Driver's Ed: Module #5

Communicating w/ Other Roadway Users

• You should communicate intentions + warn other drivers when you:

  • Change position

  • Adjust speed

  • Brake

• 3 ways drivers can use vehicle lights + horn to communicate + reduce driving risks

  • Flash headlights, brake, + tail lights

  • Use turn signals + hazard flashers

  • Use reverse lights + horn

• How to communicate + safely change lanes

  • Activate your turn signal to alert other drivers that you are changing lanes

  • Change lanes one at a time

  • Scan the road + signal every lane change, whether other vehicles are present or not

  • Using small steering inputs and a constant speed, slowing move to desired lane

  • Cancel your turn signal once the lane change is complete

When the paths of vehicles cross there are a set of rules to determine order

• Right of way is not a right or privilege; it must be given to another driver

• Right of way is determined by a set of rules governing intersections, merges, and other special conditions

Controlled + Uncontrolled Intersections

• Flow of traffic is regulated by signs or traffic signals at controlled intersections

• An uncontrolled intersection has no signs or signals to regulate the flow of traffic and an established set of right of way rules govern the flow of traffic

First Car Rule

• Vehicles approaching an intersection must yield to vehicles already in the intersection

• Your vehicle arrives at the intersection first, you have the right of way if someone gives it to you

Same Time Rule

• When two or more vehicles approach an intersection at the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield to the vehicle on the right

Vehicles turning left must yield to oncoming traffic unless there is a green arrow

A green arrow indicates oncoming traffic has a red light

A flashing yellow light indicates oncoming traffic has a green light and the driver may make a left turn if there is no oncoming traffic

Right turn rules:

• A right turn on red is permitted after you stop unless there is a sign prohibiting it

• A driver may make a right turn w/o stopping if there is a green light or arrow

Four way Stop/Malfunctioning Traffic light

• When approaching a 4-way stop intersection or an intersection w/ a malfunctioning traffic light, treat it as an uncontrolled intersection

• First vehicle to arrive goes first

• If vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield

T-Intersections

• At a T-intersection, the vehicle on the side street must stop and yield right of way

Vehicles entering the traffic circle shall yield to vehicles already in the intersection

Who should yield?

• Controlled intersection = Follow traffic signals

• Uncontrolled intersection = Vehicle on left

• T-intersection = Vehicle on side street

• When turning left = Yield to oncoming traffic

• Malfunctioning traffic lights = Treat like uncontrolled intersection/follow police officer

• Four-way stops = 1st vehicle goes 1st or if same time, vehicle on left yields

Why do more crashes occur at intersections?

• Drivers fail to search and identify a safe path of travel when approaching an intersection

• Drivers don’t identify or understand risks

• Drivers fail to develop good driving habits to effectively manage the risks

How do you use SEEiT at an intersection?

• Search: you must identify potential risks, such as:

  • traffic controls (e.g., stop sign, yield sign, traffic lights)

  • absence of traffic controls

  • cross traffic

  • monitor areas to rear

• When possible, begin searching 20-30 seconds ahead while approaching the intersection.

• Using an orderly visual search pattern, you must:

  • determine if the intersection is controlled or uncontrolled

  • identify open, closed, and changing zones

  • identify the best lane and lane position

Approaching an intersection

• Search all corners; make sure you are in the proper lane

• If there is a restriction to line of sight, adjust position and reduce speed

• It is imperative that the driver knows what is happening behind the vehicle as well as in the front and along the sides

Search: How to handle the potential risks:

• Determine traffic controls and right of way

• Determine the safest, most efficient lane

• Select the best lane at least a block ahead

  • Center lane is the safest lane when travelling straight through

  • Right lane is used when turning right - cross traffic, turning right on red will also enter this lane

  • Left lane is used to turn left - yield to oncoming traffic

• Determine open, closed, and changing zones

• Observe your surrounding sides

  • Is the other driver looking to the left or right?

  • Is the vehicle positioned on the left side of the lane?

  • Are the other vehicle’s front wheels turned left or right?

  • Are there pedestrians standing on the curb?

Stopping at intersections

• May have to stop if there is a yellow or red light, stop sign, yield sign, or something in your path of travel

• Begin braking

• If there is someone following close behind, tap your brake pedal a few times to let them know the front car is stopping

Execute in TIME: You have searched, evaluated, and determined the best course of action. Now you must execute your decision in time.

• Position vehicle in proper lane

• Obey traffic controls and prepare to yield if necessary

• Search and monitor space as you cautiously proceed through the intersection

• Adjust speed to blend into the flow of traffic

Staggered stop lines allow a wider turning radius for larger vehicles to complete left turns

Right turns at intersections:

• Check oncoming and cross traffic, other highway users, traffic control devices, condition of roadway, and areas of limited visibility

• Check mirrors

• Signal and move into proper lane, tap brake pedal

• Adjust speed

• Recheck traffic, identify safe gap

• Steer into proper lane

• Adjust speed again to enter lanes of traffic

• Check mirrors again

Right turns should originate in the farthest right lane and turn into the closest right lane of traffic

Risky driver behaviors when turning right

• Failure to signal your intention

• Failure to search intersection for hazards

• Failure to follow right of way rules

• Failure to stop on red before turning right

• Turning too wide and crossing into the adjacent lane

Left turns

• More dangerous than a right turn as it involves crossing the flow traffic

• When making a left turn, you must yield to oncoming traffic unless there is a solid green arrow

Left turns: Path of travel

• Start in the correct lane; search the travel path and monitor oncoming traffic; wait for a safe gap in traffic; turn into the closest lane.

• A left turn should originate in the left lane or a left turn lane and turn into the closest lane crossing the fewest lanes of traffic

Unprotected left turn: turning into an intersection where you must yield to oncoming vehicles that have right of way

Protected left turn

• Vehicles turning left have a green arrow

• All other traffic has a red light

Risky left turn behaviors

• Pulling in front of traffic

• Not checking for vehicles turning right

• Not yielding to oncoming traffic when you have a flashing yellow light or arrow

Multi lane intersections

• More dangerous

• Pose increased risk for drivers

• Require drivers to watch out for vehicles that cut across lanes

Roundabouts

• Circular intersection where vehicle paths do not cross

• Controlled by yield signs

• Entries and exits are at multiple locations

• Drivers should reduce speed and yield when approaching the roundabout

• Roundabouts improve traffic flow and reduce delays

Advantages of a roundabout

• Fewer points of conflict

• Reduction of 90% in fatal crashes

• Reduction of 75% in injury crashes

• Less pollution and fuel use

Parts of a curve

• Entrance

  • Always reduce speed prior to entering the curve and slow prior to the apex

• Apex

  • Accelerate out of this section of the curve

• Exit

  • Gradually accelerate - lane position 1 (centered in the middle of the lane)

Forces at Work on Curves: Traction

• Traction refers to the friction between tires and the road surface

• It keeps vehicles on the road and allows the vehicle to respond to acceleration, braking, and steering

• It is reduced by speed; centrifugal force, road conditions, worn tires, vehicle weight shifts

• When traction is lost, the vehicle does not respond to driver input

Forces at Work on Curves: Inertia

• Include sharpness of the turn or curve, speed, size, height, weight, load of vehicle, roadway slope, roadway surface condition.

• An object in motion continues to move in a straight line until acted upon by some outside force

How do you overcome inertia in a curve?

• Traction is needed to overcome inertia

• If a vehicle loses traction in a curve, the vehicle will continue traveling in a straight line and the driver will have no control

Forces at Work on Curves: Weight Transfer

• The weight of a vehicle rounding a curve will shift to the opposite direction of the curve

• Rounding a curve to the right will result in the vehicle’s weight transferring left

• Right tires may lose contact with the road, resulting in less traction

• Rounding a curve with too much speed can result in the vehicle turning over

• Adding weight to the top of a vehicle raises the center of gravity and increases the tendency to turn over

Roadway design: Crowned curves

• Many roadways have crowned curves - these curves are higher in the middle and slope to the outside for better drainage

Applying SEEiT in Curves

• Search far ahead

• Approach the curve in the right portion and reduce speed

• Accelerate out of the apex

A banked curve is one where the outside of the curve is higher than the inside

• Helps vehicle get around curve and not slide outward

Searching ahead on a curve

• Is it uphill or downhill?

• Is it a blind curve?

• Is the curve crowned or banked?

• How sharp is the curve?

• What are the conditions of the road surface?

Negotiating curves: Blind curve

• Only the entrance is visible and the driver has no idea what the rest of the curve looks like or if there are any objects in the path of travel

Evaluate - To effectively manage a curve, the driver must evaluate the following:

• Lane position visibility, and space management

• Speed control—controlled braking before reaching the apex of the curve; accelerating out of the curve

• Push pull steering control

• Line of sight—-looking through the curve and evaluating path of travel

Driving Uphill

• Some steep hills require using the accelerator and the brake pressure to keep the vehicle from rolling backward

• The driver should apply brake pressure with the left foot until ready to move and should use the right foot to accelerate while slowly releasing the brake

Applying SEEiT space management process to hills and mountains

• S = Search for advisory speed signs, oncoming traffic, etc.

• E = Evaluate type of curve, make decision on speed and position

• E = Execute by adjusting speed/position

• I = In

• T = Time

Potential hazards that may exist on the other side of the hill crest

• Limited LOS at a hill crest

• Be prepared for

  • Stopped vehicles

  • Slow moving vehicles

  • Oncoming vehicle in your lane

• Be prepared to adjust speed or position to avoid a hazard

Descending hills and mountains

• Heavier vehicles going downhill will gain speed

• Check the rear zone for vehicles that may have trouble controlling speed

• Turn off cruise control

Runaway ramps

• Designed for large trucks that lose braking control on steep hills

• They have deep gravel, sand barrels, and other materials to help slow down the runaway vehicle

SEEiT - When passing

• Search

  • No passing zones and solid lines on the road

  • Obstructed views

  • Approaching vehicles

  • Hills or curves

• Evaluate

  • Is passing allowed here?

  • Is it worth the risk?

  • Is there adequate space?

  • Is it safe to pass?

• Execute

  • 2-3 seconds behind vehicle ahead

  • Confirm the gaps and turn on your headlights

  • Signal left

  • Re-check your mirrors and all zones

  • Look over your shoulder and accelerate—do not slow down

  • Signal right

  • See headlights in your rear view mirror and look over shoulder

Passing procedures

• Prepare to pass

  • Position the vehicle 2-3 seconds behind the vehicle to be passed

  • Check mirrors and oncoming traffic

  • Check ahead for safe passing distance

  • Signal left

Passing the car in front

• Accelerate and move into passing lane

• Accelerate quickly to the legal speed

• Focus on the path ahead

• Check mirror for following vehicles

• Return to lane

When being passed

• Check the passing vehicle’s position

• Move away slightly if the vehicle is too close

• Maintain speed

• Once passed, create space ahead and behind

Passing on the right

• Legal when another vehicle is waiting to make a left turn and when multiple lanes are available

Illegal to pass

• Solid yellow line

• intersections

• oncoming vehicles

• railroad crossings

• uphill

• bridges

• curves

If the oncoming car seems to be getting closer, I should move slightly over to the right side of the lane

When curbs or hills keep me from seeing far enough ahead, I should not pass

After passing, I should not move back in front of another vehicle unless I see headlights in my rear view mirror

Passing on multi-lane roads

• One of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can attempt

• The higher the speed, the greater the risk

• High volume of traffic increases the chance of collisions

• Passing may occur on the left or right side

Characteristics of Urban Roadways

• High volume of traffic with many hazards

• More roadway users to interact with

• Multiple intersections with left and right turn lanes, stop signs, and traffic signal lights

• Stores and businesses

• Public transportation

• Rush hour

Adjusting to Urban Roadways

• Stay within the posted speed limit

• Look at least two blocks or two traffic signals ahead

• Use the SEEiT space management system

• Watch for situations with closed zones and line of sight restrictions

When following other vehicles, be alert for areas where sudden stops may occur

When driving on a road with oncoming traffic

• Keep as much space as possible from oncoming vehicles

• Take evasive action if a driver in the oncoming lane crosses the center line

Select the best lane by considering the following

• Potential hazards in each available lane

• Slower traffic in the right lane

• Other vehicles on the road

• Arrows on pavement indicate turning lanes

• Your intended destination

Changing lanes on urban roadways. Try to maintain your lane position, but if you must change lanes

• Use your mirrors to check traffic behind you

• Signal you are going to change lanes early

• Quickly check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder

• Change lanes without slowing down

• Turn off your turn signal after you change lanes

Searching for risks

• Parked cars—entering, exiting, doors opening, brake lights, and movement around the vehicle

• Delivery trucks—speed, size, stopping

• Buses loading and unloading at stops

• Other roadway users—pedestrians, bicyclists, jaywalking, disobeying traffic rules

• Blind alleys and streets

• Limited sight distance and intersections close together

• Aggressive and impatient drivers

• Stop and go traffic

Reducing risk

• Increase following distance

• Search ahead, to the sides, and rear

• Move slightly to the right and signal early to prevent tailgaters

• Slow down as you approach traffic signals and do not block intersections

• Select the lane with the fewest number of hazards

Special situations

• One way streets

• Parked vehicles

• Blocked intersections

• Unexpected situations on crowded streets

• Pedestrians and bicyclists

• Public transportation

Left turn lanes

• Center lane used by traffic going in both directions to make a left turn

Vehicles making left turns from a roadway should not travel more than 150 feet in the shared lane

• The shared left turn lane facilitates traffic on the road to flow more evenly

Vehicles making a left turn onto the roadway from a side road or parking lot may use this lane while waiting for traffic to clear

Vehicles making a left turn onto the roadway from a side road/parking lot may use this lane while waiting for traffic to clear

Steps for entering a shared turn lane

• Check traffic

• Use turn signal

• Adjust speed and enter lane

• Wait for gap, complete left turn when clear

Steps for using a shared left turn lane to enter a street from a driveway

• Signal left and stop at the edge of the roadway

• Check for traffic

• If there is a gap to the left but not to the right, move your vehicle into the shared lane

• When traffic is clear, enter the nearest lane

Characteristics of rural roadways

• Low volume of traffic and high speeds

• Road and shoulders may be narrow and of varying surfaces

• Few signs, signals, and pavement markings

• Steep hills and curves

• Open bridge gratings reduce traction

• Uncontrolled railroad crossings and intersections

Adjusting to rural roadways

• Manage speed to increase control

• This allows more time to respond to a hazard and to brake and steer without losing control

• Adjust speed when conditions are unsafe

• Position vehicle to maintain a 20-30 second visual lead

Applying SEEiT to Rural Roadways

• Remember that path of travel is constantly changing and unpredictable

• Look 20-30 seconds ahead for hazards that will close the front zone

• To avoid losing vehicle control, drive at speeds that allow time to search for and evaluate problems to be able to execute braking and steering techniques in time

Driving on rural roadways

• Intersections may be controlled or uncontrolled

• Side roads may intersect with a main road

• Drivers should maintain at least a 3 second distance when following other vehicles

• If there are oncoming vehicles, drivers should slow down and move to the right side of the lane without getting on the shoulder

Passing on rural roadways

• More dangerous on two lane roadways

• Only pass 1 vehicle at a time

• If you can see an oncoming vehicle, do not attempt to pass

Characteristics of expressway driving

• High speeds

• controlled access (entry and exit)

• Divided by barrier

• Multiple lanes going in the same direction

• Only for motorized vehicles

• designed to carry a lot of traffic quickly and efficiently

Safety design features

• Rumble strips

• Median barriers

• breakaway sign supports

• new design guard rails

• crash barrels

• reflective signs

• mile markers

• protected turn bays

• collector/distributor lanes

• message signs

expressway numbering: Even numbers (I-64, I-66) and odd numbers (I-81, I-95, I-77)

• Even numbers run east to west and begin in the south and get larger moving north

• Odd numbers run north to south and begin in the west and increase moving east

3-digit numbers designate an alternate route

• If the first digit is even the alternate route goes around the city

• If the first digit is odd the roadway leads into the city

4 types of entrance/exit ramps

• Diamond

• Cloverleaf

• Trumpet

• Frontage

Weave lane

• Both entrance and exit lane

• Traffic entering and exiting using same lane

• Driver entering from entrance ramp should yield to driver exiting

Interchanges

• Designed to be used when a road that has little traffic crosses a busy expressway

  • Diamond

• Allows for the interchange of vehicles using parallel secondary two-way or one-way roadways and a major multiple lane roadway

  • Frontage

• Used when a side road forms a T-intersection with an expressway

  • Trumpet

3 parts of expressway ramp

• Entrance ramp

• Acceleration ramp

• merge lane

Entrance ramp: allows driver time to search traffic flow for gaps and evaluate speed and space requirements before entering the expressway

Left entrance ramps have a higher potential for conflict.

• Search pattern is different because it is directed to the right and over the shoulder’s right shoulder instead of over the left

• Additional lane changes to the right may be necessary once on the expressway if the driver’s speed is less than traffic traveling in the left lane of the expressway

Good habits on entrance ramps

• Make sure you are on the correct ramp

• Search for Do not Enter or Wrong Way signs

• Check front and rear zones

• observe traffic conditions on the limited access roadway while on the ramp

• signal and check mirrors and blind spots

• prepare to adjust speed for heavy traffic on the ramp

• avoid stopping or backing up on a ramp

Entering exit ramp on accident

• If you see the ramp area marked with “DO NOT ENTER” and/or “WRONG WAY” signs, immediately pull over to the edge of the road

• the possibility of a head on collision is very high

• when the way is clear, turn around and get off the ramp

• avoid stopping or backing up on a ramp

Ramp meters control the rate at which vehicles enter the freeway

• Entrance ramp traffic lights distribute traffic onto the expressway when traffic is heavy

• permits one car at a time to enter the expressway

The acceleration lane is used to speed up to or near the speed of traffic on the expressway

Good habits on the acceleration lane

• maintain speed and a safe following distance

• use turn signal

• accelerate to the speed of vehicles on the expressway

• continuously check front and rear zones, mirrors, and blind spots

• decide when and where to merge

reducing risk in the acceleration lane

• search ahead and to the side for a gap on the expressway

• prepare to adjust speed to the traffic flow

• prepare to use the shoulder if no gap is available

the merge area provides a designated space to blend into expressway traffic and is usually marked with a broken white line