The SIPDE process is a system taught in Driver Education classes to help drivers drive safely.
The acronym stands for:

S—Sweep, Search, and Scan (keep your eyes moving at all times to effectively see
imminent danger) you should search a minimum of 25 to 30 seconds down the roadway.
At highway speeds (55-70 mph) this would be a minimum of 1/3 to 1/2 of a mile down
the roadway. In an urban setting (25-30 mph) this would equal at least one to two blocks.

I—Identify hazards, Identify what's happening 12 to 15 seconds in front of you. (roadway features) (take notice of things that could cause trouble)

P—Predict which hazards could potentially come into conflict with you; predict 2 things
1-worst case scenario and 2-actions

D—Decide 3 to 5 seconds in advance on a safe action (decide on something to do should
the dog run across the road) decide on the path that will put you in the least amount of
danger.

E—Execute that safe action; use communication; confidently execute the maneuver.

Most defensive driving programs will say a minimum of 12

to 15 seconds ahead. That is a MINIMUM.

You should always try to look as far as you can see.

12 to 15 seconds in the city, which is around 50 km/h, is

approximately one city block. Is that really far enough?

On the highway or the freeway, where speeds generally attain

110+ km/h, that is only 4 power poles away.

If that deer decides to cross the road, are you prepared for it?

Will you have enough time and space to avoid it?

Using S.I.P.D.E. will certainly assist you in recognizing the

dangers that may cross your path and assist you in making a

timely decision to avoid it.

Remember, it is not how fast you get there, but whether or

not you make it there intact.

Drive Safe.
Name:___________________________________
The SIPDE process is a system taught in Driver Education classes to help drivers drive safely.
The acronym stands for:

S—__________, _________, and ________ (keep your eyes moving at all times to
effectively see imminent danger)You should search a minimum of 25 to 30 seconds down
the roadway. At highway speeds (55-70 mph) this would be a minimum of 1/3 to 1/2 of a
mile down the roadway. In an urban setting (25-30 mph) this would equal at least one to
two blocks.

I—______________ ____________, ___________ what's ____________ 12 to 15
seconds in front of you. (road-way features) (take notice of things that could cause
trouble)

P—__________ which hazards could potentially come into conflict with you; ________
2 things 1-____________________ and 2-_________________

D—___________ 3 to 5 seconds in advance on a __________________ (decide on
something to do should the dog run across the road)decide on the path that will put you in
the least amount of danger.

E—_____________ that safe action; use communication; confidently execute the
maneuver.

Most defensive driving programs will say a minimum of _____ to _____ seconds ahead.
That is a MINIMUM. You should always try to look as far as you can see.

____ to _____ seconds in the city is approximately _____ city block.

On the highway or the freeway, where speeds are higher, it’s about _____ power poles
away.
IDENTIFY Questions to ask:
What do I see that is a problem right now?
What do I see that can become a problem?
Do you see animals, people, children and/or bicycles?
Do you see other cars and their issues?
Do you see weather related or lighting issues?
IDENTIFY- Use the following pictures as a game. Students get into groups of 2. The first student selects
one card and has 12 seconds to identify as many potential hazards as they can. After the time, the other
student has a 12 second chance to identify any areas that were missing. A discussion of the picture with
the class can follow.