UPS 10-Point Commentary Driving
This flashcard set outlines the UPS 10-Point Commentary, a system designed to help drivers maintain situational awareness and practice defensive driving techniques. Each card explains a specific habit or observation UPS drivers are trained to use for avoiding hazards, maintaining safe following distances, and communicating effectively with other road users.
Starting up at intersection
Look left, right, and left again. Check rear view mirrors.
Key Terms
Starting up at intersection
Look left, right, and left again. Check rear view mirrors.
When stopped in traffic
A car length of space is required from the vehicle ahead. This will allow enough space to pull around the vehicle ahead if it should stall and will...
Count 1-2-3 after vehicle ahead has started to move.
This step is to be followed when stopped at an intersection behind another vehicle. Check rear view mirrors.
4-6 seconds following time
For speeds up to 30 mph, 6-8 seconds for speeds over 30 mph. This is to keep you from getting a fixation on the car ahead and to allow time to obta...
8-12 seconds eye-lead time
This is the best way to keep your eyes ahead of your wheels and is the depth at which your eyes should be focused most of the time.
Scan steering wheels
Look and see whether or not cars at the curb are occupied. This is the only time they are a threat. If they are occupied, the driver is probably ab...
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| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
Starting up at intersection | Look left, right, and left again. Check rear view mirrors. |
When stopped in traffic | A car length of space is required from the vehicle ahead. This will allow enough space to pull around the vehicle ahead if it should stall and will give you an instant cushion if it should turn. |
Count 1-2-3 after vehicle ahead has started to move. | This step is to be followed when stopped at an intersection behind another vehicle. Check rear view mirrors. |
4-6 seconds following time | For speeds up to 30 mph, 6-8 seconds for speeds over 30 mph. This is to keep you from getting a fixation on the car ahead and to allow time to obtain and hold proper eye-lead time. |
8-12 seconds eye-lead time | This is the best way to keep your eyes ahead of your wheels and is the depth at which your eyes should be focused most of the time. |
Scan steering wheels | Look and see whether or not cars at the curb are occupied. This is the only time they are a threat. If they are occupied, the driver is probably about to exit the car or pull from the curb. |
Stale green lights | The point of decision is an imaginary line that you set up between your vehicle and the cross-walk when you are approaching an intersection with a stale green light. Since you are not sure of the light, you must be sure of the point behind which you will stop if the light should start to change. This helps you get the big picture. |
Eye contact | When you must depend on anyone along the edge of your driving path to stay put until you are past the danger point, it is imperative that you get their attention. The horn and lights are your communication tools when you do not have eye contact. Proper use of the horn to express a friendly message seems in any instances to be a lost art. Only when you have eye contact can you expect the other person to act in a reasonably predictable manner to avoid a dangerous situation. |
Pulling from curb | Glance over left shoulder when pulling from curb |
Use of mirrors |
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