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  • Defensive Driving and Safety Tips
    		•
    From "Auto Primer"
    episode DAPR-104


    PHOTO

    Leilani demonstrates the proper driving position for optimum safe driving.
    NOTE: Images on this page may be enlarged for enhanced viewing simply by clicking on them.

    This episode of DIY's Auto Primer focuses on driver safety, eliminating distraction, defensive driving and safe-driving tips.

    In this third segment, host Leilani Munter outlines strategies for defensive driving that will help reduce the potential for an accident. She also explains how driving position has an effect on visibility and awareness in your car.

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    PHOTO

    Figure A
    Defensive Driving Techniques

    Defensive driving is about giving yourself time to react and keeping your options open.

    • Give yourself plenty of space in front, beside, and behind your vehicle.

    • Remember blind spots extend from behind your peripheral vision to about three car lengths behind your car (figure A).

    • Try to stay out of other driver's blind spots and set your mirrors to minimize your own.

    • When changing lanes, use your turn signals and double check at least twice before you go.

    • When overtaking a vehicle do so quickly and signal your intentions well in advance.

    • Do not cut in too close on the vehicle you have passed.

      PHOTO

      Figure B

    • To maintain a safe following distance (figure B), use the two second rule: When a vehicle passes an object in the road count "one thousand one, one thousand two." If you reach that point before you finish counting, you are following too close. In bad weather, you should increase your time to between three and four seconds.

      PHOTO

      Figure C

    Proper Driving Position

    To properly set the position of the driver's seat:

  • Sit in the seat and adjust the seating position so that your leg is fully stretched with all your weight on the brake pedal (figure C).

  • If you have a clutch, set the parking brake and make sure you can push the clutch all the way to the floor.

  • If your seat moves up and down, adjust it so that you can see all the gauges.

  • When you are comfortable, position the backrest so that both shoulders stay in full contact with the backrest when your arms are fully stretched out holding the steering wheel.

    PHOTO

    Figure D

    Most people were taught that the proper positions for hands on the steering wheel is at the "10 and 2 o'clock" positions. However, in an airbag-equipped car it is better to keep your hands at 9 and 3 (figure D) instead of the old rule of 10 and 2. Should the airbag be deployed, this will keep your hands clear as the bag deploys.

    PHOTO

    Figure E
    PHOTO

    Figure F
    Mirror Adjustment


    To properly adjust your mirrors:

    • Sit squarely behind the wheel.

    • Adjust the rear view mirror so your see straight out the rear window at a glance, without moving your head from looking forward (figure E).

    • If your passenger mirror says "objects in mirror are larger than they appear," you have a wide angle mirror. Adjust it so you can barely see the rear fender.

    • For the driver's mirror, looking forward, lean your head against the window and set the mirror so you see a bit of the rear fender (figure F).

    In the segment that follows, Leilani talks about GPS (global positioning system) units and the proper use of GPS technology to aid your travels and enhance driver safety.


    RESOURCES :

    The Complete Idiot's Guide to Trouble-Free Car Care
    Author: Dan Ramsey
    ISBN: 0028635833
    Alpha Books


    Ultimate Auto Detailing
    Model: 0879389419
    Author: David H. Jacobs
    (1995)
    To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
    Motorbooks International


    Auto Detailing: Step-By-Step Procedures for Complete Automobile Detailing
    Model: 0801983940
    Author: James Joseph
    (1998)
    To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
    Chilton Book Company
    Westchester, PA 19380
    Phone: 610-738-9280
    Fax: 610-738-9354

    Auto Repair for Dummies
    Author: Deanna Sclar
    ISBN: 0764550896

    Auto Audio
    Model: 0071346899
    Author: Andrew Yoder
    Publisher: Tab Books
    Order this title from Amazon.com.

    How Cars Work
    Author: Tom Newton
    ISBN: 0966862309
    Publisher: Black Apple Press
    To order this title from Amazon, click here.

    What's Wrong With My Car?: A Quick and Easy Guide to Most Common Symptoms of Car Trouble
    Author: Bob Cerullo
    ISBN: 0452269938
    Publisher: Plume (1993)
    To order this book from Amazon.com, click here.

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  		• Safe Driving: Eliminate the Clutter
  		• Reducing Driver Distraction: MP3 vs. CD Players
  		• Defensive Driving and Safety Tips
  		• Enhancing Safety with GPS Technology
  		• WEB-EXTRA VIDEOS: Auto Primer Tips, Volume 4
    		•