Review Guide for IDriveSafely Drivers Ed VA

Unit 1. Highway Safety

In the U.S., each year approximately 3 million people are injured and around 40,000

people are killed in traffic collisions. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of

death for people ages 3 to 33. Among those killed, teenage drivers have the highest

death rates per miles driven among all age groups, followed by

elderly drivers and young adult males. Every year the cost of

crashes exceeds $230 billion dollars.

Driving a motor vehicle involves the conduct of skilled and properly

timed actions under varying road and traffic conditions based on

decisions that depend on:

Learned Information

Realistic Perceptions

Sound Judgments

The top 12 causes of fatal crashes (in order):

1. Failing to maintain lane position

2. Speeding

3. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other medication

4. Failing to yield the right-of-way

5. Inattention

6. Reckless driving

7. Failing to obey traffic signs or signals

8. Improper driving technique

9. Making an improper turn

10. Drowsy driving

11. Obscured vision

12. Driving the wrong way on a one-way street

Traffic engineers and lawmakers have designed the roads, laws and traffic controls to

help drivers anticipate and predict what other road users are about to do. These

efforts are in our best interest and reduce the chances of us crashing into each

other. In our integrated transportation system all drivers have to depend on each

other to follow the rules.

Our society gives you the freedom to come and go where and

when you wish. However, driving is not a constitutional right it is a

privilege you earned upon receiving your license. You are obligated

to follow state licensing regulations and rules-of-the-road in order

to keep that privilege.

Your licensing process is regulated by your state government and

your state has specific motor vehicle laws and designates various

penalties for violation of these laws.

Traffic laws are in place to regulate the flow of traffic. They are designed for your

safety and the safety of others you are sharing the road with.

If the state court system identifies you as an unsafe driver or finds you negligent of

your responsibilities associated with driving, the court has the right to take away

your privilege to drive at any time.

In the driving environment, the chance of injury, damage, or loss

is always present.

Recognize how your driving environment changes each time you

get behind the wheel - weather, road conditions, your vehicle and

other drivers are unpredictable.

Develop the habit of evaluating each of those risk factors, including

your own well being, every time you drive.

Since it is nearly impossible to determine the level of risk in specific driving

situations accurately, the following are some guidelines that can help you assess risk

more accurately:

Consider the probability of a dangerous event developing.

Consider the consequences of your decision.

Prepare to take action to manage the situation.

Evaluate these elements for their risk potential before and during your drive.

Evaluate your risk as the driver. Consider things such as fatigue, impairment,

allergies and illness.

Assess the conditions of the roadway and your route.

Conduct a pre-drive inspection of your vehicle.

While driving, if you encounter a worse scenario than you anticipated, consider the

consequences and make a safe decision on how to proceed.

Sharpen your driving skills to help lower your risk.

Unit 2. The Driver

A crash occurs every 30 seconds. Before driving, assume you will

be in a crash. Driver readiness lowers your risk. If you determine

your driving risks associated with physical, mental, or medical

limitations are too high, consider alternative transportation

choices.

Know your destination and plan the safest route. Plan an alternate

route in the event you have an unexpected detour.

Don't drive where you can't see. Most of the information you process while driving is

visual. Before driving be sure you can focus on things near and far away. If you are

sick, disabled or your vision is impaired, have someone else drive.

Position yourself to be able to steer, accelerate and brake efficiently.

1. Sit straight behind the wheel with your back against the seat.

2. Adjust the driver's side mirror so you can see the rearmost left corner of the

vehicle.

3. Adjust your seat so you can see and easily operate the controls.

4. Put a 10"-12" space between you and the wheel.

5. Adjust the head restraint so it is even with the top of your ears.

6. Fasten your safety belt. Tell passengers not to recline in their seats. In the

event of a crash, their bodies could slide forward, increasing the chance of

injury.

Eliminate unnecessary distractions or diversions. Loose objects become projectiles in

a crash. Secure loose objects in the trunk or the cargo net. Secure yourself and your

passengers and buckle up.

What you are able to see without obstruction is called your line-

of-sight. The best condition for visual search is when your line-of-

sight around all sides of your vehicle is not obstructed.

Look far down the road at least 30 seconds ahead. When you

decide to execute a maneuver, you will need a control zone of

approximately 12 to 15 seconds.

Develop the habit of observing the ground for changes in road traction conditions

and for shadows that might indicate hidden hazards, such as children between

parked cars. This practice will also help you judge the speed of other vehicles.

When changing lanes, check for traffic behind you, glance in your rearview and side

mirrors to make sure no one is preparing to pass you. Also, before you change lanes

glance over your shoulder to check the blind areas to be certain no one is near the

left-or right-rear corners of your vehicle. Install larger side mirrors to reduce this

blind spot.

Whenever you have to back your vehicle, check behind it before

getting in. Children or small objects are hard to see from the

driver's seat. Back up slowly because your vehicle is much harder

to control and stop while you are backing.

Low light at night reduces your vision and makes driving difficult

and dangerous. Using the night setting on your rearview mirror

may help, but it may hamper your ability to judge the distance of

traffic behind you.

At night, when there is no opposing traffic, use your high beams whenever possible

to illuminate your path. Be sure to turn off your high beams if there is opposing

traffic or when you see taillights of vehicles ahead. If an approaching driver refuses

to switch his high beams to low, you should locate the white marker and use it to

guide you.

Do not overdrive your headlights - never drive so fast you do not have time to stop

to avoid hitting something just beyond your lights. If you "over-drive" your

headlights, and you see an obstacle in your path, you will not be able to stop before

you hit that obstacle.

Speed influences crashes in five basic ways:

1. It increases the distance a vehicle travels from when a driver detects an emergency until the driver reacts.

2. It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once anemergency is perceived.

3. Crash severity increases by the square of the speed; for example, when speed increases from 40 to 60 mph, speed goes up 50 percent while the energy released in a crash more than doubles. 4. Higher crash speeds reduce the ability of vehicles, restraint systems, and roadway hardware such as guardrails, barriers, and impact attenuators to protect occupants. 5. Traction and maneuverability are reduced.

Stopping distances involve three factors:

1. Perception distance

2. Reaction distance

3. Braking distance

Maintaining a safe gap between vehicles reduces front and rear-end collision

potential. Determine a safe speed to travel based on:

Traffic density and the rate of flow

The design and condition of the roadway

How far ahead you can see

Managing speed is critical to maneuvering safely through a curve. Enter the curve

slower than the posted speed if:

Road conditions are slippery or if surface traction is less than ideal.

You are entering a blind curve that you cannot see around.

Your vehicle is tall and has substantial weight that is loaded high.

The amount of space you need to safely maneuver increases with

higher speeds. The faster you travel the more space you need to

react to situations on the roadway.

You have the most control over the space in front of your vehicle.

On dry pavement, with good visibility, allow at least a 3-second

interval between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. This rule

works well for speeds up to 50 mph; however, the faster you

travel, the more distance you cover while bringing the vehicle to a

stop.

Create a following distance greater than 3 seconds when:

Traction and visibility are reduced.

A driver behind you is trying to pass.

Following a large truck or vehicle with limited rear vision.

Following a large vehicle that is blocking your view of the road ahead.

Following motorcycles.

Stopped on a hill or incline.

You are distracted.

Space behind your vehicle is important if you need to stop or slow quickly and it is

also the most difficult space to manage. Space behind creates a safeguard or buffer

from being rear-ended. To manage space to the rear:

Maintain a steady speed

Communicate your intention to stop or slow by tapping your brakes

Prior to slowing, check your rear-view mirror for vehicles behind you

Deal with tailgaters by creating more space in front of your vehicle and change lanes

to allow them to get in front of your vehicle.

Unit 3. Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driving

Alcohol enters the bloodstream very quickly and begins to affect

the body almost immediately. It is quick to find its way to the

brain because the brain contains more blood than any other organ.

The amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream is called blood

alcohol concentration (BAC).

Many factors can affect an individual's BAC - such as gender,

weight, number and size of drinks.

Typically, one drink equals one 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or one shot. In general, for males it takes the liver one hour to process approximately one drink.

An alcohol-impaired driver is less able to interpret what he or she sees. They make

errors interpreting shapes, have altered depth perception, and experience difficulty

in judging speed.

Never drive with an impaired driver. If intervention is not working, call a cab.

In 2005 in the U.S., 16,885 people died in alcohol-related crashes. That's one every

31 minutes or an average of 46 per day.

Drugs are designed to alter specific body functions and

consequently can alter the ability to perceive, make sound

judgments and react quickly.

The categories or types of drugs include:

Depressants

Stimulants

Narcotics

Hallucinogens

Depressants affect the central nervous system by slowing down or "depressing"

reflexes and coordination. Your ability to focus and respond is impaired quickly.

Sedatives are a type of depressant.

Stimulants "stimulate" or speed-up the central nervous system. They increase heart

rate and generate a false sense of alertness and well being. They excite and

accelerate the central nervous system. Moderate amounts may produce blurred

vision, hallucinations and paranoia.

Narcotics are strong depressants that are often prescribed for severe pain. They shut

down the central nervous system. They can produce a wide variety of side effects

including nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Drivers also may experience slowed

reaction time and drowsiness.

Hallucinogens alter the mind. They change the way the mind perceives, processes

information, and reacts.

Combining different drugs and alcohol may cause a more intense

effect than if you only take one drug at a time. This effect is called

synergism and is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Never

combine drugs and use legal drugs only as recommended.

Watch for indications that other drivers might be impaired:

Erratic changes in speed

Weaving from side to side

Traveling in the wrong lane

Running stop signs and lights

Distance yourself from the impaired driver by increasing the amount of space

between you and the other vehicle.

Unit 4. Other Driving Impairments

Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities.

Fatigue has many of the same dangerous effects as drinking

alcohol. For example, being awake for 18 hours straight has the

same effect as a .07 BAC.

The circadian rhythm is built into the human body to seek rest for

itself.

We will be most sleepy during the middle of our nighttime sleep period, and again 12

hours later, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

When you are tired, your body is relaxed and it takes more time to steer and brake.

Your brain is slowing down and your ability to react quickly is reduced.

Fatigue blurs your visual acuity, shrinks your peripheral vision, and slows your

hazard recognition abilities. You may miss critical information such as road signs and

traffic signals.

Micro sleeps are sudden, unexpected moments of sleep that last 4-5 seconds. In 4-5

seconds, traveling 50 mph, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field.

If you experience micro sleep, pull off where it is safe and rest.

If you are taking sedative-hypnotic drugs such as Ambien or Lunesta, reduce the risk

of unpredictable "sleep driving" by taking no more than the prescribed amount and

not mixing it with alcohol.

Tips for preventing fatigue when driving on long trips include:

1. Get plenty of sleep before you depart.

2. Ensure you vehicle has good circulation.

3. Wear your safety belt - it "holds" you in your seat and your muscles do not

tire so quickly.

4. Schedule and plan to stop every two hours, get out and walk around.

Driving requires interaction between your body and mental

processes. Drivers routinely drive in mental states that interfere

with the ability to perceive risk and react quickly. You are impaired

when your ability to operate a vehicle is limited or hampered.

Drivers who drive recklessly while experiencing these emotions are

characterized as unwilling to exercise self-control because they are

experiencing fear, vengeance, and prejudice or expressing

disrespect for others.

If you are stuck in a traffic jam and you can feel your anger rising, you are

experiencing an emotional challenge called restriction.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive

driving as the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to

endanger persons or property.

Examples of aggressive driving behavior include:

Improper passing

Speeding

Improper lane changing

Failure to obey traffic controls

Reckless, careless or inattentive driving

Tailgating

Failure to signal

Shouting, honking, swearing, name-calling

Using the vehicle to cut off other drivers

Chasing other vehicles in pursuit

Aggressive drivers injure two to four times more people than drunk drivers.

Concentrate on the safety of your vehicle, yourself and your passengers. Be a

courteous driver and enjoy your journey.

Inattention and distractions are dangerous because they take

YOUR MIND off of driving. Inattention is a general lack of focus on

the task of driving.

Stay focused on the task of driving because in one split second an

unexpected event can occur, and you have to be ready to see it and react quickly!

Most distractions are outside of the vehicle, and you cannot control them, but you

CAN control the urge to look and stare. Do not take your eyes off the road ahead and

keep both hands on the wheel so you can control your vehicle. Plan your route to

avoid distractions outside of your car.

Keep in mind that there are occasions when your vehicle can become a distraction.

When engaged in a conversation, even on a hands free phone, the conversation involves your thought process and often emotions, which take your mind off driving. If you need to have a conversation, pull over and use the phone only when you are parked in a safe and secure location.

If you need directions, stop your vehicle and then read the map.

Groom yourself before your vehicle is in motion. Control your passengers - while you

are driving, you are responsible for their lives. If you have to eat or drink, buy "car-

friendly" food and get it ready before you are in motion.

Enjoy the radio and CDs... load your CDs and set your radio stations before driving.

Keep the volume down so you can hear events that occur outside of the vehicle.

Watch out for others who are not paying attention - they are everywhere! And

always stay focused behind the wheel.

Unit 5. Traffic Laws

Warning signs "warn" drivers of road and traffic conditions and

communicate hazards that lie ahead. New pedestrian and school

zone signs exist on the roadway to warn drivers of an approaching

crosswalk. They are fluorescent yellow-green diamond-shaped.

Guide signs provide information about routes, exits, location,

distances, points of interest, and services.

Regulatory signs communicate laws. The regulatory speed limit sign is the most

common sign on our roadways.

Traffic engineers use signals in combination with signs and markings to divert traffic

off main roads.

Lines are the most common road marking and are primarily used to signify traffic

lanes. Lines also communicate where to stop, when the road narrows and where

pedestrians may safely cross the road. A broad white stop bar painted on your lane

at an intersection indicates the best place to stop your vehicle. Text is also used with

a diamond symbol to represent reserved lanes.

Arrows are used to help the driver position their vehicle in the proper lane for turning

left, right or going straight.

If you have a SOLID yellow line on your side of the road, do not pass or cross over

into the oncoming lane.

Electronic highway message boards communicate safety messages. When you see a

message board with four amber dots flashing in each corner, this indicates the

shoulder is closed.

Construction zones present a very high risk to all who are present.Each year motorists injure thousands of roadway workers in construction zones.

Communication, if used consistently, can reduce the risk of collision.

Turn on your signal well in advance of your maneuver to turn or change lanes. Signal

far enough ahead so other drivers in your vicinity can make adjustments to your

change in speed and direction.

Use your low beam or daytime running headlights to communicate your presence to

other road users every time you drive. Flash your high-beam headlights to other

drivers you are behind and about to pass. Flash your high-beam

headlights to oncoming drivers with their high-beam headlights on.

Use you emergency hazard lights to communicate when you are in

trouble, there is trouble ahead, or when you are moving very

slowly.

Be familiar with the location of your horn and the pressure required

to operate it. Do not use your horn unless it is necessary to warn

other road users of a hazardous situation. Using your horn can be beneficial or very

irritating to other drivers.

Position the vehicle in the right side of your lane before turning right and move

toward the centerline when you are about to turn left.

Use hand gestures as a courtesy. Never use obscene hand gestures when driving.

Avoid eye contact unless you are making a courteous gesture. Eye contact can be a

trigger for road rage when you are communicating a negative message.

Do your best to communicate your intentions when there is

confusion about the right-of-way.

Yield to any emergency vehicle that is using its siren and

has at least one lighted lamp emitting red light. Signal your intention when turning left at an intersection or

when making a U-turn. Yield to all oncoming traffic until

there is a gap providing you with sufficient time and space

to safely turn.

Yield to all vehicles already traveling in the roadway.

Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crossings.

Always yield to persons who carry a white cane or have a guide dog,

wherever they are in the roadway.

If your lane is blocked, you must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles

around you before you prepare a lane change to go around the vehicle

blocking your lane.

If your lane is ending, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already

traveling in adjacent lanes.

Light trucks have a high center of gravity which increases their

susceptibility to roll over.

When you approach a school bus on an undivided roadway, be

prepared to stop. When you see the flashing red stop lights, stop

before reaching the bus zone and wait for the bus to unload or

load. Proceed only after the bus driver turns off the red flashing

lights. Watch for children.

When traveling behind large trucks, increase your following distance. Avoid traveling

in no-zones that are ahead, to the sides and behind large trucks. If you find

yourself in one of these areas, maneuver to get out of it quickly so you will be seen

by the driver.

As you approach a bicyclist, adjust your speed and position. Slow down and create a

wide space. Do not pass if the road is too narrow for you to pass safely. Do not pass

them if you cannot safely move out of your lane. Be patient and follow them at a

distance until it is safe to pass.

When being passed by a motorcycle, maintain your lane position and prepare to adjust your speed to let it in ahead of you. If you see a motorcycle rapidly overtaking you from the rear, maintain your lane position until it passes.

A few guidelines to help reduce the risk of colliding with large

animals include:

Scan well ahead and far off to the sides of the roadway

when you see "deer crossing" signs.

At night, use your high-beam lights, conditions permitting,

to illuminate the road's edges.

If you see a deer on or near the roadway and think you

have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your speed, tap your brakes and sound

your horn to warn other drivers of the hazard ahead.

Do not flash your headlights.

If there is no vehicle close behind you, brake hard.

If a collision is inevitable, do not swerve to avoid the animal, your risk of

injury may be greater if you run off the road. Maintain control of your vehicle.

Report the collision to the police and your insurance company.

Unit 6. The Driving Environment

An intersection is a point where two or more roadways intersect.

There are both controlled and uncontrolled intersections.

As you near a controlled intersection, search the intersection to

identify other road users. Locate traffic controls and begin to follow

their direction. If you need to turn, look for special turn lanes.

Reduce your speed. Yield to anyone that is already in the

intersection.

At the intersection, search left, center, right, and left again.

If you approach a yellow or red signal in your lane, you are required to slow and be

prepared to stop. After you stop, keep pressure on the brake and wait for the green

signal. Remember to delay your start to avoid being struck by a red light runner.

When the intersection is clear, maneuver your vehicle through the intersection.

When you are stopped at an intersection, if your view is obstructed in any direction,

your line-of-sight is blocked. Do not accelerate. Inch forward very slowly by easing

off the brake. Continue to inch forward until you can see past the obstruction and

into the intersection. If another vehicle is approaching, it has the right-of-way. When

your path of travel is clear, begin to accelerate and turn or go through the

intersection.

Approach a railroad crossing with extreme caution. Look both ways, roll your

windows down to hear, and be prepared to stop. If signal and bells are flashing and

ringing, do not enter the intersection. Do not try to beat the train. Never stop your

vehicle while over the railroad tracks or between the gates.

Rural or country driving involves unique characteristics and risk

factors:

Fewer intersections (many hidden or uncontrolled)

Undivided, two-lane roads with oncoming traffic

Limited shoulders and guardrails

Wild animals

Horse-drawn carriages, farm equipment and other slow-

moving vehicles

Fewer vehicles, less traffic

Drivers tend to travel at higher speeds with lower seat belt

use

Limited access to advanced medical care (in the event of

injuries related to a crash, the average time to reach an

emergency care facility in a rural area is 53 minutes versus 37 minutes in an

urban area)

Slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment might be blocking your path.

Overtake these vehicles only if you have time and space to make a safe maneuver. If

it is not safe, back off and wait; drivers of these vehicles frequently will pull over to

allow backed-up traffic to pass. Exercise courtesy and patience.

Before traveling on hills and mountains, prepare your vehicle's

brakes and tires for extreme forces of gravity and inertia. When

going through a curve, stay to the right side of your lane.

Never coast down a hill in neutral or in overdrive - your vehicle

could speed up beyond your control. Coasting downhill is illegal in

some states.

When traveling on rural roadways at higher speeds, remember you will need a longer

stopping distance. Increase your following distance - make sure you have plenty of

room to stop between you and any vehicle ahead.

Many head-on, passing crashes occur because drivers fail to see and accurately

judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles. When you see oncoming

vehicles getting closer, it is too close for you to start the pass. Always be sure there

is safe space to return.

Expressway driving demands continuous searching skills, smooth maneuvers, speed

adjustment and positioning.

Signal your intention to merge as you enter the acceleration lane. Quickly evaluate

the freeway traffic, look for a space to merge, and adjust your speed. Be prepared to

slow or accelerate quickly depending on the flow. Prevent an emergency situation by

merging without stopping. Position your vehicle at least a 3-second following

distance from the vehicle you plan to follow. Merge smoothly. Turn off your signal.

Adjust your speed to the traffic flow.

When you enter the expressway, select the lane you want to drive based on traffic flow,

road conditions and how far away your exit is. Reserve your use of the center and left

lanes for passing. If you are in heavy expressway traffic at rush hour, use the center

lane to avoid vehicles constantly entering and exiting in your path.

Travel at the speed of the flow of traffic to avoid conflicts. Maintain a 3-4 second

following distance. If the road is slippery or wet, increase the distance to 6-8

seconds. Increase your following distance if you have limited visibility. Avoid truck

and large vehicle "no-zones".

As you are being passed, position your vehicle so there is adequate

space to the side to be passed. Keep your speed steady and do not

accelerate.

If you drive a high-profile vehicle, slow in advance of entering a

tight curve on an entrance or exit ramp.

Watch out for a mental condition called "highway hypnosis" which

is related to drowsy driving. If you notice fatigue setting in, sit up

straight, change your seat position slightly, and then turn on the air conditioning.

Stop at the next exit and take a stretch, walk around, or drink something refreshing.

Velocitation is caused by long periods of high speed travel. The eyes become

fatigued in the horizontal plane due to images streaming through the windshield.

Velocitation can be noticed when entering slower traffic after long periods of country

driving. A sudden drop in speed gives the illusion that you are traveling much slower

than you actually are. When you experience velocitation, stop for several minutes

and allow the eyes to rest.

Urban or city roadways have large populations, high traffic flow,

many road controls and a large amount of visual stimulation. With

congestion and traffic jams, speeds tend to be lower, but there is

quite a bit more sensory input that you have to pay attention to.

Urban driving often involves limited vision. Limited vision often eliminates advance warning of traffic obstacles. High buildings, delivery trucks and other large vehicles can restrict your field of view. Bicyclists and pedestrians are everywhere and can also blockyour line-of-sight.

If you find yourself in heavy traffic, demonstrate patience and courtesy. Becoming

angry or aggressive will not get you to your destination any sooner.

In the city, be prepared to slow or stop suddenly cover the brake. Your foot will be

in position for a sudden stop.

As a general rule when driving in the city choose a lane that is not congested or at

least less congested than the other lanes. Do not dart in and out of traffic.

Watch for signs identifying a street as one-way. Begin preparing to enter a one-way

street at least one block before you reach it, and turn into the first available lane

that is heading in the proper direction. Drive slowly since one-way streets may turn

into two-lane streets.

Wet weather driving increases risk due to reduced traction and

visibility. Reducing speed minimizes traction loss and helps you see

your stopping zone.

Before a rainy season begins, service your vehicle for wet weather.

Keep your windshield, windows and headlights clean. Prepare

yourself for driving in wet weather by being mentally prepared to

drive. Consider alternate routes and departure times.

The first 20 minutes of a rain shower is the most dangerous time to be driving.

Accelerate gradually and steer with precise and smooth movements. Avoid puddles

and flooded pavement. To avoid hydroplaning, reduce your speed; do not brake hard

or steer aggressively. Never drive in water that is flowing across the roadway.

Turn your windshield wipers on as soon as it starts raining. Make sure your

headlights are on. Watch for oncoming drivers who have not yet turned on their

lights. If conditions are so bad that you cannot see the road ahead, pull off the road.

Try to avoid sandstorms and flash floods. The desert is extremely hard on your

vehicle - have your vehicle checked when you return from your trip.

If you have to drive in ice and snow, complete your maintenance checks before the

winter months. Always keep your gas tank at least half full. Carry the equipment you

will need if you break down. Watch for ice on bridges and expressway overpasses.

If you get stuck, do not spin the wheels. Rock the vehicle out or call for help.

Unit 7. Driving Emergencies

The vehicle's engine provides the power required to move the

vehicle across the surface of the road. Your engine should always

operate smoothly with no strange or irregular noises. If you

suddenly lose power, be prepared to steer out of danger without

braking.

Pull off the road as soon as it is safe and DO NOT drive if your oil

pressure warning light is illuminated.

If you detect a fire, exit the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you lose your headlights, concentrate on "being seen" and getting off the road as

quickly as possible to a safe location.

If you lose steering, safely leave the traffic stream, and if that is not possible, use

the parking brake to quickly slow and stop the vehicle.

Tire failure can occur suddenly and without warning. A "blowout" occurs when a tire

suddenly loses all of its air pressure. DO NOT brake hard; slow the vehicle - then

gently apply the brake as you drive slowly off the road and onto the shoulder.

If your brakes fail, downshift and use your parking brake to slow or stop the vehicle.

If that does not work, steer towards something soft or into a clear area. Manage

your collision.

If you experience a stuck accelerator, apply the brakes, shift into neutral and steer

into an escape path or off the roadway. Turn off the ignition.

In many cases, when a crash is about to occur, there are

maneuvers and techniques you can use to escape or minimize the

severity of a crash.

The first step to collision avoidance is being in the proper seat

position to ensure optimal control of the vehicle. To avoid panic

stops, look well down the road and locate places where others may

cross your path.

Maintaining a 3-second following distance is effective in good conditions at speeds

under 50 mph. At highway speeds greater than 50 mph, when driving through hills,

curves, inclement weather or low-light conditions, increase the space ahead to at

least 5 seconds.

To lower the probability of a collision, try to maintain at least one car width of space

to one side of your vehicle at all times. When possible, it is best to maintain space on

both sides of your vehicle. When you must drive through an area with less than one

car width of space on the sides, reduce your speed to allow more space to the front.

The most important thing to remember when driving on the shoulder, or any dirt or

gravel surface, is your tires do not have the same level of traction as they do on

pavement. On low traction, you cannot turn as sharply on off-road surfaces or brake

as hard as you can on the roadway.

When you are being followed too closely by another vehicle, allow more space ahead

and identify an escape route to at least one side.

Evasive acceleration is an effective maneuver during merging situations or when you

detect another vehicle about to hit you from the side.

We encounter unexpected obstacles that demand more skill than we practice with

our everyday driving maneuvers.

Be prepared in the correct seating position with your hands in the low-hand steering

position. To reduce the probability of serious injury, keep your safety belt securely

fastened at all times.

Braking may be the best choice if you have enough time and

distance to avoid colliding with an object in your path.

If you have ABS, apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

Do not pump the brake pedal or remove your foot from the brake.

There are major advantages of using push/pull steering with lower

hand positions:

Injuries to the arms, hands, face and eyes are greatly reduced during a

collision when the driver-side air bag deploys.

Maintaining a hand position more closely associated with a normal seating

position reduces muscle fatigue.

The driver tends to not turn as much; a common mistake in emergency

maneuvers which can result in running off the road.

Excessive speed and wet, snowy, icy, or sandy road conditions combined with abrupt

braking, steering, or acceleration could cause a skid. If you experience a skid:

Respond quickly and do not panic.

Look and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

Make smooth steering corrections.

Do not give up. You may have to make several steering corrections before

you regain steering control.

Remember, skids are usually caused by driver error.

The number of vehicles on our roadways is continuing to increase, consequently so

are the number of crashes and injuries. Use the safety equipment

installed in your vehicle.

Be sure that you and your passengers buckle up before putting the

vehicle in motion. Ensure all children are properly secured:

Secure them with a car seat or by a safety belt in the back

seat.

Do not put a small child in the front seat of a vehicle

equipped with passenger side air bags unless the vehicle has a safety switch

to deactivate the bag.

Make sure you secure all loose objects inside a vehicle.

There are ways to minimize the consequences of a vehicular collision such as being

alert at all times, preparing to maneuver, and taking the brunt of the collision on the

rear portion of your vehicle.

If you have a choice of what you are going to hit in a crash, hit the object that will

transfer the least force. The worst type of collision to be in is a head-on collision.

If you can see warning triangles, vehicle warning lights or

emergency vehicles ahead, slow down; you may be approaching

the scene of a collision.

Do not follow too closely behind any fire engine, police car,

ambulance, or other emergency vehicle. If you are the only person on the scene DO

NOT move any victim unless they are in immediate danger of sustaining additional

serious or life threatening injury. Do not leave the scene - call 911 for assistance.

In the event of a roadside breakdown, remain calm and prevent further damage or

injury by moving your vehicle out of the roadway. If you park off the shoulder after a

breakdown, be mindful of tall, dry grass.

Set out warning triangles and flares in their proper positions to warn other traffic.

Quickly exit the vehicle if you see smoke or fire, or if other drivers cannot see your

vehicle. Wait in a safe location.

If you are involved in a collision you are required to stop immediately. If possible,

pull over to a location that minimizes traffic obstruction. Turn on your hazard lights.

Unit 8. The Vehicle

Conduct weekly, monthly and mileage-based maintenance to

prevent moving and non-moving vehicle failure.

Consult your owner's manual for specific guidelines for your

vehicle.

As you approach your vehicle, look underneath and around it for

any leaking fluids. Color indicates the type of fluid leaking out.

Check your owner's manual to be sure of the color and appearance of the fluids in

your vehicle. Common fluid colors and their indications include:

Red: Transmission fluid (check transmission seals)

Purple: Power steering fluid (check system)

Black: Motor oil (check the engine, and replace the oil)

Green: Coolant (check the water pump)

Clear: Water (usually normal condensation or water from the air conditioner)

After you start your vehicle, ensure that the warning lights are off. As you begin to

drive, always check your brakes.

Do not authorize any work to be done that you have not approved on an estimate.

Also, keep copies of all service and maintenance records related to your vehicle.

Using an octane rated higher than your vehicle does not increase power. One driving

technique that could increase your fuel economy is to avoid unnecessary idling.

Manufacturers are striving to put the most advanced safety

applications possible into today's vehicles. Technology cannot

compensate for poor driving - although it might help prevent or

reduce the consequences of a crash.

One of the first considerations when purchasing a new vehicle is

vehicle size and weight. Small, light vehicles generally provide less

protection than larger, heavier ones. Deaths and injuries are more

likely to occur in small vehicles because there is less structure to absorb the energy

of a crash.

Electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control systems (TCS) are not designed

to "take over" or replace the driver. They are designed to assist the driver in

maintaining vehicle control.

Cruise control reduces fatigue and can result in better gas mileage. Cruise controls

are designed for open roads and should not be used in urban settings, when driving

uphill or downhill, or when the road surface is slippery.

ABS prevents your wheels from "locking-up", enabling the driver to

steer the vehicle while bringing it to a stop, especially on slippery

surfaces. ESC helps drivers maintain control in the worst situations.

For example, if a driver enters a curve too fast, the vehicle may

begin to spin out. The ESC engages automatically to help bring the

vehicle back in the intended lane of travel. This technology lowers

the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about half, so it is worth

shopping for.

New safety belt sensors enable safety belts to sense pretension and imminent

collisions.

Night vision systems amplify existing light, enabling drivers to see obstructions in the

roadway that are invisible in night, low-light conditions.

Plan your vacation events so you and your passengers will have an

enjoyable, stress free experience. Do not wait until the last minute

to prepare.

Plan your route with designated locations for getting fuel,

food and rest. Consider taking a route that maximizes your

vehicle's operation and fuel economy.

On long trips, try to travel with at least one other

competent, safe, licensed driver. Be sure you get enough

rest before you get behind the wheel.

Stop, stretch and rotate drivers every two hours. Plan to eat lightly during the

drive to avoid drowsiness. Never drive longer than 8 hours in one day.

Select a good travel and departure time to avoid fatigue, heavy traffic and

inclement weather.

Pack emergency equipment. Do not over-pack or obstruct your ability to see

in all directions. Reference your owner's manual for maximum load weight.

While fueling, or when paying for fuel, never leave your keys in the ignition

and your money and other valuables in a location where they can be seen by

others. Try to re-fuel during daylight hours.

When renting a car, get an estimate of your total charges including all taxes, fees

and any mandatory charges. Maximize coupons, deals and ways to save money.

Ensure any additional drivers are included on the rental agreement.

Before driving a rental car, become familiar with its features and understand

its handling characteristics.

Park your vehicle in a well lit, populated area of the parking lot. If possible, back

your vehicle into the parking space so you can drive out of the lot quickly. Walk

where you can be seen by others.

Vehicle position is the best indication that another motorist is being overtly

aggressive towards you. Be aware of signs such as being cut off, sudden reduction in

speed in front of you, tailgating, continuous flashing of high to low beam lights,

excessive horn use or inappropriate hand signals.

If you are being raged against, avoid eye contact, avoid stopping and position your

vehicle as far away as you can from the aggressive driver. Change lanes and slow

down. Drive to a location where you will have witnesses. Do not exit your vehicle. Do

not engage and do not confront the other driver. Ensure you have an exit route until

police arrive.

If you need a rest or break when driving on an interstate highway, avoid pulling off

the road at an unfamiliar location. Take advantage of the rest areas that are in place

for motorists to have a safe location off the roadway when they need to take a break

and return to the highway more alert.

If an authorized police vehicle is approaching you with its lights on, it is your

responsibility to yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to the right-hand edge

of the roadway and stop after clearing any intersections.

Review Guide for IDriveSafely Drivers Ed VA

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