Chapter 5 safe vehicle operation

Tips for sharing the road with Tractor-Trailers

*Do not cut off a tractor-trailer in traffic or on the highway to reach an exit or turn *Do not linger alongside a tractor-trailer when passing *Do not follow too closely or tailgate *Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching truck

Work Zone Safety Driving Tips

*Stay alert *Pay attention *Merge early *Slow down *Do not tailgate *Minimize distractions *Plan ahead and expect delays

Illegal parking areas

-highways (unless indicated otherwise) -within intersections or on pedestrian crosswalks -on sidewalks or in front of any driveway -within 15 feet of a fire hydrant -bridges or other elevated structures -adjacent to yellow curbs -beside another parked vehicle

Driving in high winds

1) Reduce your speed 2) maintain firm hand position on wheel 3) be alert 4) don't use cruise control 5) be proactive. Pull over and wait for the storm to pass

Railroad crossing safety tips

1. Obey the warning signs 2. Avoid stopping or shifting gears while crossing the tracks 3. Watch for additional trains 4. Be aware of local quiet zones (where trains can't sound their horn as a warning) 5. be aware that some trains operate on the tracks in the middle of streets (not all tracks cross a street, some run in the middle of a street) 6. trains cannot stop quickly 7 Do no pass another vehicle within 100 ft of a RR crossing

U-Turns

A U-Turn is a maneuver in which a driver changes direction by making a 180 degree turn. Follow these rules when making a U-Turn Always yield right of way to oncoming vehicles and pedestrians Never make a U-Turn on a curve in the road or when approaching the crest of a hill or grade Never make a U-Turn on an interstate highway. Instead proceed to the next exit and re-enter the highway in the opposite direction

Braking and Following Distances

A good rule for drivers to follow is to to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. When following a vehicle, watch for it to pass a fixed object and estimate how much time elapses before you pass the same object. Many factors affect a vehicles ability to stop: Weight of vehicle Type of condition of brakes Type and condition of tires Physical condition of pavement Slickness of pavement Grade of road

Traffic control officers and official processions

A law enforcement command must be obeyed. They could be directing traffic. Their command may be different from a traffic signal. Official processions such as a funeral procession have the right of way regardless of a traffic signal that indicates otherwise

Seat belts

A seat belt must be warn at all times when a vehicle is in operation. A seat belt must be used even in a vehicle with one or more air bags. Failure to use a seat belt could result in injury from the air bag. To maximize safety follow these tips to ensure that your passengers are sitting properly in your vehicle: Everyone should wear their seat belts low on the hips and flat across the collarbone. Drivers should sit at least 12 inches away from the steering wheel. Head restraints should be positioned so they are higher than the top and as close as possible to the back of an individuals head

Prohibited passing It is dangerous and illegal to try to pass other vehicles in the following situations

A solid yellow one is marked on the driver side of the center line of the road A yellow pendant shaped no passing zone is posted on the left-hand side of the road or a white rectangular "Do Not Pass" sign is posted on the right hand side of the road When you are driving on or approaching a curve in the road When you are approaching the crest of a hill or grade in the road Within 100 ft of an intersection, railroad crossing, bridge, viaduct, or tunnel

Sharing the road with tractor trailers

A tractor trailer will take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed so you should not make a sudden lane change or stop in front of a tractor trailer. With any turning vehicle the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front wheels and the longer the vehicle is the greater the difference will be. Tractor trailer drivers often swing out as the first step in making a tight turn. When following a tractor-trailer watch its turn signals before trying to pass especially to the right if the tractor trailer peers to be moving to the left wait a moment to check and see which way the drivers signaling and watch for a right turn. Avoid being in the blind spots of a tractor trailer

Pedestrian safety

Always yield right of way to pedestrians Do not make a turn that causes a pedestrian to stop, slow down or make some other special effort effort to avoid a collision If children are in the vicinity, take special care because children are not fully aware of the dangerous of traffic be respectful of others who have difficulty in crossing streets

Driving in Rain

Be careful when driving in rain the surface can be dangerously slick. When you are driving on wet roads, your vehicle is actually traveling on a thin layer of oil, dirt, and water which can lead to hydroplaning. If this happens their is no friction to brake. Slow down when their is standing water, heavy rain, or slush on the roads. Make sure headlights can easily be seen by other drivers

Turning left from specially designated center lanes

Busy roads on which there are many places a vehicle may make a left turn often have a center lane designated solely for the left turning vehicles. Always be aware that vehicles traveling in the opposite direction may be entering the center lane for passing other vehicles Designated center lanes for left turns can usually be identified by a sign with alternate directional arrows that state "Center Lane Only" or with pavement arrows, although some center lanes do not have signs or pavement arrows

Changing lanes and passing other vehicles

Change only one lane at a time. When changing lanes to prepare for a turn, you must signal your intention to do so at least 200 feet prior to changing lanes or turning. Your signal distance must be at least 300 feet before the turn if you are operating a vehicle in a speed zone of at least 50 mph. On a highway slower vehicles should use the right lane. Leave the left hand lane for faster moving or passing vehicles

Thread depth

Check your tires for wear and damage. One easy way to check for wear is by using the penny test Take a penny and hold Abraham Lincoln's body between your thumb and forefinger's Select a point on your tire where the thread appears the lowest in place Lincoln's head into one of the grooves If any part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, your driving with the legal and safe amount of tread. If your tread gets below that your cars ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced

Cross bucks

Cross bucks at a railroad crossing mark the location of the tracks. When displayed alone you should treat it as a yield sign and the decision to stop or cross the tracks is yours you must stop if there's a train is approaching. When the sign is displayed with a stop sign you must come to a complete stop and proceed over the tracks only after making certain that a train is not approaching

Driving in Flash flooding

Do not drive around traffic barricades or past road closed signs Watch for bridges culverts and red beds that may be washed away or undermined by floodwaters Do you not drive where water is over the road because the depths of the water is not always obvious in the water may hide washouts If your car stalls in a flooded area abandoned it as soon as possible because floodwaters can rise rapidly and sweep a car and its occupants away

Speed limits

Do not go over the posted speed limit Exceeding the posted speed limit reduces the drivers ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the road.

Headlights

Drivers must use headlights between sunset and sunrise as well as at any other time in which visibility is less than 100 and feet. When headlights are on, lower headlight beams must be used when approaching within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or one following within 200 feet of the rear of another vehicle

Seat belt are not required when

Drivers or passages who should not wear a seat belt for medical reasons, provided they have a written documentation of the medical reasons a child who is required to be restrained by a child restraint system Traveling in a commercial or United States postal service vehicle that makes frequent stops for the purpose of pickup or delivery of goods A driver examiner designed and appointed by the BMV who is conducting an examination of an applicant for a learners permit or drivers license A occupant of a farm truck A occupant of a motor vehicle in a parade An occupant of the treatment are of a ambulance An occupant in the sleeping area of a tractor trailer

Sharing road with bicycles

Drivers should follow the following guidelines when sharing the roadway with bicyclists: Drivers may pass a bicyclist when there is a safe amount of room beside the bicyclist and when there is no danger from oncoming traffic Drivers must yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle A bicyclist is not required to ride in the designated bike lane because the bicyclist has the right to use either the bike lane or the travel lane Avoid turning across the path of the bicyclist When a motorist is turning left and there is a bicyclist entering the intersection from the opposite direction, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn If a motorist is sharing the left turn lane with a bicyclist, stay behind the cyclist until he or she has safely completed the left turn If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right let the bicyclist go through the intersection first being making a right turn

School zone speed limits

If you are driving near a school, you must slow down to the lower posted speed limit for the school zone. Common hours for school zone speed limits are 7:00 am to 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday However, local authorities may establish lower speed limits for school zones when children are present.

Sharing the road with other vehicles

Emergency vehicles- when you see a red flashing light that emergency vehicles flash yield the right of way to these vehicles, always listen for sirens on these vehicles and yield the right of way, slow down, pull to the right of the road and stop until an emergency vehicle passes School buses- when a school bus activates a amber light he or she is warning other drivers that the bus is slowing and is going to load or unload children. Once the school bus stops the red lights and stop arm will be activated. You must stop when you approach a school bus with flashing lights and stop arm extended. Not stopping for a bus is considered reckless driving and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. Motorcycles and motor driven vehicles- Allow all motor vehicle operators the width of the full lane. Motorcycles can stop more quickly due to their size. Always check your mirrors and Blindspot before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Do not assume that a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle or motor driven cycle means a turn is coming soon.

Reduce Speed in Dangerous Conditions

Excessive speed even when conditions are ideal is dangerous. Driving at the posted speed limit or in excess of it during the following roadway conditions is even more dangerous: Bad weather or poor visibility Slick or icy roads Driving with worn tires Unsafe vehicle conditions Impaired physical condition Hazardous conditions on road surface

Work zones

Flashing arrow boards are often used to indicate a detour or crossover. In these cases, lane markings on the road, traffic cones, barrels will outline the path the vehicle must follow. A flashing arrow board not indicating a direction either way is a signal to use caution, but does not require a driver to move to another lane.

Driving with Fog

Fog can greatly reduce your visibility of other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals. Drive cautiously and at reduce speeds do you not use headlight beams, low headlight beams better illuminate the road and objects ahead. If fog closes in completely and visibility is reduced to near zero carefully pull off the road as far as possible and stop. Headlights and flashing emergency signals should be used while driving in fog

Parking and Reversing

Follow these procedures to parallel park in an empty space that has vehicles parked in front and behind it: 1. Signal your intention to park 2. Position your vehicle parallel with the vehicle parked in front of the empty space and maintain at least two feet from this vehicle. Align your rear bumper with the rear bumper of the vehicle parked in front in front of the empty space 3. Reverse slowly until the front of the vehicle is even with the right and reverse slowly until the vehicle is at a 45 degree angle and reverse 4. When the front of your vehicle passes the rear of the parallel car, turn your steering wheel to the left sharply, then gradually while backing into the space 5. Straighten your vehicles wheels and pull forward in the space For pictures look on page 84 of Indiana's driver manual

fuel economy

Fuel consumption increases steadily above 45 mph with passenger cars and light trucks using approximately 50% more fuel traveling at 75 mph than at 55 mph. You can maximize your fuel economy: Drive more efficiently by driving sensibly observing the speed limit avoiding hauling cargo on your roof and removing excess weight from your vehicle. Keep your vehicle in shape by properly maintaining your engine keeping your tires properly inflated and using the recommended grade of motor oil Plan in combine trips. Your fuel economy is worse when your engine is cold and then it is warmed up several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trips covering the same distance

Being Passed

If another vehicle is passing you on the left-hand side of the road allow the other vehicle to pass safely and do not increase your speed

Safety at railroad crossing

If you approach the railroad crossing and your vehicle becomes disabled on the crossing or if you observe an obstruction on the railroad tracks or at the Crossing but no train is approaching or present: Immediately call the emergency notification system the phone number is located on the blue sign attached to the railroad track crossing gate.

Stationary Utility, Maintenance and Solid Waste Vehicles

If you see lights or flashing lights on these vehicles slow down and stop and move into a lane that is not adjacent to the vehicle if it is possible to do so safely

Lane markings

Lane markings separate traffic and alert drivers when it's permissible to pass other vehicles

Hand signals

Look at 62 for hand signals

Follow these rules when changing lanes

Make sure that there is no traffic ahead of you in the lane you would like to enter Check your mirrors for any vehicles that are preparing to pass you Briefly turn your head toward the lane that you are entering to make sure that there is no vehicle in your blind spot and that there is sufficient room to move into the adjacent lane Use your turn signal to alert other drivers of your intention to change lanes Smoothly move into the new driving lane

Passing other vehicles Follow these rules when you are passing other vehicles

Make sure the passing lane is clear of traffic, as you must return to the right side of the road no less than 100 ft before oncoming vehicle Check behind and to the left of your vehicle to make sure that another vehicle is not attempting to pass you Use your turn signals to alert other drivers of your intention to change lanes Move into the passing lane, accelerate and continue to move forward unless you can see the vehicle your passing in the review mirror Before returning to the lane in which you were originally driving use the appropriate turn signal

Driving at night

Pedestrians, road markings, and other vehicles are more difficult to identify and recognize at night under nighttime driving conditions you should reduce normal speed especially on unfamiliar roads. The glare of oncoming headlights may also reduce vision to avoid glare do not look directly into the light of an approaching vehicle instead focus on the right side of the road

Rural Interstate highway speed limits

Rural interstate highways are located outside urban areas. The following speed limit rules apply in theses areas: Passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 mph or the posted speed limit Trucks that have a declared gross vehicle weight greater than 26,000 pounds may not exceed 65 mph or the posted speed limit On a rural state divided highway, vehicles may not exceed 60 miles per hour or the posted speed limit

Bicycle paths and lanes shall be used exclusively for the operation of bicycles unless:

Signs specify joint use with pedestrians The driver is on official duty, such as delivering mail ——————————————————————————————— Other rules for drivers or operators of any vehicle include: Do not drive or park a bicycle paths or lanes, or place vehicle in a manner that may impede bicycle traffic on such a path or lane Yield the right of way to an individual operating a bicycle on a designated bicycle path or lane Do not move into bicycle path or lane in preparation for a turn

slow moving vehicle

Slow moving farm vehicles, construction equipment, and vehicles drawn by animals share the same roadway. Use care when approaching and passing these vehicles. Be alert for a special emblem that the driver must place on the back of the vehicle

railroad crossing

Special signs and signals and pavement markings are used to warn and regulate drivers Railroad crossings although you should not expect to see all of these devices used it every railroad crossing. Vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings include: All vehicles carrying passengers for hire All school buses All vehicles carrying explosives or flammable liquids

Four way stops

Stop and look for oncoming traffic, and proceed when it is safe to do so. The first vehicle to stop at the intersection is the first to proceed through the intersection. However if two cars stop at the same time, the driver to the right has the right of way.

Driving on rural roads

Stopping and turning on loose gravel is more difficult because your traction is reduced. On dirt roads it can be very dusty, the dust can reduce your visibility so use low beam headlights to make your self visible to other drivers. Use caution when passing another vehicle on narrow bridges or roads. Before approaching the crest of a steep hill, slow down, move to the right side of the road and watch for oncoming vehicles.

Skidding

Sudden turns, lane changes and hard braking can cause a drivers car to skid. the procedure for correcting a skid is the same for both front-wheel-drive cars as for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Ease off gas pedal if your car begins to lose traction. If your vehicle has conventional brakes, turn the steering wheel in a controlled manager in the direction the rear of the car is sliding. If your vehicle has an anti lock brake system, keep your foot on the brake pedal, maintaining firm and continuous pressure, while steering normally. Do not pump the brakes.

Rules for safe and legal turning

The first rule for a safe and legal turn is to move into the proper lane well before the turn. To turn left, be in the far left lane for your direction of travel. To turn right, be in the far right lane for your direction of travel

Urban speed limits

The following speed limit rules apply in these areas On a urban interstate highway vehicles may not exceed 55 mph or the posted speed limit On a non-divided state highway vehicles may not exceed 55 mph or the posted speed limit On country roads vehicles may not exceed 55 mph or the posted speed limit In most urban residential areas vehicles may not exceed 30 mph or the posted speed limit In alleys's vehicles may not exceed 15 mph or the posted speed limit

Roundabouts

The roundabout is a circular intersection in which traffic enters or exit only through right turns and proceeds in and counterclockwise direction when approaching a roundabout incoming traffic always yields to the circulating traffic For multi lane roundabouts where the circular roadway has more than one lane, drivers should know which lane they need to be in prior to entering the roundabout. Drivers should not change lanes in the circulatory roadway. The traffic circle differs from a roundabout and that it may have clockwise and counterclockwise traffic. The approaches to a circulatory roadway of a traffic circle may also be controlled by stop signs instead of yield signs. Some roundabouts have more than one lane which can present a traffic hazard when small vehicles are driving through with large vehicles next to them. When approaching or driving through a multi lane roundabout, drivers must yield to the right of way to large vehicles. If two large vehicles are approaching or driving through a roundabout at the same time the driver in the right lane must yield the right away to the driver in the left line.

Tire pressure

Tires have been known to lose up to 1 pound per square inch every month. Check your tires. Here's how: Purchase a trusted pressure gauge Open your car door and on the inside jamb there should be a sticker with your vehicles recommended PSI Check your tires before you've driven or at least three hours after you've driven Insert pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire. The gauge will pop off and show a measured number Compare the measured psi to the psi that is found on the sticker inside the drivers door of your vehicle or an owners manual DO NOT compare to the psi on your tires sidewall If your psi is above the number let the air out until it matches if below add air or have a retailer help you until it reaches the proper number

Reversing

To reverse turn your body to the right and look through the back window. Never use only the rearview mirror for reversing. Go slowly watching carefully in all directions. Never back into an intersection in order to turn around.

Winter driving

Watch for snow, especially when mixed with significant wind. Watch for drifting snow and icy conditions. Clean snow off car headlights taillights so other cars can see you. Always allow engine to complete warm up before driving in cold conditions, and drive with a full tank of gas. Consider carrying a survival kit

seat belts and child safety restraints

Wear your seatbelt. If you wear your seat belt you increase your risk of survival by 45 percent and cut the risk of serious energy by 50 percent A passenger younger than eight years of age are required by law to be properly secured in a child restraint. Children younger than 12 should be in the backseat of the car

Following turning vehicles

When following a driver who has signaled an intention to make a turn, you should slow down and be prepared to stop

School bus speed limits

When not driving on an interstate or state highway, the maximum speed limit for a school bus is 40 mph unless the posted speed limit is lower. The maximum speed limit for a school bus on an interstate or highway is 60 mph or the posted speed limit

Driving on interstate highways

When you enter an interstate on ramp stay to the right and increase your speed in the acceleration lane to allow your vehicle to merge with traffic when your path is clear. Drivers entering a interstate must yield the right of way to vehicles on the interstate. It is unsafe to back up on a interstate highway to reach a missed exit. Except in the event of an emergency vehicle or disabled vehicle, do not stop or park a vehicle on the shoulder of an interstate highway.

White lane markings

White lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in the same direction most roads with more than two lanes have broken white lines to separate the lanes. You may cross a broken white line when it is safe to change lanes, but you should not cross a solid white line

Yellow lane markings

Yellow lane markings separate multiple lanes of traffic going in opposite directions. You may cross a broken yellow line to pass another vehicle when it is safe, but you should not cross a solid yellow line except to turn

Rollover

You can reduce your risk for a rollover while driving: Avoid panicked steering- many rollovers occur when drivers over correct their steering as a panicked reaction to an emergency. Know proper maneuvering- if your vehicle leaves the roadway do not turn back on the pavement right away ease up on the gas pedal when it's safe to do so, gradually turn back onto the road Maintain your tires- improperly inflated and worn tires inhibit your ability to maintain voice control, which is the most important factor in reducing the chance of rollover Load vehicles properly- you can find the maximum safe load for your vehicle as well as proper load distribution, in your vehicle's owner manual Use caution on rural roads- rollovers are more likely to occur on undivided two-way roads or divided roads with no barriers if a vehicle goes off a rural road the vehicle can roll over if it strikes a ditch or embankment or is tripped by soft soil

Signaling intention to turn

You must give a proper turn signal at least 200 ft before turning or changing lanes. If the posted speed limit is 50 miles per hour or more you must give a proper turn signal at least 300 ft before turning or changing lanes.

Flagger signals

You must stop when a flagger extends a fluorescent orange/red flag in a horizontal position into the lane of traffic. You may proceed at a reduced speed only when directed to by the flagger. Stop when they signal a signal paddle that says stop or slow.

Highway work zone speed limits

work sites are always at least 10 miles per hour below the maximum established speed limit for the area. Drivers must adhere to the posted speed limit in a work site