safe driving

to make a left turn...

-you should be in the furthest left lane possible, turning into the leftmost lane on the intersecting road, unless pavement markings lead you otherwise; or, unless multiple left turn lanes are provided. -If multiple left turn lanes are provided, you should choose the lane that will best serve your need once you enter the intersecting road. -Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. -You should signal at least three to four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn.

to make a right turn...

-you should be in the lane closest to the curb. -Signal your intent to turn by using the proper turn signal. -You should signal at least three or four seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn.

what is the average stopping distance on dry, level pavement when driving 35 mph?

135 feet

what is the average stopping distance on dry, level pavement when driving 45 mph?

195 feet

what should your following distance be if you are driving under 35 mph on flat, dry pavement?

2 seconds

what is the speed limit on School, business and residential zones?

25 mph unless marked differently

what is the average stopping distance on dry, level pavement when driving 55 mph?

265 feet

what should your following distance be if you are driving between 36-45 mph on flat, dry pavement?

3 seconds

what is the average stopping distance on dry, level pavement when driving 65 mph?

344 feet

what is the speed limit on Rural rustic roads?

35 mph

what should your following distance be if you are driving between 46-70 mph on flat, dry pavement?

4 seconds

what is the speed limit on Non-rural interstate highways, public roads not part of the interstate system?

55 mph

what is the speed limit on Interstate highways in certain rural areas?

70 mph

what is the average stopping distance on dry, level pavement when driving 25 mph?

85 feet

what is speed limit?

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal conditions. You may drive slower than the posted speed, but it is illegal to drive any faster. By law, you must drive slower if conditions such as road construction or bad weather make the posted speed unsafe. It is illegal to use a radar detector in Virginia.

motorcycle accident usually happen..

Approximately half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve automobiles. Many crashes are caused by the motorist's failure to see a motorcycle in traffic.

yielding when approaching vehicles in the opposite direction...

-When emergency vehicles approach you in the oppo- site lane on an undivided highway, you must pull over to the edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle passes. -These requirements do not apply in highway work zones

examples of yielding are...

-When two vehicles from different directions arrive at an intersection at different times, the vehicle that arrives first goes first. -When two vehicles from different directions arrive at the same time at an intersection with no signs or signals, the driver on the left must allow the driver on the right to go first. -If the traffic lights at an intersection are not working, all vehicles coming to the intersection must stop. The driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. -Drivers entering an interstate from an entrance ramp must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the highway.

backing

The most common mistake that drivers make when backing up is failing to look both ways behind them. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. Back up slowly and check for pedestrians and approaching traffic by glancing quickly to either side.

when stopping for a school bus.. (5)

-You must stop for stopped school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign when you approach from any direction on a highway, private road or school driveway. -Stop and remain stopped until all persons are clear and the bus moves again. -You must also stop if the bus is loading or unloading passengers and the signals are not on. -You do not have to stop if you are traveling in the opposite direction on a roadway with a median or barrier dividing the road and the bus is on the opposite side of the median or barrier. -However, be prepared for unexpected actions by persons exiting the school bus.

blind spots are...

-are danger areas that cannot be seen in the mirrors on either or both sides of the vehicle. -The best way to see a car in your blind spot is by quickly turning your head and glancing over your shoulder to ensure the way is clear before changing lanes or passing another vehicle. -Avoid driving in someone else's blind spot. This can be just as dangerous as not checking your own blind spot. Speed up or drop back; but, don't stay in the other driver's blind spot.

Increase your following distance when driving:

-behind a large vehicle that blocks your vision -in bad weather or heavy traffic -when exiting an expressway -behind a motorcycle -when being tailgated

you may not park...

-beside another parked vehicle (double parking) -on crosswalks or sidewalks -in front of driveways -within areas where parking is prohibited by curbs -painted yellow or No Parking signs -within 15 feet of a fire hydrant -within 20 feet of an intersection -within 50 feet of a railroad crossing -in such a way that you block or create a hazard for other vehicles in a designated traffic lane

When aggressive drivers are behind the wheel..

these high-risk drivers take out their anger on other motorists

what does yield mean?

to stop if you cannot merge safely into the flow of traffic.

when parking on a downhill with a curb..

turn your wheels facing the curb (right)

when parking on an uphill with a curb..

turn your wheels left

when parking on a downhill without a curb..

turn your wheels right facing out

when parking on an uphill without a curb..

turn your wheels right facing out

driving becomes hazardous when...

visibility is reduced or when the road surface is covered with rain, snow or ice. Reducing your speed should be your first response to decreased visibility and dangerous road conditions. Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from three seconds to six seconds turn on your headlights

use your low-beams when..

when driving in cities and towns, except on streets where there is no lighting. Switch to low-beams whenever you meet oncoming traffic to avoid blinding the other driver. When following, use low-beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead.

when should you use hand signals?

when your brake lights and turning signals do not work/are broken

when driving in rain..

Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. In light rain or drizzle, turn on your windshield wipers to improve visibility; using wipers for sprinkles may smear the windshield and make it harder to see, so make sure you have windshield washer fluid.

For bad weather conditions, heavy traffic, poor pavement or if your vehicle is in poor condition...

add extra seconds to increase your following distance.

use your high-beams when..

headlights on highways, unless another vehicle is within 500 feet coming toward you. If the high- beams of an oncoming car are on, avoid looking directly at the bright lights. Glance toward the side of the road, then look quickly ahead to determine the other vehicle's position. Keep doing this until you have passed the other vehicle. Even if the other driver does not dim his headlights, do not turn on your high-beam headlights.

to prevent motorcycle accidents..

-Look for motorcyclists. In more than half of all crashes involving motorcycles and automobiles, the other driver didn't see the motorcycle until it was too late. Drivers are conditioned to look for four-wheeled vehicles; but they don't expect to see two-wheeled vehicles. A motorcycle's small size also makes it difficult to see. -Check your blind spots. A motorcycle's small size allows it to slip into your blind spot easily. Always check for motorcycles before you pull out, change lanes, turn, back up or proceed through an intersection. -Never tailgate a motorcycle (or any other vehicle). Allow yourself plenty of braking distance by adding an extra second to the following distance rule. In inclement weather, double this distance. -Anticipate the motorcyclist's movements. Although a motorcycle is not as wide as the lane, the rider will use the entire lane as traffic situations and road conditions change. A slight change or debris on the road surface can be a major obstacle for a motorcyclist. Expect the motorcycle to make sudden moves within the lane. Never drive beside a motorcycle in the same lane. -Yield to motorcycles. The small size of a motorcycle can cause you to misjudge the motorcycle's speed and distance. Before pulling out into traffic, check twice for motorcycles and use extra caution before you pull out in front of one.

yielding when approaching vehicles in the same direction..

-Never follow an emergency vehicle closer than 500 feet when its lights are flashing. -When police, fire and rescue vehicles or ambulances approach you from behind your vehicle using a siren, flashing lights or both, you must immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

drivers need to change their following distance when..

-Speed or road conditions change. -Hand response time is close to a half second. -Foot response time is normally three-quarters of a second. -This does not take into account any delay in perception time as a result of the driver being tired, on medication, distracted, etc. -Road conditions, speed, driver alertness, and even following vehicles of different weights all change the ability to stop.

u-turns are..

-U-turns are NOT legal everywhere. Before you make a U-turn, check for No U-Turn or No Left Turn signs. In business districts, cities and towns, U-turns are allowed only at intersections. Never make a U-turn on a highway. -When making a U-turn, turn on your left-turn signal, stop, and yield for approaching traffic. When the way is clear, proceed into the outside or right hand lane traveling in the opposite direction.

roundabouts are...

-can have one or more lanes -Entering traffic must yield the right-of-way to traffic already in the circle. -Each road approaching the roundabout is marked with a yield sign and may also have yield line markings on the pavement. -However, rotaries and other circles may have stop signs. -Drivers must pay attention and obey the signs. -when approaching, slow down (yield)

what do you keep in mind when passing?

-check the traffic ahead of you, behind you and in your blind spot before you attempt to pass. -Signal and then accelerate to pass. -Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror. -it is against the law to exceed the speed limit as you pass. -complete the pass before you reach a No Passing zone. If you're still in the left lane when you reach the zone, you're breaking the law. -you may pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing has signaled and is making a left turn. -Be cautious because the vehicle you are passing may be blocking your view or blocking the view of other drivers. -You may not pass on the right if you must drive off the pavement or main portion of the roadway to get around the other vehicle. -when approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, reduce speed and pass at least two feet to the left. -While inside the roundabout, stay in your lane until you are ready to exit. -Use your vehicle's right turn signal to let drivers around you know what you want to do. -Do not change lanes or take an exit before checking for vehicles that may be continuing through the roundabout in the lane next to you or behind you. -Expect vehicles to be in blind spots you cannot see in your rearview or side mirrors. -Quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spot. When being passed, don't speed up. Maintain a steady speed or slow down.

what do you keep in mind when changing lanes?

-check your side and rearview mirrors for traffic approaching you from behind. -Then, use your turn signal to let other drivers know you plan to change lanes. -Check for other drivers who also may be moving into the same lane. -Just before you begin moving into the other lane, quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spot. -always use your turn signals

Bicycles are..

-considered vehicles and have the same right-of-way as motor vehicles. -Bicyclists are also expected to obey the same traffic rules and regulations as vehicle drivers

what 3 types of pedestrians are usually involved with a crash?

-elderly -children -adults under the influence

Passing is unlawful and unsafe...

-on hills, curves, at intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction -off the pavement or shoulder of the road -when a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers on a public road (unless a physical barrier or unpaved median separates traffic going in either direction) or on a private road -when a solid line marks the left side of your lane

what are ways you can get distracted while driving?

-texting -changing the radio or CD -talking to passengers -observing outside surroundings -eating -talking on the phone

what hand signal should you make if you are trying to slow down or stop?

Left hand and arm pointing downward

what hand signal should you make if you are trying to make a left turn?

Left hand and arm pointing straight out

what hand signal should you make if you are trying to make a right turn?

Left hand and arm pointing upward

what three factors do you keep in mind for breaking distance?

Perception time: The time it takes you to recognize a hazard. Reaction distance: The distance your vehicle travels between the time you recognize a problem and the time you apply the brakes. Braking distance: The distance your car travels after you apply the brakes. Perception time, reaction distance and braking distance are affected by weather, visibility, and your mental and physical condition. Braking distance is also affected by how fast your vehicle is traveling, the condition of your brakes and tires, and the pavement condition. For example, wet pavement can double your braking distance.

what should you do before driving when it had recently snowed?

Remove snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, hood and rear of the vehicle Snow and ice left on the car can fly off when the vehicle is moving and create a hazard for other motorists. Be sure to clear all of your windows, mirrors and front and rear lights of snow or ice so you can see and communicate with other drivers.

what is aggressive driving?

This dangerous driving behavior is defined by Virginia law as the intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person while committing one or more traffic offenses such as failing to stop or yield the right-of-way, avoiding a traffic control device or failing to give way to an overtaking vehicle.

wide turns

Trucks, buses and RVs sometimes need to swing wide to the left or right to safely make a turn. They can't see the cars directly behind or beside them. In fact, their blind spots may stretch up to 20 feet in front of the cab and approximately 200 feet behind the vehicle. Never try to squeeze between a truck, bus or RV and the curb or another vehicle.

side no-zones

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and RVs have big No-Zones on both sides that are dangerous because these vehicles must make wide turns. These No-Zones or blind spots are much larger than your car's blind spots. If you can't see the driver's face in his side view mirror, then he can't see you.

always keep what i mind when driving in the rain?

When rain begins, during the first half-hour, roads are more likely to be slippery due to oil on the road surface mixing with water.

front no-zones

You could get rear-ended by a truck, bus or RV if you cut in front too soon after passing the vehicle or if you cut in front and then suddenly slow down. The truck, bus and RV drivers would be forced to slam on their brakes. These vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars. A truck and its trailer may be as long as 65 feet and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front. And then, maintain your speed.

when driving at sunset..

as soon as light begins to fade, turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise.

when stopping always... (7)

at all stop signs, red traffic lights and flashing red signals -when entering a street or crossing over a sidewalk from a driveway, alley, building or parking lot -at railroad crossings with flashing signals -when signaled by flaggers directing traffic -for pedestrians attempting to cross the street at a crosswalk -at the direction of a police officer. If you don't obey a law enforcement officer's signal to stop and the officer pursues you and is killed as a direct result of the pursuit, you will be guilty of a Class 4 felony. -at the scene of a crash in which you are involved -When approaching a stop sign and the car in front of you proceeds, stop at the sign and proceed when the way is clear.

When two vehicles are approaching each other and signaling to turn left...

both vehicles should turn in front of each other so that the passenger sides of the vehicles are beside each other.

When approaching a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on a four lane highway, you must...

change to a lane not next to the emergency vehicle, if you can change lanes safely. If you are unable to safely change lanes, reduce your speed and proceed with caution. Violations can result in court suspension of your driver's license and demerit points on your driving record.

what is over-correcting?

occurs when the driver turns the steering wheel more sharply than expected, causing the rear wheels of the vehicle to slide toward the outside of the turn. This may result in the loss of vehicle control. Most over-correction crashes are single vehicle crashes and are often preventable. A driver should remain alert at all times. Reduce speed and use extra caution while driving on curved roads. If you veer off the road, curved or straight, do not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction you want to go, slowly steer back onto the roadway.

rear no-zones

rucks, tractor-trailers, buses and RVs have huge No-Zones directly behind them. The driver can't see your car behind his vehicle and you can't see what's happening in traffic ahead of his vehicle. If the truck, bus or RV brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could crash into the vehicle's rear-end. Always maintain a safe following distance.

drivers share the road with..

pedestrians, bicyclists, moped and motorcycle riders, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles and other vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It is your responsibility to adjust your driving to avoid other drivers' mistakes and assure everyone's safety.

what does fog do to your driving?

reflects light and can reflect your own headlights back into your eyes. USE LOW BEAMS in heavy fog and look for road edge markings to guide you. Even light fog reduces visibility and your ability to judge distances, so slow down.