The Smith System of Driving is a method of driving that was developed in the early 1900s by a man named Horace Smith. It is designed to help 18-wheeler drivers avoid accidents and keep Texans safe while driving. The system helps 18-wheeler drivers stay alert, maintain control, and be aware of their environment at all times during the trip—and especially when approaching intersections or making turns.
The SMITH System of Driving is a mnemonic that helps you remember the five steps of driving:
Aim High in Steering
The Big Picture
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Leave Yourself an Out
Make Sure They See You
18-wheeler drivers are typically taught this program during their CDL Course or other company-provided training courses. However, almost all 18-wheeler drivers fail to employ these methods when they drive on Texas highways. Failure to follow the SMITH system of driving can cause accidents.
Be alert. It is important to be aware of the road conditions, other drivers, and your surroundings when driving at all times. Speed control is a major factor in safe driving. You should always know what speed you are traveling at and make sure it fits with the traffic flow and weather conditions. Always check for hazards ahead of time so that you can avoid them if possible. If not, slow down so you will have more time to react if something happens suddenly.
Think about these things when planning ahead:
Where are you going? What’s along the way? Any special situations?
How much time will it take to get there? If something happens that slows you down, are there other routes or ways around it?
Is this a busy time of day for traffic or pedestrians? What are the weather conditions?
If traffic is heavy and moving slowly, try to stay well within the posted speed limit for the road. This will allow other drivers behind and ahead of you enough time to react when needed. Remember not to tailgate—leave room between your vehicle and those around it—and keep an eye out for any potential hazards in front or behind that could lead to a crash.
When it comes to maintaining both speed and space at once, it may be necessary to slow down if conditions are too crowded or unsafe for traveling at higher speeds (e.g., during rush hour). As mentioned previously, we recommend keeping a safe distance from other vehicles on the road as well as maintaining proper vision ahead of your vehicle while driving through intersections—this helps prevent collisions with pedestrians crossing against traffic signals or other cars pulling out without warning into your lane.
Scanning is the most important skill for driving. It's not the same as looking. Scanning is a way of being aware of what is happening around you, not just what your eyes can see at a particular time. You need to scan forwards, backward, and sideways as well as looking straight ahead when you are driving. If you are scanning properly you will be able to identify hazards that may be hidden from view and take action before it’s too late.
If a driver is unable to avoid a collision, use your escape route as quickly and efficiently as possible. The best way to prevent collisions is by avoiding them altogether. In the event that you cannot avoid a collision, use your escape route as quickly and efficiently as possible. Escape routes are not always obvious. You must drive defensively at all times—even when driving on well-maintained roads in good weather conditions with no other vehicles around.
Driving an 18-wheeler is a complex task that requires constant alertness, attention, and thinking ahead. While it can be tempting to ease up on one’s driving style, it is important to keep in mind that the stakes are much higher when driving an 18-wheeler. A momentary lapse in concentration could result in a serious car crash or injury. If you were injured by an 18-wheeler driver’s failure to pay attention, contact Ryan Pigg immediately for a free consultation.
