1. Managing Time and Space Vehicle Positioning
Reducing Risk!
Managing Time and Space Vehicle Positioning

2. Use any of these visual techniques
IPDE
The Smith System
Zone Control

3. 1. “IPDE”
Identify – use a visual search pattern to gather information about the roadway ahead. Predict – Use your knowledge and experience to predict the actions of others and the environment. Decide – If you need to change or maintain direction and speed, or communicate. Execute – Your chosen actions.

4. Visual Search Patterns
THE THREE VISUAL FIELDS
Peripheral Vision
Focus Vision
Central Vision

5. Urban Driving Search Patterns
15-20 seconds
4-8 seconds

6. Rural or High Speed Search Patterns
Search far ahead to identify potential conflicts
Objects in Path and Areas of Limited Visibility
Limitations to Path of Travel and Line of Sight
12 to 15 Second
20 to 30 Second
Search Area
Control Area

7. 2. SMITH SYSTEM
Aim High in steering to allow more time for driver response Keep your eyes moving to search for hazards and vehicle movement around the vehicle Get the big picture of where your vehicle is located in time and space Make sure others see you by using appropriate communication, lane position, and visibility Leave yourself an out to reduce risk of collision from the front, sides or rear

8. Aim High : Targeting
What is the target in the driver’s path of travel?
A “Target” is a fixed object in the center of the path you intend to drive

9. Target Area
The Target area is the area to the left and right of your target

10. Determining Following Intervals
A 3 second following interval should provide enough time to avoid a problem if you are monitoring the actions of drivers 8 to 12 seconds ahead in your path of travel. In most cases, you’d still have to steer towards an “escape path”, so 3 seconds is MINIMUM!
3 second interval
8 – 12 second interval

11. Control Space to the Rear
Check rear view mirror:
After seeing a zone change
Before and after braking
While stopped
Before and after making turns
Before and after a lane change
Check blind spots

12. Visual Search Categories
Traffic Controls Motor Vehicles Non-Motorized Users Highway

13. Highway Conditions Highway Width Curbing Curves Slopes
Roadway Structure
Intersection
Highway
Sensory Input to the Brain
Roughness Slick Wet Leaves Mud Sand
Roadway
Surface
Atmosphere
Roadway Features
Illumination Glare Precipitation Wind/Noise
Shoulders Affixed Objects Adjacent Buildings

14. Identifying Vehicles Types
CAMPER, PICK-UP, MOTOR HOMES, MOTORCYCLES, FARM MACHINES, OFF-ROAD SNOWMOBILES
Type
Motor
Vehicles
Sensory Input to the Brain
Road Handling Characteristics

15. Identifying Non-Motorized Users
KIND AND SIZE
NUMBERS
AGE OF RIDER
ACTIVITY
RIDER ABILITY
NON-MOTORIZED
USERS
Sensory Input to the Brain
Pedestrians
In-Line Skates,
Skateboards
Bicycles
Animals

16. Sensory Input to the Brain
Traffic Controls
Sensory Input to the Brain
RegulatoryWarning Guide
Unmarked Intersections
Signs
Signals
TRAFFIC
CONTROLS
Stop/Go Lane Turning Flashes
Sensory Input to the Brain
Passing Crosswalk Stop line
Interchanges
Roadway Markings

17. Intersection Search Patterns
Intersection Approach
Check open areas, then closed areas to front
Check to the rear
Communicate as necessary
Check areas adjacent to path of travel
Check sightlines left and right
Adjust speed and/or position as appropriate
Open
Closed
Closed
Open
Open
Open

18. Line of Sight Through Left Curve
Establish Line of Sight and Projected Path of Travel
Check to the Rear
Adjust Position for Maximum View of Oncoming Traffic
Establish Target Area for Path of Travel
Adjust Speed and Position to Conditions

19. Line of Sight Through Right Curves

20. Line of Sight Over Hill Sightline limitations are similar to a curve
Adjust speed and vehicle position to the right or outside of lane
What’s this car NOT doing correctly?

21. 3. ZONE CONTROL
Front Right
Rear Right
Rear Center
Front Center
Front Left
Rear Left
Be aware of these six “zones” around your vehicle and make note if they are “open” (nothing is there) or “closed” (something is there).

22. Vehicle Positioning 1 2 3 4 5 MAXIMIZE LANE USE
Use the lane position that gives you the best line of sight and path of travel. This diagram is based upon an average 12 foot wide lane.

23. Lane Position # 1
2-3 Feet 1
2-3 Feet

24. Lane Position # 2
3-6 Inches 2

25. Lane Position # 3 3
3-6 Inches

26. Lane Positions #4 and 5
Lane positions 4 and 5 – straddling the line to avoid a problem 5 4

27. How Do You Know How Far Your Vehicle is From the Curb or Edge of the Road?
Driver

28. Answer: Reference Points
This driver is using her left side mirror, lined up with the first crosswalk line, to help her know that the front of her car is stopped just before the crosswalk!

29. What could he use if the canoe strap wasn't there?
More Reference Points
This driver can use the right strap holding his canoe on as a reference point. As long as it lined up with the solid white line, his car is in the middle of his lane.
What could he use if the canoe strap wasn't there?

30. You could use the windshield sticker to help keep the car about 3’ from the left edge of this lane.
You could also use the little bump in between the wipers to keep the car about 3’ from the right edge of the lane.
Another example

31. Reference points can be very useful when parking in tight parking spaces!

32. Summary Use IPDE to reduce risk.
Use the Smith System to be aware of your surroundings.
Use Zone Control to manage the immediate area around your vehicle.
Use reference points to help know your vehicle’s position in the road.