2 Del. Admin. Code § 2224-6.0

Current through Register Vol. 27, No. 12, June 1, 2024

Section 2224-6.0 - Course Content Requirements

6.1 Each DDC shall be based upon State of Delaware traffic laws, defensive driving, and collision prevention techniques. The course materials for each defensive driving course shall include, at a minimum, the following:

6.1.1 Discussion of interaction with law enforcement during traffic stop, including but not limited to:

6.1.1.1 An individual's constitutional and other legal rights during a traffic stop;

6.1.1.2 Laws regarding questioning and detention by a law enforcement officer, proof of identity and consequences for failure to comply;

6.1.1.3 The role and procedures of a law enforcement officer in general and during a traffic stop;

6.1.1.4 What to do and expect when stopped by law enforcement; and

6.1.1.5 How and where to file a compliment on behalf of, or a complaint against a law enforcement officer.

6.1.2 Discussion on traffic laws and patterns, including but not limited to:

6.1.2.1 Intersections and right of way;

6.1.2.2 Traffic patterns, such as diverging diamond and roundabouts;

6.1.2.3 Railroad crossing;

6.1.2.4 Traffic devices, including but not limited to:

6.1.2.4.1 Active traffic control devices for pedestrian crossing such as HAWK signals and rectangular rapid flashing beacons;

6.1.3 Discussion pertaining to the use of alcohol and legal/illegal drugs and how they can impair a driver, including but not limited to:

6.1.3.1 Delaware law on impaired driving; and

6.1.3.2 Techniques when encountering a potentially impaired driver.

6.1.4 Discussion of work zone safety, including but not limited to:

6.1.4.1 Speed requirements through active work zone;

6.1.4.2 Following flagger instructions; and

6.1.4.3 Shifting or narrowing of lanes.

6.1.5 Discussion of situations on the road with vulnerable users, including but not limited to:

6.1.5.1 Discussion of bicycle awareness and rights, including but not limited to:

6.1.5.1.1 Yielding to bicycles;

6.1.5.1.2 Space needed for passing and bicycle safety;

6.1.5.1.3 A bicycle being pushed by the rider has the same rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian;

6.1.5.1.4 A bicycle ridden on the roadway has the same rights and responsibilities as other motor vehicles; and

6.1.5.1.5 Anticipating potential conflicts and hazards involving cyclists.

6.1.5.2 Discussion of pedestrian awareness and special safety situations, including but not limited to:

6.1.5.2.1 Pedestrian safety;

6.1.5.2.2 Yielding to pedestrians; and

6.1.5.2.3 White Cane Law.

6.1.6 Discussion of techniques in various driving situations involving other vehicles or users of the road, including but not limited to:

6.1.6.1 School buses; and

6.1.6.2 Emergency vehicles right of way and Move Over Law.

6.1.7 Discussion of motorcycle awareness and special safety situations specific to operating a vehicle near a motorcycle, including but not limited to:

6.1.7.1 Reduced visibility of motorcyclists;

6.1.7.2 Increase following distance; and

6.1.7.3 Stopping distance versus a larger vehicle stopping distance.

6.1.8 Discussion of vehicle technology and how it relates to driver safety.

6.1.9 Discussion pertaining to distractions, including but not limited to:

6.1.9.1 Electronic devices;

6.1.9.2 Interacting with a passenger;

6.1.9.3 Reading;

6.1.9.4 Eating;

6.1.9.5 Billboards;

6.1.9.6 Animals;

6.1.9.7 Car accidents; and

6.1.9.8 Disabled vehicles.

6.1.10 Discussion of elements pertaining to defensive driving, including but not limited to:

6.1.10.1 The condition of the driver including, but not limited to:

6.1.10.1.1 Fatigue;

6.1.10.1.2 Physical conditions;

6.1.10.1.3 Mental conditions; and

6.1.10.1.4 Disabilities.

6.1.10.2 How environmental factors affect the driver, such as sun glare and weather including, but not limited to:

6.1.10.2.1 Rain;

6.1.10.2.2 Fog;

6.1.10.2.3 Sleet;

6.1.10.2.4 Hail; and

6.1.10.2.5 Snow.

6.1.10.3 Aggressive driving and road rage, including, but not limited to:

6.1.10.3.1 Identifying an aggressive driver vs road rage; and

6.1.10.3.2 Provide appropriate defensive driving techniques for handling aggressive drivers or road rage.

6.1.11 Discussion of proper defensive driving practices including, but not limited to:

6.1.11.1 Pavement line markings including, but not limited to:

6.1.11.1.1 Median crossing; and

6.1.11.1.2 Shared center turn lanes.

6.1.11.2 Blind spots including, but not limited to;

6.1.11.2.1 Avoiding other vehicle's blind spots; and

6.1.11.2.2 Checking blind spots.

6.1.11.3 How to calculate stopping and following distances;

6.1.11.4 Speed limits and general recommendations for unmarked areas;

6.1.11.5 Passing and being passed.

6.1.12 Discussion of vehicle safety devices, including but not limited to:

6.1.12.1 Use of seatbelts;

6.1.12.2 Child restraint systems;

6.1.12.2.1 In relation to a child's age and size;

6.1.12.2.2 Correct placement of a child in a vehicle;

6.1.12.3 Vehicle airbag systems with special attention to driver safety;

6.1.12.4 Proper use of anti-lock braking systems versus standard braking systems;

6.1.13 Discussion pertaining to the condition of the vehicle, including but not limited to:

6.1.13.1 Tire tread;

6.1.13.2 Windshield;

6.1.13.3 Mirrors;

6.1.13.4 Horn;

6.1.13.5 Proper use of headlights;

6.1.13.6 Usage of turn signals; and

6.1.13.7 Safe turning techniques.

6.1.14 Discussion pertaining to the condition of the road, including but not limited to:

6.1.14.1 Gravel;

6.1.14.2 Dirt;

6.1.14.3 Pavement;

6.1.14.4 Potholes;

6.1.14.5 Rumble strips; and

6.1.14.6 Speed bumps.

6.1.15 Discussion of other road hazards, including but not limited to:

6.1.15.1 Situations when vehicles are stationary on the side of a road;

6.1.15.2 Changing lanes when safe to do so; and

6.1.15.3 Speed reduction.

6.1.16 Discussion of the hazards and techniques of various driving environments, including but not limited to:

6.1.16.1 City driving;

6.1.16.2 Highway or expressway driving;

6.1.16.3 Rural driving;

6.1.16.4 Proper use of exit and entrance ramps;

6.1.16.5 Driving in parking lots; and

6.1.16.6 Requirements for handicap placard and plate.

6.1.17 Discussion of head-on collisions and avoidance techniques.

2 Del. Admin. Code § 2224-6.0

24 DE Reg. 1016 (5/1/2021) (final)