You are the driver Chapter 1
Highway Transportation System HTS
What is the HTS? A massive system of transportation
What is the purpose of the HTS? To move people and goods from one place to another in a safe, efficient, and economical manner.
What are the parts of the HTS? Roadways Vehicles People (Roadway Users)
Roadways Roadways vary from small dirt roads to large multilane interstates.
Vehicles Vehicles vary from small bicycles to large tractor-trailers.
People (Roadway Users) People use roadways in three ways: Walk Ride Drive
What complicates the HTS? Adverse conditions! Adverse Condition—anything that will not allow you to drive at your best.
Examples of Adverse Conditions
Driving Task The driving task is a seeing, thinking, and responding process.
Required Skills 1. Social skills 2. Physical skills 3. Mental skills 4. Attitude
Required Skills Social Skills Drivers must be courteous. Drivers must communicate with other roadway users.
Required Skills Physical Skills Drivers must learn the physical skills so they become automatic.
Required Skills Mental Skills Safe driving is primarily a mental task. Smith System IPDE Must be organized!
Required Skills Attitude Your attitude toward life and driving affects your willingness to learn and to effectively use safe-driving habits.
Breakdowns in the HTS Breakdowns occur when any part of the HTS does not work properly. Collisions Construction Traffic jams
Collisions vs. Accidents Collision is a more accurate term than accident. Accident implies something happens by chance.
Three causes of collisions Human mistakes/misjudgment Roadway conditions Automobile malfunction
Driving Responsibilities Driver Financial Environmental
Driver Responsibilities Driving Knowing and following the laws and safe driving habits.
Driver Responsibilities Financial Responsible for your share of driving expenses. Gas Maintenance Damages Insurance
Driver Responsibilities Environmental All drivers should be environmentally friendly by fuel economizing, trip planning, car pooling, etc..