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Rhode Island driving lesson · Defensive Driving Systems

The Smith System

A 2-minute lesson from the Rhode Island course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
2 minutes
Course unit
Defensive Driving Systems
Checkpoint questions
5
Source pages
50

Harold L. Smith developed his system in 1952 on a 'space-cushion' principle: manage the space around your car so there's a cushion between you and everything else. It's internationally recognized and built on five keys.

Know the rule

The Smith System was developed by Harold L. Smith in 1952 and has five keys to collision-free driving.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Five keys of the Smith System

Five keys of the Smith System
KeyWhat it means
Leave yourself an outKeep plenty of space around your vehicle
Aim high in steeringLook 4–6 and 12–15 seconds ahead, mid-lane
Get the overall pictureA full block ahead in town; half a mile on highways
Keep your eyes movingScan and glance; don't stare at one thing
Make sure they see youTap the horn or flick headlights if needed
Handbook p. 50 ↗

Know the rule

Aim high: don't look down at your fender or hood. Look ahead 4 to 6 seconds and 12 to 15 seconds at the middle of your lane.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
½ mile

How far ahead to look on highways (a full block in cities and towns)

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Know the rule

Keep your eyes moving: look ahead, to the sides, and in your rear and side mirrors—continually and quickly.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Know the rule

Make sure they see you: don't take for granted that others can see your vehicle.

Handbook p. 50 ↗

Put it into practice

Driving downtown, you look a full block ahead and notice a delivery truck double-parked. You glance at your mirrors, see the next lane is open, and move over early—leaving yourself an out instead of braking hard at the last second.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

In what year did Harold L. Smith develop the space-cushion driving system described in the handbook?
  1. 1952
  2. 1962
  3. 1938
  4. 1974

Answer: 1952

Harold L. Smith developed this system in 1952, based on a "space-cushion" principle.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
Which Smith System key advises looking 4-6 seconds and 12-15 seconds ahead rather than at your hood?
  1. Get the Overall Picture
  2. Aim High in Steering
  3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
  4. Leave Yourself an Out

Answer: Aim High in Steering

Aim High in Steering means looking ahead 4-6 seconds and 12-15 seconds, not down at your fender or hood.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
Which Smith System key involves scanning continually instead of fixing your eyes on one thing?
  1. Aim High in Steering
  2. Make Sure They See You
  3. Keep Your Eyes Moving
  4. Get the Overall Picture

Answer: Keep Your Eyes Moving

Keep Your Eyes Moving means developing the art of scanning and glancing continually, rather than staring at one point.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
In the Smith System, how far ahead should you look in cities versus on highways to 'get the overall picture'?
  1. 50 feet in cities, 200 feet on highways
  2. Half a block in cities, a quarter mile on highways
  3. One car length in cities, one block on highways
  4. A full block in cities, half a mile on highways

Answer: A full block in cities, half a mile on highways

Get the Overall Picture means looking a full block ahead in cities and towns, and half a mile ahead on highways.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
Which Smith System key involves tapping your horn or flicking your headlights so others notice you?
  1. Make Sure They See You
  2. Keep Your Eyes Moving
  3. Leave Yourself an Out
  4. Aim High in Steering

Answer: Make Sure They See You

Make Sure They See You means not assuming others can see your vehicle; tap your horn or flick your headlights if needed.

Handbook p. 50 ↗
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