Chapter 5 Controlling your vehicle Drive Right Chapter 5 Controlling your vehicle

Natural Laws of Car control Gravity: the force that pulls something towards the earth Center of gravity: the point around which an object’s weight id evenly distributed Energy of motion: when a object moves it acquires energy, aka, kinetic energy.( a vehicles energy of motion increases dramatically with increases in weight and speed)

Friction and traction Friction: the force that keeps each tire from sliding on the road Traction: friction created by the tire on the road. Tires: will make the difference in the way people drive along the road Tread and traction: the groove surface of the tire that grips the road, the better the tread the better the gripping ability. When a tire becomes worn or bald, the tire becomes dangerous, the tire has no grip and no traction on the road, when there is no tread the can be a blow out, when all the air escapes at once.

cont Under inflation: when your drive with under inflated tires, fasters wear on the tires when not even, Over Inflation: this should also be avoid, the tire has to much pressure, only the center of the wheel will grip properly.

Stopping distance Total stopping distance: The distance your car travels while you make a stop. Perception time: the length of time you take to identify, predict, and decide to slow for a hazard. Perception Distance: The distance your vehicle travels during this time. Reaction time and Distance: reaction time the length of time it takes you to execute your action; reaction distance, the distance the your vehicle travels during reaction time

Factors that affect braking distance Speed: the higher the speed the longer your braking distance Vehicle condition: worn tires, shock absorbers, or brakes that need longer distances tos top Roadway surface: rain snow, ice, dirt, wet leaves, and gravel reduce road traction and increase stopping distance Driver ability: if you are distracted or impaired , it may take longer for you to stop you vehicle Antilock braking system: with this (abs) you can better control stopping distance while turning Hills: your braking distance, when driving down hil Loads: heavy loads increase your braking distance.

Controlling the force of impact with some stats 10 percent of those injured were in an SUV, as compared with 7 percent for pickup trucks, 4 percent for vans, and 3 percent for cars. The NHTSA reports that in 2006, there were 30,521 fatalities of occupants of passenger cars, accounting for 83 percent of all vehicle accident fatalities. Of these passenger car occupant fatalities: 55 percent of those killed were unrestrained 28 percent were cause by ejection from the vehicle 35 percent were in an SUV, compared with 28 percent for pickup trucks, and 17 percent for passenger cars

Cont” Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15- to 20-year-olds. 16-year-olds have higher crash rates than drivers of any other age. 16-year-olds are 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle crash than the average of all drivers. 2,739 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 died in motor vehicle crashes in 2008, down 13.7% from 3,174 in 2007 and down 20.2% from 3,431 in 1998. About 2 out of every 3 teenagers killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2008 were males (IIHS). Drivers ages 15-20 accounted for 12% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2008 and 14% of all drivers involved in police-reported crashes. 63% of teenage passenger deaths in 2008 occurred in vehicles driven by another teenager. Among deaths of passengers of all ages, 19% occurred when a teenager was driving (IIHS). 81% of teenage motor vehicle crash deaths in 2008 were passenger vehicle occupants. The number of drivers ages 15-20 involved in fatal crashes totaled 5,864 in 2008, down 16% from 6,982 in 2007 and down 26% from 7,987 in 1998. In 2006 (latest data available) crashes involving 15- to 17-year-olds cost more than $34 billion nationwide in medical treatment, property damage and other costs, according to an AAA analysis.

Cont” In 2006 (latest data available) crashes involving 15- to 17-year-olds cost more than $34 billion nationwide in medical treatment, property damage and other costs, according to an AAA analysis. In states with GDL programs that include at least five of the most important elements, there was a 20% reduction in fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2008: Hand-held cellphone use was highest among 16- to 24-year-olds (8% in 2008, down from 9% in 2007). 37% of male drivers ages 15-20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time. 55%, or 2,014, of the 3,678 occupants of passenger vehicles ages 16-20 who were killed in crashes were not buckled up. 31% of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking some amount of alcohol; 25% were alcohol-impaired, meaning they had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher. Statistics show that 16- and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger (IIHS

Cont’’’ In states with GDL programs that include at least five of the most important elements, there was a 20% reduction in fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, in 2008: Hand-held cellphone use was highest among 16- to 24-year-olds (8% in 2008, down from 9% in 2007). 37% of male drivers ages 15-20 who were involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time. 55%, or 2,014, of the 3,678 occupants of passenger vehicles ages 16-20 who were killed in crashes were not buckled up. 31% of drivers ages 15-20 who were killed in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking some amount of alcohol; 25% were alcohol-impaired, meaning they had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 grams per deciliter or higher. Statistics show that 16- and 17-year-old driver death rates increase with each additional passenger (IIHS