Drive Safer with SIPDE

For both new and experienced drivers alike, defensive driving is important for preventing dangerous situations as well as reacting wisely to them. Up-and-coming drivers going through driver’s education courses should familiarize themselves with  an important defensive driving technique known as SIPDE.

What is SIPDE?

It stands for Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute. This simple 5-step process facilitates smarter and safer driving.

THE ‘S’ IN SIPDE STANDS FOR:

• Search (or Scan). Observe the road around you in your path of travel. Survey all areas, including the sides of roadways. 

THE ‘I’ IN SIPDE STANDS FOR:

• Identify. What objects or conditions could interfere with your driving? Look out for potential hazards like debris, pedestrians, reckless drivers, and more. 

The ‘P’ in SIPDE STANDS FOR:

• Predict. Anticipate what the objects or conditions you have identified could do. For example, a reckless driver may cut you off, or an animal on the side of the road might cross in front of you. 

The ‘D’ in SIPDE Stands For:

• Decide. Determine what action you will take in reaction to the potentially hazardous situation that could arise. This should be a decision that minimizes risk. For example, if a driver is following you too closely, consider moving lanes to avoid a rear-end collision.

The ‘E’ in SIPDE Stands For:

•  Execute. Once you have decided what course of action to take, execute.