Collision Avoidance Flashcards
Defensive driving is _____
driving in a manner that avoids collisions at all times regardless of who has the right-of-way.
Defensive drivers possess the following characteristics:
(1) View safe driving as a personal responsibility.
(2) Recognize the dangers involved in driving a law
enforcement vehicle.
(3) Drive at a speed that is safe for existing conditions.
(4) Yield the right-of-way when necessary.
(5) Make exemplary and safe decisions while driving
.
Failure to operate within the law and policy can result in _____
criminal prosecution, civil liability, and agency discipline.
“Space cushion” refers to _____
the clear area surrounding a vehicle. It includes the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle.
There are 5 critical components of vision:
(1) Focal point
(2) Central vision
(3) Peripheral vision
(4) Tunnel vision
(5) High visual horizon
Vision: Focal point –
The specific point at which a driver is looking at any given moment.
Vision: Central vision –
That part of a driver’s field of view that measures about 15 degrees around the focal point. Vision is sharpest within this area.
Vision: Peripheral vision –
The part of the driver’s field of view that lies outside central vision and extends approximately 160 to 180 degrees horizontally, and 100 degrees vertically. Peripheral vision is especially useful for detecting moving hazards outside central vision.
Vision: Tunnel vision –
With an increase in speed or stress, peripheral vision can significantly decrease, making it more difficult to detect objects outside central vision.
Vision: High visual horizon –
The distance a driver looks ahead of the vehicle that fluctuates with speed and available roadway. High visual horizon encompasses using the full spectrum of vision including looking at a distance, laterally scanning, and identifying and linking components of a turn (high entry/apex/exit) in a smooth, arching manner.
The average driver’s perception time is _____and their reaction time (which includes the decision-making process) is _____
0.75 seconds, 0.75 seconds
Calculating the average driver’s perception/reaction time at 60 mph, a driver will travel 132 feet before _____
any action is taken.
A safe minimum following distance at any speed is _____
at least 3 seconds of time between vehicles.
A safe minimum following distance at 60 mph is _____
nearly 300 feet. (97.5 ft/sec x 3 sec = 293 feet
Driver distractions include:
(1) Cellular telephone use
(2) Mobile Digital Computer
(3) Radio/Consolidated Patrol Vehicle Environment
(4) In-custody arrestee
(5) Partner officer
(6) Map/navigation
(7) Operation of Code 3 equipment
(8) Patrol activities/observations
(9) Unsecured objects within the vehicle
(10) Food/drink
_____ pose one of the greatest risks for collisions faced by the law enforcement driver.
Intersections
At an intersection, a defensive driver should always assume
every lane is occupied until they can see otherwise.
When clearing an intersection, travel at a speed that _____
you can still stop if necessary.
When clearing an intersection, look _____
left, front, right, then left again before proceeding.
When clearing an intersection, and vehicles appear to be yielding the right-of-way, _____
make eye contact with other drivers or pedestrians. This does not guarantee right-of-way, still be prepared to stop.
Fresh green traffic light considerations:
Pause and look left, front, right, and left again before proceeding into the intersection to allow for cross traffic which has failed to stop for the red light.
Stale green light considerations:
(1) Anticipate the light cycling to yellow and be prepared to slow to a stop.
(2) Look both ways before proceeding into the intersection to allow for unanticipated cross traffic.
Right turn considerations:
(1) When waiting for another vehicle directly ahead of you to make a right turn, do not assume the other driver will proceed when it is clear.
(2) Make eye contact with other drivers or pedestrians at the intersection who appear to be yielding the right-of-way.
Left turn considerations:
(1) Keep the front wheels straight to avoid being pushed into oncoming traffic if hit from the rear.
(2) Make eye contact with other drivers or pedestrians at the intersection who appear to be yielding the right-of-way.
(3) Clear the oncoming traffic lane by lane before proceeding.
