Defensive Driving: Smith System Flashcards

Developed by Smith, focusing on a logical and straightforward approach to driving safety and accident prevention.
Key principles include creating space around the vehicle and ensuring visibility for the driver.

Aims to maintain a space cushion and correct visibility while driving.
Designed to help drivers avoid accidents for 5-10 years or approximately 50,000 miles without skidding or swerving.

Emphasizes eye-mind coordination over mere physical control of the vehicle.
Highlights that good drivers can still make one-time costly mistakes leading to accidents.

Fashioned in collaboration with John H. Cummings and Dr. Reuel A. Sherman.
The system promotes establishing driving rules as habits rather than relying on memory.

Aim high in steering: Focus on the road ahead to analyze traffic effectively.
Get the "Big" picture: Anticipate delays and make smoother stops/turns.
Keep your eyes moving: Regularly check surroundings to spot hazards.
Leave yourself an "Out": Always have an escape route and adjust speed according to conditions.
Make sure they see you: Ensure visibility with signals, horn usage, and avoiding blind spots.

Aim High in Steering: Center lane position, selecting appropriate lanes, and analyzing traffic for safe turns.
Get the Big Picture: Recognizing potential delays in advance and executing smooth maneuvers.
Keep Your Eyes Moving: Remaining aware of surroundings by checking all angles and avoiding distractions.
Leave Yourself an Out: Maintaining distance from other vehicles, especially near intersections, to facilitate safe stops or swerves.
Make Sure They See You: Proactively using signals and the horn to communicate intentions with other drivers.

The five steps summarized visually emphasize proactive driving strategies, highlighting the importance of awareness and preparation.
Interactions with the law include specific California Vehicle Code (CVC) regulations regarding lane changes and use of signals.

California law mandates signaling before lane changes and prohibits driving left of center when nearing intersections.
Use of the horn is governed by CVC, which allows use when necessary for safe operation but forbids excessive use outside of safety contexts.

Aiming high equates to looking several seconds ahead, crucial for anticipating situations and making informed decisions while driving.
A five-second forward focus enhances immediate path awareness, providing essential response time.