EHS 1650 Defensive Driving

This Defensive Driving course is designed to emphasize driver safety through increased awareness and hazard recognition. The course addresses driving risks and risk reduction techniques, collision avoidance, personal responsibilities, and impaired driving. Each student will be required to pass the National Safety Council?s examination for certification (4.0 hour defensive driving). Passing the examination for certification does not guarantee a passing final grade. (0.5 lect.)

Credits

0.5 credits

Transfer Status

Transferable to UW.

Major Topics

Driver responsibility
Preventable collisions
Hazard and risk recognition
Collision avoidance
Aggressive, distracted, impaired, and fatigued driving
Various driving environments
a. Driving conditions created by other drivers
b. Light conditions
c. Road conditions
d. Traffic conditions
e. Weather conditions
f. Vehicle condition and equipment
Unsafe driving behaviors
Techniques for avoiding collisions and illegal violations

Outcomes

In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:

1. Identify the risks and hazards of driving

2. Define "defensive driving"

3. Explain defensive driving techniques

4. Outline the advantages and benefits of defensive driving

5. Identify the fatal four driving behaviors that result in crashes and violations

6. Define aggressive driver behaviors that result in crashes and violations

7. List the causes of aggressive driving

8. Evaluate the methods to maintain self-control while driving

9. Explain the defensive driving techniques that assist in avoiding confrontations with aggressive drivers

10. Evaluate defensive strategies in various driving conditions

11. Describe the possible hazards in adverse driving conditions

12. Explain how specific conditions may increase the hazards and risks of driving

13. Define occupant restraint systems and explain the benefits thereof

14. Explain how to conduct an exterior and interior vehicle inspection

15. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of antilock brake systems

16. Describe and evaluate the legal responsibilities of a licensed driver

17. Create and implement an effective defensive driving plan

Other Information

Any information placed here must be adhered to by all instructors:

Certification Tests: Students shall pass the National Safety Council’s Final Examination for the 4.0 Hour Defensive Driving certificate. Evaluation: 1. Completion of a group project including a group presentation. 2. Submission of a writing assignment. 3. Successfully passing the National Safety Council’s final examination for certification.