8-3Defensive DrivingDefensive driving means “alwaysexpect the unexpected.” The firststep in driving defensively is to wearyour safety belt, see Safety Belts onpage 2-12.{ WARNINGAssume that other road users(pedestrians, bicyclists, and otherdrivers) are going to be carelessand make mistakes. Anticipatewhat they might do and be ready.In addition:• Allow enough followingdistance between you and thedriver in front of you.• Focus on the task of driving.Driver distraction can causecollisions resulting in injury orpossible death. These simpledefensive driving techniquescould save your life.Control of a VehicleThe following three systems help tocontrol the vehicle while driving —brakes, steering, and accelerator. Attimes, as when driving on snow orice, it is easy to ask more of thosecontrol systems than the tires androad can provide. Meaning, you canlose control of the vehicle. SeeTraction Control System (TCS) onpage 8-32 and StabiliTrak System onpage 8-33.Adding non-dealer/non-retaileraccessories can affect vehicleperformance. See Accessories andModifications on page 9-3.BrakingSee Brake System Warning Light onpage 4-23.Braking action involves perceptiontime and reaction time. Deciding topush the brake pedal is perceptiontime. Actually doing it is reactiontime.Average reaction time is aboutthree-fourths of a second. But that isonly an average. It might be less withone driver and as long as two orthree seconds or more with another.Age, physical condition, alertness,coordination, and eyesight all play apart. So do alcohol, drugs, andfrustration. But even in three-fourthsof a second, a vehicle moving at100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m(66 ft). That could be a lot of distancein an emergency, so keeping enoughspace between the vehicle andothers is important.srx.book Page 3 Monday, June 8, 2009 8:28 AM
