Drivers ED Chapter's 9 & 10

Dirt on the lens of headlights can reduce light by up to _______ percent?

90%

What can you do to reduce the effects of glare?

Answer: Keep all glass clean. Do not place objects on dashboard. Adjust sun visors and mirrors. Sit as high in the seat as possible. Wear sunglasses during the day. Adjust speed to visibility conditions. Look to the right edge of the roadway, away from headlights.

When driving in fog is it best to use your low beam or high beam headlights?

Answer: Low beam

What information should you get from the driver if involved in a crash?

Answer: Name, address, phone number, driver's license #, vehicle tag number, insurance company, name and telephone number of witnesses

With ABS brakes, how can you stop quickly?

Answer: Press down hard on the brake pedal

What are the four things that need to be done in the event of a crash?

Answer: Protect the scene, call for help, take care of injured, report the accident

What can you do to prevent hydroplaning?

Answer: Slow down when there is water standing on the surface of the pavement. Make sure tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread. Increase following distance, particularly when behind a large truck. Drive in the tracks left by any vehicle ahead.

What are the ABS rules?

Answer: Stomp on the brake pedal, stay on the brakes, steer where you want to go

If the brake system warning light comes on while driving what should you do?

Answer: Stop as soon as possible, have the vehicle towed and repaired

If there is a car beside a driver in the left lane and they need to avoid a car ahead, what should the driver do?

Answer: Stop quickly or swerve to the right

What should you do to take care of anyone who is injured?

Answer: Try to make them as comfortable as possible, see if there is someone with medical experience around, keep injury from getting worse, move the person no more than is necessary to avoid danger from traffic or fire

What are the steps for making quick turns?

Answer: Turn the wheel ½ circle, full circle in the other direction and back to the middle

At what temperature are wet roads most dangerous?

Answer: When the temperature is near freezing (30 - 34 degrees)

A tire blowout

is a rapid deflation of air from the tire. If a front tire blows out, the vehicle will pull sharply in the direction of the blowout. If a rear tire blows out, the vehicle will wobble and shake and pull some in the direction of the blowout. In either case: Grip the steering wheel firmly Remove foot from accelerator DO NOT BRAKE Allow the vehicle to slow on its own or brake gently if necessary Check traffic around you Turn on emergency flashers Drive to a protected location and pull off the roadway Have the tire changed and replaced

Skidding

is a situation in which the driver's tires lose all or part of their grip on the road. As the tires lose traction, they will begin to slide, and can cause the vehicle to deviate from its intended path of travel.

Skidding

loss of traction by the front, rear, or all tires, generally resulting in a deviation from the desired path of travel

Off-road recovery

returning to the road from the shoulder

Brake system warning light

shows the parking brake is set before moving the vehicle and alerts that part or all of the braking system is not working properly or the brake fluid is too low, stop as soon as possible, have the vehicle towed and the vehicle repaired.

Clear the windshield and rear windows -

snow and sleet can collect and freeze on the windshield, which can restrict vision. Be sure to remove excess snow and sleet from the windows. Clean the outside and inside of the windshield at least once a week.

Low fuel warning light

tells how much fuel remains when the ignition is on. When the low fuel light activates, it means approximately two galloons remain, get fuel as soon as possible.

Rear-wheel skid

termed "oversteer," a type of skid where the vehicle moves sideways without any additional steering input

Front-wheel skid

termed "understeer," a type of skid where the vehicle moves straight ahead in spite of steering input

Sight distance rule -

the driver has to be able to stop in the distance he/she can see

Traction

the grip between the tires and the road surface that allows a vehicle to start, stop and/or change direction

Temperature light or gauge

warns when the coolant in the engine is too hot or too low, stop as soon as possible and repair. Caution: never attempt to remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot as there is the risk of severe burns.

Oil pressure warning light or gauge

warns when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure or there is not enough oil, repair in a reasonable time.

Hydroplaning

when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road and ride on top of a film of water

Brake failure

when the brake pedal does not work properly, could be complete loss of brakes or only failure of the power brakes

Accelerator failure

when the gas pedal does not work properly, could be caused either by a broken spring or the pedal getting stuck in the down position

Power steering failure

when the vehicle loses power steering, the vehicle can still be steered, but it will require much more effort on the driver's part

Name three potential dangers of using cell phones while driving?

Diverting attention away from the driving task, looking away from the road and using one hand to drive in order to dial, effect on maintaining proper lane position, impact on ability to perceive potential problems, ability to make quick decisions, reduced situational awareness, ability to execute emergency maneuvers

Driving in rain or snow

Drizzle can turn into a downpour and obscure vision. Light snow can turn into a whiteout causing very limited vision.

If the engine becomes flooded, there will usually be a strong odor of gasoline. To start the engine:

Push the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there Turn the key for up to five seconds If it does not start, wait several minutes and try again Once started, release the accelerator pedal

Evasive steering

Quick steering is often preferable to a stop when: There is space to the side - a paved shoulder is safest Stopping distance is questionable There are cars close behind

Rubbernecking

When drivers maintain eye contact with a crash scene, even beyond the point that they pass the scene, which can be quite dangerous, increasing the chance of experiencing a collision.

Excess speed

at speeds faster than 35 mph, tires are less effect at channeling water from the road, tires can become overwhelmed by water and lose contact with the road at about 50 mph.

Delayed decision making:

can cause a driver's decision making process to be delayed, or cause a driver to choose an action inappropriate for the situation.

Improper action:

can cause drivers to be delayed in taking the intended action or to make incorrect inputs to the steering, accelerator or brakes.

Collision reporting

duties to perform when a driver is involved in a crash

ESP

electronic stability program, a system that helps prevent loss of traction and aids a driver in maintaining directional control

Protect your eyes from glare -

headlights at night can temporarily affect your vision

Flash headlights once quickly

if an oncoming vehicle is using high beams at night

Air bag warning light

indicates the air bags are not in proper working condition, repair in a reasonable time

Anti-lock braking system (ABS) light

indicates whether the ABS is functioning properly, if it comes on while driving there is a problem with the system, repair in a reasonable time.

Which specific distractions have been identified to be particularly hazardous to drivers under age 20?

Talking on a cell phone, texting, adjusting radio or CD, other occupants, outside person, object or event

Vehicle Passengers

Talking to or yelling at the driver Throwing objects inside or outside the vehicle Partially hanging out of the vehicle Yelling at persons outside the vehicle Unexpectedly adjusting audio system controls Unexpectedly adjusting vehicle controls Much more... Research indicates that, for young drivers, the greater number of similarly-aged occupants aboard, the more likely a crash is to occur. This is a major reason why many states' graduated driver licensing systems restrict the number of similarly-aged passengers that can be in a vehicle with a novice driver.

Rear-wheel skid

Termed "oversteer" Vehicle moves sideways without any additional steering input

Front-wheel skid

Termed "understeer" Vehicle moves straight ahead in spite of steering input

How is texting different from talking on a cell phone?

Texting requires you to spend more time looking at the small screen on the cell phone than talking on the phone Text messages are typically shorter than conversations Texting may involve having two hands on the cell phone

Cell phones

The best practice would be to refrain from talking on a cell phone while driving. Utilize voice mail or other passengers for help with taking cell phone calls or text messages. Pick up your messages later, once you have completed driving. In emergency situations, it is the responsibility of the driver to use his/her best discretion. If you have to call or text, pull off the road safely or and stop or stop in a safe parking area (depending on the urgency of the situation, drivers must use their best judgment)

Power steering failure:

The vehicle can still be steered. It will require much more effort on the driver's part.

Evasive acceleration

This emergency technique is used less frequently mainly because the dangerous event that drivers have to respond to is in front of them. However, the accelerator can be used to avoid crashes at intersections and in merging situations. The driver may not be able to get completely out of the way, but acceleration may move the point of impact to the rear of the vehicle, away from the passenger compartment. Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed.

Vehicle Failures

Tire failure can be caused by the gradual wear on the tires through hard braking and/or acceleration. They also need periodic balancing and alignment. Look for wear bars appearing across the tire as a sign that tires need to be replaced.

Avoiding a collision

To avoid a collision, you may have to make a sudden change in the vehicle's speed and direction.

Preventing loss of traction

To prevent loss of traction on wet roads a driver can: Reduce speed - compensates for limited surface friction to reduce stopping distance and reduce the chance of losing control when changing direction Increase space - increase following distance on slippery surfaces, stop well behind the vehicle ahead to prevent being pushed into it if struck from behind Minimize changes in speed - when a driver turns, accelerates, or brakes, the chance of losing traction increases, make changes gently and gradually Minimize change in direction - avoid abrupt changes in direction because this may cause the front tires to slide and result in loss of control Find the best path - avoid areas of limited traction or place tires in the tracks left by the tires of vehicles ahead, which have channeled some of the water away

Effects of texting on driving

To understand the effects of texting on driving, you can look at the three tasks of driving:

Slippery conditions

Traction is reduced when there are any foreign substances on the road surface, such as water, snow, ice, gravel, sand, wet leaves, or loose dirt. The effects of limited traction are particularly dangerous in curves and turns. Some road surfaces lose some of their surface friction with wear, aggravating the loss of traction with slippery conditions. These roads often have a "slippery when wet" sign posted. Wet roads are most dangerous when the temperature is near freezing (30 - 34 degrees). On hot days, wet surfaces are most slippery just after a rain has begun to fall, especially if it hasn't rained recently. During the first 10 - 15 minutes of rain, water combines with oil and dirt to form a very slick mixture. Heavily traveled intersections are especially dangerous because some vehicles stopped for traffic signals leave oil drippings on roads.

If the engine overheats while driving:

Turn air conditioner off if it is on Turn on the heater to draw heat off the engine If these fail, move to a safe location off the roadway Turn engine off Do not open the radiator cap Seek help

How far do high beams let us see?

More than 250 feet

Use low-beam headlights in bad weather or when following or meeting another car at night, properly aligned low beams:

- Illuminate roadway 100 to 150 feet ahead - Light area above road 300 to 500 feet - Load, load distribution and vehicle height affect light beam distance - Allow for a maximum safe speed of 40 - 45 mph

Water on the road

- heavy rain causes water to gather on the roadway.

Physical distraction

A type of distraction that causes a driver to take his or her hands off the wheel or eyes off the road, such as reaching for an object.

Mental distraction

A type of distraction that takes the driver's mind away from the road, such as engaging in conversation with a passenger or thinking about something that happened during the day.

Name two potential benefits of using cell phones in vehicles?

Ability to summon roadside assistance quickly in the event of a mechanical problem, ability to contact law enforcement quickly in the event of a personal or national security concern, ability to contact emergency services quickly in response to a crash or emergency or medical situations

What steps should you take if you run-off the road?

Answer: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. Stay off the brake and gas. Check for traffic. Reduce your speed. Align off road wheels with the road (straddle the road). Steer back onto the road with small inputs.

Low beam headlights allow for a maximum safe speed of?

Answer: 40 - 45 mph

High beam headlights allow for a maximum safe speed of?

Answer: 55 - 60 mph

What are some reasons why run-off the road crashes occur?

Answer: A driver drifts off the roadway onto the shoulder due to inattention, nodding or falling asleep or steers onto the shoulder to avoid a collision and tries to return to the roadway

What is the electronic stability program designed to do?

Answer: Avoid accidents and prevent a vehicle from skidding and sliding

What is the best way to handle skids?

Answer: Avoid slippery surfaces. Adjust speed to conditions. Be gentle using the brake, accelerator and steering wheel

What is the safest maneuver if there is enough room?

Answer: Braking

What should a driver do to regain traction in a front-wheel skid?

Answer: Continue to look and steer toward the intended path of travel, smoothly ease up on the accelerator to regain traction, smoothly apply brakes to regain enough traction to turn the vehicle toward the intended path of travel, which may take some rapid readjustments as the vehicle responds to the drivers initial steering input

What is the #1 tip from America's best drivers when it comes to run-off the road crashes?

Answer: Don't overreact

What increases the risk of being in a run-off the road crash?

Answer: Driving at night

What are some reasons run-off the road crashes occur?

Answer: Driving too fast for conditions, not paying attention, driving in rural areas

What are the steps to recover from a skid?

Answer: Foot off brake or accelerator. Turn vehicle in desired direction. Before the car straightens out, counter-steer the other way. Continue doing so until the vehicle is straight ahead

When do most skids occur?

Answer: From braking too hard on a slippery surface, turning too quickly and trying to accelerate too rapidly

What should you do to protect the scene?

Answer: Get cars off the road, if possible, warn approaching drivers

What is the purpose of the electronic stability program (ESP)?

Answer: Helps prevent conditions that lead to a rollover and regain control and stability

Preventing skids

Apply the brakes in a smooth and progressive manner Make smooth, precise steering wheel movements Slowing down well in advance of curves Maintaining speeds appropriate for conditions

Crashes may occur because:

As the driver steers back toward the road, the left-side "climbs" onto the pavement" As the driver continues turning the wheel, the right-side tires suddenly "climbs" the pavement Before the driver can respond, the vehicle has already crossed into the next lane The vehicle may collide with a vehicle in the next lane, or drive off the far side of the road

In the second real life situation, what should Josh have done to keep him from being distracted while driving? :

Avoid changing the radio station or CD while driving. Select music before starting to drive or ask a passenger to be DJ. Keep the music volume low.

Controlling consequences

Avoid head-on collisions Drive off road rather than skid off road Hit something soft rather than something hard Hit something going your way rather than something stationary Hit stationary object with glancing blow or at an angle Hit stationary object rather than an approaching object Steer to avoid oncoming traffic Avoid direct impact

Blocked roadside

Blocked roadside - if an object beside the road such as a tree, bridge abutment or pedestrian forces the driver to return to the road quickly, she/he has little time to slow down, to do this the driver should: Steer left or right so the off-road wheels are about 12 inches away from the edge of the pavement Remove his/her foot from the accelerator and stay off the brakes. Turn the steering wheel quickly about one-eighth turn toward the roadway Immediately, as the outer wheel makes contact with the edge of the pavement, counter-steer about a quarter turn and make steering corrections to straighten vehicle

2. Generated by the condition of the vehicle:

Brakes unevenly adjusted. Brakes pulling in one direction or the other can cause a skid, as can wheels out of alignment when brakes are applied Tires with worn tread, front and rear pairs not matched to size, tread depth or type Different pressure on opposite sides have effects similar to uneven brake adjustment since one tire will drag more than others

Crash scenes (Rubbernecking)

Certainly a crash scene would have the ability to grab a driver's attention. However, it has been found that crash scenes also tend to hold a driver's attention, keeping him or her from focusing on the driving task. Thus, some drivers tend to maintain eye contact with a crash scene, even beyond the point that they pass the scene. This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as "rubbernecking," can be quite dangerous, increasing the chance of experiencing a collision.

To regain traction:

Continue to look and steer toward the intended path of travel Ease off the accelerator, avoid using the brakes As the rear tire regains traction, continue steering toward the intended path of travel and continue to steer and counter-steer until the vehicle is traveling straight Use a light and progressive acceleration if the vehicle does not recover

To regain traction:

Continue to look and steer toward the intended path of travel. Smoothly ease up on the accelerator to regain traction. Smoothly apply brakes to regain enough traction to turn the vehicle toward the intended path of travel, which may take some rapid readjustments as the vehicle responds to the driver's initial steering input. Do not steer more than necessary to keep the vehicle directed toward the path of travel. Being able to respond with the steering wheel demands constant attention until the vehicle is safely back on the desired path of travel.

How texting can impact driving

Evidence suggests that text messaging is even riskier than talking on a cell phone because it often requires the driver to look at the phone and manipulate the keypad with one's hands. Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves manual, visual and cognitive distraction simultaneously. Sending or receiving 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.

If fog is heavy

Further reduce speed but do not stop in a travel lane Turn on emergency flashers Look for an exit from the highway If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond end of guardrail, check outside the guardrail, then back up outside of the guardrail, turn off all lights and wait for fog to lift

What is the purpose of taking the pledge?

Gives teens knowledge to understand the dangers of distracted driving and encourages them to not text and drive.

Benefits of audio or navigation systems

Having access to music and other programming to help pass the miles Gaining the latest information on local, national and international events Obtaining road travel reports on weather, construction, road closures and crashes Used wisely, audio systems can help keep drivers' minds engaged Help with finding an unfamiliar route or location

1. Generated by road surface conditions:

Ice, snow or frost Wet surface; particularly first 15 minutes of rain after a long dry period when drops of oil and rubber particles have collected on the surface Standing water Mud near farm entrances, construction sites and truck crossings Wet leaves Broken or uneven road surface Sand or gravel frequently found on curves in rural areas

Hit from the front

If a driver is about to be hit from the front it is important to try to have a "glancing blow" rather than being struck head on. If a collision is about to happen the driver should try to turn the vehicle. At worse, the vehicle will be hit with a glancing blow or might miss it.

Hit from the rear

If a driver is about to be hit from the rear, the driver should press him-her self against the back of the seat and put his/her head against the head restraint to avoid being thrown forwards. The driver should be ready to apply his/her brakes so he/she will not be pushed into another vehicle.

Hit from the side

If a driver is about to be hit from the side, the driver should get ready to steer or brake to prevent the vehicle from hitting something else.

Evasive braking

If there is no space to the side or the driver has not identified a space, a driver must brake to avoid a collision. In many cases, the best action is a combination of braking and evasive steering. If the vehicle has ABS: Firmly press the brake pedal until the vehicle stops or the proper speed is reached. If a driver puts on the brakes hard enough to engage the ABS, she/he will feel the brake pedal pulse back against his/her foot. This sensation is normal and indicates the system is working properly. The driver should not pump the pedal or remove their foot from the brake. If the vehicle does not have ABS: The driver can cause the vehicle to skid if she/he brakes too hard. Apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal just short of lockup - the point at which the wheels stop turning. If the wheels do lock, the driver must ease up on the brake pedal slightly and quickly to get the wheels to begin rolling again, then apply the brakes again, just short of lockup. As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on the brake pedal again. Keep doing this until the vehicle has stopped.

Use high-beam headlights when safe and legal to do so, properly aligned high beams:

Illuminate roadway 300 to 350 feet ahead - Light area above road 500 to 1800 feet - Load, load distribution and vehicle height affect light beam distance - Allow for a maximum safe speed of 55 - 60 mph

Vehicle occupants

In the unlikely event of an extreme situation, the driver, who is responsible for and in control of his or her vehicle, must decide whether an occupant or occupants should be removed from the vehicle. Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers that may distract your attention from the road. Pull safely off the road and out of traffic to deal with children.

Deciding which maneuver

It is usually better to use evasive steering than braking because a driver can steer the vehicle quicker than she/he can stop it. Although to use evasive steering, the driver must have identified an alternate path of travel.

Drivers' responsibility while driving

Many drivers currently engage in many distraction-causing activities, without giving any consideration to how their driving might be negatively affected. The responsible driver will be aware of potential distractions and minimize both the chance of these occurring and the negative impact should they occur. Of most importance, a driver must maintain his or her attention to the driving task. While a distracting event could be considered a negative event, the results of a crash caused by the event could be far worse. The driver is completely and solely responsible for operating his or her vehicle in a safe manner. This includes the responsibility for controlling everything that occurs within the vehicle as well. If a distracted driver experiences a crash, the responsibility falls upon the driver, not the distraction.

To return to the pavement safely:

Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel Slow down, ease off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow gradually, avoid braking Straddle the edge of the pavement, after speed is reduced and there is a gap in traffic steer back to the road with small inputs, do not oversteer Return to the pavement two wheels at a time, as soon as the front tire is back on the roadway, counter-steer quickly left or right as necessary to stay in the correct lane

Countermeasures

Keep all glass, lights and windows clean Do not place paper or other objects on dashboard Adjust sun visors and mirrors Sit as high in the seat as possible Wear sunglasses during the day Adjust speed to visibility conditions Look to the right edge of the roadway, awayy from headlights

Why are drivers under the age of 20 most likely to be in a crash caused by distractions?

Lack of driving experience, lack of experience performing tasks which could cause distraction, increased risk taking, lack of familiarity with particular vehicles

What should drivers do when they realize they are skidding?

Look for an open path of travel and release the accelerator or brake pedal to regain vehicle balance.

In the third situation, what should Brandi have done to keep her from being distracted while driving?:

Not have used her cell phone while driving. Let voicemail pick it up or let a passenger answer. Wait until trip is completed and the car is safely stopped before making or taking a call.

Name five in-vehicle distractions.

Occupants, texting, radio, seat adjustments, air conditioning

Inattention

Occurs when a driver's attention drifts away from driving without having been influenced by a situation, event or person.

Inside distraction

One that occurs inside the vehicle, i.e., other passengers, using a cell phone, adjusting controls, eating or drinking, etc.

Take these additional steps after a collision:

Record witnesses' names and addresses Make a sketch of the collision scene Take a photograph Record such facts as time, date, location, weather and driving conditions Note the name of the hospital to which any injured persons were taken Note the name and the identification number of the police officer at the collision scene Give police the facts. Provide honest, accurate facts and never argue about who was to blame. Do not admit fault. Stay at the scene until all information has been recorded. Produce proof of financial responsibility by showing a card that lists current insurance or a bond card. Also, notify appropriate insurance agent promptly.

Warning symbols

Red color means stop as soon as possible and have the problem repaired. Yellow color means have the problem repaired within a reasonable time

In the first real life situation, what should Suzette have done to keep her from being distracted while driving?:

She should have done her make-up before driving or wait until she arrived at her destination

Causes of skids

Slippery surfaces Accelerating too hard Braking too hard Steering too much or too quickly Entering a curve with too much speed

Preventing hydroplaning

Slow down when there is water standing on the surface of the pavement. Tires should be properly inflated and have adequate tread. Increase following distance, particularly when behind a large truck. Drive in the tracks left by any vehicle ahead.

What are three effects of distracted driving?

Slowed perception, delayed decision making and improper action

When driving at night, drivers need to leave more __________ than they would in the daytime.

Space

If a collision with another vehicle, a pedestrian or someone's property occurs, IT IS LEGALLY REQUIRED TO FOLLOW SPECIFIC PROCEDURES. These five steps should be taken in addition to anything required by your state law:

Stop immediately Aid the injured (if qualified, otherwise call for help) Prevent further damage Send for police Exchange Information/Reporting

3. Actions of the driver:

Sudden steering action on a slippery surface Abrupt or sudden changes in vehicle speed Panic stop or applying brakes too hard on hill, curves or slippery surfaces Most skids are caused by excessive speed, coupled with excessive steering input and/or improper braking when turning, or the same actions at normal speed on ice/ snow or on roadways covered by sand, gravel or water

The driver should have a good grip with both hands on the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock hand position. Drivers need to:

Turn the wheel 180 degrees (a half circle) in the direction of the turn. Counter-steer immediately by turning the wheel as much as possible in the opposite direction to turn the vehicle back toward the original lane. Turn the wheel back to the original straight-ahead position as the vehicle begins to return to the intended lane. These three movements must be made as one continuous, smooth steering response.

How can you check to see if the lights are working properly?

Use the reflection when parked behind a car or in front of a garage door

What is the sight distance rule?

We have to be able to stop in the distance we can see

Having failed to detect early warning signals, how should the driver respond?

While there is no one way to handle a particular skid, there are guidelines that can be applied to help control skidding. Basic rules include: Determine which wheels, front or rear, have lost traction. Visually target an open path of travel, do not look at object toward which the vehicle is sliding. Release accelerator or brake pedal, whichever the driver is applying, to regain vehicle balance. Steer toward open path of travel as long as vehicle is in motion. Jabbing brake may be necessary to aid in case of front wheel loss of traction, but only after rolling traction has been reestablished. Progressive acceleration may aid a rear wheel loss of traction to allow rolling traction to regain control.

PA Collision Reporting Laws

You MUST call the police if any of the cars has to be towed, someone is injured, or a death has occurred. It is to your benefit, but you do not have to call the police if you are in a "fender bender." If you leave the scene of a crash involving death or personal injury you will be charged with a 3rd degree felony. If you leave the scene of a crash involving damage to attended vehicle or property you will be charged with a 3rd degree misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $2500 and prison for up to 1 year. If you crash in to an unattended vehicle or property you must try to find the owner and if you can't find the owner you must leave a note with your contact information and insurance information. The penalty for not leaving your information is a $300 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

Evasive action

a quick change in speed or direction to avoid a collision

Tire blowout

a rapid deflation of air from the tire. If a front tire blows out, the vehicle will pull sharply in the direction of the blowout. If a rear tire blows out, the vehicle will wobble and shake and pull some in the direction of the blowout.

What can you do to prevent distractions either before or while driving?

adjust everything before driving

ABS

anti-lock braking system designed to keep a car's wheels from locking when the driver brakes hard or abruptly, or applies the brakes on a slick surface

Door ajar light

comes on if a door(s) is not closed properly, check all doors immediately, but do not check while driving.

1. Take the pledge

commit to being a safe, distraction-free driver. Keep the pledge form in your car or locker as a reminder to stay off the phone when you're driving.

Accelerator failure

could be caused either by a broken spring or the pedal getting stuck in the down position. In either case: Shift to "neutral" (the engine may race but no harm will be done) Search for an escape path Steer smoothly and brake gently Pull off the roadway Turn off the vehicle Have the pedal repaired at a service center before driving again

Brake failure

could be complete loss of brakes or only failure of the power brakes. If the brakes quit working: Rapidly pump the brakes (may regain brakes) Shift to a lower gear If pumping the brakes doesn't work, apply the parking brake Release the brake if the wheels lock. Reapply the parking brake if needed. Find a "soft" crash area If power brakes fail, the car can still be stopped with more pressure on the brake pedal.

Engine failure

could happen when the engine quits running completely or becomes flooded or overheats

Engine failure

could happen when the engine quits running completely or becomes flooded or overheats. If the engine just shuts off while driving: Shift to neutral Look for an escape path DO NOT BRAKE HARD Pull off the roadway (brake gently but with more pressure on the pedal) Stop, try to restart the engine If unsuccessful, raise hood and turn on emergency flashers

Glare

difficulty seeing in the presence of bright light such as direct or reflected sunlight or artificial light such as car headlights at night

What is the biggest cause of teen crashes?:

distracted driving

Check engine light

monitors operation of fuel, ignition, and emission control systems. This light should come on when the ignition is on, but the engine is not running. If the light does not come on, have the system fixed right away. If the light stays on or it comes on while driving, the computer is indicating there is a problem, repair in a reasonable time.

Keep headlights clean

mud and dirt splashed by other cars can cover the driver's headlights, which can reduce headlight effectiveness. Clean them periodically to restore their effectiveness.

Counter-steer -

once the car starts turning, it will continue past the intended direction. Turn the steering wheel back in the opposite direction just before the vehicle lines up with the intended path.

Alternator/Generator warning light or gauge

the vehicle's electrical system is in trouble if this light comes on or the gauge shows "discharge" while the engine is running. Discharge occurs when the alternator is not generating enough electricity to charge the battery. Be aware that if this happens, the engine must use electricity stored in the battery. Turn off as many electrical devices as possible (i.e., the radio, heater/AC, etc.). Caution: Have this checked without delay. If the battery is drained, the car can shut off.

Countersteer

to turn the steering wheel back in the opposite direction in order to maintain or regain directional control of the vehicle

Sight distance rule

- the driver has to be able to stop in the distance she/he can see. Precautionary measures should be taken as soon as any of the initial conditions become evident. In most instances torrential rains are of short duration. The snow storm-induced whiteout could cover a much greater area. In both situations: Continue to reduce speed to limits imposed by visibility, but do not stop in travel lane or on shoulder near road* Turn headlights to low beam Turn on emergency flashers Maintain center lane position Turn on windshield wipers** Be alert for vehicles stopped in roadway Be prepared for effects of gusting or strong steady crosswinds Make steering, acceleration and braking actions gently and smoothly

Audio and navigation systems

Adjust vehicle controls before you begin your trip, take advantage of normal stops to adjust controls. Minimize any adjustment to the audio or navigation system while driving. Ask passengers to adjust controls or input navigation information. The audio system's volume should be put at a level that always permits the driver to be fully aware of any warning sounds in the traffic environment.

Potential distractions regarding audio and navigation systems

Adjusting the vehicle's audio controls or navigation tools - Research shows that young drivers are especially susceptible to becoming distracted while attempting to adjust their vehicle's audio controls. - Adjusting any vehicle's audio controls almost always involves the driver reaching for a knob or button. Often, this action requires that the driver's eyes be diverted from the driving scene for some period of time. - Moving one's eyes and having to refocus on the shorter distance between the eyes and the dash or steering wheel, even for a short time, can result in a complete discontinuation of visual feedback from the driving scene. Setting the audio system volume too loud A driver could miss out on important information that is obtained through the ears, including: emergency vehicle's sirens, horns or screeching tires.

During an under-steering or sliding condition (front-wheel lock-up), the ESP system applies the brake to which wheel?

Answer: The inner rear wheel

During an over-steering or skidding condition (rear-wheel lock-up), the ESP system applies the brake to which wheel?

Answer: The outer front wheel

What may you notice when using ABS brakes?

Answer: You may hear a noise and feel the pedal vibrate

What is the primary task of ABS?

Answer: accident avoidance

If hydroplaning occurs

Ease off the accelerator gradually, decrease speed until your tires regain traction. Do not brake until traction has been restored. Steer no more than necessary, continue to look and steer where you want to go

Sources of glare:

Oncoming and following vehicle headlights Dirty windshield Paper on dashboard Snow-covered landscape The sun at dawn or dusk (ahead or behind) Flashing advertisement signs Rain amplifying glare Flood lights on businesses next to roadway Failure to dim own headlights in fog

Outside distraction

One that occurs outside the vehicle, i.e., crash scenes, objects in roadway, police vehicle, billboards, etc.

Potential Distractions Outside the Vehicle

Outside traffic - vehicle swerved, turned in front of, changed lanes, slowed or stopped, encroached on lane Crash scenes / rubbernecking Animal in or near roadway - deer, dog, other animal Road construction People / objects in roadway - child in road, people walking, basketball game, crowd, broken glass, garbage can, etc. Other vehicles Police - someone pulled over, someone being chased by police, officer directing traffic, someone thought they saw police Reading billboards or other road advertisements Sunlight / sunset Other - waved ahead by driver, another person or driver, parachutes in sky, bicycle, toll booth, bush obstructing vision, tire blowout, etc.

Fog

People involved in multi-vehicle crashes in fog often state that they had driven through patches of light, drifting fog in the area, but nothing serious and had continued to travel at the prevailing speed. Suddenly it was impossible to see, they had braked hard, only to run into a vehicle stopped in the road ahead or to be rear-ended. The correct response would have been to reduce speed as soon as they were aware of drifting fog.

Name the two types of distractions?

Physical and mental

What are some distractions discussed in the video?:

Putting on make-up, eating, reading directions, changing radio or CD, using a cell phone

If driving in drifting fog:

Reduce speed Make sure headlights are on low beam to reduce reflected glare Turn on windshield wipers Turn on defroster or air conditioner

How can texting impact driving?

Requires the driver to both look at the phone and manipulate the keypad with one's hands, involves manual, visual and cognitive distraction simultaneously, unable to complete search, evaluate and execute properly

Distraction

Results when a situation, event, object or person draws a driver's focus away from driving.

Traction loss

The causes of traction loss (skidding) can be divided into three categories:

Traction loss identified through feel of the vehicle

The first indication of traction loss should be sensory stimulus generated by bodily movements and tensions, rather than sight. By the time a driver is visually aware that the vehicle is not headed in the desired direction or sliding rather than stopping, the situation is typically more difficult to correct. Early detection begins with proper seating, safety belt snapped tightly and grasping the steering wheel firmly with fingers rather than the palms of the hands. This position allows the vehicle to more readily communicate changes in motion to the driver. When seated in this manner, employing an aggressive visual search to detect conditions that could reduce available traction should require minor corrections of accelerator, brake or steering wheel to bring the vehicle back to the intended path of travel.

Traction

Traction or adhesion is the grip between the tires and the road surface that allows a vehicle to start, stop and/or change direction. Reduced traction increases the risk of skidding, loss of control and a collision.

Suspension control

adjusts vehicle balance at struts or shock absorbers through adjustment of fluid or air pressure when too much weight is suddenly transferred to a given shock or strut.

Improved door latches and locks

are designed to stay closed under the most severe conditions, unlike door fasteners of the early 1960s that resembled the fasteners found in the interior of the typical home, and generally flew open in a crash.

Active passive integrated approach system (APIA)

combines both active and passive safety equipment to help drivers maintain control and avoid crashes. This system relies on data interchange between active and passive safety systems that collect information on the activities and inputs of the driver, the behavior of the vehicle, and the status of the driving environment. For example, when a vehicle with APIA is not a safe distance away from a vehicle ahead, the system warns the driver with a visual message displayed on the instrument panel or a vibrating pedal. If the vehicles approach closer, seat belts are tightened and side windows are closed and the system actively applies light pressure on the brakes.

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

compares where a driver is steering the vehicle with where the vehicle is actually going. When ESP senses a disparity between the two, it selectively applies any one of the vehicle's brakes to reduce the discrepancy and help the driver retain control and stability. This program can help prevent conditions that lead to a rollover.

Adjust your speed to the reach of the headlights

do not overdrive the headlights, compensate for reduced visibility by increasing following distance to four or more seconds and decreasing speed

Visibility Limited by Rain and Snow

do not overdrive the headlights, compensate for reduced visibility by increasing following distance to four or more seconds and decreasing speed

2. Speak up

don't stop at being a great driver, be a great passenger. Make sure to call out your friends, and even your parents, if you see them using a cell phone or being distracted behind the wheel.

3. Spread the word

get involved in promoting safe driving in your community. Hang up posters, host an event on distracted driving or start a NSSP (National Student Safety Program) chapter at your school. For more information go to: http://www.adtsea.org/adtsea/NSSP%20Home%20Page.html

Headlights

have undergone dramatic improvement in terms of level of illumination, focus and reliability over the past 15 years.

Under-inflated tires

if tires are improperly inflated or worn, hydroplaning can occur well below 50 mph.

Tempered glass

in motor vehicles has literally eliminated the facial disfigurement associated with partial ejection through laminated plate glass formerly used in windshields.

Traction control

is designed to activate brake sensors which do not allow the wheels to spin. The process is basically the reverse of anti-lock brakes. The device allows acceleration input without loss of vehicle balance.

Hydroplaning

is when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road and ride on top of a film of water.

Slowed perception:

may cause drivers to be delayed in perceiving or completely fail to perceive an important traffic event.

Crumple zones and side impact panels

protect occupants by allowing structures to collapse at different rates, reducing the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment or spreading forces over a wider area.

Keep your eyes moving

search the darkened roadway ahead and the edges of the lighted area, as well as the middle

Text messaging

the common term for sending short text messages from cell phones.

Execute

the driver must execute or perform his/her decision

Search

the driver must search for what's going on in the driving environment

Evaluate

the driver must use the information gained through perception to evaluate what to do about a particular situation

Signs of hydroplaning

this is the most difficult loss of traction for a driver to recognize Water standing on the roadway. Raindrops that bubble as they hit the surface of the road. A slushing sound made by tires on the pavement. A sensation that the steering wheel is loose, or has become disconnected from the front wheels of the vehicle. Drivers may not realize their car is hydroplaning until they try to turn or stop, and they find the car will not respond. A vehicle ahead that is not leaving a track is hydroplaning.

Turn on the defroster

to help remove ice and condensation from the windshield and windows turn on the defroster and blowers, move the heat control to hot and allow the engine to warm up. Use the air conditioner to reduce the humidity level.

Anti-lock brakes

which are designed to allow steering and simultaneous braking without losing vehicle balance. Anti-lock brakes do not necessarily shorten stopping distance on dry pavement, but generally shorten stopping distances on wet surfaces where traction loss can be a serious problem.