Safe driving requires attention and awareness of the surroundings. To minimize the risk of an accident, many drivers practice defensive driving. This method of driving encourages car drivers to be proactive rather than reactive when behind the wheel. The SIPDE method outlines the actions defensive drivers must take on a regular basis to stay safe.
The SIPDE Method
SIPDE is an acronym created by the Department of Public Safety to promote defensive driving. It means Search, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.
o Search: This action involves constantly scanning your environment for possible accidents or dangers. It is important to always remain alert and focused because circumstances are subject to sudden changes, creating a new potential for accidents to occur.
o Identify – While searching your environment, it is crucial to identify potential accidents. Being aware of a pedestrian crossing the street, a bicyclist in the lane to your right, a person opening their car door into the street, or children playing on the sidewalk can help prevent an accident from occurring. If you have already identified the potential hazard, you can take steps to prevent it.
o Predict – This action is useful when you have identified a potential problem and you are not sure what the other party will do. To prevent accidents, assume the worst. Slow down and get ready to react. For example, if children are playing in the street, anticipate that they will chase a ball into the street. Slow down and be ready, just in case.
o Decide – In the event that a potential accident does reach its potential, an alert driver should already be prepared to make a decision that will avoid the collision. In deciding your course of action, it is important to consider factors other than the immediate danger. For example, if a dog crosses the road in front of you, randomly changing lanes to another car is not a good choice. Decide on the best course of action by weighing all the options, but be quick!
o Execute – After deciding on the best course of action for your situation, execute! Do not hesitate, since time is fleeting. Most accidents happen in a matter of seconds, so you need to be able to process your situation quickly.
While the SIPDE method is a useful tool for implementing defensive driving, it is not a guarantee that you will not be involved in a car accident.
For more information on defensive driving and liability, contact the Rhinelander car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier, SC