Section 2.1

SECTION 2.1

Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute: this is the step-by-step reasoning process behind safe vehicle operation, the principles of defensive driving, and the complexities of visual perception in traffic. Driving is such a regular part of most people’s lives that we’re figuratively asleep at the wheel. This wake-up call to awareness will help you avoid citations, and even more importantly, avoid collisions.

The IPDE Process and Defensive Driving

"IPDE" is an organized thinking/doing process that you should use over and over again when you are driving.

The four steps of the IPDE process are:

I	Identify	Locate potential hazards within the driving scene
P	Predict	Judge where the possible points of conflict may occur
D	Decide	Determine what action to take, when, and where to take it
E	Execute	Act by maneuvering the car to avoid conflicts

IPDE can help you avoid collisions. Take a moment to think through the IPDE process and how you should use it while driving. IPDE can help you become a "defensive driver". Defensive driving is the art of protecting yourself and others from dangerous and unexpected changes in the driving environment.

Defensive drivers anticipate the actions of other road users and are willing to adjust their own speed and position if they make any mistakes. Defensive drivers also adjust their driving practices to reflect changes in weather and road conditions. With practice, the IPDE process will become automatic.

Driving Distractions and the "Big Picture"

As a driver, you have a responsibility to your passengers and to yourself to concentrate all of your attention on the "big picture" of what is happening around your vehicle while you are driving. Distractions can steal part or all of this big picture. If you turn your head in conversation with a passenger, open up a beverage, or look around for something on the seat next to you, the results can be disastrous.

These distractions, coupled with your surroundings inside the car – including passengers, door posts, roof supports, or packages piled on a rear seat – all conspire to limit your field of vision.

Mental distractions, whether you are rehearsing a speech, planning your day, or dozing at the wheel, force you to "tune out" what is happening around you in traffic and tune you into trouble.

You won’t simply have lost the big picture of your surroundings – you may have lost your life.

If it is important for you to discuss something with a passenger or on the phone, park your car and then talk. Don't turn your head or get caught up in conversation and risk losing your traffic picture.

Unrestrained children, pets, and even the radio will distract you while driving – driving is a full-time job.

It is always against the law for automobile drivers to wear headphones or earplugs while driving.

We have all heard of people who were "driving too fast for conditions." This simply means that the weather or road conditions or the condition of the vehicle or driver demanded a slower speed for safety reasons.

In most cases, it is really "perception too poor for the conditions" that causes more accidents than speed alone. Poor visibility or distractions that have shrunk your view of the "big picture" call for you to reduce your speed or stop the car.

Never concentrate too long on any one part of the picture, a fixed stare will cancel out your ability to see the "big picture".

If drivers or pedestrians are preoccupied or distracted, they can be totally unaware of your presence. It is up to you to see them and alert them so that they see you. But do not blast your horn as a last minute warning. This might only frighten them into an accident. Instead, use an early gentle tap of the horn, or flick your lights to get their attention and make certain, by eye contact, that the person sees you.

Scene of an Accident

One of the more dangerous outside distractions is an accident that has already happened. "Rubber necking," or gawking, is a dangerous problem that we all have witnessed.

When police officers arrive at the scene of an accident, after they have determined if someone is injured and helped them, they will work to quickly clear the accident and direct traffic safely around it. If you are the first person at an accident scene, you must stop after you pass the accident and determine if your assistance is needed.

Accidents and Your Condition

Your personality, your mental condition, and your physical condition all affect the way you drive. Never let your emotions interfere with safe driving. Always strive to use good judgment, common sense, courtesy, and the principles of defensive driving when you are on the road.

Some physical ailments, such as poor vision, heart problems, or epilepsy may affect your driving. Try not to drive when you are ill. Discuss your condition with your physician and follow his or her advice as to whether or not you should drive. If you have a condition that might affect your ability to drive safely, you should also inform the DMV.

Conditions Your Physician Must Report

Section 410 of the California Health and Safety Code requires doctors to report in writing to local health officials the identity of every patient over 14 years old who is diagnosed with any disorder characterized by lapses of consciousness or dementia.

Physicians, or other persons who substantiate driver's ability of obtaining a disabled parking placard or licensee plate, have to maintain such information and make it available to the Medical Board upon request.

Although not required by law, your doctor may report any other medical condition that they believe may impair a patient’s ability to drive safely.

Remember:

	Never drive after drinking or using drugs and never ride with anyone who has been drinking or using drugs
	If you are either ill or upset, don’t drive. Your emotions, like anger, worry, etc., can make you drive unsafely. Never vent your anger by driving recklessly

It is illegal to drive when you are impaired, no matter what the reason may be.

Defensive Driving and Perception Techniques

Following are the key things to remember as you practice defensive driving:

	"Aim High" in steering – be sure that the situation 10-15 seconds ahead of you, not just the car directly in front, dictates your steering decisions.
	Get the big picture.
	Keep your eyes moving.
	Leave yourself an "out".
	Make sure that others see you.

The length of time it takes a driver to identify a situation is called Perception Time. Perception time depends on visibility, the driver’s physical condition, and the road situation. Effectively searching down the road will shorten your required perception time.

Many drivers fail to notice what is happening on or near the roadway. Some drivers interpret information incorrectly and, as a result, make mistakes. To avoid errors and make the best driving decisions you must learn to gather and correctly interpret information that relates to driving.

You can improve your ability to gather information by grouping like items into four basic categories:

Signs, Signals and Roadway Markings	These items provide for orderly movement of traffic. They help you make safe driving decisions by informing you of the condition of the road ahead of you.
The Highway	Look for objects on the road and in the area bordering the road that could possibly cause a collision. If there is a problem ahead, look for another path that you can take to avoid a hazardous situation.
Motorized Vehicles	It can be difficult to gather good information about other motorized vehicles. Cars, motorcycles, trucks and buses all handle and react differently to road conditions. Watch out for other drivers who do not have full control of their vehicles because of excessive speed or unnecessary lane changing. Adjust your speed and position to protect yourself against their possible actions. Remember that drivers of some vehicles are less predictable than others.
Non-Motorized Highway Users	Pedestrians, bicycles and animals belong to this group. They are the most vulnerable users of the highways, and should be watched carefully whenever they come near a roadway.

Organizing a Search and the Four-Second Rule

Developing skills for searching the roadway and responding to the conditions that you observe is one of the most important driving skills.

Search the area in and near your intended path of travel four seconds ahead. Problems in this area develop quickly. Next, search at least twelve seconds ahead. This way, if there are possible conflicts, you will have ample time to respond. Having this time to make a good decision will reduce the likelihood of your making a bad decision.

When we drive, our vision is somewhat limited. We cannot even process everything we see, therefore we must search the road for things with collision potential. Things that move, such as vehicles, pedestrians, and animals, are more dangerous than fixed objects. Things that are in your path are more dangerous than those farther away.

The crests of hills, curves, large vehicles, shrubbery and buildings can prevent you from seeing important objects. Limited visibility should alert you to the possibility of trouble while you are driving.

Along the road there are signs and signals that will guide you or warn you of any upcoming hazards or route changes. Select your speed and position accordingly. Make sure you have at least three seconds between you and the vehicles ahead of you. Also check the space between your car and any vehicles in the lane next to you. Use your rear view mirror and side view mirrors every three to five seconds. After a quick check of the mirrors or a fast look over your shoulder to check the rear, return your attention to the path immediately ahead of you. If this is not enough time, don’t stare. If there is no immediate problem in the path ahead check the mirrors or look over your shoulder again as needed.

Checking traffic to the sides and the rear in this manner is a critical habit to develop.

You should also glance at your instrument panel often to ensure there are no problems with the vehicle and to verify that you know what your speed is. Determine what your gauges tell you and then quickly return your attention to your path of travel.

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