Defensive Driving

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31018, 25 March 1966, Page 11

Defensive Driving

AUSTRALIA’S road toll is arousing keen interest in a system of “defensive” driving which has been adopted by the Victoria Police in their advanced driving school. The Petroleum Information Bureau (Australia) says a car owner who drives “defensively” is one who, before he takes his seat in his car, first conscientiously satisfies himself that he is fit to drive and that his vehicle is in perfect order.

“He asks himself whether his health and vision are good and whether his mental and physical reactions are impaired in any way. He knows that physical and mental limitations could be the first in a series of factors that might involve him in an accident in which not only he but other people as well could be killed or injured. “To make certain that his car is safe, the driver checks certain components every day. He should test at least

his tyres, brakes and steering daily. Between visits to the service station for oil change, lubrication and other maintenance he makes other checks as an added precaution. The car lights, windscreen wipers, horn and trafficators should all be working properly. No defect, however small, should be allowed to go unattended. “After he has seated himself behind the wheel, and before switching on the ignition, the defensive driver makes sure that his seat is comfortable so that he can effectively control his vehicle. He also confirms that his mirror is so adjusted that it gives him a clear view of the road behind him. “Not until he has satisfied himself that everything is safe will he start the engine and move away. Before he has gone far, however, the defensive driver will press the brake pedal gently to make sure that the brakes are effective.

“Then, on his way, he concentrates on the route ahead of him and plans his driving. He does not allow his thoughts to wander or objects or incidents to distract his attention from what should be a full-time job. “A pupil under training in the Victoria Police driving school has to give a running commentary on what he can see and what action he is going to take. His commentary proves to the instructor that the pupil is thinking ahead and enables the instructor to help him avoid making mistakes.

“The underlying theory of the "defensive” driving system is that by constantly thinking ahead, a driver should only rarely be confronted by a situation that calls for emergency action. He should never be caught unaware. He should anticipate the circumstances which he might face and plan his driving to meet them,” the bureau says.