The Highway Transportation System Moving People and Goods from Place to Place Safely and Efficiently
What Makes Up the HTS? Roadways - Multilane highways - Country Roads - City Streets People - Drivers - Passengers - Cyclists - Pedestrians Vehicles - Tractor-trailers - Buses - Cars, Vans, SUV’s - Mopeds - Motorcycles
Federal and State Requirements National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act Automakers are required to build certain safety features, such as safety belts and shatterproof windows, into their motor vehicles. National Highway Safety Act Guidelines: Vehicle registration, Driver Licensing, Traffic Laws, Traffic Courts, Highway Construction and Maintenance. Each state sets its own statutes or laws, that concern highway safety.
Reducing Your Risk Within the HTS Keep your vehicle in top condition Anticipate the actions of others Take steps to protect yourself and others Drive only when you are in sound physical and mental condition Make a conscious effort to develop your driving skills
The SIPDE Process Search Search the roadway and off-road areas 20 to 30 seconds ahead for information that can help you plan a path of travel. Identify Identify objects or conditions within 12 to 15 seconds ahead that could interfere with your planned path of travel.
The SIPDE Process Predict Predict what actions or changes in conditions on or near the roadway could increase the level of risk. Decide Decide what action(s) to take at least 4 to 5 seconds ahead of time to control or reduce risk. Execute Execute your decision.
The Smith System Aim High and Look Ahead Look way ahead of your vehicle (20 to 30 seconds ahead), not down at the road directly in front of you. Keep Your Eyes Moving Search the scene constantly for changes that might require you to adjust your speed or position.
The Smith System Get the Big Picture Search the whole scene, not just part of it. Make Sure Others See You Communicate with drivers and pedestrians. Leave Yourself a Way Out Always leave yourself a path of escape (a way to avoid a collision)