DMV Section 3: Safe Driving

alcohol affects your judgment and driving ability

your chances of being in a crash are 7 times greaters if you drive after drinking than if you drive sober.

for school business and residential areas the speed limit is

25 miles per hour

the speed limit for unpaved roads is

35 miles per hour

the speed limit for all other roads is

55 miles per hour

Hand Position

8-4 hold the stirring wheel with your fingers and thumbs. Avoid gripping with your palms

Drowsy Driving

Constant yawning, head nodding, heavy eyelids, difficulty remembering the last few miles driven, missing roads signs or exits, unplanned lane changes, driving off the road signs or exits, unplanned lane changes, driving off the road or hitting rumble strips are all signs of drowsy driving. driving while you are sleepy increases your crash risk as you struggle to process complexd information coming from different places at once. you may make careless driving decisions, have trouble paying attention or actually fall asleep while driving.

anti-lock brakes

If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, be sure that you understand how they work. Check your vehicle's owner's manual and practice braking before you go out on the road. Remember never pump anti-lock brakes.

light rail

There is a light rail train system in Norfolk called The Tide. Light rail trains share the road with motor vehicles and bicyclists, and they intersect with motor vehicle traffic at 27 locations along the 7.4 mile route. Stay safe when driving around The Tide by obeying the tips below. -pay attention to changing traffic patterns and always follor the roadway. -never drive around lowered crossing gates -always look both waqys before turning across train tracks -expect trains on any track at any time -never stop, pass or shift on train tracks -don't cross train tracks unless you have enough room to cross without stopping (on the tracks) and can clear the tracks to a safe distance.

You May Not Park

* beside another parked vehicle (double parking) * on crosswalks or sidewalks * in front of driveways * within areas where parking is prohibited by curbs painted yellow or No Parking signs * in a parking space reserved for disabled persons * on the hard surface of a road when no curb is present * within 15 feet of a fire hydrant * within 20 feet of an intersection *within 15 feet of the entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station * within 500 feet of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm * within 50 feet of a railroad crossing * in such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles in a designated traffic lane

perception time

The time it takes you to recognize a hazard

When driving a vehicle with a light to medium trailer attached...

-always allow for the added length of the trailer when you change lanes -if your trailer starts to sway, slow down -when backing up, plave your hand on the bottom of the sterring wheel. If you cannot see hwere are backing up, have someone outside to help guide you. To back the trialer to the left, use your right hand to move the wheel to the right.

Don't let this happen to you.

Concentrate. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times. Also, keep your body alert; sit straight, but relaxed. look in the direction that you want to go. set or adjust the controls on the vehicle and other devices as soon as you get in the car and before you begin driving do not use a cell phone anticipate the traffic and environment around you by searching ahead and checking your rearview mirrors often maintain a space cushion around your vehicle. make sure ther is enough room ahea of your vehicle and behind it

when aggressive drivers are behind the wheel, these high-risk drivers take out their anger on other motorists

their frustration level run high while their concerns for fellow motorists run low. they break the law by running stop signs and red lights, speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on th right (including on the shoulder and unpaved portions of the road), making improper and unsafe lane changes, as well as making hand and facial gestures, screaming, honking and flashing their lights.

low speed vehicle

these electrically-or gas-powered for-wheel vehicles have a maximum speed ranging from 21 to 25 mph. Low speed vehicles may be operated on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less by licensed drivers or learner's permit holders accompanied by licensed drivers. Low speed vehicles must comply with all federal safety standards and must meet Virginia's requirements for passenger vehicle registration and insurance coverage. Golf carts are not classified as low speed vehicles.

Stopping distance

three factors determine the distance that it takes to stop at your vehicle perception time reaction distance and braking distance perception time, reaction distance and braking distance are affected by weather, visibility, and your mental and physical condition. Braking distance is also affected by how fast your vehicle is traveling, the condition of your brakes and tires, and the pavement condition. For example, wet pavement came double your braking distance.

what can decrease intoxication

time coffee, cold showers, and exercise CAN NOT SOBER YOU UP

Wide Turns

trucks, buses and rvs sometimes need to swing wide to the left or right in order to safely make a turn. they can't see the cars directly behind or beside them. In fact, their blind spots may stretch up to 20 feet in front of the cab and approximately 200 feet behind the vehicle. Never try to squeeze between a truck, bus or RV and the curb or another vehicle.

Rear No-Zone

trucks, tractor trailers, buses and rvs have huge no-zones directly behind them. the driver can't see your car behind his vehicle and you can't see what's happening in traffic ahead of his vehicle. if the truck, bus or rv brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could crash into the vehicle's rear end. always maintain a safe following distance

parking down hill and uphill -- no curb

turn front wheel right

u-turns

u-turns are not legal everywhere. Before you make a U-turn, check for No U-Turn or No Left Turn signs. in business districts, cities and towns, u-turns are allowed only at intersections. Never make a u-turn on a highway when making a U-turn, turn on your left turn signal, stop, and yield for approaching traffic. When the way is clear, proceed into the outside or right hand lane traveling in the opposite direction

when driving in rural areas...

watch for hidden intersections and driveways, curves, hills and different road conditions. Watch for other vehicles, especially trucks, oversized and slow-moving farm vehicles, and bicycles.

looking ahead...

what help you identify risk early and provide you with more time to react. Expert drivers try to focus their eyes 20 to 30 seconds ahead. in the city the equals approximately 1 block. avoid staring at the middle of the road. scan from side to side, checking for traffic signs and signals, cars or people that might be in the road by the time you reach them

approaching Vehicles - opposite direction

when emergency vehicles approach you in the opposite lane on an undivided highway, you must pull over to the edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle passes

drivers need to change following distance...

when speed or road conditions change. Hand response time is close to a half second. Foot response time is normally three-quarters of a second. This does not take into account any delay in perception time as a result of the driver being tired, on medication, distracted, etc. Road conditions, speed, driver alertness, and even following vehicles of different weights all change the ability to stop.

turn signals

when you plan to change lanes, turn, or enter or exit a highway first give the proper turn signal. Using your turn signal, which is required by law, communicates your intended movement to drivers around you. Develop a good habit and use turn signals or hand signals even if no other traffic is on the road.

check from left to right and then left again before entering an intersection

whenever you reach a place in the road where other cars, people or animals may cross your path, look both ways to be sure it is clear. These include intersections, crosswalks, shopping centers, construction areas and playgrounds. At any intersection, look to the left first, since cars from the left will be closer to you. Then look to the right and take one more quick look to the left before you drive through

turning right

you must be in the extreme right-hand travel lane or a lane designated for right turns. you should signal at least three or four seconds, a hundred feet, ahead of the turn. if there is a red traffic light or a stop sign at the intersection, come to a complete stop before you make the turn. Turn into the lane closest to the curb unless pavement markings lead you otherwise, and then change lanes if needed.

left turns

you should be in the furthest left lane possible, turning into the left-most lane on the intersecting road, unless pavement markings lead you otherwise; or, unless multiple left turn lanes are provided. if multiple left turn lanes are provided, you should choose the lane that will best serve your once you enter the intersecting Road. you should signal at least three or four seconds, a hundred feet, ahead of the turn keep your front wheels pointed straight ahead until you are actually going to make the left turn. This prevents you from being pushed into oncoming traffic if another vehicle crashes into you from behind. ​

Without a curb

Turn the front wheels so that if the vehicle rolls, the rear of the vehicle will roll away from traffic.

Lights

Virginia law requires motorists to use headlights during inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow or sleet when visibility is reduced to 500 feet. You must use your headlights whenever you use your windshield wipers as a result of bad weather.

speed limit

a speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions. You may drive slower than the speed limit as long as you don't impede the normal movement of traffic but it is illegal to drive any faster. by law you must drive slower where signs indicate a school zone speed limit or work zone speed limit is in effect and or if conditions such as road construction or bad weather make the posted speed unsafe. ​

how the following distance rule works

glance at the vehicle ahead as it passes a fixed object, just as an overpass, sign, fence, corner or other fix mark begin counting the second it takes you to reach the same place in the road if you reach the mark before you have counted off two, three, or four seconds, depending on speed, you're following too closely. Slow down and increase your following distance for bad weather conditions, heavy traffic, poor pavement or if your vehicle is in poor conditions, add extra seconds to increase your following distance

Traffic Crashes

if involved in a traffic crash, you must: stop at the scene of the crash of as close to the scene as possible without blocking traffic. Drivers must move vehicle from the road immediately if the vehicles are able to be moved, no one is injured and the driver is capable of safely doing so. give any help you can if someone is injured. Do not attempt to move an injured person from a wrecked vehicle unless you have the necessary medial training or there is an immediate danger such as fire. report the crash to the police as quickly as possible. Motor vehicle crashes involving properly damage, personal injury or death must be reported to the police. exchange information with other people involved in the crash as soon as possible. be sure to get the following information. - name, address and driver's license number of other drivers -license plate number of other vehicle -name and address of anyone who was injured -name, address and insurance policy number of other vehicle owner. notify your insurance company immediately. law enforcement officers are required to foward a written crash report to DMV when a traffic crash results in injury or the death of any person or total property damage is in excess of $1,500. All crash information will be recorded on the DMV records of each driver involved in the crash you must make a reasonable effort to find the owner of an unattened vehicle or other property damaged in a crash. if you cannot locate anyone, leave a note that can be found easily at the scene of the crash. Include your name, telephone number, the date and time of the crash, and a description of the damage. you must also report the crash to the police within 24 hours.

maintaining a space cushion

space around your vehicle gives you distance to react in emergencies and avoid a crash. Create a space cushion around your vehicle I staying in the middle of your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead of your vehicle and behind it for other vehicles to pass or stop safely. use the two, three, and four second rule to determine if you are following far enough behind the vehicle ahead of you

Backing

the most common mistake that drivers make when backing up is failing to look both ways behind them. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. Back up slowly and checjk for pedestrians and approaching traffic by glancing, quickly to either side.

alcohol-related crashed are not accidents. they can be prevented

the only way to avoid the risks of drinking and driving is to decide before you start drinking that you are not going to drive. Remember, alcohol affects judgement. making the decision not to drive is a lot mor difficult after 1 or 2 drinks.

increase your following distance when driving...

- behind a large vehicle that blocks your vision - in bad weather or heavy traffic - when exiting an expressway - behind a motorcycle - when being tailgated

radar detector

illegal to use in Virginia.

drive to social events in groups

of two or more and have the driver agree not to drink.

Stopping

- at all stop signs, red traffic lights and flashing red signals - when entering the street or crossing over a sidewalk from a driveway,alley, building or parking lot - at railroad crossings with flashing signals - was signal by flaggers directing traffic - four pedestrians attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk - at the direction of a police officer. If you don't obey a law enforcement officer's signals to stop and the officer pursues you and is killed as a direct result of the pursuit, you will be guilty of a class 4 felony - at the scene of a crash in which you are involved in - When approaching a stop sign and the car in front of you proceed stopped at the sign and proceed when the way is clear ​

stationary (stopped) vehicles

- When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights on a highway , proceed with caution and, in reasonable with due regard for safety and traffic conditions changed to a lane not next to the vehicle. If you are unable to safely change lanes, reduce your speed and proceed with caution. Violations can result in court suspension of your driver's license and demerit points on your driving record - when passing stationary vehicles in the process of trash collection on a highway of at least four lanes, change to a lane not next to the vehicle, if you can change lanes safely. If on a highway of fewer than four lanes or if you are unable to change lanes, slow down to 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle. when passing a stationary mail Vehicles, proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions you may not park within 500 ft of where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm

yielding the right of way1

- yield also means to stop if you cannot merge safely into the flow of traffic - whoever arrives first at an intersection has the right a way to go first. - if more than one person arrives at a intersection at the same time the person on the left have to yield to the person on the right. - yield to funeral procession and military convoy ​

stopping for school buses

- you must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road, or school driveway. Stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again. - you must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading passengers and the signals are not on. - you do not have to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with a median or barrier dividing the road and the bus is on the opposite side of the median or barrier. However be prepared for unexpected actions by persons exiting the school bus.

pedestrians

-Be careful around schools,m playgrounds, and in residential areas where small children may be playing or crossing the street -look out for the elderly, who may have poor vision and hearing. Remember that the elderly and people with disabilties may move slowly. -be aware of pedestrians when making a right or left turn. They have the right-of-way. Allow pedestrians to completely across the street before beginning your turn -passing at a crosswalk is illegal. You may not see pedestrians crossings the road in front of other vehicles. -be alert for pedestrians at all times. Slow down and be prepared to stop.

Avoid drowsy driving

-get plenty of quality sleep before a trip -avoid alcoholic beverages and heavy foods. -beware of medication that can impair your driving ability. -limit long distance distance. stop at least every two hours for rest. -stop at a safe place and take a nap. As little as 10 to 20 minutes of sleep can make a big differnce if possible, drive with a companion and switch drivers when necessary. Always let a well-rested person drive. -avoid driving from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. rolling down a window, chewing gum, turning up the radio, or consuming caffeine, energy drinks or other stimulants do not prevent drowsy driving is a type of impaired driving and puts the driver and everyone else on the roadway at risk for harm. If you observe a drowsy driver, find a safe place to stop or ask a passenger to all law enforcement. be able to describe the location, vehicle and actions you observed.

Passing is unlawful and unsafe:

-on hills, curves, at intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction -off the pavement or shoulder of the road -when a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers on a public road (unless a physical barrier or unpaved median separates traffic going in either direction) or on a private road -when a solid line marks the left side of your lane When approaching a crosswalk in the vehicle ahead of you or the lane next to you is stopped ​

look behind

-use your rearview mirror to check traffic; this will alert you if someone is moving up too quickly or tailgating you -check traffic behind you when changing lanes, backing up, slowing down quickly, or driving down a long/steep hill

Motorcycles

Approximately half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve automobiles. Many crashes are caused by the motorist's failure to see a motorcycle in traffic. look for motorcyclists. In more than half of all crashes involving motorcycles and automobiles, the other driver didn't see the motorcycle until it was too late. Drivers are conditioned to look for four-wheeled vehicles; but they don't expect to see two-wheeled vehicles. A motocycle's small size also makes it difficult to see. Check your blind spots. A motorcycle's small size alls it to slip into your blind spot easily. Always check for motorcylces before you pull out, change lanes, turn, back up or proceed through an interesection. Never tailgae a motorcycle (or any other vehicle). Allow yourself plenty of braking distanve by adding an extra second to the following distance rule. In inclement weather, double this distance. Anticipate the motorcyclist's movements. Although a motorcycle is not as wide as the lane, the ride will use the entire lane as traffic situations and road conditions change. A slight change or debirs on the road surface can be a major obstavle for motorcyclist. Expect the motorcycle to make sudden moves within the lane. Never drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane. Yield to motorcycles. The small size of a motorcycle can cause you to misjudge the motorcycle's speed and distance. Before pulling out into traffic, check twice for motorcycles and use extra caution before you pull out in front of one.

Night Driving

At sunset: as soon as light begins to fade, turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise. Use low-beams: when driving in cities and towns, expects on streets where there is no lighting. Switch to low-beams whenever you meet oncoming traffic to avoid blinding the other driver. When following, use low-beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead. Use high-beam: headlights on highways, unless another vehicle is within 500 feet coming toward you. If the high-beams of an oncoming car are on, avoid looking directly at the bright lights. Glance toward the side of the road, then look quickly ahead to determine the other vehicle's position. Keep doing this until you have passed the other vehicle.Even if the other driver does not dim his headlights, do not turn on your high-beam headlights.

Yielding to Vehicles with Flashing Lights

Drivers must take specific actions when they see vehicles with flashing or blinking blue, red, yellow or white lights on roadways

sharing the road

Drivers share the road with many other users: pedestrians, bicyclists, moped and motorcycle riders, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles and other vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It is your responsibility to adjust your driving to avoid other drivers' mistakes and assure everyone's safety.

Hazardous Conditions

Driving becomes hazardous when visibility is reduced or when the road surface is covered with rain, snow or ice.Reducing your speed should be your first response to decreased visibility and dangerous road conditions. Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance (refer to the Maintaining a Space Cushion section for more information). Turn on your headlights.

distracted driving

Driving requires your full attention. There are many distractions that may prevent drivers from focusing on driving: changing the radio or CD, talking to passengers, observing outside surroundings, eating, using a cell phone and more. When on the road, drivers should not use cell phones, computers or other distracting devices except to report a crash or emergency. Before engaging in distracting behavior, pull over and stop the vehicle in a safe location. virginis law prohibits drivers under age 18 from using cell phones or any other wireless communication device while driving expect in a driver emergency or the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped. TEXT MESSAGING OR READING OF TEXT MESSAGES WHILE DRIVING IS ILLEGAL FOR ALL DRIVERS. Annually, driver distraction accounts for roughly 20 percent of all traffic crashes in Virginia. Why is distracted driving so deadly? because while the driver is distracted, the vehicle may move into a high risk situation. The driver then loses precious seconds before recognizing the situation and must make an emergency maneuever. Young distractd drivers are even more susceptible. Failure to maintain proper control, following too closely, and not yielding the right-of-way are common actions of young distracted drivers. Inexpierence in handling or controlling a vehicle during an emergency situation combined with distracted driving (cell phone use, other passengers, eyes not on the roads, etc) put them at greater risk of a crash.

tailgating is when the driver behind you is following too closely

If you find yourself in this situation, do not brake suddenly. If possible, move over to another lane, or gently tap your brakes to flash your brake lights and slow down. This should encourage the tailgater to pass you or slow down.

protect yourself

If you see an aggressive driver, stay out of the way. Don't challenge the aggressive driver by speeding up or trying to out-maneuver him. Avoid eye contact and ignore his gestures and shouting. Remember if you are convicted of aggressive driving, your license could be suspend for 10 days or for as long as 6 months

Mopeds

It is against the law to operate a moped faster than 35 MPH or on an interstate highway. Any person who operates a moped faster than 35 MPH is considered to be operating a motorcycle which must meet Virginia registration requirements. In addition, the operator would be required to hold a valid driver's license with a motorcycle classification or a driver's license restricted to operating motorcycles only. Moped riders must be at least 16 and obey all rules of the road. They must carry some form of government-issued photo identification (does not have to be a driver's license) that includes name, address and date of birth. As a driver, treat moped riders with the same care given to any other vehicle driver. Riders and passengers must wear helmets, and use eye protection if the moped does not have a windshield. The moped must be titled and registered with DMV. Although you do not need a driver's license to operate a moped. you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender and your license is suspended or revoked for driving while intoxicated.

hand signals, left turn

Left hand and arm pointing straight out

hand signals right turn

Left hand and arm pointing upward

drinking and driving

Legally, drivers age 21 or older are considered to be driving under the influence (DUI) if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 percent or higher. If your driving is impaired, you can be convicted of driving under the influence with a BAC lower than .08 percent. If under age 21, you can be convicted of illegal consumption of alcohol if your BAC is at least .02 but less than .08. If your BAC is .08 or higher you could be convicted of a DUI. If your driving is impaired because you are under the influence of any drug, you may face the same penalties as driving under the influence of alcohol. reseachers estimate that between the hours of 10pm and 2am three out of every ten drivers are drunk. more then 1/3 of these drivers have been drinking at someone else's house. Nearly 50% of the drivers arrested for DUI are social to moderate drinkers. Don't think that it won't happen to you. In your lifetime, there's a 50-50 chance that you'll be involved in an alcohol-related crash.

search for Clues on the road

Look for exhaust smoke, brake or back-up lights and turned wheels on vehicles. Clues like these warn that the vehicles may pull into your path. Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and other slow moving vehicles that may be in the road ahead.

Visibility

Most of what you do while driving depends on what you see. To be good driver, you need to know what to look for, where to look, and how to adjust to possible problems. The single biggest contributor to crashes is failing to identify a risk. Always know where other vehicles are positioned around you. You must look down the road, to the sides, and behind your vehicle. You must also be alert fo unexpected events, especially pedestrians and bicyclists. You must use your headlights at night and at other times when it's hard to see. You must be alert and pay attention to what is going on around you.

approaching Vehicles - same direction

Never follow an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet when its lights are flashing. When police, fire and rescue vehicles or ambulances approach you from behind your vehicle using a siren, flashing lights or both, you must immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

braking distance

The distance your car travels after you apply the brakes

reaction distance

The distance your vehicle travels between the time you recognize a problem and the time you apply the brakes

Light to Medium Trailers

These trailers are attached to mid-sized cars and trucks with safety chains and a trailer hitch. Large side mirrors are generally needed to increase visibility. Towing a trailer places additional stress on the vehicle; it takes the vehicle twice as long to pass, stop, accelerate and turn. Remember the No-Zones described under Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and RVs.

Aggressive Driving

This dangerous driving behavior is defined by Virginia law as the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person while committing one or more traffic offenses such as failing to stop or yield the right-of-way, avoiding a traffic control device or failing to give way to an overtaking vehicle.

Deer Hazards

Thousands of deer-vehicle crashes take place in Virginia each year, resulting in fatalities, injuries and costly vehicle damage. to avoid hitting a deer: -be alert at dusk and dawn especially in the fall -slow down if you see a deer near or crossing the road. deer freuqently travel in groups; there are likely more deer nearby. -use the horn to scare deer away -if a collision with a deer or other animal is unavoidable, do no swerve. brake firmly, stay in your lane, and come to a controlled stop. if you hit a deer, report it to law enforcement

Trucks, Tractor-Trailers, Buses and RVs

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and recreational vehicles (RVs) - including motor homes, campers and travel trailers - are longer, higher and wider than other vehicles. They accelerate slowly and require greater stopping and turning distances. Plus, there are danger areas around these vehicles where crashes are more likely to occur. These areas are called No-Zones. No-Zones on the side, front and rear also include blind spots where your car disappears from the driver's view. Learning the No-Zones can save your life.

Side No-Zone

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and recreational vehicles (RVs) have big No-Zones on both sides that are dangerous because these vehicles must make wide turns. These No-Zones or blind spots are much larger than your car's blind spots. If you can't see the driver's face in his/her side view mirror, then they can't see you.

Parking

When parking on a public road, move as far from traffic as possible. If you park on a shoulder, pull over as far on the shoulder as possible. If you park next to a curb, pull close to it. You may not park more than one foot from the curb. On a two-way street, park on the right side of the road. On a one-way road, park on either side.

Front No-Zone

You could get rear-ended by a truck, bus or RV if you cut in front too soon after passing the vehicle or if you cut in front and then suddenly slow down. The truck, bus and RV drivers would be forced to slam on their brakes. These vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars. A truck and its trailer may be as long as 65 feet and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front. And then, maintain your speed.

blind spots

are dangerous areas where vehicles around you cannot be easily seen. Before driving, adjust your vehicles mirrors. Make sure the inside rearview mirror frames the entire back window. Adjust both side mirror so you can barely see the size of your vehicle. the best way to see a car in your blind spot is by quickly turning your head and glancing over your shoulder twist sure the way is clear before changing lanes or passing another vehicle avoid driving in someone else's blind spot. This can be just as dangerous as not checking your own blind spot. Speed up or drop back; but, don't stay in the other driver's blind spot

following distance

at these posters fees and on dry surfaces, this distance, in seconds, allows the driver to steer and break out of a problem areas 2 seconds - under 35 mph 3 seconds - 35 to 45 mph 4 seconds - 46-70 mph

Changing Lanes

before changing lanes, check your side and rear view mirrors for traffic approaching you from behind. Then, use your turn signal to let your driver's know you plan to change lanes. Check for other drivers who also may be moving into the same lane. Just before you began moving into the other lane, quickly glanced over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spot whether you are changing lanes, passing, entering or exiting a highway, always use your turn signals and check traffic to the rear and sides. When driving on a multi-lane highway, stay in the right lane if you are driving slower than the traffic around you. The left lane is for passing only

bicycles

bicyclists are considered vehicles and have the same right-of-way as motor vehicles. Bicyclists are allowed to ride in the center of the lane, when necessary, such as when they are about to turn left or when the lane is too narrow to share side-by-side with a car. Bicyclists are legally allowed on all public roads expect interstates and most freeways (limited access highways). Bicyclists may also be riding in either direction on sidewalks. bicyclists are expected to obey the same traffic rules and regulations as vehicles drivers; however, some may not know or obey the rules. Slow down when you approach bicyclists. Using marked bicycle lane is prohibited by motor vehicles , including while passing. State law requires motorists to pass cyclists with at least 3 feet of clearance. Give them plenty of room when passing and be prepared to stop suddenly. Check your blind spots. A bicycle's small size allows it to slip into your blind spots easily. Always check for bicyclists before you pull out, change lanes, turn, back up, open the door, or proceed through an interestions.

when two vehicles are approaching each other at signaling to turn left...

both vehicles should turn in front of each other so that the passenger sides of the vehicles are beside each other.

help the driver behind you...

by maintaining a safe following distance and a steady speed. Tap your brakes to warn the driver behind you when you plan to slow down or stop.

1 alcohol drink

can affect your driving ability because even a small amount of alcohol affects the brain's functions- particularly vision, judgment, and cooprdination.

Passing

check the traffic ahead of you behind you and in your blind spot before you attempt to pass. Signal and then accelerate to pass. Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the pass vehicle and your rear view mirror. it is against the law to exceed the speed limit as you pass. complete the pass before you reach a No-Passing Zone. If you're still in the left lane when you reach the Zone, you're breaking the law you may pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing has signaled and is making a left turn. Be cautious because the vehicle you are passing may be blocking your view or blocking the view of other drivers. You may not pass on the right if you must drive off the pavement or main portion of the roadway to get around the other vehicle When approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left.

roundabouts

circular intersections and traffic circles with a circular island in the center, one or more lanes entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and to the traffic already in the circle all roads approaching the roundabout have yield signs or yield lines marking on the pavement you have to drive in a counterclockwise direction if you plan to turn right, stay to the right as you enter the roundabout. If you plan to go straight, you may stay in either lane (if it is a dual a circular intersection). If you plan to turn left, stay to the left as you enter the roundabout. USE TURN SIGNALS TO INDICATE WHERE YOU'RE GOING ​

When being passed....

don't speed up. Maintain a steady speed or slow down.

Rain

driving in heacy rain can be as hazardous as driving in fog especially if the wind is blowing. Other vehicles to the rear an in blind spots areas are epecially difficult to see when it's raining. use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. In light rain or drizzle, turn on your windsheild wipers to improve visibility; using wipers for sprinkles may smear the windshield and make it harder to see, so make sure you have windshield washer fluid. when rain begins, during the first half-hour, roads are mroe likely to be slipperly due to oil on the road surface mixing with water. When rain begins, during the first half-hour, roads are more likely to be slippery due to oil on the road surface mixing with water. Use caution when driving through ponded water and avoid it if possible. Ponded water can cause vehicles to hydroplane or otherwise lose control.

Fog

fog reflects lights and can reflect your own headlights back into your eyes. Use low-beam headlights in heavy fog and look for road edge markings to guide you. Even light fog reduces visibility and your ability to judge distances, so slow down.

Traffic Stop

if you are stopped by a police officer: -remain calm -pull your vehicle to the side of the road in a safe location and park. -turn on your flashers -if you are pullered over at night, turn on your vehicle's interior lights -turn off your engine, radio, and any other device that could block communication with the officer -roll down your window so that can communicate with the officer. an officer may approach your vehicle on the driver or passender side for safety reasons -stay in your vehicle. do not get out unless the officer asks you to -keep your hands in plain view, preferably on the steering wheel. ask your passengers to keep their hands in plain view also. -do not make any movement that will make the officer think you are hiding or reaching for something -carry proper identification: a valid driver's license, proof of vehicle registration and proof of insurance. if the officer asks for these documents, tell him/her wher they are and reah for them slowly, keeping one hand on the steering wheel. -if the officer is driving an unmarked car or is not in uniform, you may ask to see his or her identification -answer the officer's questions fully and clearly. If you disagree with the officer, do not discuss your point of view at the time. You will have your chance to make your case in court. -you will be aksed to sign the citation. sign the citation; this not an admission of guilt. refusal to sign the citation may result in your arrest. Or, you may be required to go to the police station.

reckless driving

is driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit or 81 miles per hour. A law enforcement officer can charge you of this regardless of the speed limit.

12 ounces of beer

is the same as a shot of liqour or a 5 ounce glass of wine.

If convicted of reckless driving

its is a misdemeanor criminal offense. the court may require a fine suspend your driving privilege and/or impose a jail sentence. is the violation results in death and may be considered a felony which carries more serious consequences.

has signals slowed or stopped

left hand and arm pointing downward

searching

looking at the entire scene for anything that might come into your path. As you search the road, avoid staring at one thing. Keep your eyes moving and learn to read the road and your surroundings. ​

combining alcohol with other drugs usually multiples the effect...

of both and can have a disatrous effect on your ability to drive. One drink taken when you are on another drug- even an aspirin, or allergy or cold medicine- could have the same effect on your driving ability as drinking several alcoholic beverages. almost any drug can reduce your ability to drive safely. it's not just illegal drugs that cause problems. many over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs for headaches, hay fever, cold, allergies or nervous conditions can cause drowiness and dizziness. this often affect driver alertness and slow reaction time. read the label before taking any drug or medicine. look for warning about side effects. if you're uncertain about the effects of a drug, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. remember that, while the effects may vary among users, no drug is harmless.

Overcorrecting

overcorrecting occurs when the driver turns the steering wheel more sharply than expected, causing the rear wheels of the vehicle to slide towards the outside of the turn. This may result in the loss of vehicle control most overcorrection crashes are single vehicle crashes and are often preventable. A driver should remain alert at all times. Reduce speed and use extra caution while driving on curved roads. if you Veer off the road curved or straight do not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction you want to go slowly stare back onto the roadway.

Before driving a vehicle with a light to medium trailer attached...

perform a safety inspection before each trip. Ensure... -the pin securing the ball mount ot the reciever is intact -the hitch coupler is secured -safety chains are properly attached -the electrical plug is properly installed -brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights are functioning properly. before pulling a trailer on public roads, find a location such as a vacant parking lot to practice and get the feet for how your vehicle and trailer will handle.

Snow

remove snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, hood and rear of the vehicle, before you start driving. Snow and ice left on the car can fly off when the vehicle is moving and create a hazard for other motorists. Be sure to clear all of your windows, mirrors and front and rear lights of sow or ice so you can see and communicate with other drivers. equip your car with all-weather snow tires or chains to help prevent skidding and reduce stopping distance. driving on packed snow is similar to driving on ice. when you brake, apply the brakes gently. slow down before stopping or turning. when driving on slippery surfaces and you need to stop, release the accelerator and apply brakes gently. you have the most traction and control when the front tires are rolling. keeping a slow, steady speed-rather than hard breaking-will allow you to control your vehicle. watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas. bridges freeze before other road surfaces.