1. Rules of the Road Chapter 11

2. Defensive Driving Plan ahead for the unexpected
Always be prepare to react to the other driver
Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do
If you can not avoid a crash, choose the least dangerous situation (run in ditch not head on collision

3. Vehicle Following Distances
Use a three second following distance
Three second following distances applies to your speed when you are on a good road and during good weather conditions
If conditions are poor, increase your following distances to four or five seconds
Rear end crashes are caused from people following too closely not too fast

4. Vehicles and Trains Drive Carefully
Check for a second train after waiting for a train before you cross tracks
Never get trap on tracks (don’t stop your car on the tracks)
Never shift gears
Never race a train

5. Weather Conditions Fog If driving in fog, use your low beam lights
Do not overdrive your headlights. Stay within the limits of your vision
Use your turn signal long before you turn
Brake early when approach a stop to warn other drivers

6. Rain
When it starts to rain, water, dust oil, and leaves cause the roadway to become slippery
Increase your following distance
Your headlights must be on when operating your wipers
Hydroplane – riding on a thin layer of water, losing traction. If your car starts to hydroplane – ease off the accelerator and ride the skid out

7. High Winds Reduce your speed
Make steering corrections when you go from a protected area to an open area, meeting large vehicles such as trucks and buses
Heavy rain and sleet often accompanies high winds

8. Winter Driving Remain in your car if you become stranded
Most difficult driving season
Road conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade or roadway surface
Remove all snow and ice from your vehicle
Clear all windows (law)
Non – freezing windshield fluid
Start slowly
Brake early when coming to a stop
Bridges, shaded spots and overpasses may remain icy after the rest of the roadway is clear and dry
Plan your winter driving – carry a blanket, food, phone and shovel in case you become stuck or stranded
Remain in your car if you become stranded

9. Equipment Failure Blowouts
Ease off the gas pedal and keep a firm grasp on the steering wheel (do not brake suddenly)

10. Special Driving Situations
Driving on the Expressway
Check your rearview and side mirrors before changing lanes
Signal well in advance
If you missed your exit, go to the next exit (against the law to backup on the expressway)
Increase following distance
Right lane is used for slower traffic
Left lane is used for faster traffic and passing
Do not stop on the expressway, pull off the road

11. Night Driving Do not over drive your headlights
Glare from lights may interfere with vision
Bright lights must be dimmed 500 ft. before oncoming vehicles and 300 ft. before over taking another vehicle
Roadway signs are more difficult to see
Use edge lines and center lines of the roadway as guides

12. Driving off the Pavement
Head – On Approaches
Slow down immediately, pull to the right side and sound your horn
Skidding
Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid
Driving off the Pavement
Grip the wheel firmly, check behind you and gently steer back on the roadway
Do not jerk the wheel, it may cause you to drive into on coming traffic

13. Water Accidents
If your car runs off the roadway into water but does not sink right away, get out of the car
If it sinks, go to the back area where an air pocket usually forms and exit from the rear window

14. Cellular Phones Beginning drivers should not use phones
Pull over and stop to use phone