DRIVER'ED MODULE TEN Sharing the road with otherso
Motor-driven cycles and motor scooters with 150 cubic centimeter displacement or less are not allowed on expressways.
(Other traffic not allowed on expressways include: pedestrians, bicycles, and animal-drawn vehicles.)
A truck's blind spots are called NO ZONES.
. A No Zone is the area around the truck where your car is no longer visible or where you are so close that the truck can't stop or maneuver safely. In both cases, when you are in a No Zone, you are in much greater danger of getting into a collision.
A pre-trip inspection will help you find problems that could cause a collision or breakdown.
. If you find anything unsafe during your inspection, get it fixed.
Plan your trip, no matter the distance. Planning reduces Make sure that you have enough fuel in your vehicle before leaving and that you have driving directions for your destination.
. It's always a good idea to have an alternate route in mind, in case your planned route is closed or redirected.driving distance and stress. Certain checks and preparations should always be made before driving, no matter how short the trip. Your vehicle condition is important. Don't take any chances. Always take a look under the hood and around the vehicle. Check the tire condition, vehicle lights, and fuel gauge.
Here is how an experienced bike rider would explain these differences:
A car is a "two-dimensional" vehicle. Most of the time, whatever you do will leave you in a vertical position. Bikes take on a "third dimension," having to add the lean attribute.
Preparing for an extended trip of several days, some of which may include high speed highway driving, requires extra preparation and planning. Be sure to start your trip well rested.
A drowsy driver can be as dangerous as a drunk one.
Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing mean STOP! You must stop before the tracks when:
A person or signal warns that a train is coming. You see a train coming. You hear the horn or bell of a train.
Pedestrians using guide dogs or white canes (with or without a red tip) must be given the right-of-way at all times. These pedestrians are partially or totally blind, so be especially careful to look for them.
Also, you must come to a complete stop when a pedestrian guided by a dog or carrying a white cane is crossing a street or highway.
Any pedestrian or person driving a vehicle and approaching a railroad-highway grade crossing must stop no less than 15 ft (but not more than 50 ft) from the nearest rail of the railroad in the following cases:
An approaching train is visible and close to the railroad-highway grade crossing The electrical or mechanical warning signs are flashing The crossing gate is in a lowered position An operator is using flags to warn of an approaching train
Moped riders have the same rights and responsibilities on public roadways as automobile drivers and will receive citations for the same violations. The following laws apply to moped riders/owners. Moped riders/owners:
Are required to have the minimum of a Class E license (motorcycle endorsement is not needed). Must be 16 years of age or older to operate a moped on a public road. Must register and purchase a tag for the moped on an annual basis. Must not operate mopeds on bicycle or foot paths. Are not expected to carry No-Fault injury insurance.
Don't expect to be seen.
Help others to see you. Choose an appropriate lane position. Never drive in the blind spots of another driver. These are universal rules for any road user, but for motorcyclists they are especially important because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles. Driving alongside a car or a truck is dangerous, avoid it whenever possible.
Use the front and rear brakes for everything but leisurely stops.
Motorcyclists should never suddenly hit the brakes. Too much pressure on a front brake may lock the front wheel and the motorcyclist can be thrown over the handle bars.
Pedestrians must always obey traffic signals whether it is an electronic pedestrian signal (e.g. upraised hand, walking person, etc.)
or a traffic light.
If there is an emergency ahead and the only escape route for you and a motorcyclist is to change direction or make a turn, remember these differences and don't expect the motorcycle rider to be the one to ...
take evasive action.
It is easy and extremely dangerous to underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer. A large tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling at a slower speed because of its large size. Many passenger vehicles/large truck collisions take place at intersections because the vehicle driver did not realize how close the truck ...
was or how quickly it was traveling.
If you are taking a trip in winter,
you'll have to take some extra precautions.
You must not suddenly leave a curb or other safe place and walk or run into the path of a vehicle that is dangerously close to you, even if you are in a crosswalk. The law requires all drivers to care for the safety of any pedestrian.
But the law won't help you if you carelessly walk in front of a vehicle and the driver can't stop in time.
Before leaving, make sure that the following systems are in working order: ignition system, fuel system, belts, hoses, fluids, brakes, exhaust system, wiper blades, heater and defroster, battery, and lights. Keep the fuel tank full—don't let it get below half before filling up. Also, make sure you have proper tire tread depth and inflation. Cold temperatures have a lowering effect on tire pressures.
Carry chains or have snow tires installed. Be familiar with your braking systems and know how to use them in emergency conditions (conventional or ABS).
If you are attempting to pass a truck in a level, legal passing zone use the following method:
Check the area around the front and rear of your vehicle. You may move into the next lane if space is available. You can let the truck driver know your intention to pass by flashing the headlights on your car. Trucks often move much slower on an upgrade. For this reason, it should be easier to pass a truck on an upgrade than it is to pass a car. However, trucks traveling on a downgrade move faster. In this situation, you should increase your speed (at a safe rate) to pass. Finish the pass as quickly as possible at a safe speed. If the driver flashes the lights of the truck, this is a signal meaning that it's safe to pull back into the lane. It is safe to move back in when you can see the front of the truck in your rearview mirror.
Tires should have good tread and not be dried out and/or cracked. Check if tires are properly inflated. Rims and spokes should be in good condition, tightly fastened to the motorcycle, and not cracked.
Check the brakes, clutch, and associated controls and cables. Adjust the brakes so that they completely stop the wheel from turning when fully applied.
Here are some critical points both drivers and cyclists should remember:
Cyclists must ride in the same direction as other traffic, not against it. They should ride on the roadway, not on the sidewalk. Cyclists should ride in a straight line as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical. Drivers must be careful when close to cyclists, and should allow a minimum of three feet of space between a vehicle and bicycle when passing. Drivers of vehicles should reduce their speed if the roadway is narrow. When parallel parking, drivers should check for bicyclists before opening the door. At night, drivers should avoid using high-beams to prevent blinding a cyclist. Maintain a safe distance. The cyclist may have to stop suddenly, and you will not be able to avoid a collision without space.
Maps typically contain a chart or legend that explains the markings and symbols. For instance: Different colors and width of lines are used to identify classes of roads (interstates, toll roads, two-lane, and four-lane divided and undivided, unpaved, scenic, under construction).
Different symbols are used for federal, state, secondary, and county roads. Black and red numerals indicate mileage between major points.
Do not pass from behind a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, since a pedestrian hidden from your view may be crossing.
Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it at a driveway or alley, and when crossing, always yield to any pedestrian.
Never start across a railroad crossing if there isn't room for your vehicle on the other side of the tracks. Don't proceed until you can see clearly in both directions whether a train is approaching.
Do not go around or under any closed railroad gate. It's illegal and deadly. Wait for the gates to rise. Cross only when it is safe.
Never race a train to the crossing—you'll lose every time. When at multiple track crossings, watch for trains on the other sets of tracks, not just the track set immediately in front of you. ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN! Freight trains do not follow set schedules.
Don't be fooled—that train is closer and moves faster than you think. If you see a train approaching, wait for it to go by before crossing the tracks.
SAFETY FIRST
Don't follow too closely or tailgate trucks. When you follow behind a truck and you cannot see the truck driver's side view mirrors, the trucker has no way of knowing you are there. Tailgating a truck, or any vehicle, is dangerous because by doing so you take away your own cushion of safety. Where will you go when the vehicle ahead suddenly stops?
When driving behind a bus, increase your following distance to get a better view. Expect the bus to stop at its designated curbside stops to pick up or drop off passengers. Be careful when passing a stopped bus.
Don't pass on the right side.
REMEMBER: Pedestrian safety is a serious issue. Pedestrians lose in any collision, regardless of who had the right-of-way. Drive cautiously when pedestrians are near and may cross your path, and stop for the safety of anyone crossing the street on foot.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians crossing the street or driveway at any marked mid-block crossing, driveway, or intersection without traffic signals.
There is another difference between motorcycles and other vehicles you should consider. Motorcyclists must make a bigger adjustment in speed than other drivers when:
Encountering a storm drain, gravel surface, or pothole Driving on a rain slick road or through a puddle Driving in heavy rain and/or strong wind
Get to know the area around each decision point. Town names are often marked on guide signs. By knowing the towns around a decision point, you can travel through these decision points more easily.
Finally, if you are planning to use a limited access highway, use the map to find the interchange nearest your destination.
To use a map when you plan a trip, follow these steps:
Find the map's legend. Pay close attention to the symbols, the map scale and all other information on the map. Find your starting and finishing point. Decide what routes you will use to travel between them. Note the route numbers, street names and direction you will travel on each route. Pay close attention to places where you must change routes. These are important decision points.
Don't forget critical documents, like ID cards, money, map, driver license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.
For longer trips, pack lots of healthy snacks. Crackers, fruits, dried fruit, nuts, and chips are all relatively easy to eat on the road, especially for children. Most important of all, allow yourself enough time to reach your destination so you don't stress out on the way. If it's not urgent, avoid rush-hour traffic.
Passenger vehicle drivers often incorrectly assume that truckers can see the road better because they are higher off the ground. While truckers do have a better forward view and bigger mirrors, they still have serious "blind spots" in which your vehicle can get lost. If you stay in those "blind spots," you block the trucker's ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation.
Generally speaking, if you can't see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, you can't be seen.
If you are riding a motorcycle, wear proper, lightly colored riding apparel, including a properly fitting helmet, a heavy jacket (preferably leather), gloves, and leather boots that cover ankles.
Helmets are designed to provide some protection to the head and neck against impact, crushing, and friction (rubbing over another surface).
Bicycle riders (cyclists) on public streets generally have all the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Cyclists are part of the normal traffic flow and share the road with other drivers.
However, cyclists should realize that the typical motorist is not accustomed to sharing the road with them.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines the term "motor-driven cycle" as a motorcycle with a motor that produces 5-brake horsepower or less. A motor-driven cycle is exempted from certain requirements that apply to motorcycles.
However, drivers of cycles and other vehicles need to understand that similar common-sense rules apply to operating a motor-driven cycle or sharing the road with one.
You can make yourself more visible at night by wearing white clothing and reflective materials, or by carrying a flashlight.
However, wearing only white clothing at night does not necessarily guarantee your safety. Use common sense.
Here are some other important things to do in advance of travel. Make a schedule of your travel time and take care to pick an appropriate time of day to begin. Also, check the weather and road conditions for any construction work that might be happening on your route.
If camping or staying in hotels/motels, make reservations in advance.
If one person will be doing all of the driving, six to eight hours driving in any one day should be considered the limit. When two or more persons can share the driving, the total driving time should not exceed 10 to 11 hours. Be aware that people often tire between 1 and 5 p.m., and plan to take a break during that period.
If crossing a desert area, plan to do so in the cooler morning hours.
If approaching an emergency or law enforcement vehicle with flashing lights parked on a two-lane road or highway, drivers must slow to less than 20 mph of posted speed limits 25 mph or greater.
If the limit is less than 20 mph, drivers are required to slow to 5 mph.
Road conditions that are minor annoyances to other vehicles can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement can make it necessary for motorcyclists to change speed or direction suddenly. Strong winds can cause a motorcyclist to fall off.
If you are aware of these potential hazards and drive with care and attention, you can help reduce motorcycle collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
You must yield the right-of-way to all emergency vehicles using a siren and/or flashing lights. Where possible, you must pull over to the closest edge of the road.
If you are in an intersection, drive through the intersection before pulling over.
When sharing the road with a motorcycle rider, drivers of other types of vehicles must be aware of differences in their steering abilities.
If you have never driven a motorcycle, you are probably not familiar with the steering techniques needed.
For all turning vehicles, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. This is why truck drivers must often swing wide to complete a right turn. When you follow a truck, look at its turn signals before you start to pass.
If you think it's turning left, wait a second and check the turn signals again. The driver may actually be turning right.
Be aware of the road surface at all times, especially when cornering.
It is crucial for motorcyclists to pay attention to changes on a road surface while riding straight ahead, but cornering is especially dangerous and requires even more attention to the road surface. Each irregularity or spot on the road should be treated with caution and avoided if possible. It could be oil or water, each of which can cause a skid.
It is extremely dangerous to cut off a truck in traffic or on the highway. Whether you are trying to reach your exit, turn, or beat a truck to a single-lane construction zone, the safest thing to do is slow down and wait your turn. I
It only takes a few extra seconds and could prevent a collision.
Don't stop to watch roadwork.
Keep going and obey any special signs or instructions as you pass.
Maps are available from state and city offices, motor clubs, book stores, and many service stations. Whether planning a trip out of state or trying to locate an address in a nearby city or your own home town, using a map in advance to determine the best way to get there can make driving less stressful.
Many collisions have been caused by drivers who suddenly hit the brake or changed lanes as they realized that they had just, or were just about to, miss their turn. Unfortunately many people either do not take the time or do not know how to read a map.
If you use a computer, learn to access online driving directions and map websites. These sites can provide detailed directions from your starting point to your final destination. You can also take print-outs of the directions and keep them in the car for reference.
Never read directions or maps while driving.
another?
No.
You must stop for a school bus stopped on either side of the road. This is an indication that children will be getting off or on the bus. You must stop for their safety and remain stopped till the bus signal is turned off.
Passing a stopped bus is a serious offense.
It's necessary to wear heavy clothing like leather jackets, boots, and gloves to protect the body in a collision and reduce the effect of the wind on your body temperature. Motorcycle riders should also protect their eyes and face from insects, dirt, wind, rain, and other debris by wearing protective glasses or a helmet with a face shield.
Rain gear is a great addition to a motorcyclist's kit because you never know when a shower might hit.
With maps you can identify the following for your convenience:
Rest areas Toll roads and service areas Airports Camp ground facilities Symbols for cities and towns of a given population Scale of miles Large cities
Horse-drawn vehicles and riders of horses or other animals are entitled to share the road with you. Don't scare horses or stampede livestock.
Slow down or stop if necessary and when requested to do so by riders or herders.
Certain types of vehicles have trouble keeping up with the speed of traffic. Look for these vehicles and decrease your speed before you reach them. Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts, and road maintenance vehicles usually travel 25 mph or less.
Slow moving vehicles must have an orange triangle (as shown in graphic) displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Diamond-shaped signs mean that a truck is carrying dangerous cargo and should indicate the hazard.
Some loads have code numbers, and all vehicles bearing these placards must stop before crossing railroad tracks.
The best way to prolong the life of your vehicle and save on fuel is to use it as little as possible. Trip planning can make your life easier and help cut down on your driving.
Take public transportation when it is available. Avoid driving during heavy traffic. It causes extra wear and tear on you and the vehicle. Use carpools or share rides whenever possible.
Check for gas or oil leaks which can blow onto the back tire and cause a skid. Running out of gas at the wrong time, like on a busy expressway, can be very dangerous. The chain should have about one inch of play and be properly lubricated.
The horn, headlights, and turn signals should all be checked.
If you want to turn the bike left, you have to steer the handlebars slightly to the right—in the opposite direction of the turn. When you steer the bike to the right, it leans to the left and the bike turns left. The rider controls the lean, and the lean controls the turn. This is VERY difficult to get used to, especially when required to perform high-speed turns.
The seasoned biker knows there are not one, but two forces that control the available rate of turn: lean angle and speed. To decrease the radius of a turn, a biker must either increase the lean angle, or decrease the speed.
Never walk near a train track. It's illegal and it's dangerous. By the time a train operator can see a trespasser or a vehicle on the tracks, it's too late.
The train cannot stop quickly enough to avoid a collision. Remember: railroads and recreation do not mix!
A large truck will take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed. Don't pull in front of a large truck and suddenly slow down or stop.
The trucker will not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid colliding into you.
In Florida, it is illegal for a motorcycle to drive beside or pass another vehicle in the same lane. This dangerous practice (often called "lane splitting") is tempting to motorcyclists who wish to pass other vehicles when traffic is stopped or slow. Every vehicle is entitled to full use of the lane. As a rule, there should only be one vehicle occupying the width of a lane at any time.
There is, however, an exception. In Florida, it is legal for two motorcycles to ride side by side in a lane. Note: even though it is not illegal for two motorcycles to share a lane, this is a very unsafe practice. Always maintain a safe distance between motorcycles when sharing a lane.
You will often see workers with flags guiding traffic in construction zones and you must follow their directions.
These flaggers will be wearing orange clothing and using red flags to slow vehicles or direct them through work zones.
When in traffic, follow the path of left rear wheel of the car ahead.
This position increases your visibility by making the motorcycle visible in the rear view mirror of the driver ahead. It is also a good idea to cross intersections along with other traffic. This can prevent you from being hit. A driver who might not see a motorcycle will see other cars.
Motorcyclists should make it a habit to conduct a pre-ride inspection of the following:
Tires Rims and spokes Brakes, clutches, and associated controls and cables Gas or oil leaks Chains Horns, headlights, and turn signals
Before leaving on a long trip, schedule a detailed inspection of your vehicle with your mechanic. Your mechanic should especially check the following:
Tires—check for inflation, balance, alignment, condition of tread and sidewalls. Brakes—check for wear and/or adjustment. Windshield wiper blades and all lights. Engine compartment—get a tune-up if necessary and check the oil, lubrication and filters, hoses, belts, brakes, radiator and windshield wiper fluids.
Determine the number of miles to be traveled daily. The normal average on major highways is 100 to 110 miles every two hours with 10-15 minute breaks every two to three hours and one hour stops for meals.
Travel on secondary roads through towns and cities will take longer, as will mountain driving.
Sometimes signs warn that you are approaching railroad tracks. Look and listen for trains in both directions, and be ready to stop if necessary. Be prepared for a train to appear at any time, day or night, and never stop on railroad tracks.
Usually by the time a train's engineer sees you, it's too late to stop the train.
While on the trip, you should:
Watch gauges for signs of trouble. Use your senses to check for problems (look, listen, smell, feel). Check critical items when you stop, for example: tires, wheels and rims, brakes, lights and reflectors, etc.
If a truck is passing you, make sure you share the road. Reduce your speed and keep to the far side of your lane to avoid causing a collision.
Watch the truck's signals for indication of when the truck driver is ready to return to your lane.
Allow for sluggish handling when carrying a passenger.
When a motorcyclist carries a passenger, the handling of the motorcycle changes. With twice the load, the motorcycle requires more time to accelerate, slow down and do other maneuvers, so it is important to drive accordingly.
Prepare yourself when you see a truck approaching you.
When a truck passes you, it can create wind gusts that can push you off the road or out of your lane. Always keep both hands on the steering wheel when passing or being passed by trucks.
HOW TO SHARE THE ROAD SAFELY WITH MOTORCYCLISTS:
When changing lanes or entering a major thoroughfare, turn to check for motorcycles, in addition to using your mirrors. Motorcycles are small and this allows them to tuck easily into blind spots. When preparing to make a turn, make sure you check for motorcyclists and know their speed. Motorists must not attempt to share the lane with or crowd a motorcycle. Motorcyclists are allowed to use the entire lane just like any other vehicle.
You must obey any traffic direction, order, or signal made by a traffic director, police officer, or firefighter. In an emergency or special situation, obey any order even if it conflicts with existing signs, signals, or laws.
You must obey instructions from school crossing guards and signal persons at road construction sites. For the crossing guard's safety, allow him or her to get safely to the side of the road before driving ahead.
If you are traveling on the interstate or other highway with two or more lanes and an emergency vehicle with flashing emergency lights is approaching, leave the lane closest to the vehicle as soon as it is safe.
You should pull over unless a law enforcement officer tells you otherwise. Emergency vehicles include wrecking trucks with flashing amber lights removing hazards from the roadway.
t when passing cyclists on the road. A. 3 B. 4 C. 5 D. 6 Drivers must be careful when driving close to cyclists, and should allow a minimum of three feet of space between a vehicle and bicycle when passing. 3. If a big truck in front of your car begins to turn left, but its right turn signals are flashing, it is most likely that truck driver __________________. A. started to turn left but forgot to turn off the right turn signals B. is preparing for a U-turn C. is preparing to turn right D. none of the above For all turning vehicles, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels. The longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. This is why big rig drivers swing wide to complete a right turn. When you follow a big rig, look at its turn signals before you start to pass. If you think the truck is turning left, wait a second and check the turn signals again. The driver may actually be turning right.
correct answers: a &c
Be prepared to come to a complete stop for pedestrians crossing with wheelchairs,
crutches, canes, or walkers.
Just like drivers of automobiles, motorcyclists should follow the rules of defensive driving. There are also additional rules specific to motorcycles that can make for a safer and more pleasant ...
experience.
Always watch carefully for children near the school bus and those crossing the roadway. You are not required to stop if the bus is traveling toward you on a roadway that is separated by a median or barrier ...
five or more feet in width.
If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out of the vehicle. Get as far away from the tracks as possible and call your local law enforcement agency for assistance. If your vehicle ever stalls on a track as a train approaches, get out immediately and move away from the tracks. Do not run away in the direction the train is traveling—if you run in the same direction, you could be...
injured by flying debris when the train hits your car.
State maps have a town and city index with number/letter coordinates. City maps have a street and major points of interest index with number/letter coordinates. On both city and state maps, the letters and numbers correspond to the letters and numbers
located on the top/bottom and sides of the map.
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on public roadways as automobile drivers. While everyone must follow the same traffic laws, motorcyclists face unusual dangers because they are hard to see and because motorcycles require exceptional handling ability. To increase their visibility, ...
many motorcycles have headlights that run whenever the vehicle is moving.
To drive safely in the presence of large trucks and avoid collisions,
you must be familiar with their physical capabilities and maneuvers.
