Chapter
6
Time requirement of chapter: 40 minutes
DRIVING RISK CONTROL
In Chapter 6, participants will become familiar with the importance of recognizing
and controlling driver and traffic risks. Chapter 6 will introduce participants
to the ways emotions can affect a driver. Information on passing, railroads
and following distance will also be addressed.
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MATRIX LESSON-4
DRIVING RISK CONTROL
WEBSTER DEFINES RISK AS "THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSS OR INJURY". THEREFORE, DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE IS A RISK.
FOR SOME DRIVERS, RISK COMES WITH THE JOB. AND OFTEN, "THE GREATER THE RISK THE GREATER THE REWARD".
HOWEVER, FOR MOST DRIVERS, RISK IS UNDESIRABLE AND EXPENSIVE. THEREFORE, PRUDENT DRIVERS MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO CONTROL, AND WHEN POSSIBLE, REDUCE THE RISK.
AS YOU KNOW, A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF RISK IS INHERENT TO THE DRIVING TASK. EXPOSURE TO INCOMPETENT DRIVERS, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, EMOTIONAL STRESS, AND SO FOURTH.ARE EXAMPLES OF THE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATION.
ALTHOUGH THE ADAGE, "THE GREATER THE RISK THE GREATER THE REWARD", DOES NOT APPLY TO MOST DRIVERS, REWARDS IN THE FORM OF PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL MOBILITY, TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES, AND FINANCIAL GAIN, CANNOT BE REALIZED WITHOUT A DEGREE OF RISK.
THUS, ACCEPTANCE OF RISK IS A NECESSITY OF VEHICLE OPERATION. HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT RISK SELECTION, LIMITATION, AND CONTROL ARE ESSENTIAL TO A DRIVER'S SURVIVAL.
DRIVER BEHAVIOR RESEARCH SHOWS THAT MOST DRIVERS DO NOT DELIBERATELY TAKE RISKS, BUT DO SO THROUGH IMPATIENCE, ANXIETY, AND FAMILIARITY.
THIS PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO MEASURE DRIVING RISK CONTROL. AT THE COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ANALYZE YOUR DRIVING RISK CONTROL
THE TRAFFIC SCENES YOU ARE NOW VIEWING WERE VIDEO RECORDED WITH A CAMERA LOCATED ABOVE THE STEERING WHEEL OF A CAMERA VEHICLE. DURING THE PROGRAM YOU WILL BE SHOWN TWENTY FIVE TRAFFIC SCENES THAT APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING FIVE DRIVING RISK CHARACTERISTICS:
PASSING, YIELDING, FOLLOWING, SPEED CONTROL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS.
AT THE TIME THE SCENE IS BEING SHOWN, A COMMENT WILL BE MADE REGARDING THE SCENE. FOR EXAMPLE IN THIS SCENE, THE DRIVER COMMENT IS, "I HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME AND SPACE TO PASS". DURING THE PROGRAM YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THE COMMENT.
BEFORE THE START OF THE PROGRAM, YOU WERE GIVEN A STUDENT WORKBOOK THAT CONTAINS THE DRIVING RISK CONTROL RESPONSE FORM LIKE THE ONE SHOWN ON THE SCREEN.
NOTE THAT THE FORM HAS 25 "AGREE -- DISAGREE" RESPONSE LINES. IF YOU AGREE WITH THE COMMENT, CIRCLE "AGREE". IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE COMMENT, CIRCLE "DISAGREE".
READY, BEGIN TRAFFIC SCENE NUMBER ONE.
I HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME AND SPACE TO PASS.
THE RISK REJECTION RESPONSE IN SCENE 1 IS DISAGREE.
SCENE 2: A VEHICLE SPEED REDUCTION IS REQUIRED.
IN SCENE 2, AGREE IS THE RISK REJECTION RESPONSE.
SCENE 3: A HARD BRAKE IS REQUIRED.
SCENE 3 IS DISAGREE.
SCENE 4: I HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLETE A LEFT TURN.
SCENE 4 IS AGREE.
SCENE 5: A PASS IS THE BEST VEHICLE MANEUVER IN THIS SITUATION.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 6: A BRAKE COVER IS REQUIRED IN THIS SITUATION.
AGREE.
SCENE 7: EXITING THE EXPRESSWAY WAS A LOW RISK VEHICLE MANEUVER.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 8: THAT BICYCLIST IS OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 9: A VEHICLE SPEED REDUCTION IS REQUIRED.
AGREE.
SCENE 10: THIS IS THE WRONG EXIT, A LANE CHANGE IS REQUIRED.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 11: THIS IS A HIGH RISK DRIVING AREA.
AGREE.
SCENE 12: A VEHICLE SPEED REDUCTION IS REQUIRED.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 13: A PASS ON THE RIGHT IS THE BEST VEHICLE MANEUVER IN THIS SITUATION.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 14: THE DRIVER OF THAT BLACK SEDAN MADE A HIGH RISK PASS.
AGREE.
SCENE 15: A PASS IS THE BEST VEHICLE MANEUVER IN THIS SITUATION.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 16: A VEHICLE SPEED REDUCTION IS REQUIRED.
AGREE.
SCENE 17: I HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME AND SPACE TO COMPLETE A LEFT TURN.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 18: I HAVE SUFFICIENT SPACE TO PASS.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 19: THIS IS A HIGH RISK DRIVING AREA.
AGREE.
SCENE 20: IT IS SAFER TO DRIVE AFTER DARK THAN DURING DAY LIGHT HOURS.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 21: A BRAKE COVER IS REQUIRED.
AGREE.
SCENE 22: THAT AUTOMOBILE DRIVER MADE A HIGH RISK TURN.
DISAGREE.
SCENE 23: THAT WAS A HIGH RISK LEFT TURN.
AGREE.
SCENE 24: THE DRIVER OF THAT BLACK VEHICLE IS A HIGH RISK DRIVER.
AGREE.
SCENE 25: I NEED TO REDUCE MY VEHICLE SPEED.
DISAGREE.
THE 25 TRAFFIC SCENES YOU JUST VIEWED WERE SELECTED FOR THEIR DRIVING RISK CHARACTERISTICS. IN MOST SCENES THE TRAFFIC RISK WAS OBVIOUS. HOWEVER.IN A FEW SCENES THE RISK WAS SUBTLE AND REQUIRED QUICK THINKING. TO DETERMINE YOUR DRIVING RISK CONTROL SCORE.COMPARE YOUR RESPONSE FORM ANSWER.WITH THE ANSWER SHOWN ON THE VIDEO SCREEN. FOR EXAMPLE.THE RISK REJECTION RESPONSE IN SCENE ONE IS DISAGREE.
QUESTION 1 ANSWER. DISAGREE IS THE CORRECT ANSWER. LOOK AT THE SCENE AGAIN. NOTE THAT THE CAMERA VEHICLE DRIVER PASSED THREE VANS, DROVE IN THE ONCOMING LANE FOR 11 SECONDS, AND WAS DRIVING LEFT OF THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINE AT THE COMPLETION OF THE PASS. THIS WAS AN ILLEGAL AND VERY HIGH RISK PASS.
IF YOUR ANSWER FOR QUESTION ONE WAS AGREE, YOUR ANSWER WAS INCORRECT. PLACE A CHECK MARK IN THE SPACE PROVIDED TO THE LEFT OF QUESTION 1 ON THE TEST ANSWER FORM. IF YOUR ANSWER WAS DISAGREE, LEAVE THE SPACE BLANK.
QUESTION 2 ANSWER. AGREE IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE ANSWER. LOOK AT THE SCENE AGAIN. THE PEDESTRIAN WALKING NEAR THE EDGE OF THE ROAD IS A POTENTIAL HAZARD. ALSO, THE ONCOMING VEHICLE WILL LIMIT YOUR EVASIVE MANEUVERING SPACE SHOULD IT BECOME NECESSARY TO EVADE THE PEDESTRIAN.
QUESTION 3 ANSWER. DISAGREE. ALTHOUGH THE BRIGHT SUN WILL LIMIT YOUR VISIBILITY, A HARD BRAKE IS AN INCORRECT, AND POSSIBLY HAZARDOUS REACTION TO THE SUN GLARE. TO REDUCE THE EFFECT OF SUN GLARE, USE THE VEHICLE SUN VISOR, AND WEAR SUN GLASSES WHEN DRIVING.
QUESTION 4 ANSWER. IN THIS SCENE YOU DEMONSTRATED GOOD TIME AND SPACE MANAGEMENT SKILLS IF YOUR ANSWER WAS AGREE. CORRECT GAP SELECTION IS A VITAL DECISION MAKING SKILL WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN IN TRAFFIC.
QUESTION 5 ANSWER. PASSING THE JOGGER IN THIS SITUATION WAS AN UNNECESSARY RISK. THEREFORE THE CORRECT ANSWER IS DISAGREE. IF YOUR ANSWER WAS AGREE YOU FAILED TO RESPOND TO THE THREE HAZARDS SHOWN IN THE SCENE: RAIN, THE ONCOMING VEHICLE, AND THE UNSURE FOOTING OF THE JOGGERS.
REMEMBER! ENTER A CHECK MARK ON THE ANSWER FORM IF YOUR ANSWER DOES NOT AGREE WITH THE ANSWER GIVEN.
QUESTION 6 ANSWER. AGREE. YOU ARE A CAUTIOUS DRIVER IF YOU PREPARED TO STOP AS SOON AS YOU IDENTIFIED THE J-WALKING PEDESTRIAN. THEREFORE COVERING YOUR BRAKE DECREASED YOUR VEHICLE SPEED, REDUCED YOUR BRAKING REACTION TIME, ALERTED DRIVERS OF FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND GAVE YOU THE OPTION OF MAKING A CONTROLLED STOP IF THE PEDESTRIAN ENTERS YOUR FORWARD TIME AND SPACE.
QUESTION 7 ANSWER. THE CORRECT ANSWER IS DISAGREE. LOOK AT THE SCENE AGAIN. THE CAMERA VEHICLE DRIVER ACCELERATED TO CROSS THREE LANES OF EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC, APPROACHED THE EXIT RAMP TOO FAST FOR CONDITIONS, AND TAILGATED THE PICKUP TRUCK ON THE EXIT RAMP. CLEARLY, THIS WAS NOT A LOW RISK VEHICLE MANEUVER.
QUESTION 8 ANSWER. DISAGREE. IF YOUR ANSWER IS AGREE, YOUR PERCEPTION OF "WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY" IS NOT SUPPORTED BY TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS. REMEMBER, BICYCLISTS ARE PERMITTED TO RIDE ON MOST ROADWAYS, AND WHEN THEY ARE RIDING ON THE ROADWAYS, THEY HAVE THE SAME RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS OTHER HIGHWAY USERS.
QUESTION 9 ANSWER. AGREE. TAILGATING ANOTHER VEHICLE IS AN EXAMPLE OF HIGH RISK DRIVING BEHAVIOR. TAILGATING A TRACTOR-TRAILER IS AN EXAMPLE OF IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVER BEHAVIOR. FOR EXAMPLE, THE CAMERA VEHICLE DRIVER IN THIS SCENE IS TRAVELING AT 60 MILES PER HOUR, MAINTAINING A ONE SECOND FOLLOWING DISTANCE, AND HAS FORWARD VISIBILITY OF LESS THAN 40 FEET. TRAFFIC CRASH DATA SHOWS THAT INSUFFICIENT FOLLOWING DISTANCE IS THE PRIMARY REASON FOR MULTI-VEHICLE CRASHES ON URBAN EXPRESSWAYS.
QUESTION 10 ANSWER. DISAGREE. ALTHOUGH THE COMMENT IN THIS SCENE IS HUMOROUS, THE TRAFFIC RISK CONCEPT IS NOT. DRIVERS WHO CHANGE THEIR MIND AT INTERSTATE HIGHWAY EXITS ARE FREQUENTLY THE CAUSE OF VEHICLE CRASHES THAT RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. RESPONSIBLE DRIVERS RECOGNIZE THAT ENTERING AND EXITING HIGH SPEED ROADWAYS REQUIRES ADVANCED PLANNING AND SKILLFUL VEHICLE CONTROL.
QUESTION 11 ANSWER. AGREE. MANY DRIVERS FAIL TO APPRECIATE THE RISK INHERENT TO DRIVING IN A SHOPPING CENTER PARKING AREA. BECAUSE OF REDUCED VEHICLE SPEED, CRASHES BETWEEN VEHICLES NORMALLY DO NOT CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY. HOWEVER, CRASHES BETWEEN VEHICLES AND PEOPLE OFTEN CAUSE SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY, AND OCCASIONALLY DEATH.
QUESTION 12 ANSWER. DISAGREE. LOOK AT THE SCENE AGAIN. THE CAMERA VEHICLE IS MOVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ENTRANCE RAMP. THE VEHICLES ON THE INTERSTATE ARE TRAVELING 60 TO 70 MILES PER HOUR. THUS, TO MERGE SMOOTHLY INTO THE HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC, THE CAMERA VEHICLE DRIVER WILL NEED TO INCREASE, NOT DECREASE, HIS VEHICLE SPEED.
QUESTION 13 ANSWER. DISAGREE. THE DRIVER OF THE AUTOMOBILE IN THIS SCENE IS MAKING A CRITICAL, BUT NOT UNCOMMON, PROCEDURAL ERROR. NOTE THAT THE LIMITED TURNING SPACE AT THE INTERSECTION REQUIRES THE TRACTOR-TRAILER DRIVER TO MOVE LEFT BEFORE TURNING RIGHT. IN THIS SITUATION THE AUTOMOBILE DRIVER PUTS HIMSELF AND HIS VEHICLE AT RISK WHEN HE MOVED IN BETWEEN THE TRACTOR-TRAILER AND THE CURB.
QUESTION 14 ANSWER. AGREE. NOTE, THIS SCENE WAS NOT PLANNED OR STAGED. RATHER, IT WAS RECORDED LIVE BY THE CAMERA VEHICLE IN A REAL WORLD DRIVING ENVIRONMENT. UNKNOWABLY, THE DRIVER OF THE BLACK AUTOMOBILE EFFECTIVELY DEMONSTRATED HIGH RISK DRIVER BEHAVIOR FOR AN AUDIENCE OF SEVERAL THOUSAND DRIVERS.
QUESTION 15 ANSWER. DISAGREE. IN THIS SCENE THE CAMERA VEHICLE DRIVER DEMONSTRATED RISK ORIENTED DRIVER BEHAVIOR BY IMPATIENTLY CROSSING THE DOUBLE LINE TO PASS THE TURNING VEHICLE. DRIVER IMPATIENCE IS A PRIMARY CAUSE OF SPEEDING, TURNING AND INTERSECTION RIGHT OF WAY CRASHES.
QUESTION 16 ANSWER. AGREE IS THE CORRECT ANSWER. ALTHOUGH THE DRIVER OF THE WHITE SUV ILLEGALLY ENTERED THE ROADWAY AHEAD OF THE CAMERA VEHICLE FROM A RIGHT TURN LANE, THE CAMERA VEHICLE DRIVER CORRECTLY YIELDED HIS RIGHT OF WAY TO THE SELF-SERVING DRIVER TO AVOID A POSSIBLE CRASH. INCIDENTALLY, IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU, IT IS OK TO QUIETLY SAY A FEW NASTY WORDS ABOUT THE DRIVER THAT CUTS YOU OFF... JUST DON'T CRASH INTO HIM, OR HER.
QUESTION 17 ANSWER. LISTEN TO THE SCENE AGAIN. DID YOU HEAR THE SOUND OF AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE? WHERE IS THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE? IS IT APPROACHING IN THE ONCOMING LANE? IS IT BEHIND YOU?
UNTIL YOU IDENTIFY THE EMERGENCY VEHICLE, AND KNOW WHICH DIRECTION IT IS TRAVELING, YOU DO NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME AND SPACE TO COMPLETE THE LEFT TURN.
QUESTION 18 ANSWER. DISAGREE. PASSING THE TURNING VEHICLE WAS NOT A HIGH RISK MANEUVER. HOWEVER, THE PASS DID REQUIRE THE ACCEPTANCE OF LIMITED RISK. IN THIS SITUATION, NOT PASSING THE TURNING VEHICLE MAY ALSO REQUIRE ACCEPTANCE OF LIMITED RISK.
FOR EXAMPLE, WHILE PASSING THE TURNING VEHICLE, THE VAN DRIVER MAY DECIDE NOT TO TURN, AND MOVE FORWARD INTO THE SIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE AS YOU REENTERED THE ROADWAY. IF YOU DO NOT PASS, AN IMPATIENT DRIVER MAY CRASH INTO YOU FROM THE REAR. IF YOUR VEHICLE IS HIT FROM BEHIND, THE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR THE DRIVER THAT CRASHED INTO YOU WILL PAY THE BILL. THUS, DISAGREE IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE ANSWER.
QUESTION 19 ANSWER. AGREE. SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL ROADWAYS ARE HIGH RISK DRIVING AREAS. ENVIRONMENTAL DISTRACTIONS, PEOPLE ENTERING THE ROAD, AND OTHER DRIVERS THAT CAN NOT RESIST THE VIEW, ARE ALL HAZARDS IN THIS SCENE. THEREFORE, IN THIS AREA, CONTROLLING THE DRIVING RISK IS A DEMANDING TASK THAT REQUIRES SELF DISCIPLINE AND GOOD SEARCHING SKILLS. INCIDENTALLY, FOR SOME YOUNG DRIVERS, AN ABUNDANCE OF SELF DISCIPLINE WILL BE REQUIRED.
QUESTION 20 ANSWER. DISAGREE. THE CRASH RISK POTENTIAL IS APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES GREATER AFTER DARK THAN DURING THE DAYLIGHT HOURS. ALTHOUGH REDUCED VISIBILITY IS ONE OF THE FACTORS THAT INCREASE NIGHTTIME DRIVING RISKS, OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS DRINKING DRIVERS, DISTRACTED DRIVERS, INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS, AND EXCITEMENT SEEKING DRIVERS ARE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF AFTER DARK MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES.
QUESTION 21 ANSWER. AGREE IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE ANSWER. IF YOU WERE AGGRESSIVELY SEARCHING YOUR DRIVING ENVIRONMENT, YOU IDENTIFIED THE VEHICLE ENTERING YOUR TIME AND SPACE BEFORE IT BECAME AN IMMEDIATE HAZARD. YOU CONTROLLED THE AVAILABLE TIME AND SPACE BY REDUCING YOUR VEHICLE SPEED AND COVERING YOUR BRAKE.
QUESTION 22 ANSWER. AGREE. BECAUSE OF THE LIMITED VISIBILITY, THE AUTOMOBILE DRIVER PLACED HIMSELF AND OTHERS AT RISK. ENVIRONMENTAL OBSTRUCTIONS AT INTERSECTIONS ARE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORS TO MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES. IN THIS SCENE THE RISK WAS GREATER THAN NORMAL BECAUSE OF THE DOWN HILL GRADE, AND THE FAILURE OF THE AUTOMOBILE DRIVER TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY AFTER PULLING IN FRONT OF THE TRUCK.
QUESTION 23 ANSWER. AGREE. IN THIS SCENE THE CAMERA VEHICLE DRIVER DEMONSTRATED A HIGH RISK LEFT TURN. THIS STILL SCENE SHOWS THAT LESS THAN 50 FEET SEPARATED THE CAMERA VEHICLE AND THE ONCOMING CAR DURING THE TURN. IF THE ONCOMING CAR IS MOVING AT 50 MILES PER HOUR, THE CLOSING TIME BETWEEN THE TWO VEHICLES IS LESS THAN 2 SECONDS. THE PURPOSE OF THIS SCENE IS TO EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF GAP SELECTION WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN IN TRAFFIC.
QUESTION 24 ANSWER. AGREE. DRIVERS INCORRECTLY USING CELL PHONES WHILE DRIVING CREATE UNNECESSARY RISKS FOR THEMSELF, THEIR PASSENGERS, AND OTHER HIGHWAY USERS. THUS, RESPONSIBLE DRIVERS DO NOT MAKE OUTGOING CALLS WHILE DRIVING, AND USE HANDS FREE CELL PHONES TO ANSWER INCOMING CALLS.
QUESTION 25 ANSWER. THE MOST APPROPRIATE ANSWER IS DISAGREE. YOU DO NOT NEED TO REDUCE YOUR VEHICLE SPEED UNLESS YOU ARE EXCEEDING THE SPEED LIMIT. AS YOU MAY KNOW, IDENTIFYING A POLICE VEHICLE IMPROVES DRIVING BEHAVIOR FOR MOST DRIVERS.
TO SCORE YOUR DRIVING RISK CONTROL RESPONSE FORM, COUNT THE NUMBER OF CHECK MARKS, AND ENTER THIS NUMBER IN THE SPACE PROVIDED AT THE TOP OF THE RESPONSE FORM. THIS NUMBER IS YOUR DRIVING RISK CONTROL SCORE.
THE CHART YOU SEE ON THE SCREEN SHOWS MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH FREQUENCY RATES WHEN COMPARED WITH DRIVING RISK CONTROL SCORES. RISK CONTROL SCORES ARE GREEN, AND THE CRASH FREQUENCY IS RED. ESSENTIALLY, THE CHART INDICATES THAT THE HIGHER THE SCORE, THE GREATER THE DRIVING RISK POTENTIAL.
THESE STATISTICAL OBSERVATIONS ARE NOT SURPRISING. INSURANCE COMPANY RECORDS CLEARLY IDENTIFY DRIVER RISK TAKING AS A MAJOR FACTOR IN MOTOR VEHICLE CRASH CAUSATION.
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW THAT RISK TAKING IS NOT AN UNDESIRABLE HUMAN CHARACTERISTIC. MOST SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE A PRODUCT OF SOME RISK TAKING. HOWEVER, SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE SELECT, LIMIT, AND CONTROL THEIR RISKS. OTHERWISE, THEY WOULD NOT CONTINUE TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
RISK ACCEPTANCE OR REJECTION IS OFTEN INFLUENCED BY TEMPORARY SITUATIONS, CONDITIONS, OR CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR EXAMPLE, AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE DRIVER OR POLICE OFFICER WILL NORMALLY ACCEPT GREATER RISK ON DUTY THAN OFF DUTY.
MANY DRIVERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG MALE DRIVERS, WILL ACCEPT GREATER RISK WHILE DRIVING ALONE. MOST DRIVERS REJECT RISK WHEN THEY ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR INFANT CHILDREN. NEARLY ALL DRIVERS REJECT RISK WHEN THEY ARE BEING FOLLOWED BY A POLICE VEHICLE.
DRIVING RISK ACCEPTANCE DOES VARY. HOWEVER, THE HUMAN FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE RISK ACCEPTANCE ARE RELATIVELY CONSTANT.
FOR EXAMPLE, TRAFFIC CRASH RESEARCH SHOWS THAT PEOPLE WITH AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS ARE INVOLVED IN SIGNIFICANTLY MORE MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS THAN PEOPLE WITH MODERATE BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE DRIVING RECORDS OF INDIVIDUALS ARE EXAMINED, WE FIND THAT MANY AGGRESSIVE PEOPLE, SUCH AS ATHLETES, PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS, INVESTORS, AND POLITICAL LEADERS HAVE EXCELLENT DRIVING RECORDS.
IT MUST BE ASSUMED THEREFORE, THAT AGGRESSIVE PEOPLE CAN, AND DO, CONTROL THEIR RISK TAKING INSTINCTS WHEN DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE.
IF YOUR DRIVING RISK CONTROL SCORE IS 5 OR LESS, YOU HAVE COME TO TERMS WITH THE RISK OF DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE. HOWEVER, IF YOUR SCORE IS MORE THAN 5, YOU ARE INCLINED TO TAKE UNNECESSARY DRIVING RISKS.
YES, DRIVING RISK DOES COME WITH THE TERRITORY, AND SOME RISKS MUST BE ACCEPTED. HOWEVER, RISK SELECTION, LIMITATION, AND CONTROL ARE ESSENTIAL TO SURVIVAL ON THE HIGHWAY. YOU MUST DECIDE WHAT RISKS TO ACCEPT, AND WHAT RISKS TO REJECT. AND, YOU MUST DECIDE IF THE REWARD IS WORTHY OF THE RISK.
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Passing:
Before deciding to pass another vehicle, a driver should first ask themselves
why they are passing.
In the majority of cases, passing is not justified. Either
the pass will require traveling above the posted speed limit or will violate
other passing laws. Many times a driver desires to pass just because the vehicle
ahead is traveling the posted speed limit.
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Once a decision is made to pass, the driver must determine if the pass can be made safely and legally.
The first step is to maintain the proper following distance. This allows
for good visibility of the road ahead to see if there are any approaching vehicles
or other hazards.
Next, the driver should engage the vehicle’s left turn signal or
use the appropriate hand signal. After engaging the turn signal, the driver
should check the vehicle’s mirrors and also turn their head to check
the area of the vehicle’s blind spot.
After checking the blind spot and determining there are no other vehicles
passing or in the oncoming lane of travel, they should enter into the opposing
lane and accelerate to the posted speed limit. A driver may want to warn
the other driver of the intended pass by tapping the vehicle’s horn
once. Drivers should always anticipate the possibility of another vehicle
entering their path from side roads and driveways and be prepared to take
evasive action.
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Once the driver safely passes the front bumper of the vehicle being passed,
the driver should engage the vehicle’s
right turn signal, turn their head to check to make sure another vehicle also
did not pass and cut into the lane ahead of them, and check their vehicle's blind
spot. When the driver can see the roadway in front of the vehicle they passed,
they can safely pull back into the original lane of travel. Florida law requires
passing vehicles to return to the right lane of travel before coming within
200 feet of any vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Once back in the
lane of travel, they should make sure to turn off the right turn signal.
Passing on the right is legal only when there are two or more lanes of traffic
moving in the same direction or the vehicle you are passing is making a left
turn. Pulling off the pavement to pass on the right is against the law.
It is illegal to pass when there are double yellow lines, or a yellow line
on your side of the travel lane. It is also illegal to pass when approaching
hills, intersections, hospitals, schools, and construction zones or before curves
in the roadways or within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, tunnel, or railroad
crossing. It is a violation of law to pass in any area posted with no passing
signs.
By regularly checking the side and rear-view mirrors, a driver can ensure there
are no passing vehicles. If a vehicle is being passed, the driver should never speed
up to force the passing vehicle to accelerate to complete the pass.
That is an aggressive behaviour and puts both vehicles at risk.
They should move to the right side of their lane which will give the other
vehicle’s driver more room and a better view of the road ahead. When making
any left turn, it is important to check to make sure that you are not being passed on the left
by another vehicle. Even if the other vehicle is making an illegal pass,
you could be held partially responsible in the collision if you fail to check for other vehicles.
Resources: Florida State Statutes, 316.081, 316.082, 316.083,
316.085, 316. 087 and 316.0875, http://driversed.com/teen-drivers-education/passing.aspx
Railroads:
An average freight train traveling at 55 mph needs a stopping distance of more
than a mile. Longer trains moving at faster speeds can take one and a half miles
or more to stop. In a collision between a train and an automobile, the automobile
and its occupants are usually the losers.
Florida law states any person walking or driving a vehicle and approaching
a railroad grade crossing shall stop not less than fifteen (15) feet nor more than
fifty (50) feet from the nearest rail of the railroad grade crossing; and shall not
proceed until the railroad grade can be crossed safely.
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In the event the driver would not have a reasonable view of an approaching
train they should stop before proceeding across the railroad grade crossing
at the point nearest such crossing where the driver has a reasonable view
of approaching train(s) and not proceed until the railroad grade can be
crossed safely.
A person walking or driving a vehicle shall stop if there is a clearly
visible electric or mechanical device that is activated, a crossing gate
is lowered or there is a human flagger giving signal of an approaching
train. A stop shall also be made if there is an approaching train emitting
an audible signal or if the train by reason of its speed or nearness to
the crossing is an immediate hazard.
No person shall drive any vehicle through, around, or under any crossing
gate or barrier at a railroad crossing while such gate or barrier is closed
or is being opened or closed, nor shall any pedestrian pass through, around,
over, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing
while such gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.
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Railroad cross-buck signs are found at most railroad crossings. If there
is more than one track, the sign below the cross-buck will show the number
of tracks at the crossing.
If there is more than one track, make sure all tracks are clear from both directions before crossing.
In heavy traffic make sure there is room for your vehicle on the other side
of the tracks before starting to cross.
The sides of railway engines, train cars and commuter trains extend beyond the
metal rails on both sides.
Gates are used with flashing signals at some crossings. Stop when the lights
begin to flash, and before the gate lowers across your side of the road. Do
not move forward until the gates are raised and the lights stop flashing as
there may be a train approaching on an adjacent track.
Do not get trapped on the tracks. Only proceed through a highway-rail grade
crossing. If you are sure you can completely clear the crossing without stopping.
Remember, the train is three feet wider than the tracks on both sides.
If your vehicle ever stalls on a track while a train’s coming, get out
immediately and move quickly away from the tracks in the direction the train
is coming from. If you run in the same direction the train is traveling, when
the train hits your car you could be injured by flying debris. Call your local law enforcement agency for assistance.
Resources: http://www.oli.org/education_resources/safety_tips.htm,
Florida State Statute: 316.1575
Following Distance and Tailgating:
Some drivers believe if they do not speed up when they are being tailgated, they
will be run over. NOT TRUE! Other drivers believe they will never get
where they are going. If this statement was true, the driver would live at
the exact point where they made the statement for eternity. Some drivers
actually believe if they slowdown in an attempt to encourage the tailgater to
pass that they will be driving backwards. Of course, motion forward can never
be motion in reverse no matter how slow the vehicle is moving forward. These
are just your emotions.
Unsafe practices such as braking to force the tailgater to retreat or slowing
down to “punish” the tailgater are sometimes practiced by aggrieved
motorists and may lead to the escalation of an emotionally charged drive in to
road rage. Tapping the brake pedal
(without braking) to illuminate the brake lights or displaying hazard lights
to bring the tailgater’s attention to the fact that his or her driving
is causing concern may also aggravate the situation.
The safest solution is to yield to the other driver. Slower traffic should
move to the farthest right lane. If you cannot yield, then leave more room in
front of your vehicle to allow for safe stopping distances for you and
the tailgater behind you. Try to encourage a tailgating driver to overtake and pass if
safe to do so. Slow slightly below the normal flow of traffic speed. This
allows the tailgater more room to pass, and your slower speed makes it easier
for him to do so.
It also allows more room in front of your vehicle to stop safely if required.
If you are able to safely pull off the side of the road and let the tailgater pass, do so.
Stay on busy public roads and call for help if the other driver continues to be aggressive.
If a tailgater persists in following your vehicle, travel to the nearest law
enforcement agency and request assistance in dealing with the tailgating driver.
Resources:www.querycat.com/faq/768bc629fc714c234ca84aa54825496,
www.smartmotorist.com/traffic-and-safety-guidelines/maintain-a-safe-following-distance-the-3-second-rule.html
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Stopping Distance:
Total stopping distance includes perception time, reaction time and actual
stopping distance.
Perception time is the amount of time it takes for a driver to realize
there is a need to react to a situation. Perception time can only be estimated
as it is different for each incident depending on what the driver was
doing before they realized there was a need to react.
Distractions reviewed in chapter 5 will have an impact on the times below.
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Reaction time is the amount of time from the perception of an immediate hazard
to the actual attempt to complete an evasive maneuver. Initial driver reaction
time is on average approximately three-quarters (¾) of a second.
The average human reaction time of three-quarters (¾) of a second is based on a laboratory
setting, where the driver was prepared and waiting for the measurement of reaction
time. In actual emergency situations, a driver’s actual reaction
time may be more than ¾ of a second. Actual non-emergency reaction time of an average
driver is approximately 1.5 seconds during daylight and 2.5 seconds at night.
A vehicle traveling at 60 mph covers 88 feet per second. However, stopping that
vehicle takes over 4.5 seconds and covers a distance of 271 feet. Why? Because
there’s more involved in braking than the actual time a vehicle's brakes
are applied to the wheels (called “effective braking”). In particular,
“perception time” and “reaction time” add considerable distance
to stopping your car.
Let’s say, for instance, the perception time is an average of three-quarters (¾)
of a second, and the reaction time is the three-quarters of a second. When
you combine perception and reaction time, a full 132 feet will pass before a
vehicle even begins to slow down from 60 mph. So from the time a driver perceives
a braking situation until the time their vehicle comes to a complete stop, a
total of 4.6 seconds elapses. During that time the vehicle travels a total of
more than 270 feet on dry pavement. That’s almost the length of a football field. Of course,
the faster a vehicle is traveling the more time and distance it will take to
stop.
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There are other factors as well, such as road conditions. When there is
adverse weather conditions, the braking distance grows exponentially. On wet
pavement, total braking time increases from 4.6 seconds to 6.1 seconds;
and total braking distance shoots up from 271 feet to 333 feet.
And it gets
worse. In snowy conditions, even with snow tires, total stopping time jumps
to 10.6 seconds and 533 feet. As a basis of comparison, this is roughly
the same distance as the same vehicle coming to a complete stop from 90
mph on dry pavement, an effective doubling of the braking distance. |
Resources: www.howtodothings.com/automotive/a3255-how-to-calculate-your-braking-distance.html,
www.safespeed.org.uk/tailgate.htm, www.edmunds.com/ownership/driving/articles/438101/article.html
The chart below gives average stopping distances at different speeds.
The Three Second Rule:
To avoid a collision with a vehicle ahead of you, learn to count.
Utilizing the 3 second rule is the best method for ensuring a safe following
distance. Here is how to use the 3 second rule.
Choose a reference point - a fixed object near or above the road ahead, like a sign, tree, or an
overpass. As soon as the rear end of the vehicle ahead of you passes the
fixed reference point, begin counting: one-thousand one, one-thousand two,
one-thousand three, one-thousand four...
When the front of your vehicle passes the reference point, stop counting.
If you reach the reference point before you have finished the full three-second
count, you are following too close.
If you finish the count to one-thousand four before you reach the reference point, you have established
a following distance that provides a safe braking distance in normal driving conditions.
Resources: www.smartmotorist.com/traffic-and-safety-guidelines/maintain-a-safe-following-distance-the-3-second-rule.html,
www.edmunds.com/ownership/driving/articles/438101/article.html
The three-second rule is designed to be used during clear weather, level roadways,
and when following cars and light trucks. When there are poor environmental
conditions or when following large vehicles, motorcycles, towing a
trailer, additional seconds are needed to provide an adequate space cushion.
When you are towing a trailer, the additional weight will affect your stopping
distance so add seconds to your count.
The chart below gives some recommendations of the seconds needed to provide
a proper following distance.
Emergency Vehicles:
| Upon the approach of any emergency vehicle that has its vehicles emergency
lights and siren activated a driver shall yield the right-of- way by immediately
driving to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the nearest
edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection and remain there until
the emergency vehicle has passed. |
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Drivers should
remain at the side of the road until the all emergency vehicles have passed.
Drivers are required to stay a minimum of 500 feet behind any fire equipment
vehicle displaying flashing warning lights and sounding a siren.
Even though the law only requires a driver to only maintain a distance of 500
feet from a fire apparatus it is a good idea to follow this rule for all emergency
vehicles.
Move Over Law:
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The Move Over Act requires a driver to “move over” or “slow
down” when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle that is stopped
on any roadway. The law requires a driver on an interstate highway or
other highways with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the
emergency vehicle, to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle,
as soon as it is safe to do so or slow to a speed that is 20 mph below
the posted speed limit.
If the emergency vehicle is stopped on a two-lane roadway with their
emergency lights activated, a driver is required to slow to a speed that
is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit, when the posted speed limit
is 25 miles per hour or greater, or travel at 5 mph when the posted speed
limit is 20 mph or less.
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Emergency vehicles include wreckers and Road Ranger vehicles.
A violation of the “Move Over Act,” is a moving violation punishable
by a $60 fine and three-points on the violators driving record.
Resources: Florida State Statutes: 316.126, 316.2025, 318.19.
The Florida Point System:
Florida Point System is the mechanism the State uses to assess points to the
driver's license record of individuals convicted of violating the state traffic
laws. The point system shall have as its basic element a graduated scale of
points assigning relative values to convictions of the following violations:
- Texting while driving - 3 points.
- Texting occuring in a school zone - 2 points added to offense.
- Texting resulting in a crash - 2 points added to offense.
- Reckless driving, wilful and wanton - 4 points.
- Leaving the scene of a crash resulting in property damage of more than $50 -
6 points.
- Unlawful speed resulting in a crash - 6 points.
- Passing a stopped school bus - 4 points.
- Unlawful speed
a. Not in excess of15 mph of lawful orposted speed - 3 points.
b. In excess of 15 mph of lawful or posted speed - 4 points.
- A violation of a traffic control signal device - 4 points.
- All other moving violations (including parking on a highway outside the limits
of a municipality) - 3 points.
However, no points shall be imposed for a violation of s. 316.0741, High Occupancy
Vehicle Lanes and only 316.2065(12), Bicycle Regulations, which states that
no person upon roller skates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy
vehicle, or similar device, may go upon any roadway except while crossing
a street on a crosswalk; and, when so crossing, such person shall be granted
all rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians.
- Any moving violation covered above, excluding unlawful speed, resulting
in a crash - 4 points.
- Any conviction under s.403.413(6)(b), Florida Litter Law - 3 points.
- Any conviction unders. 316.0775(2), interference with official traffic
control devices or railroad signs or signals. - 4 points.
- Any moving violation resulting in a crash - 4 points.
- Violation of curfew - 3 points.
- Open container as an operator - 3 points.
- Violation of child restraint law - 3 points
Resource: Florida State Statute: 322.27, 316.074, 316.075,
316.0741, 316.2065, 316.0775(2), 403.413(6)(b).
Driver's Licensing Actions:
Possessing a driver's license in Florida is a privilege and not a constitutional
right. Once an individual earns the privilege to operate a motor vehicle they
must remain a safe and courteous driver to continue to legally retain the privilege
of possessing a driver's license.
Suspensions:
A suspension means the temporary withdrawal of a licensee's privilege to drive
a motor vehicle until they meet the requirements of the suspension to re-instate
their driver's license.
An individual's driver's license maybe suspended for the following reasons:
- Making a fraudulent driver's license application;
- Allowing your driver's license to be used for a purpose that is against
the law;
- Are convicted in a traffic court and the court orders that your driver's
license be suspended;
- Refuse to take a test to show if you are driving while under the influence
of alcohol and/or other drugs;
- Misuse a restricted license;
- Earn a certain number of points for traffic offenses on the point system;
- Break a traffic law and fail to pay the fine, or appear in court as directed;
- Fail to pay child support;
- Fail to carry insurance on your vehicle;
- Fail to stop for a school bus;
- Use tobacco if you are underage;
- Are convicted of retail theft;
- Being truant from school
Length of suspension:
- 12 points within a 12 month period - 30 days uspension
- 18 points within an 18 month period - 3 months suspension
- 24 points within a 36 month period - 1 year suspension
Resource: Florida State Statutes: 322.27, 322.28.
Revocations:
Revocation means the termination of a licensee's privilege to drive. Revocation
periods are from 180 days to life. Note: Revocation periods maybe shorter in
cases of revocation due to medical conditions, once the medical condition is
corrected to the satisfaction of the FL DHSMV.
An individual's driver's license may be revoked for the following reasons:
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other controlled
substances;
- A felony in which a motor vehicle is used;
- Not stopping to give help when the vehicle you are driving is involved in
a crash causing death or personal injury;
- Three cases of reckless driving within one year. Forfeiting bail and not
going to court to avoid being convicted of reckless driving counts the same
as a conviction;
- An immoral act in which a motor vehicle was used;
- Three major offenses or 15 offenses for which you receive points within
a 5-year period;
- A felony for drug possession;
- Vision worse than the standard minimum requirements;
- Racing on the highway;
A court may also order that your license be revoked for certain other traffic
offenses:
- Your license will be revoked for at least three years if you kill someone
because of reckless driving.
- Certain medical conditions that prevent a driver from driving safely.
Resource: Florida State Statute: 322.26.
Cancellations:
An individual's driver's license may be cancelled for failure to comply with
certain sections of the Florida Statutes. A cancellation is a removal of one's
driving privilege until they meet the requirements of law. Two examples of why
a driver's license might be cancelled are making a fraudulent driver's license
application, or failure to complete any required course within 90 days when
required to do so by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Resource: Florida State Statute: 322.22.
CHAPTER 6 QUIZ
| Question 1 |
Emotions can have no effect on our driving.
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| Question 2 |
__________ is the way a person thinks about somebody or something
and the way they behave toward someone.
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| Question 3 |
An average freight train traveling at _____ mph needs a stopping
distance of more than a mile.
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You have reached the end of this chapter.
Once the timer below reaches zero the button
on the bottom right hand side of the screen will be activated allowing you to
continue with the course.