Rules of the Road Chapter 11

Defensive Driving Plan ahead for the unexpected Always be prepare to react to the other driver Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do If you can not avoid a crash, choose the least dangerous situation (run in ditch not head on collision

Vehicle Following Distances Use a three second following distance Three second following distances applies to your speed when you are on a good road and during good weather conditions If conditions are poor, increase your following distances to four or five seconds Rear end crashes are caused from people following too closely not too fast

Vehicles and Trains Drive Carefully Check for a second train after waiting for a train before you cross tracks Never get trap on tracks (don’t stop your car on the tracks) Never shift gears Never race a train

Weather Conditions Fog If driving in fog, use your low beam lights Do not overdrive your headlights. Stay within the limits of your vision Use your turn signal long before you turn Brake early when approach a stop to warn other drivers

Rain When it starts to rain, water, dust oil, and leaves cause the roadway to become slippery Increase your following distance Your headlights must be on when operating your wipers Hydroplane – riding on a thin layer of water, losing traction. If your car starts to hydroplane – ease off the accelerator and ride the skid out

High Winds Reduce your speed Make steering corrections when you go from a protected area to an open area, meeting large vehicles such as trucks and buses Heavy rain and sleet often accompanies high winds

Winter Driving Remain in your car if you become stranded Most difficult driving season Road conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade or roadway surface Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle Clear all windows (law) Non – freezing windshield fluid Start slowly Brake early when coming to a stop Bridges, shaded spots and overpasses may remain icy after the rest of the roadway is clear and dry Plan your winter driving – carry a blanket, food, phone and shovel in case you become stuck or stranded Remain in your car if you become stranded

Equipment Failure Blowouts Ease off the gas pedal and keep a firm grasp on the steering wheel (do not brake suddenly)

Special Driving Situations Driving on the Expressway Check your rearview and side mirrors before changing lanes Signal well in advance If you missed your exit, go to the next exit (against the law to backup on the expressway) Increase following distance Right lane is used for slower traffic Left lane is used for faster traffic and passing Do not stop on the expressway, pull off the road

Night Driving Do not over drive your headlights Glare from lights may interfere with vision Bright lights must be dimmed 500 ft. before oncoming vehicles and 300 ft. before over taking another vehicle Roadway signs are more difficult to see Use edge lines and center lines of the roadway as guides

Driving off the Pavement Head – On Approaches Slow down immediately, pull to the right side and sound your horn Skidding Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid Driving off the Pavement Grip the wheel firmly, check behind you and gently steer back on the roadway Do not jerk the wheel, it may cause you to drive into on coming traffic

Water Accidents If your car runs off the roadway into water but does not sink right away, get out of the car If it sinks, go to the back area where an air pocket usually forms and exit from the rear window

Cellular Phones Beginning drivers should not use phones Pull over and stop to use phone