Idea Transcript
California's Premier Home Study Traffic School!
CERTIFIED DEFENSIVE DRIVING™ This home study traffic school is part of CEES Inc.
Chapter 6 Defensive Driving: According to the National Safety Council, "Motor vehicle crashes are the No. 1 cause of occupational fatalities and the leading cause of death for ages 2-39 and ages 50-72. Plus, the increasing number of new drivers and vehicles on the road creates a continuing need for defensive driving training across all age groups." What is defensive driving? Most everyone we talk to will tell us that they are a defensive driver but when we ask what is a defensive driver we usually get a blank stare. Over the years we have seen many definitions of defensive driving. Here are a couple of definitions. The standard Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations, defines defensive driving as: "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others." This definition is taken from the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course. This sound like it might be used for everyone but more specifically for commercial vehicle drivers. Here is another definition I like. "Defensive Driving means being constantly aware of the driving conditions, planning ahead, anticipating dangers and taking the right action so as not to come in contact with any obstacle or another vehicle." My overall favorite is: Defensive Driving is the "Art of driving to stay alive." This definition is short, sweet and concise. We like this definition because it incorporates both the mind and body and all aspects of the driving environment. Defensive driving is not so much a single thing but rather a process involving many steps. A defensive driver is a thinking and proactive driver. The ultimate goal of a defensive driver is to get to his or her destination safely. There are many risks on any road today and our goal is to reduce and manage the risk. Defensive driving skills allow us to compensate for the carelessness of other drivers. The art of defensive driving, incorporate specific driving skills along with a healthy dose of common sense. Of course, as you may have noticed, common no longer seems to be common. We all seem to have a different definition of what common sense is, so it becomes difficult to live up to each other's expectations. This is why we need traffic laws. The defensive driver anticipates the actions of other drivers on the roadway and is ready to adjust his or her speed and lane position accordingly. The defensive driver also adjusts to changes in weather and road conditions. The defensive driver can learn to develop driving habits and skills by following the information presented in this program. Do you feel that you drive defensively? We drive defensively when we: 1. Leave a safe following / stopping distance, 2. Use our mirrors frequently, 3. Always yield the right of way, 4. Leave a cushion of safety around our vehicle and 5. Make sure other drivers see us. Some people think that this is a lot to do while driving. That may be true if you have not been doing them. It may take some time and effort to develop a defensive driving habit. Most anytime we start something new it may feel different and difficult but as we continue it becomes easier and more natural. After a while, before you know it, you will have developed the habit of driving defensively. Begin by focusing on one thing at a time. I suggest that you start with leaving a safe stopping distance at all times; the three second rule. When you master leaving a safe stopping distance you will have the time to do the other four. The next time you drive do this: Choose a fixed object such as a sign or tree ahead of the car in front of you. As the car ahead passes the object, count off three seconds (one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three). If it takes at least three seconds before you pass the object, you have enough distance for a safe stop. In bad weather, the three seconds should be increased several times to give an extra margin of safety.
One of the cool things about the three second rule is that it works at any speed because there is a direct relationship between time and distance. In ideal circumstances, the appropriate minimum interval between your vehicle and the one you are following is three seconds. The three second rule is an excellent following distance. A defensive driver will be constantly aware of the driving conditions, planning ahead, anticipating dangers and taking the correct action so as not to come in contact with any obstacle or another vehicle. PLANNING TRIPS: When we get ready for a trip we will often spend a lot of time thinking about what we will wear and do when we reach our destination but we generally do not spend much time thinking about getting to our destination.
Before going on a trip in our vehicle we should think about what we should have with us to reduce any risks along the way. Packing: When packing for your trip consider these things in your vehicle. cell phone - to call for roadside assistance, first aid kit -hope you never need it, flashlight - always handy, blanket - keeps you warm and cozy, navigation aid - maps always work, water - you do not want to be dehydrated, jumper cables - batteries do not warn us when they will die, basic tool kit - pliers, screwdrivers, vice grips are always nice to have, duct tape - MacGyver can fix anything with duct tape, warm clothing - we gotta stay warm, etc. When packing your vehicle do your best to keep any packages in the interior at a lower height than the backs of the seats so you do not block visibility of the driver. Also, make sure that all cargo is secured within the passenger area so things do not go every which way when there is a sudden stop or worse, a crash. Small objects, like a cell phone, could slide off of a seat and get stuck under the accelerator or the brake. When we drive 60 MPH everything in the vehicle is traveling at 60 MPH. When we have to stop quickly the vehicle slows down and those things tied down in the passenger area slow down with the vehicle but loose objects continue at 60 MPH. Have you ever been hit in the head by a box of tissues traveling 60 MPH? Do a good deed for your family and keep your vehicle clean and organized. When packing your vehicle do your best to keep any packages in the interior at a lower height than the backs of the seats so you do not block visibility of the driver. Also, make sure that all cargo is secured within the passenger area so things do not go every which way when there is a sudden stop or worse, a crash. Small objects, like a cell phone, could slide off of a seat and get stuck under the accelerator or the brake. When we drive 60 MPH everything in the vehicle is traveling at 60 MPH. When we have to stop quickly the vehicle slows down and those things tied down in the passenger area slow down with the vehicle but loose objects continue at 60 MPH. Have you ever been hit in the head by a box of tissues traveling 60 MPH? Do a good deed for your family and keep your vehicle clean and organized. Checking road conditions/construction Blowout: Before getting on the road check road conditions along your route. In California you can go to the CalTrans web site at: http://www.dot.ca.gov and plug in the highway number(s) and get a current update of the road conditions. If you are on the road, have a passenger call CalTrans at: 1-800-427-7623 for current highway conditions. You want advance knowledge of heavy congestion, collisions, if chains are required, etc. before you hit the road. Also, you can also get good information from the radio as you drive. Before you leave on your trip you should inspect your vehicle to be certain it is road worthy. Pay special attention to your tires. Your life rides on the tires. All of the vehicle weight, along with your family and all of their hopes and dreams, rides on four little patches of rubber about the same size as an adult male footprint. Be sure they are properly inflated and have adequate tread depth to grip the road. Tires have two purposes: first and most importantly, tires grip the road and provide traction; second, tires are air-filled cushions that help absorb shocks and jolts from uneven pavement or objects in the road, providing enhanced vehicle control. The law (27465VC) requires that we have at least 1/32 of an inch of tire tread in any two adjacent grooves. A quick way to check your tires for tread wear is the 'Penny Test.' Place a penny upside down in a tire tread groove, if the top of Lincoln's hair is visible, it indicates that the tread has worn to less than 2/32 of an inch. Properly inflated tires roll more easily on the road and save you money. Properly inflated tires also grip the road better and help you start and stop safely and help prevent blowouts. You can find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner's manual or on the drive door post. The PSI on the sidewall of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire can accommodate. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold, that is when the tires have been sitting (not driven) for a while.
. Your vehicle has a lot of different fluids stored under the hood. Check the oil level, radiator, windshield wiper and brake fluids. While the hood is open check the belts and the battery. If you are not comfortable doing these things take your vehicle to your favorite mechanic, most will not charge for this type of review. Keep your windshield and side windows clean inside and out. Bright sun or headlights on a dirty window make it hard to see out. Clear off any ice, frost, or dew from all windows before you drive. Make sure you can see and be seen. If you drive in rain or snow, you may have to stop sometimes to wipe mud or snow off your windshield, headlights, and taillights. Adjust your seat before you put on your seat belt. You should sit high enough to see the road. If you still cannot see, use a seat cushion. Adjust your rear and side mirrors before you start driving. If your vehicle has a day/night mirror, learn how to use it. The night setting reduces the headlight glare from the cars behind you and helps you see well. Allow extra travel time: Allow extra travel time to avoid unfamiliar, unexpected or congested traffic situations. Whenever possible, travel during off-peak hours and during good driving conditions. When we are in a hurry we often add unnecessary stress and that could lead to poor decisions. Reduce the stress, stop and smell the roses! We recommend that you do not sit in the driver seat for more than two hours at a time. Stop, get out of your vehicle and walk around a bit while you take a break, clear your head and stretch the body. No matter how well the planning, you will most likely encounter unexpected delays. When planning your trip give consideration to traveling when and where you will encounter the least amount of congestion. When possible the morning rush hour commute and the evening rush hour commute. It is also a good idea to give your itinerary to a family member, friend or co-worker just in case you run into a problem while driving.
Highway hypnosis, also known as "white line fever," occurs when someone has been driving a vehicle on a long stretch of roadway for an extended period of time. The monotony of a long drive can induce sleepiness or forgetfulness. It can lull the brain into a sort of trance, and the body is essentially operating on auto pilot while the mind is off somewhere else. Highway hypnosis is most common during the late-night hours when the time of day also plays a role in drowsiness. Highway hypnosis occurs more often than people would like to believe. Make sure you have time to rest when driving a long distance. AVOIDING PROBLEMS ON THE ROAD: Remember, defensive driving is the art of driving to stay alive and one of the most important defensive driving techniques is the three second rule. The three second rule allows you to maintain a safe following and stopping distance. It is critical that you always have time to stop safely. Tailgating, following too close is a leading cause of collisions. When we hit another vehicle from behind, that collision is our fault. It does not matter what the other driver may have done, what matters is that we did not leave a safe stopping distance. One of the best defensive driving tips we can give you is know as "The Three Second Rule." To use the three second rule, watch the vehicle in front of you and when the vehicle ahead of you passes a stationary object, such as a sign, count 'one-thousand-one, one-thousand two, one-thousand-three.' This count should be three seconds. If you pass the stationary object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. Whenever we drive we should stay at least three (3) seconds behind the vehicle in front of our vehicle. When stopping a vehicle, two factors must be considered:
Thinking distance is the distance your vehicle will travel while your eyes communicate with your brain and your brain communicates with your feet. You are not so much thinking but reacting to what you see. Braking distance is the distance your vehicle will travel after you start the braking procedure. Stopping numbers in these course materials are only for educational purposes, to show that motor vehicles need much more distance to stop safely than you may imagine. Actual stopping distances change with road, weather, and vehicle conditions.
The three-second rule is an excellent defensive driving rule. Are you tough enough to drive safely enough to get to your destination safely? The three second rule is designed for a well maintained vehicle under good conditions. Sometimes we need a three second plus rule. If you drive on dirt roads, three seconds is not enough. If you drive on wet roads, three seconds is not enough. If you drive on icy roads, three seconds is not enough. If your brakes are well worn, three seconds is not enough. When you are stopping on the down side of a hill your stopping distance is longer. At faster speeds your stopping distance is longer. In any adverse conditions your stopping distance is longer. When your vision is impaired because of weather or traffic conditions, your stopping distance should be greater, perhaps five or even six seconds. When following a motorcycle leave more than a three second gap because a motorcycle can stop quicker than a passenger vehicle or a truck and if the motorcyclist or the passenger goes down you have a live body in the road ahead. Many people have experienced the frustration of traveling behind slow-moving vehicles. Under these conditions, many drivers are tempted to follow more closely than they should. This practice, commonly referred to as "tailgating," is risky and can lead to rear-end collisions. When drivers tailgate, they significantly reduce their stopping distance; the distance needed to come to a complete and safe stop. What many drivers do not realize is that stopping distance is directly proportional to the size and weight of the vehicle. For example, the stopping distance is much longer for a heavy truck than it is for a standard sized passenger vehicle. In fact, it takes about twice the distance to stop a heavy truck than it does a car. Other critical driving elements drivers sacrifice when tailgating are perception and reaction times. Perception and reaction times are two separate intervals of time. Perception is the time we need to see and process the roadway hazard, while reaction time is the time needed for a driver's body to physically react to their brain's perception. When a driver tailgates, both are significantly reduced. The more space a driver allows between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them, the more time they have to see a hazard and react safely. When you use the three second rule you will not tailgate. What should you do when you are being tailgated? When you are being tailgated you are in danger of being hit from behind. When you are being tailgated, increase your following distance so if you are hit from behind you will not be pushed into the vehicle in front of you. We are sure you do not want that to happen. When you are being tailgated, move to another lane, when you can do so safely to allow the tailgater to go by. When you do slow down, do so gradually. Avoid driving in the blind spot of other vehicles. Blind spots are the areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen in your mirrors or without turning your head. We have talked about how you must be careful of blind spots while changing lanes and it is equally important to be careful that we do not drive in the blind spot of other drivers. Experts tell us that no matter how well you adjust your rear view mirrors you cannot eliminate all of the blind spots. If that is true for us, it is also true for other drivers. A big rig, sometimes called an eighteen wheeler, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. How much does your vehicle weigh? Because of their large size and configuration, big rigs have “blind-spots” which make it difficult for the truck driver to see other traffic. One area is near the right front wheel; the other is within 30 feet of the rear of the trailer. Motorists should never tailgate a truck. Pass on the left or drop back if you don't wish to pass. Although large trucks are equipped with up to eight mirrors and most busses and recreational vehicles have large outside mirrors, it's still easy for a smaller vehicle or motorcycle to be in a blind-spot. When following one of these larger vehicles, keep safely behind and out of their blind-spots. Generally speaking, if you can't see the vehicle's mirrors, the driver can't see you. NEVER CRUISE ALONGSIDE A BIG RIG JUST TO STAY OUT OF THE SUN! When we travel in the blind-spot of another driver we greatly increase the probability of a collision. The other driver may not see our vehicle and could change lanes and cause a collision. Generally speaking, if we cannot see the other vehicle’s mirrors, the driver of that vehicle probably cannot see us. If we have just passed someone and we cannot see their vehicle in our rear-view mirror, they must be in our blind-spot. Also, be alert to where other drivers are driving. If you think someone is in your blind-spot, slow down so they will move forward where you can see the vehicle. Avoid driving alongside other cars on multi-lane streets. Someone may crowd your lane or try to change lanes and pull into your vehicle. Move ahead of the other vehicle or drop back. Be a loner and leave plenty of space to maneuver. Avoid driving in bunches.
Don't Drive In The Blind Spot! Always make yourself visible - see and be seen. When you need to drive through the blind spot of another vehicle, do it quickly and safely. Keep your vehicle in a position where other drivers can see it. Planning for an evasive action (e.g., sudden stop ahead or sudden lane change ahead). Sometimes, no matter what you do, trouble rears it's ugly head. Pretend you are driving 65 miles an hour on a four-lane highway and the driver next to you starts to move into your lane. You know that you'll hit that vehicle unless you do something. You could use the brakes, blow your horn or even swerve to avoid hitting the other vehicle. These are examples of evasive action. Which of the three would you select? We would recommend using your brakes. If you hit the horn the other driver may or may not hear you; also your horn could startle not only the offending driver but others and lead to a more dangerous situation. If you swerve to another lane you could cause a collision with a third driver. Reducing your speed by using the brakes provides the offending driver room to pull in front of your vehicle without causing a collision. Adjust Your Mirrors: Many drivers may not realize the importance of having properly adjusted mirrors but it is an essential element of defensive driving. Consider these tips for adjusting your mirrors for maximum efficiency, Maximize the effectiveness of all three mirrors: To maximize the effectiveness of both side view mirrors and your rearview mirror, make sure that no mirror is doing the work that another mirror is already doing. All three mirrors should work together to create a panoramic view for the driver. In other words, the side view mirror should pick up where the rearview mirror leaves off. Don't waste mirror space looking at your own car: A side view mirror that has been properly adjusted for blind spots will not show a reflection of the side of your car. The side view mirrors should show you what is going on in the lane next to and behind your vehicle. Adjust the side view mirrors just beyond the point where you can see the side of your car. This will allow your rearview mirror to handle what's happening directly behind you and let your side view mirrors handle the rest. Don't forget to adjust for nighttime driving: It's a common mistake for drivers to forget to switch their rearview mirrors from the daytime setting to the nighttime one. The nighttime setting reduces glare from car lights behind you, making your driving experience safer. In most cars, pull the lever at the bottom of the mirror toward you for daytime driving and push it away at night. Remember, a defensive driver is a thinking driver. It is important to use your head while driving by not relying entirely on your mirrors. To check your blind spots it is necessary to turn your head. Do this, in both, daytime or nighttime driving. Taking Dangers One at a Time Suppose there is an oncoming vehicle to your left and a person on a bicycle to your right, instead of driving between the vehicle and the bicycle, take one danger at a time. First, slow down and let the vehicle pass. Then, move to the left to allow plenty of room to pass the bicycle driver. Share the road – make room for other people. When passing a bicyclist we should allow at least three to four feet of space between our vehicle and the bicycle; also, a "wind blast" from our vehicle could cause the bicyclist to lose control of the bicycle and collide with another vehicle or the ground or both. Splitting the Difference An important defensive driving skill is compromise. When we cannot separate risks, and you must deal with two or more at the same time, compromise by giving the most room to either the greatest or most likely danger. To split the difference is to make a compromise that is fair for all parties. Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the road at the same time. For example, there will be parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left. In this case, the best thing to do is "split the difference." Steer a middle course between the oncoming vehicles and the parked vehicles. If one danger is greater than the other, give the most room to the most dangerous situation. Suppose there are oncoming cars on your left side and a child on a bike on your right side. The child is more likely to make a sudden move. Therefore, slow down, and if safe, use as much of your lane to the left as possible until you pass the child.
Daylight Running Lights (DLR) Driving with your headlights on during the day to increase your vehicle's visibility is a safety feature available on most new vehicles. If you do not have the daylight running lights feature it is wise to turn on your headlights (lowbeam) when visibility is poor - even in daylight to obtain maximum visibility. Driving with your headlamps on will help others see you. DLR's were first used in Scandinavia and then in Canada. DLR's are a low cost method of reducing collisions. When my lights are on, you have a better chance of seeing me and avoiding a crash. DLR's are especially effective in preventing daytime head-on and front-corner collisions by making it easier for a driver to see other vehicles and making it easier to see approaching vehicles. California does not mandate DLR's (that would most likely be a Federal requirement) but we are required to turn our headlights on in certain areas. We highly recommend that you use Day Light Running Lights or at least drive with your low beam lights on during daylight hours. Can you get a traffic citation if you do not have your headlights on in a "Daylight Test Area?" Yes, the sign is not a suggestion - it is the law.
Obedience by Driver to Official Traffic Control Devices Section 21461(a) of the California Vehicle Code tells us: "It is unlawful for a driver of a vehicle to fail to obey a sign or signal defined as regulatory in the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, or a Department of Transportation approved supplement to that manual of a regulatory nature erected or maintained to enhance traffic safety and operations or to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or a local traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to obey a device erected or maintained by lawful authority of a public body or official." The Daylight Test Area signs are regulatory signs. Avoiding lane changes near intersections Intersections are the most dangerous places where we drive and where most collisions occur. Intersections are dangerous because of cross traffic and because at most intersections a driver is allowed to turn right with a red light. It is also dangerous because of pedestrians and bicyclists who may be in the area. It is illegal to cross into an opposing lane of traffic (passing) in an intersection or in the last 100 feet approaching an intersection or railroad crossing. It is not illegal to change lanes on a multi-lane road in or near intersections in California but it is extremely dangerous to do so. Whenever you are in a situation where there are many drivers with many options it is best to stay in your lane until you are certain you can make a lane change safely. Scanning for hazards We talked about scanning the roadway 10-15 seconds in front of your vehicle. Take in the big picture is a phrase used by traffic safety experts. Defensive drivers maintain good visual habits by periodically checking mirrors, scanning the entire driving environment and remaining aware of what is going on around their vehicles. Have you heard of SIPDE? SIPDE is an acronym that stands for: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.
SCAN Search aggressively ahead, behind and to the sides for potential hazards. What you don't detect can hurt you! Scan aggressively to recognize problems before they become critical. Keep your eyes moving in a purposeful search to acquire information to drive safely. Develop the art of scanning and glancing, continually and quickly. Look ahead, look at the side, and look in your rear and side mirrors. IDENTIFY An aggressive search will allow you to identify hazards and potential conflicts early. Hazards fall into the following three categories: 1. Other vehicles - traffic sharing the road with you. Your reactions to other vehicles are critical. 2. Pedestrians and animals - they move unpredictably and, depending upon their size, can create an imposing hazard. 3. Fixed hazards - stationary objects near and alongside the roadway, surface hazards, signs and signals, guardrails, bridges, etc.. They don't move, but failing to recognize them can be hazardous. PREDICT Once you have identified the hazard, the next step is to quickly predict what it will do. How critical is the situation? What are your options? What are the consequences? Will the hazards separate or is action required? Is collision imminent? This is the "what if" phase of SIPDE that depends upon your knowledge, experience and skill. An aggressive search has presented you with critical information - be prepared to act on it! DECIDE The next step calls for decisions based upon your prediction. Complete the "what if" phase to estimate results. What are you going to do, and how are you going to do it? In any situation you have three choices: 1. Adjust speed - speed up, slow down or stop. 2. Adjust position - move left or right. 3. Communicate - sound your horn, flash your brake light or headlights, signal, etc. EXECUTE Act on your decision. This is the physical part of the SIPDE process. Now is the time to apply your skills: Adjust speed - roll on or off throttle, brake, or downshift for greater acceleration. Adjust position - move left or right. Communicate - press the horn button, flash the lights, etc.
Your safety and success on the street requires effective use of SIPDE. Become a defensive driver by applying good judgment and driving skills. INTERSECTION SITUATIONS Some specific hazards to watch out for include: Parked vehicles that may move into traffic. When you are driving on a street and your scanning shows a driver sitting in a parked vehicle you should be prepared for that driver to do something. The driver may or may not signal a move into traffic. The driver may or may not open the door into traffic. The driver may do nothing. Stay aware of these hazards and be certain you have time and distance to respond. Also look for pedestrians or bicyclists who might appear, coming from in between vehicles. At intersections for vehicles taking your right-of-way. The rules of right-of-way are designed to determine who should go first when two motorists want to occupy the same space at the same time. We should yield the right-of-way to avoid a collision. A defensive driver is expected to do whatever is necessary to avoid a collision. Do not get upset when another driver insists on taking the right of way. It is your job to get to your destination safely and sometimes that means letting the other person go first. Statistics show that right-of-way violations cause a high percentage of injury collisions in California. Before making lane changes: Making a lane change should be an easy driving maneuver. It gets difficult when we get lazy or another driver does not stay in his or her lane. By scanning the road you can determine if you can make a lane change safely. Remember SMOG? Be certain to signal, check your mirrors, look over your shoulder and then go if it is safe. Covering the brake as you approach an intersection or when you recognize a hazard ahead The brake pedal is used to reduce our speed. A defensive driver anticipates the need to slow down or stop and applies the brake smoothly. In some situations we may want to ‘cover the brake’ so we can respond to the need for braking more rapidly. To cover the brake, simply remove your foot from the accelerator and place it above the brake pedal. When you cover the brake you do not have your foot on the brake pedal. You might want to cover the brake: When you see another driver ahead of you use their brake or other vehicles' brake lights illuminated ahead. When approaching an intersection. When you see a driver in a parked vehicle on the side of the road. Whenever you see any hazard. Inattentive driver or erratic driving It is sad to say but it is not unusual to see an inattentive or erratic driver. An inattentive driver could be doing anything from having a sip of water to talking on the phone. Whenever you see an inattentive or erratic driver in front of your vehicle you should be cautious so you do not get caught up in a collision. Increase your following distance from three seconds to six seconds and also check that you have a cushion of safety around your vehicle. Whenever you notice an inattentive or erratic driver in back of your vehicle you should move to a lane that the inattentive or erratic driver is not using and if necessary make a right hand turn off of the road to avoid contact. It may also be a good idea to call 911 to let the authorities know what is going on.
Enhancing driving with aids It is amazing how technology has impacted all parts of our lives. We discussed Daylight Running Lights but there are other cool devices such as High-intensity discharge lamps that give us better visibility. We can have back-up cameras and back-up warning devices. We have convex mirrors (objects in mirror are closer than they appear) and can install panoramic mirrors. Both convex and panoramic mirrors can be good defensive driving tools by helping to reduce blind spots. Sunglasses are also a good driving aid especially at sunrise and sunset. We recommend that you keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle so they are available when you need them. Do not wear sunglasses between dusk and dawn while driving. Dusk is generally considered to be the thirty minutes after sunset while dawn is generally considered to the thirty minutes before sunrise. If you are wearing sunglasses during dusk or dawn you will impair your vision and if a police officer sees you wearing the sunglasses you may experience a traffic stop. Use of auto designed water repellant on windshield Rain, snow fog, or any type of precipitation on the windshield can diminish visibility. Using a water repellant designed for automotive use can help move water off of the windshield and increase vision. Knowing when to give up your right of way This should not be a difficult decision - the general rule is never insist on the right-of-way. The law specifies which driver must give the right of way to others in a conflicting situation. "Right-of-Way rules" help drivers handle traffic situations not controlled by signs or signals. These rules are based on safety and courtesy. A big part of driving defensively is giving up the right-of-way to prevent unsafe traffic situations. When to use it - only when we are certain When to give it up - whenever we are in doubt This section describes many right-of-way rules. Pedestrians For safety reasons a person driving a vehicle should yield to pedestrians even when the pedestrian is in the roadway illegally. Also note these rules concerning pedestrians: If you are stopped at a traffic light that turns green, you must yield to pedestrians already in the crosswalk. When turning, look for pedestrians. Pedestrians have the right-of-way if using a sidewalk or crossing a driveway or an alley. Always yield to visually impaired (blind) people crossing a street. You must remain stopped until the person has safely crossed. Do not honk or wave the person on. Never pass another vehicle which is stopped. Blind pedestrians may use a white cane or a guide dog. The White Cane Law states that a driver must come to a complete stop when a blind pedestrian is crossing a street. According to the California Driver Handbook; in California, pedestrian deaths occur in approximately 19 percent of all traffic fatalities. Intersections Not Controlled by Signs or Signals Slow down at an uncontrolled intersection. Look left and right for oncoming traffic and proceed if the roadway is clear. However, you should yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that has already entered the intersection from your right or from your left. Always look for traffic moving in all directions and take in the big picture. Even though you feel that you have the right-of-way, make sure that the other driver is yielding before you proceed. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. Four-Way Stop At an intersection with stop signs in all directions, you must yield the right-of-way to... Another vehicle that has already come to a full stop A vehicle directly to your right that has stopped at the same time as you Four-way stop intersections can cause confusion. Try to make eye contact with the drivers of other vehicles to judge their intentions and avoid collisions.
At a four-way stop, vehicles must go in the order they stopped. The first to stop is the next to go. If in doubt, give the right-of-way to the driver on your right. Turning Left When making any left turn, you must first yield the right-of-way to any... Oncoming vehicle Vehicle already in the intersection Pedestrians or bicyclists crossing your intended path of travel Private Roads, Driveways, and Unpaved Roads When entering a paved roadway from a private road, a driveway, or an unpaved road, you must stop. You must then give the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles on the road you are entering. Freeways, Interstates When entering a freeway or an interstate highway, you must yield the right-of-way to traffic already on the freeway or interstate before you merge.
Intersection of Single or Two-Lane Road and Multiple-Lane Road If you are on a single or two-lane road and come to an intersection with a divided highway or a roadway with three or more lanes, you must yield the right-of-way. Rotaries and Roundabouts Rotaries and Roundabouts are not very common in California but should be addressed. A rotary is an intersection of roads coming together from several directions. It allows you to continue through without stopping at a STOP sign or a traffic signal. There are yield signs at the entrance to a rotary. There is a physical barrier (the Central Island) in the center that forces traffic to travel around it. Big rotaries are designed to handle traffic traveling at up to 40 miles per hour. Rotary Traffic Rules Traffic travels counter-clockwise in a rotary. Always yield the right-of-way to vehicles already in the rotary (unless told differently by signs or police officers) and to pedestrians. Use your turn signals in the same way as any other intersection. Travel through the rotary and, when you are ready to exit, use your right turn signal. Choosing a Lane If the rotary has a single lane, you must enter from the right lane of the road you are coming from. You must exit onto the right lane of the road you intend to travel on. If the rotary has multiple lanes, look for signs to help you choose the proper lane. If there are no signs, you should do the following: For a quarter-turn, or to continue straight ahead, enter the rotary from the right lane. Stay in that lane, and exit onto the right lane. For a three-quarter-turn, or a U-turn, enter the rotary from the left lane. Travel through the middle or inner lane. Exit onto the right lane. If coming from a road with a single lane, you should stay in the right lane for the entire turn. In a multiple-lane rotary, there may be traffic on both sides of your vehicle. Do not attempt to move out of your lane until it is safe to do so. If you miss your exit, do not get upset. Check the traffic around you. If it is safe to do so, go around again and position your vehicle to properly and safely exit the rotary. Do not stop in the rotary. Roundabouts Roundabouts are similar to rotaries. They are generally much smaller than rotaries and have a smaller central barrier. Most roundabouts have yield lines on the pavement and crosswalks for pedestrians. Roundabouts are used on busy streets and their small size requires vehicles to reduce speed to 25 miles per hour or less. When entering a roundabout, you should follow the same rules as for a rotary. Slow speeds in roundabouts make them safe for cyclists. If a roundabout has more than one lane, choose your lane the same way you would in a rotary. Note: We must always obey the directions of a police officer directing traffic.
Pavement Markings: Solid white lines mark traffic lanes going in the same direction, such as one-way streets. You may also see a solid white line along the right hand side of the roadway and that line indicates the edge of the road. If you drive to the right of that line, even if it is paved, you are driving off of the road. Stop lines: A "limit line" is a solid white line not less than 12 nor more than 24 inches wide, extended across a roadway, or any portion thereof, to indicate the point at which traffic is required to stop in compliance with legal requirements. Broken white lines separate traffic lanes on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction. Double white lines are two solid white lines that indicate a lane barrier between a regular use and a preferential use, such as a carpool lane. Never change lanes while in these lanes; wait until a single broken white line appears. You may also see these parallel lines in or near freeway on and off ramps.
Traffic lanes are often referred to by number. The left or "fast" lane is called the "Number 1 Lane." The lane to the right of the "Number 1 Lane" is called the "Number 2 Lane," then the "Number 3 Lane," etc.. Lanes are numbered from left to right because we read left to right. Drive in the lane with the smoothest flow of traffic. If you can choose among three lanes, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. To drive faster, pass, or turn left, use the left lane. When you choose to drive slowly or enter or turn off the road, use the right lane. If there are only two lanes in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving. There is no such thing as a "fast Lane" in California; all lanes have the same speed limit.
Yellow Lines: Yellow lines mark the center of a two-way road used for two-way traffic. We may pass on a two-way road if the yellow centerline is broken. When a solid and a broken yellow centerline are together, we must not pass if we are next to the solid line. Two solid yellow lines mean no-passing. Never drive to the left of these lines. Remember, we cannot exceed the speed limit to pass.
Note: You may cross a single set of double yellow lines to enter a driveway or private road. Let's review various signs we may see on the road.
The shape of a traffic sign can give you as much information about the meaning of a sign as the sign's color or wording. When visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain, dust storms, or fog, you may be able to make out only the shape of a particular sign. Signs that are primarily white or primarily red or any combination of red with white or white with black are commands. These signs tell us that we must do something or we must not do something. If we disobey these signs we may receive a traffic citation. Signs that are primarily yellow or yellow with black or orange with black are warning signs. The orange signs are reserved for construction type activities. The shapes of signs also send a message. A Stop Sign is a red and white octagon (eight sided). This is the only octagon sign. We know what to do because of the shape. The Stop Sign is not a suggestion - we are required to come to a full and complete stop. Stop and look in all directions before proceeding. One of our students told us that after she stops she says 'one, two, three no ticket for me' before moving her vehicle forward. By the way, a rolling stop is an oxymoron. The Yield Sign is a red and white inverted (pointed down) triangle. The yield sign is not the only triangle. A No Passing sign is also a triangle, flat on the left side and pointed on the right.
Some More Interesting information: When the number on an interstate highway sign is odd, it means the road goes north and south. When the number on the interstate highway is even, it means it goes east and west. Did you know that a standard California license plate has 7 alphanumeric digits? We have approximately 32 million registered vehicles in California and 7 alphanumeric digits for unique license plates. How would like to be the one who assigns the numbers? They are issued in the following configuration: A non-commercial plate issued in 2012 will have: 1 Number then 3 Letters then 3 Numbers Example: 5ABC678 A commercial plate issued in 2012 will have: 5 Numbers then 1 Letter then 1 Number Example: 12345W6 I'm not sure this useful information but I do find it interesting
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