Southern
HED
302s – Driving Task Analysis – An Introduction
Introduction to Driver and Traffic Safety Education
Class Scheduled: This course is a Web based course with no scheduled
meeting time. All work will be done on the
Internet and all assignments sent to the Instructor at safety@siu.edu
Dale O. Ritzel, Ph.D., FAASE
Professor Emeritus, Health Education
Director Emeritus,
Southern
Carbondale, IL 62901
1.618.453.2777 (Health
Education) or 1.618.453.2080 (
FAX 1.618.453.1829
Email address - safety@siu.edu
WWW URL- http://ritzel.siuc.edu/
Personal Department Office: Pulliam 316G
Main Department Office: Pulliam 307
Center Office: Safety Center, 1435 Douglas Drive
Office Hours: The instructor will be available via email at safety@siu.edu He will indicate when he will available directly online as appropriate.
Course Description - A beginning course that deals with the highway transportation system, traffic problems, the driving task, perception and implementation of the driver education classroom program. Observation of a teaching environment is included. Prerequisite: A valid driver's license.
Textbook and materials to purchase/receive –
State of
The
curriculum is available at the following Web site: http://www.k12.wa.us/TrafficSafety/TSEguide.aspx
. If you want to purchase the curriculum
it will be available at The
Printing Plant, 606 S. Illinois,
Perceptive Driver
order from
Safety Enterprises
1.607.723.4216
Or
email at safetyenterpris2@aol.com
(this seems to be the quick way to get the book)
This
book will cost you about $8.00
Responsible Driving by the AAA
and Glencoe
Purchase
from the SIU Bookstore or any other book source. Get student edition, soft cover – about
$30.00; hard cover – about $50.00
All students must purchase or download and printout a copy of the State
of Washington Driver Education Curriculum, purchase a copy of How to
Become a More Perceptive Driver, and purchase a copy of Responsible
Driving.
You will note that you are responsible for obtaining
three books/curricula: (1) State of Washington Driver Education
Curriculum from The Printing Plant, 606 S.
University,
You need to also pick
up, download, or have me send to you some additional driver education
materials. These include the
When you get to the beginning of the Foundations of
Effective Driving topic, you will find at the end of the topic it is indicated
that you are to review the 6 video
units of the Perception of Driving Hazards program developed by Dr. Jack Weaver (video used with
permission of Dr. Weaver). These videos
and the final video test can be seen at http://www.kittle.siu.edu/ritzel/302s/. The videos
are in both the .wmv and .mpg formats. For most of you it is best to use the .wmv format. You can
use the score sheet to record your responses to the driver performance
test II and send to safety@siu.edu. The
6 video units must be viewed and studied before one can take the video
test.
Throughout the main HED
302s Web page you will find short videos which you are asked to view. These videos will supplement the topics/content,
so please view them.
Please indicate at anytime if you have
any questions. I do spend a lot of time
on the computer and will always try to get back to you within 24 hours.
Again, remember, you are to complete this course at your own pace,
but it is a 20 week course. If you want
to finish is a shorter period of time, that is okay.
Good luck.
Starting 1 January 2003, any student enrolled in a section of an Individual Learning Program (ILP), Web based course through the SIUC Division of Continuing Education offered during Spring semester 2003 and afterward and taught by Dale O. Ritzel will have to complete the course within the 20 weeks from the date of enrollment. If the coursework is not complete completed within 20 weeks, the student may request an extension. An extension will only be granted if 20% or more of the coursework (210 points or more) is completed and an extension fee of $35 per course is paid to the SIUC Division of Continuing Education at the time of the request. Since grades have to be received by the University at the end of the regular semester, the student will receive a grade of INC (incomplete) if they have not completed ALL assignments. If an extension has been approved by Continuing Education, then you have one year from the end of the semester which you initially enrolled in HED 302s to complete the course. If the work is not completed within one year, the University automatically turns the grade into an F. I will only complete and process a grade change card when you finish ALL of the course assignments. If the student does not complete the ILP course in 20 weeks, the final grade given after completion of all course work will be dropped by one grade up to the one year time frame. Do not ask me to sign a form allowing you to drop the course if the semester you were enrolled in the course has been completed. In order to receive a grade in any course, you must complete ALL assignments. Please note: All incompletes turn to an F upon Graduation, please plan accordingly and complete all course requirements at least a month prior to finals week. So if you enroll in this course during the semester in which you plan on graduating, then you need to complete the course during the regular semester and NOT in 20 weeks. If you plan on graduating in a future semester from the time of enrollment and you have gone beyond the 20 weeks and paid the extension fee, then you still need to complete the course during the semester which you will be graduating.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course
each student will be able to do the following:
1. describe
the motor vehicle crash and injury problems in the
2. describe and define the general nature of the driving task in our complex highway transportation system and the consequences of system failures.
3. define traffic regulations an their requirements and recognize the various situations or conditions under which they apply.
4. define and recognize, in a manner sufficient for safe and effective operation, the capabilities and limitations of motor vehicles under the various conditions to be found in the HTS.
5. identify and operate skillfully the vehicle control systems, safety devices, and accessories in accordance with given safe efficient procedures
6. demonstrate the ability to observe and recognize, in an efficient and effective manner, the pertinent HTS events and conditions for vehicle guidance along selected routes.
7. determine an appropriate plan of action, including strategies and tactics required to carry out the plan, for various traffic situations that are to be encountered under varying conditions and contingencies.
8. determine a set of strategies for preventing certain psycho-physiological factors or social forces from having an adverse effect on his/her driving proficiency.
9. demonstrate a knowledge of the concepts and generalizations which will enable him/her to make wise decisions in regard to the use of alcoholic beverages or other drugs anytime he/she will be using the HTS as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian.
10. determine a person's shared legal and moral responsibilities when using the HTS.
11. describe and define the legal and moral responsibilities of persons involved in or driving into a traffic crash situation.
12. for the various vehicles used, can contrast the performance characteristics and optional equipment available in terms of safety, economy, and convenience.
Course Topics and Weekly Schedule
Note:
a detailed outline of the topics and content of HED 302s is found on the main
course Web page. You can finish the
course in less than 20 weeks if you wish (some students have completed the
course in 4 weeks). The 20 week schedule
is set up as a guide and nothing more.
Introduction
(Week 1)
*Traffic Crash Data Fact Sheets – Visit this Web site, review the traffic crash information and
write a paragraph on major traffic crash problems in the
*Traffic Crash Problems: Cost
*Glossary of Terms
The Purpose of the Highway
Transportation System (HTS) (Week 2)
The Task of the Driver within the HTS (Week 3)
*Identification of HTS Elements
*HTS Test
Motor Vehicle Laws, Regulations, and their Application (Week 4-5)
*Manual of Traffic
Signs - This is a good Web site showing
most of the
traffic signs found in the
Review the standard
sign shapes and colors and their meanings, regulatory,
warning, marker, guide and
informational, recreational and cultural interest,
construction, railroad, and school signs
before completing the worksheets below.
*Signs and Roadway
markings Worksheets
*Traffic Controls
Self-Test
*Practice Traffic
Law Test (complete
and send to instructor)
*
Personal Factors Influencing
Operator Performance (Week 6-7)
*Alcohol and Driving
Pretest (just for fun)
*DUI Laws in
*.08 BAC Law Fact
Sheet (read and review)
*Risk Factors
*Worksheets
on Effects of Alcohol on the Driving Task
*Take this test
on alcohol and other drugs (before the
alcohol and driving test below) from the New York State Department of Motor
Vehicles and send the instructor (safety@siu.edu) the results.
*Alcohol and Driving Test
*Drowsy
Driving
Foundations of Effective
Driving (Week 8, 9, 10 and 11) (probably
the most important information presented in this entire course)
*Sensory Perception and Performance of the Driving Task
*Visual
Skills and Preparing to Drive
*The
Smith System
*The
Smith System Driver Evaluation Check List
*Mottola’s Zone Control Driving
*Foundations
of Effective Driving Quiz
*Perception
of Driving Hazards
Managing Risk in the HTS (Week 12)
Improving Driver Performance (Week 13)
*Total Stopping Distance
*Traction
Control
(read this article on this important topic)
*Plan
of Action Test
*Evaluation
of Situations Test
Motor Vehicle Systems, Maintenance, Safety Devices,
and Performance Capabilities (Week 14-15)
*Tire Information (Thoroughly
read the link from the Rubber Manufacturers Association, read about “PART”,
review the items on the right column, and write a one paragraph on the
important features of tire safety.
Submit paragraph to safety@siu.edu
).
*Checking Fluids Worksheets
*Inspecting Tires,
*Jump
Starting, Changing a Tire, and Fuses Worksheets
*Vehicle Systems Review and Assignment
*Vehicle Dynamics Handout
*Vehicle Safety
Features – Current and the Future
Ethics and Use of the HTS (Week 16)
Trip Planning (Week 17)
Fuel Efficient Driving (Week 18-19)
*Driving More Efficiently
*Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape
*Buying a Fuel Efficient Vehicle
*Save Money Use either one of the fuel cost calculators in this link and
estimate annual fuel costs for your vehicle. (You can find fuel cost
information for specific makes and models in the Find a Car section.) Send the results you find to your instructor
at safety@siu.edu.
*Energy Technology and Fuel
Economy
*Fuel Efficient Driving Test
FINAL EXAMINATION (Week 20) – complete and send to instructor after completing
all assignments in the course.
Course Assignments, Due
Dates, and Point Values
Note: The weekly
schedule (if you want to get the ILP course in 20 weeks), point value, and due
date of assignments are shown below on a 20 week schedule. (Remember, not all
assignments are shown and describe on the course Web page. Some are only shown at the end of this course
syllabus.)
HED 302s
|
Assignment item |
Point value |
Your points on
item |
Due Week |
|
Traffic
Crash Data (FARS data) – Visit this Web site and write a paragraph
on major traffic crash problems in the |
10 |
|
Week 1 |
|
Intersection survey |
10 |
|
Week 2 |
|
Preliminary driving
audit |
25 |
|
Week 2 |
|
Write a paragraph on the
most important driving skills need by a competent driver in order to be
successful in the highway transportation system. |
10 |
|
Week 3 |
|
HTS extra risk factors
(driver, vehicle, roadway) |
5 |
|
Week 12 |
|
Identification of HTS
elements (U, H, C) |
5 |
|
Week 3 |
|
Two other systems
examples |
5 |
|
Week 3 |
|
HTS test |
25 |
|
Week 3 |
|
Sign colors, signs,
roadway markings worksheet |
10 |
|
Week 5 |
|
Traffic Sign self-Test |
38 |
|
Week 5 |
|
Traffic Law Review |
No points given, but must do. Will have 10 points deducted if not sent |
|
Week 5 |
|
Rules of the Road Test |
72 |
|
Week 5 |
|
Alcohol self test |
No points given, but must do. Will have 10 points deducted if not sent |
|
Week 6 |
|
Alcohol Worksheets |
10 |
|
Week 6 |
|
NY Alcohol and other
Drugs test |
10 |
|
Week 6 |
|
State of |
76 |
|
Week 6 |
|
Epworth Sleepiness Scale
results |
10 |
|
Week 6 |
|
Drowsy Driving Test |
10 |
|
Week 6 |
|
Paper on Personal
Factors in influencing crash records |
20 |
|
Week 6 |
|
|
15 |
|
Week 5 |
|
Smith System assessment
of own driving performance |
10 |
|
Week 9 |
|
Senses Statement |
5 |
|
Week 9 |
|
Foundations of Effective
Driving Quiz |
30 |
|
Week 10 |
|
Driving Perception Video
Test (you have view the 6 unit videos on driver perception and then you have
to take the 40 situation driver performance video test. The availability of these videos are shown
elsewhere in the course syllabus and other places on the HED 302s Web site) |
200 |
|
Week 11 |
|
Paper on influence of
decision making and control on managing risk |
20 |
|
Week 12 |
|
Evaluation of Situations
Test |
15 |
|
Week 13 |
|
Plan of Action Test |
24 |
|
Week 13 |
|
Total stopping distance for 20 mph, 30 mph, 55 mph,
and 70 mph assignment. |
10 |
|
Week 13 |
|
Thoroughly read the link
from the Rubber Manufacturers Association, learn about “PART”, review the
items on the right column, and write an one paragraph on the important
features of tire safety |
10 |
|
Week 13 |
|
Paper on Vehicle owners
manual and safety devices |
20 |
|
Week 14 |
|
Checking Fluids
worksheets |
10 |
|
Week 15 |
|
Inspecting tires, etc.
worksheets |
10 |
|
Week 15 |
|
Jump starting, etc.
worksheets |
10 |
|
Week 15 |
|
Vehicle Systems Review
and comments |
10 |
|
Week 15 |
|
After reading and reviewing
the information contained on previous 43 slides and other readings, write a
1-2 page paper on the future automobile, including would you believe will be
the important safety features and other devices that will provide safe
vehicle for all drivers. Also address
the one factor that will still have problems on the highway. |
20 |
|
Week 15 |
|
Auto Insurance paper |
20 |
|
Week 16 |
|
Internet Assignment – MapsOnUs |
15 |
|
Week 17 |
|
Use www.fueleconomy.gov's
Find and Compare Cars section to find the most fuel efficient vehicle that
will meet your needs. |
10 |
|
Week 19 |
|
Save
Money Use
either one of the fuel cost calculators in this link and estimate annual fuel
costs for your vehicle. (You can find fuel cost information for specific
makes and models in the Find a Car section |
10 |
|
Week 19 |
|
Fuel Efficient Driving
Test |
20 |
|
Week 19 |
|
Article Review |
25 |
|
Week 12 |
|
Internet |
75 |
|
Week 17 |
|
Driver Education
Teaching Observation report |
50 |
|
Week 20 |
|
Final Examination |
85 |
|
Week 20 |
|
Total Points |
1080 |
|
|
Details of Some of the
other Course Assignments
Where appropriate, all assignments must be submitted to the
instructor via e-mail or Internet. NOTE: The
assignments listed below are not indicated in the topic areas and
activities/learning items included in the main page of HED 302s. These assignments must be completed in
addition to the assignments indicated in each subject topic.
1. Article Review
The article that you read should be a minimum of three (3) pages in length and from a current journal or magazine 2002 or later. Suggested topics may include any aspect of traffic safety and driver education. You might want to consider reading one article from either The IDEA or The Chronicle of the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of an article, please ask your instructor via email to approve or not approve it.
The article review (written report) should be a minimum of two (2) pages in length. The article review should be typed and double-spaced. The review should include the following information:
a. Student's name in upper right hand corner
b. Complete article reference citation
c. Article summary
d. Personal comments at the end.
The following is an example of an article reference:
Each article summary will be graded upon appropriateness of the topic reviewed, thoroughness of coverage, clearness of writing, and spelling and punctuation.
2. Internet.
Each Student will be required to find ten (10) Internet resources for 2 different topics listed below (20 Web sites total). Each student will provide a copy of the 20 URLs in a listing format (which includes the complete URL, a brief description of that the site is about, and the title of the site) and provide such a copy to the instructor at safety@siu.edu .
TOPICS and a Brief Explanation
1. Social and Economic Consequences - This unit of instruction would be concerned with the social consequences of crashes such as losing one's driver's license, causing death or injury to self and others, etc. and the economic consequences such as higher insurance, property damage costs, etc.
2. Emotions and Driving - This unit would explore what emotions are and how, if uncontrolled, they can have a serious effect on one's driving ability.
3. Rules of the Road - This unit would be concerned with traffic laws (safety belts, DUI, speeding, etc.), roadway markings, signs, signals, etc.
4. Physical Limitations of OTHER Drivers - This unit would be concerned with strategies to employ that would make up for other drivers not being alert, disobeying traffic signs and signals, etc.
5. Vehicle Dynamics - This unit would be concerned with physical forces that a placed upon a vehicle in motion such as inertia, kinetic energy, traction, friction, etc.
6. Impaired States of Alertness - This unit would focus on driving impairment due to such things as fatigue, illness, etc.
7. Basic Vehicle Control - This unit would deal with the basics of moving a vehicle from one point to another. Starting, shifting, steering, and stopping are the key elements.
8. Visual Scanning - This unit would be concerned with teaching proper scanning techniques that would include "keeping the eyes moving" and mirror checks.
9. Hazard Identification and Recognition - This unit would teach about prioritizing hazards and distinguishing between potential and immediate hazards.
10. Time-Speed-Distance-Estimates - This unit would work on developing an understanding of speed and its relation to the driving task. Students would learn how to convert speed to feet per second and how to estimate stopping distance for various speeds.
11. Predict the Actions of Others - This unit would focus on "predicting the worst" in traffic situations so that appropriate actions can be undertaken.
12. Decision Making in Traffic Situations - This unit would dwell on proper decision making in traffic to separate, compromise, and/or minimize hazards.
13. Speed Control - This unit would focus on the importance of selecting safe and proper speeds for a variety of traffic situations and conditions.
14. Vehicle Positioning - This unit would be concerned with teaching good driving strategies that would allow a driver to "leave themselves an out" in traffic.
15. Handling Driving Emergencies - This unit would teach emergency driving skills such as skid control, evasive driving techniques, emergency off-road recovery, and controlled braking for crash avoidance.
16. Handling Special Situations - This unit could include advice on railroad crossing safety, gravel road driving, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.
17. Vehicle Maintenance - This unit would instruct the student on how to perform basic vehicle maintenance such as oil change, tune-up, and other minor repairs.
18. Self-Assessing of Driving Performance - This unit would be concerned with self evaluating of one's performance to determine if one is "fit to drive" under various circumstances such as anger, loss of a loved one, etc. that would affect driving performance.
19. Alcohol, Drugs, and Their Effects on Driving - This unit would be concerned with understanding the effects of alcohol, prescription, and non prescription drugs on driving performance and steps to take to avoid driving "under the influence" and/or riding with someone who is "under the influence."
20. Driving Responsibility - This unit would focus on respecting other highway users, courtesy, and resisting peer pressure to disobey traffic rules and regulations.
21. Occupant Protection - This unit would promote safety belt usage and teach about child safety seats and air bags.
22. Having a Positive Attitude - This unit would discuss the role of attitude in safe driving performance.
23. Communication Techniques - This unit would teach good communication skills such as turn signal use, proper horn usage, headlights, brake lights, etc.
24. Fuel-Efficient Driving - This unit would focus on ways to save fuel and would include information on proper acceleration techniques, trip planning, ride sharing, etc.
25. Vehicle Ownership Responsibilities - This unit would outline procedures for buying and insuring an automobile.
26. Driving in Adverse Conditions - This unit would
develop strategies for safer vehicle operation in snow, rain, fog, etc.
3. Driver Education Teaching
Observation
The observation can be completed at any time during the course. The following are the procedures for completing this assignment successfully:
a. Choose a school or site in which you want to visit
b. Get your location approved by the instructor
c. Make arrangements to visit the site.
d. Write a 1-2 page paper about your experiences and what you observed
e. Turn-in a copy of your paper to instructor
The following are suggested sites that you can visit:
a. High school driver education class (preferably both classroom and laboratory)
b. Traffic safety activity being conducted by an organization such as a public health department, police department, etc.
The paper must be submitted via e-mail or Internet to the
Instructor. It should state who or what you observed, the date, observation
time period(s), and a contact person's name, address, and phone number. The
bulk of the paper should contain a description of the activity in which you
observed or participated. Personal comments are welcomed.
Updated 22 October 2009
©Dale O. Ritzel, 1999-2009
Comments: Webmaster - EOE - Privacy Policy
– 22 October 2009