Urban Traffic Traffic is more dense City traffic hazards are closer Use IPDE Process

Following others 3-4 second rule Pick fixed object and count to see if your spacing is enough

Sudden stops Watch for areas of sudden stops – Buses – intersections, – Business drives – Parked cars

Tailgater If being tailgated – Increase following distance – Move slightly to right ( car can see around you) – Signal early, tap brakes

Oncoming traffic Reasons for crossing center line: – Driver impairment – Poor judgment – Poor visibility – Reduced space – Sudden moves by others – Vehicle failure – Turning buses and trucks – Double parked vehicles Avoid conflict – Slow – Turn on or flash lights/horn – Move to right zone

Managing urban traffic Look at least 1 block ahead Predict lights – Never speed up to make a light Covering brake – Foot off accel and hold over brake – DO not Ride the brake Brakes will heat up and wear faster

Driving with traffic Blend with traffic – Drive with the flow – Within speed limit – Adjust speed and position early Lane selection – Left is faster Passing – Signal – Head check – Change with out slowing – Illegal to pass in intersections

Special Traffic lanes Express lanes- City driving allows for traffic to flow in one direction with minimum exit and entrance ramps Tolls- For I-pass users with a transponder for tolls

One way streets Fewer conflicts Avoid lanes next to parked cars May make left turns on to one way streets

One way Wrong way drivers: – Slow, steer right, sound horn, flash headlights Parked cars: – Alert of doors, cars leaving a parking spot – Alert for pedestrians