Chapter 4; Drivers Ed

What is the first conviction?

- fine of $600-$2100 -up to one year in jail or both fine and imprisonment -license is suspend for 90 days

The Effects of Alcohol

-Alcohol is a depressant, not a stimulant. -can cause drowsiness, blurred vision and slowed reflexes. -affects judgment and coordination. -impairment can occur before legal intoxication -alcohol related crashes have killed more people in the US than American soldiers killed in war.

Why Not Drink and Drive?

-Alcohol retards judgment. -Alcohol slows down reflexes. -Alcohol impairs vision. -Alcohol causes loss in coordination. -Alcohol destroys inhibitions. -Alcohol promotes over-confidence. -Alcohol prevents concentration.

Report All Traffic Mishaps

-Any injury or fatal crash must be reported to the local police or to the State Troopers. -In case of injury, a fatality, or if damage to any vehicle or property amounts to $250 or more, a written report (Form SR-13) must be sent within 30 days, by the parties involved, to the Dept. of Public Safety.

Implied Consent Law

-Any person who operates a motor vehicle upon the public highways of this state shall be deemed to have given his consent to a chemical test or tests of his blood, breath, or urine to determine blood alcohol content. -A driver under arrest for DUI, who refuses to submit to chemical breath test when directed by an officer, shall have his driver's license suspended.

When can you use your phone while driving?

-Assess traffic conditions before calling. -Be familiar with the keypad - use speed dial. -Place calls when stopped or have a passenger make the call. -Keep phone within easy reach. -Use speaker phone/hands free device. -Avoid intense, emotional, or complicated conversations. -Pull off the road to dial or complete a conversation.

Driving While Under the Influence

-Each year, approximately 50% of all FATAL crashes involve drivers who have been drinking. -It is unlawful for any of the following persons to operate or be in actual physical control of a vehicle -Under the influence of drugs or alcohol -BAC is .08% or more -under combined influence of drug and alcohol that it renders him/her incapable of safe driving -CDL drivers whose BAC is .04% or more -under the age of 21 and BAC is .02% or more -school bus/daycare drivers BAC is .02% or more.

Safety Tips For Motorists (part 1)

-Expect a train on any track at anytime ,day or night. -Never get trapped on a crossing. Wait till you are sure you can clear the crossing before proceeding. -Make sure there is not a 2nd train following the 1st train. -Never drive around gates. Just be patient. It is illegal to go around lowered gates. -Never try to race a train. Even if you tie, you lose. -Never shift gears on the crossing to avoid stalling. -Be aware of the vehicles that have to stop for the crossings.

Actual stopping distances depend upon many factors:

-Mental and physical reaction time of the driver -Type and condition of the pavement. There is a great difference between rough, dry concrete and slippery brick or smooth asphalt. -The type and condition of tires - radial, bias, ply, regular tread, snow tires, the amount of tread - all determine the traction you will have for stopping. The proper size tire for your vehicle is important; large, wide tires may help stop quicker on smooth, dry surfaces. Conversely, small narrow tires can "cut through" standing water but lose stopping power overall. -Chassis design, weight distribution, suspension , and shock absorbents. -Type of brakes, condition of brakes, and brake balance. -Wind direction and velocity.

How to Avoid Rear End Collisions

-Most rear-end collisions are caused by following too closely -The space easiest to control is the space ahead of your vehicle. The space in front of you is called "following distance" -You must consider the speed of the traffic, the condition of the highway and allow yourself enough following distance to stop if necessary. -Use the "two-second" rule to determine following distance. -To use this rule, choose a fixed object on the road ahead (such as a sign post, tree, overpass, bridge abutment, etc.). When your vehicle passes the object, begin to count "one thousand one, one-thousand two". -If you reach the same object before you finish saying "one thousand two", you are following too closely. -Increase your following distance under poor weather and road conditions. -Watch for brake lights on vehicles ahead and prepare for slowing and stopping.

Safety Tips For Motorists (part 2)

-Nearly 50% of vehicle/train collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices. -Never walk, or play, on the tracks. Not only is it dangerous, it is illegal. -Cross only at designated crossings. -If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out of the vehicle immediately and away from the tracks. -Be aware that a train cannot stop very quickly. It takes a train traveling at 55 mph a mile to stop. That is he length of 18 football fields. -ALWAYS EXPECT A TRAIN.

What vehicles must stop at railroad crossings?

-School buses, church buses, or any passenger bus *These vehicles will generally slow when approaching the crossing. They turn on their emergency flashers and come to a complete stop.* -Trucks transporting flammables, explosives, or other hazardous material.

What If You Have A Crash?

-Stop immediately. -Aid any injured persons (do not move them unless completely necessary). -Warn others until officers arrive (flares, flags, etc.). -Give first aid, treat for shock. -Secure names, addresses, and insurance of persons involved

When you approach a RR crossing, here are a few simple guidelines:

-Stop within 15 to 50 feet. -Slow down to allow enough time to be certain that you can stop when a train can first be seen. -If there is more than one track, make sure that all tracks are clear before crossing. -Always stop if the gates are down. -To avoid stalling, never change gears on the tracks. -Never try to "beat" a train.

Drugs (part 3)

-The drug-alcohol mix: Many times worse than alcohol or drugs used alone is the use of alcohol and drugs together. The use of these two drugs together produces serious effects on the mind and the body and often death. According to some beliefs, if, for example, a "pop" pill gets you high, a drink with it will get you twice as high. WRONG!! It doesn't just double the effect; it multiplies and, when overdone, has caused death. If you are using drugs for medicinal purposes, don't use alcohol at the same time. *CHRONIC ILLNESS OR IMPAIRMENT* - In cases of chronic illness or physical impairment, the physician has the responsibility to inform his patient of any driving limitation that may be appropriate.

When you report a crash or requesting aid, you should give the following information:

-The exact location. -If the road is blocked. -The damage. -If there are any injuries. *This information will help police and emergency vehicles respond quickly*

Drugs (part 2)

-The most dangerous types of drugs can be obtained only illegally. LSD and heroin are examples. They have the power to make users completely unaware of or indifferent to their surroundings. Anyone under the influence of such drugs must not try to operate a motor vehicle. -Marijuana: Studies show that users of marijuana have more arrests for traffic violations than other drivers. Many ignore traffic citations and continue to drive despite suspension or revocation of their licenses. Because little is actually known about the drug, many people feel that it is harmless, but experts agree that, for safety's sake, it should not be used when driving.

Drugs (part 1)

-There are many drugs which interfere with a person's ability to drive safely. -These may be contained in prescriptions written by your doctor, or found in over-the-counter medications.

Relationship of Alcohol to Traffic Accidents

-Under Alabama law, it is unlawful to drive with a concentration of .08% (.o2% for minors) or more alcohol in the blood, or while under the influence of alcohol. -special studies show that FATAL accident involvement of drinking drivers is as high as 50%. -the amount of alcohol in one bottle of beer is about equal to that in an average "shot of whiskey or a glass of wine". The effect on the average driver is the same.

Things to remember concerning drugs:

-When taking prescriptions medicine, it is important to ask your doctor about any possible side effects that relate to driving. -Drugs, including some allergy remedies and cold pills that you can buy without a prescription, may contain codeine, alcohol, antihistamines, or bromides. Each of these ingredients can affect your driving. -Antihistamines are drugs used for relief of nasal congestion due to colds, to combat allergies, and other purposes. They may cause side effects such as inattention, confusion, and drowsiness. Some are sleep aids. -Barbiturates are sedatives used primarily for sleep.They include Phenobarbital, Sleep-Eze, and other preparations. Excessive use o these can produce symptoms similar to alcoholic intoxication - drowsiness, confusion, and lack of coordination. A user may experience tremor of hands, lips and tongue, and have difficulty in thinking or talking clearly. A person so affected is unable to drive.

When Involved In A Crash

-You must secure the names and addresses of persons involved and any witnesses. -You should also exchange the name and address of the insurance companies of each driver. -If your vehicle hits an unattended vehicle, you should either notify the police, try to locate the owner, or leave a written notice in a conspicuous place on the unattended vehicle. This should include your name and address. -With any other type of property, you should also notify the owner of the property.

Things to remember about alcohol:

-ZERO Tolerance- If you are under 21 it is .02%, no questions asked, and you will have your license revoked. -Any alcoholic drink can make you impaired and/or intoxicated-beer, wine or whiskey. -Alcohol is a depressant that slows your reflexes, causes loss of coordination, impairs your judgment and reduces your alertness. -Alcohol can affect you differently at different times. A small amount will affect you more on an empty stomach than it usually would if you have food in your stomach. -Only ONE thing will sober you up and that is TIME!!!! Not a cold shower, coffee, or a red bull, just TIME!!! Alcohol has to be broken down by the liver and oxidized, then eliminated through the kidneys and lungs - it takes time!

The Driver (part 1)

-accident records show that over 90% of highway crashes are caused by driver error, lack of knowledge, inattention, physical or mental impairment, or faulty judgment. -distractions are one of the most common. -it takes much more than basic skills to make a good drive. -after the basics, a driver must continue to learn the finer points of good driving, plus understand how physical or mental conditions affect driving.

Your Personality Affects your Driving

-being worried, distracted, or if you are preoccupied, you cannot be sufficiently alert to drive safely. -taking your anger or other emotions out behind the wheel on streets or highways is very poor judgment. Let someone else drive! -your driving reflects your readiness to share the road in the interest of traffic safety. -good driving attitudes and sound actions reflect mental and emotional maturity.

The Driver (part 2)

-cell phone statistics -the under-20 age group had the highest percentage of distracted drivers; 16% of drivers under 20 years old involved in fatal crashes were distracted while driving. -the 30-to 39-year-old age group had the highest percentage of cell phone use in fatal crashes. -more people are driving while distracted when they are involved in fatal crashes. -the percentage of fatalities associated with distracted drivers increased from 10% in 2005 to 16% in 2009

What is fourth convention?

-class C felony -fine $4100-$10,100 -license revoked for 5 years -one year and one day jail up to 10 years

What is the second conviction?

-fine $1100-$5100 -up to year in jail, or both fine and imprisonment - a mandatory 48 hours of jail or 20 days of community service is required -licensed revoked for 1 year

What is the third conviction?

-fine $2100-$10,100 -licenses revoked 3 years -mandatory 60 days of jail and up to one year

The Driver (part 3)

-in 2009, 867 fatal crashes were reported to have involved cell phones as a means for driver distraction (18% of all fatal distracted-driving crashes). -teen driver riding with one other passenger doubles the risk of being involved in fatal car crash. With two or more passengers, the risk increases to five times as likely. -research reveals that 46% of drivers under 18 admit to texting while driving. -driver-distraction is a factor in 25- to 50% of all car accidents, with 61% of teen drivers admitting to risky driving habits. -in 2009, the South had the highest percentage of cell phone use while driving at 6% The Northeast came in at 4%.

Concentration

-one of the most important elements of safe driving -the driver's seat is no place for daydreaming, mental napping, window shopping, scenic viewing, or distracting conversation. -driving is a full-time job. -there have been many crashes, where the driver said "I don't know what happened".

Medical Aspects of Driving

-physical condition has an important bearing on a person's driving ability. -alcohol, drugs, illness, or disability, are factors which may cause or contribute to traffic crashes.

Highway Hypnosis and Fatigue

-stop driving when you feel drowsy. Don't try to fight it, pull off at the first rest stop or service area. -drowsiness is one of the greatest dangers in interstate highway driving. Don't rely on "stay-awake drugs". -while driving fatigue become a major problem. It is advised that you take a rest every 100 miles or every two hours. Get out of your car and walk around-stretch your legs and relax. -hypnosis usually occurs on long trips. This is when you become "hypnotized" by the lines on the road, the hum of the engine, or the sound of the wind. Keep shifting your eyes from one area to another and focus on various objects. Reading highway signs can sometimes help you avoid this "hypnosis."

Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is a wide spread practice. Research shows that BAC of .05% impairs the driving ability of most individuals to some degree. At .08% all individuals are definitely impaired.

Pavement markings:

In front of a railroad crossing, the pavement may be marked with a large X and two RR's. A yellow line in advance of the crossing means no passing. White lines on each side of the track show motorists where to stop when a train is approaching.

STOPPING DISTANCE

The distance required to stop your car is important in determining a safe driving speed. The distance to stop a vehicle is dependent on a three step process known as actual stopping distance

Railroad crossings are marked with one or more of the following devices:

The round railroad warning signs: It is yellow with a black X and the letters RR. It means a highway railroad crossing is ahead and is placed 750 feet before the track.

Railroad Crossbuck:

These signs are found at most crossings. The driver should slow down and be prepared to stop upon sighting a train If there is more than one track, a sign below the crossbuck indicates the number of tracks.

Gates:

When gates are being lowered the red flashing lights will warn you to stop. Remain stopped until the gates are raised and lights are no longer flashing. If a railroad crossing has no warning device, slow down, look and listen for trains before proceeding.

Flashing light signal:

When lights begin to flash, you must always stop until it is safe to proceed.

Cellular Phone Usage:

Your number one responsibility is driving. The GDL does not allow cell phone usage when driving.

Actual Breaking Distances

is the actual time/distance it takes for the vehicle to come to a stop

Reaction time:

time it takes to actually react and press the brake

Perception time:

time it takes your brain to realize that an action needs to be taken