Drivers, pedestrians, and others on the road need to follow rules to stay safe.

vehicular safety graduated licensing road rage defensive driving

Auto Safety Paying attention and following the rules of the road are the keys to safe driving. Young drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in a vehicle crash as the rest of the population.

Auto Safety Vehicular safety is an important issue for teens because motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 20. Vehicular safety Obeying the rules of the road and exercising common sense and good judgment while driving

Auto Safety The most important rule of driving safety is: Pay attention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least 25 percent of car crashes happen when a driver is distracted.

Auto Safety Position the seat and mirrors, fasten your safety belt, and adjust the radio and temperature controls before starting the engine.

Auto Safety Pay attention to other drivers. Be aware of the cars around you and how they’re moving. Make sure other drivers can see you by switching on your headlights at night and in bad weather.

Auto Safety Reduce your speed if the road is icy or wet. heavy snow or rain is limiting your vision. a lane narrows. there are sharp curves ahead. there is construction or heavy traffic.

Auto Safety Pay attention to your physical state. Never drive when you’re tired. Drowsiness can impair your reaction time and your judgment.

Auto Safety Passengers must also take responsibility for their own safety. Avoid getting into a vehicle with an impaired driver. Avoid doing anything that might distract the driver’s attention.

Teen Drivers Young drivers may be more likely to get into an accident for these reasons. They lack driving experience and skills. They are more likely to underestimate the hazards of the road. They may take more risks.

Teen Drivers To help protect young drivers and others on the road, most states have graduated licensing programs. Graduated licensing A system that gradually increases driving privileges over time

Teen Drivers Getting lessons from an experienced driver will help you improve your driving skills.

Teen Drivers Many graduated licensing programs have three stages. Learner driver’s license Provisional driver’s license Full driver’s license

Teen Drivers Never try to retaliate against drivers who exhibit road rage behaviors, or the conflict could turn deadly. Road rage Responding to a driving incident with violence

Teen Drivers Examples of Road Rage Honking, shouting, gesturing, or flashing lights Chasing or tailgating another vehicle Cutting off another car or forcing it off the road Deliberately hitting or bumping another car Threatening or physically attacking another driver

Being a Responsible Driver Defensive driving will help you protect yourself from others. Defensive driving Being aware of potential hazards on the road and taking action to avoid them

Being a Responsible Driver

Sharing the Road Everyone on the road shares a responsibility to follow traffic laws. You share the road with other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and people on skates, scooters, or small motor vehicles.

Sharing the Road When you’re driving, watch for other vehicles and pedestrians. When you’re on foot, on a bike, or skating, be aware of vehicles and follow the rules of the road.

Pedestrian Safety      Always use the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. Before you cross a street, look left, then right, then left again. Cross only at marked crosswalks, or at a corner. Make sure the cars have seen you and stopped before you step into the street.

Bicycle Safety      Always wear a safety-approved helmet that fits properly. Follow the rules of the road, and obey traffic laws. Ride single file, and keep to the far right side of the road. Watch out for obstacles such as opening car doors, sewer gratings, soft shoulders, and cars pulling into traffic. Signal turns about half a block before reaching the intersection.

Bicycle Safety      Extend your left arm straight out to the side to signal a left turn. Bend your left arm upward at the elbow to signal a right turn. Do not tailgate motor vehicles or ride closely behind a moving vehicle. Look left, right, and left again before riding into the stream of traffic. Wear bright colors in the daytime and reflective clothing at night. Place reflectors on the front and rear of your bike.

Bicycle Safety

Skating Safety    Wear a helmet, knee and elbow pads, wrist guards, and gloves. If you’re a beginner, avoid skating in high traffic areas. Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and others on the road.

Skating Safety    Avoid skating in the street, and cross streets safely when you come to them. If you lose your balance, crouch down so that you won’t have as far to fall. Try to keep your body loose and roll, rather than absorbing the force of the fall with your arms, which can cause wrist injuries.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety Small motor vehicles include motorcycles, mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles. Motorcyclists must have a special license in addition to their driver’s license.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists and passengers are 32 times more likely to die in a crash than automobile drivers and passengers. Head injuries cause the most deaths in motorcycle accidents.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety In 20 states, all motorcyclists and passengers must wear protective helmets. In another 27 states, motorcyclists and passengers under the age of 18 are required to wear a helmet.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety Wearing sturdy clothing that covers the arms and legs provides some protection. Passengers should avoid riding with a motorcyclist who is impaired by drug or alcohol use.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety All-terrain vehicle (ATV) are off-road vehicles used for recreation, as well as for work on farms and ranches. About 46 percent of all injuries and deaths from ATV use occur among children and teens under age 16.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety ATVs are intended for off-road use.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety    Only one person should ride on an ATV at a time. Avoid using attachments that will reduce the stability and braking of the ATV. Wear appropriate gear when riding an ATV.

Small Motor Vehicle Safety    Wear a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves, and boots that cover your ankles. Avoid taking an ATV out on paved roads. Avoid ATV drivers who have been using alcohol or drugs.

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary Pay attention to what you’re doing. 1.What is the most important rule of driving safety?

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 2.Identify three behaviors associated with road rage. Sample answer: Chasing another vehicle, tailgating, and forcing a car off the road

After You Read Reviewing Facts and Vocabulary 3.What piece of safety equipment is required for both cycling and in-line skating? Helmet