Vehicle Operation and Safety Notes

Vehicle Preparation and Safety

• Securing Loose Objects:
  • Secure loose items in the trunk to prevent them from becoming projectiles during sudden stops or accidents.
  • Use cargo nets, especially in SUVs, to keep items contained.
• Locking Doors:
  • Close and lock doors upon entering the vehicle.
  • Locked doors prevent unwanted individuals from entering the vehicle.
  • Locked doors prevent passengers, especially children, from opening doors while the vehicle is in motion; use child locks for added safety.

Pre-Driving Adjustments

• Adjust your seat for optimal comfort and visibility.
• Adjust the steering column to a comfortable and safe position.
• Adjust mirrors (side and rearview) to eliminate blind spots.
• Adjust the headrest to protect against whiplash in the event of a collision.
• Fasten your seat belt, ensuring it is snug and properly positioned.
• Ensure all passengers are wearing their seat belts.
• Adjust creature comforts like air conditioning, heating, windshield wipers, and headlights to ensure a comfortable and safe driving environment.

Basic Vehicle Components and Control Devices

• Ignition Switch:
  • Two main types: key entry and push-button start.
  • Key entry: Traditional ignition switch where a key is inserted and turned.
  • Push-button start: Commonly found in electric vehicles; the key fob communicates with the car.
  • The key fob authenticates the driver's permission to start the vehicle.
  • Turning the key activates the starter, which sparks the spark plugs, igniting the gasoline and starting the engine pistons.
• Ignition Switch Functionality
  • The ignition switch locks the steering wheel when the key is removed and the car is parked.
  • It enables accessories and safety devices even when the engine is off.
  • Turning the switch to the "accessories" position allows the use of the radio, heater, or air conditioner using battery power.
  • Extended use of accessories with the engine off can drain the battery.
  • Some vehicles use electric chips in the ignition switch as an anti-theft device.
• Steering Column
  • Controls steering in drive and reverse.
• Accelerator Pedal
  • A foot-operated pedal located to the far right of the driver's position.
  • Vehicle speed is controlled by the amount of pressure applied with the right foot.
• Brake Pedal
  • Located to the left of the accelerator pedal.
  • Slows the vehicle when downward pressure is applied.
• Clutch Pedal
  • Located to the left of the brake pedal in vehicles with manual transmissions.
  • Allows the driver to shift gears by disengaging the engine from the transmission.
• Gear Shifter
  • Controls: park, reverse, neutral, drive, and low gears.
• Pedal Extensions
  • Can be installed to help drivers reach the brake and gas pedals more easily.

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

• Helps drivers maintain steering control in emergency situations by preventing wheel lockup.
• Does not necessarily decrease braking distance.
• Identified by the letters "ABS" or a specific symbol on the dashboard.
• The driver should maintain steady pressure on the brake pedal during ABS activation.
• Pumping the brakes can interfere with the ABS system.
• Mandatory on all vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2013.

Non-ABS Brakes

• Vehicles without ABS will not have the ABS icon on the dashboard.
• Braking is controlled manually by the driver.

Cruise Control

• Allows drivers to select and maintain a constant speed without holding the accelerator pedal.
• Controls are typically located on the steering wheel or a lever on the side of the steering column.
• Can be cancelled by tapping the brake or turning it off.
• Should not be used in rain, ice, snow, or other inclement weather.

Parking Brake (Emergency Brake)

• Used to secure a parked car.
• Can be used in emergency situations, such as brake system failure.
• Three main types:
  • Foot-operated pedal on the floor to the far left of the driver's seat.
  • Hand-operated lever near the center console.
  • Electronic brake on the dash or console.

Secondary Controls

• Horn: Used to alert other drivers or pedestrians.
• Turn Signals: Indicate intended direction of turn or lane change.
• Hazard Flashers: Used to warn other drivers of a hazard or emergency.
• Windshield Wipers: Clear the windshield for better visibility.
• Headlights: Provide light for nighttime driving and increase visibility.
• Gauges: Provide information about vehicle systems, such as speed, fuel level, and engine temperature.

Headlight Controls

• Control switch operates parking lights, taillights, side marker lights, and license plate lights.
• Switch location varies by vehicle: on the left side of the instrument panel or on the turn signal lever.
• High and low beams are controlled by a lever on the left side of the steering column.

Basic Vehicle Controls

• Seating Position:
  • Sit up straight to maximize field of vision and reduce risk.
  • Adjust seat height so the head is high enough to see clearly.
• Manual Seat Adjustment:
  • The adjustment lever to move the seat forward and backward is typically located on the lower front of the driver's seat.
• Electric Power Seats:
  • Controls are usually located on the lower side of the driver's seat or on the armrest.
• Seat Positioning:
  • The top of the steering wheel should be in line with the top of the shoulders.
  • Maintain approximately 10 inches between the body and the steering wheel to prevent knee or thigh interference.
  • Use a cushion if needed to achieve proper height and visibility.

Steering Wheel Adjustment

• The angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted using a lever on the steering column.
• Some steering wheels can also telescope in and out.
• The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than the top of the driver's shoulders.
• Hand position on the steering wheel should be at nine o'clock and three o'clock, with thumbs on the face of the steering wheel.
• Alternative hand position is eight o'clock and four o'clock.

Climate Control

• Controls for air conditioning, heater, defroster, and air vents are located in a cluster on the instrument panel.

Visibility and Vehicle Safety

• Hazard Lights (Flashers):
  • Used to warn others of a hazard or that the vehicle is disabled on the side of the road.
  • Activates all turn signals simultaneously.
    Headlights Video
• Headlight Lever: The video displayed the headlight lever for the car being used. The presenter discussed the function of each of the symbols on the headlights.
• Each adjustment means something different such as OFF (all headlights and things associated are OFF) and AUTO, to have the headlights turn on by themselves based on the darkness.
• The video also showed how to use fog lights.
• High Beams: How to keep high beams on permanently or only flick them one time.