The Smith System

Karen commented yesterday that I never see her wave when we pass each other on the road, and it got me to thinking about why that is.

I’ve attended several defensive driving courses over the years and most of them were based on the five rules of the Smith System. I incorporate these techniques into my driving now, without consciously being aware that I am. Here are the five rules:

• Aim high in steering.
  • This means to look far down the road for any possible issues. It really applies on the wide open spaces of Hwy 33, and it’s easier for me because I’m higher off the ground.
• Get the big picture.
  • I do this constantly while driving around town. I use my peripheral vision to identify vehicles and pedestrians as objects of possible contention. This is why I don’t see people wave as my brain is processing the moving vehicle (speed and direction) and not the person operating the vehicle.
• Keep your eyes moving.
  • For a commercial driver this really means checking your mirrors every few seconds. It also improves your alertness.
• Make sure they see you.
  • This is when I make eye contact. If someone is making a move that requires that they know I’m there, I make sure we lock eyes before I move.
• Leave yourself an out.
  • My standard plan of action on 33 is to head for the right side ditch (snow bank now) if anyone veers across the lane at me. I actually expect every vehicle coming at me to do just that, and I’m ready to act.

There you go… I hope you derived some knowledge from this little synopsis!