IPDE Process: Notes and Review Game

IPDE Process
&
Smith System

IPDE Process:
4 steps…
• I = Identify
• P = Predict
• D = Decide
• E = Execute

Identify
• Accurate picture of the scene in order to
identify any critical objects.
• Vision
• Space cushion – Space around your vehicle
• Field of vision – everything you can see
while looking straight ahead
• Sight distance – distance you see ahead
• Auditory
• Honking horns, train horn, siren, squealing
tires

Predict
• Predict possible outcomes.
• Traffic laws and controls, physical forces, and
reading other driver on the road.
Important questions are:
Which of these could cause a threat?
Which ones are potential hazards?
Which are real hazards?

Decide
• Planning a course of action.
• Escape path – where to go incase of
an unexpected conflict.
• Safe path of travel – path free of all
hazards.
• Minimize – putting more space
between you and a potential hazard.
• Separating – handling one hazard at a
time.

Execute
Taking action…
A driver has three courses of
action:
1. Accelerate
2. Brake
3. Steer to left or right.

Smith System
Five points:
1. Aim High Steering
2. Get the Big Picture
3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
4. Leave Yourself an Out
5. Make Sure They See You

Aim High Steering
• Keep 12 – 15 seconds of eye lead-time
• Look ahead, far ahead.
• Look far down the road, where the road
disappears.
• Know Field of vision.
• Peripheral Vision – how far a person
can see to the right and left while
looking straight.
• Central Vision – area in your central
vision where you can see clearly while
looking straight.

Get the Big Picture
Be Aware of all objects &
obstacles:
• 1 - 2 city blocks ahead.
• ½ mile on highways, expressways &
country roads.
• Sidewalk to Sidewalk.
• All of the area around your vehicle.

Keep Your Eyes Moving
• Check mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds.
• Scan your eyes every 2 seconds.
• Never stare at an object for more than 2
seconds.
• Eliminate Eye Holding Problems.
• Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down
• Change Lanes.
• Adjust Radio: Turn on music, turn up music,
turn down music, and change station…
• Roll down window, turn up air conditioner, and
turn off heater.
• Sing or talk to yourself or others.
• Pull over, take a break or get rest.

Leave Yourself an Out
• Leave a 1 car-length space cushion at stop signs
and intersections. (Stop so you can see their
tires!)
• Keep at least a 2 seconds following distance in
front of your vehicle. (If possible 4 seconds).
• Keep at least a 3-4 seconds following distance
during adverse weather.
• Eliminate Tailgaters:
• Adjust Speed: Speed up or slow down.
• Change Lanes.
• Allow them to pass: Pull over to the side of the road or
turn off on to anther road.
• Signal a warning:
• Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
• Machine gun brake tap.

Make Sure They See You
COMMUNICATION:
• Make Eye Contact.
• Honk Horn (Twice).
• Turn on / Turn off Headlights.
• Brake Tap.
• Use turn signals.

Review Game
Let’s PLAY!!!

Name 3 potential hazards.
#1

#2
What are the five steps to the
Smith System?

What does IPDE stand for?
#3

#4
Explain the Smith “leave
yourself an out” step.

#5
Define Separating.
When might I use this.

#6
How do we prepare for a
traffic light?

#7
Define space cushion.
What will a space
cushion allow me, the
driver, to do?

#8
Define field of vision.
Why is this important?

#9
When executing what are
your three courses of
action?

#10
What is an escape path?

#11
What do we call a light
that has been green for
a long time?

#12
What does field of vision
mean? And how will I
use it?

#13
What IPDE step tells me
what might happen?

#14
What IPDE step helps you
become aware of
problems?

#15
What IPDE step tells me
what action to take?

#16
Explain the Smith “keep
your eyes moving” step.

#17
How far ahead should we
be looking and
planning?

#18
What is the point at an
intersection where we
should go through a
yellow light called?

#19
What does aiming high
mean?

#20
Explain the Smith “get
the big picture” step .