--------- MCMDE Assignment Fifteen Begins-----------
Pre-Drive In-Car Instruction: Lesson 7
DRIVING IN THE RAIN | DRIVING IN SNOW & ICE | DRIVING WITH SNOW REMOVAL VEHICLES |
DRIVING IN FLASH FLOODS | PEDESTRIANS & CROSSWALKS | DRIVING IN SCHOOL ZONES |
DRIVING BY PARKS & SWIMMING POOLS | MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS | LANE SELECTION IN TRAFFIC |
BEING FOLLOWED | PASSING OTHERS | ONCOMING TRAFFIC |
DRIVING DISTRACTIONS | DRIVING IMPAIRED | RULES FOR LANE FLOW |
INCREASED FOLLOWING INTERVAL |
Driving in the Rain
·
First and foremost: slow down! It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
·
Stay toward the middle lanes - water tends to pool in the outside lanes.
·
Maintain proper following distance (3 Second Rule). This needs to be increased
in wet weather.
·
Drive in the tracks of a car ahead of you.
·
Don't follow large trucks or busses too closely. The spray created by their
large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you
must pass, do so quickly and safely.
·
Be more alert when driving in wet or slippery conditions. Watch out for brake
lights in front of you.
·
Avoid using your brakes; if possible, take your foot off the accelerator to slow
down.
·
Turn your headlights on even in a light rain, or in gloomy, foggy or overcast
conditions. Not only do they help you see the road, but they'll help other
drivers see you. If your car has daytime running lights you still should put
them on, so vehicles behind you can see you better.
·
Before it starts to rain, replace old or brittle wipers.
·
Avoid off-road driving: it's hard to judge the actual depth of puddles and you
can easily become stuck, even in an SUV.
·
Never drive beyond the limits of visibility. At night rainy roads become
especially treacherous. The glare of oncoming lights, amplified by the rain on
your windscreen, can cause temporary loss of visibility while substantially
increasing driver fatigue. In rainy conditions pedestrians, livestock, and
wildlife are extremely hard to spot and even harder to avoid.
·
Never drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it; your
car could be swept off the road.
·
When driving through a puddle of uncertain depth, go slow. If it's deeper than
the bottom of your doors, turn around and find another route. Deep water can
cause serious damage to a modern car's electrical system.
·
Avoid splashing pedestrians.
·
If possible, stay off the road during heavy thunderstorms. Large flashes of
lightning can temporarily blind and disorient drivers, and the accompanying high
winds and heavy rain can create deadly driving conditions.
Slow down! This should be obvious but it also very important. People are so used
to driving certain speeds on certain roads that sometimes they forget the need
to slow down when inclement weather presents itself.
Before you go -
Wet-weather driving demands gentle use of all the main controls - steering,
clutch, brake and accelerator - and a larger allowance for errors and
emergencies. When you begin a journey in rain, your shoes will be wet and liable
to slip off the pedals. Scuff the soles on the rubber matting or carpeting of
the car before you start the engine. All motorists should regularly check that
their headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signals are working
properly.
How are your tires? -
Check your tires on a regular basis. Bald tires significantly reduce your
traction on wet roadways, and offer little resistance to hydroplaning. When your
tires run over water, the water is displaced and it needs somewhere to go
quickly. The best place is between the treads of your tires. If your tires are
bald, the water has no place to go and you end up riding on a layer of water,
like a boat. (See Hydroplaning, below.)
Turn on your wipers -
Replace your wipers regularly, at least once a year. Wiper blades in bad
condition don't clear water from the windshield very well and distort your view.
Older vehicles may need to have the whole wiper arm replaced. The arms bend over
time and sometimes can't keep enough downward pressure to clear the windscreen,
even with new blades installed. Wipers will often clear light rain from the
windscreen with a few sweeps, then run on an almost-dry screen and leave smears
of drying dirt. Don't be afraid to use the windscreen washers liberally: the
fluid is cheap (99 cents a gallon) and the safety benefit is high. Carry extra
during the winter.
Don't follow large trucks or busses closely. Splash and spray from these
vehicles can obscure your vision, creating a potentially disastrous driving
situation. Keep your distance, and your windshield wipers on, when other traffic
is in front of you.
Turn on your lights -
Whenever visibility is poor or it rains, headlights are a good way to let other
drivers know where you are. It's both helpful to other travelers and makes you
more safe. Remember, you are not the only one affected by poor visibility. You
may be able to see cars without their headlights on but others may not have
vision or windshield wipers as good as yours. Many states require headlights to
be turned on when it is raining or when visibility is reduced to less than 500
feet.
Heavy rain -
Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades, allowing an almost continuous sheet of
water to flow over the screen. When visibility is so limited that the edges of
the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull
over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best to stop at rest areas or other
protected areas. If the roadside is your only option, pull off as far as
possible, preferably past the end of a guard rail, and wait until the storm
passes, seldom more than a few minutes. Keep your headlights on and turn on
emergency flashers to alert other drivers.
Handling a skid -
Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience. You can
prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Brake
before entering the curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. If you find
yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer
in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This procedure, known as
"steering into the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the
front. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car
has ABS, brake firmly as you "steer into the skid."
Expressway driving -
Leave lots of space between you and the car in front because it takes longer to
stop. You're supposed to leave a few seconds between cars in dry weather. Make
sure you add space in wet weather because if you have to hit the brakes hard,
your tires will lock up, you will hydroplane and you will most likely hit the
car in front of you. If available, drive in the fast lane, where there are fewer
cars and less oil deposited on the road. Also, because of the built-in slope of
the road, water drains towards the slower lanes. Avoid lane changes, as water
tends to build up between the tire ruts in the lanes.
Driving Through Water -
Where water has flooded onto the road, drive very slowly and cautiously. Never
drive through moving water if you can't see the ground through it: you and your
car could be swept off the road, possibly finishing you both. Stop the car
before entering the flooded area and check the water level ahead. Generally, if
the water is deeper than the bottom of your doors or the bottom third of your
wheels, it is inadvisable to attempt driving through it. Seek a detour rather
than braving the flood and risking damage to your electronic control systems.
Attempting to go through deep water can ruin any of these systems, creating a
repair bill in the thousands of dollars.
Driving in Snow & Ice
The best
advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can
avoid it.
Don't go
out until the snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work,
and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination.
If you
must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared (TIPS),
and that you know how to handle road conditions.
It's
helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so
you're familiar with how your car handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips
specific to your vehicle.
Driving safely on icy roads
1.
Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow
at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of
you.
2.
Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the
brake.
3.
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4.
Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6.
Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7.
Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads,
which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions
are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like
bridges.
8.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility,
and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9.
Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and
front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
If
your rear wheels skid...
1.
Take your foot off the accelerator.
2.
Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are
sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
3.
If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the
steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few
times to get your vehicle completely under control.
4.
If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
5.
If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady
pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.
If
your front wheels skid...
1.
Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer
immediately.
2.
As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will
return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the
transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.
If
you get stuck...
1.
Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
2.
Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
3.
Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
4.
Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
5.
Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get
traction.
6.
Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the
transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again.
Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets
going.
If You Become Stranded...
·
Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to
possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
·
To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a
safe distance away. Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
·
If you are sure the car's exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater
for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the
tank.
·
To protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia use the woolen items and
blankets to keep warm.
·
Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
·
Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.
Driving with Snow Removal Vehicles
∙
Use caution when following, passing or approaching snow removal equipment.
∙
Drive a safe distance behind snowplows. Plows often travel slower than other
vehicles to remove snow, apply sand and liquid anti-icers and assist stranded
vehicles.
∙
Before attempting to pass snow removal equipment, check direction of snow
discharge to avoid snow and debris thrown from equipment. Remember that plows
are wider than most vehicles and portions of the plow and blade may be obscured
by blowing snow.
∙
Don’t crowd the plow. Only pass snow removal vehicles when a safe, legal passing
area is available and adequately clear of snow and/or treated with salt and
sand.
∙
Don’t travel beside a snowplow. They can shift sideways after hitting snow packs
or drifts.
∙
When a plow approaches you, allow the plow room to operate by reducing speed and
moving to the right side of the road if there is room to safely do so.
∙
Do not brake with unnecessary sudden movements when in front of a snowplow -
plows cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.
∙
Don’t drive through white out conditions caused by swirling snow around a
snowplow. Safely pull to the side or slow to allow visibility to improve.
∙
Remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see
them, but they may not see you.
Driving with Snow Removal Vehicles Video One
Driving with Snow Removal Vehicles Video Two
Driving in Flash Floods
Floods can occur anywhere, with floodwaters rising gradually or flash floods
striking suddenly. Flash floods are the number one weather-related killer in the
United States — most flood fatalities happen because people try to drive through
deadly waters rather than avoid them.
How to Drive in a Flood
Pay attention to barricades.
Don't ignore them by driving past them.
Do not drive through standing water on roads or in parking lots.
The average automobile can be swept off the road in 12 inches of moving water,
and roads covered by water are prone to collapse. Attempting to drive through
water also may stall your engine, with the potential to cause irreparable damage
if you try to restart the engine. If you come upon a flooded street, take an
alternate route.
Take extra precautions if you're forced to drive through water.
If no alternate route exists and you have no other reasonable alternative but to
drive through standing water.
• Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
• Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn
around. Find another route to your destination.
• If there is no other route, get to higher ground and wait for the waters to
subside.
• Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it. Water hides
dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water.
Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of
ground beneath.
• If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss
of control or possible stalling.
Driving in Flash Floods Video One
Driving in Flash Floods Video Two
Pedestrians & Crosswalks
A pedestrian is a person traveling on foot, whether
walking or
running. In some
communities, those traveling using tiny wheels such as
roller skates,
skateboards, and
scooters, as well
as
wheelchair users[1]
are also included as pedestrians. In modern times, the term mostly refers to
someone walking on a
road or
sidewalk, but this
was not the case historically.
A crosswalk is a designated point on a
road at which some
means are employed to assist
pedestrians wishing
to cross. They are designed to keep pedestrians together where they can be seen
by
motorists, and
where they can cross most
safely across the
flow of
vehicular
traffic. Marked
pedestrian crossings are often found at
intersections, but
may also be at other points on busy roads that would otherwise be too unsafe to
cross without assistance due to vehicle numbers, speed or road widths. They are
also commonly installed where large numbers of pedestrians are attempting to
cross (such as in shopping areas) or where vulnerable road users (such as school
children) regularly cross. The pedestrian must be more than halfway across the
crosswalk before the driver proceeds. Signalized pedestrian crossings clearly
separate when each type of traffic (pedestrians or road vehicles) can use the
crossing. Unsignalized crossings generally assist pedestrians, and usually
prioritize pedestrians, depending on the locality. What appear to be just
pedestrian crossings can also be created largely as a
traffic calming
technique, especially when combined with other features like pedestrian
priority,
refuge islands or
raised surfaces.
When You are Driving
·
Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times. Safety is a shared
responsibility.
·
Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or
in bad weather.
·
Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a
crosswalk.
·
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give
other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop
too.
·
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that
you can’t see.
·
Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
·
Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street.
·
Follow slower speed limits in school zones and in neighborhoods where there are
children present.
·
Be extra cautious when backing up – pedestrians can move into your path.
A great number of pedestrian injures and deaths are due to the failure of both
drivers and pedestrians to follow the vehicle code, which
states that 1) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a
pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any
unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.
--------- MCMDE Assignment Fifteen Ends-----------
--------- MCMDE Assignment Sixteen Begins-----------
Driving in School Zones
On each and every road, avenue and street outside American schools, you are
likely to find a sign that says, "School Zone," followed by a speed limit.
Though it often differs between cities, counties and states, the standard speed
limit in a school zone is 15 miles per hour (24 kilometers per hour). These
special speed limits were created to spread a cautious psychology around
schools, helping drivers slow down and be aware that there very well may be
pedestrians, especially young children and adolescent children, in the area. Not
only is it dangerous to drive too fast in a school zone, but fines are also
usually doubled in these areas, so it is also extremely expensive. No matter
what your reason, it just makes sense to slow down whenever you're driving in a
school zone.
Steps
1.
Look at the signage.
A roadside sign entailing that a school is down the road usually precepts a
school zone. If you know a school is coming up, you won't have to brake hastily
and can slow down safely for the lower speed limit.
2.
Watch for bicycles.
Schools are not only a haven for pedestrians, but children biking to school,
too. While some children will bike on the sidewalk, others will bike on the
right side of the road. Always be cautious around bicycles, and pass them slowly
and with plenty of room. Always be on the lookout for bicycles crossing the
streets in front of you.
3.
Respect school buses.
It's illegal to pass school buses in many states-see what the rule is where you
live. Either way, always be cautious if you choose to pass a school bus, and
never pass one that is making a stop. Whether you are in front or behind a
school bus when it makes a stop, you must also stop. As a driver, you never know
when a child may be crossing the street to get on or get off their school bus
before or after school. Frankly, it is simply not worth the risk to endanger a
child's life just to get to your destination quicker.
4.
Check for blinking lights.
Many school zone signs will have blinking lights while they are in effect. This
is usually from well before the school day to well after school gets out to
compensate for after-school activities. Some school zones are in effect 24 hours
a day and whether or not school is in session.
5.
Approach cautiously.
When approaching a school zone, brake well before you pass the school. You never
know when a child may not be paying attention and cross the street without
looking.
6.
Coast as much as possible.
Stay off your accelerator and keep your right foot above your brake pedal in
case you need to make a sudden stop. This is very likely in a school zone and
is, after all, the reason why school zones have lower speed limits to begin
with.
Driving in School Zones Video One
Driving in School Zones Video Two
Driving by Parks & Swimming Pools
Everyone who operates a motorized vehicle can benefit from learning more about
driver safety tips where children are playing. Drivers often get so focused on
the importance of getting from one place to another that they become lax when it
comes to the most basic safety regulations, especially those extra precautions
that must be taken when youngsters are around.
When you are operating an automobile, it's important to be aware that children
may be playing in most of the locations where you are driving. Some areas are
more likely to visited by children who are playing than others. It's important
to exercise the highest level of driving safety precautions when you are driving
near areas where kids can be expected to be in close proximity.
Be especially careful and watch out for children in and around places like:
·
Apartment complexes
·
Libraries
·
Locations where there are "Children at Play" signs.
·
Neighborhoods
·
Parks
·
Playgrounds
·
Schools
·
Sidewalks
·
Other appropriate sites
Tips for Driving By Parks and Swimming Pools
1.
Obey theSpeed Limit
--- Many accidents involving children and pedestrians occur because people are
driving too fast. It's important to remember that speed limits are established
for a reason, even if it may not seem obvious to you when you are driving.
Sometimes roadways appear to be safe for faster driving than what is allowed,
but lower speed limits are established for the safety of children who may be
playing in the area. If you are driving too fast, it becomes difficult - and
sometimes impossible - to stop if a child darts into the street or if you lose
control of your vehicle.
2.
Watch Carefully
- While parents tell their children to avoid playing in or near streets from the
time they are very small, it's a fact that youngsters aren't always as careful
as they should be. When you are driving in or around places where kids might be
playing, it's important for you to be vigilant in watching out for children. All
too often, children chase balls, pets, or other toys into the street without
even realizing that they are running into traffic. Staying watchful at all times
can help ensure that you don't experience an unfortunate accident that could
leave you and other people seriously injured.
3.
Avoid Distractions
- A large number of vehicle accidents occur because drivers allow their
attention to be affected by various types of distractions. Getting distracted
while operating an automobile is one of the most common and most
dangerous driving habits
than anyone can develop. No matter when or where you are driving, you should
take care to keep your attention focused on the task of operating your vehicle.
Keeping your environment distraction-free is one of the most important driver
safety tips where children are playing. This means you should avoid using your
cell phone (for any reason), eating, changing out CDs, or other tasks when
operating a vehicle in areas where you can expect children to be nearby. Keep
your eyes - and attention - on the road at all times.
4.
Be predictable, avoid sudden lane changes.
5.
Use the designated lanes at all times.
6.
Be aware that authorized vehicles use the areas at all times.
Driving by Schools and Playgrounds Website
Motorcycle Awareness
1. Over half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle. Most of the time, the motorist, not the motorcyclist, is at fault. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle - they ignore it (usually unintentionally).
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2.Because
of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car's blind
spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a
car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to look for
motorcycles, whether you're changing lanes or turning at intersections.
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3Because
of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may
also be difficult to judge a motorcycle's speed. When checking traffic
to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a
motorcycle is closer than it looks.
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4Motorcyclists
often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not
activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4
seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without
visual warning.
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5Motorcyclists
often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to
minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind.
Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to
be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
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6Turn
signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders
(especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or
lane change. Make sure a motorcycle's signal is for real.
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7Maneuverability
is one of a motorcycle's better characteristics, especially at slower
speeds and with good road conditions, but don't expect a motorcyclist to
always be able to dodge out of the way.
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8Stopping
distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery
pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance
behind a motorcycle because you can't always stop "on a dime."
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9When a motorcycle is in motion, see more than the motorcycle - see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.
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10If
a driver crashes into a motorcyclist, bicyclist, or pedestrian and
causes serious injury, the driver would likely never forgive
himself/herself. |
Motorcycle Awareness Video One (first 1:35)
Motorcycle Awareness Video Two
Motorcycle Awareness Video Three
Lane Selection in Traffic
Many roads have two or more lanes going in your direction. Drive in the lane
that has the smoothest flow of traffic and is less congested. If there are only
two lanes going in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest
driving. Don't weave.
If you can choose among three lanes on your side of the road, pick the middle
lane for the smoothest driving. Use the left lane to go faster, pass, or turn
left. Use the right lane to drive slowly, enter, or turn off the road.
Being Followed
You may have learned the value of driving your car at speeds you can handle but
how do you deal with a driver who offensively drives too close behind you? This
will give you some ways to practice simple, safe, and effective measures to get
out of a potentially dangerous tailgating situation.
1.
Remain calm!
Losing your cool means losing control, and losing control of your vehicle is the
last thing you want to do. Deep breaths are a big help. Focus on your situation,
and not on the radio or passengers or cell phones, (which you might want to
avoid using while driving, especially in a tense situation).
2.
Consider your own judgment of what is too close.
Drivers who are accustomed to driving in urban areas tend to be more comfortable
driving closer to other cars that drivers from rural areas where traffic is
generally less dense. It could be your judgment of the situation that is causing
you stress rather than the reality of distance between cars and the other driver
may not agree that they are tailgating. The important goal is to relief stress
for both drivers since either driver is subject to "road rage" behavior based on
their individual perception of the situation.
3.
Always know your local driving laws.
Tailgating is generally against the law, as is causing an accident by driving
into someone's back bumper. While you don't want to be in an accident, the
aggressive driver behind you will most likely be at fault if he or she drives
into you. Chances are they know the outcome if they hit you, and will want to
avoid doing so.
4.
Pull over and allow the vehicle behind you to pass, if it is safe to do so.
This is always the most rapid way of getting rid of a tailgater. If the car
behind you is catching up, there's a good chance the driver wants to go faster.
If it's safe to do so, let him/her.
5.
On narrower roads, use turnouts to allow others to pass when it is safe to do
so. In many places, it is required that slower traffic use turnouts. Elsewhere,
it is simply polite.
6.
On a winding road, do not speed up so drastically at passing lanes that others
cannot pass. Many drivers go slowly and cautiously around curves and then get on
a straightaway and feel that they have the space or visibility to dart ahead.
Have the patience to let others past.
7.
If at all possible, slow slightly and move away from the center of the road;
allowing the tailgater to pass safely.
Normally a tailgater just wants to drive faster, so they will pass and leave you
alone. If you know people want to pass you, try to stay out of the high speed
(passing) lane(s).
8.
Above all else, do not be a source of the problem.
If you cannot switch lanes for any reason, various laws of physics are going to
prevent the tailgater from driving through you. However, if you're matching
speed with a vehicle beside you, perhaps you should consider slowing down and
switching lanes. Diffusing the dangerous situation is far more advantageous than
bickering over the speed limit.
Passing Others
Impatience, timing errors, and poor judgment of space when passing often result
in disastrous head-on collisions.
The major responsibility for passing safely belongs to the driver who is passing. The driver needs to make the correct decision quickly.
So, before you pass a vehicle, ask yourself:
A.
Is it legal?
B.
Is it safe?
C.
Is it worth it?
Avoid passing other vehicles, including motorcycles and bicycles, on two-lane
roads; it is dangerous. Every time you pass, you increase your chances of having
a collision. This is because whenever you pass another vehicle on a two-lane
road, you must enter a lane that belongs to oncoming cars.
A safe passing maneuver also depends on your vehicle’s condition, e.g., its
acceleration, braking, steering, and other performance capabilities.
Passing is illegal and unsafe in the following conditions:
A.
Your line-of-sight is restricted or limited by a curve, hill, or weather
conditions, e.g., fog, rain, snow.
B.
When space is narrowed, and your front zones are closed.
C.
Cross-traffic is present, even if there are no warning signs.
D.
When there is a solid yellow line on your side of the roadway.
E.
A school bus is loading or unloading children.
F.
Attempting to pass a long line of vehicles.
G.
A vehicle ahead has indicated an intention to turn or stop.
H.
Traffic is too close.
I.
If you are unable to complete the pass before reaching the no-passing zone lane
marking.
J.
The vehicle ahead is at or near the speed limit.
STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING
A.
When overtaking an ongoing car, you should:
B.
Scan for hazards, e.g., oncoming vehicles, vehicles approaching from rear,
merging vehicles;
C.
Check for blind spots;
D.
Signal your intention and accelerate into passing lane;
E.
Accelerate quickly to an appropriate speed;
F.
Concentrate on the path ahead;
G.
Check the mirror for following cars.
When returning to the lane, do the following:
A.
Check the rearview mirror for the front of the car being passed
B.
Signal your intention
C.
Change lanes and maintain speed
D.
Cancel turn signal
--------- MCMDE Assignment Sixteen Ends-----------
--------- MCMDE Assignment Seventeen Begins---------
Texting Behind the Wheel Video
Oncoming Traffic
It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles one-third of a mile away.
They don't seem to be coming as fast as they really are. A vehicle that is far
enough away generally appears to be standing still. In fact, if you can really
see it moving closer to you, it is probably too close for you to start to pass.
Driving Distractions
WHAT IS
DISTRACTED DRIVING?
Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety.
These types of distractions include:
·
Texting
·
Using a cell phone or smartphone
·
Eating and drinking
·
Talking to passengers
·
Grooming
·
Reading, including maps
·
Using a navigation system
·
Watching a video
·
Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player
There are three different classifications of distracted driving:
But, because text messaging requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention
from the driver, it is by far the most alarming distraction.
The best way to end distracted driving is to educate all Americans about the
danger it poses.
Key Facts and Statistics
·
In 2011, 3,331 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver,
compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in
motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 416,000
injured in 2010.
·
18% of injury crashes in 2010 were reported as distraction-affected crashes.
·
In the month of June 2011, more than 196 billion text messages were sent or
received in the US, up nearly 50% from June 2009.
(CTIA)
·
11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were
reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the
largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
·
40% of all American teens say they have been in a car when the driver used a
cell phone in a way that put people in danger.
(Pew)
·
Drivers who use hand-held devices are 4 times more likely to get into
crashes serious enough to injure themselves.
(Monash University)
·
Text messaging creates a crash risk 23 times worse than driving while not
distracted.
(VTTI)
·
Sending or receiving a text takes a driver's eyes from the road for an
average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent-at 55 mph-of driving the length of an
entire football field, blind.
(VTTI)
·
Headset cell phone use is not substantially safer than hand-held use.
(VTTI)
·
Driving while using a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity
associated with driving by 37%.
(Carnegie Mellon)
Driving Impaired
Driving under the influence
(DUI),
driving while intoxicated
(DWI),
drunk(en) driving,
drink driving,
operating under the influence,
drinking and driving, or
IMPAIRED DRIVING is the crime of driving a
motor vehicle
with blood levels of
alcohol in
excess of a legal limit ("Blood Alcohol Content", or "BAC"). Similar
regulations cover driving or operating certain types of machinery while
affected by drinking
alcohol or
taking other
drugs,
including, but not limited to prescription drugs. This is a
criminal offense
in most nations.
Americans are nearly unanimous in their view of impaired driving as a
threat to the community – 97 percent see it as a threat, according to
NHTSA. A survey also showed that 3 out of 4 Americans strongly endorse
using stricter and more severe penalties against impaired drivers to
protect themselves and their loved ones.
Their concern is not unfounded. CDC data shows that about every 30
minutes, someone is killed in an alcohol-related crash in the U.S. Every
two minutes, about the time it takes to scan this page, someone will be
injured.
Despite the big gains made during the 1980s and 1990s in reducing
impaired driving deaths, progress has leveled off. Today, about 40
percent of vehicle crash deaths still involve alcohol. To once again
bring major reductions in fatalities, national and state organizations
are rallying around several specific and effective strategies, and
certain populations of drivers: |
Impaired driving is dangerous and is the cause of more than half of all car
crashes. It means operating a motor vehicle while
For your safety and the safety of others, do not drive while impaired. Have
someone else drive you or take public transportation when you cannot drive. If
you need to take a call or send a text message, pull over.
Did You Know?
§
Drunk driving is often a symptom of a larger problem: alcohol misuse and abuse.
§
Alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion
annually.
§
In 2010, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes - one
every 51 minutes.
·
Young people:
o
At all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the risk of being involved
in a crash is greater for young people than for older people.6
o
Among drivers with BAC levels of 0.08 % or higher involved in fatal crashes in
2010, more than one out of every 3 were between 21 and 24 years of age (34%).
The next two largest groups were ages 25 to 34 (30%) and 35 to 44 (25%).
How can deaths and injuries from impaired driving be prevented?
Effective measures include:
·
Actively enforcing existing 0.08% BAC laws, minimum legal drinking age laws, and
zero tolerance laws for drivers younger than 21 years old in all states.3,8,9
·
Promptly taking away the driver's licenses of people who drive while
intoxicated.10
·
Using sobriety checkpoints.11
·
Putting health promotion efforts into practice that influence economic,
organizational, policy, and school/community action.12,13
·
Using community-based approaches to alcohol control and DWI prevention.10,14,15
·
Requiring mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment, if needed, for DWI
offenders.16
·
Raising the unit price of alcohol by increasing taxes
What safety steps can individuals take?
·
Don’t break the law and consume alcohol before you turn the age of 21.
·
Don’t let your friends drive impaired. Take their keys away.
Rules for Lane Flow
•
Move with the flow of traffic. By going just five miles per hour slower or faster than the average vehicle, you can disrupt the flow of traffic.•
Anticipate lane blockages. Maintaining a visual lead of 20-30 seconds enables you to identify approaching conflicts with enough time to change lanes if necessary.•
If there’s no gap to change lanes, don’t force it. Always signal before trying to change lanes and don’t bully your way in. Your impatient driving could lead to a multi-car accident.•
Predict where traffic is going to stop at an intersection. Don’t allow yourself get stuck in the middle of an intersection. By looking 20-30seconds ahead, you should be able to judge whether or not the signal will turn red while you are in the middle of the intersection. This is why it’s important to determine a point of no return.•
Identify streets as one-way or two-way. You never want to make the mistake of entering a one-way street driving in the wrong direction.•
Plan ahead for anticipated turns. During heavy traffic, it is difficult to change lanes. Plan ahead and change lanes with plenty of time to spare.•
Using a shared left turn lane. These lanes are only to be used by drivers making a left turn or entering the street from a left turn. They are usually found between intersections with traffic traveling at moderate to high speeds.•
Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians when turning left.Sometimes this can be difficult on streets with heavy traffic, but be patient and keep the streets safe for pedestrians.
•
Use multiple turn lanes appropriately. No matter how many turn lanes there are, drivers must stay in their respective turn lanes throughout the turn. Be aware of drivers shifting lanes while turning.*****TIP:
Reminder: it’s best to keep up with the flow of traffic unless all traffic is traveling at excessive speeds.Increased Following Interval
Drivers should increase their following distance under the following conditions:
•
When following large vehicles that may block your vision.•
When following a motorcycle.•
When driving in bad weather conditions.•
When driving at night.•
When being tailgated.•
When pulling a trailer or driving a heavy load.•
When entering or exiting an expressway.*****TIP:
Be sure that you understand that heavy vehicles, such as trucks and SUV’s, take longer to stop than small sedans.Teen Sentenced for Texting in a Fatal Crash Video
--------- MCMDE Assignment Seventeen Ends-----------