drivers ed - mod3
how should you sit in the drivers seat?
- Your left foot should rest on the raised foot rest on the left side of the area under the steering wheel, known as the dead pedal. - Your right foot should be on the floor between the accelerator and brake pedals. - Your head restraint should be positioned at the top of your ears. - Your chest should be at least 10" from the steering wheel. - Your back and hips should be firmly against the back of the seat.
mirrors
- Your rearview mirror should allow a full view out of the back windshield. - Your side mirrors should allow you to see just along the side of the car, and the empty space that exists next to the car. Use the BGE method to decrease the size of your blind spots.
situations where you may need to pull over to the side of the road:
- emergency vehicle is approaching. - you're being followed by a police car with flashing lights. - there's an immediate threat ahead that you can only avoid by pulling over. - a warning light on your instrument panel has lit up. - you're travelling slower than the speed limit and a line of cars behind you is waiting to pass.
backing up
as you back up, you will have to control the steering wheel with your left hand alone. grip the top of the wheel, as it will give you the most control of your car.
understeering
when understeering occurs, you should remove your foot from the accelerator, decreasing your speed and increasing front wheel traction, while making the appropriate steering corrections.
beginning to start your car
your parking brake should be engaged and your transmission set to the proper position. start the engine, your right foot should be on the brake pedal and, if your car has a manual transmission, your left foot should be on the clutch pedal.
steering wheel
your right hand should be near the 3:00 position and your left hand should be near the 9:00 position.
steering techniques
- hand-to-hand steering method allows you to retain a grip on the wheel at all times and gives you more balance and precision. use this when making minor adjustments or when moving through a turn or a slight curve. - when you need to make a sharp turn, maneuver in a limited area, or change positions quickly when travelling at slow speeds, you should use the technique known as hand-over-hand steering
getting ready to drive
- shift the transmission into gear (Drive, Reverse, or First Gear, depending on the circumstances). - release the parking brake. your right foot should still be on the brake pedal. - check traffic ahead of you. if you are preparing to back up, look over your shoulder to check traffic behind you. - move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and press down gently
hand-over-hand-steering
- turn the wheel to the right until your right hand approaches 4:00 or 5:00. - let go of the wheel with your right hand while continuing to turn the wheel with your left. - pass your right arm over your left arm. Use it to grasp the top of the wheel. - let go of the wheel with your left hand when it reaches 4:00 or 5:00. Use it to grasp the top of the wheel. - continue until the turn is complete.
hand-to-hand-steering
- turn the wheel towards the right until your left hand approaches 12:00 and your right hand approaches 6:00. With your left hand holding the wheel firmly, slide your right hand back up to 3:00 or 4:00. - keep turning the wheel towards the right with your right hand while you slide your left hand down to 8:00 or 9:00. - continue until the turn is complete.
starting the engine
- turn your key to the On position. check all gauges and warning liights. - turn to the Start position. hold it in position until you hear the engine begin to run. - once the engine is running, double-check the indicators and gauges to make sure all systems are normal. adjust your climate controls, activate your headlights, and perform any other operations involving your vehicle's accessories. If your car has a manual transmission, you may remove your foot from the clutch pedal until you're ready to shift gears.
to back up
- with your right foot is on the brake pedal, shift the transmission to Reverse gear. - release the parking brake. Assume the appropriate position for backing up. - slowly lift your foot from the brake pedal. Use the accelerator only if it is necessary. the backwards roll of the vehicle may be sufficient to guide your car onto the road. - while backing up, gently turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the back of the car to go. While the back of your car will move in the direction you turn the steering wheel, the front of the car will swing out in the opposite direction. As a result, your car will end up oriented in the correct direction for moving forward.Once the front of your car is oriented the right way, press the brake gently to stop. Shift to a forward gear and gradually apply pressure to the accelerator to proceed.
oversteering
oversteering is more likely when using hand-over-hand steering. You may be able to anticipate oversteering by paying attention to the movement of the back of the car: if it starts to swing out, you should correct your steering immediately.
