Chapter 3: Learning to drive: everyday driving skills

how to turn with steering wheel

"hand-over-hand" method: driver reaches across the steering wheel to grasp the opposite side and pulls the wheel over the top, repeating as needed. "push-pull" method: one hand pushes up on the steering wheel while the other hand slides to the top and hen pulls the wheel down

When to allow a longer following distance

1) if roads are slipper, wet, not paved 2) the driver behind you wants to pass 3) you are following a driver whose rear view is blocked 4) if you are following a large vehicle who is blocking your view 5) approaching slow moving vehicles (such as bicycles) 6) following school buses, taxis, public, and private busses and trucks transporting hazardous substances 7) You are driving downhill 8) you are stopped on an uphill

braking suddenly

Know how to use anti-lock braes Without ABS, press and release the brakes repeatedly. Pumping the brakes will slow your vehicle and keep it under control. With ABS, maintain firm and continuous pressure on the brake, your vehicle will not skid. Do not pump the brake pedal.

If your vehicle starts to skid:

Look and steer in the direction you want to go. If the rear of your vehicle is skidding to the left, turn the wheel to the left. IF the rear of your vehicle is skidding to the right, turn the wheel to the right. When you steer to correct a skid, another skid may result in the opposite direction, but the second skid will not be as bad as the first. Be ready to stop the second the same way. When skidding, do not use your brakes. You risk losing all steering control.

Turning right in an intersection

Look left, straight ahead, right, and then left again to make sure there is no traffic coming. Allow a gap of about eight seconds between you and any vehicle approaching from the left

Turning Left at Intersection

Make sure you have a clear gap to turn in front of oncoming traffic and traffic on the cross street is stopped. If you are turning from a minor onto a major street, allow a 9-second gap between you and any vehicle approaching from the right. Never start a left turn until you can see all the lanes you need to cross are clear, and you can safely make the turn.

flooded roadways

Six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or truck and can float some small vehicles. Two feet of water will carry away most vehicles, including SUVS. If there is moving water on the road, the safest thing to do is find another route. It is against the law to drive around or through signs or traffic control devices that close a road or highway due to hazardous conditions. If you get stuck in floodwaters, quickly get out of your vehicle and move to higher ground.

Foggy conditions

Slow down enough so you can stop safely within the distance that you can see AND turn on your low beam headlights (and fog headlights_ so others can see you).

jughandle

Some roads in busy, commercial areas have a physical barrier dividing traffic moving in the opposite directions and signs at the signalized intersections saying NO LEFT TURN or NO U-TURN and ALL TURNS FROM RIGHT LANE. In this situation, the road maybe designed with jug handles for making left turns. Instead of making a left turn directly across oncoming traffic, you will use a right turn lane curving back to intersect the major road at a traffic light then turn left.

braking

Unlike the hydraulic brakes on vehicles, trucks and buses may have air brakes and take longer distances to stop. A loaded truck with good tires and properly adjusted brakes, traveling at 65 mph on a clear, dry roadway requires a minimum of 600 feet to come to a complete stop (compared to the stopping stance of 400 feet for a passenger vehicle. It is essential to refrain from entering a roadway and if you are turning off of the roadway, to avoid changing lanes in front of a large vehicle.

work zone fact

every year in the US, about 40000 people, including highway workers and motorists, are injured or killed as a result of vehicle crashes in work zones. Carelessness and speeding are the main causes of traffic fatalities in work zones.

92 percent of all crashes and 93 percent of all deaths resulting from crashes are associate with four crash types:

hitting a stationary object crashes where roads intersect rear-end collisions head on collisions

when is turning right at a red light permitted

if there is not a no turn on red sign

when are u-turns permitted

if they can be made without endangering other traffic, drivers should be at least 500 feet away from you and can see you clearly

When to use emergency signals

if your vehicle breaks down on the highway: Signal, pull off the highway, put on four-way flashers, lift your hood

teen crash fact

improper or careless turning is a common cause of crashes among new, young drivers. In 2017, improper or careless turning was a factor contributing to 459 crashes involving drivers age 14 in PA.

this orange triangle means

it is displayed on te back of farm tractors and horse-drawn vehicles designed to operate at 25 mph. Stay a safe distance back, and do not honk to pass.

Tips for snow squalls

snow squalls happen on clear driving days when an intense snow burst reduces visibility to near zero and slickens the roadway in a matter of seconds. 1. Monitor: Watch the forecast when you plan to travel. 2. Plan: Adjust your travel plan by either time, route, or both to avoid squalls. Interstates are at greatest risk. 3. Avoid: If you see an approaching squall, exit the roadway and wait for the squall to pass. 4. Caution: exercise extreme caution by slowing and activating hazard lights for increased visibility. Do not slam on your breaks. If you are involved in a collision, stay in your vehicle.

negotiating intersections

the law does not give anyone the right-of-way at intersections; it only says who must yield. Never insist on having the right-of-way; it may result in a crash.

To turn left on multi-lane streets and highways, you should start from:

the left lane

to turn right on multi-lane streets and highways, you should start from:

the right lane

watch for:

vehicles and people who enter the road ahead of your and may be moving much slower a vehicle that has slowed or stopped ahead signs warning of danger ahead signs telling you about places ahead

You can pass on the right when:

when a vehicle ahead makes a left turn or driving on a roadway with two or more marked traffic lanes in each direction

When to use your horn

when pedestrians or another driver does not se you or when you loose control of your vehicle

whe u-turns can't be made

when there is a no u-turn sign driving on curves driving to the crest of a hill

snow plows

don't pass them, they have low visibility

Snowy conditions (6 points to remember)

1. Clear all the windows, hood, trunk, and roof of your vehicle before starting to drive in the snow. 2. Clear your headlights, taillights, and directional signals of snow, ice and dirt. 3. Let the engine warm up before you start driving. 4. Use your windshield wipers to keep your windshield as clear as possible. 5. Keep the defroster on to clear steamed windows. 6. Turn on your low beams, even during the daytime.

the laws governing who must yield: (6)

1. Drivers must yield to pedestrians when they are a) crossing an intersection without a traffic light, b) crossing the roadway in marked crosswalks, c) walking on a sidewalk crossing a driveway or alley, d) when the driver is turning a corner and pedestrians are crossing with the light, e) always yield to any blind pedestrian carrying a white cane or being led by a guide dog. 2. drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight ahead. 3. Drivers entering a circular intersection must yield the right-of-way already in the circle. 4. when two vehicles approach or enter an intersection from different roadways at or about the same time, drivers coming from the left must yield to vehicles coming from the right. 5. A vehicle entering a public highway from an alley, private road or driveway must wait until the main road is clear. 6. At a four-way stop, all vehicles must stop. The first vehicle to reach the intersection should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. If facing one another both can proceed with caution, watching for possible turns.

If your vehicle drifts off of the pavement onto the shoulder:

1. Ease off of the gas pedal to slow down when your two wheels on the right side both go off of the pavement. Do not brake suddenly. If you must brake to avoid a hazard on the shoulder, use gradual, controlled braking to avoid locking the wheels. 2. keep a tight grip on the steering wheel, and steer parallel to the roadway with two wheels on the roadway and two wheels off (straddling the drop off edge). Keep the tires from scraping the edge of the pavement. Stay calm and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel. A soft or wet shoulder will pull your vehicle to the right. Do not steer sharply, trying to get back on the road. 3. Continue to slow gradually until you are traveling very slowly - less than 25 mph and preferably closer to 10 mph - and you have your vehicle under contorl. 4. Check for traffic approaching from the rear in the lane you will reenter. Turn on your left turn signal. 5. Gently steer left to ease the right wheels onto the pavement, when it is clear. As soon as you feel your wheels come back onto the road, gently steer right to straighten out. 6. Speed up to match the flow of traffic once you are safely back on the pavement and in complete control of your vehicle.

changing lanes by step

1. Give proper turn signal. 2. Look into rearview and side mirrors. Do not depend on mirrors or sensors alone. Look over your right and left shoulder into the blind spots. Do not take your eyes off the road for more than a second. Check all lanes for roads with three or more lanes.

How to safely drive through curves

1. Keep slightly to the right of the lane center on right curved and in the middle of your lane on left curves. 2. The sharper the curve, the more you need to reduce your speed. 3. Look for traffic coming from the opposite direction. A speeder could easily stray into your lane. 4. Four guidance about how to steer your vehicle, scan ahead and look at the inside edge of the curve, if there are multiple curves, look at the inside edge of each curve as far ahead as you can see.

guidelines for passing

1. Look for signs and pavement markings that tell you when you can or cannot pass safely under normal driving conditions 2. Look ahead carefully before you start to pass and check for any dangers in the passing area, such as driveways from which a vehicle could enter the roadway during your passing maneuver. 3. Look in your side and rearview mirrors and quickly check your blind spots to make sure there are no vehicles about to pass you when you start to pass. 4. Before passing, make sure the passing lane is clear and give the proper turn signal to show you are going to change lanes. Signal early enough so others will know your plans in advance. 5. After passing, signal your plan to return to your lane. 6. Before you move back into the lane, make sure you can see both headlights on the front of the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror.

Guidelines to safely use center turn lanes

1. Put on your left turn signal three to four seconds before entering the left-turn lane 2. Do not get into the center turn lane too soon. 3. when you enter the center turn lane, enter it completely 4. Turn only when it is safe.

Guidelines for using a circular intersection

1. When approaching a roundabout SLOW DOWN and be prepared to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. 2. Pull up to the Yield Line, look to the left and check for approaching traffic within the roundabout, CIRCULATING TRAFFIC HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY. 3. Enter the Roundabout when there is an adequate gap in traffic. 4. Once you have entered the roundabout, proceed counterclockwise to your exit point. YOU now have the right-of-way. 5. As you approach your exit, use your RIGHT TURN SIGNAL 6. Watch for pedestrians in the crosswalk 7. Exit the roundabout.

backing up steps

1. check behind your vehicle 2. Do not depend on mirrors or sensors alone.

Managing speed

1. posted speed limits indicate the max safe driving speed under ideal road, traffic and weather conditions. The max speed in PA is 70; the max speed limit on interstate highways is posted at 1/2 mile intervals. The speed limit is 15 mph in school zones. 2. Slow down. Fuel consumption increases 5% for every five miles per hour driven above 60 mph. Rapid starts and hard stops can increase fuel usage by 40%. 3. Avoid driving during the hottest parts of the day. 4. Use the air conditioner when driving more than 40 mph 5. Use cruise control while driving on flat highways 6. Drive safely with following distance. 7. Use the Eco setting 8. Idling wastes fuel. 9. Drive less

guidelines for merging with traffic

1. put your turn signal on and look for an opening 2. accelerate up to the speed of traffic. 3. merge into the opening traffic. It is illegal to pass a vehicle ahead of you in an acceleration lane.

To complete a turn safely. . .

1. signal three to four seconds before your turn 2. position your vehicle in the proper lane 3. control your speed 4. complee your turn in the proper lane

crossing traffic guidelines

1. stopping halfway across a street is only safe when there is a turning lane in the center median 2. if you are crossing or turning, make sure there are no other vehicles or pedestrians 3. do not enter an intersection if there are vehicles blocking your way 4. do not pull out in front of an approaching vehicle with its turn signal on to enter or to cross a street. Wait until the other driver starts to turn before you go. 5. Use extra caution when crossing traffic with hills, curves, or poor visibility

When does the law require drivers to use their headlights?

1. when they cannot see because of insufficient light on gray days or in heavy traffic 2. when there are unfavorable atmospheric conditions. In bath weather, only use low beams. 3. When they cannot see pedestrians or vehicles for 1000 ft ahead 4. between sunset and sunrise 5. when driving through work zones 6. anytime your vehicle's wipers are in continuous or intermittent use dur to weather conditions.

Turning from or into a center turn lane traffic conflicts

1. when you enter the center lane to turn left into a driveway or cross street, you must watch for both oncoming vehicles in the center turn lane and vehicles turning from driveways and cross streets into the center turn lane. 2. when you ae turning left from a driveway or cross street into a center lane, you must watch for through traffic coming from you left, as well as for drivers who are already in the center lane preparing to make a turn from either direction.

look ahead ____ to ____ seconds or a ____ amount of blocks in a city

12 to 15 seconds or one block in a city

4 second rule

A 4-second following distance in "Area 1" of the space management diagram will allow you to steer or brake to avoid a hazard safely on the highway if the pavement is dry. If you are following too closely and the vehicle ahead of you stops or slows suddenly, you will be able to avoid a crash. Keeping a safe following distance will enable you to react to a problem ahead without the need for a panic stop, which could cause a following driver to crash into the back of your vehicle. To determine your following distance, watch the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you. When the bumper passes a road marking or a roadside object like a telephone pole, starting counting how many seconds it takes you to reach the same spot on the road. If you pass the marking or object in less than four seconds, you are following too closely.

Keep your vehicle where it can be seen. Be able to identify blind spots on diagram.

A blind spot is any place around a vehicle a driver cannot see without moving their head. Avoid driving on either side and slightly to the rear of another vehicle for a long time. Both positions are blind spots for the other driver. Either speed up or drop back to move out of the driver's blind spot. When passing another vehicle, get past the other driver's blind spot as quickly and as safely as you can. The longer you stay in the blind spot, the longer you both are in danger.

Weaving lanes on highways

A potential threat is posed by two drivers who want to use the same space at the same time. If you are a driver entering the highway, you must yield to the exiting driver. Entrance ramps for highways often have acceleration lanes. These lanes run beside main traffic lanes and should be long enough to allow you to accelerate to the speed of traffic before you enter the highway

Space cushions to the side

A space cushion to the sides, shown in "Areas 2 and 3", will give you room to react, if a other vehicle suddenly moves into your lane. These areas are your potential escape paths. Avoid driving alongside other vehicles on multi-lane streets. They block your view and close your escape route, and you are probably in their blind spot. Keep as much space as possible to the side of your vehicle and oncoming vehicles. Make room for vehicles entering the highways by signaling and moving to an inside lane, if it is safe. Keep space between your vehicle and parked vehicles. Someone may open a vehicle door or step out between parked vehicles, or a vehicle may pull out suddenly. If you do not have at least eight feet of space on one side of your vehicle to use as an escape path, you will need to allow more space to the front by increasing your following distance. You will usually drive in the center of your lane. But sometimes, you will find dangers on both sides of the road. There may be parked vehicles to your right and oncoming vehicles to your left. The best thing to do is to slow down and "split the difference" by steering a middle course between the oncoming vehicles and the parked vehicles.

Important points for railroad crossings

Always look left, right and then left again as you approach a railroad crossing. Do this even if the crossing is active and the signals are not flashing-- they may not be working. If you are stopped at a railroad crossing with more than one track, do not start as soon as the train passes. Wait until you have a clear view down both tracks before you start across. Even with one track, do not start across immediately after a train passes - check again for another train that may be approaching. Never try to pass someone as you approach or enter a railroad crossing. Do not blindly follow the lead of another vehicle crossing the tracks. If you are following another vehicle, check to make sure you have enough room to get all the way across before you drive onto the tracks. If traffic slows ahead of you, wait for it to clear before starting to cross. DO NOT EVER GET TRAPPED ON THE TRACKS. If you make the mistake of getting trapped on a railroad crossing and a train is approaching, quickly leave the vehicle and move as far away from the trakc syou can

Traffic flow

Always try to drive with the flow of traffic within the posted speed limit. When traveling in a pack of vehicles on the highway, you will often find yourself traveling in someone's blind spot. Reducing your speed slightly will encourage traffic around you to clear out. When facing more than one potential hazard ahead, fix only one traffic condition at a time. When approaching an emergency scene, you must move into a nonadjacent lane. If you cannot move over, you must reduce you speed to at least 20 mph

Notes about headlights

At nighttime, use low beams when you see another vehicle approaching within 300 ft. Daytime running lights are not enough for when headlights are required by law; tail lights must be illuminated as well. If someone has their high beams on coming toward you, flash your high beams quickly a few times. If they do not dim their lights, look toward the right side of the road to keep you from becoming blinded by their headlights. Do not try to punish the other driver by keeping your bright lights on. Use nighttime setting with rearview mirror if someone else's headlights are becoming uncomfortable.

Wet pavements

Be extra careful when you see signs that say SLIPPERY WHEN WET. Pavements can become very slippery in the first 10 to 15 minutes of a rain storm. The rain causes oil in the asphalt to come to the surface, which is worse in hot weather

buses

Buses are vehicles that also take up more room on a road than an ordinary vehicle. The same procedures should eb followed when sharing the road with a bus or truck

horse-drawn vehicles and horseback riders

Do not spook the horse by honking or passing in such a manner

teen crash fact 2

Driving on the wrong side of the road is a frequent factor contributing to crashes among 15- and 17-year-old drivers. From 2013 to 2017, there were 384 crashes and 15 people killed.

Be prepared for . . . On a circular intersection

Emergency vehicles — Do not enter the roundabout when emergency vehicles are approaching, pull to the side.. If you are in the roundabout, immediately exit the roundabout and pull to the side. NEVER STOP IN THE ROUNDABOUT Bicyclists— Bicyclists have the option to function as a vehicle or as a pedestrian when using a roundabout. When acting as a vehicle, they will follow the same rules. NEVER OVERTAKE A BICYCLIST ACTING AS A VEHICLE IN A ROUNDABOUT Pedestrians— Motorists must yield to pedestrians when entering and exiting a roundabout. Pedestrians will utilize crosswalks and splitter islands to cross each leg of the roundabout.

train crash fact

Every hour and a half, a train collides with a vehicle or a pedestrian in the US. You are 40 times more likely to die in a crash involving a train than you are in a crash with another vehicle.

if another vehicle is approaching head-on in your lane

First, honk you horn to attract attention. If the other driver does not move over, try to escape to the right, if possible. If you swerve left and the other driver corrects at the last instant, you will still crash. If a collision is unavoidable brake firmly and steadily. Every mile per hour you slow down will reduce the impact.

Exiting highways

Get in the proper lane for exiting well in advance. Do not slow down until after you have moved into the exit lane. If you miss your exit, take the net one. Do not stop or back up on the highway. Do not swerve across several lanes to try to make the exit. Do not cross over the median to try to turn around. These maneuvers are illegal and can be extremely hazardous to your health and safety. Exit ramps have a warning sign to let you know the maximum safe speed.

Using the steering wheel

Get into the habit of holding the steering wheel as shown. Keep your thumbs along the face of the steering wheel instead of gripping the inside of the rim.

If you have a tire blowout:

Hold on to the steering wheel tightly Stay off of your brake. Braking after a blowout will cause you to skid and lose control of your vehicle. Slowly take your foot off of the gas pedal. Steer where you want to go, but steer smoothly - do not make large or jerky steering actions.

hydroplaning

Hydroplaning happens when your tire lose their grip on the road and ride like skis on a film of water. The faster you drive on a wet roadway, the less effective you tires become at wiping the water from the road. What to do when you hydroplane: 1. Keep both hands on the steering wheel. 2. Slowly take your foot off the gas to let your vehicle slow down. Do not slam on the brakes or ry to turn suddenly. 3. Turn slowly and only as much as necessary to keep your vehicle on the road. 4. If you have to use your brakes, brake gently.

signaling when slowing down or stopping by. . .

If braking where other drivers may not expect it, quickly tap your brake pedal three or four times. If you drive below 40 mph on a limited access highway, use your hazard flasers to warn drivers.

Parking

If the street you are on has a curb, park as close to it as you can, but no more than 12 inches away. If it has no curb, pull as far off the roadway as possible. When you must park on the roadway, use your four-way flashers and give enough room to passing vehicles. Make sure your vehicle can be seen at least 500 feet in both directions. Always park in the direction traffic moves. Make sure your vehicle cannot move. Set your parking brake and shift to "Park", if your vehicle has an automatic shift or to "Reverse" or "First" if your vehicle has a manual shift. If you are parked on a hill, turn your wheels as shown in the diagram. When parking your vehicle on a downhill with or without a curb, you should turn your steering wheel so your wheels are completely to the right.

Keep a space cushion behind

In Area 6, a driver who is following you has more control over the clear space than you do, but you can help by keeping a steady speed and signaling before you have to slow down for a turn. If you see someone following you too closely (tailgating), move over to the right lane, if possible. If there is no right lane, you can encourage the tailgater to move around you by waiting until the road ahead is clear, then tapping your brakes gently to reduce your speed. Also, look for an escape path to the side when you are preparing to slow down or stop.

If your vehicle has brake failure:

In newer vehicles, a split braking system reduces the possibility of total brake failure. If you r brake system warning light comes on, you may have braking in two of the four wheels, probably one front wheel and one rear wheel. This will allow you to pull over to the side of the road or into the next service station. You will feel the brake pedal go down farther than usual before the vehicle begins to slow, and you will need to push harder on the pedal. Your stopping distance is increased, so be aware of where your vehicle is headed. Shifting to a lower gear will help you slow down.

teen crash fact 3

Intersections are places where teenage drivers have a high percentage of their crashes. In over one-third of the crashes involving 16-year-old drivers in PA, the teen driver was pulling out from a stop sign or turning left across traffic.

How to change a flat tire

Keep the tools you will need to change your tire in your vehicle at all times: spare tire, lug wrench, jack, screwdriver, flashlight, flares and reflective triangles, wheel wedges, flat tire repair kit, and reflective triangles 1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface that is away from traffic and as far off of the road as possible. 2. Apply the parking brake and secure the vehicle by placing bricks, wooden wedges, or wheel chucks at both the front and rear of any one of the remaining good tires. 3. If the vehicle has a wheel cover or a hubcap, carefully pry it off by using a screwdriver or the flat end of the lug wrench. 4. While the vehicle is on the ground, loosen the lug nuts by using the end of the lug wrench that fits the lug nuts of the vehicle. During this step, do not fully remove lug nuts from the lug bolts. 5. Place the jack on solid ground securely under the frame or suspension of the vehicle and/or by consulting the vehicle owner's manual for proper placement of the jack. Raise the vehicle with the jack until the tire is approximately 6 inches off the ground. 6. Completely remove the lug nuts and place them in a safe area (inside the wheel cover or hub cap works well). Remove the effective tire by grasping it with both hands and pull it straight and evenly off of the lug bolts. 7. Install the spare wheel/tire onto the wheel lug bolts and install all of the lug nuts by hand. After the nuts are correctly threaded on the lugs, the lug wrench may be used to tighten the nuts; but only minimal pressure (do not fully torque the nuts at this time) 8. Slowly lower the vehicle on to the ground, but do not remove the jack from under the vehicle at this step. 9. After referring to the vehicle operator's manual for the proper torque sequence and torque specs, tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench. 10. Secure the jack, tire/wheel, tools, and safety equipment in the trunk of the vehicle. If the vehicle has wheel covers or hub caps, the owner's manual should provide the instructions for installation. If the vehicle has center caps, place the center cap against the wheel and evenly tap it into place by using the heel of the hand. Verify the securement of the wheel or center cap before driving off.

if your accelerator sticks:

Keep yours eyes on the road. Tap the pedal a few times to see if it will spring back to normal, or you may be able to lift it with your toe, but do not try to free the pedal with your hand. Shift to neutral immediately and use the brakes, if the pedal remains stuck. this will cause your engine to race, but the power will be removed from your wheels. Concentrate on steering and pull off of the road when you have slowed down to a safe speed. Stop, turn off the engine and put on your emergency flashers. If you do need to slow or stop quickly, turn your ignition off. Do not turn it to lock because you will lose steering ability. Then apply your brake. It will require more effort to steer and brake with your ignition off.

Road rage

Never take your anger out on someone else on the road. Sometimes incidents of road rage are caused by simple misunderstandings. Never take it personally when someone cuts you off or pulls in front of you. Ignore the driver Do not retaliate. It is a serious distraction and less able to avoid a crash. Do not teach another driver a lesson. Make every attempt to get out of the aggressive driver's way. Do not block the passing lane. Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up. Avoid eye contact with a hostile driver. Ignore gestures, do not gesture back. Call 911 if needed. If an aggressive driver pursues you, do not go home. Drive to a police station, convenience stor or other location where you can get help and there will be witnesses.

backing crashes

Never try to ross behind a truck preparing to back up. Often, when a truck driver is preparing to back the ruck from a roadway into a loading area, there is no choice but to temporairly block the roadway. It is here that some drivers and pedestrians attempt to pass behind the truck rather than wait the few seconds for the truck to complete its maneuver. In passing close behind the truck, the driver or pedestrian enters the truck's No-Zone, and a crash may occur.

First decision when entering a highway is:

Not turning onto the exit ramp by mistake and have a head-on collision. Look for ONE WAY, DO NOT ENTER, and WRONG WAY signs

Passing a truck

On a level highway, it takes three to five seconds longer to pass a truck than a vehicle. On an upgrade, a truck loses speed, so it is easier to pass than a vehicle. On a downgrade, the truck's momentum will cause it to go faster, you you should increase the speed. When vehicles cut in too soon after passing and then abruptly slow down, truck drivers are forced to compensate with little time or room to spare Make sure there is plenty of space between your vehicle and any vehicle ahead of you in the passing lane so you are not trapped, if the truck begins to pull into your lane. Pass quickly without hanging in the truck's blind spot. Keep both hands on the wheel to deal with the effects of turbulence. You may want to stay to the left side of the passing lane. Complete your pass as quickly as possible, and do not stay to the left side of the passing lane. Complete your pass quickly and do not stay alongside the other vehicle. Be sure to move back only when you see the front of your truck in the rearview mirror. after you pass a truck, maintain your speed. Think twice about passing on curves where there is a great danger of error and a higher collision potential.

escape ramps

On long downgrades, there may be special escape or runaway ramps for trucks. These ramps are to be used only by large vehicles that are out of control or cannot stop because of brake failure. Never stop or park in the vicinity of these ramps.

Where you cannot park a vehicle unless a police officer tells you to do so or in emergencies:

On the roadway side of a vehicle already stopped or parked along the edge or curb of the street (double parking) on the sidewalk within an intersection on a crosswalk along or opposite any street digging or work area on any bridge or other elevated structure, or in a highway tunnel on any railroad tracks between roadways of a divided highway, including crossovers within 50 feet of the nearest rail at a railroad crossing at any place where official signs prohibit parking at any place where official signs prohibit stopping in front of a public or private driveway within 15 feet of a fire hydrant within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection within 30 feet of any flashing signal, stop sign, yield sign, or traffic control device located at the side of a roadway within 20 feet of a driveway entrance to a fire station where your vehicle would prevent a streetcar from moving freely on a limited access highway, unless official traffic control devices indicate you are allowed

Left and right turns

On two-lane, two-way streets or highways, make left turns from as close to the centerline as possible. Make right turns from as close to the right edge of the roadway as possible.

Oversized loads

Oversized loads are accompanied by pilot vehicles. Oversized load movements operate the same as tractor trailers and should be treated with the same rules as trucks. Most oversized loads operate within prescribed lanes; however, due to their excessive width, obstacles on the berm could cause them to cross the yellow or white line. Pilot vehicles are required by law to help warn motorists of oversized loads and/or slow moving vehicles. Pilot vehicles are required to have special signs and lights to help identify them as such, and drivers should be aware that when they are seen they are approaching an oversized vehicle. when you see these vehicles, please take extra caution.

Trucks turning

Pay close attention to truck turn signals. Truck drivers must make wide turns so the rear of the truck or the rear of the tractor-trailer can clear the corner or any other standing obstructions. Sometimes, space from other lanes is used to clear corners. To avoid a crash, do not pass until the turning action is complete. Again, pay close attention to turn signals. Trucks make wide turns. It may look like trucks are going straight or turning left when they are actually making a right turn. This technique - combined with blind spots alongside the trailer - makes trying to pass a turning truck a dangerous maneuver. Truck drivers can't see vehicles squeezing n between them and the curb. stay put, and give truck drivers plenty of room to turn.

safety rules for work zones

Plan your trip. You may avoid travel delays if you choose an alternate route around the work zone. Do not use your cruise control in work zones. Double your following distance; the most common crash type in work zones is the rear-end collision. Prepare to change lanes as soon as you see a message telling you your lane is closed ahead. DO NOT CROSS a solid white line in a work zone; stay in your lane. Proceed cautiously and keep moving at a safe speed as you drive through the work zone; do not slow or stop to watch roadwork. Do not stop within a work zone to ask directions from the workers. Obey flaggers -- their authority overrides conventional traffic control devices. Work zone flaggers can report unsafe motorists, speeders, and aggressive drivers to the police using a Police Arrest Form

When you hear a siren or see a vehicle approaching form any direction with flashing red lights or a combination of red and blue lights, you must:

Pull over to the curb or side of the road and stop Drive parallel and as near as the curb as possible. On one-way streets, drive toward the nearest roadside and stop. Stay clear of intersections. Start driving again after the emergency vehicle passes you, keeping at least 500 feet away from it. Make sure another emregency vehicle is not coming

When roads get slick. . .

Reduce your speed by 5 to 10 mph and increase following distance to five or six seconds. Slow down more on ice or snow covered roads. On packed snow, decrease your speed by half; on ice, slow to a crawl. Leave about 10 times more space than normal between you and the vehicle ahead. Apply brakes gently, ease off if you start to skid and reapply when you regain control. Do not use cruise control for wheel-spins. Avoid meeting other vehicles on slippery roads by adjusting your speed.

Move over law

Requires all motorists approaching stationary, authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or other emergency service vehicle with lights flashing MUST change into lanes which are not immediately adjacent to emergency vehicle (conditions permitting)—otherwise reduce speed & be prepared to stop

If you have an older vehicle and your brakes suddenly fail, you should:

Shift to low gear and look for a place to slow to a stop. Pump the brake pedal quickly several times. This will often build up enough brake pressure to stop the vehicle. Use the parking brake if pumping the brake pedal does not work. Hold the brake release so you can let off the parking brake, if the rear wheels lock, and you begin to skid. Keep your eyes focused on where you are going and look for a safe place to pull off of the road. Look for an open place to steer into, or steer into an uphill road. turn off your ignition as a last resort, if the vehicle still will not stop and you are in danger of crashing. do not turn it to the lock position because this will also lock you steering. Then, shift into your lowest gear. this could damage you transmission, so only do this as a last-ditch effort to keep you from crashing. After you have stopped your vehicle, call for help. Do not try to drive.

Teen Crash Fact

The most frequent crash type for 16-year-old drivers in Pennsylvania is a single-vehicle, run-off-the-road crash.

snow and ice

The traction of your tires on the road will be reduced. A thin layer of water n top of ice is more slippery than ice. Watch for "black ice"--a condition that occurs on clear roadways when a thin layer of ice forms due to dropping temperature. When the road looks wet but no spray is coming from the tires of other vehicles, "black ice" may be present. Under the law, motorists will face severe fines if snow or ice that falls from their vehicle causes injury or death to other motorists or pedestrians. Remove all ice and snow from your vehicle before traveling.

PASSENGERS IN AN OPEN-BED TRUCK

They may not be driven ar a speed of more than 35 mph. Such a truck may not be driven when a child under 18 is in the bed.

school buses

When a school bus is preparing to stop, its amber light will begin flashing. When the bus stops with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop at least 10 feet away from the bus whether you are behind it or coming toward it on the same roadway or approaching an intersection at which the school bus is stopped. Remain stopped until the red lights top flashing, the stop arm has been withdrawn, and the children have reached a safe place. There is only one exception to the school bus stopping requirement. If you area approaching a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended and you are driving on the opposite side of a divided highway, you do not have to stop. Reduce your speed and continue driving with caution.

A truck passing you

When a truck passes your vehicle, you can help the driver by keeping to the far side of your lane. You will make it easier for the truck driver if you reduce your speed slightly and then keep your speed steady. In any event, do not increase you speed while the truck is passing you. Trucks have much larger No-Zones on both sides of their vehicle than passenger vehicles. when you drive in these No-Zones you cannot be seen by truck drivers. If you are in a truck's blind spot and it begins to move into your lane, remain calm and take note of your vehicle's position relative to the front of the truck. Decide whether to speed up or slow down to avoid a collision. consider the shoulder as an escape route. When you meet a truck coming from the opposite direction, keep as far as possible to avoid a sideswipe crash and to reduce the wind turbulence between your vehicle and the truck. Remember, the wind turbulence pushes vehicles apart. It does not pull them together. Maintain plenty of cushion between your vehicle and any vehicle ahead of you.

sharing the road with bicyclists

When approaching or passing a bicycle, slow down to a safe speed. After you have passed a bicyclists, do not slow down or stop quickly. A quick stop could lead to the bicyclist crashing into your vehicle. Do not sound your horn close to bicyclists, unless you must do so to avoid a crash.

Changing lanes on highways

When you change lanes to pass a slower-moving vehicle on a highway, only change lanes for one lane at a time, use your turn signal every time you change lanes, and turn it on plenty of time for other drivers to see it. If you see a vehicle about to enter the highway from an on-ramp, a common courtesy is to change lanes to allow the driver to enter the highway more easily. Even though the entering driver is required to yield the right-of-way to you, such courtesy on your part keeps traffic moving smoothly. But, first, check to make sure it is clear around your vehicle. Another risk when driving on highways is inattention due to "highway hypnosis". This happens when you stare straight ahead at the roadway for long periods of time and stop actively scanning ahead, behind, and around your vehicle. If you "zone out" in this way, you are very likely to crash into traffic slowing r stopping ahead of you. Of fatal crashes on highways, 20 percent involve rear-end collisions. driver inattention and following too closely account for most of these crashes.

left-right-left rule

When you come to an intersection, look to the left first, because vehicles coming from the left are closer to you. Look to the right. Look again to the left before you pull out. You may see vehicle you did not see the first time you looked. Do not assume other traffic will always stop, even when there is a stop sign or signal.

sharing the road with pedestrians

Yield to pedestrians crossing at intersections and crosswalks Right turn on red means stop, look in all directions, and then turn when it is safe. Look for pedestrians, and allow ample time for them to clear the crosswalk. Always reduce speed, and use extra caution when children are in the vicinity. They may fail to understand the danger and may run out in front of you without looking. You must observe school zone speed limits and stop for school buses when red signals are flashing. School zones and school bus stops are locations with high concentrations of children. Be patient with elderly pedestrians and pedestrians with disabilities. they need extra time to cross a street. Before backing up, alwaus check for pedestrians in your path. Yield the right-of-way to blind pedestrians, whether they have a white cane or a guide dog or are being led by others When approaching a stopped vehicle from behind, slow down and do not pass until you are sure there are no pedestrians crossing in front of it. When pedestrians do see you it is never safe to wave a pedestrian into the line of traffic at any time and especially at unmarked or mid-locked locations

funeral procession

Yield to the vehicles in procession. Allow to procession to pass, do not cut in and out of the procession. All vehicles in a funeral procession must have their headlights and emergency flashers turned on and bear a flag or other insignia designating them as part of the procession. Drivers in funeral processions may proceed through a red light or stop sign. Funeral processions must yield to emergency vehicles.

sharing the road with motorcyclists and moped drivers

You must allow the motorcyclist/moped driver to use one complete lane. Most motorcycle/vehicle or moped/vehicle crashes happen at intersections. Usually, the vehicle turns left in front of a moving motorcycle/moped when the driver of the vehicle should have yielded the right of way. Do not assume a motorcycle/moped is turning when you see its turn signal flashing. A motorcycle/moped's turn signals may not turn off automatically, like a vehicle's. Do not pull out in front of a motorcycle/moped until you see it actually turning. Obstacles that may prove minor to a motorist can be deadly to a motorcyclist/moped driver. Be prepared for a motorcyclist/moped drivers to make sudden changes in lanes or speed as they attempt to avoid a hazard on the road. Allow the same 4-second following distance or more you would allow for vehicles. Increase your following distance behind a motorcycle/moped, when road or weather conditions are bad.

Hand signals

You must always use your turn signals at least 100 feet before turning if you are driving less than 35 mpg. If you are driving 25 mph or more, you must signal at least 300 feet. If your vehicles turn signals do not work, use these hand signals.

Driving at night points

You must use headlights properly. Clean headlights at least once a week

How to travel across an intersection with a two-way stop sign

You need about a six second gap in both directions to cross a 30 mph street or about a block of clear space to the right and left. At the stop sign, first look to the left, then look to your right for a safe gap, and then quickly check your left again before proceeding.

How to correctly turn left onto a divided highway

You need to cross the "first" roadway when there is a safe gap in traffic approaching from your left, and then turn left on the other side of the barrier, when there is a safe gap in traffic approaching from the right on the "second" roadway.

Passing on a two-lane road

You need to go about 10 mph faster than the vehicles you are passing. It is most dangerous to pass at night and are likely to experience a head-on collision

Areas 4 and 5

You need to know how close other vehicles are to your vehicle and how fast they are traveling. These areas are blind spots, always check them by turning your head before changing lanes.

exceptions to passengers in an open-bed truck rule

a child of a farmer who is being transported between parts of a farm or farms owned or operated by the farmer in order to perform work on the farm or farms a child employed to farm labor who is being transported between farms a child possessing a valid hunting license a child who is a participant in an official parade during the parade

following a truck

because of their size, trucks need longer distances to stop. However, a vehicle following too closely still may not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid rear-ending the truck. If you are following a truck, stay out of it' No-Zone. Avoid following too closely and position your vehicle so the truck driver can see it in their side mirrors. You will then have a good view of the road ahead, and the truck driver can give you plenty of warning for a stop or a turn. You will have more time to react and make a safe stop. When following a truck or bus, if you cannot see the side mirrors of the vehicle in front of you, the driver of the large vehicle cannot see you. Leave plenty of room between you and the truck when coming to a stop on a hill. Trucks may roll back as a driver takes their foot off of the brake. when you follow a truck or any vehicle at night, always dim your headlights. Bright lights from a vehicle behind will blind the truck driver when they reflect off of the truck's large side mirrors. 4 seconds are needed to keep you out of the truck's rear blind spot, and here's an easy method to compute the correct distance. As a truck passes a stationary object alongside the road, start countring. one thousand one, one thousdand two, etc. You should reach one thousand four just as your front bumper reaches the same object. If you arrive before one thousand four, you are traveling too close to the back of the truck.

Changing lanes includes these three things:

changing from one lane to another on a roadway entering a highway from an entrance lane entering the roadway from the curb or shoulder

looking behind is important for _____ _____

changing lanes

work zones

work zones are areas with construction, maintenance or utility work activities and are identified with orange channelizing devices, such as cones, or other temporary traffic control devices. You may encounter a flagger directing traffic and wearing reflective clothing. Warning signs, advance warning vehicles, or variable message boards may be placed a minimum of 200 feet approaching a work zone. When you see the first sign, pay strict attention to the road, vehicles, equipment, and people you could encounter. Some work zones are acommpanied by the Pennsylvania State Police. Moving operations, such as line painting, crack sealing, and mowing sometimes uses shadow vehicles at the back of the operation to warn motorists that there is a work zone ahead and also serve as protection to the crew. Do not pass a moving operation unless directed to. An active work zone is where workers are located on or near the roadway. Always watch out for construction workers and be prepared for abnormal conditions such as narrow lanes, rough pavement, uneven lanes, and abrupt lane shifts. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to workers and construction vehicles in work zones. By law, you must turn on your vehicle's headlights, not just the daytime running lights, when driving through these areas. You may be fined for failure to use your headlights in an active work zone. Also, fines are doubled for certain violations in active work zones, including speeding. In addition, certain violations will result in a driver's license suspension.

You may not pass if:

you are within 100 feet of any intersection or railroad grade crossing you are within 100 feet of any bridge, elevated structure, or tunnel you are approaching or are on a curve or a hill crest restricting your view of oncoming traffic you are on the shoulder of a multi-lane highway