Driver IQ Challenges for Ten Habits

Directions: The titles colored, such as “Safety belts on”, have active Driving Challenges. The others are a listing of future Driving Challenges.

Habit One: Establish Driver-Vehicle Readiness

1.1. Be mentally and physically fit to drive.

1.2. Butt-in seating position.

1.3. Safety belts on; head restraints up; doors locked.

1.4. Windows-up; headlights on at all time.

Habit Two: See Clear Path Before Moving

2.1. See that your intended Path-Of-Travel (POT) is clear.

2.1. Turn your head before turning your tires.

Habit Three: Keep the Car in Balance

3.1. Make smooth and efficient starts, stops, and steering actions.

3.2. Use Transition Pegs for smooth steering recovery.

3.3. Identify and correct an Off-Target Skid.

Habit Four: Use Reference Points

4.1. Know within 3-6 inches where your vehicle is positioned to the roadway.

4.2. Know where  the vehicles’s sides and front are in relation to the Danger Square.

4.3. Use reference points for expert backing and parking control.

Habit Five: Use Matrix for Zone Control Search

5.1. Search the Matrix A Window to the Target Area for open or closed zones.

5.2. Evaluate whether you have a “Go” or “Slow” condition.

5.3. FIND LOS-POT (Line-Of-Sight, Path-Of-Travel) Blockage of Critical Seconds

5.4. Search Other Zones for additional information.

Habit Six: Take Zone Control Actions

6.1. SOLVE LOS-POT Critical Seconds.

6.2. Take best action for the “Go” or “Slow” condition.

6.3. Get the best Speed Control, Lane Positioning, and Communication.

6.4. CONTROL the 4-second Danger Zone; be prepared to make adjustments.

6.5. Know and control your Point-Of-No-Return.

Habit Seven: Control the Danger Square (intersection)

7.1. FIND LOS-POT Blockage, SOLVE and CONTROL it.

7.2. Make 45-Degree Search of LOS Critical Second.

7.3 Use Staggered, Legal, Safety Stop Positions as needed.

7.4. Search for Open Gap or Hole in traffic flow.

7.5. Check for clear Left, Front, Right Zones before entering Danger Square.

7.6. Time Arrival into an Open Zone.

Habit Eight: Get Rear Zone Control

8.1. When your foot goes on the brake, check the rearview mirror.

8.2.  Before moving to either side, check the outside mirror on that side.

8.3. Know how to effectively compensate for blind areas of mirrors.

8.4. Know when vehicles may be concealed by the blind areas of mirrors.

8.5. When backing, use “inching” or “creeping” speed.

8.6. Know how to use back-up cameras effectively.

Habit Nine: Get Control with Vehicle in Front

9.1. FIND stopped or slowing vehicle, close in gradually.

9.2. When traveling at the same speed, keep 4-second buffer of separation space.

9.3. When stopped behind a vehicle, see its rear tires touching the road.

9.4. When the car in front of you moves, avoid reacting to its motion.

9.5. When the car in front of you moves, see it it’s a “go” situation before moving.

Habit Ten: Interact Courteously with Others

10.1. Send and Receive Communications in a timely and positive manner.

10.1. Empower Yourself and Reduce Stress by being Courteous.

10.3. Set a Daily Goal to be Courteous to at least one person.

10.4. Avoid competitive, aggressive driving.

Ten Habits Applied for Expert Performance

1. Precision Turns

2. Precision Lane Changes

3. Entering Roundabouts

4. Entering Freeways

5. Entering and Exiting Curves

6. Parking and Backing Skills

7. How to Avoid Distracted Drivers

8. Reduced Commuter Stress

9. How to Prevent, Detect, and Correct Skid Situations

10. How to Maintain Car Control during Evasive Situations