Section 5: Actively avoiding crashesB

Sun Glare

Bright sunlight in the early morning or late afternoon creates a glare when driving into the sun. Glare can be reduced by wearing sunglasses, keeping windows clean and using sun visors. If the sun is behind you, oncoming drivers may have the glare problem. They may not be able to see your signals or your car.

Driving the open road

Driving on empty rural highways can be just as dangerous as driving in heavy city traffic. Animals in the road, slow-moving farm equipment just over the crest of a hill or a low spot covered with water are not unusual hazards in rural driving. Stay alert, watch for warning signs, and slow down when approaching curves or hills that block your view of the roadway ahead.

Your driving privilege will be revoked for, but not limited to:

▪ Any homicide or aggravated assault involving use of a vehicle. ▪ Any felony in which a vehicle is used. ▪ Perjury relating to the ownership or operation of a vehicle. ▪ Failure to stop and render aid at the site, if you are involved in a traffic crash. Aggravated DUI (Driving while Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs). ▪ Causing death or serious physical injury by use of a vehicle.

Your driving privilege will be revoked for two or more convictions for:

▪ DUI. ▪ Reckless driving. ▪ Racing on the highways. In addition, your driving privilege may also be revoked: ▪ For failure to take and pass a required driving retest. ▪ If you are determined to be medically, psychologically or physically incapable of operating a motor vehicle. ▪ If continued operation of a motor vehicle would endanger the public health, safety or welfare.

Vehicle Impound

A vehicle shall be impounded or immobilized when any of the following apply: ▪ The person's driving privilege is suspended or revoked for any reason. ▪ The person has never been issued a valid driver license or permit and the person does not provide an out-of-state driver license. ▪ The person is subject to an ignition interlock device requirement and is operating a vehicle without a functioning certified ignition interlock device. ▪ The person is not in compliance with Arizona's financial responsibility requirements, and; ▪ The person is driving a vehicle that is involved in a crash that results in either property damage or injury to or death of another person.

Traffic ticket enforcement

Arizona courts report to MVD any person who is delinquent paying fines or penalties for civil or criminal traffic/boating violations, or who has failed to appear in a criminal traffic/boating case. MVD is then required to update the person's record to prohibit the renewal of any vehicle registrations with that person as an owner.

What is a Certified ignition interlock device?

1. A certified ignition interlock device is a breath alcohol testing instrument connected to the ignition and power system of the vehicle. The driver blows into the device before attempting to turn the ignition. If the driver's alcohol level is above a certain level, the vehicle will not start. While the vehicle is in operation, the driver must blow into the device at random intervals.

Liability for emergency responses in flood areas

1. A driver of a vehicle who drives around barricades set up due to flooding is liable for the expenses of any emergency response that is required to remove the driver or any passenger in the vehicle that becomes inoperable on a public street or highway.

Drinking and Driving:

1. Alcohol or use of drugs seriously reduces your reflexes, physical control over the vehicle and ability to recognize dangerous situations. 2. It is illegal for a driver or passenger to consume or possess an open container of spirituous liquor in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle while on any public highway or right-of-way. 3. Alcohol, drugs and driving do not mix. A driver who drinks and/or uses drugs can cause crashes, injuries and death.

Weather conditions

1. Driving becomes more difficult when your ability to see is reduced by bad weather or when the road surface is covered with rain, snow, or ice. Reduced visibility and traction problems often occur at the same time. 2. Remember that changes in road and weather conditions will reduce your time to react and that those conditions will affect the way your car handles. You must be ready to respond. The first rule is to slow down to make up for reduced visibility and reaction time.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license

1. If you are cited for driving on a revoked or suspended license, your vehicle may be impounded by the law enforcement agency for up to 30 days. If you are convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license, you may be eligible for a restricted driver license. 2. A person that is convicted of not having or failing to produce evidence of current financial responsibility within the vehicle shall receive a suspension of the driving license, vehicle registration and license plates (as directed by the courts) for: ▪ 3 months for a first violation. ▪ 6 months for a second violation within 36 months. ▪ 1 year for a third or subsequent violation within 36 months.

Emotions:

1. You cannot drive well if you are angry, excited, worried or depressed. Anger is the emotion that probably occurs most often while driving, especially in heavy traffic. 2. Do not allow your emotions to influence the decisions you must make while driving. It is best to wait until you are calm before driving. Distracted driving may cause accidents, injury, or death.

DUI Penalties

1. If you are stopped for driving under the influence and a test shows that you have an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more (0.04 in a commercial vehicle requiring a commercial driver license), you will lose your driving privilege on the spot. 2. You may be found guilty of driving while intoxicated even if the BAC was less than 0.08 percent. If you are under 21, your license may be suspended if there is any alcohol concentration. 3. If you refuse to submit to or do not successfully complete any tests when you are arrested for driving under the influence, you will automatically lose your driving privilege for 12 months, or 24 months for a second refusal within 84 months. In addition to any criminal penalties imposed by the court for a second or third offense DUI violation, your driving privilege will be automatically revoked.

What do you need to know about night driving?

1. Reduced visibility, glare from oncoming headlights, and unseen objects in the road all combine to make night driving hazardous. 2. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise, but be aware that other driver may not have turned on their headlights. 3. Use low beams when driving on city or town streets. Use high beams on highways when no other vehicle is coming toward you within 500 feet. Switch to low beams whenever you meet oncoming traffic to avoid blinding the other driver. When following another car, use low beams whenever you are within 200 feet. 4. Do not become a victim of "Highway Hypnosis" or "White Line Fever" (a trance-like state that can occur during a long period of highway driving). Any time you become tired when traveling, pull over and rest. Use the radio and fresh air to ward off highway hypnosis. Stop every hour to walk and exercise. This will help keep you alert.

License Revocation

1. Revocation is the removal of your privilege to drive. It is required by law, upon conviction of certain driving offenses. Once your revocation period has ended, your driving privilege will remain revoked until an investigation is completed. 2. You will be required to pay the appropriate application fee and a $20 reinstatement fee, and you may be required to file a Certificate of Insurance (commonly known as an SR-22). A written vision and road test may be required.

What do you do when their is snow or ice?

1. Snow limits visibility, so turning on your headlights is necessary to see and to be seen.If you decide to brake on ice or other slippery surfaces, apply the brakes gently, increasing the pressure as you feel the tires grip the road. Do not brake to the point that the wheels lock. If the wheels should lock, ease slightly off the brakes, but do not release them completely.

Suspension and Traffic school

1. Suspension is the temporary removal of your driving privilege. It is an action that may be taken after a review of your driving record or when mandated/required by law. The suspension remains in effect until application for reinstatement is made. In addition to the reinstatement fee, you must pay the appropriate license application fee for your age group. 2. Each time you are convicted or forfeit bail for a moving traffic violation, points are assessed against your permanent driving record. If you accumulate 8 or more points within any 12-month period, you are required to attend Traffic Survival School (TSS), or your driving privilege may be suspended. Violation points are assessed as follows: DUI 8 points Extreme DUI 8 points Reckless driving 8 points Racing on highways 8 points Aggressive driving 8 points Aggravated DUI 8 points Leaving the scene of a crash 6 points Failure to stop for a traffic signal, stop sign or to yield the right-of-way causing death 6 points Failure to stop for a traffic signal, stop sign or to yield the right-of-way causing serious injury 4 points Speeding 3 points Driving over or parking in a gore area 3 points Wrong-way driving 2 points All other moving violations 2 points

Aggressive DUI

1. This category of DUI applies to a person who commits a DUI while their driving privilege is suspended or revoked, commits a third DUI in 7 years, or commits a DUI while a person under 15 is in the vehicle. 2. The aggravated DUI law also includes a violation where a person who is subject to a Certified Ignition Interlock Device (CIID) requirement commits a DUI or extreme DUI violation. 3. You will be sent to prison for not more than 2 years and, in addition to any other penalty required by law, your license will be revoked for 1 year. You will also be required to undergo alcohol screening/education/ treatment and to equip any vehicle you operate with a certified ignition interlock device.

Wind:

1. To gain more control over your vehicle in a strong wind, slow down. If you are approaching an open space after driving in a protected area, be alert for crosswinds that will push you to the side or middle of the road. If you are pulling a trailer, the wind may cause your vehicle to sway. Be ready to make necessary steering corrections. 2. When a truck or bus is passing you on the left, move as far as possible to the right of your lane and slow down. As the vehicle passes, accelerate slowly to keep the trailer pulling in a straight path. 3. If you are driving into a strong head wind, you may need to accelerate more, and steering will be more difficult. A tailwind will increase your speed, so you will have to decelerate and begin braking earlier to stop.

What do you do when their is fog outside?

1. When driving in fog, use low beams only and look for road edge markings to guide you. Even light fog reduces visibility and your ability to judge distance, so it is very important to slow down. 2. If necessary, pull off the road and turn your headlights off, then stay there until the fog lifts.

Low Visibility Conditions

1. When there is sun glare, rain, dust or any other condition where your vehicle may not be clearly visible to other drivers, turn on your headlights on low beam. 2. On rural roads, your headlights help drivers who may consider passing in your lane see that you are approaching

Driving under the influence

1. When you apply for and accept the privilege to drive a vehicle in Arizona, you give consent to be tested for alcohol and drugs if you are arrested for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs (DUI). This is known as the Implied Consent Law. 2. When a law enforcement officer has reason to believe you have been driving while under the influence, the officer will request that you submit to a test of your blood, breath, urine or other bodily substance to measure the amount of alcohol or drugs present in your bloodstream.

Failure to appear or pay fine for citation

1. Your driver license will be suspended if MVD has been notified that you have not appeared in court or have failed to pay a traffic violation charge. When you are cited for a traffic violation, your signature on the citation is a promise to appear in traffic court. 2. If you fail to appear in court, or fail to pay a fine, the court will direct MVD to suspend your driving privilege. If you are under 18, your driving privilege may be suspended for failure to appear in court, pay a fine or failure to comply with any court order.

License suspension for providing alcohol to minors:

1. ▪ First conviction - a period of not more than 30 days. 2. ▪ Second or subsequent conviction - a period of not more than six (6) months. 3. The best way to avoid death, injury, penalties and jail time is to practice Zero-Tolerance... No Alcohol. If you are under 21, any trace of alcohol, illegal drugs or drugs that impair your ability to drive safely will result in stiff penalties, and your license will be suspended for 2 years. 4. Remember that being under the legal limit of 0.08 blood alcohol concentration (BAC) does not mean that it is legal or safe for you to drive. Studies prove that alcohol impairs a person's ability to drive at levels substantially below 0.08 BAC.

DUI

1. ▪ First offense - you will be jailed for not less than 10 consecutive days, your driver license will be suspended for not less than 90 days, and you will be assessed a fine of not less than $1,250. You will also be required to undergo alcohol screening/education/ treatment and will be ordered to perform community service and may be ordered to equip any vehicle you operate with a certified ignition interlock device. 2. ▪ Second and subsequent offenses - You will be jailed for not less than 90 days, fined not less than $3,000, and your license will be revoked for 12 months. You will also be required to undergo alcohol screening/education/ treatment and may be ordered to equip any vehicle you operate with a certified ignition interlock device, and will be ordered to perform community service.

The penalties for aggressive driving are:

1. ▪ First offense — You will be required to attend a Traffic Survival School course and your license may be suspended for 30 days. 2. ▪ Second and subsequent offenses —If you commit a second offense within 24 months, you are guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor and your license will be revoked for 12 months.

What can you do right now?

1. ▪ Have a plan in mind, so if you encounter a wrong-way driver you will not waste a moment to take emergency evasive action that could save your life. Never drive distracted or impaired. 2. ▪ And never let an impaired driver get behind the wheel. Most wrong-way crashes are caused by impaired drivers. It's up to all of us to keep impaired drivers off our roads.

What do you do if you encounter a wrong-way driver:

1. ▪ If you're on a divided highway - like I-17, SR 51, US 60 or any freeway in Phoenix and all interstates - and you see a vehicle coming toward you, slow down by easing your foot off the gas. 2. ▪ Make sure there's no vehicle next to you and steer away from the wrong-way driver. 3. ▪ Get to a safe place, call 911 and report the wrong-way driver.

How to drive at night

1. ▪ No matter the time of day, drivers should drive defensively. That means being constantly aware of driving conditions, your surroundings and anticipating dangers so you can take evasive action if you encounter a hazard, such as a wrong-way driver. 2. ▪ Don't tailgate. Leave enough space so if the vehicle in front of you makes a sudden lane change to avoid a wrong-way driver, you'll have time to react, too. 3. ▪ Be aware of your surroundings. While wrong-way drivers are usually in the left or HOV lane, they enter highways from the right via off-ramps. Because they are often impaired, their movements are unpredictable

What do you do if you see a message on an Overhead sign warning of a wrong-way driver?

1. ▪ When ADOT is alerted to a possible wrong-way driver, overhead messages boards on that stretch of freeway will display the message, "ALERT, WRONG-WAY DRIVER AHEAD." 2. ▪ If you see that message, safely move toward the nearest highway exit as soon as possible.

What do you do when driving in the rain?

1.Driving in heavy rain can be hazardous, especially if you also encounter gusty wind conditions, such as in a thunderstorm. Vehicles to the rear and in blind spots are especially difficult to see. Wait a short time after the rain begins before using your wipers. 2.Be extra careful during the 30 minutes after rain begins; grime and oil on the road surface mix with water and make the road slippery . 3. Heavy rain frequently causes "flash floods" in Arizona washes. Do not cross flooded washes.Driving through water must be done at a slow and steady speed. Applying the brakes gently with your left foot may help keep them dry. Check your brakes after leaving the water to see if they will stop the car. 4. If the brakes are wet, they may suddenly grab or pull to one side. Dry them by accelerating slowly while gently holding down the brake pedal.

Physical Fittness:

HEALTH: *Be as objective as possible about your fitness to drive. Postpone your trip or have someone else drive if you are ill. MEDICAL RESTRICTIONS: *A person who has had a seizure within 90 days of applying for a driver license is required to report that medical condition to MVD. A person who already has a driver license and who has a seizure or other medical condition is required to cease driving, notify MVD and have a medical exam. The physician will submit results to MVD.

Nitrous Oxide

If you are under 18, it is unlawful to use false identification to cause a person to sell, serve, give or furnish a nitrous oxide container. These actions will result in your driving privilege being suspended; you are also subject to possible fines and/or a jail sentence. Nitrous oxide is commonly known a laughing gas and has a variety of uses, including as an anesthetic by doctors and dentists. It can also be addictive and long-term use may cause severe medical problems or death. The suspension penalties are: ▪ First offense - Your driving privilege will be suspended for 6 months. ▪ Second and subsequent offenses - Your driving privilege will be suspended for 12 months.

Altered or Fictitious License

It is unlawful to display any license that you know is canceled, revoked, suspended, fictitious or altered. It is also illegal to alter a license or obtain a false driver license. These actions will result in your driving privilege being suspended. You are also subject to possible fines and/or a jail sentence.

Breaking and stopping

It takes long distances to come to a safe, complete stop. Braking distance is directly related to: 1. Speed of the vehicle 2.Driver perception time (length of time it takes to see and recognize a dangerous situation - the average is 0.75 seconds). 3. Driver reaction time (time from perception of danger to start of braking - the average is 0.75 seconds). 4. Type of condition of the pavement 5. Type and condition of the tires 6. Vehicle weight, including when loaded or towing 7. Type and condition of the brakes

Extreme DUI

This category of DUI applies to a person with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher. ▪ First offense - You will be jailed for not less than 30 consecutive days and fined not less than $2,500. If the alcohol concentration is 0.20 or higher, you will be jailed not less than 45 days and will not be eligible for suspended sentence. You will also be required to undergo alcohol screening/education/treatment and will be ordered to perform community service and to equip any vehicle you operate with a certified ignition interlock device. ▪ Second and subsequent offenses - You will be jailed for not less than 120 days, fined not less than $3,250 and your license will be revoked for 12 months. If the alcohol concentration is 0.20 or higher, you will be jailed not less than 180 days and will not be eligible for suspended sentence. You will also be required to undergo alcohol screening/education/ treatment and to equip any vehicle you operate with a certified ignition interlock device, and will be ordered to perform community service.

Drowsy Driving / Fatigue

To avoid fatigue, follow these guidelines: ▪ Get plenty of rest before you start on a long trip. ▪ Avoid driving late at night. ▪ Take frequent rest stops, get out of the vehicle and exercise, breathe deeply and move around. ▪ Do not stare straight ahead, keep your eyes moving, and check your mirrors and dash gauges. ▪ Roll down the windows to get fresh air, sing along with the radio, or chew gum. ▪ If possible, change drivers frequently.

What do you do when vehicles ahead of you do something unexpectedly?

When vehicles ahead do something unexpectedly, you will need time to react. You need to keep enough following distance between you and the vehicles ahead to avoid a crash if the traffic stops suddenly. Allow at least a 3-second following distance for most driving situations. The following distance will be required: 1. When driving on slippery roads, you should double your following distance to 6 seconds or more to allow for the extra distance needed to adjust your speed or to stop. 2. When the driver behind you wishes to pass, reducing your speed will allow that driver to pass more quickly. The added distance will make it easier for the passing motorist to pull back into the lane. * When you are following a large vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, that blocks your field of vision of the road ahead, you will need extra distance to see around the vehicle.

Road Rage and aggressive driving

You may be cited for aggressive driving if you commit a series of acts during a single, continuous period of driving that presents an immediate hazard to another person or vehicle, exceed the posted speed limit and commit two of the following violations: ▪ Failure to obey traffic control signs or signals. ▪ Passing another vehicle on the right side. ▪ Unsafe lane change. ▪ Following too close. ▪ Failure to yield to emergency vehicles.

Additional suggestions for safe winter driving:

▪ Drive with caution ▪ Do not change speed or direction suddenly. ▪ Clear snow or ice from all window and lights so you can see and be seen, before you start driving. ▪ Equip your car with snow tires or chains to help prevent skidding and reduce stopping distances. ▪ Slow down before stopping or turning (driving on packed snow is much like driving on ice). ▪ Watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas (bridge surfaces freeze before other road surfaces).

Arizona law allows a person to obtain a special ignition interlock restricted driver license while the person's Class D or Class G driving privilege is under suspension or revocation after a minimum period of 90 days has been served for any of the following:

▪ First offense for an implied consent violation. ▪ Conviction of aggravated DUI or extreme DUI with a minor in the vehicle. ▪ Conviction of DUI or extreme DUI or having any spirituous liquor in the person's body while operating a motor vehicle while under 18 years of age. ▪ Conviction of operating a motor vehicle while 18 to 20 years of age with any spirituous liquor in the person's body. ▪ Or, during a revocation for two DUI's within an 84 month period after a minimum period of 45 days has been served, and one of the violations is on or after January 1, 2012. The person must comply with the certified ignition interlock device requirements, complete alcohol treatment classes when required and carry proof of future financial responsibility insurance.

MVD may suspend or revoke your driving privilege or require you to attend and successfully complete an approved Traffic Survival School (TSS) if you:

▪ Have been convicted of running a red light (or flashing red light). TSS is mandatory in addition to paying all court fines/ fees. ▪ Have been convicted of frequent serious offenses for violations of traffic laws and a disregard for the safety of others. ▪ Have been convicted of reckless driving or are a repeat reckless or negligent driver. ▪ Have committed or permitted an unlawful or fraudulent use of your driver license. ▪ Have been convicted of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or toxic vapors. ▪ Have been arrested for refusal to take or successfully complete a chemical test (alcohol/drug content). The penalty for refusal or unsuccessful completion is a 12-month suspension of your driver license, or 2 years for a second or subsequent refusal within a 7-year period. ▪ Have an unresolved judgment from another state. *Have committed an offense for which mandatory revocation of the driving privilege is required upon conviction. ▪ Are under 21 and have been convicted of receiving, consuming or possessing alcohol. ▪ Are under 21 and have been convicted of any illegal drug violation. ▪ Are medically unsafe to drive a motor vehicle. ▪ Have been convicted as a driver in a crash, resulting in death or personal injury or serious property damage. *Have been convicted of violating a driver license restriction. ▪ Have failed to comply with a certified Ignition Interlock Device order. ▪ Are under 18 and have been convicted of your first moving civil traffic violation or certain criminal traffic offenses. ▪ Have been convicted of wrong-way driving on a controlled-access highway. Following the suspension or revocation period of your license, you must pay the appropriate application fee to reinstate your license. In addition, you may be subject to an investigation and you may be required to file an SR-22 Certificate of Insurance.

If you encounter a severe dust storm:

▪ If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle and begin slowing down. Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway - do it as soon as possible. *Reduce your speed immediately. ▪ Drive completely off the highway. ▪ Stop as far to the right as possible. ▪ Do not stop in the travel lane or in the emergency lane. ▪ Turn off your lights and take your foot off the brake. ▪ Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled. ▪ Wait until the dust storm has passed

The best way to prevent hydroplaning is to slow down. If your car does hydroplane:

▪ Take your foot off the accelerator. ▪ Do not brake. ▪ Avoid steering changes (if possible). ▪ Hold the wheel firmly until your tires grip the road again.