Defensive Driving (Light Vehicle) Training Course

1. Defensive Driving Fundamentals and Safety Principles

• Defensive driving definition including (proactive safety, hazard anticipation, and collision prevention)

• NSC driving principles including (space management, speed control, and communication techniques)

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 vehicle safety including (seat belt requirements, protective equipment, and operator responsibilities)

• Accident statistics including (crash causes, injury patterns, and prevention strategies)

2. Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Awareness

• Pre-trip inspection including (visual checks, fluid levels, and safety equipment verification)

• DOT FMCSA inspection requirements including (daily inspections, defect reporting, and maintenance documentation)

• Vehicle systems including (brakes, steering, lights, and tire condition)

• Safety equipment including (seat belts, mirrors, warning devices, and emergency equipment)

3. Hazard Recognition and Risk Assessment

• Traffic hazards including (aggressive drivers, impaired drivers, and pedestrian risks)

• NSC hazard identification including (road conditions, weather factors, and visibility limitations)

• Environmental hazards including (construction zones, school areas, and emergency vehicles)

• Vehicle-specific hazards including (blind spots, stopping distances, and maneuverability limitations)

4. Space Management and Following Distances

• NSC space management including (following distance, lane positioning, and escape routes)

• Three-second rule including (distance calculation, adjustment factors, and safety margins)

• Space cushion including (side clearance, overhead clearance, and maneuvering space)

• DOT spacing requirements including (commercial vehicle standards, load considerations, and traffic flow)

5. Speed Control and Driving Conditions

• Speed management including (appropriate speed, condition adjustment, and traffic flow matching)

• Weather driving including (rain, snow, ice, and visibility reduction techniques)

• NSC condition adjustment including (road surface, traffic density, and environmental factors)

• Emergency situations including (evasive maneuvers, emergency braking, and collision avoidance)

6. Intersection Safety and Right-of-Way

• Intersection hazards including (signal compliance, turning movements, and pedestrian crossings)

• DOT intersection rules including (right-of-way principles, signal interpretation, and safe practices)

• Turning procedures including (signal timing, blind spot checking, and clearance verification)

• Parking lot safety including (pedestrian awareness, backing procedures, and parking techniques)

7. Distraction Prevention and Fatigue Management

• Distraction sources including (mobile devices, passenger interaction, and in-vehicle systems)

• OSHA distraction prevention including (hands-free policies, attention management, and safety procedures)

• Fatigue recognition including (warning signs, prevention strategies, and rest requirements)

• DOT hours of service including (driving limits, rest periods, and logbook requirements for applicable vehicles)

8. Emergency Response and Incident Management

• Emergency procedures including (breakdown response, accident procedures, and hazard communication)

• NSC emergency response including (scene safety, injury assessment, and emergency services notification)

• Incident documentation including (information collection, reporting requirements, and insurance coordination)

• Recovery procedures including (vehicle security, towing coordination, and follow-up requirements)