1. Driver Readiness Tasks
Topic 1 Lesson 3
Driver’s Seating Position
Adjust so driver’s heel can pivot smoothly between foot pedals
Adjust to allow at least 10” between driver’s chest and the steering wheel
Adjust seat back for driver’s visual needs
Adjust the steering wheel so that it is positioned toward the driver’s chest.
Head restraint – middle of the back of the skull
T – 2.5

2. Adjusting Safety Belt for Proper Fit
Driver Readiness Tasks
Topic 1 Lesson 3
Your number one defense to prevent severe injuries is to wear your safety belt.
Adjusting Safety Belt for Proper Fit
Safety belt positioned across chest and over pelvis (strongest skeletal bones)
Adjust the seat, place your lower back firmly against the seat and sit up straight (if equipped with adjustable center post mountings for shoulder belt height, adjust height setting so the belt does not rub against your neck)
The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest and rest against the body. If a crash occurs and a person has not taken the slack out of the shoulder belt, the extra forward movement of the body will increase the chance of injury.
The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, barely touching the thighs. If a crash were to occur, the force would then be applied to the strong pelvic bones and not the abdomen, reducing the chance of serious internal injuries.
snug the lap belt by pulling down on the buckle end as you pull up on the shoulder belt. Check frequently for snug fit.
T – 2.6

3. Safety Restraints for Adults
Topic 3 Lesson 1
Safety Restraints for Adults
Air Bag in Steering Wheel
Raise seat or adjust steering wheel to direct air bag toward chest and not at the facial area
Adjust seat for a minimum 10-inch clearance between chest and steering wheel
Hand position should be at 8 and 4
Avoid 10 and 2 hand position to prevent blow hole burns to hands and arms
10 inches
T – 8.22

4. Safety Restraints for Adults
Topic 3 Lesson 1
Safety Restraints for Adults
Air Bags in Dash or Steering Wheel
No passenger under 12 years of age should sit in the front seat
Protect driver or passengers from sustaining severe head and chest injuries
The speed of bag inflation is critical to prevent body contact with the steering wheel
The air bag inflates in the blink of an eye, at speeds as high as 200 miles per hour.
T – 8.21

5. Safety Restraints for Youth
Topic 3 Lesson 1
Safety Restraints for Youth
Belt and Seat Restraint Use
Safest if seated in back center seat
Infant seats/rear facing/birth to 20 lbs.
Use child seats up to 40 lbs.
Use booster seats up until age 8.
Forward Facing Child Restraints
Infant Car Bed
Rear Facing
Infant Seat
Booster Seats
T – 8.24

6. Vehicle Control Vehicle Direction / Speed Requirements
Topic 4 Lesson 2
Vehicle Control
Vehicle Direction / Speed Requirements
Steering Wheel Control
Hand position on steering wheel
Holding top or upper half of wheel (excessive steering and air bag injury risk)
Hands located on lower half of wheel (relaxed, balanced control)
Steering techniques
Preferred technique: Hand-to-hand steering (Push/Pull/Slide)
Hand-over-hand steering (top third of wheel)
Evasive steering (ABS wheel limitation)
One-hand steering is used:
To reach controls
At top when backing straight
At bottom when backing a trailer
Video:
T – 2.31

7. Driver Readiness Tasks
Topic 1 Lesson 3
Mirrors
Set rear view mirror to see 200 feet to the rear.
Set side view mirror 15 degrees out to view adjacent lane.
NOTE: If rear view is blocked, adjust side view mirrors to see the side of vehicle and area behind the vehicle. This mirror setting will increase your blind spot.
VIDEO LINK:
T – 2.6a

8. Traditional Mirror Views and Blind Spots
Topic 5 Lesson 1
Right mirror blind zone
Right side view mirror
Rear view mirror ( )
Left side view mirror
Left mirror blind zone
Notice the large blind zone areas and the overlap between the side and rear mirrors when using traditional mirror settings.
T – 2.34

9. Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)
Topic 5 Lesson 1
Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)
Adjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outward (BGE) allows you to see the lanes to the sides and does not overlap as much with the area you can already see in your rear view mirror
BGE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR VIEW
Peripheral Vision Area
REAR MIRROR
VIEW
Peripheral Vision Area
BGE LEFT SIDE MIRROR VIEW
T – 2.35
Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)