Defensive Driving Tools for Safety

Defensive Driving Tools for Safety was written and presented by Jeff Hohlstein, a Community Traffic Safety Team member in Clay County, Florida. This educational driving and traffic safety presentation is geared toward aging road users. However, these are essential tips and reminders for all drivers.

Flip through the Defensive Driving Tools for Safety Presentation:

Learn about setting side view mirrors for blind spots. Understand the importance of keeping a safe following distance and obeying the speed limit. Maintaining a safe following distance is a good idea for all drivers to keep in mind. While this rule is flexible and isn’t always appropriate in every driving situation, it can foster good driving habits that reduce the risk of rear-end collisions and similar accidents. In addition, being a safe driver can earn discounts on auto insurance premiums.

Gain an understanding of observing a vehicle’s front wheels, approaching intersections safely, and scanning through a signalized intersection. Learn how to use the OODA Loop while driving. OODA is an acronym for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act. When you do it again and again, it becomes a constant decision loop. Retired Colonel John Boyd, USAF, developed this rapid decision-making tool. Today, OODA is used by many Armed Forces and Police agencies and can be used as a defensive driving tool for motorists.

Most people set their side view mirrors straight back and miss their blind spot completely. The video covers how to set your side view mirrors to cover your blind spot.

This video discusses how to use OODA to stay safe while driving. Defensive driving is much about managing space around your vehicle. The most controllable area you have is your safe following distance. OODA will help you do that right. OODA will also help you develop scan patterns for navigating intersections and avoiding a collision when someone unsafely enters your right-of-way.  

Uses of OODA in defensive driving:

  • Observe > Following distance, traffic patterns; intersections of all kinds; vehicles around you.
  • Orient > Calculate the following distance; identify other potential conflicts.
  • Decide > Action to maintain safe following distance; plan to avoid those other conflicts.
  • Act > Establish/reestablish safe following distance; avoid those other conflicts whether or not the crash would have been your fault.
  • Do it again > Practice OODA until it’s as natural as driving itself.
Jeff Hohlstein presenting Defensive Driving Tools for Safety

Click here to read Jeff Hohlstein’s first article, Three Defensive Driving Tools to Avoid Great Impact, and what the video presentation from 2020.

ATV Safety

The Northeast Florida DOT Traffic Safety Program wants to remind all-terrain vehicle drivers to always follow ATV safety guidelines and Florida law. There has been tragic accidents in our communities, especially involving younger drivers on ATVs, resulting in injuries and deaths. Please watch and share the ATV Safety Rules video below. We have also created a free ATV Safety Rules tip card which may be downloaded and printed. The digital file may also be shared on social media.

Click here for the printable PDF of this ATV Safety Rules flyer.

We have created this short video with basic safety rules to share:

Safety Rules:

  • Always use personal safety gear.
  • Only one person on each ATV.
  • Drive an ATV that’s the right size for you.
  • Drive off road only – It’s dangerous and against the law to operate an ATV on paved roads or rights of way.
  • Keep both hands on the handlebars and both feet on the footrests.
  • Adults should supervise riders under 16.
  • Be safe and stay focused.
  • Only ride when sober.

Vehicles of any type, including ATVs, are not TOYS and should not be treated as such. Click here for our “ATV Off-Road Rules” brochure with more all-terrain vehicle safety tips and Florida law (Florida Statute 316.2074):

Below are some great safety messages, information and activities to download, print and share!

Extreme all-terrain safety
All-Terrain Safety Activity – Always wear a full face helmet with eye protection.
Youth activity page related to ATV safety
Off-Road Adventures! Stay Safe on All-Terrain Vehicles + Get Ready to Ride Activity
ATV Safety art
ATV SAFE! All-Terrain Safety Quiz + Off-Road Tips for Kids and Teens

Click here for more information about rural traffic safety.