Draft of Model Academic Standards for Wisconsin High School Driver Education Programs

Academic Standards for Wisconsin High School Driver Education

The following is a draft of proposed model academic standards for public high school driver and traffic safety education programs. They are presented to provide interested people with an opportunity to review the proposed standards, and provide suggested additions or modifications. Comments and suggestions are welcome and can be directed to Dr. Randall Thiel, Alcohol/Traffic Safety Consultant. You can contact Dr. Thiel by phone at (608) 266-9677, or by e-mail to randall.thiel@dpi.wi.gov

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Driver and Traffic Safety Education

A. Wisconsin Traffic Laws and Rules of the Road, Licensing Responsibilities Organ donation, financial responsibilities, and graduated license.

CONTENT STANDARD:

Upon completion of a Wisconsin DPI approved driver and traffic safety education program, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the rules of the road, licensing procedures and other legal responsibilities associated with obtaining a driver's license in the state of Wisconsin.

RATIONALE:
Students who wish to be vehicle drivers on Wisconsin roadways need knowledge of the rules of the road, ability to decode the meaning of traffic signs, traffic controls and road markings. Additionally, students need information that will allow them to be responsible to society and will be provided with information on organ and tissue donation and financial responsibilities of vehicle operation.

Upon completion of the course students will:

A1. Be able to identify types of traffic signs by shape and color of the sign and understand the meaning of those signs.

A2. Be able to understand the meaning of road markings and controls that affect traffic flow.

A3. Be able to pass a knowledge test based on the Wisconsin rules of the road.

A4. Be able to describe the procedures drivers need to take in the licensing process.

A5. Be able to describe the process in becoming a potential tissue and organ donor.

A6. Be able to identify and describe how financial responsibly laws affect driver licensing.

A7. Be able to describe the Wisconsin graduated licensing law, including parent/student responsibilities

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B. Assessing and Controlling Risk Visual Systems, Space for Vehicles, Right of Way, Reference Points, Decision Making Systems

CONTENT STANDARD

Upon completion of a Wisconsin, DPI approved driver and traffic safety education program, students will learn a method of managing space, vision, and time. Demonstrate how to identify reference points. Discuss right of way rules and a decision making process.

RATIONALE:

Students have lived all their lives in the highway transportation system and with the motor vehicle. New to many of these students is the idea that the task of driving is more than physical control of the vehicle.

It is essential that youthful drivers develop a decision making process that allows them to anticipate hazards. Young people become more effective and responsible traffic citizens when they understand the relationship between physical and mental skills.

Upon completion of the course a student will be able to:

B1. Apply an organized system to identify and process information to reduce risk in the traffic environment.

B2. Adequately manage space, vehicle position and time needed to reduce risk in traffic.

B3. Demonstrate ability to utilize a systemic search and scan technique in traffic.

B4. Demonstrate the ability to judge space needed for merging, passing and maneuvering in small spaces.

B5. Describe the meaning of defensive driving and how drivers can apply it when driving.

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C. Driver Impairments: Drugs and Alcohol, Emotions, Attitudes, Fatigue, Aggressive Driving Distractions

CONTENT STANDARD
Upon completion of a Wisconsin DPI approved driver and traffic safety education program, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving performance. Will recognize the consequences of strong emotions and attitudes on driving performance. Will be able to analyze and describe the effects of fatigue and sleep deprivation on driving performance.

RATIONAL:
Drinking and driving is a significant contributing factor in Wisconsin vehicle crashes. Knowledge of the effects of alcohol on driving performance combined with strategies in coping with drink/drive situations will reduce the driving risk. Knowledge of the factors that contribute to driver impairment is essential to reduce risk. Students will explore their attitudes and emotions to understand their reactions to stressful situations and develop coping behaviors to reduce risk for themselves and others.

Upon completion of the course students will:

C1. Be able to identify and analyze the effects of negative peer pressure as it relates to the use of alcohol and the driving task.

C2. Be able to describe Wisconsin's implied consent law.

C3. Be able to explain how alcohol affects driving performance.

C4. Be able to describe how to Blood Alcohol Levels can be measured.

C5. Be able to describe Wisconsin's OWI law

C6. List 3 drugs, other than alcohol, that affect driving performance

C7. Be able to describe how distractions within the vehicle affect the driver

C8. Be able to describe how strong emotions lead to road rage

C9. Be able to describe how fatigue affects driving performance

Listed Below are Proposed (as of 7/24/02) New Standards for Category "C" (Impairment) These could replace the 9 immediatley above this table The student is able to… C1 describe personal consequences and legal implications of alcohol consumption, or other drug use, for drivers or passengers. C2 explain how alcohol affects driving performance C3 describe how BAC is determined and measured and how the Implied Consent Law is related to BAC measurement.> C4 describe Wisconsin's OWI laws C5 list 3 drugs, other than alcohol, and their effects on the driving task C6 describe how distractions within the vehicle affect the driver C7 describe how strong emotions can impact one's driving performance C8 describe how fatigue affects driving performance and steps drivers can take to reduce or avoid impacts of fatigue on their ability to drive

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D. Basic maneuvers, turns, Y-turns, turnabouts moving the vehicle forward and backward, parking, securing the vehicle

CONTENT STANDARD

Upon completion of a Wisconsin DPI approved driver and traffic safety education program, students will be able to demonstrate correct basic driving procedures.

RATIONAL:
Safe driving requires that drivers successfully perform basic vehicle maneuvers. Students will improve on their skills of vehicle control and interact with other road users.

Upon completion of the course students will:

D1. Be able to demonstrate knowledge of pre-start and starting procedures

D2. Be able to demonstrate ability in moving the vehicle forward and in reverse

D3. Be able to demonstrate ability to correctly complete right and left turns

D4. Be able to demonstrate ability parking the vehicle, parallel, perpendicular, and angle

D5. Be able to demonstrate ability to turn the vehicle around, y-turn, U-turn, and turnabouts

D6. Be able to demonstrate knowledge of securing the vehicle after stopping the vehicle

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E. Vehicle Control and Capabilities Speed, Steering, Securing and Emergency Response Communication

CONTENT STANDARD
Upon completion of a Wisconsin DPI approved driver and traffic safety education program, students will be able to demonstrate ability to control the vehicle in a variety of environments.

RATIONAL:
Gaining proper touch on vehicle control pedals in a variety of driving situations allows the student to increase confidence in vehicle handling.

Upon completion of the course students will:

E1. Demonstrate ability in controlling the vehicle's speed in urban, rural and high-speed roadways

E2. Demonstrate ability in steering control during straight line driving, negotiating turns and passing maneuvers

E3. Identify and respond control the vehicle in emergency or high risk driving situations

E4. Be able to compare vehicle-braking systems, non-ABS and ABS, and explain brake applications in each of the systems

E5. Be able to demonstrate ability in controlling vehicle speed on hills

E6. Be able to demonstrate the proper use of restraint systems

E7. Be able to demonstrate ability to communicate intentions to other road users

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F. Driver Responsibilities Vehicle maintenance, trip planning, accident procedures, insurance, buying a vehicle

CONTENT STANDARD:
Upon completion of a Wisconsin DPI approved driver and traffic safety education program, students will be able to understand costs of car ownership, factors to consider in insuring a vehicle, some basic maintenance checks, consider factors involved in planning a trip and have an understanding of legal and moral obligations if he/she is involved in a crash.

RATIONALE:
Learning about vehicle ownership and insuring a vehicle help students examine the relationship between responsibility and privilege. Drivers are responsive to society by maintaining a vehicle in safe working order.

Upon completion of the course students will:

F1. Be able to explain the importance of preventative maintenance in keeping the vehicle in safe condition.

F2. Be able to identify and respond correctly to vehicle warning lights and devices

F3. Be able to identify unsafe tire conditions, including improper inflation and through visual inspection abnormal wear

F4. Be able to make comparisons between vehicles when preparing to purchase a vehicle

F5. Be able to describe the insurance coverage available to protect vehicle owners and others

F6. Be able to compare vehicle factors that will affect efficiency and economy

F7. Be able to list factors that have an impact on the cost of vehicle insurance

F8. Be able to identify responsibilities of drivers who are involved in a crash

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Driver and Traffic Safety Education

G. Special Situations, pedestrians, bicycles,motor cycles, Mopeds, Farm Vehicles, Rail Grade Crossings, Wildlife, Trucks

CONTENT STANDARD:

Upon completion of a Wisconsin DPI approved driver and traffic safety education program, students will be able to demonstrate correct response to special situations. They will be able to discuss how to indentify,correctly approach and travel safely in special situations.

RATIONALE:

Students must be able to handle a variety of changes in the traffic environment. Interacting with pedestrians and vehicles of differing characteristics is challenging for students. Students need an understanding of the laws that apply to vehicle operators in regard to: pedestrians, bicycle, truck , moped, and motorcycles. In addition they need to develop driving techniques to successfully handle these situations. Wisconsin state laws requires instruction be given to students regarding railroad grade crossings, wild life, and farm vehicles.

Upon completion of the course students will:

G1. Be able to recognize areas of the traffic environment that increase conflict with pedestrians.

G2. Be able to discuss traffic laws that pertain to pedestrian right of way and driver responsiblies toward pedestrians.

G3. Be able to discuss traffic laws that relate to bicycles, mopeds and motorcycles.

G4. Be able to identify and understand actions of the operators of these two wheel vehicles.

G5. Be able to respond correctly to situations created by these vehicles.

G6. Be able to identify areas of the traffic environment that increase the hazard of interacting with farm vehicles and wild life.

G7. Be able to safely follow, meet and pass trucks of all sizes.

G8. Be able to approach, and move safely through controlled and uncontrolled railroad grade crossings.

Reminder: Comments and suggestions are welcomed and can be directed to Dr. Randall Thiel, Alcohol/Traffic Safety Consultant. You can contact Dr. Thiel by phone at (608) 266-9677, or by e-mail to randall.thiel@dpi.wi.gov

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For questions about this information, contact dpisspw@dpi.wi.gov (608) 267-9117

Last updated on 2/22/2008 8:00:26 AM