Virginia Department of Education Section Two Preparing to Operate a Vehicle

1. People 2. Pets 3. Broken glass 4. Direction front tires are turned 5. Fluid leaks ( p. 351 )

6. Weather 7. Directions 8. Tires ( p. 166 )

Improper inflation has destroyed this tire

 In the picture to the right, you can see that tire tread can be checked by using a quarter. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, then you don’t have enough tread.

(p. 167)

1. Increases fuel efficiency 2. Saves money on gas 3. Reduces pollution emissions 4. Makes tires last longer 5. Safer ride 6. Smoother ride

Key in Hand - Unlock doorsKey in Hand - Unlock doors Store personal items in trunk (why?)Store personal items in trunk (why?) Control door swingControl door swing Enter vehicleEnter vehicle Check passengers for safe entryCheck passengers for safe entry Lock doorsLock doors Insert key into ignitionInsert key into ignition APPROACH– ENTERING THE VEHICLE

How should a driver approach when: Parked in a Parking Lot? - Approach from the rear to observe people or objects near the car. - Approach Driver’s door with key in hand Parked at a curb? - Approach from the front to monitor oncoming traffic. - Approach driver’s door with key in hand - Open door only far and long enough to allow you to get into the vehicle.

Check around the outside of the vehicle for: broken glass (windows, lights, etc.), body damage, condition of tires, fluid leaks, direction of front tires, debris on the ground that could interfere with movement Check for small children or pets near vehicle. So…to RECAP: APPROACH – Before Entering the Vehicle

DISTRACTIONS:  Sliding books/book bags when stopping  Food & beverages  Loud music ATTRACTIONS:  VISIBLE VALUABLES in the car may attract a thief.  CD’s, purses, iPods IV. Pre-Driving Checks and Procedures Personal Items

Adjusting the Vehicle for You Correct position minimizes head and neck injuries The head restraint should make contact with the back of your head… Adjust head restraint level with ears Not more than 4 inches from head

A head restraint that’s too low or too far back will not protect your head and neck in a crash. The four images below illustrate a typical impact. Adjusting the Vehicle for You

Driver’s Seat Adjust seat back for driver’s visual needs and vehicle control Adjust seat back for driver’s visual needs and vehicle control Must have a clear view Must have a clear view Adjust so driver’s heel can pivot smoothly between foot pedals Adjust so driver’s heel can pivot smoothly between foot pedals Must be able to reach pedals Must be able to reach pedals Adjust to allow at least 10” between driver’s chest and the steering wheel Adjust to allow at least 10” between driver’s chest and the steering wheel Steering wheel should aim at chest NOT head/neck Steering wheel should aim at chest NOT head/neck  Place hands on steering wheel at some balance of 9 & 3 and 8 & 4 Adjusting the Vehicle for You 10 inches

Tilt or adjustable steering wheels are usually standard equipment in many vehicles They enable different-sized drivers to reposition the steering wheel for comfort and safety while allowing the instrument panel to be visible at all times Adjusting the Vehicle for You Adjustable Steering Wheel

Place back/shoulders against the back of the seat Place back/shoulders against the back of the seat Slightly bend knees Slightly bend knees Rest right heel on floorboard between brake and accelerator Rest right heel on floorboard between brake and accelerator Sit high enough so top of steering wheel is between shoulders and chin Sit high enough so top of steering wheel is between shoulders and chin Use secured seat cushion if needed to raise seating height Use secured seat cushion if needed to raise seating height Rest left foot on “dead pedal” Rest left foot on “dead pedal” Adjusting the Vehicle for You (cont.)

Located on floorboard on the left side of driver’s compartment Located on floorboard on the left side of driver’s compartment Used to maintain driver balance and stability Used to maintain driver balance and stability Keeps left foot away from brake and accelerator pedals Keeps left foot away from brake and accelerator pedals Adjusting the Vehicle for You Dead Pedal