Transcript Drivers’ Education

September 23, 2013
Hearing
 Hearing is used by drivers to detect sounds of
potential hazards. Sound is an important element to
safe driving. Hearing impaired individuals can drive
with the help of hearing aids.
Size and Height
 If you are at the extremes of most physical
characteristics, you may have trouble driving, due to
the inability to comfortably operate a vehicle.
Chronic Illness and Fatigue
 Some illnesses like asthma, heart disease, and epilepsy
may restrict a person’s ability to drive safely. But new
medications allow for individuals to better control
symptoms.
 Physically disabled individuals use special equipment
to be able to drive, safely.
Fatigue and Lack of Sleep
 Fatigue effects reaction time and decision making
abilities. Fatigued drivers are more likely to be in an
accident. Can be caused by long trips, boredom,
eyestrain, poor ventilation, or overeating/drinking.
 Teen drivers account for almost half of all fatigued
driving collisions.
Fatigue and Lack of Sleep
 If you are fatigued: pull over safely somewhere you can
get out of the car, walk around, splash cold water on
your face, etc.
 Eat something light, but avoid a heavy meal or
beverages high in sugar or caffeine.
 If you stop to take a nap, make sure it is a safe, well lit
area. Take precautions, like cracking the window and
locking the doors.
Illness and injury.
 Avoid driving when you are sick. Symptoms (and
medication for them) can cause slow reactions and
periods of inattention.
 Additionally, sneezing and coughing could cause you
to lose control of the vehicle.
 Injury like broken limbs or extremities can impair safe
driving when mobility and strength . Before driving
with an injury, evaluate your ability operate safely.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
 Car exhaust contains carbon monoxide. A silent killer,
carbon monoxide is odorless and tasteless. It can seep
into the passenger compartment without warning.
 Can be caused by damage to the exhaust system,
driving in areas without ventilation, driving an SUV or
wagon with the back window open, Smoking with the
windows closed.
Carbon Monoxide
 Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, nausea,
drowsiness, and/or lack of strength.
 Ways to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: keep car
windows open a crack when the engine is running, keep a
distance from stopped traffic if you are using heat or AC,
turn off your engine when you are stopped in enclosed
spaces, regularly inspect your exhaust for leaks.
 If you feel the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning, get
out of any enclosed space and air out the vehicle.
Mental Condition
 Emotional state is very important factor in the ability
to drive well.
 Giving in to powerful emotions while driving affects
reaction time, coordination and concentration.
Anger
 Anger is the most common and dangerous emotion for
the driver.
 Drivers become angry at the actions of other drivers.
This becomes worse when stressed, tired, or irritated
(like most drivers).
Dealing with Anger
 Do not make anger into aggression on the road. If
angry before you get in the car, take a minute to cool
down.
 If another driver makes you angry, calm yourself, and
increase following distance and space cushion.
Road Rage
 To avoid road rage: Don’t drive aggressively, don’t drive
ignorantly, don’t drive carelessly, don’t engage other
drivers with acts, or action, including bumper stickers
 Avoid confrontations by driving to a police station or
crowded location. Keep windows up and doors locked.
Road Rage
 Aggression that is transferred into the act of driving is
called road rage.
 Road rage is aggression that targeted at other drivers.
It can be as simple as deliberate tailgating, yelling and
obscene gestures; and as dangerous as intentionally
blocking a driver’s path and assault.
Road Rage
 Road rage is usually the overreaction to a simple act, by
a already aggravated driver.
 Road ragers can be anyone, but are most commonly
young males with a history of drug, alcohol, and/or
emotional problems.