No one is a perfect driver. What Harold Smith achieved with 'The Smith System ' is remarkable !! ●●●● ●●●● ●●●● ●●●● ●●●●● !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!! BRILLIANT
What a great trip down San Diego's roadways with "the" Harold Smith and longtime DJ and radio personality Ernie Meyers. Lot less traffic in those days, but the Five Keys of Space Cushion Driving still apply today. I was in the last "open" class taught by Mr. Smith in 1979 or '80 in Los Angeles, CA. There were two drivers from FedMart, two drivers from Chevron Long Lines and me, Hartson Ambulance Service, Inc. I had the extra pleasure of riding up with Harold, and driving back with a private lesson. We implemented an adaptation of the Smith System for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Thank you tubengagements.
The Smith Driver’s system is the most used methodology in the professional transportation industry. I use the system and have taught my children the system and feel confident that they have the good tools for success.
A mindset like yours is the reason why there are so many accidents. Communication (blowing your horn) forms one of the foundational pillars upon which safe driving is built. It is also proactive. It's far better to fix a small leak in the dam than to wait until the dam breaks to address the problem. The other foundational pillar upon which safe driving is built is vision or observation. When Mr. Smith blew his horn, the other individual observed Mr. Smith car and was able to make a safe decision. Had Mr. Smith not blown the horn, it's a possibility that the outcome could have been a lot more dangerous. Ready to pass your road test in Brooklyn NY? Visit fuziondrivingschool.com
HAHAHA They still played this in 1991 when I was taking my 5-hour course! LMAO! This should be taught even today for all the terrible drivers there are out there!
Noticed he doesn't check his blind spot when changing lanes or use his indicator for the appropriate time if at all only checks his side mirror, changes lanes in the middle of an intersection, and is apparently a "World famous Driving Instructor".
Tania: That’s because back then such things weren’t taught. Though we’ve learned a lot since those days, this was cutting edge for its time. It’s pretty easy for us in modern times to unfairly misjudge those in times past (much like armchair quarterbacking an already played game).
People With My Time In The N.H. Driver Instructor Education Institution School , This Is My Favorite Part In Driving, Both In My Own Driving&Watching&Auditing Others In Their Driving Too !!! I'm Hoping That All Of You Seeing This Heed What Mr. Harold Smith Stresses In This Video Clip, This Works For All International Driving Standards All Over !!! Please Use This System, You'll Be A Safer Driver As Well !!! Thank You !!!
They didn't use this exact video, but when I got my license to drive an 18-wheeler, I learned the SMITH system every which way and then some. I'm doing some personal retraining at the moment because I feel like I'm losing touch. It's so wonderful to see these old videos again.
Wouldn't it be nice if highways were still that spacious? These are great rules but in most cases today with so much more traffic, they no longer apply.
I drive a 78ft tractor trailer and I still find some space. But having all the cars bunched up around me because they think spacial rules no longer apply due to their numbers is really a problem for me in Los Angeles and Dallas. c:
It is good to Apply The Rules as much as possible. Also when you can not apply them, you know that you are in a compromised Safety Situation ! Harold Smith RIP -- One of The Greats !!!! 21 Wonderful Words !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!! ●●●●
Checking blind spots is important but if you are a good defensive driver you already know if cars are anywhere near you and can usually just use your mirrors. Regarding changing lanes in intersections that wasn't the case when this video was made more than likely.
@@tecwzrd But what about the motorcyclist who just tore past you at 170kms/hour. Defensive driver or not. If you didn't check your blind spot you may not have seen him.
@@NitrosDen I've been driving 35 years without a single accident or ticket and only use my mirrors. Looking back in your blind spot you are still not going to see a motorcycle (or car) doing 170 km (or 105 mph) or 30+ over the speed limit. Typically you only have that situation on freeways/highways and I see the car doing 30+ over the speed limit in my rear view mirror first and then pick them up on my side mirrors. If you don't feel comfortable using your mirrors then by all means look away from where you are traveling at 100+ km to check your blind spot.
@@tecwzrd actually, that is the point of checking your blind spot. And if you can't check your blind spot when doing 100kms /hour, you shouldn't be driving on the road anyway. Absolutely you should be checking mirrors at bare minimum of every 8 - 10 seconds, but when changing lanes or merging you should be checking your mirrors to locate and choose a gap, indicating for at least 5 seconds to warn drivers, checking mirrors again to confirm gap hasn't changed then check your blind spot prior to moving over. This way, you will see someone in your mirrors approaching (at any speed), and determine if they may be too fast for the change. In terms of blind spot, the whole point is just that (it's your blind spot) it could be a car or bike in the lane next to you that decides to change lanes without notice at the same time you want to , if they are in your blind spot and don't check theirs before changing and you yours, there's a very high chance of a collision. I would suggest you read up on Saccadic masking too. I have been driving for 30 years and still use my blind spot whether I'm driving a heavy rigid, a car or riding my motor bike. It's not a case of how long you have driven, it's a case of you will make a mistake in due time if you don't use appropriate precautions. I've avoided many collisions with idiot, oblivious drivers by checking my blind spot.
@@NitrosDen if worried about a car changing lanes the same time as you do, then you don't understand defensive driving. A defensive driver knows where all cars are a few lanes over, ahead, and behind at all times and wouldn't attempt a lane change in the first place with a car 2 lanes over. If your mirrors are pushed out you can easily adjust your head slightly left or right to check blind spots and still keep your focus on the cars in front of you. I could easily argue that turning your head left to check for blind spots could miss the car to the right of you from swerving into your car because they didn't check their blind spot. You do what works for you and I'll do what works for me.
If you are only dealing with two lanes and you continually check your mirrors which you can see when they show a view of Mr. Smith's face you can keep track of what is around you. Most people do not check their mirror on a regular basis which is why blindspots are essential. As to the lane change at an intersection you do not want to do that approaching and intersection because someone may think you are turning or pull out in front of you. By the time you are crossing an intersection you better be aware of whether or not it is safe!
I think he is using his blinker, but the turn signal stalk is hidden by his shoulder. Also, there was a lot of road noise, so you shouldn't expect to be able to hear the click click click of the blinker relay. As for not checking mirrors, you can't see his eyes most of the time. Just because he isn't moving his head doesn't mean he isn't moving his eyes. He's a human; not an owl, after all.
he never uses his blinker no clearer proof of that than the last scene where he drifts through the lanes as he exits i had the original film i watched it several times he NEVER used the blinker once
@@tubengagements Off at 0:08 On at 0:11 Hand signal(?) at 1:43 At about 2:58 his left hand does something; not sure what. OFF at 4:43 Does something around 5:21 through 5:25 6:52 -- Where even are the blinkers? I assume the car has them, but I only see the headlights.
Taught driver ed decades ago myself and could recite this film in my sleep. Loved the film capturing the passenger.
No one is a perfect driver.
What Harold Smith achieved with
'The Smith System ' is remarkable !!
●●●●
●●●●
●●●●
●●●●
●●●●●
!!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!!
BRILLIANT
What a great trip down San Diego's roadways with "the" Harold Smith and longtime DJ and radio personality Ernie Meyers. Lot less traffic in those days, but the Five Keys of Space Cushion Driving still apply today. I was in the last "open" class taught by Mr. Smith in 1979 or '80 in Los Angeles, CA. There were two drivers from FedMart, two drivers from Chevron Long Lines and me, Hartson Ambulance Service, Inc. I had the extra pleasure of riding up with Harold, and driving back with a private lesson. We implemented an adaptation of the Smith System for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Thank you tubengagements.
Watching this on the smartphone while driving, honking at random people so that they see me coming. A totally new experience!
The Smith Driver’s system is the most used methodology in the professional transportation industry. I use the system and have taught my children the system and feel confident that they have the good tools for success.
Could you imagine if everyone was giving a friendly tap of the horn whilst driving? It would be a cacophony of madness!
A mindset like yours is the reason why there are so many accidents. Communication (blowing your horn) forms one of the foundational pillars upon which safe driving is built. It is also proactive. It's far better to fix a small leak in the dam than to wait until the dam breaks to address the problem.
The other foundational pillar upon which safe driving is built is vision or observation. When Mr. Smith blew his horn, the other individual observed Mr. Smith car and was able to make a safe decision. Had Mr. Smith not blown the horn, it's a possibility that the outcome could have been a lot more dangerous.
Ready to pass your road test in Brooklyn NY? Visit fuziondrivingschool.com
You are absolutely correct!
A “friendly tap of the horn” will eventually get you shot today…
Harold's system worked well for him, he didn't die in an automobile accident but from cancer in 1985, good for him.
Good Garnet Ave. shots heading West & East. Memories...
everyone should learn this system.
If everyone learned the Smith System and practiced it, it wouldn't work. It is based on other drivers' bad driving habits.
HAHAHA They still played this in 1991 when I was taking my 5-hour course! LMAO!
This should be taught even today for all the terrible drivers there are out there!
I’m still using it today for my Drivers Ed classes. “Ya gotta love that theme music - they don’t write ‘em like that anymore!”
Noticed he doesn't check his blind spot when changing lanes or use his indicator for the appropriate time if at all only checks his side mirror, changes lanes in the middle of an intersection, and is apparently a "World famous Driving Instructor".
Tania: That’s because back then such things weren’t taught. Though we’ve learned a lot since those days, this was cutting edge for its time. It’s pretty easy for us in modern times to unfairly misjudge those in times past (much like armchair quarterbacking an already played game).
Keep your hands on the wheel, Harold
People With My Time In The N.H. Driver Instructor Education Institution School , This Is My Favorite Part In Driving, Both In My Own Driving&Watching&Auditing Others In Their Driving Too !!! I'm Hoping That All Of You Seeing This Heed What Mr. Harold Smith Stresses In This Video Clip, This Works For All International Driving Standards All Over !!! Please Use This System, You'll Be A Safer Driver As Well !!! Thank You !!!
Back when traffic wasn't an issue like today 😪
I would love to see a Dave Chapelle take on this video. And for the record, they were STILL using this video when I took driver's ed back in 1987.
They didn't use this exact video, but when I got my license to drive an 18-wheeler, I learned the SMITH system every which way and then some. I'm doing some personal retraining at the moment because I feel like I'm losing touch. It's so wonderful to see these old videos again.
Wouldn't it be nice if highways were still that spacious? These are great rules but in most cases today with so much more traffic, they no longer apply.
Yesss! I was thinking the same thing. 😂
I drive a 78ft tractor trailer and I still find some space. But having all the cars bunched up around me because they think spacial rules no longer apply due to their numbers is really a problem for me in Los Angeles and Dallas. c:
It is good to Apply The Rules
as much as possible.
Also when you can not apply them, you know that you are in a compromised Safety Situation !
Harold Smith RIP --
One of The Greats !!!!
21 Wonderful Words !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!! !!!!! ●●●●
Most highways were not that spacious even in those days. This would be typical of a calm Sunday.
not checking blind spots when changing lanes, and lane change not suppose to make in the intersection
Checking blind spots is important but if you are a good defensive driver you already know if cars are anywhere near you and can usually just use your mirrors. Regarding changing lanes in intersections that wasn't the case when this video was made more than likely.
@@tecwzrd But what about the motorcyclist who just tore past you at 170kms/hour. Defensive driver or not. If you didn't check your blind spot you may not have seen him.
@@NitrosDen I've been driving 35 years without a single accident or ticket and only use my mirrors. Looking back in your blind spot you are still not going to see a motorcycle (or car) doing 170 km (or 105 mph) or 30+ over the speed limit. Typically you only have that situation on freeways/highways and I see the car doing 30+ over the speed limit in my rear view mirror first and then pick them up on my side mirrors. If you don't feel comfortable using your mirrors then by all means look away from where you are traveling at 100+ km to check your blind spot.
@@tecwzrd actually, that is the point of checking your blind spot. And if you can't check your blind spot when doing 100kms /hour, you shouldn't be driving on the road anyway. Absolutely you should be checking mirrors at bare minimum of every 8 - 10 seconds, but when changing lanes or merging you should be checking your mirrors to locate and choose a gap, indicating for at least 5 seconds to warn drivers, checking mirrors again to confirm gap hasn't changed then check your blind spot prior to moving over. This way, you will see someone in your mirrors approaching (at any speed), and determine if they may be too fast for the change.
In terms of blind spot, the whole point is just that (it's your blind spot) it could be a car or bike in the lane next to you that decides to change lanes without notice at the same time you want to , if they are in your blind spot and don't check theirs before changing and you yours, there's a very high chance of a collision.
I would suggest you read up on Saccadic masking too.
I have been driving for 30 years and still use my blind spot whether I'm driving a heavy rigid, a car or riding my motor bike. It's not a case of how long you have driven, it's a case of you will make a mistake in due time if you don't use appropriate precautions. I've avoided many collisions with idiot, oblivious drivers by checking my blind spot.
@@NitrosDen if worried about a car changing lanes the same time as you do, then you don't understand defensive driving. A defensive driver knows where all cars are a few lanes over, ahead, and behind at all times and wouldn't attempt a lane change in the first place with a car 2 lanes over. If your mirrors are pushed out you can easily adjust your head slightly left or right to check blind spots and still keep your focus on the cars in front of you. I could easily argue that turning your head left to check for blind spots could miss the car to the right of you from swerving into your car because they didn't check their blind spot. You do what works for you and I'll do what works for me.
If you are only dealing with two lanes and you continually check your mirrors which you can see when they show a view of Mr. Smith's face you can keep track of what is around you. Most people do not check their mirror on a regular basis which is why blindspots are essential. As to the lane change at an intersection you do not want to do that approaching and intersection because someone may think you are turning or pull out in front of you. By the time you are crossing an intersection you better be aware of whether or not it is safe!
San Diego, CA
very informative video from the master
O KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE ROAD, YOUR HANDS UPON THE WHEEL
Goin' to the roadhouse, gonna have real... good time.
8:04 Cabrillo Bridge (now 163)
At 1:45 he changed lanes in an intersection, which is illegal (at least in Washington).
It is in Arizona too. Kinda funny
Smith system should be mandatory
Nice car...
No turn signals on his lane changes?
Does anyone know what car he's driving?
1968 Ford Torino
Quiet, he's teaching.
Great video for running the asphalt in 60’s/70’s. Plenty of room can be kept. Try this today and you are a hazardous situation. Just say’n.
I think he is using his blinker, but the turn signal stalk is hidden by his shoulder. Also, there was a lot of road noise, so you shouldn't expect to be able to hear the click click click of the blinker relay.
As for not checking mirrors, you can't see his eyes most of the time. Just because he isn't moving his head doesn't mean he isn't moving his eyes. He's a human; not an owl, after all.
he never uses his blinker no clearer proof of that than the last scene where he drifts through the lanes as he exits i had the original film i watched it several times he NEVER used the blinker once
@@tubengagements Off at 0:08
On at 0:11
Hand signal(?) at 1:43
At about 2:58 his left hand does something; not sure what.
OFF at 4:43
Does something around 5:21 through 5:25
6:52 -- Where even are the blinkers? I assume the car has them, but I only see the headlights.
Did he say to keep a minimum 6 car lengths from the car in front???? Try that in 2020 on a jammed freeway in Los Angeles.
Come to delhi
Hard to drive like this when your texting.
hart to appear intelligent when you can't spell
@ 7.52..........and keep ya fuckin hands on the wheel.
Not using signals, not going when the light turns green, honking at people for no reason, I hate people who drive like this.
but did you die
@@ThoughtForge5 I take it that is the sticker on your car too?
He was passed on the highway by "The Leader of the Pack" a Volkswagen Bus!
His rearview mirror is CROOKED!!!!!
Saw that gas was $.30 a gallon !
Zero space most of the time in SoCal.
Title misrepresents video.
The honking bothers me
he get's passed by a Volkwagen bus on the freeway.... SHAMEFUL
Too many horn taps, Mr. Smith. Nowadays that makes people nervous, freak out and make unsafe driving decisions.