CDL Training Section 2.8 SEEING HAZARDS

What is a hazard?

A hazard is any road condition or other road user (driver, bicyclist, pedestrian) that is a possible danger.

With what types of vehicles are a driver's movement as a clue most easily seen?

Motorcyclists and bicyclists

Why are workers considered a hazard?

People working on or near the roadway are a hazard clue. The work creates a distraction for other drivers and the workers themselves may not see you.

Why are ice cream trucks considered a hazard?

Someone selling ice cream is a hazard clue. Children may be nearby and may not see you.

What are some clues that a driver may be confused?

Unexpected actions, such as stopping in the middle of a block, changing lanes for no apparent reason, and backup lights suddenly going on.

What are some examples of drivers whose vision is blocked?

Vans, loaded station wagons, and cars with the rear window blocked

Why can pedestrians and bicyclist be considered hazards?

Walkers, joggers, and bicyclists may be on the road with their back to the traffic, so they can't see you. Sometimes they wear portable stereos with headsets, so they can't hear you either. On rainy days, pedestrians may not see you because of hats or umbrellas. They may be hurrying to get out of the rain and may not pay attention to the traffic.

What is important to remember about people who are distracted and can be considered a hazard?

Watch for where they are looking. If they are looking elsewhere, they can't see you. Be alert even when they are looking at you. They may believe that they have he right of way.

Why is it important to watch for other drivers who may be in conflict?

When they react to the conflict, they may do something that will put them in conflict with you.

What is the benefit of seeing hazards before they become emergencies?

You will have more time to act.

Where do conflicts tend to occur?

1. At interesections where vehicles meet 2. At merges (such as turnpike on ramps) 3. Where there are needed lane changes (such as the end of a lane, forcing a move to another lane of traffic) 4. When there is slow moving or stalled traffic in a traffic lane 5. At accident scenes

What are some clues that a driver may be hesitating (a clue that they may be confused)?

1. Driving very slowly 2. Using brakes often 3. Stopping in the middle of an intersection

In winter, vehicles with what types of windows are hazards due to blocked vision?

1. Frosted 2. Ice-covered 3. Snow-covered

Why should you watch for in parked vehicles?

1. Watch for movement inside the vehicle or movement of the vehicle itself that shows people are inside. 2. Watch for brake lights or backup lights, exhaust, and other clues that a driver is about to move.

What are some clues to a driver who might be impaired?

1. Weaving across the road or drifting from one side 2. Leaving the road (dropping right wheels onto the shoulder, or bumping across a curb in a turn) 3. Stopping at the wrong time (stopping at a green light, or waiting for too long at a stop) 4. Open window in cold weather 5. Speeding up or slowing down suddenly, driving too fast or too slow

You should slow down and be very careful if you see any of which 4 road hazards?

1. Work zones 2. Drop offs 3. Foreign objects 4. Off ramps/on ramps

What should you do when driving in work zones?

Drive slowly and carefully and use your four-way flashers or brake lights to warn others behind you.

Why are disabled vehicles considered a hazard?

Drivers changing a tire or fixing an engine often do not pay attention to the danger that roadway traffic is to them. They are often careless. Jacked up wheels or raised hoods are hazard clues.

How can a driver's movement be used as a clue?

Drivers look in the direction they are going to turn. You may sometimes get a clue from a driver's head and body movements that a drivver may be going to make a turn, even though the turn signals aren't on. Drivers making over-the-shoulder checks may be going to change lanes.

Why are drivers in a hurry considered a hazard?

Drivers may feel you commercial vehicle is preventing them from getting where they want to go on time. Such drivers may pass you without a safe gap in the oncoming traffic., cutting too close in front of you. Drivers entering the road may pull in front of you in order to avoid being stuck behind you, causing you to brake. Be aware of this and watch for drivers who are in a hurry.

Why are talkers considered a hazard?

Drivers or pedestrians talking to one another may not be paying close attention to the traffic.

Why are drivers signaling a turn considered a hazard?

Drivers signaling a turn may slow more than expected or stop. If they are making a tight turn into an alley or driveway, they may go very slowly. If pedestrians or other vehicles block them, they may have to stop on the roadway. Vehicles turning left may have to stop for oncoming vehicles.

What kinds of impaired drivers are considered hazards?

Drivers who are sleeping, have had too much to drink, are on drugs, or who are ill

Why are drop offs considered hazards?

Driving too near the edge can tilt your vehicle toward the side of the road. This can cause the top of your vehicle to hit roadside objects (signs, tree limbs). Also it can be hard to steer as you cross the drop off, going off the road, and coming back on.

Why should rental trucks be watched carefully?

Their drivers are not used to the limited vision they have to the sides and rear of the truck.

Why are work zones considered hazards?

There may be narrower lanes, sharp turns, or uneven surfaces. Other drivers are often distracted and drive unsafely. Workers and construction vehicles may get in the way.

Why are foreign objects considered hazards?

They can be a danger to your tires and wheel rims. They can damage electrical and brake lines. They can be caught between dual tires and cause severe damage. Some obstacles that appear to be harmless can be very dangerous.

Why should you watch for drivers who are looking at street signs, maps, and house numbers?

They may not be paying attention to you.

Why are confused drivers considered a hazard?

They often change direction suddenly or stop without warning.

What are some clues of tourists that may be unfamiliar with the area, and therefore confused?

Car-top luggage and out-of-state license plates.

Why can children be considered a hazard?

Children tend to act quickly without checking traffic. Children playing with one another may not look for traffic and are a serious hazard.

What kinds of drivers should you be alert for late at night?

Drunk drivers and sleepy drivers

If you can only see the rear or front end of a vehicle but not the driver, what is true of that driver?

He or she cannot see you.

What does the "slow moving vehicle" symbol look like?

It is a red triangle with an orange center.

Why is it important to see hazards?

It lets you be prepared.

Why are slow drivers considered hazards?

Motorists who fail to maintain normal speed are hazards. Seeing slow moving vehicles early can prevent a crash. Some vehicles, by their nature, are slow and seeing them is a hazard clue (mopeds, farm machinery, construction machinery, tractors, etc). Some of these will have the "slow moving vehicle" symbol to warn you.

Where are confused drivers commonly found?

Near freeway or turnpike interchanges and major intersections.

Why are off ramps/on ramps considered hazards?

Off ramps and on ramps often have speed limit signs posted. Remember, these speeds may be safe for automobiles, but may not be safe for larger vehicles or heavily loaded vehicles. Exits that go downhill and turn at the same time can be especially dangerous. The downgrade makes it difficult to reduce speed. Braking and turning at the same time can be a dangerous practice.

Why can delivery trucks present a hazard?

Packages or vehicle doors often block the driver's vision. Drivers of step vans, postal vehicles, and local delivery vehicles often are in a hurry and may suddenly step out of their vehicle or drive their vehicle into the traffic lane.

Why is it important to be careful when there is a stopped bus?

Passengers may cross in front of or behind the bus, and they often can't see you.

Why are shoppers considered a hazard?

People in and around shopping areas are often not watching traffic because they are looking for stores or looking into store windows.

Why are accidents considered hazardous?

People involved in the accident may not look for traffic. Passing drivers tend to look at the accident. People often run across the road without looking. Vehicles may slow or stop suddenly.

Why can parked vehicles present a hazard?

People may start to get out of them. Or, they may suddenly start up and drive into your way.

Why is it important to know when other drivers may do something hazardous?

To protect yourself and others

In terms of being a hazard, what is the definition of a conflict?

You are in conflict when you have to change speed and/or direction to avoid hitting someone.

Why is it important to always have a plan in regards to hazards?

You should always be looking for hazards. Continue to learn to see hazards on the road. However, don't forget why you are looking for the hazards--they might turn into emergencies. You look for the hazards in order to have time to plan a way out of any emergency. When you see a hazard, think about the emergencies that could develop and figure out what you would do. Always be prepared to take action based on your plans. In this way, you will be a prepared, defensive driver who will improve your own safety as well as the safety of all road users.