The Smith System of defensive driving (or riding)

You can apply the Smith System on 2, 4, or more wheels.

It operates on 5 key principles:

Aim High In Steering
Look at least 15 seconds into your future, not just at the vehicle in front of you.

Get the Big Picture
Look for hazards. (Other Motorists, Pedestrians, Vehicle doors opening, etc.)

Keep Your Eyes Moving
Don’t stare. Use your peripheral vision. Stop the fixed habit stare.

Leave Yourself an Out
Monitor the space cushion around you.

Make Sure They See You
Use your signals. (Directionals, 4-way Flashers, Head Lights, Brake Lights, Horn, Hand Signals.) Make eye contact.

So for those who are resistant to taking some training by an external provider, the Smith System is a simple approach to defensive driving/riding. Or put another way, it's a simplistic version of Roadcraft (think Rideforever).

The easy way to remember the 5 keys is as follows:

A - all

G - good

K - kids

L - like

M - milk

So to get the 5 Keys memorised, we use the "All Good Kids Like Milk" memory prompt. Must work, for it's been a while for me since I was first shown the Smith System.

PS. At no point is the reliance on luck advocated as an integral part of the Smith System.

The Smith System of defensive driving (or riding)