Chapter 14

What can you do to avoid carbon monoxide exposure and deal with its effects? (306-307)

Open garage door before starting your car. Avoid running car in enclosed environment. In stop and go traffic, keep a three-second following distance. Stop where you can see the tire of the vehicle ahead touching the pavement. In traffic jams, especially in enclosed areas like tunnels, turn off the engine when possible. Check you exhaust system regularly. Do not drive with the rear windows open. MOVE A PERSON who is overcome by carbon monoxide into fresh air. Seek medical help immediately.

What can drivers who have permanent disabilities do to compensate? (307-308)

Permanent disabilities-these drivers usually do not take unnecessary chances, they understand their disability and know that it may put them at higher risk.

How can you help a driver when you are a passenger? (295-296)

Avoid saying or doing anything that might distract or upset the driver. Talk positively. Discourage driver from taking reckless actions. Encourage the driver to let someone else drive, refuse to ride. Do what you must to protect yourself and others. Compliment the driver for a good job in difficult situations. This reinforces good driving technique.

How do emotions influence your willingness to accept risk? (296)

If you are angry, you probably will be more likely to take risks than when you are happy.

What can you do to compensate for poor depth perception? (300)

Use a following distance greater than 3 seconds. Allow for additional clear distance ahead before passing. Allow greater distances at night than at daytime.

How can anger affect your ability to drive? (293-294)

Anger can impair all your driving skills. You may take risks you wouldn't normally take if you were calm. You might miss important signs and not see everything. This can be dangerous to you and other drivers.

What are the parts of your field of vision? (299-300)

Central vision, Fringe vision and Peripheral vision.

What can you do to combat fatigue? (304-305)

Rest before you start to drive. Change drivers often. Stop every two hours. Walk, stretch, get a beverage or snack or take a nap. Wear sunglasses in bright sunlight and to shield against snow glare. Use and orderly visual search pattern to keep your eyes moving. Be active-listen to the radio, sing, or talk with passengers. Stop in a safe, well-lighted place if you feel drowsy. Lock the vehicle and take a nap. If you feel tired often check with your doctor.

What can you do to manage your emotions while driving? (296-297)

IPDE process to drive in an organized manner...practice becomes habit. Anticipate emotion-producing situations and adjust your expectations "I know there will be delays during rush hour so I am going to allow myself more time to get home." "I will NOT let the actions of others bother me."*Do not challenge an aggressive driver, avoid eye contact, ignore gestures and remain calm. Adopt a "yield" attitude. Adjust your route to avoid irritating situations. A tired person may become upset more easily, make a special effort to be aware of that. Think and analyze your mistakes so you can learn from them, you will then be unlikely to repeat them. Always be COURTEOUS on the road.

How do your senses help you drive? (298-303)

Vision-Is vital for obvious reasons. The higher your speed, the greater your need for accurate vision. Hearing-alerts you to the sounds of vehicle horns, train whistles, EMS sirens and engine brakes of trucks and buses. Smell-can help identify an over heated engine or brakes. Smelling exhaust fumes can give you early warning to the presence of deadly gases. Sense of Motion-This helps you recognize if you are veering right or left, changing speed, or on a curve. A sudden vibration or jerk of the wheel might warn you of a mechanical problem, flat tire or change in roadway surface.