lesson 14.2 FOLLOWING AND MEETING TRAFFIC You need to maintain space between your vehicle and possible hazards in every driving situation. The first step is managing the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Describe how to use a 3-second following distance. OBJECTIVE

Following Traffic An adequate following distance lets you see farther ahead lets others see you better gives you more time to use IPDE puts you in a better position to avoid a front-end collision

3-Second Following Distance A 3-second following distance provides a safe distance from the vehicle ahead in most normal driving situations.

3-Second Following Distance Step 1: Pick a fixed checkpoint on the road ahead.

Step 2: When the vehicle ahead of you passes your checkpoint, count for three seconds.

Step 3: If the hood of your vehicle does not reach the fixed reference point, you have an adequate following distance. If not, slow and add more distance.

A 3-second following distance only protects you from colliding with the vehicle you are following. It is not the total stopping distance you need to avoid hitting a stationary object.

Increase your following distance to more than three seconds if driving conditions are not ideal. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Stay Alert Look over, through, and around the vehicle you are following. Look for the reflection of brake lights on wet pavement. Be alert for brake lights.

Be alert at intersections where drivers may have to stop for traffic or pedestrians, parked vehicles, and business driveways with high-volume traffic.

Describe how you can safely manage a tailgater. OBJECTIVE

Tailgaters You are in a high-risk situation when someone tailgates, or follows too closely. A tailgater is a hazard because if you have to stop suddenly, the tailgating driver can hit you from the rear.

The driver of the yellow car has added tailgater protection by using a following distance longer than three seconds.

Managing Tailgaters Increase your following distance to at least four seconds. Move slightly to the right. Signal early for turns, stops, and lane changes. Flash your brake lights ahead of time. Slow sooner to make a gradual stop. In extreme situations, change lanes or pull out of traffic.

The driver ahead has moved slightly to the right The driver ahead has moved slightly to the right. How does this help the driver manage the tailgater? The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

List the steps to take to avoid conflicts with oncoming traffic. OBJECTIVE

Meeting Traffic If a driver crosses the center line, you must react instantly to avoid a collision.

Avoiding Conflicts If a vehicle comes toward you, take these actions to avoid a collision. Slow until the other driver can return to the normal lane. Turn on or flash your headlights, and blow your horn. Swerve sharply to an open space on the right if needed.

If you were the driver approaching this intersection, what are some predictions you can make to avoid potential conflict?

lesson 14.2 review Why are tailgaters dangerous? How can you avoid a conflict with an oncoming vehicle in your lane?