Chapter 1: You Are the Driver Make sure you get a book, and start working on the 8 questions on page 17. Write all the questions!

Chapter 1: You Are the Driver Objectives; You are Part of the System Your Driving Risk Your Driving Responsibilities Your Driver’s License

You Are Part of the System The Highway Transportation System Three main parts: People – called Roadway Users because they walk, drive, or ride on the roadways. Vehicles – these vary in size and shape (i.e. mopeds, motorcycles, cars, trucks, vans, buses, campers, construction vehicles, farm vehicles, and tractor-trailers. Roadways – these differ from dirt lanes to complex multiple expressways.

You Are Part of the System Regulating the HTS Laws are passed to make up the vehicle code. Enforcement agencies assure that laws are obeyed. Motor vehicle dept. set rules to assure that driver and vehicle standards are met. Courts decide whether drivers charged with violating laws are guilty or innocent. Highway traffic engineers plan, build, and maintain the complex system of roadways.

1.1 You Are Part of the System Review What are the parts and purpose of the HTS? The HTS is made up of roadway users, vehicles, and roadways. Its purpose is to move people and cargo from one place to another in a safe and efficient manner. How is the HTS regulated? Federal, state, and local government help regulate the HTS, but the actual drivers are the most important element in making sure the HTS is safe and efficient.

Your Diving Task You must develop habits for: using knowledge and visual skills obeying traffic laws judging time and space anticipating how your car will respond under normal and emergency conditions

1.2 Your Diving Task Social Skills Physical Skills Mental Skills You must be courteous to other drivers in order for low-risk driving to occur. Physical Skills You must have the physical skills to control your vehicle. Mental Skills Decision-making is the primary mental task for safe, low-risk driving.

Your Diving Task IPDE Process Identify important information in the ongoing driving scene. Predict when and where possible points of conflict will develop. Decide when, where, and how to communicate, adjust speed, and/or change position to avoid conflict. Execute the right action(s) to avoid conflict.

Your Diving Task Two systems that help with the IPDE Process: Smith System Organized method designed to help drivers develop good seeing habits. Zone Control System Method for managing the space around your vehicle.

Your Driving Responsibilities Driving is a privilege – not a right. Driving is a major responsibility. Attitude is the most important factor. Effects willingness to learn and effectively use safe-driving habits. Distance yourself from “Road Rage.” Gain respect with low-risk driving. Helps manage relationships with others.

1.3 Your Driving Responsibilities Breakdown of the HTS: Occurs when any part of the system does not work well. Examples: Traffic tie-ups and Collisions Collisions – occurs when a vehicle conflicts with and hits another object. Almost every collision is the product of a predictable cause. Accident – implies that something just happens by chance.

Your Driving Responsibilities Causes of Collisions Driver error is the most common. Breaking various laws Not slowing in adverse conditions Operating a defective vehicle Following too closely Driving too fast for conditions Not wearing safety belts Driving after drinking or drug usage Driving while very tired

Your Driving Responsibilities Causes of Death Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young people. Reasons: Lack of experience Exposure to night driving Increased risk taking Susceptibility to peer pressure Mixing drinking with driving

Your Driving Responsibilities Other Responsibilities Financial Responsibility Your share of the driver-related costs. These include: Fuel Maintaining your car Insuring your car Any damage or injuries you cause

Your Driving Responsibilities Environmental Responsibility Threats to environment Air pollution Water pollution Chemical spills Land pollution through thoughtless disposal of vehicle-related products Drivers can help by Buying and maintaining fuel-efficient vehicles Using fuel-efficient driving habits Recycling used materials Reducing driving through car pools and the use of public transportation Working for strong national, state, and local policies that encourage the use of energy-efficient driving

Your Driver’s License Licensing Process Graduated Driver Licensing Program - A progression of licensing stages Learner’s Permit Stage May drive when supervised by a licensed adult. Must be held for six months violation and collision free Safety belts must be worn at all times by all occupants Must complete a minimum number of practice driving with a supervising, licensed driver.

Your Driver’s License Intermediate License Stage Must successfully complete the learner’s permit stage. Supervised driving may be continued to compete required hours. Safety belts must be worn at all times by all occupants. Night driving is restricted. Passengers can be limited in age and/or number. Must be held for six months violation and collision free. Penalties for violations are increased.

Your Driver’s License Full-Privilege License Stage Successfully complete Intermediate Stage violation and collision free. In some states, complete an advanced driver education course .

Your Driver’s License Organ Donor Program Implied Consent Programs You may fill out an organ donation declaration on your driver’s license or by signing an organ donor card. Remember to inform your family of your decision. Implied Consent Programs In most states you are asked to sign a statement when you get your driver’s license saying that you agree to take an alcohol test on request. If you refuse, you automatically lose your license.

Your Driver’s License Driver Education and Your License Your Beginning of the Drive Right Program Driving is a mental decision-making process. Attitude greatly influences your driving. Safety belts must be used at all times. Statistics on drinking and driving should convince you to never drink and drive.