Chapter 4: Safe Driving Tips

Starting and Vehicle Prep

• Review the vehicle owner's manual to determine the best way to start the vehicle.
• Parking brake should be on before starting.
• If the vehicle has a manual transmission:
  • It must not be in gear.
  • The clutch must be depressed.
• If the vehicle has an automatic transmission:
  • The shift selector must be in park.

Accelerating

• Accelerate gradually and smoothly.
• Starting too fast can cause wheels to spin, especially on slippery surfaces, leading to a slide.
• For manual transmission:
  • Practice using the clutch and accelerator to avoid overrevving or stalling when accelerating or shifting gears.

Steering and Hand Position

• Hand position: place hands on opposite sides of the steering wheel. Left hand between 8:00–9:00, right hand between 3:00–4:00.
• Rationale:
  • Comfortable on high speed roads
  • Helps you turn without taking hands off wheel
  • Keeps hands out of airbag path
• Dangers of improper posture:
  • Leaning against the door or one‑handed driving can delay reaction in emergencies.
• Steering techniques:
  • Use hand‑over‑hand technique for sharp corners.
  • After completing a turn, straighten the wheel by hand; letting it slip could be dangerous.

Vision and Scanning ahead

• Look well down the road at least 15 ext{ s} ahead and look to both sides and behind, not just the road in front.
• Look for traffic situations where you will need to steer before you reach them.
• Be aware of line‑of‑sight blockages that may conceal pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vehicles.
• A driver can look in, under, and around parked cars for feet, wheels, shadows, and movement.
• When looking far ahead, you gain time to steer smoothly and safely.

Seeing and Anticipation

• When turning sharp corners, use the hand‑over‑hand technique.
• After a turn, straighten the steering wheel by hand.
• Being able to see well is foundational to safe driving; the single biggest contributor to collisions is not seeing what is happening.
• At night or in diminished visibility, use headlights.

Distracted Driving and Laws (Dangers of Inattention)

• Distracted driving: any activity that takes attention away from driving (inattention blindness).
• Examples include: using a personal electronic device, eating/drinking, talking to passengers, grooming, reading (maps/navigation), watching videos, adjusting controls.
• Consequences:
  • Some behaviors may violate traffic laws; a law enforcement officer may stop and ticket you.
  • The minimum fine for violating one or more restrictions is 124; second and subsequent violations may have the fine doubled.
• Definitions and scope:
  • Distinguish between general distractions and dangerously distracted driving, which is when an activity not related to operating the vehicle interferes with safe driving.
  • A dangerous distraction can be a secondary violation when stopped for another infraction.
• Personal electronic devices: the law restricts or prohibits use while driving; devices include cell phones, tablets, laptops, two‑way devices, or electronic games.
• Permissible activities (examples): reporting illegal activity, summoning medical or emergency help, operating an authorized emergency vehicle, relaying information for transit/hire operators via devices affixed to the vehicle, using a voice‑operated GPS/navigation system that doesn’t require diverting visual attention, or devices affixed to the vehicle.
• Permissible minimal use: activating/deactivating a device with a minimal finger movement; hands‑free device may be acceptable.
• Instruction permit or intermediate license holders cannot use any wireless communication device while driving unless in an emergency.
• Other distracted driving laws exist.
• Do not operate a motor vehicle with equipment capable of receiving a television broadcast when moving, unless live video of the vehicle backing up is allowed.
• Do not drive with head or earphones covering the ears; illegal in Washington and many states, as they hinder hearing emergency horns or sirens. Helmet ear protection is allowed for motorcyclists per certain exceptions.

Roadside Activity and Distractions (Five D's)

• Do not slow down to look at a collision or roadside activity; it can cause your own collision and increase congestion.
• The five D’s of distracted driving: dangerous, deceptive, destructive, disabling, deadly.

Scanning and Time-to-React

• Scanning helps you see problems ahead, vehicles and pedestrians in the road, warning signs, and directions.
• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims: more than 80 ext{%} of all crashes can be avoided if drivers have one additional second to react.
• Typical driver gaze is 3–5 ext{ s} ahead; safer practice is to scan at least 15 ext{ s} ahead.
• Benefits of looking well ahead:
  • Reduces need for last‑minute braking
  • Maintains smoother steering and steady speed
  • Improves fuel efficiency
• Fourteen seconds ahead: look for stopped/moving traffic, red/green lights, road curves, cresting hills.
• Safer drivers tend to look at least 15 ext{ s} ahead of their vehicle.

Judging Space and Distances

• Distance measured in seconds helps drivers anticipate stopping, gaps, and turns.
• City driving guideline: look ahead 15 ext{ s}; highway driving: likewise up to 15 ext{ s} ahead.
• A commonly taught method to gauge 15 seconds ahead:
  • Guess where 15 ext{ s} ahead ends.
  • Pick a marker (sign, mailbox, pole) and count: 1 ext{,} 1{,}000; 2{,} 1{,}000; 3{,} 1{,}000; 4{,} 1{,}000; ext{…} until you reach the marker.
  • The act of guessing before counting helps you estimate pace; accuracy improves with practice.
• Impact of good sight distance:
  • More time to respond; smoother steering; better fuel economy; reduced risk of collisions.

Four-Second Sight Distance Rule and Leaving Room for Other Traffic

• Four‑second rule principle: maintain a following time of at least 4 ext{ s} under normal conditions.
• Situations requiring more space:
  • Slippery roads (reduce speed further)
  • Following motorcyclists/bicyclists (extra space for rider falls)
  • Vehicles following you may need to pass; slow down to allow room for the pass
• Space behind: monitor the vehicle behind you if it is following within 4 ext{ s} and may be closing in.
• If following emergency vehicles, maintain greater distance (e.g., never follow closer than 500 ext{ ft} to a fire truck).
• When approaching railroad crossings, leave extra space behind vehicles that are required to stop at crossings.
• Hill or incline stops: leave extra space when stopped on a hill/ incline to prevent rollback.

Speeding and Speed Limits

• Speeding definition: traveling above the posted speed limit or too fast for conditions.
• Examples of conditions requiring speed adjustment: heavy rain, snow, ice, or reduced visibility.
• Consequences: speeding increases injury and fatality risk; speeding is a factor in nearly 40 ext{%} of Washington traffic fatalities.
• Best practice: know your speed and the posted limit; routinely check the speedometer.
• Speed limits (typical):
  • School zones: 20 ext{ mph}
  • City/town streets: 25 ext{ mph}
  • County roads: 50 ext{ mph}
  • State highways: 60 ext{ mph}
  • Interstates may have higher maximum speeds in some sections.
• Always obey posted speed limits; adjust for conditions even if you are under the limit.

Stopping and Braking

• Stopping while alertness is crucial; sudden braking is dangerous and can cause skidding.
• Braking early provides more control and time to respond.
• Slowing down or changing lanes can avoid stopping entirely.
• Most collisions happen when drivers are unaware of traffic changes around them.

Seeing Well and Night Driving

• Vision is central to safe driving; you must look down the road, sides, and behind.
• Limit front-seat passengers to avoid blocking your view.
• Use headlights at night and in conditions with reduced visibility.
• If you cannot see ahead clearly, you cannot drive safely at higher speeds.

Distracted Driving Laws and Practical Implications

• Washington law restricts use of personal electronic devices while driving for most drivers with an instruction permit or intermediate license, except in emergencies.
• Permissible high‑level uses include hands‑free devices and certain vehicle‑affiliated systems; using devices behind the wheel to send/receive messages is not allowed for most drivers.
• Non‑emergency reasons to use devices may still be illegal or lead to fines.
• If you are stopped for a separate infraction, a secondary action of distracted driving can be cited.

Personal Electronic Devices and Headphones/TVs

• No viewing of television broadcasts while driving unless specific exemptions apply (e.g., back‑up live video).
• Headphones or earphones covering the ears are generally illegal; exceptions exist for helmets with built‑in headsets for motorcyclists.
• Voice‑operated GPS devices that do not require taking eyes off the road may be permissible.

Collisions and Roadside Activity

• Do not slow down to look at collisions or roadside activities; this can cause your own collision.
• When a driver takes their eyes off the road, it can lead to crashes.
• If there is heavy roadside activity, maintain focus on the road and pass safely.

The Five D's of Distracted Driving (Summary)

• Driving while distracted is dangerous, deceptive, destructive, disabling, deadly.

Scanning and Reaction Time (Detailed)

• Scanning helps identify problems well before they become emergencies.
• NHTSA data: more than 80 ext{%} of crashes can be avoided with just one more second to react.
• Typical driver gaze is 3 ext{–}5 ext{ s} ahead; safer practice is to scan at least 15 ext{ s} ahead.
• Look for signs of problems ahead, changes in traffic lights, and potential hazards.

Night Driving and Visibility

• Use headlights to increase visibility to others and to improve your own seeing ability.
• Turn on headlights when it begins to get dark or when visibility is compromised by weather.
• If a vehicle’s high beams dominate your vision, look to the right edge of the road until the other vehicle passes.
• Do not retaliate by keeping high beams on; it can blind others.

Signaling and Communication

• Use headlights, brake lights, horn, emergency signals, lane position, and vehicle speed to communicate intent.
• Turn signals should be used before changing lanes, turning, merging, or parking; signal at least 100 ext{ ft} before the move.
• After completing a turn or lane change, ensure the turn signal is turned off.
• If the signal fails to turn off automatically, switch it off manually.
• Hand signals can be used when signals are not visible to other drivers.
• Braking should also signal intention to slow down.
• When slowing down, consider tapping the brake pedal 3 ext{–}4 ext{ times} to warn following drivers.

Merging, Entering, and Lane Changes

• When merging with traffic, signal and enter at the same speed as traffic.
• Use ramps on high‑speed roads to build up speed for merging; do not stop at the end of the ramp.
• If space is limited, slow down on the ramp to create room for acceleration before merging.
• When leaving traffic, maintain speed with the flow of traffic until you reach an exit ramp.

Space: Front, Back, Sides, and Merging

• Space ahead: maintain a four‑second following distance under typical conditions (adjust for speed and visibility).
• Space behind: monitor the vehicle behind you; if it is closing in, adapt by changing speed or position.
• Space to the sides: avoid driving alongside large vehicles for extended periods; be prepared to adjust speeds and positions.
• Space to merge: you should have a four‑second gap when merging or changing lanes; do not merge into a small gap.
• Space to cross: when crossing traffic, ensure you have enough space to complete the crossing.

Intersections and Right‑of‑Way

• Intersections pose higher collision risk; actively scan and adjust speed/position before entering.
• Before turning left or right across oncoming traffic, signal at least 100 ext{ ft} ahead and look for a safe gap.
• Check the street you are turning into for pedestrians, bicyclists, or vehicles; yield to bicyclists in bicycle lanes and check behind for oncoming bicyclists when turning.
• After stopping, you may turn right on red unless prohibited; you may turn left from a one‑way to another one‑way street unless prohibited.
• Do not rely solely on signals; always check for crossing traffic visually.
• If view is blocked after stopping, edge forward slowly to gain visibility, allowing crossing traffic to see your vehicle.
• At crosswalks with heavy activity, look both ways within the four‑second range.

Railroad Crossings and Special Hazards

• At railroad crossings, slow down and look both ways for a train.
• If unsure it’s safe to cross, stop, listen, and look; lower distractions (e.g., radio volume).
• Never start to cross if a train is approaching and there is insufficient room on the far side.
• At crossings with multiple tracks, wait for the passing train to clear; a following train may be hidden behind another.

Turning Lanes, Bicycle Lanes, and Pedestrian Safety

• Check behind you for bicyclists when entering a bicycle lane or turning.
• Yield to bicyclists in bicycle lanes and do not drive in a bicycle lane except to turn or cross the lane.
• When overtaking a bicyclist, maintain a minimum of 3 ext{ ft} of clearance and do not return to the right side until safely past the rider.
• Bicycles have the same rights and duties as motor vehicles; treat bicyclists with respect and give them room.
• Dutch reach technique: use the far hand to open the door, reducing the chance of hitting a cyclist.
• Helmets: bicyclists should wear approved helmets (CPSC, SNELL, or ASTM) and ensure proper fit.
• Bicyclists can use the shoulder or bicycle lane where allowed; they may ride single file or in pairs.
• Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks/crosswalks; use lights and reflective gear for visibility at night.
• When riding, maintain predictable behavior, avoid weaving, and ride with the right of traffic where safe.

Motorcycles and Sharing the Road

• Motorcycles have the same rights and duties as other road users but are smaller and harder to see.
• Expect motorcycles to be in drivers’ blind spots; use extra caution when turning left in front of a motorcyclist.
• Before turning in front of a motorcycle, look twice to confirm speed and position.
• Motorcycles may not have automatic turn signal cancellation; ensure signals are actually turning or turning off.
• Allow extra following distance when motorcycles are present, especially in wet or slick conditions.
• When passing motorcycles, ensure clearance and return to the lane only after the rider is clearly past.

Large Vehicles (Trucks, Buses) and Hazards

• Larger vehicles have longer stopping distances and bigger blind spots; keep extra space and avoid lingering alongside them.
• Be mindful of their wide turns and potential lane changes, especially near intersections.
• Do not squeeze by large vehicles when they are turning; they may need to swing wide.
• Snowplows have blades that can push snow and reduce visibility for following drivers; exercise caution.
• Hazardous materials vehicles: these vehicles often stop at railroad crossings; expect slower speeds and plan accordingly.
• Large vehicles traveling on long or steep grades may require more space; avoid tailgating and give room to speed up or slow down.

Weather, Road Conditions, and Traction

• Road surfaces are not equally grippy; traction depends on tire condition and road surface.
• Ensure tires are in good condition and properly inflated; consult the vehicle owner’s manual for correct tire pressure.
• Gravel/dirt roads reduce traction; slow down, and be prepared for longer stopping distances and higher risk of skidding when turning.
• In curves, vehicles travel faster in a straight line than around a curve; slow down before entering curves to avoid braking in the curve.
• Slippery roads require reduced speeds: water on road can cause hydroplaning; tires can lose traction at higher speeds when wet.
• Hydroplaning risk: on wet roads, tires start to ride on a film of water; at high speeds, traction can be lost. In heavy rain, traction may be lost around 50 ext{ mph}; in lighter rain, traction is typically better.
• If hydroplaning occurs, ease off the gas, keep the steering wheel straight, and only turn if necessary and safe.
• In icy conditions, slow to a crawl if possible; studded tires are legal in some areas during winter months; retractable studs have seasonal restrictions.
• Clues to slippery roads include shady spots, bridges/overpasses, rain hitting hot pavement, and nighttime dew or frost.

Slippery Surfaces and Special Conditions

• Night conditions and shade can make roads slippery; icy patches can appear where not expected.
• Bridges and overpasses are often colder and more slippery due to lack of ground underneath.
• The first minutes of rainfall after a dry spell can be particularly slippery due to oil on pavement.

Safe Driving: Speed, Space, and Lane Positioning (General Rules)

• Always drive at a speed where you can stop within the distance you can see with your headlights; if you cannot see clearly, do not drive faster than that visibility allows.
• If you are driving too slowly and affecting others, pull over and let faster traffic pass when safe; some two‑lane roads have turnout or passing lanes.
• When driving at slow speeds, do not impede traffic; use turnouts to let others pass.
• If being tailgated, a common technique is to move to the right to let the tailgater pass; avoid abrupt deceleration to discourage tailgaters.
• Space to the side is important for turning and lane changes; avoid driving directly beside large vehicles for extended periods.
• If you must pass, only do so when there is enough space to return to the driving lane safely; avoid passing at railroad grade crossings or in restricted spaces.

Passing and Overtaking

• When passing, generally pass one vehicle at a time.
• At 55 ext{ mph}, you and the oncoming vehicle will travel over 800 ext{ ft} in 10 ext{ s}, requiring a sufficient oncoming gap of roughly 600 ext{ ft} or about 0.18 ext{ miles}.
• If you cannot clearly see the oncoming vehicle, wait to pass.
• Do not start to pass if you are within one third of a mile of a hill or a curve.
• Do not pass at intersections, railroad crossings, or shopping center entrances where other vehicles may enter the road.
• When passing, do not crowd the right side of large vehicles, as they may swing wide or straddle lines.
• Return to the right side of the road after you have safely passed and can see the other vehicle’s headlights in your rearview mirror.

Space to Return and Return Gaps

• Before you pass, ensure you have enough space to return to your driving lane; do not count on other drivers to make room for you.
• When merging or changing lanes, ensure there is a four‑second gap to the vehicle ahead and reserve space behind and in the adjacent lane.

Pedestrians and Bicyclists

• Space to bicyclists: provide at least 3 ext{ ft} of space when overtaking or passing.
• Do not drive in the bicycle lane except when turning or crossing the bicycle lane; never park in a bicycle lane.
• Yield to bicyclists at crosswalks and intersections; bicyclists have the same rights as pedestrians in crossings and sidewalks where allowed.
• Bicyclists must use hand signals before turning; lights and reflectors are required for nighttime riding.
• Drivers should use the Dutch reach when opening doors to avoid striking a cyclist.
• Bicyclists must wear appropriate safety equipment (helmet recommendations: CPSC/SNELL/ASTM approved).
• Bicyclists may ride on roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, or sidewalks where legal; they can ride single file or in pairs.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists crossing or entering traffic can be hard to see; drivers should look for these users especially near parked cars, school zones, and driveways.

Safety with Motorcycles and Bikes

• Motorcyclists are entitled to the same full lane width as other vehicles.
• Look twice before turning left in front of a motorcyclist; motorcyclists can be hidden in blind spots.
• Use turn signals and brake lights to communicate turning, lane changes, merges, slowing, and stopping to motorcyclists.

Work Zones and Special Signs

• Work zones require extra caution; fines are often doubled; follow flagger directions.
• Expect slowdowns and possible stop traffic; obey posted orange warnings.
• Work zones can be high risk due to speeding, following too closely, or distracted driving.

Run-off-the-Road Collisions: Statistics and Prevention

• Run‑off‑the‑road collisions are common; about 44 ext{%} of fatal collisions involve leaving the roadway.
• Contributing factors in run‑off collisions include speeding, impairment from drugs or alcohol, inattention, crossing the center line, fatigue.
• Speeding is involved in about 50 ext{%} of run‑off fatalities and impairment in more than half of run‑off fatalities.
• The majority of run‑off injuries involve single‑vehicle crashes.
• How to reduce risk:
  • Adhere to speed limits and adjust for road/traffic conditions.
  • Avoid driving impaired or fatigued.
  • Stay attentive and minimize distractions.

Sight Distance Rule and Visibility Rules

• Sight distance rule: Drive at a speed where you can always safely stop within the distance you can see with your headlights.
• Four‑second sight distance rule (recap): pick a stationary object, count to four seconds, and ensure you reach that object before finishing the count. If you reach it sooner, slow down.
• If you cannot see far enough ahead, reduce speed accordingly.

Final Notes: Practical Checks

• Regularly check tire condition and inflation; tires are the only contact with the road.
• Maintain safe speeds for varying road conditions including wet, icy, or snowy roads.
• Use the four‑second rule and aim to increase following distance in poor conditions.
• Be prepared to adjust speed, lane position, and signaling to communicate with other road users.
• Practice defensive driving: anticipate hazards and be ready to react safely.