Section 5: An Introduction to Driving

Why is your VISION important?

Must notice hazard in different lighting, judge distances, adjust to traffic speed & read road signs

Why is your HEARING important?

Must hear horns, sirens, motorcycles, screeching tires that can alert you of hazards

Can you wear a headset or earplugs in both ears while driving?

NO it is illegal

How can FATIGUE & DROWSINESS affect you?

They can affect vision & increase reaction time to hazards

Why should you be okay physically & mentally on the road?

Must be alert to quickly decide the correct course of action (move) in any type of traffic situation

Why be aware of your MEDICATIONS?

Prescription or over the counter meds make you an unsafe driver. Some can make you sleepy

Why is HEALTH important?

Ensures safe driving. People are required to report patients to the DMV if medical conditions may affect ability to drive safely

How to do HAND-TO-HAND Steering?

Start with hands at 9 & 3 or 8 & 4 o'clock, do NOT cross hands over middle, keep hands in this pose en when making turns

How to do HAND-OVER-HAND Steering?

Start with hands at 8 & 4 o'clock, reach across wheel to grasp opposite side, let go wheel with other hand, reach across arm still holding wheel - grip the wheel & pull up

When can you use HAND-OVER-HAND Steering?

Use when turning at low speeds, parking or recovering from skid

How to do ONE-HAND Steering?

Place your hand at the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel. Only 2 situations where needed- when turning to see where you are going behind you & when operating vehicle controls that require to remove one hand

In common, why are signals, horns & headlights important?

Used to communicate with others

What situations should you signal?

Turning, changing lanes, slowing down or stopping

What are the 2 ways you can SIGNAL?

Can use vehicles signal lights or hand-and-arm positions

What does it mean if a driver is signaling with their arm UP?

Right turn

What does it mean if a driver is signaling with their arm DOWN?

Slow or Stop

What does it mean if a driver is signaling with their arm LEFT?

Left turn

When should you signal?

At least 100 ft. before turn, before a lane change, at least 5 seconds before changing lanes on freeway, before pulling away or next to curb, when almost through intersection & you plan to turn after intersection & even when you don't see others around you

Why use your horn?

To let others know you are there or warn of hazard

What situations should you use your horn?

To avoid collisions & alert oncoming traffic near mountain roads when you cannot see atleast 200 ft. ahead

Why use your vehicles HEADLIGHTS?

Help see what's in front of you & help others see you

When should you dim your high-beams to low-beams?

When within 500ft. of a vehicle coming toward you & 300 ft. of a vehicle your following

Illegal to drive using what kind of HEADLIGHTS?

Parking lights

When should you use your headlights?

When too dark to see from 1000 ft. away, 30 min. after sunset & 30 min. before sunrise, in adverse weather (fog,rain,snow- use low-beams), when conditions like clouds, smoke, dust don't let you see others, on mountain roads & tunnels, when road signs states they should be on & to let others see you when sun is low on horizon

How to use your emergency flashers if you see a hazard?

Turn on emergency flashers, lightly tap break pedal 3-4 times, use slowing/stopping hand signal

How to stop if you are having vehicle trouble?

Turn on emergency flashers or use turn signals, pull off the road and away from traffic if possible; if you can't get off, stop where others can see you, and don't stop over a hill or a curve. Call for emergency roadside assistance.