Which of the following is NOT one of the five steps of the Smith System?

• A. Aim high in driving
• B. Maintain constant speed
• C. Get the big picture
• D. Keep your eyes moving

Answer: (B)

Defensive driving with the Smith System centers on perception and visibility. The five steps are about looking ahead and understanding and managing the traffic scene: aim high in driving to search far down the road; get the big picture to understand what’s happening around you; keep your eyes moving to scan continually and avoid tunnel vision; leave yourself an out by maintaining space and options to maneuver; and make sure they see you so others don’t surprise you. Maintaining constant speed isn’t one of these steps because speed control isn’t a named Smith System principle; you adjust speed as needed to keep a safe following distance and respond to conditions, but that action isn’t a formal step of the Smith System.