Chapter 5 Drivers Ed
how are construction zones identified on highways and what happens to motorists committing a moving violation in these areas
-double fines identified in advance by an advance warning sign or flashing lights on a vehicle up to one half mile before the work area flaggers may control traffic and project personnel in the work area, redirect traffic from its normal path
highway hypnosis and how to prevent it
-trance like state after being behind wheel for a long time -may be avoided by not looking at anything for more than a few seconds -recommended: rest every 2 hrs or share driving with another licensed motorist
___% of driving decisions are based on what driver sees
90%
lane to merge and enter highway
acceleration lane
Accident prevention formula
be alert- never think another motorist will not make a driving mistake be prepared- learn what to do in any situation when you have to act fast, and always expect the unexpected act in time- try not to panic, know what to do if something happens
three tips for driving in snow/ice
before driving start engine and let it warm up gently apply brakes while driving slowly (find out how slippery road is) (find out how fast vehicle can go and stop safely) ABS- keep foot on brake pedal and dont pump brakes conventional disc and drum brakes- firm, steady pressure on brake pedal (Hit too hard the brakes will lock) If they do, release the brake pedal and then immediately reapply with slightly less pressure repeat with less and less pressure until vehicle is under control
what can a motorist do if they are a victim or witness of an aggressive driver
call (888)SAF-ROAD or cell phone #77
lane to slow down and exit highway
deceleration lane
What is the three second rule and how do you measure it
determines safe distance, choose fixed object in front of vehicle (make sure it is not distraction) and as vehicle in front of you passes, count three seconds before you pass the same object
if a vehicles wheels drift off the edge of the road (running off the pavement) what should you do?
do not try to turn back onto pavement right away bc that throws the vehicle off balance stay on shoulder and ease up on the gas pedal- vehicle slowed to 25 mph or less and turn back onto road by turning steering wheel 1/4 turn toward roadway, this allows the tires to climb the pavement edge and get back onto the pavement slow down, regain control, turn slowly onto road
what will happen to motorists who commits a moving violation in a 65 mph speed zone, construction zone and safe corridor zone
double fines for all and exceeding 65 mph limit bby 10 mph or more
list three driving tips for driving on wet roads/ surfaces
drive slow, stop/turn with care, three second plus rule should be increased to four or more seconds
miss exit do what
go to next one
how do drivers communicate on the road while driving
hand signals, horn, catch motorists' eye, quick flip of headlights from low to high to low at night, turn signals, stay in lane that shows where he/she intends to turn
12 second rule
he/she sees object far enough ahead so that it takes at least 12 seconds to get to it. while driving 25 miles per hr on clear road in city-- see about 1 block ahead heavy traffic, extra time to react is necessary (drive slower) in city, this pertains bc you must know whats ahead
if car has tire blowout when driving, what to do
hold steering wheel firmly, keep vehicle straight and gradually slow down remove his/her foot from gas, DONT USE BRAKES vehicles should coast to stop on its own as motorist pulls to safe area off the roadway
three things to do when nearing an intersection
if at middle of block, check intersections ahead for traffic controls when approaching/nearing intersection, reduce speed. glance left and then right, keep foot on brake when at crosswalk, a vehicle should be at its lowest speed. a motorist must decide whether to stop or go across. take quick glances around, if clear proceed to cross
What are most accidents caused by
motorist error, defensive drivers should never assume another driver will not make a driving mistake
if your car breaks down on the highway what should you do
on a highway with paved shoulders, signal and turn onto shoulder near or at traffic speed, slow down, where shoulder is unpaved signal a turn and slow down to safe speed before turning off and when pulled to the shoulder turn on parking lights or emergency warning lights, Never block tail lights at night by standing or working behind the vehicle. Day or night, put flare/warning sign behind vehicle and put another warning device at least 300 ftback (12o paces) raise hood the white handkerchief to antenna or left door handle as signal if help is needed
three things you should be alert for when driving in city traffic
pedestrians, movement of others/heavy traffic less-visible vehicles (bikes, mopeds, motorcycles, motorized wheel chairs, mobility-assistance vehicles)
what to do if car goes into a skid
rear end: take his/her foot off gas pedal handle a skid in both front wheel and rear wheel drive vehicles the same way if a steering wheel quick turned away from direction of skid, the vehicle could spin, to avoid a spin, turn in direction vehicle is skidding without over steering when skidding, look in direction he/she wants to go feel when vehicle is back under control and straighten wheels during a side skid, avoid using the brakes
if experience brake failure when driving what to do
shift to lower gear and pump brake pedal fast and hard several times, this may build up enough pressure to stop the vehicle if that doesnt work, parking brake should be used while holding the brake release, so the motorist can let up if the rear wheels lock and vehicle begins to skid vehicle in low gear- look for safe place to stop off roadway and call for help
why maintain proper following distance from other drivers when driving
so that he/she has plenty of time to react to emergencies enough room to stop or pass safely prevent accidents hit from behind
three factors to consider when driving at night
speed, reaction distance(distance traveled before hitting the brake) and braking distance (distance needed to completely stop the vehicle
Three characteristics of aggressive driving
speeding, improper or excessive lane changing, improper passing
if your car stalls while going over railroad tracks what to do
standard shift- motorist try to move it by running starter in low or second gear automatic shift- push vehicle off tracks if cannot be moved or train is coming, go far away from tracks as possible and call for help
if another vehicle passes, what should you do as a driver
stay in lane and slow down to make the pass easier for the other motorist, return to normal speed after the vehicle is well ahead
when driving in city traffic, you should drive more slowly and always be prepared to ____
stop
briefly describe the 1 car length formula as it pertains to following distance
stopping distance= perception distance + reaction distance +braking distance keep one car length back (about 20 ft) or each 10 mph of speed. high speed or bad weather, following distance increases
driver does not maintain a proper following distance from other drivers when driving
tailgating
why are driving distractions the leading cause of automobile accidents
tailgating, go too ast or drift out of their lanes ignore traffic signs and signals and road markings and potential traffic hazards and road conditions and other vehicles
How can your emotions affect the way you drive? If you are angry or upset, you should:
take time to cool off. can cause a progression of unlawful driving actions, such as speeding, improper or excessive lane changing, or improper passing (Road rage- causes accidents)
what should you do after drive though a deep puddle of water
test brakes by pumping them, dries brakes
at night you should adjust your speed and drive within___
the range of the vehicle's headlights (they give you vision to drive at night)
list 4 driving distractions a motorist should never do *add to this
watching children or pets in the vehicle, eating, shaving, adjusting radio or CD player
what factors determine drivers following distance
wet pavement, gravel, packed snow, ice
what is hydroplaning and when does this happen
wet road surfaces cause tires to hydroplane (ride up on film of water starting at 35 mph), causes motorists to lose control of vehicle, after 55 mph tires may totally leave the surface, makes turning and braking not possible, slow down do not drive on bald or badly worn tires, slow down when heavy rain, standing water or slush is present, in heavy rainstorm try to dive on highest point of road (ex; use center lane on a multiple lane highway, when avaliable)
when should you dim your beams from high to low when drivng on open country roads
when another car is coing
when are the roads most slippery during a rainfall and why
within first few minutes of rainfall and puddles