1. Module 3: Vision and Driving Topics 2-6
Vehicle Operating Space/Locating Vehicle Blind Zones
Line of Sight/Path of Travel
Vehicle Reference Points
Establishing Safe Lane Positions

2. Vehicle Operating Space
Vehicle Footprint

3. PAVEMENT AROUND YOUR VEHICLE YOU CANNOT SEE FROM DRIVER’S SEAT
The driver cannot see anything on the ground in the area outlined above—cars are used to show the size of this area

4. DETERMINING DRIVER BLIND AREAS
Place markers (cones, people) at the point where the driver can see the marker, (cone, person’s foot) in contact with the ground
Marker (foot or cone)

5. Space Management
Taking care of your vehicle and the little “space bubble” around it while your vehicle is moving.
The best thing you can do to protect your vehicle is to allow a large space cushion between you and the vehicle in front of you and around you
Space = Time

6. CLEARANCE FOR BRAKING
To judge clearance for braking, you need to know what type of vehicle is following you -- a large truck or bus may require twice as much stopping distance as your vehicle.

7. Types of Zones Closed ZONE Changing ZONE Check Rear Open ZONE
Central Space Area
Changing ZONE
Check Rear
Open
ZONE
Move Here
Check Side
Direction of Travel
OPEN — a zone that has no restrictions to the line of sight or path of travel.
CLOSED — a zone not available for the vehicle’s path of travel or an area that has a restriction to the driver's line of sight.
CHANGING — an open zone that may change to a closed zone.

8. Line of Sight Path Of Travel Targeting Lane Positions Reference Points

9. Line-of-sight is the distance you can see in your path of travel

10. The space the vehicle will occupy while traveling to the target area
PATH OF TRAVEL (POT)
The space the vehicle will occupy while traveling to the target area

11. “TARGET” FAR AHEAD IN THE PATH OF TRAVEL
A “Target” is an object or place far ahead in the center of your path of travel where you want to go.
Identify the target in this driver’s path of travel

12. TARGET AREA PROVIDES THE BIG PICTURE
The Target area is the area drivers must scan to the left and right of the target

13. ADVANTAGES OF TARGETING
Easier to track vehicle in a straight line
Driver looks far ahead of the vehicle, and at the same time gathers information close to the vehicle
Driver can plan ahead to better manage risks
Targeting develops visual skills essential for managing traction loss and steering control

14. Reference Points What are they? Fixed objects Hood ornament
Crook of windshield wiper blade
Help you maintain a consistent position in the middle of the lane OR
Help you judge the position of your vehicle on the roadway.

15. Example: Reference points for parking against a curb
A point on outside / inside of vehicle that allows driver to know where they are in relation to the curb
Center of hood can be used
When seated in the driver’s seat, it will look as though the curb intersects the hood of the vehicle directly in the middle.

16. Possible Lane Positions DE 22c
The width of the lane allows drivers to make lane position adjustments to minimize risk and create more space between their car and problem situations.
LP 4
LP 2
LP 1
OBSTACLE
LP 3
LP 5
Lane Positions – 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
T – 2.56

18. Lane Position #1 Lane Position ONE (LP 1)
Your left side reference point runs through the driver’s side left fender to the line on the left side of the vehicle.
Your right side reference point runs through the center of passenger’s side right half of the hood to the line on the right side of the vehicle.
3 FEET
Lane Position ONE
(LP 1)
3 FEET
Note: Lane position #1 is the lane position used most often.

19. Lane Position #2 Lane Position TWO (LP 2)
Your lane position #2 reference point is about 1 foot from left side (it may be the crease between the left fender and hood of the vehicle) to the curb.
3-6 INCHES
Lane Position TWO
(LP 2)
6 FEET

20. Lane Position #3
Your lane position #3 reference point is through the center of your hood to the right edge of the roadway.
Lane Position THREE
(LP 3)
Reference point
6 FEET
Line of Sight
3-6 INCHES

21. Putting the Pieces together
To appropriately maintain a clear line of sight and clear path of travel to your target area, you must constantly adjust your lane position and utilize reference points.

22. CHANGES IN LINE OF SIGHT
Your line of sight changes continuously as you move along the highway.
Be aware of the potential for a limited line of sight well ahead. A limited line of sight is any highway area ahead where the sight distance or field-of-view is less than that required for safe travel at your current speed.

23. LINE OF SIGHT (LOS) RESTRICTIONS
Vision is blocked, speed and position adjustments may be needed until LOS is restored

24. OFF ROAD OBSTACLES
Off-road conditions can reduce your line of sight on either side of your intended path of travel.
Shrubbery, signs, buildings and parked vehicles may hide intersections, driveways and moving objects.

25. TRAFFIC CONDITIONS & LOS
Traffic conditions can reduce your line of sight and visual lead time.
A fixed or slow-moving object may come into view too late.
A van or large truck can reduce your view of the path ahead.
Large vehicles or dips in the highway can easily hide compact cars or motorcycles from view.

26. USING LANE POSITION MAXIMIZE LOS1
Select the lane position that gives you the best line of sight and safest path of travel
Lane positions are based upon an average lane size of 12-feet wide, and a vehicle 6- feet wide 2 3 4 5

27. EXAMPLES OF PATH OF TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Space is not available for the vehicle
Vehicle stopped or blocking intersection
Narrow lane and no shoulder

28. PLANNED POT IS CLOSED & NO ALTERNATE POT IS AVAILABLE
When the planned path of travel is closed and there is no alternate path - the driver should immediately check to the side(s) and rear to detect the presence, location, size and speed of any following vehicles.
If a vehicle is following, flash brake lights to alert the following driver and begin to apply the brakes.
Attempt to maintain forward motion at a slower speed to open up the space ahead.
If the distance ahead cannot be increased, brake to a stop while maintaining a gap to the rear.