Chapter 14 Effects of Driver Condition

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.

not being able to distinguish colors

color blindness

ability to judge the distance between yourself and other objects

depth perception

narrow field of vision of 140 degrees or less

tunnel vision

ability to see things clearly both near and far away

visual acuity

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

Central vision, Fringe vision and Peripheral vision.

Your ________ allows you to judge the distance between yourself and other objects.

Depth Perception

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.

time your eyes need to regain clear vision after being affected by glare

glare recovery time

not being able to see well at night

night blindness

ability to continue seeing when looking at bright lights

Glare resistance

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.

Most collisions involving older drivers are caused by failure to _________.

Yield right of way

Carbon monoxide gas is present in the ________ of a vehicle.

Exhaust

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 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.

The part of your peripheral vision closest to you central vision is called

A-fringe vision B-tunnel vision C-depth perception D-side perception Answer is A

occurs when objects off to your sides become blurred and distorted as your speed increases

Speed smear

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 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.

A person who must be twice as close to an object to see it as clearly as a person with normal visual acuity has

A-20/20 vision B-20/40 vision C-20/60 vision D-20/200 vision Answer is B

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

Older populations struggle with slower reflexes, vision impairment and concentration issues. These populations can take precautions to drive when conditions are less congested and during a time of day that lighting is sufficient. Permanent disabilities-these drivers usually do not take unnecessary chances, they understand their disability and know that it may put them at higher risk. KEY-Know you have the disability, Admit you have it and Compensate for it.

Emotions influence driving because they...

A-cause you to drive fast B-change the way you assess risk C-change the way you make driving decisions D-both B and C Answer is D

The best way to prevent fatigue on long drives is to...

A-increase speed to shorten trip time B-wear sunglasses C-turn on the air conditioner D-rest before you start Answer is D

While driving, drivers experience the emotion of _______ more often than any other.

Anger

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. Think positively. Leave the police to punish. Be a model of good behavior. If you try to punish other drivers it may just aggravate other drivers through your action.