Virginia Department of Education Module Two Transparencies Virginia Driver Responsibilities: Preparing to Operate a Vehicle Topic 1 -- Driver Preparation Procedures Topic 2 -- Identifying Vehicle Control Devices Topic 3 -- Operating Vehicle Control Devices Topic 4 -- Vehicle Balance Considerations Topic 5 -- Standard Vehicle Reference Points Provided in cooeration with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Question: What should you do/check each time you approach your vehicle?   Have your keys in hand before approaching your car or entering the parking area-- finger poised above the panic alarm button. Scan your surroundings! Be alert to other pedestrians and drivers. Search for signs of movement between, beneath and around objects to both sides of your vehicle. Make sure other drivers see you. Walk well away from parked vehicles. If parked at the curb, face traffic as you approach the driver’s door.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Before you hop in and drive… **This is about a 15-30 second process** Look for objects that might interfere with safe movement of the vehicle. Approach your vehicle from the FRONT when possible Check for animals and people– especially children! Inspect: tires, headlights, brake lights, turn signals and taillights, windshield, and side and rear windows. Check under the vehicle for fluid leaks.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Before you drive… Develop a routine: 1. Place your key in the ignition. 2. Make sure all doors are closed tightly and locked. 3. Check windows- clean and/or defrost as needed. 4. Check items that could block your view or strike an occupant in the event of a quick stop or crash. Safest place to store items is in your trunk!

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Before you drive, continued… Develop a routine: 5. Adjust the seat, steering-wheel/column, accelerator/brake pedals (if applicable) and head restraints. 6. Adjust the inside and outside mirrors. 7. Fasten and adjust safety belts and make sure all passengers fasten theirs. 8. Adjust air vents, windows and/or temperature control. 9. New drivers should avoid the distractions- especially the radio!

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Adjusting the vehicle to your preferences Question: What adjustments can be made to ensure a better fit between you and your vehicle? Seat position Steering wheel Mirrors Head restraint, etc

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Question: How should the driver’s body be positioned, relative to the vehicle controls? Body position: You should be seated in a comfortable, upright position, squarely behind the steering wheel. The seat should be positioned so that you can easily operate the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals without having to lift your heel from the floor. Drivers should not sit closer than 10 inches from the steering wheel in vehicles equipped with a driver’s side air bag.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive When properly seated, you should see: The ground within: 12–15 feet to the front. One and one-half to two car widths to the right side. One-half to one car width to the left side.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Steering wheel hand position Hand position: Adjust your steering wheel. You may also be able to adjust the distance between the steering wheel and your chest.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Gripping the steering wheel Firmly grip the steering wheel with your arms bent at the elbows. For better control and road feel, use your fingers instead of the palms of your hands. Keep your thumbs up along the face of the steering wheel. Place your left hand around 8-9 o’clock, and your right hand at about 3-4 o’clock, as on the face of a clock.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Mirror settings and use The inside mirror: Adjust the inside mirror so that it covers the entire rear window. To use the inside rearview mirror you should have to move only your eyes, not turn your head.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Mirror settings and use Side-view mirrors: Adjust your driver’s side mirror. Adjust your passenger’s side mirror. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EqglmE0r3o

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Develop appropriate visual positioning and use of mirrors.

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Occupant protection Question: How do these safety restraints help protect you? Safety belts Head restraints Air bags

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive Speed and directional inputs Gear selector lever Accelerator pedal Brake pedal Clutch pedal Parking brake Cruise/speed control

Getting Acquainted with the Vehicle You Will Drive The instrument panel Gauges Lights Owner’s manual

Alert/Warning Symbols and Controls F. K. P. Low Oil Pressure Warning Light Fuel Indicator Battery/Alternator Warning Light Air Bag On/Off Switch B. G. L. Q. Fuse / Fuse Box Air Bag Functioning Brake Warning Light Temperature Indicator C. H. M. R. Antilock Brake System Functioning Safety Alert Symbol Seat Belt Reminder Emergency Flashers D. THEFT I. N. S. Theft-Deterrent System Activation Vent and Air Flow Control Fog Lamps Turn Signal Wipers Stalk E. J. O. 12 Volt Extension Outlet Door Locks Drive Wheel Selector T – 2.11

Alert/Warning Symbols and Controls DD. II. Headlights/High Beam Indicator Lighter Indicator Power Window Controls Left/Right Signal Indicator U. Z. EE. JJ. Rear Defroster Indicator Front Windshield Defroster Hood Release Exterior Lights V. AA. O/D OFF FF. KK. Horn Overdrive On/Off Indicator Cruise Control Device Windshield Washer W. BB. GG. LL. Fan Speed Indicator Parking Lamp Indicator Steering Wheel Height Adjustment Windshield Wipers X. CC. HH. MM. ETS OFF Electronic Traction Control System Interior Light Adjustment Adjust Left/Right Side Mirror Trunk Release T – 2.12

Center Instrument Cluster Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices Center Instrument Cluster Speedometer (mph-km/h) Odometer Trip Odometer Gear Indicator Location and description for all instruments and features can be found in Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual T – 2.14

Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices Instrument Panel Safety Belt Reminder Antilock Brakes (ABS) Brake Warning Light Air Bag Warning Light Battery/Alternator Warning light Fuel indicator Left/Right Turn Indicator Light Engine Temperature High Beam Indicator Speed Control Settings T – 2.15

Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices Instrument Panel Con’t Oil Pressure Gauge Door Ajar Warning Light Anti-Theft Light Speed Control Light O/D On/Off Driver Air Bag (SRS) Lighter Horn Location and description for all instruments and features can be found in Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual T – 2.16

Safety, Communication, Comfort, & Convenience Devices Mirrors Adjust Inside and Out Safety Belts Adjust for Maximum Effectiveness Head Restraints Protect Against Whiplash Horn Know Location and Use Turn Signals Know Location and Use Door Locks Manual / Power Child Proof Rear Door Locks Hazard Flashers Know Location and Use T – 2.21

Location and Use Location and Use Safety, Communication, Comfort, & Convenience Devices Windshield Wipers and Washers Location and Use Headlights / Running Lights Location and Use Hood Release Location Trunk Release Location Heat / Defroster / Air Conditioner Controls Location and Use Seat Adjustment Power / Manual Controls T – 2.22

Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle Starting the engine Follow these steps: 1. Place your foot on the brake pedal before starting the engine. 2. Check that the parking brake is set. 3. Check that the gear selector lever is in Park. 4. Start the engine. 5. As soon as the engine starts, release the key. 6. Idle for at least 15 to 20 seconds before you start driving. 7. Make sure all gauges indicate normal functioning of vehicle systems. 8. Turn on the low-beam headlights. 9. Drive at moderate speed to allow the engine and fluids to warm up.

Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle Steering techniques Three steering techniques are available to drivers: Hand-to-hand steering Hand-over-hand steering One-hand steering

Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle Hand-to-hand steering Hand-over-hand steering

Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle Steering errors Research shows that a substantial percentage of crashes involving 16-year old drivers result from failure to make a quick turn or from improper evasive steering. Questions: • What steering errors could drivers commit? • What could be the results of such errors?

Starting, Steering and Stopping the Vehicle Push Pull Slide Steering: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS3ECPrplKo