drivers ed ch.3

PARKING ON HILLS

- Downhill with a curb *Turn wheels to the right or toward the curb. - Uphill with a curb * Turn wheels to left or away from the curb. - Uphill without a curb * Turn wheels to the right or toward the side of the road -Downhill with no curb *Turn wheels to the right or toward the side of the road

When driving around commercial vehicles be aware of:

Blind Spots (No-Zones) No-Zones are danger areas around trucks Stopping Distance Tailgating Passing Wide Turns Backing

b4 driving

CLOSE AND LOCK ALL DOORS,, ADJUST SEATS-Good posture at the steering wheel results in better vision,, ADJUST MIRRORS so you don't have to move head to see just eyes,, & then FASTEN SEATBELTS

3 POINT TURN

Check traffic, signal, and stop as close to right edge of the curb as possible. Do not run off the roadway. Check both directions and make sure you have a 20-30 second gap. Signal for a left turn. Check left mirror. Look over left shoulder. (1)Turn wheel sharply to the left and move vehicle slowly across the opposite lane. Stop the vehicle just short of the curb. (2) Shift to reverse. Turn the wheel sharply back to the right rapidly to the right. Back the vehicle just short of the opposite curb. (3) Shift to drive. Turn wheel sharply to the left and move into the proper lane.

BLIND SPOTS/NO-ZONES

Don't drive in a truck's blind spot or NO-ZONE. If you can NOT see the drivers face in the side mirror of the truck he can NOT see you! Don't linger .

PUSH-PULL-FEED STEERING

Hold steering wheel with right hand resting between 3 and 5 and left between 7 and 9. One hand pushes the wheel up toward 12 o'clock. At the same time, the other hand slides up to 1 o'clock for the right turn(11 for left), grasp the wheel, and pull it down. While pulling hand goes down, the pushing hand releases its grip and returns to original position.

STARTING FROM A PARKING PLACE

In preparing to leave a parallel parking spot, look over your shoulder as well as your rear view mirrors.(Checks Blind Spot)

BACKING

When backing in a straight line, the left hand should be at the 12 o'clock position. The right hand/arm should be positioned so that the shoulders can turn. Keep looking back until you come to a complete stop!!! Don't use your mirrors!

Side no-zone

When passing a truck, always try to pass on the left and do it as quickly as possible. Do NOT ride along side of the truck.

THUMBS UP

With either one of the hand positions, always rest thumbs on the wheel, not wrapped around,, safer and a more relaxed, comfortable hold.

PARKING ON A HILL

must make sure your car does not roll into traffic if the brakes do not hold. ALWAYS set the parking brake. The only time that you are going to turn your wheels to the left is when you are uphill with a curb.

Rear no-zones:

this zone could extend as far as 200 feet behind the truck. If you cannot see the trucks mirrors, he cannot see you.

Backing no-zone:

truck drivers can not see you directly behind them. Listen for their sounds and signals and be aware of your position.

DO NOT PARK:

- Within intersections - On a crosswalk of sidewalk - Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an uncontrolled intersection - Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. - Within 30 feet of any flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic signal - In front of a driveway - On any bridge or in a tunnel - On the roadway side of any vehicle parked at the curb or edge of a highway (double parking) - Beside a curb that is painted yellow, or where official signs prohibit parking

STEERING

Always keep both hands on the wheel except when necessary to remove one for signaling or for another purpose necessary to the operation of the vehicle.

PRE-DRIVE CHECKS

1) Adjust seat 2) Adjust Mirrors 3) Fasten Seatbelts

According to a National Safety Council, at 55 mph a car needs 193 feet to safely stop where it would take a loaded truck

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CHILD RESTRAINT LAWS

Alabama's Child Restraint Law states that the driver of a motor vehicle is responsible for seeing that any passenger under the age of 15 is properly belted.

TO CHECK AROUND THE VEHICLE AND THE INTENDED PATH OF TRAVEL LOOK OUT FOR

Look for children playing nearby - each yr about 200 kids under the age of six are killed while playing in the driveway. Look for animals that may be hiding or sleeping near the vehicle. Check for objects around the vehicle (toys, etc.). Check under for stains that could indicate fluid leaks.

3 POINT TURN RULES

Make sure you can see for a great distance before beginning. Not permitted on freeways, on curves, near the top of a hill, in front of drive ways, or in an intersection. They are governed by local ordinances and there may not be a sign to warn you of someone making a 3 point turn.

STEERING HAND-OVER-HAND

Method in which a driver's hands cross when turning,, To turn right, use your left hand to push the wheel up, around, and down. At the same time bring your right hand across left forearm to grip wheel on far side. Then use your right hand to pull the side of the wheel up, around, and down. Reverse these for a left turn.

motorcycle

Motorcycle accident statistics show that a substantial percentage of the accidents involve riders with limited experience. Even when seen, its difficult for some drivers to judge how far away motorcyclists are. Left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles account for the largest percentage of fatalities in motorcycles. Never move into the same lane along side a motorcycle.

Front no-zones:

Never cut off a truck! Larger vehicles need 2 times more room to stop.

SAFETY BELT LAW

Of all the safety equipment installed in a vehicle, safety belts has the greatest potential of saving lives. For maximum effectiveness, a seatbelt should be drawn snugly across the hip bones. The Alabama Safety Belt Law requires that all front seat occupants, regardless of age, be restrained.

ON THE ROAD

Often lanes are not marked, but they are there whether marked or not. DRIVE ON THE RIGHT SIDE!!!

"9 AND 3" OR "10 AND 2" HAND POSITIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL

Picture the wheel as a clock and place hand at these positions,, these positions provide best control in an emergency situation.

Turning Rules

Plan ahead,, Be in proper lane well before,, Signal the direction you turn,, Signal your intention at least 100 feet before,, Reduce your speed and check for persons and vehicles in your turning path,, Turn into the proper lane,, Always turn into the closest legal lane.

WIDE TURNS

Right Turns Give them room Do not move up beside a large vehicle making a right turn

PUSH-PULL-FEED STEERING IS

Safer because hands never leave the steering wheel,, reduces fatigue on long drives and gives better control in emergency situations.

PASSING LARGER VEHICLES

Signal Check your side mirror and blind spot to make sure the other lane is clear. When it is clear smoothly pull into the other lane Smoothly pass the intended vehicle and make sure you are not lingering in their No-Zone. Do not cut back in too soon!! When you can clearly see the entire front of the vehicle in your rear view mirror it is safe for you to pull in front of the vehicle. Stay well in front of the vehicle after passing Never cut one off just to turn. Don't make sudden movements or stopping immediately following passing. If your turn was coming up, do not pass, slow and stay behind the large vehicle.

BICYCLISTS

Traffic laws also apply to bicyclists Bicycle riders must ride as close to the right curb as possible: (Bicycles ride with flow of traffic) Bicycle riders are required to signal for all turns using hand signals Every bicycle driver on a roadway has to wear an approved helmet. During wet weather the breaking ability of a bicycle is greatly reduced. When passing a cyclist use the adjacent lane when possible.

Turning no-zones

Trucks make wide right turns and have to swing to the left to make some turns. Look for signs and signals that the truck is making a right turn and give them room.