NC DMV Chapter 4

Rules to follow when backing your vehicle:

1. Before entering your vehicle, check behind it for small objects or children — once you are in the driver's seat, it is hard to see them; 2. To maintain a full view of what is behind the vehicle, steer with your left hand and look over your right shoulder through the back window — do not depend on mirrors alone or looking through the side window; 3. Back very slowly, not more than 10 mph — your vehicle is harder to control and to stop when it is backing.

TWO SECOND RULE

The "two-second rule" says that you should allow two seconds between the time the vehicle ahead of you passes a given point and the time your vehicle reaches the same point.

Rounding a Curve

The best way to handle a curve: 1. Slow down before you enter the curve so that you will not need to brake while you are in the curve; 2. Gradually increase your speed to maintain the traction necessary for good control of the vehicle as you round the curve; 3. If you must brake in the curve, apply the brakes gradually until you are sure it is safe to keep continuous pressure on the brake pedal; 4. Begin to turn the vehicle just prior to the point where the road begins to turn; and 5. Stay on your side of the road and drive as far to the right as you can. If you encounter a curve while traveling downhill: 1. Consider the pull of gravity; 2. Shift to a lower gear before moving downhill; and 3. Begin to brake earlier and approach the curve more slowly than you would on a level roadway.

Maximum Speed Limits

In cities and towns 35 For school buses 45 For school activity buses 55 Outside cities and towns 55 For interstates 70

TIP Single-Point interchang

A single-point interchange compresses two intersections into a single intersection over or under a free-flowing road. Through traffic and traffic turning left onto or off the interchange, is controlled by a single set of traffic signals. The traffic signals are located at the center or top of the interchange and allow vehicles to clear the intersection more quickly. These interchanges help move large volumes of traffic through limited amounts of space safely and efficiently.

Traffic Circles and Roundabouts

A traffic circle or roundabout is a specially designed intersection. All vehicles in a traffic circle travel to the right around the circle in a counterclockwise direction until you come to the road or street where you want to turn. You leave the traffic circle by making a right turn. If there is more than one lane in the circle, be sure you are in the outside lane before you come to the place where you intend to exit the circle. Look and signal before you turn or change lanes. Never make a right turn from an inside lane. An entire traffic circle is an intersection. Vehicles already in the circle have the right of way

Adjusting

Adjusting to road conditions is the key to successful driving. • You should be able to judge dangerous conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. • Most importantly, you should know when conditions are too dangerous to risk driving at all.

Keeping a Margin of Safety

Allow a margin of safety around you by staying clear of other vehicles. Make sure there is enough room ahead and behind to pass or stop safely. Drive at a steady speed, and signal well in advance whenever you are slowing down or stopping to warn other drivers from following too closely. If another vehicle follows you too closely, move to another lane and signal for the driver to pass you. Stay in the middle of the lane and leave space on both sides of your vehicle. Allow ample room between your vehicle, parked vehicles and oncoming traffic

Driving Conditions

Driving at a high speed is dangerous because each additional mile traveled per hour reduces the driver's ability to control the vehicle. Speed also increases the likelihood that a crash will result in serious injury or death. On the other hand, driving below the posted speed limit can also be dangerous. If you must drive slower, you should still observe the posted minimum speed limit. At places where it is unsafe to pass, the slow driver forces other drivers to creep along behind or take unnecessary risks while trying to pass. Very slow driving is especially dangerous just after you have passed the crest of a hill or rounded a curve. Faster-moving vehicles can crash into the slower vehicle before they can slow down. For this reason, watch for slow-moving vehicles such as heavy trucks or farm vehicles. If traffic is collecting behind you, it is wise to pull over to the side of the road, stop and allow the vehicles to pass

Defensive Driving

Driving involves two important types of skills: • Skills that enable the driver to drive defensively and to avoid a crash in spite of driving errors by others; and • Skills for the basic rules about turning, passing, backing and parking the vehicle.

Parking

Always park on the right side of the road, except on one-way streets. Before pulling out from a parallel parking space, check for approaching traffic and give a left-turn signal, unless you are parked on the left side of a one-way street. If you are driving and notice that a vehicle ahead of you is pulling out from a parallel parking space, slow down and be prepared to stop. Places where you should not park: • At an intersection or in front of a driveway; • Within 25 feet of the curb line of an intersecting street or within 15 feet of the intersecting right of way lines if there is no curb; • On a crosswalk, sidewalk or bridge; • Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or entrance to a fire station; • On the paved or primary-travel portion of any highway — parking on the shoulder is also against the law unless the parked vehicle can be seen by approaching drivers from both directions for a distance of at least 200 feet; • On the roadway side of another vehicle (double parking); • Where there are "no-parking" signs; • Within one block of a fire or fire truck in city limits or within 400 feet of a fire or fire truck outside the city; • Anywhere within the right of way of an interstate highway, except in designated parking areas or in cases of emergencies; and • Parking spaces designated for handicap/disabled use unless your vehicle is displaying a handicap license plate or a disability parking placard. For information about Americans with Disabilities Act, visit www.ada.gov.

cautiously. Railroad Crossing Safety

As you approach a railroad crossing, you must: • Slow your speed; • Keep alert; and • Watch for the railroad crossing signal.

Mirrors

Check and adjust the mirrors before you begin to drive. The rear-view mirror should show what is directly behind you. Adjust the side mirrors to show the scene to the left and right rear of the vehicle. The mirrors should barely reflect the side of the vehicle.

Flashing Turn Signals

Flashing light signals for turns are legal substitutes for hand signals, but there are times when they are hard to see. In late afternoon and early morning, the lenses may reflect sunlight, making it difficult to tell whether the signals are flashing. At night a flashing light signal is much easier to see than a hand signal.

Following

Following too closely is a leading cause of traffic crashes. Maintain plenty of space between your vehicle and the one ahead. If the vehicle ahead stops suddenly, you will need time to react. On the open road, keep enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead so that a passing vehicle can safely move into and occupy the space. Remember to follow the "two-second rule.

Turning

For right turns, stay close to the right edge of the road, so that another vehicle cannot move between your vehicle and the curb. Reduce the vehicle's speed before making the turn and then accelerate slightly. Motorcycles and bicycles are especially hard to see during a turn. Always give the proper signal and look before turning to make sure that you can turn safely.

Other rules to follow when driving in cities:

Give yourself plenty of space to make decisions — leave a "margin of safety" around your vehicle; • Communicate your intended movements to other drivers; • Watch the road far enough ahead of you to detect possibly dangerous situations earlier and to take proper defensive actions; • Avoid driving side-by-side, especially in another driver's blind spot — if you cannot see the inside rear-view mirror of the car ahead, you are probably in the driver's blind spot; • Never "weave" in and out of traffic — stay in one lane if you can and plan lane changes ahead of time; • Give proper signal in advance before changing lanes; • Be prepared to apply the brakes; • Watch for parked vehicles that might be pulling out and pedestrians who might dart onto the street from between parked vehicles. Parked vehicles can also block your view of intersecting traffic, driveways and alleys; and • On a one-way street, use the center lane(s) for through-travel and the outside lanes for turning.

Hand Signals

Hand signals are given from the driver's window, using the left arm and hand: • To signal a left turn, hold the arm and hand straight out and point the first finger. • To signal a right turn, hold the arm straight out and the forearm and hand straight up, palm facing forward. • To signal stopping and slowing down, point the arm and hand down, palm facing back.

Changing Rules

Important rules about changing lanes: • Check the side and rear-view mirrors; • Check over your shoulder to be certain the blind spot is clear; • Signal your intended movement in advance; and • Proceed with changing lanes

Special Driving Situations

Interchanges, Intersections, Roads, Streets and Highways Many intersections may have roads crossing each other at different levels. These are interchanges and the method of turning at these specially designed intersections may vary. As you approach an interchange, slow down and give careful attention to the signs that direct you about how to make the turn. An intersection is any place where two or more roads meet or cross each other. Crashes occur most

Speed drive

Never drive faster than the posted speed limit or at a speed that is unreasonable or unwise given the existing conditions. Two second rule allow a safe distance between your vehicle and your car • The faster you are moving, the farther ahead you must be able to see to allow enough distance for stopping. Conditions often change as you drive. You will drive through different areas such as open country, residential communities and school zones. Watch for changing conditions and adjust your speed accordingly Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit is 35 mph in cities and towns. Special speed limits may be posted for special areas. To be a safe driver, you must often drive slower than the posted limit, but you should not drive faster.

...

On four-lane highways separated by a median of more than 30 feet, each crossing constitutes a separate intersection. The law requires that you slow down when you come to an intersection, even if you have the right of way.

Exceptions where passing on the right is allowed:

On three-lane highways, you must not pass except in the center lane, and then only where the center lane is marked for passing in your direction. Exception: When the vehicle in the center lane is making a left turn.

Horns and Sirens

Only law enforcement and emergency vehicles may have emergency lights or sirens. Muffler and Exhaust System Every motor vehicle must have a muffler that is in good working order. The muffler filters smoke and excessive noise. One function of the exhaust system is to take harmful fumes from the engine to the rear of the vehicle to be released. Check your exhaust system often to be sure it is not leaking. A leak in the exhaust system can allow poisonous carbon monoxide gas to enter the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Carbon monoxide poisoning often can be fatal, and Chapter 4 — Your Driving • Every licensed motor vehicle must be equipped with a horn in good working order. • The horn must be loud enough to be heard for at least 200 feet, and it must not make any unreasonably loud or harsh sound. • If the horn fails, have it repaired immediately. • The horn must be used as a reasonable warning device. You should not use the horn unnecessarily or unreasonably.

Passing on the right

Passing on the right is against the law except in areas where it is specifically permitted. Passing on the right places your vehicle on the blind side of the vehicle you are passing. The vehicle you are passing could unexpectedly make a right turn or pull over to the right side of the road.

Remember these railroad crossing rules:

Remember these railroad crossing rules: • When flashing red lights are used with crossbuck signs at the railroad crossing, you must stop, just as you would stop for any flashing red traffic signal; • If you are waiting for a train to pass, be patient; • Do not proceed to move immediately after the train has passed — there may be another train moving in the opposite direction from or following the first train; • Always wait until the red lights have stopped flashing before moving ahead; • Be prepared to stop for vehicles that must stop at crossings, such as school buses, motor vehicles carrying passengers, for-hire vehicles or vehicles transporting explosives or hazardous materials (these vehicles are marked with placard signs); If you happen to be crossing the tracks and the warning lights begin flashing or gates start to come down, do not stop, KEEP MOVING. The warning signals will allow enough time for you to finish driving through the crossing before the train arrives. The gate on the far side of the tracks will not block you in. If you stop and try to back up, your vehicle may stall; Chapter 4 — Your Driving TIP Traffic Circles and Roundabouts A traffic circle or roundabout is a specially designed intersection. All vehicles in a traffic circle travel to the right around the circle in a counterclockwise direction until you come to the road or street where you want to turn. You leave the traffic circle by making a right turn. If there is more than one lane in the circle, be sure you are in the outside lane before you come to the place where you intend to exit the circle. Look and signal before you turn or change lanes. Never make a right turn from an inside lane. An entire traffic circle is an intersection. Vehicles already in the circle have the right of way. As you approach a railroad crossing, you must: • Slow your speed; • Keep alert; and • Watch for the railroad crossing signal. Never move onto a railroad track unless you are certain you can drive across safely. • Crossing gates will not trap you, but stopping traffic might. Be sure the traffic ahead of you will not stop and block you in on the tracks; and • If your vehicle is blocked in or stalls on the railroad track, make sure everyone vacates the vehicle immediately. Post a lookout in each direction of the track to see if a train is approaching. If there is no train in sight, attempt to push the vehicle clear of the tracks or to restart it (if stalled).

Driving at the right speed

Studies show that the vehicle moving at a speed considerably below the posted limit is much more likely to cause or be involved in a crash than the vehicle moving at a normal speed.

Driving on Your Side of the Road

The law requires you to drive on the right side of the road. Driving on the left side is legal only in some cases, such as on one-way streets and while passing. When you are moving slower than the posted speed limit on a multi-lane highway, drive in the extreme right lane unless you are passing, turning left or avoiding an obstruction.

Adjusting Your Speed to Driving Conditions

The speed at which you drive determines the distance required to stop your vehicle. Stopping distance also depends on your reaction time. Stopping distances are longer at higher speeds because a vehicle travels farther during the driver's reaction time, and it takes more braking distance to come to a full stop. Even with ideal conditions, if you are traveling 55 miles per hour your vehicle requires approximately 211 feet to stop completely

Entering and Exiting the Interstate

Traffic moves much faster on the interstate than on an ordinary highway. It is dangerous to drive very far below the posted speed limit. Follow the flow of traffic if you can do so without speeding. Crashes are more likely to occur when a vehicle moves significantly slower than the flow of the traffic. Entering and Exiting the Interstate A dangerous error made by drivers on an interstate is to attempt to leave the highway after missing an exit. If you miss an exit, do not slow down, back up or try to turn around. Proceed to the next exit and leave the highway there instead. You can always find a service or side street to return to your intended exit. Chapter 4 — Your Driving If you enter an interstate headed in the wrong direction, pull over to the right shoulder of the road and stop. When the way is clear, turn around and head in the proper direction. (Avoid this error by watching for DO NOT ENTER signs.)

Scanning

What you see is important for defensive driving. • Good drivers try to see 10 to 15 seconds ahead on the roadway (about one city block). By looking ahead, you might avoid last minute moves such as sudden stops or quick lane changes. Chapter 4 — Your Driving Driving involves two important types of skills: • Skills that enable the driver to drive defensively and to avoid a crash in spite of driving errors by others; and • Skills for the basic rules about turning, passing, backing and parking the vehicle. • About every 10 seconds check the mirrors to see if any vehicle is following too closely. • When changing lanes, backing, slowing down or driving down a long hill, it is important to check for traffic from behind the car and in your blind spots. • While checking the mirrors, do not take your eyes off the road for more than an instant. The vehicle in front of you could stop suddenly. • Always leave yourself an "out."

Drive Green

When you carry extra weight, your vehicle must work harder. • Check tire pressure once a month and keep tires properly inflated. • Every five miles over 60 mph can cost you up to an additional 30 cents a gallon. • Abrupt starts and hard stops can increase fuel consumption by 40%. • Turn off the engine if you're waiting for more than a couple of minutes. • At speeds less than 40 mph, roll down windows; more than 40 mph, use AC. • Use the cruise control for more than 10,000 miles a year and save yourself 60 gallons of fuel. • Clogged air filters can cut mileage by 10%. • Tightening your fuel cap can prevent leakage of up to 30 gallons of gas a year.

Lights

When you engage the high-beam headlights at night, you should be able to see a person who is 200 feet away. When using the low-beam headlights, you should be able to see someone who is 75 feet away. • When headlights are improperly adjusted, they can shine in the eyes of approaching drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Vehicle vibration can cause the headlights to become out of adjustment. • It is a good practice to routinely check and adjust the headlights. • Overloading the rear of your vehicle may cause the front of your vehicle to tilt and produce an uncomfortable and sometimes hazardous headlight glare for oncoming drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. • Taillights must be red in color and visible for at least 500 feet. • The law requires a white light shining on the license plate to make the numbers visible for at least 50 feet. • All motor vehicles produced since 1955 must have red or amber lights that engage when the brakes or turn signals are used — these lights may be combined with the taillights or may be separated, and they must be visible for at least 100 feet in normal daylight. • Because hand signals are difficult to see at night, it is important that a vehicle's lights have clean lenses and stay in proper working order.

Remember these tips when you drive:

• As your speed increases, look farther ahead. • Give particular attention to hidden intersections and driveways. • Watch for warning signs that signal changes in the road. • Watch for other vehicles, especially oversized and slow-moving ones. • Maintain a safe following distance. • Use the vehicle's headlights when visibility becomes poor. • Be especially alert to oncoming vehicles because they are only a few feet away on some two-lane, undivided highways. • If you see a line of vehicles approaching, watch for drivers who might be trying to pass. • Always have a possible "escape route" to avoid colliding with an oncoming vehicle. • Keep aware of vehicles in the lanes next to you.

Places where passing is always unsafe and usually illegal:

• At intersections in cities and towns or at railroad crossings; • At marked intersections in rural areas; • On any curve or hill where the driver cannot see at least 500 feet ahead; • Wherever there is a solid yellow line in the driver's lane; • Wherever there is a double-solid yellow line; • At intersections or crosswalks where a vehicle has stopped to allow people to cross the street; and • Wherever the driver cannot see that the road is clear of traffic far enough ahead to pass safely

Brakes

• Every motor vehicle that operates on a public roadway must be equipped with brakes to adequately control the movement of, stop and hold the vehicle. • All vehicles should have originally equipped brakes in good working condition — having two separate means of applying the brakes. • The brake pedal should be at least one-third of its original distance from the floor when fully depressed. If it is not, the brakes must be checked and, if necessary, repaired. • If the pedal gradually lowers under the pressure of your foot, the hydraulic system must be checked. • Brakes that squeak when you depress the brake pedal can indicate a problem, have them checked. Do not risk a possible loss of the brakes.

Intersection rules

• The vehicle already in the intersection has the right of way ahead of any vehicle that has not yet entered; • When two or more vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the right has the right of way; • A vehicle with the right-of-way may move straight ahead or, if legal and after signaling, turn right or left; and • Even with the right-of-way, be careful to avoid hitting other vehicles and pedestrians.