1. A System of Roads and Drivers
NV Driver Education Curriculum
Unit 1: Driver Responsibility and Licensing
Presentation 1 of 4
TOPICS:
Creation of the Driver’s License
HTS: Highway Transportation System
Regulating the HTS

2. Becoming a Roadway User
In the 1880s and 1890s the use of the bicycle spurred interest in creating roads
In 1908 Henry Ford introduced the Model T automobile
Began construction of paved roads
Need for driver licenses/certification
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Early roads of Nevada

3. Creation of the Driver’s License
1928 New Jersey License
In 1903, Massachusetts and Missouri were the first to establish driver licensing laws (mostly an application process for chauffeurs)
Exams came much later: MA(1920) MO(1952)
In MO the gas stations sold drivers licenses – “…no test. For 25 cents, they gave you a stub – you had this until the ‘real’ license came in the mail.”
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1906 Chauffeurs

4. Creation of the Driver’s License Exam
In 1908, Rhode Island was the first state to require an examination of driver competency
South Dakota was the last state to impose driver licenses (1954) and the last state to require examinations (1959)
1983 Oregon Exam
1928
Chicago
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1941 Colorado

5. Early Roads: Toll Roads & Turnpikes
From 1790 to 1850, private toll roads were the nation’s primary land transportation
Toll roads are privately owned roads
Charged a fee to use road
Turnpike is an expressway with toll gates
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1917 Long Island Motor Parkway

6. Early Roads in Nevada
Between 1859 and 1880, 117 toll roads were created in NV (used by horse and wagons)
The Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 helped establish state routes: Lincoln Hwy (I-80) Victory Hwy(US 40) Los Angeles Hwy (I-15) and US 93
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Tonopah, NV 1915
Fallon, NV 1930
Las Vegas, NV 1944
Ely, NV 1950

7. Creation of a National System
In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act
began today’s national system of roadways
Became known as the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways
To transport military and weapons
U.S. 40 in 1953
Design of the Interstate System evolved from freeways such as the PA Turnpike (above) and the CA Freeway (right) both opened in 1940s
Federal Aid Highway Act
90% on funding from federal government to build new roads at least four lanes wide (10% for state)
States brought in existing toll roads into the system
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8. Today’s Roadway The U.S. has over 46,000 miles of interstate highways
Longest, I-90, an east-west route stretching 3000 miles through 13 states
Interstates have made the U.S. rich in social and economic growth
Studied by Russian and Chinese (looking to grow)
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9. The Highway Transportation System (HTS)
The highway transportation system (HTS) has three parts:
Roadway users
Vehicles
Roads
The purpose of the HTS is to move people and cargo in a safe and efficient manner
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10. Roadway Users
Safe operation of the HTS depends on the attitude and behavior of its users
People use the HTS by
Walking
Driving
Riding
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11. Vehicles Drivers must share the road with others
Mopeds and motorcycles
Cars and trucks
Tractor trailers
Buses and trains
Bicycles
Pedestrians
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12. Roadways Skillful drivers must be alert to driving situations
Roadway conditions vary
Urban and rural
Paved and unpaved
Light and unlit
Straight, curves, and hills
Adverse weather conditions
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13. Regulating the HTS
Federal, state, and local governments agencies work together to regulate the HTS
In 1966, two laws were established that allowed the federal government to set standards and guidelines for vehicles and highways
The National Highway Safety Act
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
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14. National Highway Safety Act
All states must have and regulate:
Vehicle registration
Driver licensing
Traffic courts
Highway construction (design) and maintenance
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15. National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act
Requires auto makers to install certain safety features in all vehicles
Head rests
Shatter-resistant windshields
Safety belts
Aimed at reducing injuries and deaths
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16. Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
In 1921, NV began issuing motor vehicle licenses
In 1949, NV established a Highway Patrol
In 1957, NV DMV was established to administer motor vehicle laws and driver licensing duties
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17. Nevada Motor Vehicle Laws
Many of Nevada motor vehicle laws can be found in Nevada Revised Statues Chapter 484
Open Container (illegal within vehicle)
Blood Alcohol Limit 0.08, if under 21 yrs 0.02
Right on red (allowed)
Seat Belt (required) under 6yrs/60lbs restraint
U-Turns (allowed) unless prohibited by sign
Pedestrians (vehicles must yield)
School Police can issue traffic citations
Website for NV NRS 484 at:
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18. Facts to Know
Final Thoughts
Thanks to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the passage of legislation The annual death rate in 1925 was 18 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. In 2008, it was only 1.7 per 100 million.
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