Winter Driving
Inclement Weather Driving
Smith System - 5 Keys
Distracted Driving
Vehicle Safety
100

This driving behavior limits reaction time and frequently leads to collisions, particularly in icy and snowy conditions.

What is tailgating?

100

This action is recommended for best visibility when driving through dense fog.

What is use your low beams and/or fog lamps?

100

This Key focuses on making direct eye contact with other drivers and pedestrians.

What is "Make Sure They See You"?

100

The use of this increases the risk of having an accident by 400%.

What is a cell phone?

100

This is the safest place to be if your car breaks down on the side of the road.

What is inside the car?

200

Corrective action when you find yourself sliding in your vehicle.

What is turn wheel into direction of slide?

200

As required by law, you must do this when your windshield wipers are in use.

What is turn on your headlights?
200

This Key recommends not focusing on any single object for more than 2 seconds.

What is "Keep Your Eyes Moving"?

200

This is banned in 46 states, and if caught, can result in heavy fines.

What is texting while driving?
200

This is the first step to take in preparing to take a trip.

What is check the weather?

300

These are the most common type of winter driving related accidents.

What is "spinning out" or losing control?

300

Due to risk of hydroplanes or skids, it is unwise to use this feature in winter advisory conditions.

What is cruise control?

300

This Key advises leaving a cushion between vehicles around you and backing into parking spaces when possible.

What is "Leave Yourself an Out"?

300

Doing this while driving is considered more of a distraction than using the cell phone.

What is eating while driving?

300

This is a good way to check your tire tread without having the proper tool.

What is the Penny Test? Turn the penny upside down. If the tread reaches the top of Lincoln's head, you have at least 3/32" tread (considered sufficient).

400

Following distance should be increased to this when driving on slippery or icy surfaces.

What is 8-10 seconds?

400
When driving on a rainy/foggy day, it is good practice to check the functionality of this car feature before departing.

What is the defroster?

400

This Key recommends looking a minimum of 15 seconds ahead. At 25 MPH, this is about a block ahead. At 60 MPH, this is about 1/4 mile ahead.

What is "Aim High in Steering"?

400

Out of all vehicle accidents, this is the percentage of accidents caused by distracted driving.

What is 80%?

400

When getting (2) new tires, this is where they should be installed on the vehicle.

What is the rear axle?

500

This is the recommended following distance behind a snow plow truck.

What is at least 200 feet?
500

This is the amount of water accumulated on the road surface that it takes to hydroplane at 50 MPH.

What is one-tenth of an inch?

500

This Key challenges you to check your mirrors every 5-8 seconds, and keep a 7-second minimum following distance.

What is "Get the Big Picture"?

500

This is the amount of fatalities every year as a result of distracted driving accidents?

What is 3,000 people?

500

This is the average percentage of yearly total fatalities that were not wearing their seatbelt.

What is 50%