Chapter 10 Rural Areas

How do you pass a slow moving vehicle?

Applying the IPDE Process. Identify slow-moving vehicle as soon as possible. Maintain a 3-second following distance or more. Stay far enough behind and in a lane position that you can see oncoming traffic.

Solid yellow lines indicate

A)No passing situations

Sign post on a curve with suggested speeds for ideal conditions.

Advisory speed signs

What factors should you consider when selecting a safe speed?

Amount of traffic, inclement weather, hills, curves, intersections and very narrow roads or lanes.

What effect does increased speed have on the time available to complete the IPDE process.

B)Decreases the time available for the process.

What are some rural situations that require increased following distance?

Being tailgated Driving on steep downhill slope Following a motorcycle Following a snow plow Pulling a loaded trailer Following another large vehicle like a bus Driving on wet or icy roads

Posted speed signs indicate

C)Maximum speeds under ideal conditions.

Which of the following provides advice information and warning about approaching driving situations?

D)Traffic Controls

_________roadways have separated lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions.

Divided roadways

How should you use the IPDE process in rural driving?

Drive at a speed where you know you will be able to brake and steer your vehicle without losing control. Strive to maintain a 12-15 second visual lead. Maintaining this lead will give you time to predict and execute an appropriate response.

What steps should you take to deal with animals on or along the roadway?

Evaluate your left and right front zones for line-of-sight restrictions from which animals could enter. Check your rear zone to determine if you will be able to slow or stop quickly. Check your left-front zone to see if it will be open for an escape path.

A ____________ is a sudden unexpected rush of water from heavy rain.

Flash Flood

The force that makes your vehicle go slower when driving uphill is called __________

Gravity

IPDE Process

Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute

Areal of ground separating traffic moving in opposite directions.

Median

Additional right lane on mountain roads for slower moving vehicles.

Pull-out area

Place on mountain roads for vehicles to safely get out of traffic when their brakes are not effective.

Runaway vehicle ramp

How do traffic controls inform, warn and regulate drivers on rural roads?

They provide advance information and warning of... *hazards that you can't identify *major intersections ahead *unusual or hazardous conditions *traffic channeled into reduced space

How do you enter a multilane rural highway?

To turn right, check to the left and right of where your target area is located. Make sure the left, front and right zones will be open. Enter the nearest right land as you turn. Steer toward your target and accelerate quickly to the prevailing speed. Change lanes only after you clear the intersection and reach the prevailing speed. Left turns require larger gaps than right turns. First, cross the lanes on your side of the roadway. Choose a time when no traffic is approaching in the lane just across from the center line then turn into the nearest lane. Accelerate more quickly to the prevailing speed than you would for a right turn.

What are rural roadways like?

Wide open spaces May be narrow Paved and gravel surfaces With or without shoulders Conditions can change without warning.

Vehicle unable to travel at highway speed.

slow-moving vehicle

Turns that bend sharply in the opposite direction.

switchbacks

What checks do you make before passing another vehicle?

Is it worth it to pass? Is it legal to pass? Is it safe to pass?

What steps should you take when passing on a two-lane rural road?

1. Get in your ready position by keeping at least 3 seconds of following distance. 2. When it is safe to pass, signal for a left-lane change and glance over your left shoulder to check your blindspot. 3. Change lanes smoothly. 4. Accelerate at least 10 mph faster than the vehicle you are passing. All passing should be done within the speed limit. 5. Make your final evaluations. If you notice a problem that is within 20-30 seconds ahead, you can still change your mind provided you have not gone beyond the vehicle you are trying to pass. If it is clear, continue to accelerate to the proper speed. 6.Maintain your speed Remain in the left lane until you can see two headlights of the vehicle you are passing in your inside rearview mirror. 7. Signal for a right-lane change. 8. Return smoothly to the right lane. Do not slow down. 9. Cancel the signal. Adjust your speed and vehicle's lane position.

What special safety precautions should you take for mountain driving?

Driving up a mountain accelerate slowly. Driving down a mountain use brakes or downshift to prevent a runaway vehicle. Weather in the mountains can change quickly watch for conditions on roadway and maintenance vehicle. Effects of altitude on drivers can cause shortness of breath, higher heart rate, and headache. The lower levels of oxygen can cause drowsiness, effects of this are worse for tired drivers. Effects of altitude on vehicles, the thinner mountain air can affect the engine, acceleration becomes sluggish and the water in the radiator may overheat. If your air conditioning is on shut it off. Check gauges and lights often and pull over to rest the vehicle if needed.

What special safety precautions should you take for desert driving?

Effects if heat on drivers, wear good sunglasses to reduce glare, plan frequent stops and change drivers if possible, AND carry plenty of water in the car. Effects of heat on vehicles, requires more frequent engine servicing, carry extra water for engine (never remove radiator cap from radiator if engine is hot, it must cool down first). Watch tire pressure closely make sure the pressure stays normal. The desert roadway watch for sandy roadway shoulders. Sandstorms and dust storms, visibility can be reduced if you must pull over and turn hazard flashers on, turn headlights off and wait until storm has passed. Flash Floods never drive over water-covered roads and avoid areas of natural creek beds etc.

What steps should you take to safely handle a curve?

See the curve in your target area Check behind you (rear zone) Check your left-front zone for oncoming cars Check your right-front zone to determine if it is open or closed to your line of sight and path of travel Stay in lane position 1 If curve is sharp lightly happy brakes before Look in direction the road curves. See if it is going to be open. Once you are past the midpoint begin to accelerate gently if conditions are ok to do so Evaluate new target area and search for zone changes.

How can you allow hazards to separate when meeting traffic?

Separate the hazards in or next to your path of travel. Adjust your speed to deal with only one hazard at a time. In most situations slowing down is your best action. Imagine the hazard is a narrow bridge as in the picture. you judge that you might meet the approaching vehicle just about the time you approach the hazard. By slowing down and letting the approaching vehicle clear the hazard first, you separate the hazards. Meet where the most space is available. When you must meet oncoming traffic, try to select a location where you have an open right-front zone to move into if you need to swerve to avoid conflict. If you are meeting a line of vehicles, slow down and move into lane position 3 to provide a little more space between you and the approaching vehicles.

In what situations should you never attempt passing?

Within 100 feet before a railroad crossing. On a two-lane bridge or underpass. On curves where your line of sight is so restricted you can not see around the curve. When the vehicle ahead is traveling at or near the speed limit. Remember, most passing should not require a driver to exceed the posted speed limit. When your line of sight is limited by fog, snow, or rain. When several vehicles are ahead of you, pass only one vehicle at a time. When you cannot complete a pass before the start of a no passing zone. Any time oncoming traffic is too close. When you will be stopping or turning.