Idea Transcript
Chapter 12: Driving Environments Section 1: EXPRESSWAY / HIGHWAY DRIVING (30 minutes required)
The increased speeds required on highways do not necessarily mean an increased danger to you if you take certain precautions and follow certain practices. When driving on open highways, it is imperative to watch for slow-moving vehicles and to stay clear of them. Having early awareness of vehicles moving at substantially slower speeds than the flow of traffic can help you to avoid rear-end collisions or unsafe last-minute lane changes. Excessive lane changing or driving in slower lanes for prolonged periods of time can contribute to a last-minute encounter with a slow-moving vehicle. When using the expressway, you must consider several things: Control of Speed - You should always be traveling at a speed that is prudent and feasible for conditions. Never drive at an excessive speed where control of the vehicle is compromised. On-ramps / Merging - Highway on-ramps are for entrance to expressways and should adequately prepare for expressway driving. You can no longer travel at the slower speeds needed for city driving while on the expressway; you must increase your vehicle's speed to match that of the highway traffic. Use on-ramps and subsequent lanes as a means to merge into the flow of traffic at the current speed, though you should watch vehicles ahead for sudden stops. You should signal, increase speed, and merge safely into traffic, leaving proper following distance at all times. Continue to signal until you have completely merged onto the expressway. Locate gaps in traffic to merge into, and make sure not to merge too slowly or to make sudden stops. NOTE: If there is no acceleration lane, you should wait for a larger gap before entering. Obey all yield and merge signs. Double merge lanes converge into one acceleration lane, and a timed entrance light usually helps to control the flow of vehicles entering the highway. High occupancy vehicle on-ramp lanes will be marked and should be observed for usage requirements. Obey all timed signal entrance lights to assist with merging. Exiting / Off-ramps - Exit lanes and off-ramps link to city roadways. They allow drivers to reduce speeds to the posted limit without affecting the expressway flow. You should signal, reduce speed in a casual and deliberate manner, and prepare to stop to yield to others, if necessary. Don't speed up on an off-ramp because this is normally illegal. Exiting a highway requires reduced speed, extra caution, and heightened road awareness. Special care must be taken on a curved ramp; you should slow down because the ramps are not safe for expressway speeds. NOTE: If you miss your exit, simply exit the expressway at the next off-ramp, re-enter the expressway in the opposite direction, and then go to your intended exit. Don't attempt radical maneuvers such as cutting across several lanes or crossing dividing medians or gore areas. Lane Changing/Turn Signals/Visibility Requirements - Excessive lane changing on highways increases your chances of mishaps or collisions. When changing lanes or preparing to exit a highway, it is best to use a combination of side mirrors, the rear-view mirror, and glances over your shoulder to get a full perspective of the margin of safety or of imminent danger. Lane changing and turning require you to signal and give warning to others on the road. You must give warning in sufficient time to others sharing the roadway prior to initiating the maneuver. You must have adequate visibility in all directions prior to the lane change as well as an awareness of blind spots. Due to the unpredictable nature of traffic, you should change lanes only one at a time. Avoid slowing down or stopping during a lane change as this could prove to be dangerous for other drivers behind you.
Slow-Moving Vehicles - When driving on mountain roads or any road where your vehicle can impede other vehicles' use of the highway, you should use the turn-out to allow other vehicles to pass. Drivers often fail to use common courtesy in this type of situation. Turn-outs are designed for use by drivers of slow-moving vehicles who, after recognizing their hazard or hindrance on certain roads, pull off and allow other vehicles to pass. Road rage in drivers often results when others they share the road with do not demonstrate this type of common courtesy.
Chapter 12, Section 2: Special Expressway Problems When driving on an expressway for an extended length of time, two problems could arise: velocitation and highway hypnosis. Velocitation - This occurs when you unknowingly drive too fast. When driving at faster speeds for any length of time, your body will adjust and incorrectly feel as if the car is going slower than it actually is. The best way to avoid this problem is to check the speedometer often. Make sure to check for speed limit signs posted on the exit ramp when exiting the expressway and drive accordingly. After you exit the expressway, checking your speed becomes more important. It takes time for your body and your vehicle to adjust to the slower speeds. Highway hypnosis - This usually occurs after you have driven at a steady speed with no stopping or slowing for a long period of time. In addition to this steady speed, most expressway driving is dull with not much to look at. These factors make you more relaxed and, in time, will make you less attentive to your surroundings. In some situations, drivers have even been known to fall asleep at the wheel. Here are some ways to avoid this drowsiness: Avoid eating large meals before or during the trip. Take breaks - rest at regular intervals. Make sure the vehicle is cool and properly ventilated. Talk with yourself or other passengers. Listen to the radio and change the station every once in a while. Change your seating posture from time to time. Scan the entire width of the road more often than usual. NOTE: If you subconsciously drive too fast, allow time to re-adjust to a lower speed without braking suddenly. Always be aware of the vehicle's speedometer. EXPRESSWAY EMERGENCIES/PROBLEMS - Expressway emergencies can range from the unexpected appearance of an object in your lane to a collision. Whenever emergencies arise, which can be quite often, you will basically have two options. You can stop before the incident or try to steer around it. If the object is small enough to drive over without hurting your vehicle, slow down and drive over it. If it is a danger to you or your vehicle, reduce your speed quickly, check your rear view and side mirrors to find an open lane, and then steer around the object, making sure to avoid getting into a collision with any other vehicles around you. If it is impossible to steer around the object, you will have to stop quickly. Make sure you first tap your brakes to warn other drivers. Then apply your brakes, making sure to leave as much space as possible between your vehicle and the object to decrease the possibility of being rear-ended. When you have come to a stop, turn on your hazard lights. TOLL FACILITIES - Toll facilities exist to collect fees from drivers traveling on publicly owned roads. However, they can present a danger to drivers on an expressway. When you approach a toll facility, first scan the road for speed limit signs. You need to slow down as you get closer to the booth. Follow the signs for designated vehicle lanes. Some special lane signs will include: "exact change," "autos only," "trucks only," and other possibilities. Find your appropriate lane and have your payment ready before you reach the toll facility. Avoid changing lanes, if possible. Be cautious of other vehicles around you that stop or change lanes at the last minute.
Chapter 12, Section 3: CITY DRIVING You must slow down when driving in the city due to the increased traffic and road congestion. General precautions to take include: Choose the least congested lane. Watch out for detours and parked cars. Be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists. Look ahead for traffic hazards and signals. Driving in Parking Lots - When driving through parking lots, beware of pedestrians leaving their cars, rolling shopping carts, and vehicles backing out of parking spots.
Intersections An intersection is defined as an area where two or more roadways meet, whether or not one crosses the other. When there is a signal, you may enter the intersection on a green or yellow light and proceed out of it, even if the light turns red after you have entered. If entering an intersection on a green or yellow light, but unable to completely pass the intersection prior to the light turning red, thus blocking traffic, a gridlock situation may result. Gridlock results when a vehicle gets stuck in an intersection at a red light, preventing opposing traffic from use of the highway. Oftentimes, a gridlock violation is a parking violation, not a moving violation. The first line of a crosswalk marks the beginning of the intersection. Some of the most important driving decisions, such as when to cross lanes, turn, or slow down, are all made at intersections, making them a prime area for potential collisions. A marked or controlled intersection has a traffic signal or a stop or yield sign, and these help determine the right-of-way for drivers. Unmarked or uncontrolled intersections, usually found in residential areas, call for drivers to decide who may proceed first through an intersection (usually the first vehicle approaching the intersection). If two vehicles approach the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to the immediate right will have the right-of-way. Additionally, during the last 100 feet prior to reaching the intersection, you must slow down to 15 mph. Road or Intersection without Limit or Crosswalk Lines - If there are no lines marking an intersection, you should use the end of the curb to determine where the intersection starts and where the vehicle should stop. In the absence of limit or crosswalk lines, the end of the curb would mark the beginning of the intersection on the road where a crosswalk would normally exist. Use extreme caution when approaching and proceeding through intersections. Conflicting traffic, motor vehicles making turns, and opposing signals all increase the potential for a collision at an intersection. Drivers jumping green lights may conflict with drivers running red lights, which may lead to collisions. By law, you must signal your intention to turn when at least 300 feet from the intersection. It is always best to cross intersections that are signal-controlled as opposed to those with only stop signs. Before you proceed through an intersection, you need to determine the speed or distance of other vehicles that may conflict with your vehicle, as well as the time you require to complete the maneuver. On average, crossing an intersection completely takes an estimated four seconds. Blind Intersections - When approaching a blind intersection, do so with extreme caution. Slow down and yield the right-of-way whenever it is not safe or prudent for your vehicle to proceed through unobstructed. If you reach a "T" intersection at the same time as another vehicle, you should yield the right-of-way if you are traveling on the road that ends at the intersection. A blind intersection has limited visibility, so you should travel no more than 15 mph to pass through safely. The reduced speed will give you ample time to see conflicting cars and road hazards. Proceed towards and through an unmarked blind intersection at a reasonably safe speed, without exceeding 15 mph. Furthermore, you should have visibility of at least 100 feet in all directions before attempting to pass through. Roads with Limit Lines - You must stop behind the limit line at an intersection or street controlled by a traffic light and proceed only when the light changes. At a street or intersection with a stop sign, you must stop behind the limit line. You may then proceed into the intersection at a cautious speed to start a turn or other maneuver.
Crosswalks - Crosswalks may be marked or unmarked and are located at the corner of each intersection, unless the intersection is marked with a single white limit line and posted with "NO PED XING." Crosswalks require extra awareness and caution as conflicts with pedestrians can lead to tragedy. A typical intersection has four pedestrian crosswalks, unless it is otherwise marked with "NO PED XING" signs. A "T" intersection has three crosswalks, unless it is otherwise marked. At all times, you must yield to a pedestrian in either a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Always give pedestrians the right-of-way, even if they are crossing illegally.
Chapter 12, Section 4: Rural Areas When driving on an open highway, potential hazards include: Unmarked farm and field driveways - Unmarked farm and field driveways are hazards because rural drivers often enter the roadway suddenly at slow speeds. The best way to avoid this problem is to scan a wider area ahead so you can identify other potential road users before they reach the highway. When your line of sight is limited or obstructed, reduce your speed in keeping with how far ahead you can see. Livestock crossing areas - Advance crossing signs should warn or alert you as a driver to the possibility of unexpected entries by cattle or other livestock onto the roadway. You should scan for these hazards and warning signs, and be prepared to stop. Unmarked shoulders - Unmarked shoulders, soft shoulders, and places where there is no shoulder whatsoever alter the availability to use them as an "escape" or "out." Be sure to reduce your speed in these potentially dangerous areas. Rough or unpaved roads - It is vital to always scan the road surface conditions ahead of you. It may be covered in sand, gravel or dry earth, or it may be crisscrossed with cracks and potholes. These conditions lower the traction availability, so a reduction in speed would be advised. Slow-moving vehicles - Bicycles, tractors, large trucks, or animal-drawn vehicles may slow or block your path. In these cases, be prepared to reduce your speed to match the slower flow. You may need to follow at a slower speed until you can safely and legally pass them. Roadside stands or gas stations - Drivers often make last-minute decisions, sudden stops, or turns into roadside stands or gas stations, which often cause collisions. Those who leave their high beams on, or re-enter the highway without looking, make these high-risk areas. Check carefully, be aware, and adjust to the potential risks. Unexpected animal crossings - Small animals may dart into your path while you drive. Try to swerve or brake sharply, but only if it is safe. You never want to risk a collision or put a life in danger just to avoid a small animal. Always stop for large animals; cows, deer, elk, and other large animals can cause as much damage to you and your vehicle as another car. Other potential hazards include: Narrow bridges Winding roads and hills Off-road vehicles Areas where you lack a line of sight in the distance Areas where the width of the road decreases Oncoming vehicles (especially large ones) that produce air turbulence Hidden intersections
Chapter 12, Section 5: GRIDLOCK Gridlock is an increasing problem throughout the highways and streets of the United States. The following are steps which all drivers can take to help reduce this growing problem: Avoid rubbernecking - Rubbernecking involves slowing down your vehicle so you can look at extraordinary collisions or traffic situations. The slowing of your vehicle that enables you to stare at a traffic mishap may also contribute to gridlock or even an additional collision. Make less frequent lane changes - Many drivers seem to think that changing from one lane to another will somehow increase their chances of bypassing bumper-to-bumper traffic. Instead, it merely increases the problem by causing other drivers to slow down. Don't tailgate - Tailgating causes collisions, which cause traffic bottlenecks, which lead to gridlock. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and the one you immediately follow. Keep your vehicle in good working order - Vehicle breakdowns block traffic flow and directly contribute to gridlock. A simple check of your vehicle's operating condition prior to use can help you avoid a potential breakdown. Do not enter an intersection after the light has turned red; you must be able to completely clear the intersection prior to the light turning red. A major problem that causes gridlock is a driver's unwillingness to grasp the concept of keeping clear of intersections. Road markings that warn drivers to keep intersections clear should be observed, as they are a deterrence to gridlock. VIOLATIONS OF THE GRIDLOCK LAW OFTEN CALL FOR SUBSTANTIAL FINES AND PENALTIES THAT VARY FROM CITY TO CITY.
Chapter 12, Section 6: Turning at Intersections Turning can be dangerous because it can bring you in conflict with other traffic. Therefore you should always signal before turns. Do not signal too early if there are other streets, driveways or entrances before you want to make your turn, especially when there are other drivers waiting to enter your street. This section looks at the proper procedures for three types of turns.
Right Turns Collisions commonly occur during right turns where a driver turns the vehicle too wide and collides into an opposing vehicle making a left hand turn into his or her lane. When you are in this right turn situation, you should complete your turn in the lane that is first accessible or the one furthest to the right. Turning on Red - You may always turn right on a red light from a dead stop unless there is a sign prohibiting it, but you must complete the maneuver in the right or slow lane, keeping close to the curb at all times. If traffic is stopped at an intersection and you are several cars back, you may travel along the right curb in order to make a right turn, but only if it is safe to do so. If the space is set aside for parking or there is no pavement, you may not travel along the right. You may travel up to 200 feet in a bicycle lane in order to make a right turn, but you must yield to any bicycles using the lane. Right Turn Lanes - If you are in a lane that allows you to proceed with a right turn or straight on the road, and the lane to your right is marked "right turn only," you, as the driver in the left lane, have the option to turn right on a red light. If you are in the "right turn only" lane, you must proceed with the right turn after the lines dividing the lane on the left side change from broken to solid. Once the solid bold line appears, changing lanes out of the "right turn only" lane would be illegal, even if no other vehicles are present.
Left Turns Left turns require extra caution as they tend to be dangerous due to potential conflicts with oncoming vehicles traveling at high speeds, changing signals, and pedestrians utilizing the crosswalk. Limited visibility due to large vehicles, trucks or other obstructions also presents a hazard. You may make a left turn from one street to another on a green light, completing the turn in the first lane accessible (usually lane 1). Determining Right-of-Way - If you are making a left turn at the same time another vehicle is making a right turn onto the same street, you must yield the right-of-way. You may make a left turn on a red light from a one-way street to another one-way street unless otherwise posted. When making a left turn against oncoming traffic, you must yield the right-of-way unless it is given by a green arrow signifying unobstructed use of the road. Regardless of the situation, you should still proceed with caution. Two-Way Left Turn Lane - Many busy streets have a two-way left turn lane in the center that is painted with solid yellow outside lines and dashed yellow lines on the inside of the lane. You may enter the shared center lane to begin or complete a left turn only. You may proceed in this lane for a limited amount of time, usually not exceeding 100 feet. When the two-way left turn lane ends into a regular left turn lane, you may transition from the two-way lane into the regular lane and continue driving for an indefinite length of time. In some areas, this lane becomes a reversible lane during rush hours; use this lane only if you can do so safely. We have detected that you do not have the Flash player 9 plugin installed. Please Click Here to download the free Flash plugin. You need to upgrade your Flash Player in order to be able to view this flash tutorial.
U-Turns A U-Turn is a dangerous maneuver that must be attempted only when you give proper consideration to vehicle positioning, turning radius, oncoming vehicles, and the width of the roadway. Oftentimes, a three point turn or another turning action is preferable and more prudent than a U-Turn. When to Make a U-Turn - A U-Turn is legal at all times in an intersection, as long as you can do it safely without interfering with traffic. The turn is also legal in the middle of the block in most areas, though some cities do not permit the maneuver in a business district. Apartments, churches and schools would designate an area a business district, as would an area where more than 50% of the dwellings are businesses. It is not legal when a "No U-Turn" sign is posted, or on curves or near the crest of a grade where other drivers in either direction within 500 feet cannot see your vehicle. Additionally, a U-Turn is not legal on a controlled access highway except through an opening provided for that purpose in the dividing curb section, separation or line. A U-Turn is never legal on an expressway. How to Make a Safe U-Turn - To make a U-Turn, you should give a left turn signal, stop, check for oncoming traffic, and then proceed when it is clear. IMPORTANT STEPS IN MAKING A GOOD TURN: Never make a last-minute decision to turn. It is dangerous to not give enough notice to other drivers. Always scan the road ahead for hazards, pedestrians, bicycles, animals, etc. Look behind you and to both sides to be aware of where other vehicles are before you make a turn. Move into your lane as quickly as possible. Make sure you are completely in the proper lane at least 1/2 block before you turn. Signal your intention to turn at least 300 feet before making the turn. Click the signal and then keep both hands on the steering wheel throughout the entire turn. Slow down when approaching the turn and release the brake and clutch during the turn. Remain in the proper lane, and maintain the same speed at the beginning and throughout the turn. Finish the turn in the proper lane before you consider changing into another lane.
Chapter 12, Section 7: Examples of Right and Left Turns The numbers next to the vehicles shown in the animation refer to the numbered sentences below. We have detected that you do not have the Flash player 9 plugin installed. Please Click Here to download the free Flash plugin. You need to upgrade your Flash Player in order to be able to view this flash tutorial. 1. Left turn from a two-way street. Start the turn at the left hand edge of the lane closest to the middle of the street. You may complete the turn in either lane of the cross street (as shown by lines) if it is safe to do so. You must use a left turn lane if there is one. A left turn from the next lane may be made if signs or arrows show it is okay. 2. Right turn. The blue station wagon in the above animation is turning correctly. It began the turn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb. It will end the turn in the lane nearest the right-hand curb. Do not swing wide into another lane of traffic. You may start a right turn from other than the far right lane only where pavement or overhead markings show that using that lane for a right turn is permitted. We have detected that you do not have the Flash player 9 plugin installed. Please Click Here to download the free Flash plugin. You need to upgrade your Flash Player in order to be able to view this flash tutorial. 3. Left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street. Start the turn from the far left-hand portion of your side of the road. You may turn into any lane that is safely open, as shown by the dashed lines. 4. Left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street. Start the turn from the far left-hand portion of your side of the road. The white pickup truck in the above animation may turn into either of the lanes that are safely open, as shown. We have detected that you do not have the Flash player 9 plugin installed. Please Click Here to download the free Flash plugin. You need to upgrade your Flash Player in order to be able to view this flash tutorial. 5. Left turn from a one-way street into a one-way street. The turn must be started from the left hand portion of the road. Watch for bicycles between your vehicle and the curb because they may legally use the left turn lane for their left turns. 6. Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street. After starting your turn in the far right lane, you may use any lane open to traffic, if safe to do so. Sometimes signs or pavement markings will let you turn right from a lane next to the far right lane. 7. Turn at a "T" intersection from a one-way into a two-way street. Through traffic must be given the right-of-way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane. Watch for vehicles and bicycles inside your turn. We have detected that you do not have the Flash player 9 plugin installed. Please Click Here to download the free Flash plugin. You need to upgrade your Flash Player in order to be able to view this flash tutorial.