Defensive driving

The Course covers the following topics

Night Driving

• How night driving is different than daytime driving
• Identify precautions to help make driving at night safer

Mountain Driving and Curves

• The challenges of driving on steep upgrades and downgrades
• How to safely navigate sharp curves

Speed and Space Management

• The three factors that affect your stopping distance
• Ways to manage your vehicle’s speed through curves and on grades
• Why you should adjust your speed when you encounter poor road conditions, inclement weather, and heavy traffic
• The importance of proper space management
• How to maintain an appropriate cushion of space

Visual Search

• The importance of continuously scanning your surroundings
• How to perform a proper visual scan in front of, to the sides, and behind your vehicle
• Potential hazards you must be aware of and react to while driving
• The different types of mirrors and what each is designed for
• How to properly adjust your mirrors and use them while driving.

Communication

• Ways to communicate your intent by using turn signals and brake lights
• How to communicate your presence through the use of headlights, horn, warning devices, and eye contact
• How eye contact techniques can help you communicate with bicyclists, pedestrians, and other drivers

Preparation

• How being prepared impacts defensive driving
• Trip Planning
• Healthy Habits
• Pre-Trip Inspection