No one likes getting into a collision. It can be quite inconvenient, not to mention expensive. But making certain choices can help to minimize your chances of crashing. The goal with defensive driving is to be aware of your surroundings and anticipate events so you can avoid getting involved in an emergency driving situation. It begins with understanding your driving choices and then making the right ones.

Physics
Various natural and environmental factors affect the driving task and contribute to accident potential. Knowing the effects of each of these factors can help during driving.

A. Kinetic Energy (momentum) - An increase in driving speed requires an increase for that vehicle in stopping distance, as the vehicle has gained more momentum. Allowing enough stopping distance for the vehicle is the only sure way to offset the momentum of the vehicle.

B. Impact - At impact in a car crash, the "G" or gravitational forces in a collision are astronomical. Consequently, you must make all efforts to stay in the car, buckled in your seat belt, to survive the force of the impact. These "G" forces, if in effect for longer than a millisecond, would tear apart a human being. In a crash, these forces are impacted on the occupants for only a fraction of a second, but still contain enormous power. Stay secured in the passenger compartment, which is the safest place to be at all times.

Special Awareness
It is vital for all drivers to be aware of the environment in which they travel, other drivers around them, and the vehicles they control.

A. "Rear-Ender" - This is the most common collision type and is nearly always the fault of the car in the rear. When you tailgate you do not leave enough stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle you immediately follow. The rear-end collision is often the result of following too closely but can be prevented by signaling early for all turns, stops and lane changes. It is also a good idea to frequently check the traffic behind your vehicle, and if tailgated, change lanes immediately. Always be aware of tailgaters or large vehicles following too closely or gaining rapidly from behind, and take appropriate action to avoid conflict. If you are in heavy traffic or are nearing an intersection with a red light, and you see the driver behind you following too closely or approaching rapidly, try the following:

• Attempt to warn the driver behind you by tapping your brakes.
• If moving forward will interfere with cross traffic and thus create another hazard, press your brake pedal and allow your vehicle to absorb the impact. Hold onto your steering wheel, but do not lock up your arms. Rest your head against the head restraint. If you are not wearing your seat belt, try to use your arms and hands to protect your face from impact.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Chances are you may be pushed forward or even sideways and will still need to maintain control.
• Your seat belt will prevent your face and upper torso from hitting the steering wheel or windshield. Most cars today have headrests. This will help minimize the whiplash factor.

B. Front or Side Collision

1. From the Front

• If possible, avoid head-on collisions and the inevitable impact. Attempt to maneuver so the approaching vehicle hits your car from the side.
• If your vehicle is going to be hit from the front, use your arms or hands to protect your face, and throw yourself across the seat to avoid hitting the steering wheel or windshield if you do not have a shoulder harness on.
• Be careful when protecting your face. Air bag devices deploy in front-end impacts at approximately 35 mph. Use caution when placing your hands in front of your face as the air bag could push them into your face (the shoulder strap of your seat belt will prevent your face from hitting the dashboard).

2. From the Side

• Keep both hands onto the steering wheel with your arms bent to keep from being thrown against the side of your car.

C. Light Rain / First Rain - The first rain often leads to a dangerous condition in which to operate a motor vehicle. This early rain lifts the oil up from the road surface, yet does not completely wash away the slippery substance. Unfortunately, many drivers are generally unwilling to slow down to a level that the first rain requires. Light rain tends to be ignored by people who continue driving as if the roads were clear and dry. What they fail to realize is that this light rain makes the road slick and dangerous. Speed should be dramatically reduced, with extra stopping distance allowed and extreme caution exercised. It is important to remember that when road conditions and surfaces change, braking distance and traction change as well

D. One-Way Streets - - In order to eliminate confusion in heavily traveled areas and to keep the flow of traffic moving, one-way streets are used. These types of streets often pose unique dangers to drivers. Wrong way drivers are common, as are other motorists making turns from unsafe lanes. You should be aware of how to properly enter and exit one-way streets and be prepared to slow down dramatically if necessary. Always choose the safest lane.

Statistics

The leading cause of expressway collisions is "FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY." 50% of all collisions are caused by drivers 16 - 24 years of age. 24% of all collision fatalities involve drivers 16 - 24 years of age.

Car Design

Car manufacturers design vehicles with safety in mind. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's safety features, as they assist in collision prevention.

A. Windshield - The purpose of the windshield is to protect the driver and passengers from the environment. Fibers and plastic are often laminated within the glass, so the windshield will not shatter completely in crash. A clean, clear windshield is a vital element for driving, yet it is often overlooked as a safety tip. Properly functioning windshield wipers are not just useful during rain or snow, but may also clear visibility in case of sand or dust storms. (Under ordinary storm conditions, windshield wipers should be able to clear fog, snow or rain.) Even if you are the most skilled driver on the road, you still cannot safely control your vehicle if visibility is impaired. Prior to driving, it is imperative that you check your visibility to ensure it is not hampered by a dirty windshield. It is illegal to drive a vehicle on the roads if your vision is impaired to the front or rear by a poorly maintained or defective windshield or rear window. Any vehicle manufactured after July 1, 1970, must have a windshield.

Note: The vehicle's windshield should not have any objects such as stickers affixed to it as to obstruct your visibility. Signs or hanging objects from the rear view mirror are also prohibited. Tinted safety glass is only allowed if it conforms to U.S. Department of Transportation standards and does not affect the safe operation of your vehicle.

B. Crumple Zones - Cars are designed to collapse in a collision in order to absorb the force on impact. The "accordion" look often seen in cars involved in serious crashes is affected by design, whereas the energy of the collision is dispersed throughout the vehicle's crumpled mass. Assuming the driver and any passengers remain in the vehicle, safely buckled, this design feature dramatically reduces injury in crashes.

C. Truck Under-Ride - There is a bar affixed to the rear of large trucks that extends down from their trailer preventing cars from going under them during a crash. As rear enders are the most common collision type, this helps to prevent the tops of vehicles from being sheared off by the trailers of large trucks. D. Mirrors - Each vehicle must be equipped with a mirror placed where the driver is able to see any vehicle behind traveling in the same direction. Federal law requires a minimum of two mirrors: an inside mirror and a mirror on the driver's side. You must be able to see vehicles that overtake your car from behind at a distance of at least 200 feet. If your view of the rear from the inside mirror is blocked, or if your windows are tinted, your vehicle must have outside mirrors mounted on both the left and right sides.

Emergencies

Driving on the roads of Delaware requires attentiveness, skill, a vehicle that is responsive, a little luck, and a subconscious mind that can quickly react. When an emergency occurs on the road, the decision to act must be a split-second one, and you must know instinctively what to do. The following will prepare you for an emergency driving situation:

A. Brake Failure - Many factors can cause brake failure. Wet brakes that result from driving through puddles or standing water is one factor, and brake overheating caused by prolonged use or hard driving is another that can lead to failure. If total brake failure occurs, there are several corrective actions you can initiate. There is a requirement that every vehicle on the road in Delaware be in proper working order with functional equipment. In passenger vehicles, there are two main braking systems: a hydraulic four-wheel brake system, and a mechanically-operated rear wheel parking brake. All brakes and brake components should be maintained in good condition at all times. Properly maintained brakes are not only required by law, but they are essential for the safe operation of the motor vehicle. It is advisable to check out the condition of your vehicle's brakes periodically to ensure that they function properly. An emergency situation would involve a total failure of the brakes along with the vehicle gaining momentum and speed while heading downhill. Procedures to follow include:

1. Pumping Brakes - Oftentimes a brake line is clogged and brake fluid is not flowing properly. Pumping would attempt to distribute brake fluid adequately. Try this solution first

NOTE: Do not pump Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS). To initiate ABS Brakes, you must fully compress the brake pedal to near maximum capacity. This will activate the computer to pulsate the brake pads automatically and will continue while pressure is held down.

When used properly, an antilock brake system (ABS) is a safe and effective braking system. ABS allows you to maintain directional stability, control oversteering, and in some situations, reduce stopping distances during emergency braking situations, particularly on wet and slippery road surfaces.

When your brakes lock up on wet and slippery roads or during a panic stop, you lose steering control and your vehicle can spin. Rear wheel ABS prevents wheel lockup so that your car stays in a straight line. If your car has ABS control on all four wheels, you also keep control of steering. If you have steering control, it is possible to avoid a crash by steering around hazards if a complete stop cannot be accomplished in time. ABS brakes should prevent your vehicle from skidding. Pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal and you may hear a clicking sound. This is not a sign of trouble but is an indication that your ABS brakes are at work.

The most important thing to remember is to not pump ABS brakes; just hold your foot firmly on the brake pedal and remember that you can still steer.

Types of Brakes Drum Brakes Drum brakes consist of a brake drum attached to the wheel, a wheel cylinder, brake shoes and brake return springs. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes the wheel cylinder to press the brake shoes against the brake drum. This creates friction between the shoes and drum to slow or stop your car. This basic design proved capable under most circumstances, but it had one major flaw. Under high braking conditions, like descending a steep hill with a heavy load or repeated high-speed slow downs, drum brakes would often fade and lose effectiveness. Usually this fading was the result of too much heat build-up within the drum. Remember that the principle of braking involves turning kinetic energy (wheel movement) into thermal energy (heat). For this reason, drum brakes can only operate as long as they can absorb the heat generated by slowing a vehicle's wheels. Once the brake components themselves become saturated with heat, they lose the ability to halt a vehicle, which can be somewhat disconcerting to the vehicle's operator. Disc Brakes Disc brakes consist of a disc brake rotor, which is attached to the wheel, and a caliper, which holds the disc brake pads. Hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder causes the caliper piston to clamp the disc brake rotor between the disc brake pads. This creates friction between the pads and rotor, causing your car to slow down or stop. Though disc brakes rely on the same basic principles to slow a vehicle (friction and heat), their design is far superior to that of drum brakes. But unlike drum brakes, which allow heat to build up inside the drum during heavy braking, the rotor used in disc brakes is fully exposed to outside air. This exposure works to constantly cool the rotor, greatly reducing its tendency to overheat or cause fading. Not surprisingly, it was under racing circumstances that the weaknesses of drum brakes and the strengths of disc brakes were first illustrated. Racers with disc brake systems could carry their speed "deeper" into a corner and apply greater braking force at the last possible second without overheating the components. Eventually, as with so many other automotive advances, this technology filtered down to the cars driven by everyday people on public roads.

2. Downshift - - The goal with downshifting is to create more friction in the transmission. Shifting to a lower gear will create more tension in the transmission and slow down the vehicle. Downshifting would also be effective in an automatic transmission vehicle.

3. Apply Parking Brake - Your vehicle's parking brake can help to slow down your vehicle. Use of the parking brake should be a gradual application, with no dramatic movements. Drastic tugging of the brake may cause loss of vehicle control and overturning. (The parking brake in many vehicles is rarely used. Many drivers are under the false impression that a vehicle parked while still in gear is unlikely to roll. The parking brake, however, is in a motor vehicle for a reason. Car manufacturers can save countless thousands of dollars during vehicle production if they were to omit parking brakes. However, the value of the parking brake is immeasurable. A properly functioning parking brake should be used at all times in conjunction with a vehicle left in gear or in the parked position. The parking brake should be sufficient to hold the vehicle on any grade and capable of locking the wheels to limit any vehicle movement.) Your goal is to slow down the vehicle by any means and not lock up your wheels, as it may only cause more problems.


4. Attempt to Warn Others - When your vehicle's brakes are not functioning, you should honk the horn or make other efforts to notify other drivers out of fairness to them. An out-of-control vehicle is a hazard to all on the road.

5. Sideswipe Objects (attempting to reduce speed)- Sideswiping involves slowing down the vehicle by deflecting it off other objects on the road. No object should ever be hit head-on, nor should objects like curbs be hit, as they could cause the car to overturn. Guard rails and parked cars would be good objects to sideswipe, as they might gradually slow down the vehicle.

6. Shift into Reverse - Shifting into reverse will grind all the gears of the transmission together and will also slow down the vehicle. The transmission will be destroyed, but your life may be saved. This should only be done as a last resort after you have tried all other options.

NOTE: The vehicle should never be turned off in an attempt to stop.
This action will cause other car functions, such as steering, to also fail.

B. Tire Blowout - A simple flat is often manageable when driving. A blowout, however, includes the shredding of a tire to the point where one is left driving on a rim with no control of the vehicle. If you need to swerve into an object, do so into something that will "give," reducing the chance of injury. Sound the horn and flash the lights to alert other drivers that there is a problem. The first reaction when a blowout occurs is to slam down on the brakes. This instant human reaction, however, will only cause more damage. Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep the vehicle moving straight ahead. The following actions may help to prevent a collision in case of these blowouts:

1. Left Front Tire - If the left front tire blows out, the car will pull to the left, and the steering will be quite heavy. Do not fight the pull, but instead grab hold of the steering wheel with both hands, gain control of the vehicle, and gradually slow down the vehicle. No dramatic or excessive braking should be attempted.

2. Right Front Tire - If the right front tire blows out, the car will pull to the right, and the steering will be quite heavy. Do not fight the pull, but instead grab hold of the steering wheel with both hands, gain control of the vehicle, and gradually slow down the vehicle. No dramatic or excessive braking should be attempted. At speeds below 55 mph, a blowout should be an easily controlled emergency.



3. Rear Tires - A blowout in any of the rear tires will cause the car to fishtail and feel unstable in the rear. Control of the steering wheel is vital, as is awareness of any other vehicles around. Slowing the car down gradually will help alleviate potential collisions.

C. Skids - An out-of-control skid is caused when the vehicle's tires lose contact with the road. Often, a thin layer of water gets between the tires and the road, and the vehicle begins to hydroplane. The old adage, "steer or turn into the skid," applies only if the driver knows the intended meaning. In a skid, the back wheels of the vehicle are the ones actually skidding, with the front tires following. Turn the steering wheel in the direction the back wheels are skidding, or in short, steer the vehicle in the intended direction. Some call it "counter" steering, while others simply call it "correcting" the skid. This description is appropriate as long as the wheels of the vehicle again grasp the road and find the pavement grooves. Commonly, drivers turn the steering wheel into the direction the vehicle is perceived to be skidding or the direction the front of the vehicle is headed. This will only add to the problem and send the car spiraling out of control. In a car with front wheel drive, the same actions should be taken, but some minor acceleration should be applied. Again, the attempt is to reacquaint the car's wheels with the pavement.

Special note on skids...

• Avoid turning or swerving suddenly
• Don't apply the brakes too quickly
• Pump the brakes and don't oversteer
• Keep the vehicle clutch engaged, and gradually remove your foot from the accelerator
• Pay special attention when driving on snow or ice
• Avoid driving on the shoulder of the road
• When traction is poor to begin with, drive in a higher gear and accelerate gradually

D. Oncoming Car / Wrong Side of the Road - The goal is to take evasive action as quickly as possible. Drivers waiting until the last second to initiate a maneuver rarely have enough time to avoid a collision. An early evasive move might cause, at worst, a sideswipe or a rear-end collision, but it will help avoid the more dangerous head-on collision. In order to minimize the chance of a crash, you should slow down as quickly as possible, pull to the extreme right or drive off the road completely, and/or flash the headlights and sound the horn.

E. Steering Wheel Locks - The key ignition should never be moved or adjusted while the vehicle is in motion, so this problem should never occur. However, if the steering wheel were to lock, causing a potential loss of control of the moving vehicle, slow down the vehicle as quickly as possible by whatever means are necessary.

F. Car Stalls/Breakdowns - The actions you should take with a stalled car will vary according to time and location, among other factors. The goal is to show other drivers that your vehicle is disabled and requires road service or a tow. These rules usually apply:

1. Try to get your car off the road. Removing your car from the road will reduce the possibility of another vehicle hitting you. However, if left on the road for any reason, the vehicle must have its hazard lights on. A dark vehicle on the road is a collision waiting to happen. NOTE: The purpose of emergency flashers is to alert other drivers that an emergency situation or crash is ahead. If the emergency flashers do not work, put on the vehicle's turn signals instead.

2. Remain in the car and lock the doors. Walking aimlessly on the side of the road looking for assistance is unwise and unsafe. Sitting in the locked vehicle to wait for law enforcement is the most prudent move. Law enforcement is always alert to disabled vehicles. NOTE: When the vehicle is disabled on a expressway, always attempt to pull to the shoulder and try to warn approaching traffic when necessary. (Use signals, hazard lights or flares.)

H. Fan Belt Sticks or Breaks - The vehicle will most probably overheat if there is a problem with the fan belt. Should that be the case, turn on the vehicle’s heat to the highest setting. This will draw much of the heat from the engine block, helping to cool down the vehicle. The vehicle should not be driven for more than a few minutes in this condition.

I. Steering Problems - Steering problems should not be solved on the road while driving. Slow down immediately. If power steering fails, you will have to work extremely hard to steer the vehicle, but full control will not be lost. Use your flashers and bright lights to warn others that there is a problem.

J. Headlight Failure

• Try switching the headlights on and off a few times.
• Try to adjust the dimmer switch.
• Try turning on the parking lights, emergency lights, or turn signals.

K. Hood Latch Failure - If the hood latch fails and the hood opens while you are driving, the following actions should be taken:

• Slow your vehicle down immediately.
• Put your head out of the window and look around the hood.
• Use the center marking lines or lanes as a guide.
• Pull off the road as soon as possible, as you pose a risk to yourself and other drivers.
• Turn on your emergency lights.

L. Stuck tires - When tires get stuck in the snow or a similar substance like mud, shift the car into low gear and attempt to pull forward as much as possible with the wheels angled straight ahead. When wheels are turned to the side, they provide a greater resistance to forward and reverse motions. Do the same maneuver in reverse, and then forward again, without spinning the tires. This forward and backward motion should be repeated until the car moves free. A wood object, such as a branch or board, may be used under the tires if they are submerged very deeply. The use of snow chains helps reduce the chances of the tires getting stuck.

M. Soft Shoulders - The soft shoulder on highways is to be used in emergency situations only. Driving on the soft shoulder is highly dangerous because it can lead to loss of vehicle control, and it is also illegal. Some shoulders are paved, which allow for optimum vehicle traction. However, soft shoulders are usually just packed dirt, which is unstable, and should only be utilized in an emergency situation.

N. Bad Pavement - It is vital as a defensive driver to be aware of all road conditions that may affect your safe use of the highway. Bad pavement is a major contributing factor to many traffic collisions. The vehicle loses traction with the road surface as a result of pot holes or bumps, while other factors make it difficult to simply steer the vehicle altogether. Get to know the road conditions of areas where you intend to travel prior to beginning the trip. Local law enforcement or city agencies can keep drivers updated to all road conditions. Preparation for bad pavement or the choice to take an alternative route can help reduce potential crashes. When speeds are increased during expressway driving, be prepared to steer around blocked roadways or obstructions. Try and steer around any stalled cars as well, and warn other vehicles behind by utilizing brake and hazard lights.

O. Drop-Offs - Drop-offs are dangerous shoulders of the road which drop off or are beveled into an abrupt drop from the normal roadway. Falling rain may also create a flowing gutter of water often a foot or more deep, creating an even more unstable driving situation.

P. Stuck in Deep Water - An overloaded vehicle has an increased chance of stalling in water. If you run into deep water and get stuck, but do not sink, try to escape immediately through a window. If you do sink, wait until the pressure equalizes before you try and open a window or door. First get into the back seat where air pockets usually form and kick out the back window. The back window is designed to come off fairly easily.

Q. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Vehicle motors give off carbon monoxide, which is a deadly gas. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Do not leave the motor running in a garage.
• Do not leave the motor running with the windows closed when you park your vehicle.
• Do not use the heater or air conditioner in a parked vehicle with the windows closed.
• Do not leave the vents open when following closely behind another vehicle.
• Do not drive with a defective muffler or exhaust system.

Collision Avoidance - Handling Emergencies

Prevention and avoidance is the best way to deal with a potential collision. Here are a few tips to practice:

• Be alert and well-rested.
• Always expect the unexpected. Never assume drivers will follow through on what they appear to be doing.
• Keep eyes moving (12-15 seconds or 1/4 mile ahead).
• Maintain 3-4 second following rule as needed.
• Look for potential hazards, poor road conditions, wrecks, etc.
• Seek out an escape route, if available.
• Check the vehicles behind you every 5-7 seconds.
• Adjust speed to suit conditions.
• Plan ahead.
• Honk your horn when appropriate (you are only allowed to use your horn to avoid or warn others of a potential collision).
• Watch out for trucks and buses.
• Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Signal and announce your intentions.

Remember, practicing good vehicle maintenance can greatly reduce the chances of emergency situations on the road.