defensive driving

2. DEFENCIVE DRIVING
COURSE

3. INTRODUCTION
This handbook gives you the general rules which have been
established by your company Project to encourage and ensure
safe driving.
This handbook also provides guidelines and Procedures to be followed
by all drivers involved in vehicle accidents.
Safe driving is an essential part of your Safety programme and applies
to leisure time as well as project activities.
All drivers are to familiarise themselves with local UAE Traffic
Regulations and will Comply with all traffic signs and speed limits.
Speed limits on site and other project facilities (Camps etc;) are
imposed by management and may vary according to local
conditions.
Any fines imposed on a driver by the State Police, shall be paid by the
driver not Company.
Any driver found to be responsible for an accident causing death
or disabling injuries may be liable to imprisonment in
accordance with UAE Traffic Regulations.

4. DOCUMENTATION
Drivers shall ensure that they are in
possession of the following documentation
before driving any project vehicle:
Valid UAE Driving License.
Vehicle registration (or copy).
Valid vehicle insurance (or copy)
Emergency contact telephone numbers.
Accident report forms.
NOTE; Operators who are operating site equipments
( Shove, excavator, copy of the 3rd party certi.)

5. VEHICLE EQUIPMENT
All Project vehicles are to be provided with:
Fire extinguisher
Warning triangle
First aid kit
Torch (flashlight)
Vehicle instruction manual
Serviceable spare tyre
Complete tool kit
Drivers are to check daily that all above items
are serviceable

6. INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE
All drivers will carry out a
daily inspection of their
assigned vehicle before use.
Defects to be reported to
Administration
All vehicles will be serviced
as required by maintenance
schedule.

7. DEFENSIVE DRIVING
SEAT BELTS
WILL BE WORN BY ALL
OCCUPANTS BEFORE
STARTING YOUR
JOURNEY AND REMAIN
WORN UNTIL THEY
VACATE THE VEHICLE

8. Driving Safety
When seat belts are used, the
risk of fatal injury to front seat
passenger car occupants is
reduced by 45%
BUCKLE UP - FOR EVERYONE’S
SAKE

9. COMMON MISBELIEFS ABOUT SEATBELTS
Seatbelts
can trap
you inside
a car
WRONG. It takes less than a second to undo a seatbelt. Collisions where a
vehicle catches fire or sinks in deep water and you are trapped seldom
happen. Even if they do, a seatbelt may keep you from being knocked out.
Your chance to escape will be better if you are conscious.
Seatbelts are good on long
trips, but not important in
town
WRONG. Over half of all traffic deaths happen
within 25 miles of home. Many of them occur on
roads posted at less than 45 mph.
Some people are thrown clear
in a crash and walk away with
hardly a scratch.
WRONG. Your chances of surviving a crash are
much better if you stay inside the vehicle.
Seatbelts keep you from being thrown out of the
vehicle into the path of another one.
If I get hit from the side, I am
better being thrown across the
car, away from the crash point
WRONG. Simple physics. When a vehicle is
hit from the side, it will move sideways.
Everything that is not fastened down,
including passengers, will slide toward the
point of the crash. NOT AWAY FROM IT.
Try this one yourself - put some loose objects into an empty box.
(Make it more fun - put in something fragile, like an egg.) Hit the
side of the box. Hard. Where do the objects land?
Now, try the same experiment but fasten the objects inside the
box.

11. To know safe driving practices
How to reduce the risk of driving.
Understand the traffic rules.
This is specially applicable for all driver
driving their vehicle
Goal:
• Maintain a good safe driving practices by
following SAFE DRIVE, SAVE FUEL, SAVE
NATION concept.

12. Walk Around the Vehicle
No Loose Items on
Dashboard or Rear
Window Deck
Check Lights and
Indicators for Damage
Visually Check Condition
and Inflation

13. Adjust the seat and steering wheel

14. Adjust the side and rear-view mirrors

15. Use good quality polarizing sun glasses
Dirty windscreens are an extreme hazard

17. 40
KPH
20
KPH
LIMITS
NOT
TARGETS
Obey the speed limits but slow down if conditions dictate

18. 80
KPH
60
KPH
LIMITS
NOT
TARGETS
Obey the speed limits but slow down if conditions dictate

19. Asphalt road ( Highway) 80 KMPH
Residential 60 KMPH
Access roads (Temp.)
to the site offices or camp 40 KMPH
Construction site, offices /
camp areas 20 KMPH

20. NEAR ACTION
MIDDLE SEEING
FAR PLANNING
Observing the Road

21. NO. HAZARDS CONTROLS
1 Lack of
Competence
Training
2 Lack of
Experience
Minimum Age for driving
3 Unfit to drive Medical examination
4 Fatigue Rest breaks
5 Thirst / Heat Adequate drinking water
Hazards and control
measures of driving

22. SOME TRAFFIC SIGNS
?
?
?
?
?
?

23. SOME TRAFFIC SIGNS
120
Km/h
40
Km/h
?
?
?

24. GIVE
WAY
SOME TRAFFIC SIGNS
?
?
?
?
ARE THEY OF SOME IMPORTANCE

25. IF A CHILD RUNS OUT SUDDENLY
where would you stop?
AT 48 KPH (30 mph) (usual residential speed limit)
You could have stopped in front of the first child.

26. AT 56 KPH (35 mph)
You would not only hit the first child, you
would still be doing more than 20 kph when
you hit the second child.
Driving 8 kph faster means it takes the
average car a total of 29m (96 feet) to stop.
Less than 50 kph might feel slow … but
only until someone steps out in front of
you.

27. usual residential
speed limit
TYPICAL STOPPING DISTANCES
thinking
distance
braking
distance
9m 14m
23m (75 feet)
6 car lengths
53m (175 feet)
13 car lengths
15m 38m
36m (120 feet)
9 car lengths
12m 24m
73m (240 feet)
18 car lengths
18m 55m
21m 75m
At 120 kph it will take you 96m to stop a car
96m (315 feet)
24 car lengths

28. It doesn’t matter how good a
driver you are. The faster
you go, the longer it takes
you to stop.

29. DRIVING TECHNIQUES
If you cannot see around the
truck!
Back off

30. KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING
Central vision
Peripheral
vision
ONLY THE CENTRAL CORE HAS CLEAR VISION
Make a habit of:
Moving your eyes focusing your
central vision
Every 2 seconds.
Scan from side to side.
Include your mirrors in your
scanning
Every 5 to 8 seconds

31. KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING
 Move your eyes at least
 Every 2 seconds.
 Look at the mirrors
 Every 5 to 8 seconds.
 Scan the big picture from
side to side.

32. AVOIDING COLLISIONS AT INTERSECTIONS
Technically, you have the right of way, but
the other driver does not yield. What do you
do? A
Ignore him. Proceed
as planned. He needs
to learn the rules of the
road.
B
Let him pass. There is
no point risking a crash
to prove a point.
SHOW YOUR FRIENDLY ATTITUDE
hopefully
this is you

33. Keep your eyes moving
habits is particularly
important in preventing
intersection collisions
KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING

35. Driver must analyse the route
continually, you must look :
 In front of You
 Your Left
 Your Right
 Behind you
 Below you
 Above you

36. THINK!!
Watch for other
drivers lurking behind
others in oncoming
traffic.
!
Never go in to the
opposite lane, the
on coming driver
may attempt to
swerve back to that
side of the road

37. THINK!!!
!
Avoid
Head
on
Collision

38. Avoid Head Collision
• Centre your vehicle on the lane.
• Spot early the drivers who are:
 Driving erratically.
 Lurking behind a truck.

39. COLLISIONS often happen because
one driver does not see another
driver, or when one driver does
something the other driver does not
expect.
Use your INDICATORS to avoid
collisions - let others know what
you’re doing
INDICATORS

40. WHY USE YOUR INDICATORS?
 Allows other drivers to
 understand what you plan to do
 slow down or move around you
 break early to avoid a rear-end collision
 find another parking space
HOW TO USE INDICATORS
 Early - at least 30mtr before you make a move
 After you’ve checked your mirrors to be sure
that it’s safe to make your manoeuvre
 Before you brake to slow down

41. YOU SHOULD USE YOUR INDICATORS WHEN
 Starting off / joining traffic
 Changing lanes
 Stopping at the side of the road
 Parking (let others know what space you
plan to use)
 Turning into a side road
 Making a U-turn
 Merging into traffic
 Avoiding something on the road - traffic
cones, dogs, potholes ….
AVOID CONFUSION … be careful that you do not signal too
early. If there are streets, driveways or entrances
between you and where you want to turn, wait until you
have passed them to signal. Your brake lights will warn
traffic behind you that you are slowing down.

42. SIGNALING AT ROUNDABOUTS
If taking the
first exit …
If taking an
intermediate
exit …
When taking the last exit, or going full circle …
• signal left and approach in the left hand lane
• keep to the left and keep signaling
• when you pass the exit before yours, move into position to exit
• signal right and leave the roundabout
• signal right and
approach in the
right hand lane
• keep to the
right and keep
signaling until
you have turned
• do not signal
at first
• be in the
right or
middle lane
• when your
exit is next,
signal right
and move
into position

43. WATCH OUT FOR ...
Motorbikes / cyclists will signal with their
hands/arms - be ready to give them space.
Other drivers who do not signal - make sure you
are travelling at a safe distance so you can avoid
rear-end collisions. Only proceed when you are
sure it is safe - don’t take risks to save seconds.
Indicators that are still flashing after a turn -
never assume the driver has forgotten - they may
be about to make another move
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS ARE NOT INDICATORS ...
• Do not use hazard warning lights if you just want to park or
wait (illegally or otherwise).
• If you see hazard warning lights, be ready to slow down and
move around a stopping vehicle.

44. Make your intentions clear
Use your indicators

45. PEDESTRIANS
Everyone is a pedestrian!
You may spend most of your
working hours behind the wheel,
but everyone ends up on foot
occasionally.
Be considerate to pedestrian, next
time it may be your turn to be one.

46. Here are some reminders about pedestrian
safety on the street!
 Be aware of your surroundings and alert to
hazards when walking in or near any traffic
areas.
 Know and obey traffic controls, signs and
signals.
 Use your sense of hearing too. Listen to
backup alarms- but do not rely on them!
 Stand on the curb while waiting to cross.
Do not stand on the road way.

47. Here are some more tips to
remember!
 Cross the street at marked crossings. It is
unwise to cross between intersections.
 Do not step out from between parked cars.
Drivers may fail to see you!
 Trust yourself and not the driver. Don’t count
on cars stopping for you at the last movement.
 Where there is no sidewalk, walk facing the
traffic.

48. How about at night? … Danger is
greatly increased! So, here are some
reminders for pedestrian safety at night:
Wear light colored reflective
clothing when walking at
night – this improves visibility!
Use great caution when at the side of
the road for vehicle repair or flat tire
Wearing black
is “cool” but,
attractive colours
are safe at night!

49. Beware when it’s dark!
Study said nearly quarter
of drivers involved in
pedestrian deaths hear the
impact before they see the
pedestrian.
It really helps to be cautious at all
times!
If we can
Drive Safely,
We can also
‘Walk’ safely

50. Pedestrians are everywhere, they could
be walking at the city streets, parks, malls
or they could be working along the
streets!

51. HAZARD LIGHTS
Use only for hazards

52. INCLEMENT WEATHER
If you are caught in a sandstorm, fog or low
cloud while driving and visibility is reduced,
attempt to pull off the road and park up with
your hazard warning lights on until conditions
improve. If you are unable to pull off the road slow
down and listen for other traffic. Use dipped
headlights, keep to the right, if you do stop, switch
on your hazard warning lights.

53. RAIN
While driving in rain drive slowly and pay
careful attention to oncoming traffic and
The road conditions ahead in case of
flooding.
Dipped headlights should be used to
Ensure you are visible to other traffic.
Avoid heavy braking and use gears to
slow down, but test your brakes
occasionally while driving slowly.

54. RAIN
Aquaplaning happens when the water in front
of your tires builds up faster than your cars
weight can push it out the way. Water pressure
causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin
layer of water. Your car can be completely out
of contact with the road, what to do:
Keep your tires properly inflated, maintain
good tread, slow down on wet roads. Try and
drive in the tire tracks of the vehicle in front.

55. Skids are not caused by, rain, sand or poor tyres.
Skids are caused by
not driving at the right speed for the conditions braking or
accelerating harshly
THE ROAD IS YOUR SKID PAN
Regain control in a skid -
don’t panic!
ease off the brake or accelerator
keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
try to steer smoothly in the direction of the
skid - this means if the vehicle skids to the
right, you steer smoothly to the right to
recover
if you do this too quickly you will go into
another skid (this is the “S” pattern)
keep calm and steer again in the direction of
the skid
rear of car skids to right
driver steers skid to right

56. NIGHT DRIVING
Reduce speed while driving at night as
visibility is reduced. Make sure your
windshield and all glass areas are clean
before setting off. Use dipped headlights
while driving behind other vehicles and for
oncoming vehicles.

57. DIP YOUR HEADLIGHTS

58. What actions should be taken in the
event of a road accident.

59. MOBILE TELEPHONE POLICY
All drivers on the Project shall strictly adhere to the
following:
Drivers of all vehicles are prohibited from using
mobile phones at all times whilst the vehicle is in
motion.
Drivers of all vehicles are also prohibited from using
hands free attachments /facilities for mobile phones at
all times whilst the vehicle is in motion.
Mobile phones shall be turned off and placed in the
vehicle during re-fuelling.
Offenders may be required to attend a further
defensive driving course and/or disciplinary action up
to and possibly including dismissal.
Signed…..

60. DRIVERS ALCOHOL AND DRUG
POLICY
Driving under the influence of alcohol drugs is
unacceptable: extreme risk of accident.
Therefore:
Drinking any alcohol or taking drugs during the
normal working time is strictly forbidden on the
project.
Alcohol and/or drug tests shall be carried out in the
event of an accident or incident occurring involving a
project vehicle.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/ or drugs
will results in dismissal from service
Signed …..

61. SPEED LIMIT POLICY
TO ALL DRIVERS INVOLVED WITH PROJECT
DRIVING ACTIVITIES
All drivers on the project shall strictly adhere to the following speed
limits.
Max. Speed allowed on public street and road: Posted Speed limit.
Max. Speed allowed on the site 20Km/h.
Max. Speed allowed on nil Roads 80Km/h.(for light motor vehicle).
Max. Speed allowed on nil Roads 60Km/h. (for trucks).
Max. Speed allowed on Camp and facilities 25Km/h.
Posted speed limits lower than those above shall be mandatory.
During adverse weather conditions such as during periods of heavy
rain, speed shall be reduced accordingly.
Offenders may be required to attend a further defensive driving
course and/or disciplinary action up to and possibly including
dismissal.
Remember you could loose your life trying to get there 5 minutes
earlier.
Signed…..
Site Manager

62. SEAT BELT POLICY
TO ALL PERSONNEL INVOLVED WITH
PROJECT ACTIVITIES.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION: Up to and possibly including
dismissal.
No passengers are allowed to travel in project vehicles if
seatbelts are not installed.
NO SEAT BELTS, NO SEAT.
The driver is responsible for enforcing the use of seat belts in
his vehicle. The vehicle will remain stationary until the
driver is satisfied that all passengers have fasted their seat
belts.
Security personnel at gates shall check the use of seat belts,
stop and report to the Senior Security Supervisor any of the
occupants of the vehicle not wearing seat belts.
The above policy is for strict compliance any violation may
result in removal from the project.
Signed…..
Site Manager.

64. Try to make safety a culture on your
site and never after thought