Chapter 3
Time requirement of chapter: 75 minutes

DRIVER & TRAFFIC KNOWLEDGE

The goal of this Chapter is to assist you in learning and appreciating the critical driver and traffic knowledge required by all individuals to be able to safely and effectively operate a motor vehicle. The video states there is a student workbook, however in this internet version, there is no workbook. Click on your answers to the right of the video screen.

The videos you just observed provided you with valuable information on driver and traffic knowledge. We want to continue with some additional information in effort to share content relevant to the subject areas covered in the video segments.

Driving Under the Influence:

Today we hear about “Drunk Driving,” and Driving While Intoxicated.” Neither of these terms are correct or accurate language.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has requested that all traffic safety professionals, trainers, and States stop the common use of drunk or intoxicated driving. The rational for this request is the ambiguity of these terms. Ask ten different individuals for the definition of ether being drunk or intoxicated, and you are likely to get ten different definitions. This is why the NHTSA has asked that only the term impaired be used. Impairment is a better term to use since impairment can be as a result of alcohol, legal and illegal drugs and even fatigue. It really does not matter why a driver is impaired; the fact is, they have chosen to operate a vehicle while their abilities are impaired.

Driving is demanding and it’s a task that requires both a driver’s mind and body to work effectively. Alcohol, legal drugs, illegal drugs or a combination interfere with driving because the driver’s mental and physical abilities become impaired. Driving requires a driver’s undivided attention and alcohol interfere with a driver being able to multi-task, such as watching for other vehicles, roadway signs, and controlling their vehicle.

Judgement is the first important driving ability affected by alcohol. Judgement is what guides a driver’s behavior. Judgement enables a driver to think clearly and make quick, responsible decisions. To drive safely, a driver must be able to judge speed, time and distance accurately. These things are all affected with the very first consumption of alcohol or pill, and become markedly impaired as a person continues to consume alcohol, substances or mix them.

A person whose judgement has been impaired by alcohol or other drugs may drive too fast or too slow. They may follow too closely or pass without the proper clearance. The problem with the consumption of alcohol or other drugs is the person may not be aware they are impaired. This is another result of impaired judgement. Some people even believe the myth that they driver better after consuming alcohol. Nothing can be further from the truth.

Vision is the second factor affected by alcohol.

A driver who has consumed alcohol may see the roadway and everything on it as blurred. They might even be seeing double images of vehicles and people. About 90 percent of the information a driver needs to operate a motor vehicle comes from their vision. Alcohol will affect a driver’s vision without the driver even being aware of what’s happening. Alcohol’s effects on vision begin at low BAC levels. Even one standard drink will affect a person’s vision. Alcohol has an effect on Visual Acuity. It causes eye muscles to relax so light isn’t directed into the eye properly. As a result, objects become unclear, blurry or fuzzy. Alcohol reduces the ability to see in low light situations and also affects our eye's ability to recover from glare situations. Alcohol diminishes a person’s Peripheral Vision, which is the ability to see objects on either side of the head when looking straight ahead. In fact, at .05 BAC, a driver’s side vision is reduced by as much as 30%. Depth Perception is also affected. Alcohol causes each eye to get a slightly different picture. This impairs a driver’s ability to gauge distance and increases the chances of collisions. Alcohol can also affect emotions, because it is a depressant. It may lead drivers to act in ways they might not normally act when sober.

They may take additional risks, or drive more aggressively. Alcohol has no positive affects for the operator of any motor vehicle.

Alcohol also affects a driver’s coordination skill. Alcohol slows down a driver’s reaction time by 15 to 25 percent. Alcohol slows down a driver’s reaction time by 15 to 25 percent. Alcohol consumption will cause a driver to take more time to respond to an immediate hazard.

Resources: http://www.drugsdriving.adf.org.au/browse.asp?ContainerID=drugs_driving_alcohol,http://www.daap.ca/factsondrugsanddriving.html, http://www.nh-dwi.com/caip-218.html.

BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION (BAC)

BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration is a weight of alcohol per volume of blood or breath.

The American Medical Association has defined the blood alcohol concentration of impairment for all people to be 0.04 grams/100 liters of blood (equivalent to .04 grams/210 liters of breath).

Resources: http://padui.org/effect.htm, http://www.nhtsa.gov/people.injury/alcohol/stopimpaired/ABCsBACWeb/page2.htm, http://websites.afar.org/site/PageServer?pagename=IA_expert_Frederick_Blow.

It is important to understand alcohol impairment begins long before a person reaches the level considered by Florida State Statutes to be under the influence to the extent that a person’s normal faculties are impaired.

Some people believe that hard liquor will cause a person to become impaired faster. In reality (see the graphic below) a 12 ounce can of beer, 5 to 6 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of 80 proof alcohol all have relatively the same amount of alcohol per volume.

12 ounces of 4% beer 0.48 ounces of absolute alcohol
5 ounces of 10% wine 0.50 ounces of absolute alcohol
1.25 ounces of 40% vodka (80 proof) 0.50 ounces of absolute alcohol
1.25 ounces of 43% whiskey (86 proof) 0.52 ounces of absolute alcohol

All of the above servings have approximately 0.50 ounces of absolute alcohol.

Alcohol is alcohol and no one drink is more potent than another, unless they are multiple ounce beverages like Long Island Iced Tea which has between 5 to 7 ounces of alcohol.

How the Body is Affected at Different BAC Levels:

0.02-0.03 BAC: No loss of coordination, slight euphoria and loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent, mildly relaxed and maybe a little lightheaded. 0.04-0.06 BAC: Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions, with a sensation of warmth. There may be euphoria with impairment of reasoning and memory and lowering of caution. A person’s behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified with good emotions being better and bad emotions becoming worse. 0.07-0.09 BAC: Impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing begin. Judgement and self-control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are impaired, at .08 BAC. In the United States and in the State of Florida, .08 BAC is the presumptive BAC limit at which an individual is presumed to be impaired. You will probably believe that you are functioning better than you really are. 0.10-0.125 BAC: Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of reasonable judgement. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired. 0.13-0.15 BAC: Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. There will be blurred vision with major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness, depression) begins to appear. Judgement and perception are severely impaired and the individual will become disoriented. 0.16-0.19 BAC: Dysphoria predominates, nausea may appear. The impaired individual has the appearance of being impaired. Vision, motor skills, & judgement are further impaired. 0.20 BAC: Feeling dazed, confused or otherwise disoriented, a person may need help standing or walking. If they are injured, they may not feel the pain. Some people experience nausea and vomiting at this level. The gag reflex is impaired and the individual could choke on their own vomit. Blackouts are likely at this level, so the person may not remember what has happened. 0.25 BAC: All mental, physical and sensory functions are severely impaired. There is an increased risk of asphyxiation from choking on vomit and of serious injury by falls or other mishaps. A person’s comprehension will be greatly reduced. 0.30 BAC: At this level a person will be in a stupor. They have little comprehension of where they are. They may pass out suddenly and be difficult to awaken. 0.35 BAC: This is the level of surgical anesthesia. Coma is possible. 0.40 BAC and up: Onset of coma, and possible death due to respiratory arrest.

Judgment is the first important driving ability affected by alcohol.

Alcohol is one of the oldest and most commonly used drugs. It is a depressant, a drug that slows down the activities of the brain and spinal cord.

Alcohol affects people in various ways. It also can have different effects on the same person at different times. The more alcohol someone drinks, the greater the effects are likely to be. Aside from these differences; however, the way the body handles alcohol is similar for everyone.

Because it is distributed so quickly and thoroughly, alcohol can affect the central nervous system even in small concentrations. In low concentrations, alcohol reduces an individual's inhibitions. As the person's blood alcohol concentration increases their response to stimuli decreases markedly, speech becomes slurred, and they become unsteady and have trouble walking. With very high concentrations of alcohol, a person can become comatose and die.

The American Medical Association has defined the blood alcohol concentration of impairment for all people to be 0.04 grams/100 liters of blood (equivalent to .04 grams/210 liters of breath).

RESOURCES STAR Team, Alcohol and the Human Body, http://www.usww.com/homepage/starteam/alcohol.html, pages 1, 2

It is important to understand that alcohol impairment begins long before an individual reaches the presumptive limit of .08 BAC established in most states as driving under the influence and to the extent that one's normal faculties are impaired.

Driving is a complicated task. It's a task that requires a driver's mind and body to work effectively. Alcohol interferes with driving because it impairs the driver's mental and physical abilities. Actions that require divided attention, such as watching traffic and looking at street signs, are especially sensitive to alcohol's effects. So are actions that require the driver to do several things at once, such as brake, shift gears, and steer into a turn.

Judgment guides an individual's behavior in all situations. Judgment enables them to think clearly and make quick, sound decisions. Judgment plays a key role in driving. To drive safely, a driver must be able to judge speed, time and distance accurately. Judgment is the first important driving ability affected by alcohol. It is affected beginning with the first drink and is markedly impaired after about three (3) drinks.

A driver whose judgment is influenced by alcohol may begin to take chances. He or she may drive too fast, follow too closely, pass without enough clear distance or take curves too fast. Alcohol affects judgment in another way too. A person who consumes alcohol will find it hard to judge how alcohol is affecting them. A drinker may feel fine and keep on drinking.

The drinker's ability to drive will be steadily decreasing and their reaction time will be increased; but he or she may think he or she is not affected at all. In fact, the drinker may even think alcohol will improve his or her driving ability.

RESOURCES American Automobile Association, "You.Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving." Department of Transportation, NHTSA, contract No. DOT-HS-5-01195, 1997, Association Communication, stock No. 3414 pages 11, 24, 25, 26

Legal Consequences of Driving Under the Influence:

Each of the individual states establishes the laws defining the definition of Driving Under the Influence but generally the law provides that any individual driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle within the respective state when the person is under the influence of alcoholic beverages or controlled substances is in violation of the DUI laws. The laws normally apply to any chemical substances as set forth in the individual state law or any substance controlled under the state's laws when the person is affected to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired. Usually, the state's laws establish the presumptive limit in the law. The presumptive limit means an individual has a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or the individual has a breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath. This limit is so called presumptive because a person is presumed to be impaired beyond that level, regardless of the person's actual ability to function.

Violations of a state's DUI laws are usually considered to be a serious crime. The punishments are stern and the punishments become progressively more severe with repeated offenses.

Punishment for a First Conviction of DUI:

Administrative Per Se driver's license suspension at time of arrest; Monetary Fines; Increased fines for having a minor in the vehicle at the time of the violation; Incarceration; Revocation of the violators driving privileges for a set period of time; Probation; Vehicle impoundment; Many states require an Alcohol/drug evaluation; Some state will require a Mandatory DUI School; Mandatory community service; Installation of a vehicle ignition interlock device

The standard ignition interlock device is an in-vehicle breath screening apparatus that requires the vehicle operator to pass a breath-alcohol test before their motor vehicle will start. Typically, the device is located inside the passenger compartment, near the driver's seat, and hard wired to the engine's ignition system. Once the driver blows into a mouthpiece, the device will determine if their breath alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds a pre-set limit. If the driver's BAC exceeds the prohibited level, the ignition interlock device will effectively prevent the vehicle from starting.

Punishment for a Second Conviction of DUI:

Administrative Per Se driver's license suspension at time of arrest; Increased fines; Increased Incarceration ; Revocation of the violators driving privilege for an increased amount of time; Extended probation; Vehicle impoundment for an extended amount of time; Greater time of required community service; Installation of a vehicle ignition interlock device installed at owners expense and placed on all vehicles used by the violator; Alcohol and drug evaluation; Mandatory DUI school;

In many states, if a 2nd conviction for DUI is within 5 years of any prior conviction, there will be a mandatory amount of time required for incarceration.

Punishment for a Third Conviction of DUI:

1. Administrative Per Se driver's license suspension at time of arrest;
2. Increased fines;
3. Increased Incarceration;
4. Revocation of the violators driving privilege for a minimum amount of time;
5. Extended probation
6. Extended time of vehicle impoundment;
7. Installation of a vehicle ignition interlock device installed at owners expense and placed on all vehicles for an extended period of time;
8. Alcohol and drug evaluation;
9. Mandatory DUI school;
10. In many states, a third DUI conviction is considered a felony.

A felony conviction normally results in incarceration in a state correctional facility.

Punishment for a Fourth or Subsequent Conviction of DUI: Increased fines; Increased Incarceration; Increased time of probation or no probation time period; Mandatory permanent revocation of the violator's driver's license.

A person whose driving privilege has been permanently revoked because he or she has been convicted four or more times of violating FS 316.193, Driving Under the Influence, may upon the expiration of 5 years from the date of the last conviction or the expiration of 5 years after the termination of any incarceration for a conviction of DUI, whichever is later, may petition the department for reinstatement of his or her driving privilege.

Within 30 days after receipt of a petition, the department shall provide for a hearing, at which the petitioner must demonstrate that he or she:

• Has not been arrested for a drug-related offense for at least 5 years prior to filing the petition;
• Has not driven a motor vehicle without a license for at least 5 years prior to the hearing;
• Has been drug-free for at least 5 years prior to the hearing; and
• Has completed a DUI program licensed by the department

At the hearing, the department shall determine the petitioner's qualification, fitness, and need to drive, and may, after such determination, reinstate the petitioner's driver's license. The reinstatement shall be subject to the following qualifications:

• The petitioner's driver's license must be restricted for employment purposes for not less than 1 year; and
• The petitioner must be supervised by a DUI program licensed by the Department and must report to the program for supervision and education at least four times a year or more, as required by the program, for the remainder of the revocation period. The supervision shall include evaluation, education, referral into treatment, and other activities required by the department.
• The petitioner must assume the reasonable costs of supervision. If the petitioner does not comply with the required supervision, the program shall report the failure to the department, and the department shall cancel such person's driving privilege.

If, after reinstatement, the petitioner is convicted of an offense for which mandatory license revocation is required, the department shall revoke his or her driving privilege.

A person may not be issued a commercial driver's license during a period in which such person is disqualified from operating commercial motor vehicles or in which the driving privilege of such person is suspended, revoked, or canceled.

Conditions for release from incarceration after a DUI arrest:

1. The violator is no longer under the influence;
2. The violator’s normal faculties are no longer impaired;
3. The violator’s blood alcohol level is lower the 0.05;
4. A minimum of 8 hours has elapsed from the time the arrest

Misdemeanor DUI Conviction:

A violator, who is found guilty of driving while under the influence and has been involved in a collision causing property damage or personal injury, is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor. A first-degree misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment of up to 1 year or both.

Felony DUI Conviction:

An individual is guilty of a third-degree felony, punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and/or 5 year’s incarceration, if they: are found guilty of a fourth or subsequent DUI; has caused any serious bodily injury while driving under the influence; or had been classified by the court as a habitual/violent offender at the time of their conviction for DUI.

DUI Manslaughter: Many states have a DUI Manslaughter law which states that an individual involved in a collision while under the influence and who causes the death of another may be charged with manslaughter. Manslaughter is normally a felony and involves increased jail time and fines. Vehicular Homicide: Many states also have a vehicular homicide law which usually states an individual involved in a collision which results in death to another as a result of the operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner which is likely to cause death or great bodily harm may be charged and convicted of vehicular homicide. Vehicular homicide is normally felony punishable by a fine and imprisonment or both. An individual convicted of vehicular homicide who also left the scene of an accident will usually be given an increased punishment.

Synergism:

Synergism comes from the Greek word “synergos” meaning working together. It refers to the interaction between two or more “things” when the combined effect is greater than if you added the “things” on their own. It provides a one plus one is greater than two effects.

In toxicology, synergism refers to the effect caused when exposure to two or more chemicals at as time results in health effects that are greater than the sum of the effects of the individual chemicals. When chemicals are synergistic, the potential hazards of the chemicals should be re-evaluated, taking their synergistic properties into consideration. Synergism occurs when drugs interact in ways that enhance or magnify one or more effects, or side effects, of those drugs. The combination can cause a greater reaction than simply the sum of the individual effects of each drug if they were used separately. (1 + 1 does not always = 2). The most serious consequence of drug synergy is overdose, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Due to the fact that there is no quality control with illicit (illegal) drugs, there is no set formula for determining the combined effect of alcohol and a specific drug like marijuana or cocaine from episode to episode of use. This makes it much more dangerous, as you never know what you will be getting each time you use. Alcohol can magnify the effects of any drug.

Resources: Florida State Statutes: http://answers.com/topics/synergy?cat=health, http://www.doitnow.org/pages/121.html.

Alternatives to Driving Impaired:

The best is to never consume alcohol and/or other drugs and then drive. The second best alternative is to never get into a vehicle with a driver who has consumed any amount of alcohol. Even one standard drink can impair a person’s ability to drive.

1. Use a designated driver; however, be positive the person does not consume any amount of alcohol or use any kind of drug. If you observe the designated driver consuming alcohol, find another alternative;
2. If you must consume alcohol do so at home and do not leave the premises;
3. Plan to spend the night where alcohol is being served. If at a party at a hotel, reserve a guest room for the night;
4. Call a friend or family member for a ride;
5. Call a taxi. One good method to use is to take a taxi to the desired destination. Then when you go to leave there is no vehicle available. Remember, judgment is the first thing affected by alcohol;
6. Use public transportation if it is available; or, if within a short distance make sure you are able to walk;
7. Never consume alcohol.

Resources: Florida State Statutes: http://nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/alcohol/innocent/index.html, http://www.old-colony.com/howto.htm, http://www2.potsdam.edu/hansondj/DrivingIssues/1074792978.html.


Safety Restraint Systems:

Seat Belts:

Research has shown that lap/shoulder belts, when used properly; reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger vehicle occupants by 45% and the risk of moderate to critical injury by 50%. Safety belts should always be worn, even when riding in vehicles equipped with air bags. The needless deaths and injuries from safety belt non-use result in an estimated $26 billion in economic costs to society annually. The cost of unbuckled drivers and passengers goes far beyond those killed and the loss to their families. We all pay in higher taxes and higher health care and insurance costs. Most states require all individuals operating a motor vehicle to be properly restrained in the vehicles safety restraint system. The laws usually require all front seat passengers to wear safety belts. Many states also require all occupants to wear the vehicle safety belts no matter where they are seated in the vehicle. In some states a violation of the seat belt law is a Primary Offence, meaning a law enforcement officer has the legal right to stop a vehicle if any driver or front seat passenger is not properly wearing a seat belt. In other states, the seat belt law is considered a secondary offence, and a law enforcement officer must have an additional reason for stopping a driver beside just the fact they are not properly restrained. Make sure you are aware of your individual states laws concerning the requirement for the wearing of safety restraints. However, it is the wise vehicle operator who not only wears their safety belt, but also requires everyone that is a passenger in their vehicle to be properly restrained. In Florida it is unlawful for the vehicle operator and front seat passenger to be unrestrained by a safety belt system, and for any passenger in the vehicle under age 18 to be unrestrained by a safety restraint system - seatbelts or child restraint device.

In most states, the definition of a motor vehicle under the law does not include school buses, a bus used for transportation of persons for compensation, a farm tractor or implement of husbandry, a truck with a net weight of more than 5,000 pounds or a motorcycle, moped, or bicycle.

Lap belts should be adjusted when sitting well back and erect in the seat. The belt portion should fit snugly and as low on the hips as possible. Shoulder belts should be positioned to provide comfort, fit snugly and allow some movement. An occupant should never place a shoulder belt under their arm or behind their back. This may cause serious injury or death if the vehicle is involved in a collision. If the vehicle has an automatic shoulder belt, it is extremely important that the lap belt be properly secured. Leaving the lap belt off can result in serious injury.

Resources: http://www.bouldercounty.org/transportation/traffic_safety/seatbelt.htm

Child Restraints:

Motor Vehicle Traffic Collisions are the leading cause of death of children in the United States. The proper use of child restraint devices could greatly lower this terrible statistics. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides the following guidelines to follow when transporting children in a vehicle. Participants must realsize that each state has different laws pertaining to child seat use and they are required to know their individual state laws. Being a grandparent transporting children is not an excuse for violating the law.

Birth to 12 months old A child younger than 12 months should always ride in a rear-facing car seat. Rear vehicle seats, not in front seat. There are different types of rear-facing car seats. Infant-only seats can only be used rear-facing. Convertible and 3-in-1 car seats typically have higher height and weight limits for the rear-facing position, allowing you to keep your child rear-facing for a longer time period. 1 to 3 years old (up to 4th Birthday) Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. It's the best way to keep him or her safe. Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until he or she reached the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the rear-facing car seat, your child is ready to travel in a forward-facing car seat with a harness. Rear vehicle seats, not in front seat. 4 years to 5 years old (up to 6th Birthday) Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it's time to travel in a booster seat or integrated seat, but still in the backseat. 7 to 12 years old Keep your child in a booster seat until he or she is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. For a seat belt to fit properly, the lap belt must lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should lie snug across the shoulder and chest and not cross the neck or face. Remember: Your child should still ride in the backseat because it's safer there. Airbags expand at speeds of up to 200mph and could severely injure or kill a child passenger.

Remember, it is important that child restraint devices be properly installed.

In most states, it is illegal for any parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for any child to leave a child unattended or unsupervised in a motor vehicle.

Resource: Resource: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/childps/newtips/pages/Tip1.htm, http://www.ysa.safekids.org/skbu/cps/index.html.

Headrests:

The proper positioning of a vehicle's headrest is important to prevent whiplash. Whiplash is a term used to explain how the heads of vehicle occupants are accelerated faster and harder than the torso when the vehicle is involved in a collision. The term comes from the sound when someone cracks a whip. Headrests should be designed so they are directly behind the occupant's head and even with the center of the individual’s ears. Headrests prevent whiplash, which occurs when the head is forced backwards as a result of a collision. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a new head-restraint standard in order to reduce whiplash injuries. For front seats, the rule establishes a higher minimum height requirement, a requirement limiting the distance between the back of an occupant’s head and the occupant’s head restraint, as well as a limit on the size of gaps and openings within head restraints. The rule also establishes new strength and dynamic compliance requirements, and amends most existing test procedures. In addition, the rule establishes requirements for head restraints voluntarily installed in rear outboard designated seating positions. The upgraded standard became mandatory for all vehicles manufactured on or after September 1, 2008. Until that time, the manufacturers may have complied with the existing NHTSA standard, the upgraded NHTSA standard or the current European regulations.

Resources: http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/rulings/HeadRest/Index/html, http://www.garageboy.com/fahrt/headrest.html, http://www.ibc.ca/en/Car_Insurance/Road_Safety/Rest_Up_Save_Your_Neck.asp.


Driving in Cities, Rural Areas and Expressways:

While driving in a metropolitan area a driver will encounter numerous intersections and crossing traffic. The may be detours, irregular traffic lanes and possible road defects. There will be other roadways users such as pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles. There are more sight obstructions and normally heavier traffic.

With these thoughts in mind, here are some important ways to scan the roadways when driving in a city.

• Scan the roadway 1 to 2 blocks, or 10 seconds ahead, and from one side of the road to the other.
• Never concentrate on the vehicle directly ahead.
• Activate the vehicles low beams headlights, even during daylight hours.
• Check the vehicle’s review mirror and outside mirrors whenever approaching an intersection or when slowing or stopping your vehicle.
• Always signal any intention to change lanes or make any turns.
• Pay special attention for pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Stay alert for emergency vehicles.
• Watch for warning signs and pay attention to speed limit signs as they may change often on the same street.
• Watch out for entrances and exits from building and parking garages.

Driving in rural areas has its own special hazards. Rural roads may have hills, curves, and there may be different types of road surfaces. Poor shoulders are a possibility and there may be ditches on the sides of the roads. Open country roads many times have higher speed limits and fewer controls. A driver may encounter slow moving vehicles. Trees, bushes, weeds, and tall crops can all obstruct a driver’s view. A driver may also encounter animals on the roadway, with or without a human guide / shepherd. Utilize these tips for scanning when driving in the country.

• Activate the vehicles low-beam headlights even in the daylight.
• Scan 20 to 30 seconds ahead or up to the next hill or curve.
• Scan for objects in the roadway or to the side of the road that are12 to 15 seconds ahead and start taking immediate action.
• Always obey the posted speed limit.
• Maintain the proper following distance from any vehicle ahead.
• Always activate the vehicle turn signals before changing any lane, stopping, or passing.

There are some drivers who believe travelling on the interstate is much easier than driving in the country or cites; and therefore let their guard down and do not pay as much attention to the driving task. This can be a very dangerous decision.

Here are some tips for driving on interstates:

• Scan 20 to 30 seconds ahead and pay attention to vehicles not only on your side of the highway, but to the vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.
• Check the review and outside mirrors approximately every 5 to 10 seconds.
• Pay special attention when approaching exits and entrances.
• Always activate the vehicle turn signals when changing lanes.
• Turn on the vehicle’s headlight.
• Watch the vehicle ahead not just the vehicle in front, and start to react early if there is a potential hazard.
• Always maintain the recommended following distance.
• Stay out of the “No Zone” (blind spots) of large vehicles.

Resource: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs33thru41.thm,scanning

Signs, Signals and Roadway Markings:

As drivers, we are subjected to a lot of information as we travel on the roadways. We must therefore be aware of other traffic including individuals riding bicycles, pedestrians, and there are traffic signs, signals, roadway markings and business advertisements. Traffic signs and signals not only provide valuable information through written information, but they are also color coded to assist drivers in recognizing the type of information the sign is providing.

There are eight different color schemes to assist drivers in recognizing the different type of signs. The following is a description of each of the eight signs and colors.

Resource: http://www.icbc.com/licensing/RoadSense%20for%20Drivers%20PDFs/RoadSense_for_Drivers_Signs_Signals_and_Road_Markings_MV2075.pdf

GREEN LIGHTS

A green light normally means vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal is to proceed cautiously but only if the way is clear. Green light is for driving straight through or turn right or left unless a sign at such place prohibits either such turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk at the time such signal is exhibited.

YELLOW LIGHTS

A driver facing a steady yellow signal is warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately and should stop before the white lateral stop line on the roadway, unless such stop would be a danger to themselves or other vehicles.

RED LIGHTS

A driver facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or the white stop line. If none, then stops before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown. The stop shall be made before the white lateral stop line or if there is no line the stop is to be made before the nearest intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic.

In some states, a right turn on red is permissible if there is no posted sign prohibiting such turn. When any right turn on red is made, a driver must yield to any pedestrian or pedalcyclist in the intersection. A two-way signal is to direct traffic flowing from two different directions with the exception of signals with turning arrows that should be in accordance with one another.

When a traffic light malfunctions, the intersection automatically becomes a 4 way stop intersection requiring a vehicle to stop before proceeding.

FLASHING TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS

Flashing Yellow Arrow

A flashing yellow arrow means left turns are allowed. Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians. The oncoming traffic has a green light.

Green Arrow

A green arrow, pointing right or left, means you may make a turn in the direction of the arrow. If the red light is illuminated at the same time, you must be in the proper lane for such a turn and you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians clearing the intersection.

Flashing Signals

A flashing red light means the same thing as a stop sign. It is used at dangerous intersections. A flashing yellow light means you may move forward with caution. It is used at, or just before, dangerous intersections, or to alert you to a warning sign such as a school crossing or sharp curve.

YIELD SIGNS

Yield signs are red and white with red letters in a triangle shape. The yield sign informs a driver to an upcoming hazard or road condition that does not reflect an immediate condition. A yield sign requires a driver to slow down and stop when necessary; and may proceed when safe to do so. A flashing yellow light has the same meaning as a yield sign.

STOP SIGNS

Stop signs are red with white letters. Stop signs require a driver to make a mandatory stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so. At a stop sign, the purpose of the white painted limit line is to prevent the driver from entering the crosswalk or intersection inadvertently or at an excessive speed and shows the driver where to make the stop before proceeding through. Rolling stops are not acceptable. A driver must come to a complete stop before proceeding through the intersection. A flashing red light has the same meaning as a stop sign.

Drivers are required to stop prior to any marked crosswalk and prior to the bumper crossing the white lateral stop line. If there is no marked crosswalk, a driver is required to stop prior to an intersection sidewalk, and if not marked then prior to the intersecting intersection.

CENTER LINES

Double yellow lines mean no passing. However, a driver may by law make turns over and left turns out of a driveway and crossover from driveway to driveway as long as the flow of traffic is not impeded and no excessive speed is used. If oncoming vehicles must slow or make drastic maneuvers, these are not safe actions.

Single broken yellow lines indicate traffic flowing in two (opposite) directions, while a single broken white line signals traffic flowing in two lanes in the same direction. Most single broken yellow lines are seen on two lane rural roadways. A single broken white line indicates to drivers that traffic is flowing in two lanes in the same direction. A driver should only cross broken lines with caution, when it is legal, safe, and necessary to do so.

A road limit line is the white lateral painted line on a roadway. It normally marks the confines of an intersection or the place where a driver is required to stop. A driver must stop behind the limit line at an intersection or street controlled by a traffic light and proceed when the signal changes. If a driver cannot see clearly, they are required to stop at the limit line and then move forward and stop again before crossing a roadway or entering an intersection.

At a street or intersection with a stop sign, the driver shall stop behind the limit line and then proceed out into the intersection at a cautious speed to start a turn or other maneuver. On roads or intersections without limit or crosswalk lines, the driver should use the end of the curb as a determination of where the intersection starts and where the vehicle should stop. At a blind intersection, the driver should go no more than 15 mph and exercise extreme caution.

BICYCLE LANES

Bicycle lanes were designed for the use of pedal cyclists. Drivers may not drive in a bicycle lane unless they are entering or leaving the highway, making a turn or parking where parking is permitted, but not in the bicycle lane. Bicycle riders must ride in the bicycle lane if they are available. Bicycle lanes should be entered and driven through with extreme caution. If no lane is available, drivers must keep at least 3 feet away from the bicyclist when passing or driving next to a bicyclist.

CROSSWALKS

Crosswalks are designed for pedestrians to cross the road safely. Crosswalks may be painted on the roadway and may be controlled by Walk and Don’t Walk Signs or a Crosswalk may be unmarked. If the crosswalks are marked, a driver must stop at the marked limit line or if unmarked, a driver must stop before entering the intersection.

A driver approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway. When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at the same time the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right. A driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a state-maintained road or highway from a paved or unpaved road and not subject to control by an official traffic control device shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the state-maintained road or highway.

TURN LANES

At selected intersections, a driver may encounter turn lanes. These lanes are designed for completing either left or right turns. The lanes may be controlled by turn arrow signals which provide an indication to a driver when a turn may be legally made. Drivers need to keep in mind if there is a red turn signal arrow, a driver may not proceed until there is a green arrow signal. The arrow signal will direct the driver in the direction they are to travel. Green, yellow and red turn arrow signals have the same meaning as green, yellow and red traffic signals.

A driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall signal using either hand signals or the vehicle's turn signals and shall pass to the left of the vehicle ahead at a safe distance, and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, a driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle, on audible signal or upon the visible blinking of the vehicles headlamps of the overtaking vehicle if such overtaking is being attempted at nighttime, and shall not increase the speed of their vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. In every event, the overtaking vehicle must return to an authorized lane of travel as soon as practicable and, in the event the passing movement involves the use of a lane authorized for vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, before coming within 200 feet of any approaching vehicle.

No vehicle shall be driven from a direct course in any lane on any highway until the driver has determined that the vehicle is not being approached or passed by any other vehicle in the lane or on the side to which the driver desires to move and that the move can be completely made with safety and without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the same direction.

No vehicle shall at any time be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:

Where signs or markings are in place to define a no-passing zone a driver shall not at any time drive on the left side of the roadway.

CHAPTER 3 QUIZ

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