Driver's Ed: Chapter 8

Motorist pt 2

A motorist in violation of this law may face a fine of up to $200. The court may also impose a term of community service not to exceed 15 days. If a pedestrian suffers serious bodily injury as a result of a motorist's violation of the laws, the motorist is subject to a $100-$500 fine, up to 25 days in jail/and or a driving privilege suspension of up to 6 months. ***Motorists should always stop 30 feet before a crosswalk.

Motorists

A motorist must stop and stay stopped for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, except at crosswalks when the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals, or otherwise prohibited. *****Pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

Head-on No Zone

A motorist should bear right when a large vehicle is traveling toward his/her vehicle from the opposite direction. This reduces wind turbulence between the motorist and the larger vehicle.

Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and Buses: The no-zone principle

Avoid the area around the trucks where vehicles into blind spots. Do not move so close to a truck that the truck driver's ability to stop or maneuver effectively is restricted. The potential for a collision is increased when a motorist is riding in the No-Zone. If the motorist of a large truck or bus cannot see another motorist's vehicle in a the rearview or side-view mirrors, the vehicle is in the a no-zone, or blind spot. pg. 134

Front No-Zone

Do not pull in front of a truck when passing until the whole front of the truck can be seen in the rearview mirror. Never pass a truck on the right.

side no zone

Drive away from the long blind spots on the sides of trucks. A vehicle in this area will be in the way of the truck changing lanes or maneuvering. Do not linger alongside a truck when passing.

Motorists and Pedestrians:

Motorists are prohibited from blocking the crosswalk when stopped at a red light or stop sign. A motorist must not stop with a portion of his/her vehicle in the crosswalk area. When a motorist blocks a crosswalk, it forces pedestrians to go around a vehicle, putting them in danger.

Pedestrians

Pedestrians have the right of way at all intersections. There is a crosswalk at every intersection; even if it not painted as such. This is known as a "unmarked crosswalk" Pedestrians must obey pedestrian signals and use crosswalks at signalized intersections. A pedestrian who does not obey these laws will face a fine of $54. The penalty for a pedestrians under the age of 17 who violate these laws is $22.

Yielding to School and Commercial Buses

State law requires all non-emergency vehicles to yield the right of way to buses re-entering traffic after dropping off or picking up bus passengers. Violations of this law carry a fine of not less than $50 or more than $200, up to 15 days in jail or both a find and a jail term

Rear No Zone

Stay far behind a truck that is preparing to back or is backing up. Because of their width, the trailers completely hide objects that suddenly come between them and a loading area. The area behind the truck is a NO-ZONE (blind spot). A motorist should increase following distance behind a truck or other large vehicle so its driver can spot a motorist's vehicle in the rearview mirrors. Leave space when spotting at a light or sign behind a truck or bus, especially when facing uphill. A larger vehicle may roll backwards. Give more road space to a truck driver who is making a wide turn. Because trucks are larger than other vehicles, their drivers may have to slow, back up, or swing wide to negotiate a turn.

Visually Challenged Persons

The law is very specific that vehicles must give the right of way to any of the following: 1. Blind persons who use a predominantly white or metallic cane 2. Blind persons accompanied by a guide dog 3. Guide dog instructor engaged in instructing a guide dog

Motorcycles

When passed by a motorcycle, a motorist should maintain his/her speed and position. Allow plenty of room for the motorcycle to complete the pass and resume proper lane position. Never follow a motorcycle too closely.