Starting, Moving, and Stopping the Vehicle

Vehicle Operating Space

Outside the Vehicle Check path ahead and area around vehicle Inspect windows and lights for cleanliness Check tires Check for fluid leaks beneath vehicle

Outside the Vehicle Make sure other drivers see you Store items in trunk Unlock only doors necessary to enter vehicle Close and lock the doors after entering vehicle

Inside the Vehicle Checks and Adjustments Key in ignition Doors closed Seats adjustments Steering wheel adjusted Mirrors adjusted Head restraints adjusted Safety belts on

Driver Seat Position Head rest in line with ears Driver should be able to see ground about 12 - 15 ft in front of vehicle Shoulders no lower than top of steering wheel 12 inches Hands about 9 & 3 Sit erect -butt pushed all the way back in seat Arms relaxed Seat belt snug -lap belt across pelvic area With heel on floor the ball of the right foot pivots between gas and brake pedal.

Understanding Mirror Use Critical 630,000 Lane Change/Merge (LCM) crashes with 225 fatalities annually (NHTSA) 60% of drivers did not see the other vehicle, and about; 30% of drivers misjudged the position or speed of the other vehicle Learn proper mirror use and develop habits of adjusting and using mirrors properly

Lazy Mirror View Right Side Mirror View Rear Mirror View Left Side Mirror View Lazy Mirror View

Adjusting the mirrors Inside mirror Driver’s side mirror frames rear window-viewing possible without moving head Driver’s side mirror tilt head 3-5 inches toward left shoulder, adjust so that left rear corner of vehicle visible in right side of mirror Passenger’s side mirror adjust similarly Know your blind spots!

Using the Mirrors

Properly Adjusted Mirrors

Safety restraints/safety belts Purpose – protect occupants and keep in seat Wearing shoulder/lap harness in a crash reduces your risk of being killed about 50% KY had a secondary seat belt law (KY law) Kentucky seatbelt usage averaged about 64%. KY now has a Primary Law ($25.00 Fine) Kentucky seatbelt usage averages about 80%.

Air Bags/ Occupant Restraint System Adults Sit in upright position Positioning of belt low over pelvis Reducing Your Risk of Injury in a Crash

Kentucky’s Primary Child Restraint Law Children Infant seat up to 20 lbs and at least one year old – in rear seat Child seat, 20-40 lbs and over one year old – in rear seat Booster seat up to 60 lbs KY has a primary child restraint law Children under 40 inches must be secured in a federally approved car seat. Police can and will stop you for non-compliance

Push-Pull-Feed Steering Recommended 9 & 3 Hand Position Both hands are on the wheel. While one hand pushes up or pulls down, the opposite hand slides up or down on the wheel. Arms/wrists are clear of air bag, and offers good control of vehicle.

Poor Steering Techniques “Hand Over Hand” Poses Danger in Air Bag Detonation One Hand Offers Limited Evasive Steering

This sixteen year old was the operator of a vehicle involved in a low speed, rear end collision. She was improperly belted and was engaged in hand over hand steering. Crash + 4 Hours Crash + 1 Week

Fundamental Skills Smooth starts and stops Left and right turns Recognizing total stopping distance from different speeds Ability to judge time & distance at different speeds

Steering When Space is Limited Use reference points Be able to locate car within 3-6 inches of accuracy

Starting the Engine Check parking brake Place foot on brake pedal Shift lever in Park Turn ignition to ON position Check Gauges Set accessories, as appropriate (A/C, etc.) Turn on headlights if no Daytime Running Lights Allow 15 to 20 seconds engine warm up

Entering the Roadway Press firmly on brake pedal Shift to appropriate gear(drive/reverse) Lateral Move Process Rearview mirror Signal in direction of move Side mirror in direction of move Head check in direction of move Select appropriate gap in traffic flow Steer into lane Target lane position Accelerate gently Attain roadway speed/ Establish 3 sec space cushion Road Test Required Skill

Watch Your Path of Travel You Steer Where You Look Search as far ahead as possible to identify potential conflicts (objects and areas of limited visibility). Identify conditions that require a response or continuing attention. Identify an alternate path of travel and a stopping zone.

Exiting Traffic to Park Identify space where you wish to park Check traffic to the rear and sides Signal direction of movement Adjust accelerator/brake as needed Apply steering input as necessary Align parallel within 12 inches from curb or road edge within designated area (If off road, clear traveled portion of roadway) Road Test Required Skill

Parking Shift gear selector to Park Turn front wheels toward or away from side of road as appropriate- UCLA Stop vehicle in a legal parking space Set parking brake Remove key (not required on road test) Road Test Required Skill

Securing/Leaving Vehicle Check mirrors and over shoulder for safe gap in traffic When safe, exit vehicle and lock doors