Unit 1.

Highway Safety

In the U.S., each year approximately 3 million people are injured and around 40,000 people are killed in traffic collisions. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for people ages 3 to 33. Among those killed, teenage drivers have the highest death rates per miles driven among all age groups, followed

by elderly drivers and young adult males. Every year the cost of crashes exceeds $230 billion dollars. Driving a motor vehicle involves the conduct of skilled and properly timed actions under varying road and traffic conditions based on decisions that depend on:

Learned Information Realistic Perceptions Sound Judgments The top 12 causes of

fatal crashes (in order): 1. Failing to maintain lane position 2. Speeding 3. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other medication 4. Failing to yield the right-of-way 5. Inattention 6. Reckless driving 7. Failing to obey traffic signs or signals 8. Improper driving technique 9. Making an improper turn 10.Drowsy driving 11.Obscured vision 12.Drivingthewrong wayonaone -waystreet

Traffic engineers and lawmakers have designed the roads, laws and traffic controls to help drivers anticipate and predict what other road users are about to do. These efforts are in our best interest and reduce the chances of us crashing into each other. In our integrated transportation system all drivers have to depend on each other to follow the rules.

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Our society gives you the freedom to come and go where and when you wish. However, driving is not a constitutional right it is a privilege you earned upon receiving your license. You are obligated to follow state licensing regulations and rules-of-the-road in order to keep that privilege. Your licensing process

is regulated by your state government and

your state has specific motor vehicle laws and designates various penalties for violation of these laws. Traffic laws are in place to regulate the flow of traffic. They are designed for your safety and the safety of others you are sharing the road with. If the

state court system identifies you as an unsafe driver or finds you negligent of your responsibilities associated with driving, the court has the right to take away your privilege to drive at any time. In the driving environment, the chance of injury, damage, or loss is always present. Recognize how your driving environment changes each time

you get behind the wheel -weather, road conditions, your vehicle and other drivers are unpredictable.

Develop the habit of evaluating each of those risk factors, including your own well being, every time you drive. Sinceitisnearlyimpossibletodeterminethelevelofrisk inspecificdriving situations accurately, the following are some guidelines that can help you assess risk more accurately:

Consider

the probability of a dangerous event developing. Consider the consequences of your decision. Prepare to take action to manage the situation. Evaluate these elements for their risk potential before and during your drive. Page 2

Evaluate your risk as the driver. Consider things such as fatigue, impairment, allergies and illness. Assess

the conditions of the roadway and your route. Conduct a pre-drive inspection of your vehicle. While driving, if you encounter a worse scenario than you anticipated, consider the consequences and make a safe decision on how to proceed. Sharpen your driving skills to help lower your risk. Page 3

Unit 2. The

Driver A crash occurs every 30 seconds. Before driving, assume you will be in a crash. Driver readiness lowers your risk. If you determine your driving risks associated with physical, mental, or medical limitations are too high, consideralternative transportation choices. Know your destination and plan the safest route. Plan an alternate

route in

the event you have an unexpected detour. Don't drive where you can't see. Most of the information you process while driving is visual. Before driving be sure you can focus on things near and far away. If you are sick, disabled or your vision is impaired, have someone else drive. Position yourself to be able to

steer, accelerate and brake efficiently. 1. Sit straight behind the wheel with your back against the seat. 2. Adjust the driver's side mirror so you can see the rearmost left corner of the vehicle. 3. Adjust your seat so you can see and easily operate the controls. 4. Put a 10"-12" space between you and the wheel. 5.

Adjust the head restraint so it is even with the top of your ears. 6. Fasten your safety belt. Tell passengers not to recline in their seats. In the event of a crash, their bodies could slide forward, increasing the chance of injury. Eliminate unnecessary distractions or diversions. Loose objects become projectiles in a crash. Secure loose objects in the

trunk or the cargo net. Secure yourself and your passengers and buckle up. What you are able to see without obstruction is called your line of-sight. The best condition for visual search is when your line -ofsight around all sides of your vehicle is not obstructed. Look far down the road at least 30

seconds ahead. When you decide to execute a maneuver, you will need a control zone of approximately 12 to 15 seconds.

Develop the habit of observing the ground for changes in road traction conditions Page 4

and for shadows that might indicate hidden hazards, such as children between parked cars. This practice

will also help you judge the speed of other vehicles. When changing lanes, check for traffic behind you, glance in your rearview and side mirrors to make sure no one is preparing to pass you. Also, before you change lanes glance over your shoulder to check the blind areas to be certain no one is near the left-or

right-rear corners of your vehicle. Install larger side mirrors to reduce this blind spot. Whenever you have to back your vehicle, check behind it before getting in. Children or small objects are hard to see from the driver's seat. Back up slowly because your vehicle is much harder to control and stop while you are backing.

Low light at night reduces your vision and makes driving difficult anddangerous.Usingthenightsettingon yourrearviewmirror may help, but it may hamper your ability to judge the distance of traffic behind you. At night, when there is no opposing traffic, use your high beams whenever possible to illuminate your path. Be sure to turn off your high beams if there is

opposing traffic or when you see taillights of vehicles ahead. If an approaching driver refuses to switch his high beams to low, you should locate the white marker and use it to guide you. Do not overdrive your headlights -never drive so fast you do not have time to stop to avoid hitting something just beyond your lights.

If you "over-drive" your headlights, and you see an obstacle in your path, you will not be able to stop before you hit that obstacle. Speed influences crashes in five basic ways: 1. It increases the distance a vehicle travels from when a driver detects an emergency until the driver reacts. 2. It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once an emergency is perceived. 3. Crash severity increases by the square of the speed; for example, when speed increases from 40 to 60 mph, speed goes up 50 percent while the energy released in a crash more than doubles. 4. Higher crash speeds reduce the ability of vehicles, restraint systems, and roadway hardware such as guardrails, barriers, and impact attenuators to protect occupants. 5. Traction and maneuverability are reduced. Page 5

Stopping distances involve three factors: 1. Perception distance 2.

Reaction distance 3. Braking distance Maintaining a safe gap between vehicles reduces front and rear-end collision potential. Determine a safe speed to travel based on:

Traffic density and the rate of flow The design and condition of the roadway How far ahead you can see Managing speed is critical to maneuvering safely through a curve.

Enter the curve slower than the posted speed if:

Road conditions are slippery or if surface traction is less than ideal. You are entering a blind curve that you cannot see around. Your vehicle is tall and has substantial weight that is loaded high. The amount of space you need to safely maneuver increases with

higher speeds. The faster you travel the more space you need to react to situations on the roadway. You have the most control over the space in front of your vehicle. On dry pavement, with good visibility, allow at least a 3-second interval between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. This rule works well for speeds up to

50 mph; however, the faster you travel, the more distance you cover while bringing the vehicle to a stop. Create a following distance greater than 3 seconds when:

Traction and visibility are reduced. A driverbehind you is trying to pass. Following a large truck or vehicle with limited rear vision. Following

a large vehicle that is blocking your view of the road ahead. Following motorcycles. Page 6

Stopped on a hill or incline. You are distracted. Space behind your vehicle is important if you need to stop or slow quickly and it is also the most difficult space to manage. Space behind creates a safeguard

or buffer from being rear-ended. To manage space to the rear:

Maintain a steady speed Communicate your intention to stop or slow by tapping your brakes Priortoslowing,checkyourrear-viewmirrorforvehiclesbehind you Deal with tailgaters by creating more space in front of your vehicle and change lanes to allow them to get in front of your vehicle.

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Unit 3. Alcohol and Drug Impaired Driving Alcohol enters the bloodstream very quickly and begins to affect the body almost immediately. It is quick to find its way to the brain because the brain contains more blood than any other organ. The amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream is called blood alcohol

concentration (BAC). Many factors can affect an individual's BAC -such as gender,

weight, number and size of drinks. Typically, one drink equals one 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or one s hot. In general, for males it takes the liver one hour to process approximately one d rink. An alcohol-impaired driver is less able to interpret what he or she sees. They make errors interpreting shapes, have altered depth perception, and experience difficulty in judging speed.

Never drive with an impaired driver. If intervention is not working, call a cab. In 2005 in the U.S., 16,885 people died in alcohol-related crashes. That's one every 31 minutes or an average of 46 per day. Drugs are designed to alter specific body functions and consequently can alter the ability to perceive, make

sound judgments and react quickly. The categories or types of drugs include:

Depressants Stim ulants Narcotics Hallucinogens Depressants affect the central nervous system by slowing down or "depressing" reflexes and coordination. Your ability to focus and respond is impaired quickly. Sedatives are a type of depressant. Stimulants "stimulate" or speed-up

the central nervous system. They increase heart

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rate and generate a false sense of alertness and wellbeing. They excite and accelerate the central nervous system. Moderate amounts may produce blurred vision, hallucinations and paranoia. Narcotics are strong depressants that are often prescribed for severe pain. They shut down the central

nervous system. They can produce a wide variety of side effects including nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Drivers also may experience slowed reaction time and drowsiness. Hallucinogens alter the mind. They change the way the mind perceives, processes information, and reacts. Combining different drugs and alcohol may cause a more intense effect than if you only take

one drug at a time. This effect is called synergism and is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Never combine drugs and use legal drugs only as recommended. Watch for indications thatotherdriversmightbe impaired:

Erratic changes in speed Weaving from side to side Traveling in the wrong lane Running stop signs and lights Distance yourself

from the impaired driver by increasing the amount of space between you and the other vehicle. Page 9

Unit 4. Other Driving Impairments Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities. Fatigue has many of the same dangerous effects as drinking alcohol. For example, being awake for 18 hours

straight has the same effect as a .07 BAC. The circadian rhythm is built into the human body to seek rest for itself.

We will be most sleepy during the middle of our nighttime sleep period, and again 12 hours later, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. When you are tired, your body

is relaxed and it takes more time to steer and brake. Your brain is slowing down and your ability to react quickly is reduced. Fatigue blurs your visual acuity, shrinks your peripheral vision, and slows your hazard recognition abilities. You may miss critical information such as road signs and traffic signals. Micro sleeps are sudden, unexpected

moments of sleep that last 4-5 seconds. In 4-5 seconds, traveling 50 mph, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field. If you experience micro sleep, pull off where it is safe and rest. If you are taking sedative-hypnotic drugs such as Ambien or Lunesta, reduce the risk of unpredictable "sleep driving" by taking

no more than the prescribed amount and not mixing it with alcohol. Tips for preventing fatigue when driving on long trips include: 1. Get plenty of sleep before you depart. 2. Ensure you vehicle has good circulation. 3. Wear your safety belt -it "holds" you in your seat and your muscles do not tire so quickly.

4. Schedule and plan to stop every two hours, get out and walk around. Page 10

Driving requires interaction between your body and mental processes. Drivers routinely drive in mental states that interfere with the ability to perceive risk and react quickly. You are impaired when your ability to operate a vehicle is limited or hampered.

Drivers who drive recklessly while experiencing these emotions are characterized as unwilling to exercise self-control because they are

experiencing fear, vengeance, and prejudice or expressing disrespect for others. If you are stuck in a traffic jam and you can feel your anger rising, you are experiencing an emotional challenge called restriction. The

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. Examples of aggressive driving behavior include:

Improper passing Speeding Improper lane changing Failure to obey traffic controls Reckless, careless or inattentive driving

Tailgating Failure to signal Shouting, honking, swearing, name -calling Using the vehicle to cut off other drivers Chasing other vehicles in pursuit Aggressive drivers injure two to four times more people than drunk drivers. Concentrate on the safety of your vehicle, yourself and your passengers. Be a courteous driver and enjoy your journey.

Inattention and distractions are dangerous because they take YOUR MIND off of driving. Inattention is a general lack of focus on the task of driving. Stay focused on the task of driving because in one split second an

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unexpected event can occur, and you have to be ready

to see it and react quickly! Most distractions are outside of the vehicle, and you cannot control them, but you CAN control the urge to look and stare. Do not take your eyes off the road ahead and keep both hands on the wheel so you can control your vehicle. Plan your route to avoid distractions outside of

your car. Keep in mind that there are occasions when your vehicle can become a distraction. When engaged in a conversation, even on a hands free phone, the conversation involves your thought process and often emotions, which take your mind off drivi ng. If you need to have a conversation, pull over and use the phone only when you ar e parked in a safe and secure location. If you need directions, stop your vehicle and then read the map. Groom yourself before your vehicle is in motion. Control your passengers -while you are driving, you are responsible for

their lives. If you have to eat or drink, buy "carfriendly" food and get it ready before you are in motion. Enjoy the radio and CDs... load your CDs and set your radio stations before driving. Keep the volume down so you can hear events that occur outside of the vehicle. Watch out for others

who are not paying attention -they are everywhere! And always stay focused behind the wheel. Page 12

Unit 5. Traffic Laws Warning signs "warn" drivers of road and traffic conditions and communicate hazards that lie ahead. New pedestrian and school zone signs exist on the roadway to warn drivers of an approaching crosswalk.

They are fluorescent yellow-green diamond-shaped. Guide signs provide information about routes, exits, location, distances, points of interest, and services.

Regulatory signs communicate laws. The regulatory speed limit sign is the most common sign on our roadways. Traffic engineers use signals in combination with signs and markings to divert traffic off main roads.

Lines are the most common road marking and are primarily used to signify traffic lanes. Lines also communicate where to stop, when the road narrows and where pedestrians may safely cross the road. A broad white stop bar painted on your lane at an intersection indicates the best place to stop your vehicle. Text is also used with a

diamond symbol to represent reserved lanes. Arrows are used to help the driver position their vehicle in the proper lane for turning left, right or going straight. If you have a SOLID yellow line on your side of the road, do not pass or cross over into the oncoming lane. Electronic highway message boards

communicate safety messages. When you see a message board with four amberdots flashing in each corner, this indicates the shoulder is closed. Construction zones present a very high risk to all who are present. Each year motorists injure thousands of roadway workers in construction zones. Communication, if used consistently, can reduce the risk of collision. Turn on your signal well in advance of yourmaneuver to turn or change lanes. Signal far enough ahead so other

drivers in your vicinity can make adjustments to your change in speed and direction. Page 13

Use your low beam or daytime running headlights to communicate your presence to other road users every time you drive. Flash your high-beam headlights to other drivers you are behind and about to pass. Flash your high-beam

headlights to oncoming drivers with their high-beam headlights on. Use you emergency hazard lights to communicate when you are in trouble, there is trouble ahead, or when you are moving very slowly. Be familiar with the location of your horn and the pressure required to operate it. Do not use your horn unless it is necessary

to warn other road users of a hazardous situation. Using your horn can be beneficial or very irritating to other drivers. Position the vehicle in the right side of your lane before turning right and move toward the centerline when you are about to turn left. Use hand gestures as a courtesy. Never use obscene hand

gestures when driving. Avoid eye contact unless you are making a courteous gesture. Eye contact can be a trigger for road rage when you are communicating a negative message.

Do your best to communicate your intentions when there is confusion about the right-of-way.

Yield to any emergency vehicle that is using its

siren and has at least one lighted lamp emitting red light. Signal your intention when turning left at an intersection or when making a U-turn. Yield to all oncoming traffic until there is a gap providing you with sufficient time and space to safely turn.

Yield to all vehicles already traveling in the roadway. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in marked or

unmarked crossings. Always yield to persons who carry a white cane or have a guide dog, wherever they are in the roadway. If your lane is blocked, you must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles around you before you prepare a lane change to go around the vehicle blocking your lane. If your lane is ending, you

must yield the right-of-way to vehicles already traveling in adjacent lanes. Page 14

Light trucks have a high center of gravity which increases their susceptibility to roll over. When you approach a school bus on an undivided roadway, be prepared to stop. When you see the flashing red stop lights, stop before reaching the bus

zone and wait for the bus to unload or load. Proceed only after the bus driver turns off the red flashing lights. Watch for children.

When traveling behind large trucks, increase your following distance. Avoid traveling in no-zones that are ahead, to the sides and behind large trucks. If you find yourself in one of these areas,

maneuver to get out of it quickly so you will be seen by the driver. As you approach a bicyclist, adjust your speed and position. Slow down and create a wide space. Do not pass if the road is too narrow for you to pass safely. Do not pass them if you cannot safely move out of your

lane. Be patient and follow them at a distance until it is safe to pass. When being passed by a motorcycle, maintain your lane position and prepare to ad just your speed to let it in ahead of you. If you see a motorcycle rapidly overtaking you from the rear, maintain your lane position until it passes. A few guidelines to help reduce the risk of colliding with large animals include:

Scan well ahead and far off to the sides of the roadway when you see "deer crossing" signs. At

night, use your high-beam lights, conditions permitting, to illuminate the road's edges. If you see a deer on or near the roadway and think you have time to avoid hitting it, reduce your speed, tap your brakes and sound your horn to warn other drivers of the hazard ahead. Do not flash your headlights. If there is

no vehicle close behind you, brake hard. If a collision is inevitable, do not swerve to avoid the animal, your risk of injury may be greater if you run off the road. Maintain control of your vehicle. Report the collision to the police and your insurance company. Page 15

Unit 6. The Driving Environment

An intersection is a point where two or more roadways intersect. There are both controlled and uncontrolled intersections. As you neara controlled intersection, search the intersection to identify other road users. Locate traffic controls and begin to follow their direction. If you need to turn, look for special turn lanes. Reduce your speed. Yield to anyone that is

already in the intersection.

At the intersection, search left, center, right, and left again. If you approach a yellow or red signal in your lane, you are required to slow and be prepared to stop. After you stop, keep pressure on the brake and wait for the green signal. Remember to delay your start to

avoid being struck by a red light runner. When the intersection is clear, maneuver your vehicle through the intersection. When you are stopped at an intersection, if your view is obstructed in any direction, your line-of-sight is blocked. Do not accelerate. Inch forward very slowly by easing off the brake. Continue to inch forward until you can see

past the obstruction and into the intersection. If another vehicle is approaching, it has the right-of-way. When your path of travel is clear, begin to accelerate and turn or go through the intersection. Approach a railroad crossing with extreme caution. Look both ways, roll your windows down to hear, and be prepared to stop. If signal and bells

are flashing and ringing, do not enter the intersection. Do not try to beat the train. Never stop your vehicle while over the railroad tracks or between the gates. Rural or country driving involves unique characteristics and risk factors:

Fewer intersections (many hidden or uncontrolled) Undivided, two-lane roads with oncoming traffic Limited shoulders

and guardrails Wild animals Horse -drawn carriages, farm equipment and other slowmoving vehicles Fewer vehicles, less traffic Page 16

Drivers tend to travel at higher speeds with lower seat belt use Limitedaccess toadvanced medical care (in the eventof injuries related to a crash, the average time to reach an emergency care

facility in a rural area is 53 minutes versus 37 minutes in an urban area) Slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment might be blocking your path. Overtake these vehicles only if you have time and space to make a safe maneuver. If it is not safe, back off and wait; drivers of these vehicles frequently will pull over to

allow backed-up traffic to pass. Exercise courtesy and patience. Before traveling on hills and mountains, prepare your vehicle 's brakes and tires for extreme forces of gravity and inertia. When going through a curve, stay to the right side of your lane. Never coast down a hill in neutral or in overdrive -your vehicle could

speed up beyond your control. Coasting downhill is illegal in

some states. When traveling on rural roadways at higher speeds, remember you will need a longer stopping distance. Increase your following distance -make sure you have plenty of room to stop between you and any vehicle ahead. Many head-on, passing crashes occur because

drivers fail to see and accurately judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles. When you see oncoming vehicles getting closer, it is too close for you to start the pass. Always be sure there is safe space to return. Expressway driving demands continuous searching skills, smooth maneuvers, speed adjustment and positioning. Signal your intention to

merge as you enter the acceleration lane. Quickly evaluate the freeway traffic, look for a space to merge, and adjust your speed. Be prepared to slow or accelerate quickly depending on the flow. Prevent an emergency situation by merging without stopping. Position your vehicle at least a 3-second following distance from the vehicle you plan to follow. Merge smoothly. Turn

off your signal. Adjust your speed to the traffic flow. When you enter the expressway, select the lane you want to drive based on traffi c flow, road conditions and how far away your exit is. Reserve your use of the center an d left lanes for passing. If you are in heavy expressway traffic at rush hour, use the center lane to avoid vehicles constantly entering and exiting in your path. Page 17

Travel at the speed of the flow of traffic to avoid conflicts. Maintain a 3-4 second following distance. If the road is slippery or wet, increase the distance to 6-8 seconds. Increase your following distance

if you have limited visibility. Avoid truck and large vehicle "no-zones". As you are being passed, position your vehicle so there is adequate space to the side to be passed. Keep your speed steady and do not accelerate. If you drive a high-profile vehicle, slow in advance of entering a tight curve on an

entrance or exit ramp. Watch out for a mental condition called "highway hypnosis" which is related to drowsy driving. If you notice fatigue setting in, sit up straight, change your seat position slightly, and then turn on the air g Stop at the next exit and take a stretch, walk around, or drink something refreshing. Velocitation

is caused by long periods of high speed travel. The eyes become fatigued in the horizontalplane due to images streaming through the windshield. Velocitation can be noticed when entering slower traffic after long periods of country driving. A sudden drop in speed gives the illusion that you are traveling much slower thanyouactuallyare.When youexperience velocitation,stopforseveralminutes and allow the eyes to rest.

Urban or city roadways have large populations, high traffic flow,

many road controls and a large amount of visual stimulation. With congestion and traffic jams, speeds tend to be lower, but there is quite a bit more sensory input that you have to pay attention to. Urban driving often involves limited vision. Limited vision often eliminates advance warning of traffic obstacles. High buildings, delivery trucks and other large vehicles can restrict your field of view. Bicyclists and pedestrians are everywhere and can also block your line-of-sight.

If you find yourself in heavy traffic, demonstrate patience and courtesy. Becoming angry or aggressive will not get you to your destination any sooner. In the city, be prepared to slow or stop suddenly cover the brake. Your foot will be in position for a sudden stop. Page 18

As a general

rule when driving in the city choose a lane that is not congested or at least less congested than the other lanes. Do not dart in and out of traffic. Watch for signs identifying a street as one -way. Begin preparing to enter a one-way street at least one block before you reach it, and turn into the

first available lane that is heading in the proper direction. Drive slowly since one-way streets may turn into two-lane streets. Wet weather driving increases risk due to reduced traction and visibility. Reducing speed minimizes traction loss and helps you see your stopping zone. Before a rainy season begins, service your vehicle for wet weather. Keep your

windshield, windows and headlights clean. Prepare yourself for driving in wet weather by being mentally prepared to drive. Consider alternate routes and departure times. The first 20 minutes of a rain shower is the most dangerous time to be driving. Accelerate gradually and steer with precise and smooth movements. Avoid puddles and flooded pavement. To avoid hydroplaning, reduce

your speed; do not brake hard or steer aggressively. Never drive in water that is flowing across the roadway. Turn your windshield wipers on as soon as it starts raining. Make sure your headlights are on. Watch for oncoming drivers who have not yet turned on their lights. If conditions are so bad that you cannot see the

road ahead, pull off the road. Try to avoid sandstorms and flash floods. The desert is extremely hard on your vehicle -have your vehicle checked when you return from your trip. If you have to drive in ice and snow, complete yourmaintenance checks before the winter months. Always keep your gas tank at least half full.

Carry the equipment you will need if you break down. Watch for ice on bridges and expressway overpasses. If you get stuck, do not spin the wheels. Rock the vehicle out or call for help.

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Unit 7. Driving Emergencies The vehicle's engine provides the power required to move

the vehicle across the surface of the road. Your engine should always operate smoothly with no strange or irregular noises. If you suddenly lose power, be prepared to steer out of danger without braking. Pull off the road as soon as it is safe and DO NOT drive if your oil

pressure warning light is

illuminated. If you detect a fire, exit the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you lose your headlights, concentrate on "being seen" and getting off the road as quickly as possible to a safe location. Ifyoulosesteering,safelyleavethetrafficstream,andif thatisnotpossible,use the parking brake to quickly slow and stop the vehicle.

Tire failure can occur suddenly and without warning. A "blowout" occurs when a tire suddenly loses all of its air pressure. DO NOT brake hard; slow the vehicle -then gently apply the brake as you drive slowly off the road and onto the shoulder. If your brakes fail, downshift and use your parking brake to slow or stop

the vehicle. If that does not work, steer towards something soft or into a clear area. Manage your collision. If you experience a stuck accelerator, apply the brakes, shift into neutral and steer into an escape path oroff the roadway. Turn off the ignition. In many cases, when a crash is about to occur, there are

maneuvers and techniques you can use to escape orminimize the severity of a crash. The firststep to collision avoidance is being in the properseat position to ensure optimal control of the vehicle. To avoid panic stops, look well down the road and locate places where others may

cross your path. Maintaining a 3-second following distance

is effective in good conditions at speeds Page 20

under 50 mph. At highway speeds greater than 50 mph, when driving through hills, curves, inclement weather or low-light conditions, increase the space ahead to at least 5 seconds. To lower the probability of a collision, try to maintain at least one car width

of space to one side of your vehicle at all times. When possible, it is best to maintain space on both sides of your vehicle. When you must drive through an area with less than one car width of space on the sides, reduce your speed to allow more space to the front. The most important thing to

remember when driving on the shoulder, or any dirt or gravel surface, is your tires do not have the same level of traction as they do on pavement. On low traction, you cannot turn as sharply on off-road surfaces or brake as hard as you can on the roadway. When you are being followed too closely by another

vehicle, allow more space ahead and identify an escape route to at least one side. Evasive acceleration is an effective maneuver during merging situations or when you detect another vehicle about to hit you from the side. We encounter unexpected obstacles that demand more skill than we practice with our everyday driving maneuvers. Be

prepared in the correct seating position with your hands in the low-hand steering position. To reduce the probability of serious injury, keep your safety belt securely fastened at all times. Braking may be the best choice if you have enough time and distance to avoid colliding with an object in your path. If you have ABS,

apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Do not pump the brake pedal or remove your foot from the brake. There are major advantages of using push/pull steering with lower hand positions:

Injuries to the arms, hands, face and eyes are greatly reduced during a collision when the driver-side air bag deploys.

Maintaining a hand position more closely associated with a normal seating position reduces muscle fatigue. The driver tends to not turn as much; a common mistake in emergency maneuvers which can result in running off the road. Page 21

Excessive speed and wet, snowy, icy, or sandy road conditions combined with abrupt braking, steering, or acceleration

could cause a skid. If you experience a skid:

Respond quickly and do not panic. Look and steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Make smooth steering corrections. Do not give up. You may have to make several steering corrections before you regain steering control. Remember, skids are

usually caused by drivererror. The number of vehicles on our roadways is continuing to increase, consequently so are the number of crashes and injuries. Use the safety equipment installed in your vehicle. Be sure that you and your passengers buckle up before putting the vehicle in motion. Ensure all children are properly secured:

Secure them with a car seat or by a safety belt in the back seat. Do not put a small child in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with passenger side air bags unless the vehicle has a safety switch to deactivate the bag. Make sure you secure all loose objects inside a vehicle.

There are ways to minimize the consequences of a vehicular collision such as being alert at all times, preparing to maneuver, and taking the brunt of the collision on the rear portion of your vehicle. If you have a choice of what you are going to hit in a crash, hit the object that will transfer the least

force. The worst type of collision to be in is a head-on collision.

If you can see warning triangles, vehicle warning lights or emergency vehicles ahead, slow down; you may be approaching the scene of a collision. Do not follow too closely behind any fire engine, police car,

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ambulance, or other emergency vehicle. If you are the only person on the scene DO NOT move any victim unless they are in immediate danger of sustaining additional serious or life threatening injury. Do not leave the scene -call 911 for assistance. In the event of a roadside breakdown, remain calm and prevent further damage or injury

by moving your vehicle out of the roadway. If you park off the shoulder after a breakdown, be mindfulof tall, dry grass. Set out warning triangles and flares in their proper positions to warn other traffic. Quickly exit the vehicle if you see smoke or fire, or if other drivers cannot see your vehicle. Wait in

a safe location. If you are involved in a collision you are required to stop immediately. If possible, pullovertoalocation thatminimizes trafficobstruction.Turnonyourhazardlights. Page 23

Unit 8. The Vehicle Conduct weekly, monthly and mileage -based maintenance to prevent moving and non-moving vehicle failure. Consult your owner's manual for specific guidelines for

your vehicle. As you approach your vehicle, look underneath and around it for

any leaking fluids. Color indicates the type of fluid leaking out. Check your owner's manual to be sure of the color and appearance of the fluids in your vehicle. Common fluid colors and their indications include:

Red: Transmission fluid

(check transmission seals) Purple: Power steering fluid (check system) Black: Motor oil (check the engine, and replace the oil) Green: Coolant (check the water pump) Clear: Water (usually normal condensation or water from the air conditioner) After you start your vehicle, ensure that the warning lights are off. As you begin to drive, always check your

brakes. Do not authorize any work to be done that you have not approved on an estimate. Also, keep copies of all service and maintenance records related to your vehicle. Using an octane rated higher than your vehicle does not increase power. One driving technique that could increase your fuel economy is to avoid unnecessary idling.

Manufacturers are striving to put the most advanced safety applications possible into today's vehicles. Technology cannot compensate forpoordriving -although itmighthelp preventor reduce the consequences of a crash. One of the first considerations when purchasing a new vehicle is vehicle size and weight. Small, light vehicles generally provide less

protection than larger, heavier ones.

Deaths and injuries are more likely to occur in small vehicles because there is less structure to absorb the energy of a crash. Page 24

Electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control systems (TCS) are not designed to "take over" or replace the driver. They are designed to assist the driver in maintaining vehicle control.

Cruise control reduces fatigue and can result in better gas mileage. Cruise controls are designed for open roads and should not be used in urban settings, when driving uphill or downhill, or when the road surface is slippery. ABS prevents your wheels from "locking-up", enabling the driver to steer the vehicle while bringing it to a

stop, especially on slippery surfaces. ESC helps drivers maintain control in the worst situations. For example, if a driver enters a curve too fast, the vehicle may begin to spin out. The ESC engages automatically to help bring the vehicle back in the intended lane of travel. This technology lowers the risk of a fatal single -vehicle crash by about

half, so it is worth shopping for.

New safety belt sensors enable safety belts to sense pretension and imminent collisions. Night vision systems amplify existing light, enabling drivers to see obstructions in the roadway that are invisible in night, low-light conditions. Plan your vacation events so you and your passengers will have an

enjoyable, stress free experience. Do not wait until the lastminute to prepare.

Plan your route with designated locations for getting fuel, food and rest. Consider taking a route that maximizes your vehicle 's operation and fuel economy. On long trips, try to travel with at least one other competent, safe, licensed driver. Be sure you get

enough rest before you get behind the wheel. Stop, stretch and rotate drivers every two hours. Plan to eat lightly during the drive to avoid drowsiness. Never drive longer than 8 hours in one day. Select a good travel and departure time to avoid fatigue, heavy traffic and inclement weather. Pack emergency equipment. Do not over-pack or

obstruct your ability to see inalldirections.Referenceyourowner'smanualformaximumload weight. Page 25

While fueling, or when paying for fuel, never leave your keys in the ignition and your money and other valuables in a location where they can be seen by others. Try to re-fuel during daylight hours. When renting a car, get an estimate of your total charges

including all taxes, fees and any mandatory charges. Maximize coupons, deals and ways to save money.

Ensure any additional drivers are included on the rental agreement. Before driving a rental car, become familiar with its features and understand its handling characteristics. Park your vehicle in a well lit, populated area of the parking lot. If possible,

back your vehicle into the parking space so you can drive out of the lot quickly. Walk where you can be seen by others. Vehicle position is the best indication that another motorist is being overtly aggressive towards you. Be aware of signs such as being cut off, sudden reduction in speed in front of you, tailgating, continuous

flashing of high to low beam lights, excessive horn use or inappropriate hand signals. If you are being raged against, avoid eye contact, avoid stopping and position your vehicle as far away as you can from the aggressive driver. Change lanes and slow down. Drive to a location where you will have witnesses. Do not exit your vehicle.

Do not engage and do not confront the other driver. Ensure you have an exit route until police arrive. If you need a rest or break when driving on an interstate highway, avoid pulling off the roadatanunfamiliarlocation.Takeadvantageofthe restareas thatareinplace for motorists to have a safe location off the roadway when they need to take a break and return

to the highway more alert. If an authorized police vehicle is approaching you with its lights on, it is your responsibility to yield the right-of-way and immediately drive to the right-hand edge of the roadway and stop after clearing any intersections. Page 26