Principles of Defensive Driving from the Michigan State Police

By semperverus
Posted on 01/04/202402/03/2024

The Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit provides regularly scheduled precision driving programs to law enforcement personnel from throughout the United States and Canada. These include courses in basic driving, instructor development, pursuit schools, and recruit driver training. Defensive driving lectures are offered for criminal justice agencies as well as private sector organizations. The Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit is also internationally recognized for the testing of pursuit-rated patrol cars through the Police Vehicle Evaluation and Purchasing Program.

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One of its curricula is Civilian Defensive Driving, a free PDF that teaches principles of safe driving.

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Among its lessons are the following:

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD DRIVER

• The ability to remain cool, calm, and collected in stressful driving situations.
• An accurate perception of their driving abilities and the performance capabilities of their vehicle.
• The ability to successfully apply their actual driving skills to specific situations in the driving environment.
• Respect for other drivers.

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WHAT TO DO WHEN CONFRONTED WITH DANGEROUS, AGGRESSIVE DRIVERS

• First and foremost, make every attempt to get out of their way.
• Do not challenge them by speeding up or holding your own travel lane.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
• If you have a cell phone and can do so safely, call 911.

[ Read the SemperVerus article, Situational Awareness: 14 Ways to Walk Like You Drive ]

SMITH SYSTEM OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING

This five point system was established by Dr. Harold Smith in 1948:
1. Aim high in steering.
2. Get the big picture.
3. Keep your eyes moving.
4. Leave yourself an out.
5. Make sure they see you.

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