Two Systems Of Defensive Driving Are

Defensive driving isn't just about reacting to immediate threats; it's a proactive approach that anticipates potential hazards and mitigates risks before they escalate. Two systems stand out as pillars of this philosophy: the Smith System and the SIPDE method. Each offers a structured framework for drivers to enhance their awareness, decision-making, and ultimately, their safety on the road.

The Smith System: A Holistic Approach to Driving Safety

The Smith System, developed by Harold Smith in the 1950s, emphasizes a comprehensive and proactive approach to driving. It's built upon five key habits that, when consistently practiced, significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents.

The Five Keys of the Smith System

1. Aim High in Steering: This principle encourages drivers to look far ahead, not just at the vehicle immediately in front of them. By scanning the road 12-15 seconds ahead, drivers can anticipate potential hazards, such as changes in traffic flow, pedestrians crossing, or objects on the road. This provides more time to react safely and smoothly. Looking far ahead allows the driver to:
   • Identify hazards early: Spot potential dangers like brake lights, merging vehicles, or pedestrians before they become immediate threats.
   • Plan ahead: Anticipate necessary maneuvers, such as changing lanes or adjusting speed, well in advance.
   • Maintain a smoother ride: Avoid abrupt braking or steering, which can be unsettling for passengers and increase the risk of accidents.
2. Get the Big Picture: This key focuses on situational awareness. Drivers should be aware of everything happening around their vehicle, including traffic to the sides and rear. This involves frequently checking mirrors, scanning intersections, and being mindful of blind spots. Practicing this habit helps drivers:
   • Identify potential escape routes: Knowing the surrounding environment allows drivers to quickly identify alternative paths if needed.
   • Anticipate the actions of other drivers: Observing the behavior of other vehicles can provide clues about their intentions, such as a driver preparing to change lanes or turn.
   • Avoid being surprised: By maintaining awareness of the surroundings, drivers are less likely to be caught off guard by unexpected events.
3. Keep Your Eyes Moving: This reinforces the importance of continuous scanning. Staring fixedly at one point can lead to tunnel vision, reducing awareness of peripheral activity. Drivers should regularly shift their gaze, checking mirrors, instruments, and the road ahead. This dynamic visual search helps:
   • Detect hazards in the periphery: Notice pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles entering the driving environment from the sides.
   • Reduce fatigue: Constant eye movement helps to keep the brain alert and focused.
   • Gather more information: A dynamic scan provides a more comprehensive understanding of the surrounding environment.
4. Leave Yourself an Out: This principle emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe following distance and positioning the vehicle to allow for an escape route. This means avoiding being boxed in by other vehicles and being prepared to react to sudden changes in traffic flow. Leaving yourself an out allows you to:
   • Avoid rear-end collisions: Maintaining a safe following distance provides ample time to react if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.
   • Maneuver safely: Having space to the sides allows for evasive maneuvers if needed.
   • Reduce stress: Knowing that there is a way out of a potentially dangerous situation can reduce anxiety and improve decision-making.
5. Make Sure They See You: This key highlights the importance of communication. Drivers should use their signals, lights, and horn to make their intentions clear to other road users. This helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the risk of collisions. Effective communication involves:
   • Using signals early and clearly: Indicate turns, lane changes, and other maneuvers well in advance.
   • Using headlights appropriately: Ensure headlights are on during low-light conditions and when visibility is reduced.
   • Using the horn sparingly but effectively: Alert other drivers to your presence in situations where they may not see you.

Benefits of the Smith System

• Reduced accident risk: By proactively identifying and mitigating hazards, the Smith System significantly lowers the chances of being involved in a collision.
• Improved fuel efficiency: Smoother driving habits, such as avoiding abrupt braking and acceleration, can lead to better fuel economy.
• Reduced vehicle wear and tear: Gentle acceleration and braking reduce stress on vehicle components, extending their lifespan.
• Increased driver confidence: Mastering the Smith System principles instills a sense of control and confidence behind the wheel.

Implementing the Smith System

Implementing the Smith System requires conscious effort and consistent practice. It involves:

• Understanding the five keys: Thoroughly learn and understand the principles of the Smith System.
• Practicing the keys in everyday driving: Consciously apply the five keys every time you drive.
• Seeking feedback: Ask experienced drivers or instructors for feedback on your driving habits.
• Continual reinforcement: Regularly review and reinforce the five keys to maintain good driving habits.

The SIPDE Method: A Decision-Making Framework

The SIPDE method is another widely recognized defensive driving technique. It provides a structured decision-making process that helps drivers assess potential hazards and react appropriately. SIPDE stands for:

• Scan
• Identify
• Predict
• Decide
• Execute

Breaking Down the SIPDE Method

1. Scan: This involves continuously scanning the driving environment for potential hazards. This includes checking mirrors, monitoring traffic flow, and observing pedestrians and cyclists. Scanning effectively requires:
   • A wide field of vision: Using both central and peripheral vision to capture a comprehensive view of the surroundings.
   • Systematic observation: Developing a routine for checking mirrors, instruments, and the road ahead.
   • Vigilance: Remaining alert and focused on the driving task.
2. Identify: Once a potential hazard is detected, the driver must identify its nature and potential threat. This requires analyzing the situation and determining the level of risk. Identifying hazards involves:
   • Categorizing hazards: Determining whether the hazard is a vehicle, pedestrian, object, or environmental condition.
   • Assessing the risk: Evaluating the likelihood of the hazard causing a collision.
   • Prioritizing hazards: Focusing on the most immediate and dangerous threats.
3. Predict: After identifying a hazard, the driver must predict what might happen next. This involves anticipating the actions of other road users and considering the potential consequences. Predicting effectively requires:
   • Understanding traffic laws: Knowing the rules of the road and how other drivers are likely to behave.
   • Anticipating driver behavior: Recognizing clues that indicate the intentions of other drivers, such as turn signals or brake lights.
   • Considering potential outcomes: Imagining the possible consequences of the hazard and how it might affect your driving.
4. Decide: Based on the information gathered, the driver must decide on the best course of action. This involves weighing the risks and benefits of different options and choosing the safest maneuver. Deciding on the appropriate action involves:
   • Evaluating options: Considering different possible actions, such as changing lanes, adjusting speed, or braking.
   • Weighing risks and benefits: Assessing the potential consequences of each action.
   • Choosing the safest option: Selecting the maneuver that minimizes the risk of a collision.
5. Execute: Once a decision has been made, the driver must execute the chosen maneuver smoothly and effectively. This requires precise control of the vehicle and clear communication with other road users. Executing the decision involves:
   • Precise vehicle control: Steering, braking, and accelerating smoothly and accurately.
   • Clear communication: Using signals, lights, and horn to communicate intentions to other drivers.
   • Monitoring the outcome: Observing the effects of the maneuver and making adjustments as needed.

Benefits of the SIPDE Method

• Improved hazard perception: The SIPDE method trains drivers to be more aware of potential hazards in their environment.
• Enhanced decision-making skills: The structured process helps drivers make informed decisions under pressure.
• Faster reaction times: By anticipating potential dangers, drivers can react more quickly and effectively.
• Reduced accident risk: The SIPDE method equips drivers with the skills and knowledge to avoid collisions.

Implementing the SIPDE Method

Implementing the SIPDE method involves:

• Learning the steps: Understanding the meaning and application of each step in the SIPDE process.
• Practicing the method in various driving scenarios: Applying the SIPDE method in different traffic conditions and environments.
• Making the method a habit: Consciously using the SIPDE method every time you drive until it becomes second nature.
• Seeking feedback: Requesting feedback from experienced drivers or instructors on your application of the SIPDE method.

Comparing the Smith System and the SIPDE Method

While both the Smith System and the SIPDE method aim to improve driving safety, they approach the task from slightly different angles. The Smith System focuses on developing proactive driving habits, while the SIPDE method provides a structured decision-making process.

Feature	Smith System	SIPDE Method
Focus	Proactive driving habits	Structured decision-making
Key Principles	Five keys to safe driving	Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute
Emphasis	Anticipation and risk mitigation	Hazard perception and response
Application	Continuous application of driving habits	Applied when encountering potential hazards

Both systems are valuable tools for defensive driving, and drivers can benefit from incorporating elements of both into their driving practices. The Smith System provides a foundation of good driving habits, while the SIPDE method offers a framework for responding to specific hazards.

Integrating the Smith System and SIPDE Method

The Smith System and SIPDE method can be effectively integrated to create a comprehensive defensive driving strategy. Here's how:

• Use the Smith System to build a foundation of good driving habits: Consistently practice the five keys of the Smith System to develop a proactive approach to driving.
• Apply the SIPDE method when encountering potential hazards: When you identify a potential danger, use the SIPDE method to assess the situation and choose the safest course of action.
• Use the Smith System to enhance the SIPDE process: The Smith System's emphasis on scanning the environment and anticipating potential hazards can improve the effectiveness of the SIPDE method.
• Combine the principles of both systems: Integrate the principles of both systems into your driving practices to create a holistic approach to defensive driving.

For example, "Aim High in Steering" from the Smith System directly enhances the "Scan" step of SIPDE by encouraging the driver to look further ahead and gather more information. Similarly, "Leave Yourself an Out" complements the "Decide" and "Execute" steps by ensuring the driver has options available when reacting to a hazard identified through the SIPDE process.

Additional Tips for Defensive Driving

In addition to the Smith System and the SIPDE method, there are other important defensive driving techniques that can help you stay safe on the road.

• Maintain a safe following distance: Allow enough space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to react safely if they brake suddenly. A good rule of thumb is the "three-second rule," which involves counting three seconds between when the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point and when your vehicle passes the same point.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to everything happening around you, including traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and road conditions.
• Avoid distractions: Focus on the driving task and avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, and adjusting the radio.
• Drive at a safe speed: Adjust your speed to the road conditions and traffic flow.
• Be prepared for the unexpected: Expect the unexpected and be ready to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.
• Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Driving under the influence impairs your judgment and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of a collision.
• Get enough rest: Fatigue can impair your driving ability, so make sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel.
• Maintain your vehicle: Regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle to ensure it is in safe operating condition.
• Take a defensive driving course: A defensive driving course can provide you with valuable skills and knowledge to improve your driving safety.

Conclusion

Mastering defensive driving techniques is not just about avoiding accidents; it's about cultivating a responsible and proactive mindset behind the wheel. The Smith System and the SIPDE method offer complementary frameworks for achieving this goal. By consistently applying the principles of these systems, combined with other safe driving practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a collision and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone. Embracing defensive driving is a lifelong commitment to safety, awareness, and responsible behavior on the road.