Smith System Flashcards: Aiming High in Driving

Questions and Answers

What are the 5 Keys of the Smith System in order?

Aim High in Steering (correct)

Keep Your Eyes Moving (correct)

Leave Yourself an Out (correct)

Get the Big Picture (correct)

Make Sure They See You (correct)

What does Aim High in Steering mean in the Smith System?

Avoid collisions by seeing, evaluating, and acting upon all information available.

Explain the Get the Big Picture principle.

Fewer mistakes are made when you have the complete traffic picture.

What does Keep Your Eyes Moving entail?

Proper scanning techniques separate safe drivers from people who make costly errors. Signup and view all the answers

What does Leave Yourself an Out suggest?

All that separates drivers from a collision is space. Use it to your advantage. Signup and view all the answers

Define Make Sure They See You.

Seek eye contact and use your warning devices at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by Field of Vision?

Everything you can see. Signup and view all the answers

What is Peripheral Vision?

Side to side vision - 177°. Signup and view all the answers

What is Central Vision?

Straight in front vision - 3°. Signup and view all the answers

What does H.E.L.T. stand for?

Habitual Eye Lead Time. Signup and view all the answers

What is Habitual Eye Lead Time?

You are looking 12-15 seconds down the road in front of your vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four parts of the Big Picture?

<ol> <li>Look ahead 1/2 miles on highways 2. Look ahead 1-2 city blocks 3. Look sidewalk to sidewalk 4. Look all of the area around your vehicle (360°).</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Identify ways to communicate with other drivers and pedestrians.

Horn, brakes, turn signals, hazard lights, eye contact. Signup and view all the answers

How should you react to problems caused by tailgaters?

Make yourself more visible by using your brake lights, tail lights, turn signals, and hand signals. Adjust speed and position. Signup and view all the answers

What actions should you take in response to staring and fatigue while driving?

Slow down. Reduce fatigue by resting if needed. Do not stare at any one point for more than 2 seconds. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Cross Traffic Check.

Slow down as you approach an intersection. Make sure it is clear of traffic and pedestrians. Look left, right, and left again. Proceed with caution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Point of No Return?

A point in the intersection where you can no longer stop safely and must continue to go through the intersection. Signup and view all the answers

What should you watch out for regarding parked cars?

Cars may pull out, doors may open, and people may try to cross the street between cars. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ground Viewing Habit?

Checking the front wheels of other vehicles. The position may indicate the other driver's intentions. Signup and view all the answers

List the four parts of the Ground Viewing Habit.

<ol> <li>Passing parked cars 2. Passing moving cars 3. Moving cars are passing you 4. Oncoming cars that are turning in front of you.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three Driver Skills?

<ol> <li>Know what to do 2. Know when to do it 3. Know how to do it.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

5 Keys of Smith System

Aim High in Steering: Focus on distant targets to navigate safely.
Get the Big Picture: Awareness of the overall traffic environment reduces mistakes.
Keep Your Eyes Moving: Employ scanning techniques to prevent errors.
Leave Yourself an Out: Maintain space to maneuver and avoid collisions.
Make Sure They See You: Use communication methods to ensure other drivers are aware.

Vision Considerations

Field of Vision: Represents everything visible within the driver's line of sight.
Peripheral Vision: Side-to-side vision covers an angle of 177°.
Central Vision: Straight-ahead vision encompasses a narrow angle of 3°.

Habitual Eye Lead Time (H.E.L.T)

H.E.L.T: Refers to looking 12-15 seconds down the road for better anticipation and safety.

The BIG PICTURE

Components include:
- Look ahead 1/2 mile on highways for early hazard recognition.
- Look ahead 1-2 city blocks in urban settings.
- Scan from sidewalk to sidewalk for pedestrians and obstacles.
- Maintain a full 360° view around your vehicle for comprehensive awareness.

Communication with Other Drivers and Pedestrians

Use horn, brakes, turn signals, hazard lights, and eye contact to communicate intent.

Dealing with Tailgaters

Increase visibility by using brake lights and signals.
Adjust speed and vehicle position to create distance.

Staring and Fatigue Responses

Recognize slower reaction times when fatigued.
Reduce fatigue with rest and avoid fixating on a single point for more than 2 seconds.

Cross Traffic Check

At intersections, slow down and perform a thorough check for traffic and pedestrians by looking left, right, and left again before proceeding.

Point of No Return

The moment in an intersection where stopping safely is no longer possible, requiring continued movement.

Risks from Parked Cars

Be vigilant as parked vehicles could pull out, doors may open, and pedestrians might cross unseen.

Ground Viewing Habit

Check the front wheels of other vehicles to gauge their potential movement or intent.

Parts of the Ground Viewing Habit

Consider different scenarios:
- Passing parked cars.
- Going past moving vehicles.
- Observing moving cars that are alongside you.
- Noting oncoming cars turning in front of you.

Essential Driver Skills

Know What To Do: Understanding proper driving techniques is crucial.
Know When To Do It: Timing is essential for safe maneuvers.
Know How To Do It: Mastery of driving skills ensures safe operation.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the SMITH System for safe driving with these flashcards. Each card focuses on one of the five keys, providing definitions and insights to enhance your driving skills. Perfect for drivers education students preparing for their tests.

Drivers Ed - SMITH System Flashcards