The Smith System: Driving Guidelines for Safety
W
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The Smith System is a
system of driving guidelines
designed to help you drive
safely and defensively.
These guidelines include the
following:
A
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S
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Look well ahead of
your vehicle as you
drive. As a general
rule, try to look 20-30
seconds ahead.
K
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m
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v
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n
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Search the scene
constantly. Stay alert for
changes on or near the
roadway that might require
you to adjust the speed or
position of your vehicle.
G
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Search the whole scene not
just part of it.
Learn to look for things w/
crash potential
Ex:
vehicles, pedestrians,
immovable objects, objects
that block vision
M
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You must communicate with
drivers and pedestrians.
Make
eye contact if possible.
Drive with lights on at all times
EX:
use blinkers, brake lights,
hand signals, etc.
L
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Always leave yourself a path of
escape-a way to avoid a
collision.
As your judgement of time and
space improve, you will learn to
anticipate dangerous actions
and minimize your risk
Which of the Smith
system guidelines is
being used in the
following example?
T
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You see a vehicle stopped ahead of
you so you tap your brakes so the car
behind you know they need to
prepare to stop.
A
n
s
w
e
r
:
Make sure others
see you.
T
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m
c
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You leave a responsible distance
between you and the car in front of
you, stopped at an intersection, so
you can move around it to avoid a
collision.
A
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s
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e
r
:
Leave yourself a
way out.
T
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You scan a ½ mile ahead of your
vehicle as you travel down the
interstate, looking for possible
hazards.
A
n
s
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e
r
:
Aim high and look
ahead
T
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As you drive down the road and scan
the scene, you notice children playing
by the roadside.
A
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s
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r
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Keep your eyes
moving.
T
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S
m
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t
h
s
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m
c
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n
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.
You see the whole scene at an
intersection, not just the car in front
of you.
A
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See the big picture.
Be safe!
The Smith System is a set of driving guidelines aimed at helping drivers operate vehicles safely and defensively. Key principles include aiming high in steering, keeping your eyes moving, getting the big picture, ensuring others see you, and leaving yourself a way out. By following these principles, drivers can enhance their awareness, reduce risks, and be prepared to respond effectively to potential hazards on the road.
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Presentation Transcript
What is The Smith System?
The Smith System is a system of driving guidelines designed to help you drive safely and defensively. These guidelines include the following:
Aim high in Steering Look well ahead of your vehicle as you drive. As a general rule, try to look 20-30 seconds ahead.
Keep your eyes moving Search the scene constantly. Stay alert for changes on or near the roadway that might require you to adjust the speed or position of your vehicle.
Get the big picture Search the whole scene not just part of it. Learn to look for things w/ crash potential Ex: vehicles, pedestrians, immovable objects, objects that block vision
Make sure that others see you You must communicate with drivers and pedestrians. Make eye contact if possible. Drive with lights on at all times EX: use blinkers, brake lights, hand signals, etc.
Leave yourself a way out Always leave yourself a path of escape-a way to avoid a collision. As your judgement of time and space improve, you will learn to anticipate dangerous actions and minimize your risk
Which of the Smith system guidelines is being used in the following example?
The Smith system cont. You see a vehicle stopped ahead of you so you tap your brakes so the car behind you know they need to prepare to stop.
Answer: Make sure others see you.
The Smith system cont. You leave a responsible distance between you and the car in front of you, stopped at an intersection, so you can move around it to avoid a collision.
Answer: Leave yourself a way out.
The Smith system cont. You scan a mile ahead of your vehicle as you travel down the interstate, looking for possible hazards.
Answer: Aim high and look ahead
The Smith system cont. As you drive down the road and scan the scene, you notice children playing by the roadside.
Answer: Keep your eyes moving.
The Smith system cont. You see the whole scene at an intersection, not just the car in front of you.
Answer: See the big picture.
