Student Introduction

BEHIND THE WHEEL GUIDE STUDENTS

STUDENT GUIDE

Congratulations on the purchase of THE CONTROLLER™. Used in combination with ‘The 7 Essential Lessons’, this program provides an excellent course that teaches valuable driving skills. It is assumed that students will be thoroughly versed in the laws, regulations, and driving practices of the states where they will be licensed. We have provided convenient diagnostic material at the end of this guide as a supplement to the skills-based information in this book.

Students and teachers should be familiar with the laws governing driving before beginning this course. The CONTROLLER™ program cannot substitute for the legal and technical knowledge required to drive in your area. The information provided in this guide will help you develop valuable driving skills without the stress and danger associated with going it alone.

STUDENTS SHOULD READ ALL SECTIONS OF THIS MANUAL

The information provided in this guide was developed for both teachers and students. The teacher should read the In-Car Guide to the student. The student should read the In-Car Guide for the teacher. Both of you will, therefore, have a better understanding of what the new student needs to learn from the teacher, as well as what the new teacher is learning from the student.

IN-CAR DRIVING GUIDE: STUDENT INTRODUCTION

Let Us Begin!

DO YOU HAVE YOUR LEARNER'S PERMIT?

Having a driver’s license is one of the most essential privileges our society offers us. A license means freedom, and being a qualified driver means you can make responsible decisions. With this sense of responsibility comes newfound independence as well. I know you are eager to get started learning the skills and knowledge necessary to earn your license. So let us get going.

It all begins with your State's Learner's Permit. Note that in all 50 States, you can NOT drive alone with your Learner’s Permit. Another licensed driver must accompany you. In most States, the licensed driver must be over the age of 21. If you already have your State's Permit, great, then we can continue with our program!

TRAFFIC CRASHES -- Everyone’s Concern

Every 14 minutes, someone in the USA dies in a vehicle crash. In one year, about 40,000 people in the USA are killed. This figure represents the population of a medium-sized city.

These sobering facts are just one indicator of how important it is to know the rules of the road and to drive safely and responsibly. Traffic safety continues to be a primary concern for government officials, law enforcement, and members of the judicial system.

There is no national code governing the use of our roads. Still, states generally adhere to commonly agreed-upon statutes, resulting in uniformity in laws and other essential rules regulating the use of our streets and highways. You must always know and use these regulations!

Adhering to the safety standards governing our roads is crucial to maintaining your own safety and the well-being of others. You must develop the habits that create PERFECT DRIVING.

TAKING PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, PERFECT DRIVING, AND YOU

The need to produce better, more capable, and informed drivers is imperative. While it is difficult to take responsibility for reducing the escalating accident rate, you can accept personal responsibility for developing good driving habits by evaluating your driving skills and comparing them against the standards of Perfect Driving.

So, what is Perfect Driving?

Perfect Driving means that you complete every trip without accidents, without committing traffic violations, without excessive schedule delays, without being abusive to other drivers, and without discourtesy to others you meet on the road.

There are specific behaviors that, together, make a Perfect Driver. We will define these behaviors throughout this course.

One of the most important concepts in Perfect Driving is called Preventability.

PREVENTABILITY AND YOU

Perfect Driving means the ability to operate a motor vehicle to avoid being involved in a preventable crash. Preventing accidents is the number one responsibility of all drivers. Most crashes are preventable by one or more of the drivers involved.

Preventing an accident may mean letting the driver in the wrong have the right-of-way instead of insisting on your legal right.

As a driver, you must take all possible and reasonable precautions to avoid an accident. Avoiding accidents is an emotionally taxing responsibility that means keeping your cool and exercising emotional restraint.

This course is designed to equip you with the skills and attitudes to take reasonable precautions and avoid becoming involved in an accident.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

DRIVER SURVIVABILITY, THE ART OF STAYING ALIVE

Defensive driving is a key concept in preventing accidents. Using Defensive Driving skills reduces your chances of being involved in an accident. Defensive driving means anticipating the unexpected, which can arise at any moment during driving.

As a Defensive Driver, you must learn to “give” a little, to expect the unexpected: the actions of other drivers, pedestrians, and such unpredictable and ever-changing factors as weather conditions, road hazards, and traffic conditions, the mechanical condition of your car, and even your own emotional and physical state. Defensive driving is an attitude that is supported by skills, which you must sharpen through constant practice.

FAIL-SAFE ACCIDENT PREVENTION FORMULA

The professional driver knows how to anticipate danger and react accordingly, so that defensive driving is not just a slogan but a crucial set of skills and attitudes applied at every moment of the driving situation. Here are the three interrelated steps you must implement to prevent accidents. Know them and use them!

SEE THE HAZARD: Anticipate what will happen in the next few moments. The more capable you are of foreseeing danger, the more you will be able to act to prevent an accident.
UNDERSTAND THE DEFENSE: You must not only see danger coming, but you must react appropriately to avoid the potential danger from becoming a reality. There are specific skills you must know so that you can choose the appropriate defensive skill to prevent an accident. Learning these skills means not only knowing them but being able to apply them automatically in response to danger.
ACT IN TIME: Once you have seen the hazard and you know the defense against it, ACT IMMEDIATELY! Never hesitate, do not take a “wait-and-see” attitude.

THE SOMETIMES-TROUBLESOME LEFT-HAND TURN

YIELD YOUR RIGHT-OF-WAY

Making a left turn across traffic can sometimes be a nerve-wracking situation. This move is especially tricky and demanding. Most of these accidents occur because the driver attempting to turn tries to dispute the right-of-way with oncoming traffic. Oncoming traffic always has the right-of-way. Patience really counts in this situation. Do not be pressured into making such a turn. Wait until traffic is clear before attempting to turn.

If, on the other hand, you are approaching an intersection in which a car is waiting to turn left, slow down in case the car turning left suddenly darts in front of you.

Accidents also frequently occur when a car waiting to turn left is hit from behind and driven into the path of oncoming traffic. You can avoid this gruesome scenario from developing by keeping your wheels pointed straight ahead when waiting to negotiate a left turn at an intersection. If someone hits you from behind, you will not head into oncoming traffic.

Always signal your intentions to avoid accidents with drivers behind you. Use your directional signals at least 100 feet before your turn.

KNOW YOUR ROUTE

Drivers often do outrageous and unexpected things at intersections. They may turn abruptly, often from the wrong lane, signal improperly or not at all, or screech to a sudden stop. Be Alert! Since turning always makes driving more complex, know your turns in advance; get into position early, and slow gradually after signaling.

Watch for landmarks, signs, or house numbers that indicate when you will make your turn. Remember, sudden, last-minute swerves cause pile-ups! If you miss a turn, continue until you can safely correct your mistake. It should go without saying, but yield signs, flashing red or amber lights, and stop signs all require you to exercise caution. Always be expecting the unexpected!

Such warning or stop signals mean you must be on guard for other drivers who may not obey them. You, of course, must obey these signals and then act accordingly, with caution, while watching for others who are not as alert as you are. When two vehicles enter an intersection from two different streets at the same time, the driver of the car on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. But do not risk your life on assuming everyone will obey the rules. Some drivers forget, others ignore the rules, and still others do not even care. Nobody wins when an accident happens. So, obey the yield and right-of-way laws, but be very aware of other cars that may not be as careful as you are.

PRO TRICKS FOR INTERSECTIONS

Here are a couple of tricks to stay safe at intersections:

If you are approaching an intersection with a stale green light, keep your right foot off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal. If the light changes or someone runs a red light, you would have eliminated the ¾-second reaction time.
With your right foot covering the brake pedal, look at the intersection to the left first, then to the right, then back to the left again. Since traffic from your left is closer to you and crosses your path first.
Show your intentions! Let others know exactly what you intend to do and where you plan to go at intersections. When you are going to turn, signal to get into the proper lane early, then perform the lane change after checking that your path is clear. Signal to turn at least a half a block or 100 feet in advance of the intersection. When turning right, approach the right-hand curb. It may seem hard to believe, but some impatient, dangerous types will try to pass you on the right, even though it is illegal. Watch out for small cars, bikes, scooters, or cycles that might get between you and the curb. When turning left, remember not to try to beat oncoming traffic, which always has the right-of-way. Yield to approaching vehicles turning right. Keep those wheels straight while waiting to turn left, so if someone rams you, you will not fly into the intersection and into the path of approaching traffic. Check your mirrors (both sides and interior) to make sure the driver behind you is aware of your intention to turn. Always use your signals. He may try to pass you on your left just as you start to turn.

1, 2, 3, GO…WITH CARE

How many times do I have to say it, “Intersections are tough!” When you are sure the way is clear, GO! Hesitation and over-caution at an intersection can cause accidents by confusing other drivers. But there is a balance here. The key is to ensure the intersection is clear before committing to forward motion. So, after your light turns green, carefully make sure nobody is running the light, then GO! Tension is greater at intersections. If you have a car in front of you at the light, do not tailgate when the light turns green and you start to move. The driver ahead may have to react to something you cannot see. If he hits his brakes, you could crash into him. So, just let him take off, then whisper to yourself, “1-2-3-go,” before you follow.

Exercise caution at familiar intersections and usually empty residential streets. Your awareness can be lower in these circumstances that seem benign, but where hidden dangers often lurk. Driveways, building or other business entrances, and parking lot exits all pose danger, as a car may lurch into the street unexpectedly. You should treat any entrance into the street as cautiously as an intersection.

BACKING UP – A HAZARDOUS SITUATION

Perhaps you have never thought about it, but backing up can be very dangerous, especially if you are unfamiliar with this awkward maneuver. The defensive driver avoids backing up whenever possible because he knows the risks of reversing his car. Whenever you can, plan your route to avoid backing up.

Never back around a corner. If necessary, go around the block to avoid such a blind maneuver. If you can avoid doing so, do not back out of driveways or alleys into the street. Instead, wherever possible, pull into the driveway or other location and turn around so you are headed out front-end first. When you do not have sufficient room, or for any other reason that limits your ability to reposition your car headfirst into a quieter location, you may back out of traffic so you are positioned to head back out and do not have to back out again.

When you are parking, be alert to problems involving backing up on the street. Remember that it is better to back out of traffic than to back into it. When you cannot avoid backing up, follow these rules:

Get the complete visual picture before you back, even if you must get out and walk around your car to scope out the situation. After getting the complete picture, start backing up right away before the situation has a chance to change. Keep alert to any developing dangers while you perform your backing maneuver so you can react swiftly to avert an accident.
Back up slowly and smoothly. Do not lurch into traffic when backing.
Check both left and right, front, and back. Use your outside mirrors and inside mirrors to monitor as you back up constantly.
Never depend entirely on your mirrors to judge distances to your rear. All mirrors have blind spots due to their size. Mirrors help you check clearances and spot pedestrians and other hazards that unexpectedly move into your path as you back. Still, mirrors can deceive you in measuring the distance between you and any object behind you.

TO PASS OR NOT TO PASS?

Passing or being passed is fraught with danger, since these maneuvers can result in head-on collisions, sideswipes, or being run off the road. Always BE ALERT TO PASSING SITUATIONS!

Cars can pass you in the following ways:

Cars can approach and pass you on a straight road. This is the usual passing situation.
As you are pulling out from a parking spot, cars can also pass you. So far, these two ways of passing are legal, and they happen all the time, but…
Sometimes, as you are attempting to pass another vehicle, a car can try to pass you and the other vehicle.

So, keep your cool, obey the rules of the road, and avoid an accident, even if the other guy does something crazy.

HOW TO BE PASSED THE RIGHT WAY

You can view passing either as a competitive situation or as one that requires and elicits cooperation. Being passed is a fundamental skill. Your chief goal is to prevent an accident.

You can also be a Good Samaritan. Help the other driver complete a successful pass. Do not compete or race with them. Check oncoming traffic, and slow down if the passing car needs more room to safely get back into the lane in front of you.

HOW TO CHANGE LANES THE RIGHT WAY

Before changing lanes, look in your mirrors and glance back over your right or left shoulder to make sure your blind spot is clear. So, how do you know which shoulder to look over? Simple, remember this rule: “RIGHT LANE, RIGHT SHOULDER, LEFT LANE, LEFT SHOULDER.” Obviously, it is crucial to cover the blind spot in the direction you are going, since a car may be lurking in the very place your mirror cannot see. Once you have confirmed you are in the clear, begin signaling. Only then, if the lane where you intend to go is clear, should you move over.

HOW TO PASS THE RIGHT WAY

Know the risks and benefits of passing and weigh them carefully. There is nothing wrong with passing; you may be in a hurry, the car in front of you may be traveling slowly, or you may simply want to be in front of him. But always exercise care and planning when passing. If you are uncertain about passing, the best rule is, “When in doubt, don’t!”

If you do decide to pass a vehicle, you need to:

Be certain you always maintain a safe following distance. Follow the car in front of you, allowing at least one car length for every 10 miles an hour of speed (more if the weather’s bad).
Check the traffic ahead, both in your lane and the oncoming cars. If your vehicle and an oncoming car are approaching one another at 65 M.P.H., you are closing the gap between you at the rate of 130 M.P.H. Since it takes you 10 seconds to pass the car ahead of you, the oncoming vehicle must be at least a half-mile away.
OK, now check traffic behind you. Somebody could be trying to pass you! First, look in your rear-view mirrors.
Go ahead and signal before you change lanes.
Then glance over your left shoulder to check your blind spot.
Now, smoothly change lanes and…
Accelerate as you move left. Of course, observe all speed limits!
Continue to accelerate as you pass the car and…
Signal that you intend to move back over to the right lane.
Return to the right lane when you are sure it is clear. While still in the left lane, glance in your rear-view mirror. If you can see the car you are passing, you are well clear. Check your right blind spot to make sure the lane is still free, then move back over.
Whew, you made it!
But do not forget to resume normal speed as soon as you have completed your passing maneuver.

THE “MYSTERY CRASH” ---OR “THE CASE OF THE UNSOLVED ACCIDENT”

Every year, single-car accidents account for a third of all traffic fatalities, the same number of deaths as two-car accidents. Why do they call one-car accidents “mystery crashes?” Because dead people do not fill out accident reports. Investigators must guess at the cause for such accidents. Really, it is a mystery why these crashes happen to anyone. The mystery crash is the one type of accident over which the driver has complete control.

You can prevent a mystery crash from happening to you by learning the causes of these incidents and avoiding them.

A sharp, unexpected curve, a sudden bump in the road, or a bad chuckhole; they all spell disaster if you are not prepared to expect the unexpected.

DON’T LET A CURVE THROW YOU

One of the most frequent causes of mysterious accidents involves the motorist encountering a sharp curve. Learn to anticipate turns in the road.

Look far down the road so you can see a curve approaching. Slow down before you enter the turn. Do not enter a turn at a high rate of speed and then slow down and hit the brakes, as you are already into the curve. You could lose control of the vehicle.
Be prepared for warning signs telling you that you are coming to a curve. These signs will alert you to the degree and direction of the curve and advise you of the speed you should be traveling as you enter the turn.
Slow down as you approach the turn. Slowly accelerate before you enter the turn so that, by the time you have left the curve and have entered straight away, you can resume normal highway speed.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BUMPS, DIPS, AND OTHER HAZARDS

As many fatalities occur on open straight roads as on curves. The best defense against hidden problems that lead to mysterious accidents is to stay alert. Signs will often be posted to alert you to other hazards that may be lurking up ahead; dips in the highway, narrow bridges, bumps, and railroad tracks pose special problems and will often be posted. Be aware of these warnings and respond. Confronting hazards at high speed, especially if you slam on your brakes, can cause you to lose control of your car.

WEATHERING THE STORM

Many drivers do not seem to understand that when it rains, snows, sleets, or fogs, you need to compensate for these adverse conditions. How many times have you seen a driver skid out of control on an icy street? Bad weather calls for extra caution, but it does not have to mean more accidents. Here are a few secrets for staying safe when the storms blow.

Adjust your speed to weather conditions. Posted speed limits indicate the maximum allowable speed under ideal conditions. Slow down in rain, snow, patchy fog, or when visibility is reduced. In light fog, keep your headlights on the low beam so you can see. In heavy fog, get entirely off the road. Turn off your lights but turn on the hazard lights so that other drivers do not think you are still on the road, as they might hit you from the rear.
When attempting to stop or slow down on slippery roads, never slam your foot on the brake, as this may lock your tires and send you into an uncontrolled skid. Press and release your brakes once or twice every second to alternate intervals of braking and steering control. As you can tell, that technique is for late-model cars. Now, with the aid of anti-lock brakes (ABS), this locking of the brakes will not occur. Your ABS system is an excellent, revolutionary safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up. If you must apply full braking power, you can still control and maneuver through left and right turns, whereas without ABS, turning left or right once the wheels are locked is impossible.
If you do skid, steer in the direction of the skid, that is, the direction the back of the vehicle is sliding. This maneuver will return control of the car to the driver.
Use snow tires and always carry chains for emergencies. It is also wise to have emergency medical supplies and a blanket stored in the trunk in case you are stranded.
The early phase of a rainstorm is dangerous. A soapy, thin, slick layer of oil, grease, and water forms at the beginning of a rainstorm, reducing traction and making driving hazardous, especially since other drivers may not know conditions are dangerous. After an hour or so of heavy rain, this slick residue is washed from the pavement, improving traction. Reduce speed during these early stages of a rainstorm.
In the fall, wet leaves pose a hazard to motorists. On curves during or after rain, leaves may make pavements slick and as dangerous as if ice glazed the asphalt. Highway speed, wet pavement, and bald tires can mean your car HYDROPLANES or slides without either steering or brake control. A thin film of water between the road and your tires causes hydroplaning. Slow down in wet weather and check your tires frequently. Good tread reduces the chance that you will lose control of your vehicle and go careening over wet pavement.

YOUR CAR – HOW SAFE IS IT?

Remember the mystery crash? A car in poor mechanical condition can cause an accident. Never operate a vehicle that has faulty brakes, steering, or tires. If a tire blows, do not panic and do not apply the brakes. Braking can cause you to lose control. Instead, hold the car steady and decelerate until you coast to a stop, preferably off the road.

Before each time you leave in your car, perform a safety check. Are your brakes, steering, tires, horn, lights, and wipers in good working order? After you complete your drive, perform the same checks. Have any defects corrected immediately.

THE KAMIKAZE ENCOUNTER

What if you are driving down the highway and you see another car headed toward you in your lane! Believe me, it happens. Other drivers can fall asleep at the wheel or pass out from drugs and alcohol, but you do not have to be the victim of a kamikaze encounter. Do not try to swerve left to avoid the other driver. He might suddenly cut back into his lane and hit you when he realizes he is in trouble. Instead, slow down immediately, flash your lights, blow your horn, and pull to the right as far as possible. Pull onto the shoulder if you can.

The defensive driver takes nothing for granted. You do not have to become the victim of a mystery crash or a kamikaze encounter.

BE AWARE OF HOW YOU FEEL

All the driving hazards I have spoken about in this section, and others I have not mentioned, are affected by your physical, emotional, and mental condition. Drinking, use of drugs, exhaustion, emotional trauma, and illness can all impair your driving performance.

Some over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, prescription medications, and illegal drugs can cut your reaction time.

Even so-called “stay awake” non-prescription drugs can make you fall asleep with your eyes open. At the first sign of drowsiness or fatigue (droopy eyelids, stiff neck muscles, decreased awareness), pull over at a safe spot and get out of the car to stretch your legs. Take a deep breath, look around, or get a cup of coffee. If you are still drowsy, take a nap. Everyone has endurance limits.

Your state will provide you with detailed information about alcohol use, impairment, and driving laws. Study and know the physiological effects of alcohol and how impairment affects your driving. In combination with other drugs, alcohol can be especially devastating. Dulled reflexes, reduced inhibitions, and numbed judgment dramatically increase your risk of being involved in a deadly accident.

The drivers cause accidents. Why are drivers accident-prone? Answer: because of the driver’s physiological condition now. In other words, what is the driver thinking about as they are driving down the road? The driver could be thinking about the day at work, home, loved ones, the upcoming trip to the lake, etc. Or, the driver’s emotional stress can destroy their concentration. Anger can also be deadly when a driver acts out their feelings behind the wheel. If you are upset or worried, do not drive. Arguing should be strictly forbidden while in your car. Tell your passengers that you are the boss while you are driving and that you have a rule that spats are illegal while you are driving. Any behavior that limits your concentration must be avoided.

A FINAL WORD ABOUT YOU AND HIGHWAY SAFETY

Each driver bears personal responsibility for highway safety. The ever-growing injury and death toll due to traffic accidents, skyrocketing property damage, and insurance rates all constitute one of our most pressing social concerns. But this is one set of problems we can do something about! Perhaps there is no one, simple solution to the pain and difficulties caused by road accidents. Still, drivers themselves bear as much responsibility for increased traffic safety.

Traffic control and enforcing the rules of the road make you responsible for knowing the regulations and obeying them. Your main task as a driver is to act to prevent accidents. Driving is not only a great privilege but also a great responsibility.

On a road, street, highway, expressway, and freeway, your own life and the lives of your passengers are in your hands. Driving to avoid accidents through employing the skills you will develop during The CONTROLLER™ program is crucial to your welfare.

Many of the safety problems that arise constantly during driving can be effectively and immediately solved. Drive defensively and know what to do when dangerous situations come up.

--Good Luck and safe driving!

Driving Success Inc.

Driver Educational Products, 62 years

PURCHASER/USER DISCLAIMER
Purchaser agrees that neither the inventor of the CONTROLLER™ nor Driving Success, Inc. shall be held liable if an accident occurs while using the CONTROLLER™. At the time of purchase, the buyer accepts and understands all responsibilities for the safe use of the CONTROLLER™. While every effort has been made to ensure safe use, no assurance can be given that the CONTROLLER™ will be used in accordance with the recommended safe operating procedures outlined in this book or in any instructions or materials provided with this product or separately, in writing or verbally. The inventor and Driving Success, Inc. shall be deemed free and clear of any liability in the event of an accident, injury, death, or misuse of the CONTROLLER™. The user assumes all liability for any vehicle accident arising from the use of the CONTROLLER™.