Vision
Visual attention is trained through a series of scenarios that: reinforce the relationship between where a driver looks and where he steers; demonstrate efficient scanning patterns; train and test vigilance and divided attention under conditions of distraction, and improve hazard perception and anticipation. Drivers with well-trained visual attention are less susceptible to distraction.
Physics
Space management is trained through a series of scenarios that clarify and reinforce the need for adequate following intervals by allowing drivers to experience the dynamic inter-relationships between driver reaction time, vehicle speed, different road surfaces, braking distances and total stopping distance.
Basic Maneuvers
The correct and efficient combination of vision and space management skills is reinforced during a series of driving scenarios that cover basic maneuvers like lane changes, turns at intersections, passing on rural highways, merging onto expressways and complying with the Move Over law.
Commentary Driving
Situational awareness in driving means perceiving, understanding and predicting potential changes in the traffic environment. Drivers’ situational awareness is tested during a series of scenarios in diverse driving environments with different navigational challenges during which the drivers must verbally identify the most salient elements of the driving scene.
Rollover Prevention
Training scenarios provide dynamic visual feedback of the lateral forces that provoke truck rollovers and the limits of the vehicle’s stability. Drivers learn and practice the correct vision and steering behaviors that allow them to successfully manage these lateral forces. The goal of these practice exercises is to develop the necessary anticipation that will allow drivers to always stay within safe limits of stability.
The goal of the Defensive Driving Program is to enable learners to rapidly acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes of experienced defensive drivers. Through deliberate and consistent practice, these defensive driving skills will become hard-wired habits that will systematically reduce crash risk over the long haul.
