Driving is one of the most hazardous tasks that we perform when assigned to fires. Because of the fact that we perform the task literally hundreds of times in the course of our daily lives, we tend to take it for granted.
Vehicle operators need to recognize their own poor driving habits and strive to develop proper defensive driving techniques.
A good starting point is attitude. A positive attitude toward improving your defensive driving skills will help you achieve the necessary changes in your driving habits.
Most of what you do in operating vehicles is performed from habit. You do not consciously think about every thing you do when you drive. Rather, your subconscious performs most techniques.
It's important to remember that a bad habit is as easy to develop as a good one. Take a good, hard look at your driving habits. Are you training yourself to do the right things the right way, like fastening your seat belt, checking your mirrors, and maintaining safe following distances?
For more safety tips from the Federal Fire and Aviation Safety Team, visit its Six Minutes for Safety section at www.nifc.gov.
