process might range from gently moving toward the left portion of your lane when approaching a vehicle parked on the side of the roadway for repairs (a driver changing a flat tire) to implementing an emergency avoidance maneuver. Generally, your skill in implementing avoidance maneuvers will increase with driving experience.

COMPENSATING for the MISTAKES of OTHER DRIVERS

Expect the other driver to do the unexpected and be prepared for it.

Scan the road ahead
Use extra caution during inclement weather.
Maintain a safe following distance. One of the biggest causes of accidents is following too close. Use the two second rule.
Yield the right-of-way.
Use caution when turning and changing lanes. Signal your intentions early, and use your mirrors to monitor traffic around you.
Keep a cushion of space around your vehicle. Have a plan of action and the space around you to allow yourself to make a maneuver to avoid a crash.

If the driver behind you is tailgating you, they are limiting your safety cushion. You cannot quickly slow down or stop effectively with them on your rear bumper. Do not panic when you have someone tailgating you, stay calm and try the following:

Safely change lanes.
Slow down and let them around you.
Tap your brakes lightly to let them know they are too close.
Speed up.

AVOIDING COMMON DRIVING ERRORS

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING

Aggressive driving is a factor in about 56 percent of fatal crashes, says the latest study on driving habits from the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership. Though subject to debate, the study has classified aggressive driving as “speeding, tailgating, failing to yield, weaving in and out of traffic, making improper and unsafe lane changes and running stop signs and red lights.” The group says that most drivers admit to making the same mistakes they hate to see other drivers commit.

MOBILE DEVICES

People who send text messages while driving are 23 times more likely to be in a crash (or what they call a near-crash event) than non-distracted drivers.

The National Safety Council estimates about 28 percent of crashes, or 1.6 million a year, result at least in part from drivers talking or texting on cell phones.

In crashes or near-crashes, texting took a driver’s focus away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds–enough time, the report point out, to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.

As a group, teenagers are more likely than most to take their eyes off the road to concentrate on mobile devices, including cell phones, iPods and instant messaging gadgets. They are also the age group most likely to impress their friends both with the latest in gadgetry and by taking risks behind the wheel. The National Safety Council points out that traffic crashes are the leading cause of fatalities in teens, accounting for 44 percent of deaths.

Texas becomes one of the last states to adopt a ban on texting and driving. A number of Texas cities have adopted their own texting and driving laws but this State law would pre-empt any city laws already in place regulating mobile devices and driving. The state law will cover only texting and will prohibit a driver from using hand held devices to “read, write or send electronic messages.” The law makes texting while driving within the state punishable by a fine of $25-$99 for 1^st offenders and $100-$200 for repeat offenders. It does not address “hands-free” issues that are outlined in some city laws. Texas does forbid cell phone use in school zones and by bus drivers.

Current prohibitions:

Learners permit holders are prohibited from using handheld cell phones in the first six months of driving.
Drivers under the age of 17 with restricted licenses are prohibited from using wireless communications devices.
School bus operators prohibited from using cell phones while driving if children are present.
Drivers prohibited from using handheld devices in school crossing zones.
Dallas, Austin, Galveston, El Paso, Missouri City and Stephenville have enacted local distracted driving laws.

Check with your city for current regulations.

Some other common driving errors that can be avoided are:

Failure to Yield Right of Way

Driving While Upset
Pushing the Wrong Pedal
Speeding and Tailgating
Not Wearing Seatbelts
Driving While Tired
Don’t go in the Water: If there is any water in the road, check how deep it is before trying to cross. And don’t be fooled into thinking that a four-wheel drive truck can act like a duck boat. Twelve inches of water will float many cars.
Check your tires regularly-underinflated tires are dangerous. Tires should always be at the pressure specified in your car owner’s manual.
Be seen; don’t wait for rain or nightfall to turn on your lights. If your car doesn’t have daytime running headlights, put them on and keep them on.
Tailgating

INTERACTION with OTHER ROAD-USERS

MOTORCYCLES and MOPEDS

Motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any vehicle on the roadway. Approximately one half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. Since motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, they can be more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.

There are several reasons why drivers may not see the motorcyclist coming:

Motorists tend to look for other cars, not motorcycles.
Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than the profile of larger vehicles. This makes an approaching motorcycle harder to see. Estimating their distance and oncoming speed is also more difficult.
Since motorcycles are small, they may be difficult to see.
Motorcycle riding requires frequent lane movements to adjust to changing road conditions like potholes, sewer covers, debris and large cracks in the pavement.

Motorcyclists often (but not always) have loud mufflers. They are trying to increase their visibility to drivers; if you can’t see them, maybe you will hear them and know they are there. A driver’s failure to yield the right-of-way is consistently one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents and fatalities each year. Most drivers, when they are in a situation where they must yield the right of way, are looking for vehicles in traffic rather than motorcycles. When they don’t see a vehicle, they assume it is safe to go. Drivers need to pay extra attention for motorcyclists in these high risk situations:

Left Turns – The most common crash between cars and motorcycles is at an intersection when the automobile driver is making a left turn in front of a motorcycle, Over 40% of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. Nearly 66% of those crashes were caused by the vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist.
Car’s Blind Spot – Motorcycles are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersection.
Hazardous Road Conditions – Road conditions which are minor annoyances to you may pose a major hazard to motorcycles. Motorcycles may change speed or adjust their position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, grooved pavement and the other conditions mention earlier.
Weather Conditions – When the road surface is wet or icy, motorcyclists’ braking and handling abilities are impaired. It doesn’t have to be raining, drainage or overflowing sprinklers can affect motorcyclists’ braking and handling.
Strong Winds – A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider isn’t prepared for it and wind can’t be seen. Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lane can be a real hazard.
Large Vehicles – A large vehicle such as a van, bus, or truck can block a motorcycle from your view. The motorcyclist may seem to suddenly appear from nowhere.

TxDOT’s statewide “Share the Road” motorcycle safety and public awareness campaign urge motorists to look twice for motorcycles at intersections and when changing lanes, the two places where serious motorcycle collisions commonly occur.

Despite less traffic on the road in 2020 and a 2% reduction in motorcycle crashes, safety officials are alarmed by a 17% increase in Texas motorcycle fatalities compared to 2019. On average, a motorcyclist is killed in a crash on Texas roads every day—last year 482 died. Motorcyclists account for 12% of all traffic fatalities statewide. One thing Texas has done to try to lower those numbers was to pass a law requiring footrests and hand holds on motorcycles designed to carry a passenger.

Researchers point to the fact that the number of motorcycles on Texas roadways has more than doubled to 443,856 in the last decade and is expected to double again in the next four years. Here is what you can do to help make the streets and roads safer for everyone:

Look out for motorcyclists. Be aware that although you may not see any cars, there may be an unnoticed motorcycle. Be careful at intersections, and always take a second look (and listen) for a motorcycle before making a turn at an intersection, especially when making a left turn.
Anticipate a motorcyclist’s maneuvers – Motorcyclists may have to change positions in the lane to respond to road conditions, weather, or other factors. Expect and allow room for them to make those adjustments.
Signal your intentions – Always signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position. Signal even if you don’t see cars or motorcycles in front or behind you. Be particularly careful when making left turns across lanes of approaching traffic. Look carefully in all directions for approaching motorcyclists. Don’t be fooled by flashing turn signals on a motorcycle. Usually, motorcycles don’t have self canceling turn signals and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before proceeding.
Respect a motorcycle – Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem though there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, the motorcycle is entitled to their full lane and they may need the room to maneuver safely. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SHARE THE LANE WITH THE MOTORCYCLE.
Allow plenty of space when following a motorcycle – The slightest contact can mean a spill and/or injury for the rider. Allow more following distance, three or four seconds, when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist will have enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions motorcycles can stop more quickly than a car.

BICYCLE LAW and SAFETY

A bicycle is a vehicle and any person operating a bicycle has the rights and duties applicable to a driver operating a vehicle unless by the nature of the law cannot apply to bicycles (40 mph for example).

A bicyclist should always obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
Never ride opposite the flow of traffic.
A bicyclist is required to stop at all signs and stop at red lights.

A person operating a bicycle on a roadway who is moving slower that the other traffic on the roadway shall ride as near as possible to the right curb or edge of the roadway (or to the left curb on a one way street) unless:

The person is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
The person is preparing for a left turn at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway.
There are unsafe conditions in the roadway such as fixed or moving objects, parked or moving vehicles, pedestrians, animals, potholes, or debris.
The lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a motor vehicle to safely travel side by side.

Persons riding two abreast cannot impede the normal flow of traffic and must ride in a single lane.

Nighttime riders must have:

A lamp on the front that shall omit a white light that can be seen at least 500 feet in front of the bicycle.
A red reflector on the rear which shall be visible from distances 50 to 300 feet.

The three most common car-bicyclist crashes are:

A motorist turning left in the face of oncoming bicycle traffic.
A motorist turning right across the path of the bicycle traffic.
A motorist pulling away from a stop sign, failing to yield right-of-way to bicycle cross traffic. At intersections, right-of-way rules apply equally to motor vehicles and bicycles.

DRIVING WITH LARGE TRUCKS

Weighing as much as 80,000 pounds, large trucks and truck-tractor combinations require more acceleration and deceleration time than an average passenger vehicle and can have blind spots in multiple locations.

It is important for drivers to share the road responsibly with large trucks. Drivers should always take extra care and observe the following safety tips.

Pass Safely

Never cut in front of a truck, bus or any large or oversized vehicle. When passing a truck, check to your front and rear, signal, and move into the passing lane when it is safe. Let the truck driver know you are passing by blinking your headlights, especially at night. The driver will make it easier for you by staying to the far side of the lane.

On a level highway, it takes only three to five seconds longer to pass a truck than a car.
On an upgrade, a truck often loses speed, so it is easier to pass than a car.
On a downgrade, the truck’s momentum will cause it to travel faster, so you may need to increase your speed.
Complete your pass as quickly as possible and don’t stay alongside the truck.
If the truck driver blinks his headlights, it’s a signal that it is clear to pull back in front of the truck.
Move back over when you can see the entire truck in your rear view mirror. Trucks need additional space because they take twice as long to stop as a passenger car.
Always leave at least four car lengths between the back of your car and the front of any large truck you pass.

After you pass a truck, maintain your speed. If you move into that space and brake suddenly, the truck may not have enough time or space to stop safely. Remember his momentum will increase his speed going downhill so if you have to pass on a hill, accelerate.

When a truck passes you:

Keep to the far side of your lane.
Reduce or maintain your speed, don’t speed up.
After the truck has passed, the driver should signal to let you know they will be returning to your lane.Tractor trailers take longer to stop than cars traveling at the same speed. A car traveling 55 mph can stop in approximately 240 feet, about three-fourths of a football field. A tractor trailer may take 400 feet, a half of a football field longer.Stay out of a truck’s blind spot when following. You should be able to see the truck driver in the trucks rearview mirror. If you can’t see him, they can’t see you or your vehicle. By staying back, you will also be able to see more of the road ahead and have more time to react and make a safe stop.

Stay out of the “No Zone”

“No Zones” are danger areas around large trucks in which crashes are more likely to occur. Because of a truck’s size, there are four large blind spots where cars disappear from the driver’s view. Passenger car drivers should avoid lingering in these areas whenever possible.

If you are stopped behind a truck on an upgrade, leave some extra space in case the truck drifts backward when it starts to move.

Trucks make wide tight turns and sometimes must leave an open space to the right just before the turn. Don’t pass a truck on the right if there is a possibility that it might make a right turn.

Common mistakes you should avoid when driving around trucks and buses are:

Cutting off a truck or bus in traffic or on a highway to reach your exit or turn.
Cutting into the open space in front of a truck or bus removes the driver’s cushion of safety.
Trying to beat a truck or bus to a single lane construction zone.
Because of its larger size, a tractor trailer often appears to be traveling at a slower speed than it actually is. A substantial number of car-truck crashes take place for this very reason.

Avoid Tailgating

A severe collision can result when a car hits the rear end of a truck. Large trucks and the trailers they pull do not have impact-absorbing bumpers. Additionally, the truck’s metal bumpers may not align with those of your car.

Leaving 20-25 car lengths between your vehicle and a truck will provide the space you’ll need to stop safely during an emergency or traffic slow down. That following distance will also allow you to see ahead of the truck and react to any change in driving conditions.

PEDESTRIANS

If you see a pedestrian crossing or attempting to cross the street, slow down, use your horn if necessary, and be prepared to stop.
Be alert to a pedestrian guided by an assistance animal or carrying a white cane.
Especially watch for blind persons at bus stops, intersections, business areas and near schools for the blind.

LIGHT RAIL

In recent years, light rail has been established in many major cities in the State of Texas. As you travel these areas, whether driving or walking, you will need to know what to expect and how to safely interact with this form of mass transit.

Light rail is very quiet; in fact the trains are quieter than most buses and cars.
Do not walk in front of, between, or behind the trains.
Do not drive, stop, or park your vehicle on the tracks. It is dangerous and illegal.
Although quiet, light rail trains are still heavy and can’t start or stop quickly, regardless of traffic flow.
Cross the tracks only at designated pedestrian crossings and only when it is safe to do so.
Look both ways before crossing the tracks. Trains travel in both directions.
Obey all warning signs, flashing lights, signals and crossing gates. Police will issue tickets to violators.
Stay alert, you may not hear them coming.
Listen for bells and horns.
Never race a train or run in front of a train.
Never try to beat a train to a crossing.
Never drive around crossing gate arms.
Never put anything on or near the tracks.

COMMUNITY SAFETY EDUCATION ACT

The Community Safety Education Act requires that driver education and driving safety curriculum’s include information about proper procedures for citizen and law enforcement interaction during traffic stops.

It seems like the news has a horrible story of a simple “traffic stop” going horribly wrong almost weekly. Although every situation you have heard about was different in the beginning but the ending has been tragic in some situations and a better solution would be to know how to act when being pulled over.

While being pulled over by a police officer is by no means a pleasant experience, using common sense and good manners can make it go much smoother than it otherwise might.

WATCH YOUR MOUTH

Traffic stops often have a tipping point. Because officers have legal discretion in what they can cite you for, saying or doing the wrong thing can compound your problems. A traffic cop might add extra violations if the motorist is belligerent. Act like a jerk they’ll write you up for everything else they can.

Say that a police officer uses this time-honored opening line: “Do you know why I stopped you?” Take a minute before you answer. If you admit guilt or name a specific speed that you were driving, your fate is sealed. Instead, respond courteously but remain vague. However, If you have clearly done something wrong, and you sit there and you’re evasive with the cops, it’s not necessarily in your best interest.

Be sure to follow the instructions on the traffic citation if you were issued one. Make sure to correct whatever driving mistake caused you to be pulled over in the first place.

Of course the absolute BEST way to avoid the whole situation is to not get pulled over AT ALL! The best way not to get pulled over is to obey the laws. By seeing driving behavior from the traffic cop’s point of view, you can avoid encounters with the law. A little extra awareness could help you keep points off your driving record and keep down the cost of your car insurance.

FLEEING OR ATTEMPTING TO ELUDE POLICE OFFICER

It is an offense if the person operates a motor vehicle and willfully fails or refuses to bring the vehicle to a stop or flees, or attempts to elude, a pursuing police vehicle when given a visual or audible signal to bring the vehicle to a stop.

A signal under this section that is given by a police officer pursuing a vehicle may be by hand, voice, emergency light, or siren. The officer giving the signal must be in uniform and prominently display the officer’s badge of office. The officer’s vehicle must bear the insignia of a law enforcement agency, regardless of whether the vehicle displays an emergency light.

After you view the following videos (two of them back to back) the TDLR would like you to take a survey about the videos at https://survey.utexas.edu/driver

YOU SHOULD REFRESH THE DASHBOARD PAGE EACH TIME YOU COMPLETE THE CHAPTER AND VIDEOS TO UPDATE THE CLOCK.