TOPICS and a Brief Explanation 

 

These topics were developed as a result of a comprehensive study conducted by Ritzel, Shannon, and Leitner.  This study can be reviewed at: http://adtsea.iup.edu/adtsea/TheChronicle/winter_98/status_study_of.htm

 

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.