Knowledge Base

This course covers the following information:

Driving Defensively: The Basics

• How to create a "safety cushion" around your vehicle when you are driving.
  
• How to set up a safe "following distance" from a vehicle in front of you.
  
• How to vary your "following distance" to drive safely under different conditions.
  

Driving Defensively: Dealing with Distracted Drivers

• The danger and potential "cost" of distracted driving.
  
• The common distracted driving be haviors.
  
• How to avoid distracted drivers when you're on the road.
  

Driving Defensively: Coping with Aggressive Drivers

• The best way to deal with "tailgaters".
  
• How to avoid becoming angry while driving.
  
• How to respond if an angry driver harasses or pursues you.
  

Driving Defensively: Using Your Headlights

• Under what conditions you should use your headlights.
  
• The danger of "over-driving" your headlights.
  
• How to use your high beams safely and courteously.
  

Driving Defensively: Driving Safely in Bad Weather

• How to prepare your vehicle for driving in bad weather.
  
• How to maintain control of your vehicle in slippery conditions.
  
• How to regain control of your vehicle when skidding or hydroplaning.
  

Driving Defensively: Handling a Blowout

• What a blowout is and why it's dangerous.
  
• What you can do to safely bring your car under control if you have a blowout.
  
• What you can do to stay safe when you are stopped on the side of the road.
  

Driving Defensively: Sharing the Road with Trucks and Buses

• The special challenges and risks that are involved in sharing the road with trucks and buses.
  
• How to maintain control of your vehicle when you feel "turbulence" from a passing truck.
  
• How to pass large vehicles safely.