Defensive Drive Course

Defensive Driving Course & Traffic School
Have Another Day By Driving Safe Today
www.DriveSafeToday.com
Table of Contents
Introduction 7 1. Sharing the Road with Others .. 9
Police & Emergency Vehicles Pedestrians Pedestrian Accidents Trucks & Buses Mature Drivers Young Drivers Visually Challenged People Motorcycles Bicycles Low-Speed Vehicles Construction Workers Children Animal-Drawn Vehicles Vehicles with Hazardous Loads
2. Drugs, Alcohol & Health Issues .. 31

Effects of Alcohol Drinking & Driving Effects of Drugs and Driving
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Breath Tests Vision Hearing Alertness
3. Defensive Driving .. 43
Preventing a Collision Stopping Quickly Turning Quickly Speeding Up Aggressive Drivers & Road Rage Keeping a Safe Distance Proper Spacing Distractions Text Messaging & Cell Phones Passing & Changing Lanes Handling Driving Problems Handling Vehicle Problems What to do in Vehicle Collision Collision / Crash Checklist
4. Driving Rules, Regulations & Penalties.. 61

Speed Control Speeding
Driving Too Slow Passing Turning Regulations U-Turns Right Turns Stopping Regulations Right of Way & Yielding Regulations Pedestrians Proper Use of Headlights & Horns Safe Driving Practices Parking Regulations Suspension of Driving Privileges Registration, Inspection and Insurance Law Enforcement Stop Unattended Vehicles Littering
5. Traffic Signs & Signals ..... 76

Traffic Signals Lights Pedestrian Signal Lights Traffic Signs Directions of Officer Road Markings
Miscellaneous Signs & Signals
6. Know Your Vehicle ..... 82

Common Car Maintenance Exterior Equipment Interior Equipment Seat Belts Air Bags Car Seats and Child Restraints Anti-Theft Starting a Car Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer
7. Special Driving Conditions . 95

City Driving Highway Driving Wet Roads Snow & Ice Reduced Visibility Night Driving Drowsy Driving Hill Country & Curves
Driving in Reverse Traffic Congestion Deer Hazards
Conclusion . 107
Introduction
Welcome to DriveSafeToday.coms online defensive driving course! If youre like most people, you were probably filled with excitement when you first learned to drive. Remember that rush of pride when you showed your brand-new license off to all your friends? Or, how about the exhilarating moment when you first realized you had the freedom to go anywhere? Yes, many drivers feel more powerful when they get behind the wheel of a car. However, we should never forget that with great power, comes great responsibility. When driving, its a given that youre responsible for your own wellbeing. But keep in mind that its also important to take into account the safety of your passengers, in addition to every pedestrian and driver you encounter. Yep, you read that right; the decisions you make can potentially impact everyone else on the road and you owe it to themand yourselfto approach driving in an alert and knowledgeable manner. We appreciate your decision to take this defensive driving course with DriveSafeToday.com, and wed like you to know this course was designed and developed with you, the user, in mind. This driver education program is the culmination of years of industry experience combined with a host of third-party resources. This course is intended not only to teach you how to be a safer and more responsible driver, but also to be both fun and interactive. Were proud of the hard work weve put in to this course and its our sincere desire that you enjoy it, and will share your experience with friends and family. Did you notice that there are 2 timers on this course? The timers are there to ensure that you spend the time required by Law, reading and reviewing the course material. The Page timer is located at the top-left of the page and indicates the amount of time that you must spend on each page. This timer must read 00:00:00 before you can proceed to the next page. The Course timer is located in between the Go Back and Go Forward text at the top of the page, and is only visible when you hover your mouse over the grey-colored bar. When we wrote the course material we took your limited time into consideration, and also added an element of excitement in order to make the time pass a little more quickly. Youre allowed to log in and out as you need and well keep track of the total amount of time you have spent on the course. We understand this may sound a bit daunting at first, but dont worry! Once you begin reading and realize how much fun youre having, you may start to wish that the course would never end! You will only receive credit for this course if youre the one that completes it. Well confirm your identity throughout the course by asking a few validation questions. Its important that you dont use any third party assistance when completing this course; this is for you, and only you, to do by yourself.
Please read along with us as we explore the following 7 topics: Sharing the Road with Others Drugs, Alcohol & Health Issues Defensive Driving Driving Rules, Regulations & Penalties Traffic Signs & Signals Know Your Vehicle Special Driving Conditions To keep you engaged, weve compiled practical information, little known facts and various stories about real life situations. You may read some things that you havent thought about since your first driving class. You may even come across tips that are completely new to you. You may think you already know everything regarding driver safety. In fact, thats very likely, because statistics show that most Americans consider themselves to be good, careful drivers. Sadly, statistics also show that roughly 10 million car accidents occur in the United States each yearso its reasonable to conclude that at least some of those people arent as careful as they think. Certainly it couldnt hurt to familiarize ourselves with the finer points of driving and automobile safety. As you proceed through this course, carefully read the text and feel free to take notes whenever necessary. Also, take your time and make sure you understand each section before moving on to the next. Hey! You have a green light, so why are you idling? Go ahead and start the course already! Course Requirements: After course completion, you will be asked to complete a course evaluation. Although the form is not mandatory, it will help us and the DMV get a better idea on what you thought about your experience.
1. Sharing the Road with Others

Have you ever thought about how much easier driving would be if no other cars or people were on the road? The reality is that any person could be a fantastic driver if every obstacle was removed from their path. The truly best drivers, however, are the ones who learn to share the road effectively. As with most things in life, its the challenges that make us great. In this lesson, well explore the different obstacles youre required to share the road with: 1. Police & Emergency Vehicles 2. Pedestrians 3. Trucks & Buses 4. Mature Drivers 5. Young Drivers 6. Visually Challenged People 7. Motorcycles 8. Bicycles 9. Low-Speed Vehicles 10. Construction Workers 11. Children 12. Animal-Drawn Vehicles 13. Vehicles with Hazardous Loads
Police & Emergency Vehicles

As the morning sun begins its ascent, the silence is interrupted by the roaring engine and screeching tires of a stolen sedan. In the distance the faint sounds of police sirens are fast approaching. Up above, helicopters circle the sky like hawks hunting their prey. Unaware of the police chase occurring across town you begin your morning commute to work. Your favorite song comes on the radio and you instinctively turn up the volume. As you sing along, a fast approaching police cruiser takes a shortcut down your street. Suddenly, the loud siren from the police cruiser awakes you from your morning stupor. You pull over safely and allow the officer to pass. We all know what its like to be driving along, daydreaming and humming to the radio, only to be snapped alert by flashing emergency lights rushing up to us from behind. It can certainly be shocking when emergency vehicles seem to appear next to you without warning but its important not to lose your cool. All cars are required by law to yield the right-of-way to all police and emergency
vehicles that have their sirens on and/or their lights flashing. Emergency service personnel, such as firefighters and police officers understand that most motorists are not used to dealing with emergency traffic on a regular basis. Thats why, even though they appear to be driving offensively, they are really driving defensively. Theyre professionally trained on the proper way to drive their emergency response equipment, as well as how to handle unforeseen situations that could potentially result in the unexpected, like someone pulling out in front of them. Knowing the proper maneuver to safely remove your car from the emergency vehicles path, and how to then quickly resume your normal driving habits is one way to keep you, your family and emergency personnel safe when the inevitable occurs. Please practice the following safety measures when encountering an emergency vehicle: Upon being approached by an emergency vehicle using audible and visual signals, immediately pull to the right side of the road and then wait for it to pass. If stopped at an intersection with two-way traffic, remain in place until the emergency vehicle passes. When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle using visual signals, yield, change lanes to move away from the emergency vehicle and proceed with caution. If a lane change isnt possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution. All states have laws requiring motorists to yield to emergency vehicles when they sound sirens, and/or are flashing emergency lights, which may be either red or blue in color. If a motorist witnesses an emergency vehicle exhibiting this behavior, they should steer to the extreme right of the roadway, stop, and wait for the vehicle to pass. Keep in mind though, that different types of emergency vehicles use different kinds of lights. Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances or other emergency vehicles, for instance, have sirens and red lights. Private vehicles operated by volunteer fire and rescue squad members (with emergency vehicle identification) use blue lights. In an emergency situation, minutes can often mean the difference between life and death and critical seconds can be lost if drivers dont clear a path for emergency vehicles. Remember, its very important for drivers to respect response vehicles by moving out of the way and stopping. Doing so will provide the space needed for the vehicle to pass, and will ideally offer an escape route should something go wrong. When you or a loved one needs the help of an emergency responder, you will be thankful for the responsible drivers who didn't impede their response and allowed for their safe and prompt arrival. An easy way to remember the proper way of yielding to an emergency vehicle is by using the acronym S.I.R.E.N. S: Stay Alert Drive defensively, keep your cars noise level to a minimum and pay attention for more than one emergency when hearing a siren. I: Investigate
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Check your rear-view mirror, scan both the front and sides of your vehicle, attempt to estimate the closing speed of the emergency vehicle, and plan your next move. R: React React quickly but calmly, scanning all directions before pulling over. Always use a turn signal when exiting the roadway and dont slam on the brakes or pull over suddenly. E: Enter Before re-entering the road, conduct a visual sweep in all directions, flip on your turn signal and gradually merge back into traffic. N: Never Its important motorists dont attempt to stop at a location that doesnt provide enough room to safely pull over. In addition, motorists should never attempt to follow or outrun an emergency vehicle.
Pedestrians
The following is a list of statements, made by real people, on their insurance accident claim forms. Take a few moments to read through them, but be mindful of your jaw; you may find it dropping in disbelief. Pedestrian Accidents The pedestrian ran for the pavement, but I got him. The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him. I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the road when I struck him. To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian had no idea which way to run as I ran over him. The car in front hit the pedestrian, but he got up so I hit him again. A pedestrian hit me and went under my car. I saw her look at me twice. She appeared to be making slow progress when we met on impact. We may smile while reading the above list, but in reality, pedestrian safety is a serious issue. Dont forget, each and every statement above describes a real person who was only trying to go about his or her business before their day was suddenly made much worse by colliding with a heavy, fast-moving vehicle. A pedestrian is considered a person moving on foot or using a conveyance, such as roller skates, skateboards, etc., other than a bicycle. A pedestrian can also be a person with a disability using a tricycle, quadricycle, or wheelchair for transportation. Because pedestrian deaths occur in 17 percent of all traffic fatalities, driving cautiously when pedestrians are near is important because they may suddenly cross your path.
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On December 1st, 2010, Ling Murray and her two-year-old daughter, Calli, were walking back to their home in Rohnert Park, California. While passing through a crosswalk about two blocks from their house both mother and daughter were hit by a 1997 Honda. Murray was only injured, but her daughter didnt survive the collision. The driver, a Sonoma State Freshman and star volleyball player, was using her cell phone at the time of the accident. In response to the tragedy, friends and neighbors petitioned for the town to more clearly mark the crosswalk and to reduce the speed limit in that area. However far those precautions may go toward making Rohnert Park pedestrians safer, bigger signs and lower speed limits dont offer protection from motorists who are simply not watching the road. Without question, the most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities is to pay attention. You can significantly reduce your chances of being in a collision with a pedestrian by obeying traffic rules and being aware of inherent dangers posed by your car. Make eye contact with pedestrians if possible and make sure that they can see you. In reality, most of the guidelines boil down to using simple common sense. Pedestrian activity is at its greatest within densely developed areas such as cities and town centers, but is also significant in neighborhoods and along suburban roadways. Motorists should always take special precautions to watch for pedestrians in these areas as well. Not only are motorists prohibited by law from blocking a crosswalk when stopped at a red light or a stop sign, a motorist must also not stop with a portion of their vehicle in the crosswalk area, such as their front bumper. When a motorist blocks a crosswalk it forces pedestrians to go around the vehicle, consequently placing them in danger. A motorist must stop, and remain stopped, for a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk. This also includes any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection except at those where the movement of traffic is being regulated by police officers or traffic control signals, or where otherwise prohibited by municipal, county, or State regulation. However, these guidelines dont apply where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided. Remember, pedestrians are the road users most susceptible to traffic risk, which means that as the driver of a motor vehicle, you must use extra caution to avoid a collision. Regardless of the rules of the road or of right-of-way, the law specifically requires you to exercise great care to avoid striking pedestrians. Children often pose a high risk to motorists because they can be unpredictable pedestrians and are typically difficult to see. Take extra care to look out for children, especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks and frozen dessert vehicles, such as ice cream trucks. The most important pedestrian safety message is this: Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. There is no one, single cause for pedestrian-related crashes, and
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pedestrians and motorists alike must do their part to ensure pedestrian safety. A motorist should: Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Watch for pedestrians when turning right on a red light. Obey posted speed limits. Take great care not to block or park in crosswalks. Keep their vehicles windshield clean, allowing for maximum visibility. Be alert for pedestrians at all times. Remain alert in areas where pedestrians are most likely to appear (near schools, town centers, residential neighborhoods and parks). Never attempt to pass a vehicle thats stopped in order to allow a pedestrian to cross. Stop for all pedestrians in a crosswalk, even if they are still in the crosswalk when the signal changes. Remember that pedestrians are the most vulnerable roadway users. Remember, as a motorist, you will be held responsible for maintaining pedestrian safety.
Trucks & Buses

Have you ever heard the old urban legend about the two trucks and the Volkswagen Beetle? As the story goes, one eighteen-wheeler rear-ends another in a high-speed crash. The impact is so great that the two trucks actually become fused together and have to be hauled off, still connected, to the junkyard. Days (or weeks, depending on whos telling the story) pass. When the proper authorities finally get around to prying the two trucks apart, they discover to their horror that a Volkswagen Beetle, complete with a passenger, had been crushed between the trucks during the accident. However sad and disturbing this tale may be, it has been told time and time again. Often its shared with drivers education students, possibly to instill in them a healthy fear of big trucks. Happily, the story doesnt appear to be truebut most urban legends are at least inspired by reality, and this one is no exception. The reality is this: If a car and a truck collide, the car, being a much smaller vehicle, is likely to see the worst of it. A motorist should always use caution when driving alongside trucks. Sharing the road with larger vehicles can be safe as long as a motorist understands the visibility, stopping distance and maneuverability limitations of these vehicles.
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In more than 60 percent of all fatal crashes involving cars and big trucks, police reports indicate that the driver of the car, rather than the truck driver, contributed to the cause of the collision. In January 2011, for example, a 22-year-old driver of St. Johns County, Florida, was injured when he rear-ended a box truck on U.S. 1. Taylor Strunk was driving his 2008 Nissan sedan in the right lane. Just ahead, a truck, driven by Shawn Mack, slowed for an upcoming traffic signal. As you might guess, Strunk failed to stop in time, and not only did his car rear-end the truck, but the impact was so severe that it sent him flying 154 feet before stopping in the median of the road. Strunk was in critical condition upon arriving at the hospital, but the fact is that he was lucky to be alive at all. In fatal traffic crashes involving cars and trucks, the driver of the car is killed 80 percent of the time because trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars. However, many of these crashes couldve been avoided if the motorists knew about the limitations of trucks and buses and how to steer clear of unsafe situations involving large vehicles. Remember, trucks, recreational vehicles and buses are big! And, the bigger they are: 1) The longer it takes them to stop, 2) The bigger their blind spots, and 3) The more room they need to maneuver. As a result, it takes longer for a car to pass them. Be sure to keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to pass a truck or bus. It Takes Trucks Longer to Stop: Large trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles traveling at the same speed. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop within 400 feet. However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take almost 800 feet to stop. Never move in front of a large truck and then slow down suddenly or stop, as they wont be able to avoid crashing into you. In addition, during bad weather, a truck can take as much as 25 percent longer to stop. Put into context, this means that a truck can take 1,000 feet to come to a full stop during inclement conditions, which is longer than three football fields placed end-to-end. This difference is primarily caused by brake lag, which is unique to large trucks. Air brakes, which transmit braking power from the tractor to the trailer, are subject to a lag that can add many feet to a stopping distance. As a result, a good strategy to implement is to leave adequate space between your car and the truck. If youre driving in front of a truck, indicate your intention to turn in advance or change lanes early. Remember, its crucial to avoid suddenly moving into the path of a large truck. Trucks Have Bigger Blind Spots: Drivers of passenger vehicles often incorrectly assume that a trucker can see the road better because he or she is higher off the road. While truckers do have a better forward 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 14
view along with larger mirrors attached to their truck, they still have large blind spots that your vehicle can get lost in. If you drive in these blind spots, you block the truckers ability to take evasive action should a dangerous situation arise. Generally speaking, if you cant see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, he or she cant see you. These blind spots are often called the no zone, and are located in the rear, front, sides and head-on locations of the truck. When any vehicle, whether big or small, makes a turn, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than the front, and the longer the vehicle, the greater the difference in turning radius. Because of this, big rig drivers must often swing wide to complete a right turn. When you follow a big rig, look at its turn signals before you begin passing. If the truck appears to be turning left, double check the turn signals, as the driver may actually be swinging wide to turn right. Rear no-zone Remain far behind a truck thats preparing to back up or is in the process of actively backing up. Never pass closely behind a truck thats preparing to back up or one thats in the process of backing up. Because of a trailers width, objects that suddenly come between it and a loading dock are completely hidden to the driver. The area behind the truck is a no-zone (blind spot) not only for the truck driver, but for other motorists as well. A motorist should increase their following distance far enough behind a truck or other large vehicle that the driver can spot a motorist in their rearview mirrors. Never tailgate or remain sandwiched between trucks. A motorist should consistently maintain a sizable amount of space between their vehicle and larger ones on the road. When coming to a stop behind a truck or bus, leave plenty of space between it and your vehicle, especially when facing uphill. Larger vehicles have a tendency to roll backwards slightly when beginning to move. Allow additional road space for a truck thats turning wide. Because trucks are larger than most other vehicles, their drivers may be required to slow down, back up or swing wide to negotiate a turn. For example, a truck driver may have to swing wide to the left to make a narrow right turn. However, their drivers cant see smaller vehicles directly behind or beside them, making it important for other motorists to practice caution. Front no-zone Maintain a consistent speed when passing. Dont change lanes and pull in front of a large truck until the entire vehicle can be seen in your rearview mirror. Always signal before changing lanes and never pass on the right. Side no-zone Minimize time spent within the blind spots along both sides of a truck. Make sure to pass as quickly as is safe, since the truck driver wont be able to see you, should they
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need to quickly change lanes or make an emergency maneuver. Head-on no-zone A motorist should bear right when a large vehicle is traveling toward their vehicle from the opposite direction. This reduces wind turbulence once the larger vehicle passes and may help prevent a potential sideswipe. Trucks Need More Room to Maneuver: Trucks are designed to efficiently transport a large amount of products and as a result are not as maneuverable as smaller passenger vehicles. Large trucks have longer stopping and starting distances; they take more space for turns and weigh much more. On multilane highways and freeways, large trucks usually remain in the center portion of the road to help ease traffic flow. This position also increases the drivers options if they are forced to change lanes while avoiding a hazard. For your safety and for that of other motorists sharing the road, try to avoid these four common mistakes when driving around large trucks: 1. Cutting off a truck while in traffic or speeding on the highway in order to reach an exit or turnoff. 2. Lingering alongside a truck when passing. 3. Following too closely or tailgating. 4. Underestimating the size and speed of an approaching truck. Yielding to School and Commercial Buses: Most states have laws in place requiring all non-emergency vehicles to yield the right-ofway to buses re-entering traffic after dropping off, or picking up, bus passengers. However, bus operators are also required to drive in a safe and responsible manner just like any other vehicle operator. Once the bus is back within the normal flow of traffic, motorists are no longer required to yield the right-of-way to buses changing lanes. This yield law was enacted to improve safety on the states roadways. Also remember, a motorist must come to a complete stop when a school bus is picking up or dropping off children, or when the red, flashing lights are activated. This law is in effect for the safety of the children. School buses are equipped with red and yellow (or amber) flashing lights. The yellow (or amber) lights are triggered before the bus comes to a stop, and the red lights flash when the vehicle has fully stopped. Always use caution when following a bus, especially one that may be coming to a stop, and always look for pedestrians. When a bus comes to a stop, all motorists traveling behind or approaching the front must also stop their vehicles. However, when deciding whether or not to proceed, motorists shouldnt depend solely on these lights as they may be malfunctioning. A motorist should resume driving only after
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the bus signals have been turned off and after they have scanned the immediate area for children.
Mature Drivers
How many mature drivers do you suppose are currently on the roads? As the average American life span continues to increase, more and more drivers are outliving their ability to safely operate a vehicle. These drivers also tend to maintain active licenses for longer periods of time and drive more miles than mature drivers of past generations. According to the United States Federal Highway Administration, as of 2008 there were nearly 22 million licensed drivers aged 70 and older. Due primarily to the sizeable Baby Boomer population, this number is projected to increase to nearly 40 million by 2025. And if you arent one of these mature drivers now, theres a very good chance that you will be in 2025! Here are but a few examples of accidents involving mature drivers from around the country: One night in April 2005, a 99-year-old Wisconsin woman (whose license wasnt up for renewal until 2006) was driving the wrong way on a highway before crashing head-on into a pickup truck. The 40-year-old truck driver was only injured, but the elderly woman was unfortunately killed. In August 2010, 93-year-old Stanley Para of East Greenwich, Rhode Island struck a married couple as they entered a crosswalk. When asked about the cause of the accident Para explained, My feet got tangled. Instead of stepping on the brake I stepped on the gas pedal, and it took off." Luckily, both the husband and wife survived. Perhaps the most notorious story occurred during 2003, when 86-year-old George Russell Weller ignored signs indicating a closed road and plowed through a crowded farmers market in Santa Monica, California. Ten people died as a result and many more were injured. Weller was found guilty on 10 counts of vehicular manslaughter and was sentenced to five years' felony probation. The case sparked a national debate on the dangers presented by elderly drivers. But then again, you dont need to be 70 or older in order to qualify as a mature driver, since the term refers to anyone who suffers from impairments with any of the three essential driving functions; vision, cognition, and motor function. Due primarily to the fact that older individuals suffer from these impairments in greater proportion than younger drivers, this puts them at a much higher risk. According to the Maine Department of Transportation, from 2005 to 2009, drivers over 65 were involved in an average of 4,695 traffic accidents per year, which resulted in 41 deaths. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 actually caused more accidents (11,717 crashes per year) but only resulted in 55 deaths. As a result, their fatality rate was much lower than for mature drivers.
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Age-related vision changes cause older adults more difficulty adjusting to darkness, recognizing objects under low lighting conditions, recovering from glare, and scanning their environment. Virtually all behavior slows with age, with performance decreases being more pronounced as task complexity and cognitive demands increase. Making decisions becomes more difficult, as does changing a course of action once a commitment has been made. Memory also deteriorates with age, though the decline in healthy adults isnt as great as previously believed. Short-term memory in particular is greatly affected by aging. While few studies have linked cognitive declines specifically to driving abilities, its clear that these kinds of changes could be problematic for drivers who are suffering from them. Experience and judgment can help compensate for slowed responses and sensory deficiencies. Though driving is essential for the mobility of mature individuals, evidence shows that most are aware of their changing abilities and adapt accordingly. Mature drivers tend to make shorter trips totaling fewer miles, drive substantially less at night, avoid heavy traffic areas and stay home during bad weather. These self-regulated changes in exposure to risk account for the majority of differences between younger and older drivers crash characteristics. Mature individuals should follow these tips for safer driving: Make sure you always wear your glasses and theyre for a current prescription. If you lose or break your glasses don't rely on an old pair; replace them right away with your newest prescription. Avoid eyewear with sidepieces, which may block your vision. Dont wear sunglasses or tinted lenses at night. This reduces the amount of light that reaches your eyes and can make driving much more hazardous. Refrain from darkening or tinting your cars windows. Avoid driving during periods of low light such as dawn, dusk and at night. If youre extremely light-sensitive, checking with your eye doctor to see if it can be corrected with special eyewear or surgery may be a good idea. Keep your windshield, mirrors and headlights clean, and make sure your headlight aim is checked each time your car is inspected. When making a new purchase, choose a vehicle with larger dials and easy-to-read symbols. For an existing vehicle, turn the instrument panels brightness up as far as it will go. Sit high enough in your seat that youre able see the road within 10 feet of the front of your car, which will vastly decrease the amount of glare you experience at night from opposing headlights. If your seats cant be raised, use a cushion to elevate your position. Also, when experiencing oncoming traffic, look to the lower right side of the road, which will help prevent temporary light blindness. Some vehicles even feature rearview mirrors that automatically filter out glare, which can be beneficial for nighttime driving. If youre 60 years of age or older, seeing an eye doctor yearly to check for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other conditions may reduce
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their effect on your vision. It also may be wise to choose a car with an automatic transmission, power steering and power brakes, as these features may help ease the burden of decreased motor function and cognition. An occupational therapist or a certified driving rehabilitation specialist can prescribe special equipment to make it easier for you to steer your car and operate the foot controls. Eliminate your driver's side blind spot by adjusting your side mirror, by first leaning your head against the window. Then, adjust your mirror outward so that you can barely see the side of your car when focusing on the mirrors inside edge. If your car has a wide-angle mirror be sure to practice judging distances between your vehicle and others before utilizing it in traffic. Remain alert to sounds outside your vehicle. Limit the amount of conversation between passengers and keep background noises such as the radio to a minimum. If you wear a hearing aid be careful when opening car windows, as some people may find the sudden draft of air will impair their aid's effectiveness. Watch vigilantly for emergency vehicles and their flashing lights, as you may not be able to hear the siren at a distance. Sit at least ten inches from the steering wheel in order to reduce injury from air bag deployment. Also, remember to always wear your seatbelt. Plan your route in advance, and travel in areas where youre familiar with road conditions and traffic patterns. Drive during the day so that you can avoid rush hour. If you must drive during this time find alternate routes with less traffic. Maintain a safe following distance between you and the car ahead. When approaching intersections, remind yourself to look not only directly ahead, but also toward the sides of the road. Try to make left turns only at intersections where green arrow signals provide protected turns. If necessary, left turns can be completely avoided by making a right turn at the next intersection, followed by two more right turns toward your destination. Be aware of your physical limitations at all times, and how they may affect your driving. Listen carefully to what those who love youre saying. If theyre concerned enough to approach you about your driving abilities, show them that you care by listening.
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Discuss any medications you may be taking with your doctor, as he or she can evaluate any side effects that may impair your driving. Learn about new traffic control and roadway design features and refresh your knowledge of safe driving practices through a mature driver class. Begin planning alternative ways of meeting your transportation needs. Learn about transportation options in your community and see what options work best for you.
Young Drivers
Young drivers are generally healthy. Their vision is good, their hearing is sharp, and their reflexes are excellent. However, young drivers have very high crash rates. Young drivers only make up a small fraction of the nations licensed drivers, but theyre involved in a large percentage of fatal crashes. The following statistics highlight the importance of driver education and risk awareness for young drivers: One out of every seven 16-year-old driver will have a serious crash before his/her 17th birthday. Four out of five young drivers will be involved in a crash during the first three years of driving. For young drivers, the risk for crash involvement is at a lifetime high during the first six months of unsupervised driving. Research indicates that errors due to inexperience, rather than high speed and irresponsible behavior, account for the largest share of young driver crashes. A majority of all young driver fatal crashes occur in daylight. The most dangerous time of day for young driver fatal crashes is the three-hour period (2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) after school. Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death among children and young adults. About a third of crashes killing young drivers involve alcohol. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 2010, teenagers accounted for 10 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths. They comprised 11 percent of passenger vehicle (cars, pickups, SUVs, and vans) occupant deaths
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among all ages, 7 percent of pedestrian deaths, 3 percent of motorcyclist deaths, 10 percent of bicyclist deaths, and 16 percent of all-terrain vehicle rider deaths. In addition to inexperience, the following are mistakes that young drivers make: 1. Being distracted: cellphones, CDs, text messaging, loud music and food can cause distractions to the driver. Its important to remember that talking on the cell phone is also dangerous, despite the use of a hands-free device. Anything that diverts your attention from focusing on the road should be avoided. About 25% of all car crashes are caused by distractions. According to the National highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009 about 5,500 vehicular-related deaths can be attributed to distracted driving, such as texting. These statistics alone should serve as a reminder of the dangers involved with distracted driving. Fortunately, there are many companies and groups that have launched campaigns to educate young drivers of these dangers. 2. Taking Risks: young drivers tend to feel invincible when they get behind the wheel. Studies show that teenagers are predisposed to risk-taking. This causes them to also make risky choices when driving. Young drivers tend to change lanes without checking the blind spot, ignore stop signs, speed through signal changes and ignore traffic signs and signals. These risky behaviors significantly increase the chance of being involved in an accident. 3. Speeding: whether its for the thrill, need for speed, or the thought of being cool, young drivers tend to speed quite often. Unfortunately, they dont realize that this significantly reduces their response time. When it comes time to turn or change lanes, the action must be done a lot quicker and with more precision to avoid an accident. 4. Tailgating (following too close): Many young drivers ignore the proper spacing between cars thats required to avoid an accident. They tailgate to either intimidate the driver to move their vehicle or to simply show off. This dramatically increases the chances of being involved in an accident. 5. Overcrowding a car: young drivers often carry too many passengers. This results in reduced visibility, more aggressive driving, and an added distraction. Below are safe-driving tips for young drivers: Always wear your seat belt and be sure your passengers also wear their seat belt. You should always assume that responsibility. To protect yourself in case of an accident, be sure to adjust your car's headrest to a height behind your head (not your neck). If you adjust it to your neck, you have a high likelihood of having whiplash.
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Dont overcrowd. A good rule of thumb is that the number of passengers shouldnt exceed the number of seat belts in the car. Everyone needs to buckle up. Dont speed. Speeding contributes to many accidents among young drivers because it significantly reduces reaction time. Obey traffic signals and signs. Dont run a red light. Doing so can cause a serious accident. Be sure to use your turn signals to indicate your intention to turn. Turn them on in advance to give the driver behind you some time to react. Drive with responsibility. Remember, youre responsible for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of all other drivers that you encounter on the road. Be sure your windshield is clean and your vision isnt blocked. A dirty windshield makes it very difficult to see. Listen to music at a reasonable level. Dont blast the music because you wont be able to hear sirens or horns. Dont wait for the last minute to put gas in your car. Many young drivers make this mistake. Dont drink and drive! Also, dont let a friend drink and drive! Dont be distracted by cell phones, food, conversation, or anything else. Focus on the road. Before driving to a new or unfamiliar location, be sure to have complete directions to avoid being distracted. Be sure to program radio stations and make CD selections before you start driving.
Visually Challenged People

Kendall, FL A blind man speaks out after being hit by a car. Ed Beresh, a Florida native was struck by a car while crossing the street on his way to the mall. As he approached the sidewalk he raised his white cane, as he is required to do by law, and then proceeded to cross the street. As he was half way across the street, Ed was struck by a car. This caused cuts to his face, a fractured nose and additional vision loss. Thankfully, Ed survived the
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accident. However, this story serves as a reminder that drivers must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Most states have laws in effect that require vehicles to surrender the right-of-way when any of the following crosses a highway or intersection: Blind persons who use a predominantly white or metallic cane, blind persons accompanied by a guide dog, or a guide dog instructor engaged in instructing a guide dog. When pedestrians meeting these criteria are within your vicinity, be especially mindful when turning corners or backing up, particularly if youre driving a hybrid vehicle, as these are typically much quieter than a traditional automobile. Below are six suggestions for helping blind pedestrians. 1. When stopped at a red light or stop sign, dont stop your vehicle more than 5 feet from the crosswalk. A blind pedestrian will use the sound of your engine as a reference to help them cross the street. 2. Stop at all crosswalks where pedestrians are attempting to cross. 3. Never stop in the middle of a cross walk, as youre forcing pedestrians to walk in the middle of the street. 4. Always look before you turn. Pedestrians may be more difficult to see around turns and caution must be taken. 5. Dont honk your horn at a blind pedestrian. The blind person doesnt know who youre honking at and may become disoriented from the noise. 6. Never block any sidewalks as you expose blind people to the risk of walking in the street.
Motorcycles
Invented by Gottlieb Daimler in 1885, the first motorcycle consisted of little more than a gas engine attached to a wooden bike. In modern times, however, there are over 6,000,000 motorcycles registered in the U.S. alone, with celebrities from Bob Dylan to Clint Eastwood among the ranks of former and current riders. Motorcycles travel just as fast as automobiles and their drivers must obey the same traffic laws. However, motorcyclists share many of the same problems faced by pedestrians and bicyclists, which is less protection. To improve visibility, motorcyclists keep their vehicle's headlights and taillights on at all times. For added protection, motorcyclists are required by law in many states to wear approved helmets. Its often hard to judge the distance to a motorcycle or how fast its approaching. As a result, many motorcycle crashes involving other vehicles occur when the automobile driver misjudges the motorcyclist's speed or distance and then stops or turns left in front of them.
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Because the directional signal doesnt automatically go off after a motorcycle makes a turn, its important to make sure the motorcyclist is actually going to turn before stopping or turning in front of them. Just like any other licensed vehicle, a motorcycle has the right to full use of a lane and is allowed to ride two abreast in a single lane. An experienced motorcyclist will often change positions within a lane to get a more clear view of traffic, avoid hazards and to be more visible to drivers. You may not pass or drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane, and a motorcyclist may not share a lane with you. Whether seen from ahead or from behind, a motorcycles outline is much smaller than a cars outline. Most drivers expect to see larger vehicles on the road. As we can see from the number of motorcycles in the U.S., its always important to keep an eye out. Always keep the following key points in mind when sharing the road with motorcycles: Check blind spots twice before changing lanes or making turns. Be aware of slippery, sloped, grooved and grated surfaces in the roadway, as these can present potential hazards for motorcycle riders. Keep watch for motorcycles at intersections, as well as when making a left turn. Always signal your intentions well in advance. Anticipate a riders maneuver in advance in order to avoid obstructions that may be minimal to a car or truck but are dangerous to a motorcycle. Always leave plenty of room between an automobile and a motorcycle. Always maintain a safe following distance when following a motorcycle because they have the ability to stop within shorter distances than other types of vehicles. Due to this, following too closely endangers both your life and that of the motorcyclist. When passed by a motorcycle, a motorist should maintain their speed and position. Allow plenty of room for the motorcycle to complete the pass and then resume proper lane position. A motorists failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of motorcycle collisions. Watch carefully for motorcycles and always yield the right-of-way. Look at least three times before pulling into an intersection or changing lanes and be aware that even the smallest of visual impairments can hide a motorcycle from view.
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Never attempt to share the lane with a motorcycle. The motorcyclist is entitled to adequate room to maneuver safely. Never pass a motorcyclist with only a few feet of available space, as the force of the wind can cause the rider to lose control. Remember also that motorcyclists may choose to ride near one side of a lane in order to maximize their view ahead. Because they take up less of your field of vision, depth perception can be distorted and it makes it difficult to gauge the speed of a motorcycle. Motorcycles may appear to be much farther away than they really are, so be sure to accurately gauge distance when making a maneuver in front of one. Motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting or rolling off the throttle. Since the motorcycles brakes may not be used, their brake light may not be activated. Keep in mind that a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning. Maintain a four second buffer zone between your vehicle and a motorcycle, and even more during bad weather. In traffic, particularly during severe weather or uncertain road conditions, motorcycles operate differently than other vehicles. For example, wind gusts can move a motorcycle across an entire lane. Wet or icy roads impair a motorcyclist's ability to brake and maneuver. Potholes or railroad tracks often require motorcyclists to change positions within their lane. Gravel roads decrease traction, and may cause a rider to slow down or brake. Make sure to give the motorcycle extra space when encountering these conditions.
Bicycles
New York, NY Brooklyn native Michelle Matson was riding her bike when a car struck her from behind. The driver of the vehicle didnt stop to call emergency personnel. Michelle ended up with a broken leg; some bruises and spent a few nights in the hospital. An on going police investigation is still underway to locate the driver of the car. This story is a grim reminder of the dangers that are present on all public roadways. Since 2001 the number of cyclists have been increasing every year, primarily because its a great method of exercise. As a driver, its important that you identify cyclists on the road and provide them with an ample amount of space. In most states, bicyclists have the right to share the road and must travel in the same direction as motor vehicles. Like pedestrians, these roadway users are often difficult to notice in traffic and have little protection from a traffic crash. When driving a motor vehicle, be sure to check your vehicle's "blind spots" before you parallel park, open a driver's side door, or pull away from a curb. Don't rely only on your rearview mirrors 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 25
alone - turn your head and look for bicyclists that may be alongside or approaching from behind. When driving, approach bicyclists with extreme caution. Give them room and slow down. Similar to motorcycles, air pressure from a quickly passing vehicle can throw them off balance. Be aware that the bicyclist near to or in front of you may react to road hazards by suddenly changing speed, direction, or lane position, just as a motorcyclist would. Trash, minor oil slicks, a pothole or crack in the concrete, a barking dog, a parked car or a car door opening, and other surprises can force a bicycle rider to swerve suddenly in front of you. The rules of the road and right-of-way apply to bicyclists; meaning you must yield the right-of-way to them just as you would to another vehicle. Bicyclists must obey the rules of the road as well, just as vehicle drivers do. While bicyclists riding after dark must have front and rear lights as well as a rear reflector, these illumination devices may be difficult for a motorist to see. Because of this, a motorist should always remain alert to the presence of smaller vehicles and bicyclists. Remember the following eight tips: 1. Watch for bicycle riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling, especially if the rider is a child. 2. When passing a bicycle rider allow at least 3 feet of space. 3. Avoid passing between a bicyclist and oncoming vehicles on a two-lane road. Slow down and allow vehicles to pass. Then move to the left to allow plenty of room to pass the rider safely. 4. Dont pass a bicycle in a narrow street. Wait until there is more room. 5. Watch out for bicyclists in residential areas. This is a danger zone because there are a lot more bicyclists present. 6. Watch for bicycles coming from driveways or from behind parked cars. 7. At night, watch the side of the road for bicyclists. They are required to have a front light and rear reflector but lights from approaching traffic may make them hard to see. 8. Merge with bicycle traffic when preparing for a right turn. Dont turn directly across the path of a bicyclist. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 26
Low-Speed Vehicles
A low-speed vehicle (LSV) is a four-wheeled conveyance that can attain a speed of more than 20 mph but no more than 25 mph on a paved surface. It cant be powered by gas or diesel fuel and must comply with federal safety standards. Motorists should be alert when these types of vehicles are present, as they may be difficult to see. The following guidelines must be observed when operating a low-speed vehicle: LSVs may not be driven on roadways with speed limits that exceed 25 mph. (In limited cases, if deemed appropriate by a municipality, county or the State Department of Transportation, LSVs may be permitted on roadways with speed limits no higher than 35 mph.) Watch for and abide by road signs prohibiting use, even on lower speed roads. LSVs may not be used as modified golf carts. LSVs must have a 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number. A motorist must have a valid license in order to legally operate a LSV. The LSV must be properly registered and insured. Child restraints in LSVs must meet the same standards as those used in passenger vehicles. LSV drivers are subject to the same violations as other vehicles. LSVs must meet all federal and state requirements.
Construction Workers
Wilkes-Barre, PA Two construction workers were struck by a vehicle in front of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital while working on the hospitals new emergency wing. Police said Margaret Tomascik was driving her Lincoln Town Car at a high rate of speed when she failed to observe the stop sign at the cross section of West Linden and North Franklin Street. Ms. Tomasciks vehicle struck a passing car and barreled through a construction zone striking Joseph Rubino and Thomas Cooney. Fortunately, the two men were able to make a full recovery. Though this story may seem too improbable to happen to you, the fact is that motorists hit hundreds of construction workers every year. Whats more, most of the accidents that
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occur in work zones result in driver and/or passenger fatalities, not the construction workers. A motorist should always remain alert for warning signs in and around construction sites. When entering such an area, a motorist should adjust speed and lane position to maintain adequate space around their vehicle. In most states, traffic fines are doubled for motor vehicle violations committed in roadway construction zones. These work zones are identified up to one mile in advance by the presence of warning signs or flashing lights. Pay close attention when roadwork is being performed. Signs and message boards warn drivers of the presence of workers, slow moving equipment, and closed lanes ahead. Cones and/or drums will guide you through the work zone if the path deviates from the normal roadway. Merge into the flow of traffic as soon as its safe to do so, and without crossing the cones or drums. Reduce your speed and be prepared to slow down or stop for highway equipment. In work zones where lanes are narrow or where the shoulder is closed, watch for bicycles and share the road signs when present. The most common cause of fatalities and injuries in work zones is rear-end collisions. Check the posted speed limit, and be sure to obey it even if you dont see any construction workers present. Gradually increase your speed after you see a sign notifying you of an increased speed limit and after you have passed the construction area. Remember these six tips when driving through a construction zone: 1. Proceed with extreme caution. 2. Watch out for highway workers. 3. Drive at the posted speed limit. 4. Avoid changing lanes or passing. 5. Leave adequate room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. 6. Reduce distractions such as cell phones, channel surfing on the radio, talking to passengers or eating.
Children
Children may be the most unpredictable road hazard that drivers face. As they grow and begin to explore the world, they exhibit a sense of invincibility. As most new parents would testify, you never know what your child is going to do next. As a motorist you must remain focused and vigilant against this possible threat, especially when Children at Play signs are visible. You should also be careful when driving in downtown areas and in suburban neighborhoods where children may be playing in the streets. Remember, children wont
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consider safety when running into the street after a bouncing ball or when they are riding their bicycle. Recently, a 2-year old was struck by a car in Wilmington, Delaware after running into traffic at West Fourth and North Clayton Streets. The adult watching the child was unable to get him before the child left the residence and wandered out into the street. Fortunately, the child only suffered abrasions to his head and legs and was taken to a nearby hospital. This is a reminder that a child can run into the middle of the road without warning and you must take the proper steps to avoid a collision. Its important to follow these eight rules when children may be present: 1. Obey the speed limits, especially in school zones. These limits are posted for a reason and though they may seem low, small children can be easily hidden or make sudden movements. 2. Never pass a school bus that has its stop sign out. Children will be exiting the bus and may run in front of your vehicle unexpectedly. Even after the school bus has departed, be very careful. 3. Pay close attention when driving down streets with no sidewalks. A child may need to walk along the road. 4. Take turns in residential neighborhoods more slowly. Its difficult to see around corners and a child may be playing in the street. 5. Take extra precautions during times when children are most likely to be outside. This includes times before and after school, weekends, holidays and especially during the summer months. 6. Careful driving is necessary on roads lined with parked cars. A child may be between two vehicles. If a child is present, drive slowly until you have safely passed them. 7. Reverse out of your driveway with care. Kids may be walking or playing behind your vehicle and its very difficult to see small children through your mirrors. 8. Pay attention to the road when driving around children. Even looking away for a second to adjust your radio is enough time for you to hit a child with your vehicle.
Animal-Drawn Vehicles
Any vehicle that isnt mechanically powered, but instead pulled by a domesticated animal such as a horse, is considered an animal-drawn vehicle. While the laws regarding these types of vehicles vary from state to state - the vehicle, the rider, and the horse are entitled to share the road with all other motorists. When approaching a vehicle thats being drawn by an animal, slow down or stop if necessary. Allow the rider or herder to guide the vehicle down the road and provide ample space for the vehicle to maneuver. Once you have clear, safe and legal opportunity to pass, indicate with a turning signal before passing. Though you may never experience an animal drawn vehicle, its important to understand what to do in the event you do. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 29
Vehicles with Hazardous Loads

The roadways are shared by vehicles that carry hazardous materials and all motorists should use extreme caution when driving near these vehicles. Hazardous materials include explosive, flammable, radioactive and toxic substances. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the transportation of hazardous materials (HAZMAT) within the US. Commercial vehicles that carry hazardous materials are required to have a placard clearly visible on their vehicle, which identifies the hazardous material they are transporting. DOT has determined the following nine classes of hazardous materials: 1. Explosives: The placard is an orange diamond shape that will have the word Explosive written on it. 2. Gasses: The placard can be various different colors including green, red, yellow or white and will have the word Gas written on it. 3. Flammable Liquids: The placard is typically red in color and diamond in shape. It will have an image of fire. 4. Flammable Solid: The placard is red or blue in color and diamond in shape. It will have an image of fire. 5. Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides: The placard is yellow in color and diamond in shape. It will have the image of a circle, which appears to be on fire. 6. Toxic and Infectious Substances: The placard is white in color and diamond in shape. It will have the image of a skull and bones, or the word Poison. 7. Radioactive Substances: The placard is half yellow and half white in color and diamond in shape. The word Radioactive will be written on the sign. 8. Corrosive Substance: The placard is half white and half black in color and diamond in shape. The word Corrosive will be written on the sign. 9. Miscellaneous: The placard is half black stripes and half white in color and diamond in shape. Extra precaution must be used when driving near a vehicle that appears to be carrying one these hazardous loads. Keep a safe distance and allow the vehicle to move freely across the road. The drivers of these HAZMAT vehicles are well trained on the substance that they carry and how to safely transport that substance.
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2: Drugs, Alcohol & Health Issues

What do Shia LeBeouf, Jamie Pressley, Paris Hilton, and Keifer Sutherland have in common? As you may have guessed from the title of this passage, theyve all been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). Celebrities always seem to be getting into trouble for one thing or another, but the lure of drugs and alcohol can affect even the non-famous drivers among us. According to the Uniform Crime Reports from the U.S Federal Bureau of Investigation, between the years of 2000 and 2008, there were roughly 1,396,888 DUI arrests annually in the United States. As a result!!we will explore the following five topics throughout this lesson: 1. Effects of Alcohol 2. Drinking & Driving 3. Effects of Drugs on Driving 4. Breath Tests 5. Staying Healthy = Safer Driving
Effects of Alcohol
In 2009, Wisconsin resident Mary Strey called 911 to report a drunk driver. Somebody's really drunk driving down Granton Road, she told the emergency dispatcher, who then asked if Strey was following behind them in her vehicle. I am them, Strey replied. As soon as police arrived on the scene, Strey was visibly slurring her words and swaying on her feet. While she should have never gotten behind the wheel in the first place, Ms. Strey should at least be applauded for taking necessary action upon realizing there was a problem. Even in her drunken state, she understood that alcohol and automobiles are a deadly mix. Each year in the United States, thousands lose their lives because an impaired driver selfishly decided to drink and drive, while hundreds of thousands more are injured. Several measures have been adopted to prevent such tragedies, but the numbers still remain far too high. Because of its depressant effect on the brain, alcohol has a profoundly negative effect on driving skills. If an individual has consumed more than one drink per hour, prior to 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 31
getting behind the wheel, one additional hour of sobering up time should be allowed for each extra drink. And remember this; the fact is that sober-up-quick methods dont work, and the only thing that can decrease intoxication is time. The majority (90 percent) of alcohol detoxification occurs by oxidization (burning up) through the liver, which is a slow, gradual process. The other 10 percent is eliminated in breath, urine and sweat. But to be even safer, someone who hasnt been drinking should act as a designated driver. Some of the effects of alcohol and their impact on driving include: Reaction time - Slowed reflexes can decrease the ability to swiftly react during emergency situations. Vision - Eye muscles function more slowly. Eye movement and perception are altered, possibly resulting in blurred vision. Adequate night vision and color perception are also impaired. Tracking Decreased ability to judge ones position on the road, in addition to the location of other vehicles, the centerline, road signage, etc. Concentration Decreased attention on the task of driving, as well as possible drowsiness. Comprehension - The depressant effect of alcohol hinders the ability to make rational decisions. Coordination - The mechanics of driving can be affected by reduced eye/hand/foot coordination. Whatever individual variations may exist, there is an established sequence of symptoms that correspond to different degrees of intoxication. For instance, the first mental processes to be affected are those connected with previous training or personal experience. Because driving is a learned skill, its often the first facility to be lost, particularly for individuals who havent been driving for very long. After a few more drinks, the ability to perform familiar and habitual tasks requiring relatively little thought, attention or skill is impaired. At this stage, you may find that you have to concentrate harder when opening a bottle of wine. Simply moving around in a crowd of people at a party may require your full attention. You may drop things, and conversations may be difficult to follow. As the bloods alcohol level rises, muscular coordination is further affected and basic reflexes become progressively depressed. There is reduced hand steadiness, difficulty standing, and emotional outbursts become more likely. In fact, its at this point that the drinker may even become openly aggressive or hostile. If alcohol consumption continues much beyond this stage, the drinker will be at risk of 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 32
falling into a stupor and eventual coma. If the coma persists for more than 10 hours, due to the persons acutely depressed central nervous system, they will usually die of asphyxiation due to respiratory paralysis.
Drinking & Driving

Signs of a drunk driver include (but are not limited to): Being unable to stay within their lane. Driving too fast. Driving too slow. Taking overly wide turns, Slowing down and speeding up erratically. Following another vehicle too closely. Pulling over recklessly. Driving without using headlights. Driving aggressively.
The following stories may be hilarious, but they also highlight the fact that you dont need to be driving in a car to get a DWI: In Blountville Tennessee, Martin Junior McMurray took police on a low-speed pursuit for a half-mile on his lawnmower, swerving between lanes and ignoring their police sirens. He was also driving on the wrong side of the road. When he was finally pulled over, the police officer stated that he was swaying back and forth and had a strong odor of alcohol. He failed a field sobriety test and blew a 0.15 on the Breathalyzer. He also had an unopened can of beer in his pocket. If you think thats ridiculous, in 2008 a man from Portland, Maine was charged with a DWI for operating a Zamboni machine (an ice-smoothing machine) at a local civic center. The fire department was summoned to the civic center after the man operated a forklift (prior to operating the Zamboni) that knocked out a sprinkler system and triggered an alarm. At the time police arrived, they noticed that the man was visibly intoxicated. In Kentucky, 18 year old Justin Dale Peters drank about 3 beers and took a 3-wheeled ATV for a spin. He tried to evade police but was eventually stopped in a driveway with his hands held in the air. He blew a 0.09 on the Breathalyzer. And the one that takes the cake - in August of 2008, a 62 year old man in Minnesota drank a few beers and drove his motorized Lay-Z-Boy reclining chair into a parked car. A lawnmower engine apparently powered the chair and it was also equipped with a stereo and cup holders. Dennis Leroy Anderson told police that he left the bar on his chair after
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drinking about 8 or 9 beers. His blood alcohol content was .29, more than 3 times the legal limit. Yes, these stories are certainly funny, but remember, after drinking alcohol or taking other drugs, safe driving is simply not possible. Not every impaired or intoxicated driver causes a traffic crash, but each one is dangerous, and risks their life and the lives of those sharing the road with them. The sudden, high-speed death of TVs "Jackass" star, Ryan Dunn, serves as a harsh reminder of this. On June 20th, 2011, in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania, Dunn was apparently driving his 2007 Porsche somewhere between 132 and 140 mph in a 55 mph zone. Because he was going far too fast for the road conditions, Dunns car skidded into a guardrail, went flying through the air, and eventually burst into flames as it smashed into a tree. Both Dunn and his passenger, Zachary Hartwell, were killed instantly. Theres no great mystery about what happened here. Hours before the accident, Dunn had posted a photo to his Twitter account showing himself and Hartwell drinking at a West Chester bar. Subsequent toxicology reports showed that Dunn had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.196% well over Pennsylvanias legal limit. Ryan Dunn was 34-years-old when he died. Typically though, younger drivers who have less experience with both alcohol and driving are at greatest risk. Drivers under 21 years old represent about 5 percent of the driving population, but 15 percent of the drivers involved in alcohol or drug-related fatalities. Because driving "under the influence" is so dangerous, the penalties for alcohol or drugrelated violations are very tough. This also means that police enforcement is subsequently a priority, and your chances of being caught and convicted are very high. The only scientific way to check a motorist who may have had too much to drink is through measuring blood alcohol concentration, or BAC. A simple breath test will show a drivers BAC. BAC is determined by four factors: 1. How much alcohol you consumed. 2. Your body weight. 3. How fast the alcohol was consumed. 4. If you ate any food. Your BAC does NOT depend on what kind of alcoholic beverage you drink, how physically fit you are, or how well you can "hold your liquor."
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Different types of drinks dont affect you differently. Its the amount of alcohol you consume, not whether its beer, wine, or liquor that raises your BAC (and subsequently lowers your driving ability). All of these drinks contain about the same amount of alcohol: 1! ounces of liquor (1 shot) = 5 ounces of wine (1 glass) = 12 ounces of beer (1 can). As you can see, none are "safer to drink" than the others. For a male weighing 150 pounds, each one of these drinks would contain enough alcohol to increase his BAC by about .02, and on average, it takes the human body about one hour to dispose of that same amount. However, studies suggest that a woman's body may process and remove alcohol from the blood more slowly than does a mans, which may result in a higher BAC over a longer period of time. Some people believe that sucking on a penny or a mint will lower their score on a Breathalyzer test, and according to the myth-busting website Snopes.com, at least one person actually tried this. An intoxicated driver from East Hampton, New York was found to be sucking on a penny when he was pulled over for driving erratically. Despite the use of this copper breath mint, the man failed all of the standard sobriety tests. Its a simple fact that the more alcohol you consume over a given period of time, your BAC will increase, and your ability to safely drive will be decreased. Many adults dont realize that it takes only a few drinks to raise your BAC to illegal levels. But its important to remember that the effects of alcohol on your driving ability actually begin after just one drink, even within acceptable BAC limits. Think back to when celebrity Paris Hilton was arrested in Los Angeles during 2006 on suspicion of driving under the influence. Hilton insisted that shed had only a single drink (I had a margarita!) before getting into her car that night. When asked to take a Breathalyzer test, Hiltons BAC was recorded at .08, which is the minimum limit for a California DUI. Many were skeptical of Hilton's claim that shed only had one drink. Of course, its impossible for any of us to know the true details of Hiltons situationbut the fact remains, one drink can result in a BAC of .08, a DUI charge, and a free night in jail. This is especially likely when the person who consumed the alcohol is underweight (at the time, Hilton was 5'9" and weighed around 110 lbs). Eating before or while you drink helps to slow alcohol absorption into the bloodstream, but eating cant prevent you from becoming impaired if you consume too much. Heavy drinking will always produce a high BAC, regardless of any other precautions that are taken. Quite simply, eating doesnt make a motorist sober. The best way to reduce the risk of a crash caused by the effects of drinking and driving is to quite simply refrain from driving after drinking. If a motorist has reached a BAC of slightly above .05, the risk of causing a motor vehicle
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accident doubles. The risk is six times higher when driving with a BAC of .10. The risk increases 25 times more when driving with a BAC of .15. In other words, its important to have a designated driver if youre going to drink. Here are a few designated driver figures: 97 percent of American adults have heard of the designated driver concept. Approximately two-thirds of Americans (66 percent) have been a designated driver at least once. 69 percent of Americans describe their designated driver as responsible. And heres some more good news: Thanks in part to increased public awareness of the importance of designated drivers, as well as a strong law enforcement presence, drunkdriving fatalities nationwide continue to decline. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports drunk-driving fatalities have decreased a total of 36 percent since 1982. Remember the famous slogan by the US Department of Transportation, Friends Dont Let Friends Drive Drunk? If youve ever had experience with drinking and driving, we urge you to consider the serious consequences these actions could cause to yourself, your friends and family, and your fellow citizens. In 1984, Mtley Cre front man Vince Neil was partying with the Finnish hard rock band, Hanoi Rocks. As the night wore on, Neil and Hanoi Rocks drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley eventually took what was supposed to be a quick ride to a local store in order to replenish the liquor supply. At the time, Neils BAC was .17, well above the then legal limit of .10 (the State of California eventually lowered the legal limit to .08 in 1990). It should be no surprise that he eventually lost control of his vehicle, skidded across the median strip, and collided head-on into an oncoming car. The two people in that car were seriously injured--but it was worse for Dingley, who eventually died due to his injuries. Neil was charged with DUI and vehicular manslaughter, sentenced to 30 days in jail, and required to pay $2.6 million in restitution to the accidents victims. In the end, he served only 20 days of his sentence; time having been deducted for good behavior. And if you were thinking that he got off far too easy, well, even Neil himself agrees with you. "I should have gone to prison, Neil told Blender magazine in 2005. I definitely deserved to go to prison. But I did 30 days in jail and got laid and drank beer, because that's the power of cash Youre 20-years-old and you've got a million dollars in your pocket and drugs and drinks and women and fame and there are lawyers to protect you. We just thought we could do anything."
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Surely, Neil learned the errors of his ways and went on to spend the rest of his life speaking out against the evils of drinking and driving. Right? Thats what wed like to think. But the truth is that Neil was arrested again in 2010 for driving with a BAC at nearly three times the legal limit. Yes, you read that right; three times. This time though, the Courts were not as friendly to Neil and sentenced him to a much longer jail term. We hope you, dear motorist, are a much faster learner.
Effects of Drugs on Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently conducted a survey in which they screened 5,900 drivers at night. Disturbingly, 16.3 percent of these drivers tested positive for drug use. Its illegal to operate a motor vehicle on any roadways under the influence of any drugs, whether illegal or legal. We may not always think of prescription drugs as potentially dangerous, but they can actually affect a persons driving ability just as much as an overly high blood alcohol level. Do you read the fine print on medicine bottles? If not, you should. Its important to be aware of common side effects created by any medicine you ingest, and the label on a prescription bottle exists solely for that purpose. Drugs that may cause drowsiness or dizziness shouldnt be taken before driving. If you have any questions, be sure to ask a doctor or pharmacist about how over-the counter drugs may affect driving. Drugs that may alter basic driving skills include cold pills, tranquilizers as well as some prescription medications. Never mix drugs without asking a medical professional about possible side effects, or how the drug may affect your driving. Alcohol should never be mixed with any drugs or medications. If asked by a law enforcement officer, motorists using prescription drugs must show proof of the prescription. If a motorist doesnt have a prescription for the drug and a prescription is necessary in order to obtain it, the drug will then be considered illegal. After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often found on drivers involved in collisions. Marijuana use may affect a motorist in the following ways: Loss of tracking ability: This is the ability to maintain a vehicles path within a given line. Distance judgment: Following too closely can cause problems.
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Vigilance: Not remaining attentive to the task of driving can cause a motorist to follow too closely, drift into another lane, etc. Divided attention: Driving is a task that requires constant attention to surrounding traffic, roadway and weather conditions, passengers, gauges, etc. Here are some interesting facts about common drugs and their effects on driving: Common medicines found in the majority of American households, when taken together or used with alcohol, can be very dangerous. Most drugs taken for colds, hay fever, allergies, or to calm nerves or muscles can cause drowsiness. Many drugs have unexpected side effects when taken with alcohol. Pep pills, uppers, and diet pills can make a driver more alert for a short period of time. Later, however, they can cause a person to become nervous, dizzy, and unable to concentrate. Some medications can also affect vision, and any drug that may cause drowsiness or dizziness is one that should never be taken before driving. Make sure you read the label carefully and understand the effects of any drug you take.
Breath Tests
We hear and read about drivers that are charged with a DWI, and usually a news report will state what the driver's blood alcohol level was and what the legal limit for blood alcohol is. For example, the legal limit may be .08 and the driver might be found to have a level of .16. But what does that mean? And how do police officers determine if a driver is legally drunk? This is where the Breathalyzer comes in. The first practical roadside breath-testing device intended for use by the police was the drunkometer. The drunkometer was developed by Professor Rolla H. Harger in 1938. This device collected a motorist's breath sample directly into a balloon that was inside the machine. The breath sample was then pumped through an acidified potassium permanganate solution. If there was alcohol in the breath sample, the solution changed color. The greater the color change, the more alcohol there was present in the breath. Although there are many different technologies for detecting alcohol, its widely accepted that Dr. Robert Borkenstein, a captain with the Indiana State Police and later a professor at Indiana University at Bloomington, is regarded as the first to create a device that measures a persons blood alcohol level based on a breath sample. In 1954, he invented his Breathalyzer, which used chemical oxidation and photometry to determine alcohol concentration.
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Chemical tests, such as the Breathalyzer, measure a person's blood alcohol level. A police officer will usually conduct a field sobriety test to determine if you may be intoxicated. The police officer may also have you submit to the Breathalyzer to detect the alcohol level. Even if an individual performs perfectly okay on the field sobriety test, they may still be breaking the law if their blood alcohol level exceeds the legal limit. Staying Healthy = Safer Driving Sure, everyone is always talking about the importance of staying healthy, but did you know that maintaining your health would actually make you a safer driver?
Vision
Its no secret that you need good vision in order to drive safely. If you cant see clearly, you cant judge distances or spot trouble, and you wont be able to make ideal judgments as a result. You also need to see peripherally, or out of the corner of your eye, to spot cars approaching from the side, while your eyes are simultaneously focused on the road ahead. You may see clearly but still be unable to accurately judge distances, which is essential to knowing how far you are from other cars. Many people who see well during the daytime may have trouble seeing clearly at night. Others see poorly in dim light and yet more may have trouble with headlight glare. Have your eyes checked by a healthcare professional every year or two because you may never know about poor peripheral vision or poor distance judgment until its too late.
Hearing
Hearing is more important to driving than many people think because this sense can warn a motorist to be careful of danger through the sound of horns, sirens or screeching tires. A motorist may also be able to hear a car that cant be seen. However, even people with good hearing cant hear well if the radio is blaring or when wearing earphones. Because of this, a motorist should always keep the radio volume turned down and should never wear earphones.
Alertness
When youre tired, you are less attentive, and because the body naturally wants to sleep at night, most drivers are less alert during this time, especially after midnight. Since you
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may not identify hazards as quickly as when rested and alert, your chances of being involved in a crash may increase. If youre sleepy, the only safe response is to get off the road and get some shuteye. According to a poll conducted in 2009 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4.7 percent of 74,571 Americans surveyed had dozed off or fully fallen asleep while drivingduring just the preceding 30 days! Clearly, drowsiness while driving is a bigger problem than one might initially think. To avoid becoming tired on a long road trip, follow the seven steps below: 1. Get a normal nights sleep before beginning. 2. Dont take any medications that can make you drowsy. 3. Dont drive long hours and try not to drive late at night. 4. Take regular rest stops, even if you dont feel tired. 5. Regularly shift your eyes from one portion of the road to another. Focus on objects near and far, left and right. 6. Try chewing gum or singing along with music. 7. Roll your window down to get some fresh air. If youre constantly tired and fall asleep often throughout the day, ask your physician to examine you for a sleep disorder. Its important to remember that even a cold, infection, or virus can affect your ability operate a motor vehicle. If youre not feeling well, for whatever reason, its best not to drive. There are certain conditions that are very dangerous: Epilepsy If its under medical control, epilepsy generally isnt dangerous. Each state has rules and regulations that dictate whether you can drive if youre under the care of a doctor. Generally, you have to be seizure-free for a period of 6-12 months or longer. DiabetesDiabetics who take insulin shouldnt drive when there is any chance of an insulin reaction, blackout, convulsion, or shock. This can be a direct result from skipping a meal or snack or from taking the wrong amount of insulin. If your doctor is adjusting your insulin dosage, it may be a good idea to have another person drive. If you have diabetes, you should have your eyes checked regularly for possible night blindness or other vision problems. Heart conditionThose with heart disease, high blood pressure or circulation problems, or those in danger of a blackout, fainting, or a heart attack, shouldnt drive. If youre being treated for a heart condition, discuss with your doctor if its safe for you to drive.
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the following is a comprehensive list of medical conditions that serve as red flags that driving ability may be compromised: A. Visual Conditions/Diseases 1. Low vision (vision ranging from 20/200 to 20/50) 2. Cataracts 3. Diabetic retinopathy 4. Glaucoma 5. Retinitis pigmentosa 6. Monocular vision (especially right eye blindness) 7. Macular degeneration 8. Nystagmus 9. Visual field defects B. Cardiovascular Disease 1. Cardiac arrhythmias if associated with cerebral ischemia 2. Artificial cardiac pacemakers if associated with cerebral ischemia 3. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy if associated with cerebral ischemia 4. Congestive heart failure if associated with cerebral ischemia 5. Valvular heart disease if associated with cerebral ischemia C. Cerebrovascular Disease 1. Cerebrovascular accident (Stroke) 2. Transient ischemic attacks D. Diseases of the Nervous System 1. Narcolepsy 2. Sleep Apnea E. Respiratory Diseases
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1. Chronic obstructive lung disease if associated with respiratory failure resulting in cognitive impairment due to generalized hypoxia 2. Respiratory Failure F. Metabolic Diseases 1. Hypothyroidism if condition results in cognitive deficits 2. Diabetes - the chronic effects of diabetes (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, etc.) are listed separately G. Renal Disease 1. Chronic renal failure if associated with cognitive impairment H. Dementia 1. Progressive dementia I. Psychiatric Diseases 1. Schizophrenia 2. Personality disorder 3. Chronic alcohol abuse J. Medications Chronic use of the following medications: 1. Antidepressants (particularly the older tricyclics such as amitriptyline, imipramaine) 2. Antihistamines (particularly the older antihistamines) 3. Any drug that has prominent central nervous system effects. If you have any of the conditions listed above or if youre taking any of the medication listed above, you should consult with your doctor and the department of motor vehicles to determine if youre eligible and fit to operate a motor vehicle.
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3: Defensive Driving
Weve all heard the term defensive driving, but could you define the phrase if asked on a test? If you answered no, youre not alone. It seems most of us know that we should drive defensivelythe only problem is that we dont know what driving defensively actually means! Defensive driving simply means that you operate your vehicle in a manner that optimizes the safety of you and those around you. To really drive defensively though, one must be able to identify and avoid hazards in a timely and predictable fashion. In defensive driving classes, students learn how to improve their driving skills by reducing their driving risks, anticipating potential situations, and making safe, wellinformed decisions. These decisions are implemented based on a wide variety of factors, including road and environmental conditions present when completing a maneuver. In this lesson, you will learn how to drive defensively by exploring the following nine topics: 1. Preventing a Collision 2. Aggressive Drivers & Road Rage 3. Keeping a Safe Distance 4. Distractions Text Messaging & Cell Phones 5. Passing & Changing Lanes 6. Handling Driving Problems 7. Handling Vehicle Problems 8. What to Do in Case of a Collision 9. Collision/Crash Checklist
Preventing a Collision
The six most common causes of collisions are: 1. Unsafe speed 2. Driving on the wrong side of the road 3. Improper turns 4. Violating the right-of-way rules 5. Violating stop signals and signs 6. Driver distractions Whatever the ultimate cause, most collisions begin with motorist error. When it looks like a collision may happen, many drivers panic and fail to act appropriately. In some 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 43
cases, they do act, but in a manner which often doesnt help to increase the chances of avoiding a collision. The good news is that there is almost always something you can do to avoid the crash or to reduce its impact. A motorist can reduce the chances of a collision by knowing and using the following standard collision-prevention formula: Be alert: Never think another motorist wont make a mistake. Be prepared: Learn what to do in any situation when a quick reaction is important, and always expect the unexpected. Act in time: Try not to panic. Know what to do if something happens suddenly. When avoiding an imminent collision, drivers have three options: Stop, turn or speed up.
Stopping Quickly
Many newer vehicles have an Antilock Braking System (ABS), which will allow you to stop without skidding. Due to its importance, be sure to read the owners manual about how to use the vehicles ABS. In general, if you need to stop quickly: Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can, and maintain pressure. You may feel the brake pedal pushing back when the ABS is working. However, dont release the brake pedal as the ABS system will only work when force is applied to the brake pedal. If you must stop quickly and your vehicle isnt equipped with an ABS: If you brake too hard you can cause the vehicles tires to lose their grip on the roadway and enter into a skid, so its important to apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking them. If the brakes do lock up, you will feel the vehicle begin to skid, at which point you should quickly release the brake pedal. As soon as the vehicle is no longer skidding, press down on the brake pedal once again and keep doing this until the vehicle has come to a complete stop.
Turning Quickly
Did you know that the first cars didnt have round steering wheels? In those days, drivers steered their vehicles with a lever, similar to a video game console. However, things got a bit easier for everyone in 1894, when Alfred Vacheron entered the Paris-Rouen race with a Panhard 4 hp model, fitted with a brand new type of steering mechanism; the wheel. Today, of course, we could hardly get by without steering wheels. In fact, they make turning so easy that an alert driver can turn a vehicle more quickly than he can stop it. For this very reason, its a great idea to consider turning when trying to avoid a collision. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 44
Make sure both hands are on the steering wheel and that you have a solid grip, because once you have changed lanes or turned away from the threat, you must be prepared to maintain control. Some drivers steer away from one collision only to end up in another. It almost seems like a no-brainer, but always steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. You would be amazed how many decisions youll need to make quickly in order to avoid a collision. Steering With ABS: One positive aspect of having a vehicle equipped with ABS is that you can turn your vehicle while braking without skidding, which is very helpful if you must suddenly turn, slow down or stop under emergency conditions. Steering Without ABS: If your vehicle doesnt have ABS, you must implement a different procedure in order to turn quickly while braking. First, you should step on the brake pedal, then release pressure while turning the steering wheel. Braking beforehand will slow the vehicle, put more weight on the front tires, and allow for a quicker turn. Dont lock up the front wheels while braking, or turn so sharply that the vehicle can only skid ahead. Remember, its generally better to run off the road than to crash head-on into an oncoming vehicle.
Speeding Up
At times its most appropriate, or even necessary, to speed up in order to avoid a collision. This may occur when another vehicle is about to strike your vehicle from the side or from behind and there is room in the front to remove the threat of danger. After speeding up though, be sure to slow down once the danger has passed. A motorist should never panic, especially in the few seconds before a collision. There are some last-minute choices that they will have to make, and should always be aware of what to do in an emergency situation. Reacting quickly and effectively can help avoid collisions, or at least minimize any resulting damage. If a collision appears likely, the motorist should turn away from oncoming traffic, even if it means leaving the road. Instead of skidding, driving off the road actually gives the motorist more control over their vehicle. Once they have left the road, the motorist should aim their vehicle at something that will give way (such as brush or shrubs) rather than something hard, such as a tree. If possible, its also ideal to strike something thats moving in the same direction, rather than something in a fixed position. If hitting something becomes unavoidable, attempt to make it a glancing blow in order to help slow the vehicle, such as a sideswipe. Hitting anything head-on should be avoided at all costs. Between the center of the vehicles front end and the center of the oncoming object, for every inch that a motorist steers away
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from a collision, the energy of the collision will exponentially dissipate, reducing damage and injury. Remember the following tips when an accident is unavoidable: Hit From the Rear. If your vehicle is hit from the rear, your body will be thrown backwards. In preparation for the impact, press yourself against the back of your seat and put your head against the head restraint. Be ready to apply your brakes immediately after the impact so that your vehicle wont be pushed into another vehicle or oncoming traffic. Hit From the Side. If your vehicle is hit from the side, your body will be thrown towards the side thats hit. Front airbags wont help in this situation, so your lap and shoulder belts are necessary to help keep you behind the wheel. Be prepared to steer your vehicle or press the brake pedal after the impact, which will work to prevent you from hitting something else. Hit From the Front. If your vehicle is about to be struck from the front, experiencing a glancing blow is preferred to one thats head-on. This means that if a collision is about to happen, you should try to turn the vehicle. At worst, you will hit with a glancing blow; but there is also the chance you may miss it altogether. If your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, it will be triggered by the collision and will inflate, but will also deflate following the crash, so be ready to prevent your vehicle from hitting something else. Since the airbag was previously deployed, your lap and shoulder belts will be the only things keeping you behind the wheel and protecting you if your vehicle has a second crash.
Aggressive Drivers & Road Rage

Aggressive driving and road rage occurs when a driver is in a rush, is being impatient, and is stuck in traffic, which causes them to react angrily to another driver. The car is usually an escape for many people. They may be taking out their frustrations from home or work once they get behind the wheel. Road rage can often be the cause of minor inconveniences, but in certain situations, it can spiral out of control and become more serious. Much more serious. For example, take the case of Shirley Henson and Gena Foster; two ordinary women who lived fairly ordinary lives in Shelby County, Alabama. Foster was the mother of three children. Henson, also a mother, was a legal secretary. Neither woman had a reputation for being particularly cruel or aggressive on the road. The two women had never met before November 8, 1999, when Henson was driving her SUV home from work on I-65. She claimed that Foster, who was in a car just ahead, suddenly slammed on her brakes. Henson assumed this was intended to send a message,
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and figured that she was following too closely behind Fosters Pontiac. According to Henson, Foster became more and more aggressive as the trip went on. At one point, she threw a plastic bottle out of her car window. At another point, she brandished what Henson worried might be a weapon. The women exited the highway at the same point, and when they both stopped at a traffic light, Foster (who was still in front) got out of her car and approached Henson, who said she was afraid that Foster wanted to cause her physical harm. Witnesses recall Foster moving quickly towards Hensons car while screaming. Henson reached for the licensed revolver she kept in the console next to her seat, rolled her window halfway down and fired a single shot, killing Foster instantly. At the subsequent murder trial, Henson claimed she had feared for her life. Shed only had seconds to decide what to do, she explained, and she simply grabbed the gun to protect herself from the angry driver at her car window. Prosecutors argued otherwise, painting Henson as volatile and trigger-happy. In the end, Henson was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to thirteen years in prison. While we may never know which woman actually instigated this incident, we can suppose that both played a significant part in maintaining the drama. If Foster had pulled to the side of the road in order to allow Henson to pass, or if Henson had slowed down so that Foster could drive far ahead, the whole situation may have been entirely avoided. Foster would have arrived on schedule to pick up her daughter from school, while Henson would have made it home safely to her family and two dogs. Instead, Henson would end up losing 13 years of her life--which is nothing compared to Foster, who lost considerably more. Here are six possible ways to avoid allowing rage to get the best of you: 1. Allow enough travel time to reach your destination on schedule. If you arent in a rush, your stress will be reduced. 2. Alter your schedule to avoid peak highway congestion times. If you're running late, call ahead and let someone know. This way, you might be able to relax a little. And who knowsmaybe being late will turn out to not be such a big deal after all! 3. Dont drive while angry, upset or overly tired. If you must drive when youre in one of these moods, take a few deep breaths beforehand, and give yourself the opportunity to calm down. In a case like this, even a few extra seconds can go a long way! 4. Make your vehicle comfortable. Listen to relaxing music and avoid situations that agitate your anxiety. 5. When driving, relax and remain aware of your posture. Sit back in your seat, loosen your grip on the steering wheel and dont clench your teeth.
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6. Give others the benefit of the doubt; be polite, courteous and forgiving. As surprising as it may seem, drivers dont exist for the sole purpose of ruining your day; they are people with their own stories, their own families, and their own problems. The jerk who cut you off might be nervous about arriving at his new job on time, and the idiot driving too slow in the fast lane might be lost and feeling helpless. Keep this in mind before you ruin your own day by becoming angry! Remember, only you can control your reactions to other drivers. If someone else drives aggressively, dont retaliate. Aggressive driving includes actions such as speeding, which can often lead to following too closely, frequent or abrupt lane changes without signaling, passing on the shoulder or unpaved portions of the roadway, or harassing motorists who just happen to not get out of the way in time. Aggressive drivers also may run stop signs and red lights, pass stopped school buses, fail to keep to the right of the roadway, drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs, and drive recklessly. Some may even threaten or attempt to cause physical damage to another driver, at which point the aggressive driving has turned into road rage. In order to prevent aggressive driving from developing into road rage, its sometimes better to avoid eye contact with another driver, especially in situations when its possible that conflict can occur as a result. Making eye contact with an aggressive driver may be interpreted as a "challenge." If confronted by an aggressive driver, use the following nine tips to help resolve the conflict: 1. Avoid eye contact. 2. Remain calm and relaxed. 3. Make every attempt to get out of the way safely. Dont escalate the situation by refusing to change lanes, or by speeding up and slowing down inappropriately. 4. Temporarily put your pride in the back seat. Dont challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to hold your position in your travel lane. Ask yourself which is more important; to win the argument or to get home safely. 5. Wear a seat belt and encourage your passengers to do the same. 6. Ignore harassing gestures and name-calling. Dont respond to them. 7. Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate law enforcement authorities by providing a vehicle description, approximate location, license plate number, and direction of travel. 8. If youre being followed by an aggressive or threatening driver, dont stop or get out of your vehicle. Drive directly to the nearest police station.
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9. If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash, stop at a safe distance away from the scene. When the police arrive, report the driving behavior you witnessed beforehand. Road rage occurs when motorists lose their temper or become frustrated because of a traffic disturbance. These aggressive motorists may run stop signs and red lights, speed, tailgate, weave through traffic, pass illegally on the right, make improper and unsafe lane changes, make hand or facial gestures, scream, honk horns or flash high beams. In extreme cases, aggressive motorists may cause a collision. Just remember to follow the tips provided, and help make the roads a safer place to drive.
Keeping a Safe Distance

When driving, its always smart to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and those ahead, including motorcycles and bicycles. If they stop quickly, you will need adequate time to recognize the danger and stop. You must always share the road with others, and the more distance you keep between yourself and everyone else, the more time you have to react. Think of this space as a safety cushion; the more you have, the softer the impact will be. The following section will describe just how to accomplish this. Tailgating - Following a vehicle too closely is called 'tailgating'. Tailgating is an aggressive driving behavior thats easily mistaken for road rage. Most rear-end collisions in the United States are caused by following too closely. If a driver is tailgating you, move to another lane, or slow down and pull off the road if necessary in order to allow the driver to pass. Be sure to use your turn signal to indicate when youre driving off the road and again as you drive back on to it. Dont press your brakes as a warning to the offending driver as this could turn the situation from difficult to dangerous. Brake early and gently when preparing to stop or turn. This gives drivers behind you adequate warning that youre slowing down. Be aware of the space on either side of you as well, in case you have to change lanes quickly or pull over to avoid a hazard. If possible, leave yourself some "escape" room to the left and right of your vehicle. Since most people have trouble accurately judging distances, the three-second-plus rule may be easier to use, regardless of your speed. The three-second plus rule: Choose a fixed object ahead of the vehicle in front of you. This object can be a sign or a tree. Whatever object you choose; make sure it doesnt distract your attention from driving. As the vehicle in front passes the object, begin counting seconds (one thousand-one, 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 49
one thousand-two, one thousand-three). If at least three seconds pass before your vehicle reaches the object, you should have enough distance to execute a sudden stop. Practicing safe space management and following distance offers the ability to stop your vehicle safely and smoothly should the vehicle in front suddenly stop. Stopping Distance = Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance. By keeping one foot near the brake at all times you can reduce your reaction distance. Time and distance relationships are designed for the best driving conditions. It should be noted that heavier vehicles may take longer to stop. Try the rule the next time youre driving. It can help you develop good judgment for proper following distances. During bad weather, the three second time interval should be increased to four or more seconds. When to use the four-second plus rule: Slippery Roads. Because more distance is required to stop your vehicle on slippery roads, you must leave additional space in front of you. If the vehicle ahead suddenly stops, you will need this extra distance to stop safely. The Driver Behind You Wants to Pass. Slow down in order to allow room in front of your vehicle. Slowing will also allow the pass to be completed more rapidly. Following Motorcycles. If a motorcycle should fall in the roadway, you will need extra distance to avoid the rider. The chances of a fall are greatest on wet and icy roads, gravel roads and metal surfaces such as bridges, gratings and streetcar or railroad tracks. Following Drivers Who Cant See You. Drivers of trucks, buses, vans, or vehicles pulling trailers may not be able to see you when youre directly behind them and they could stop suddenly without ever knowing youre there. Large vehicles also block your view of the road and falling back allows you more room to see ahead. Youre Being Followed Closely. If youre being followed closely, pull to the right and allow the vehicle to pass. Pulling a Trailer. The extra weight increases your stopping distance. Low Visibility. When its hard for you to see ahead because of darkness or poor weather conditions, you need to increase your following distance. Following Emergency Vehicles. Police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks need more room to operate. Railroad Crossings. Leave extra room for vehicles that are required to stop at railroad crossings, such as transit buses, school buses, and vehicles transporting hazardous
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materials. Stopped on a Hill or Incline. Leave extra space when stopped on a hill or incline, as the vehicle in front may roll back when resuming movement. Space Behind. Its not always easy to maintain a safe distance behind your vehicle. However, you can help keep drivers at a safe distance by maintaining a steady speed and signaling in advance when you have to slow down or turn. Stopping to Pick Up or Drop Off Passengers. Attempt to find a safe place to stop thats out of traffic. Parallel Parking. If you need to parallel park and traffic is coming from behind, flip on your turn signal, pull directly next to the space, and allow vehicles to safely pass before parking. Driving Slowly. When you have to drive so slowly that you impede the flow of other vehicles, pull to the side of the road when its safe to do so and let them pass. There are turnout areas on some two-lane roads you can use to do this and others often have passing lanes. Slowing Down. Always check behind your vehicle whenever you slow down or stop. This is very important when you slow down quickly or when a following driver wouldnt expect you to do so, such as in a parking space or private driveway.
Proper Spacing
Proper spacing is an important part of driving and of avoiding accidents. Please follow the eight suggestions below when determining the space between your vehicle and those around you. 1. You need adequate space on both sides of your vehicle in order to have room to safely turn or change lanes. 2. Avoid driving next to other vehicles on multi-lane roads as someone may crowd your lane or try to change lanes and subsequently run in to you. Move ahead of or drop behind the other vehicle. 3. Keep as much space as you can between yourself and any oncoming vehicles. In general, its safest to drive in the center of your lane, which means you shouldnt crowd the centerline on a two-lane road.
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4. Make room for vehicles that are entering a roadway with two or more lanes. If there is no one next to you, move over one lane. 5. Maintain extra space between your vehicle and any parked cars, as someone could step out from a parked vehicle or from between one. In addition, a seemingly parked vehicle could suddenly pull out onto the roadway. 6. Allow pedestrians, bicycles and especially children extra space since they can move into your path quickly and without warning. Dont share a lane with a pedestrian or cyclist, but practice patience until its safe to pass in the adjoining lane. 7. Split the difference between two hazards. For example, steer a middle course between oncoming and parked vehicles. However, if one is more dangerous than the other, leave a little extra space on the dangerous side. If the oncoming vehicle is a tractortrailer, leave a little more room on the side where the truck will pass. 8. When possible, take potential hazards one at a time. For example, if youre overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching, slow down and let the vehicle pass you first, so that you can allow extra room for the bicycle.
Distractions Text Messaging & Cell Phones

You may remember when supermodel Nikki Taylor was involved in a near-fatal car accident in 2001. The driver, her then-boyfriend Chad Renegar, lost control of his 1993 Nissan Maxima after taking his eyes off the road in order to answer his cell phone. Ironically, Taylor was a spokesperson for Nokia cellular phones at the time. Luckily, Taylor was wearing her seatbelt when the accident occurred, and was not thrown from the vehicle. Although she was bed-ridden for weeks after the crash, she went on to make a full recovery. Not every cell phone-related accident has such a happy ending though. In fact, in 2009 Harvard researchers estimated that around 2,600 people die in such accidents each year. Most states have laws prohibiting the use of handheld electronic devices (e.g., cellular telephones) while driving a motor vehicle on any public road or highway. Breaking these laws can result in citations with hefty fees. Whats more, using a handheld cellular telephone or texting device while driving is dangerous to not only you but to those around you as well! Even the use of hands-free devices is strongly discouraged. A handheld cellular telephone should be used only in certain emergency situations while driving, including: Fire
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Traffic accident Serious road hazard Medical emergency Hazardous material emergency Even during the above exceptions, the driver should keep one hand on the steering wheel at all times. Other sources of potentially deadly distractions are: Driving when youre sick. Driving while eating and drinking. Driving while adjusting the radio or other music devices. Driving while reading. Driving while drowsy or fatigued. Driving while angry or upset.
Passing & Changing Lanes

Changing lanes can be scary, especially for less-experienced drivers. In the fall of 2001, Tracie Sullivan was driving west on Route 80 after spending a long weekend at home in New Jersey. Sullivan had obtained her license only a couple of years before, and she hadnt spent much of that time actually driving. That particular weekend marked one of the first times shed driven herself back and forth to college in Pennsylvania. Sullivan had brought her three college roommates home with her for the weekend, and at that moment, they were relaxing and singing along with the radio in her little blue Neon. Sullivan was having such a good time that she nearly forgot to move into the left hand lane in order to exit onto Route 80 and attempted the merge too late. Because of her hurry, she had little time to check for other cars. As Sullivan began to change lanes, she soon realized she was about to collide with another vehicle that had been riding in her blind spot. She immediately jerked the steering wheel in the opposite direction, causing her car to spin out of control. The four girls began to scream as the vehicle flew wildly across all four lanes of the highway. The Neon eventually stopped its forward motion only after smashing into a guardrail, after which Sullivan and her roommates shakily stepped out. By some miracle, their car hadnt collided with any other vehicles on the busy highway and all four managed to walk away with barely a scratch. Had another car been in the wrong place at the wrong time, they might not have been so lucky.
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Because Sullivan was traumatized by the incident, she was terrified to drive afterward, but her father insisted that she continue to practice changing lanes. Over the following months, he taught her how to be more aware of other cars sharing the road with her and how to merge smoothly without jerking the steering wheel. By the time her senior year arrived, Sullivan was driving herself to school without further incident. It might seem like a no-brainer to you, but the fact is that unsafe lane changes remain one of the top causes of automobile accidents. Whether youre a new driver or a seasoned pro, it cant hurt to regularly sharpen your lane-changing skills. First and foremost, you must always signal your intent before passing another vehicle. Dont pull out unless youre certain you have adequate space to merge back into your lane. When possible, avoid passing smaller vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles on two-lane roads, as it can be quite dangerous. Every time you pass another vehicle you increase your chances of being involved in a collision. Also, remain patient when passing a bicyclist. You may have the urge to zip around them as soon as possible, but youll risk driving headfirst into vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. Take a deep breath, slow down and pass only when its safe. And under no circumstances should you squeeze the bicyclist off the road. At highway speeds of 5055 mph, you need a 1012 second gap in oncoming traffic to pass safely. At 55 mph, you will travel over 800 feet in 1012 seconds, as will any oncoming vehicles. This means you will need over 1,600 feet (or about one-third of a mile) to pass safely, and its difficult to accurately judge the speed of oncoming vehicles traveling one-third of a mile or more in the distance. Vehicles at this distance will appear to be moving slower than they really are and a vehicle far enough away might actually appear to be standing still. In fact, if you can see an oncoming vehicle moving toward you, its probably too close to safely execute a pass. After passing a vehicle, be sure youre not dangerously close before returning to your lane. One way to do this is by waiting for the vehicle to appear in your rear view mirror. When you can clearly see both headlights in your rear view mirror, you then have enough space to return to your driving lane. Dont count on having enough time to pass several vehicles at once, or assume that other drivers will automatically make room for you.
Handling Driving Problems

All motorists should be familiar with any problems they might encounter while driving and how to safely react during these situations. The following is a list of six problems that may be encountered, and the proper steps to take to avoid injury:
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1. Skidding on a wet or icy surface: A road thats normally safe can become dangerous when slippery. Ice and packed snow on the roadway can cause your vehicle to skid, especially if youre moving downhill or driving too fast for conditions. If your vehicle begins to skid: Ease off the gas pedal, Dont attempt to brake, and Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid. If you attempt these steps but still cant control your vehicle, try and find something that offers additional traction, such as dry pavement or gravel on the shoulder of the road. If all else fails, you may have to edge slowly into a snow bank or some bushes to stop the vehicles forward motion. To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces: Drive slowly and stay farther behind any vehicles ahead. Slow down as you approach curves and intersections. Avoid fast turns. 2. Emergency stop: If youre traveling on the highway and need to stop - maintain your speed, utilize your turn signal to notify other vehicles of your intent, and merge onto the shoulder while gradually reducing your speed. Once youre on the shoulder, turn on your blinking emergency lights. If you have a flare or other warning sign, make sure to place it behind your vehicle, which will alert other drivers to your location. When merging back into traffic, remember to always give a proper signal. 3. Running off pavement: If your vehicle turns off the pavement, slow your vehicle down, regain control and turn slowly back onto the road. Dont make any sudden or jerky movements, which can cause your vehicle to become uncontrollable. 4. Car fire: If your car catches fire for any reason, come to a complete stop as soon as you can safely do so. Immediately remove all passengers from the car and maintain a safe distance in case of an explosion. Under no circumstances should you attempt to extinguish the fire yourself. Make sure to call for help immediately after reaching a safe distance. 5. Driving through water: Slow down when there is excess water on the road. At speeds of 50 mph or more during a heavy rain your tires can lose contact with the roads surface, at which point your vehicle will be riding on a thin sheet of water. This process is known as hydroplaning, and a slight change of direction or a gust of wind could throw your vehicle into a skid. If your vehicle begins to hydroplane, release the gas pedal and allow the vehicle to gradually reduce speed. Dont apply the brakes. 6. Stalling on railroad tracks: If your vehicle has a manual transmission, you should try to move it by running the starter in low or second gear. With an automatic transmission,
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you will have to physically push the vehicle off the tracks. If your vehicle cant be moved off the tracks and a train is traveling in your direction, you should move as far away from the tracks as possible and then call for help.
Handling Vehicle Problems

Modern day vehicles have so many safety features built in that driving without working brakes seems far-fetched. Still, a car is a piece of machinery that can break down at any point. This was the case of Gregory Gill, a Denver man who while driving home, lost control of his car on US Highway 40. Gregory Gill called 911 shortly before noon after the brakes on his 2008 Pontiac G6 failed and the accelerator became stuck: The accelerator is like, sticking and then it stops and then its sticking and then it stops and I dont know what to do! There are cars in front of me. Oh my god theres a motor home! driver Greg Gill told a 911 operator. The 911 Operator directs Gill to shift the car to a lower gear. It doesnt work. Gill drives 25 miles, topping speeds of 100 miles per hour before coming to a crashing halt on a median ramp. Luckily, Gill was not hurt and neither was his dog. Brake failure is a scary experience. Its important to remember the dos and don'ts in this situation: Dont panic, dont steer left to right, dont jump out of the car, dont try to hit a tree or a building, and dont turn off the engine. Pull yourself together, take your foot off the gas and try the following: Try pumping the brakes, Shift to a lower gear and activate the emergency brakes. There is always a chance you may experience a mechanical problem with your motor vehicle. In case of vehicle trouble, you must know how to properly react and you must be prepared for any setback that may occur. What follows are seven common vehicle problems and what you should do if you experience them: 1. Brake Failure: If your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, try pumping it repeatedly in order to build up pressure. If this doesnt help, gently apply your emergency or parking brake. Shifting into a lower gear will also help to slow you down. 2. Tire Blowout: A repeated thumping sound may indicate a blowout is about to occur. If you hear this, move your vehicle safely off the road and check your tires. If a tire blows without warning, hold the steering wheel firmly and ease your foot off the gas pedal. If your vehicle enters into a skid, handle the situation as you would with ice or snow. Dont use your brake until your vehicle is under control, and pull over to the side of the road as soon as its safe.
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Safety Tip: Be sure your car has a spare tire and you know how to change it. The spare is typically stored in a spare tire well which is an area in the truck of the car. There is usually a stiff cardboard sheet on top of it. Other cars may secure the wheel underneath the car or have it mounted externally. Your owners manual will detail the location of the spare. If you experience a flat tire or a blowout, its crucial to have a spare. If your car is equipped with a donut or compact spare tire, its important not to drive a long distance. Take your car to the nearest repair shop. 3. Power Steering Failure: If your vehicle suddenly stops responding to any input from the steering wheel, ease your foot off the gas pedal, turn on your vehicle's four-way flashers, and refrain from pressing on the brake pedal for as long as its safe and practical to do so. The vehicle's natural balance should allow it to continue moving in a straight line, but a sudden change in speed could cause it to spin out of control. As the vehicle slows down, you may be able to brake very gently in order to bring it to a stop. 4. Headlight Failure: If your headlights suddenly stop working, turn on your vehicle's four-way flashers, parking lights and directional signals. These may still work and should offer enough light to pull safely off the road. If your headlights begin to dim, drive to a nearby service station or pull off the road and locate assistance. 5. Gas Pedal Problems: If your gas pedal sticks in place, hook your toe underneath and attempt to free it. If this doesnt work, shift into neutral and use your brakes to slow your vehicle and pull off the road. Dont turn off the ignition if your vehicle has power steering or is equipped with a locking column. If you do, you will lose power steering or may not be able to steer at all. In August of 2012, a 911 operator was called for what seemed like a high-speed chase. However, this chase was initiated involuntarily. On busy Interstate 35 in Missouri, a woman was driving in her black SUV, when suddenly her gas pedal got stuck. She immediately called 911 begging for help: Driver: "I'm scared to death." Operator: "Alright I know you're scared, just calm down. Have you put your car in neutral?" Driver: "I can't get it to move." Operator: "Are you able to hit your brakes at all?" Driver: "I'm trying everything." As the 47-year old driver spoke to a 911 operator, the state troopers were following behind. The driver managed to swerve her SUV through traffic at speeds reaching 115 mph without hitting a single car. The 911 operator calmly guided the driver, telling her to lift up the stuck accelerator 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 57
while pushing down on the brake. Fortunately, that worked! The driver later said of the operator, "thank god she was there because she was literally my lifeline. 6. Blocked Vision: If your vehicle's hood suddenly pops open or your windshield visibility becomes reduced by another object or by wipers that have failed, you should roll down your side window in order to see. Then, activate your vehicle's four-way flashers, carefully pull off to the side of the road and put it into park. 7. Loss of a Wheel: Handle this situation as you would during a blow out. A thumping or clunking sound from the wheel may be a warning that its loose. If you hear this, pull off the roadway and come to a complete stop. Then, check your vehicle or have it serviced by a professional.
What to Do in Case of a Collision

When youre involved in a crash, you must stop, regardless of the extent of damage. In most states its a violation of law to leave the scene of an accident, whether its a traffic crash involving property damage, or one involving personal injury. Even if the crash involves only property damage, you should exchange information with the other drivers. Give your name, address, motorist identification (ID) number from your license, as well as vehicle registration and insurance information, including the insurance policy number and effective date. If a parked car, property other than a vehicle, or a domesticated animal is damaged or injured, you should try to locate the owner or notify the police immediately. If an individual is injured or killed, the police must be promptly notified. Make sure to do the following if someone is injured: Call an ambulance or rescue squad immediately. If there is a fire, advise the police of the fire when you make the call. If possible, dont move the injured person. Moving them may make their injuries worse. The exception is if the injured person needs to be removed from a burning vehicle or needs to be moved away from the path of other vehicles. First check for those individuals that are not walking and talking. Check for breathing and then for bleeding. If there is bleeding, put pressure on the wound to stop or slow the bleeding. Dont give the injured person anything to drink. Cover the injured person with a cloth or a blanket to keep them from going into shock.
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If possible, move your vehicle off the road. Protect yourself and others from oncoming traffic by using reflectors or flares, but be alert for leaking fuel. If youre directly involved in the accident, you can help the police by answering as many questions as possible and by giving them as many facts about the accident as you can recall. Remember to notify your insurance company at once, giving complete information about the accident.
Collision/Crash Checklist
Accidents are stressful and overwhelming. If youre involved in an accident you may be upset or possibly injured. Others in your car may also be angry, upset or injured. You will be called upon to react quickly in an unfamiliar situation at a time when you may not be able to do your best thinking. We have put together a checklist to help you in case youre in an accident. Be Prepared these are items you will need to carry while driving 1. Drivers License always carry it while operating a vehicle 2. Vehicle Registration youre required by law to have this document in the car at all times 3. Insurance documentation 4. Cell phone 5. Flashlight and disposable camera (your cell phone may have these capabilities) 6. First Aid kit 7. Paper and pen Accident Scene 1. Remain calm 2. Stop your car whether the accident involves a person, a car, or personal property. If you drive away, you may be charged with hit and run and the penalties are severe. 3. If youre blocking traffic, pull over to the side of the road. 4. Turn off the engine and either wait for assistance or if its safe, step out of the car. Use your cell phone to call 911 and ask for an ambulance if you or your passengers need medical attention. 5. Be courteous to all parties involved. 6. If you suspect the other driver may be drunk, wait for the police to handle the situation. 7. Make sure your thoughts are clear before you make any statements to the police. 8. Contact your insurance company once your thoughts are clear and you have gathered all the pertinent accident information.
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9. If youre able, take pictures of the damage to your car, the other car, and the accident scene. 10. Assist the police with their official report. Get a copy of the report. After the Accident 1. Dont drive your car if its unsafe. If you can safely drive your car, get it inspected by a mechanic. 2. If you cant drive your car or youre not sure if its safely operable, contact your insurance company. They will assist you with towing, handling the insurance claim, renting a car, and repairing damages.
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4: Driving Rules, Regulations & Penalties

Did you know that the man who developed some of the first traffic laws never actually drove a car? William Phelps Eno, the Father of Traffic Safety, was born in New York City in 1858. Inspired as a boy by massive traffic jams involving carriages and horses, Eno would go on to create the first city traffic code in the world for the City of New York and would later play a major role in the development of traffic laws and patterns all across the United States and Europe. Eno devoted his life to innovations such as traffic lights and signage, the implementation of one-way streets and off-street parking, standardized drivers licenses and vehicle registration. And he completed all this work, every last bit of it, with the goal of keeping you safe. Wouldnt you agree then, that obeying Enos laws and regulations is really the least you can do in return? In this lesson, you will learn the rules and regulations that contribute to safe driving. We will explore the following thirteen topics: 1. Speed Control 2. Passing 3. Turning Regulations 4. Stopping Regulations 5. Right of Way & Yielding Regulations 6. Proper Use of Headlights & Horns 7. Safe Driving Practices 8. Parking Regulations 9. Suspension of Driving Privileges 10. Registration, Inspection & Insurance 11. Law Enforcement Stop 12. Unattended Vehicles 13. Littering
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Speed Control
Alright, stop us if youve heard this one: A State Trooper pulls a car over that was moving much slower than other traffic on a major road. "What have I done wrong, officer?" the driver asks after the State Trooper appears at her window. "You are going 26mph on a major highway. There is a law against that," the officer replies. "According to the speed limit here, you should be going at least 50mph." "But when I turned onto the highway, the sign said 26!" the driver retorts indignantly. "Ha!" The officer laughs out loud. "Thats because this is Interstate 26! The 26 isn't the speed limit!" When the driver leans back in her seat, the officer sees another woman sitting beside her, who looks as pale as a ghost. "What happened to her?" the officer asks. "I don't know, the driver says. But she has been that way ever since we got off interstate 160." In all seriousness, its extremely importantnot to mention required by lawfor drivers to comply with all posted speed limits, which are implemented based on the roads design and on the types of vehicles that will use them. They also take into account things you cant see, such as side roads and driveways where people may suddenly pull out, in addition to the level of traffic. Remember, speed limits are posted based on ideal conditions. If the road is wet or icy, if you cant see well, or if traffic is heavy, you must slow down. Even if youre driving the posted speed limit, you can get a ticket for traveling too fast for road conditions.
Speeding
The best way to prevent speeding is to be aware of how fast youre going. Check your speedometer often; people are not very good at judging how fast they are driving by sight alone. Because of this, its easy to be traveling much faster than you think, and is especially true when leaving high-speed roads and driving on local surface streets. Obey the posted speed limit signs; they are there for your safety. The faster your vehicle is traveling, the greater distance it will take to turn, slow, or stop. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 62
For example, coming to a complete stop at 60 mph doesnt take twice the distance it would take at 30 mph, as one might intuitively think. In reality, it actually takes over three times the distance. Driving safely means adjusting your speed for road and traffic conditions, maintaining adequate visibility, and obeying the posted speed limit.
Driving Too Slow

Driving slower doesnt always equal safer. In fact, driving much slower than other vehicles can be just as bad as excessive speeding because it tends to cause other vehicles to bottleneck behind you. When these vehicles attempt to pass you, they may often do so in ways that are not safe. If vehicles are piled up behind you, pull over when its safe to do so and let them pass. If youre not comfortable driving faster, you may want to consider using roads with slower speed limits.
Passing
In general, the law requires that we drive on the right side of the road. When passing is allowed, we usually pass other vehicles on their left. Passing on the right is permitted only under limited circumstances and should be executed only when its necessary and safe to do so. Passing on the right is allowed only on roads with more than one lane traveling in the same direction, if vehicles on the roadway are moving in two or more substantially continuous lines, or when the motorist ahead is making a left turn and there is room to pass. Never pass on the right shoulder of the road, as this is against the law. When passing other vehicles or changing lanes to avoid hazards, do so with caution and only when necessary. Keep in mind that its not acceptable to exceed the speed limit when passing another vehicle. Before you begin to pass, look ahead for road conditions and traffic that may cause other vehicles to move into your lane. When passing another motorist, always remember the following: If both centerlines are solid, no passing is allowed. If one centerline is broken, passing is allowed, but only on the side with the broken line. If both centerlines are broken, passing is allowed on both sides. On a hill or a curve, or at any time he or she cant see far enough ahead to gauge traffic. At a pedestrian crossing or intersection. At a railroad crossing. On narrow bridges or in underpasses or tunnels.
A motorist shouldnt pass another vehicle when:
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When a sign or centerlines prohibit passing. When following a vehicle thats stopped to let a pedestrian cross the road.
Turning Regulations
Turning may seem like one of the most basic driving skills, but its also one of the most important things a driver must master. Whether youre turning right, left, or reversing direction, you must commit to the turn, but only after letting other drivers know your intentions. You must also watch what other vehicles are doing and keep an eye out for pedestrians on the road and sidewalks. There are correct hand signals for stopping and turning, which are standard in all 50 states. To give a hand signal, a driver should extend their arm well outside the vehicle so that its visible to other motorists. Stopping or slowing down: Hand and arm downward, palm facing rearward. Right turn: Hand and arm upward. Left turn: Hand and arm straight out.
U-Turns
U-turns are not legal everywhere, which means that before you make a u-turn, check for any signs indicating that they are prohibited. Never make a u-turn on an expressway. When making a U-turn, give a left turn signal and stop to check for approaching traffic. Then, proceed into the outside or right-hand lane traveling in the opposite direction. Keep these three tips in mind when preparing to turn: 1. Reduce your speed. 2. Be alert for traffic on all sides of your vehicle, taking extra precaution to check for motorcycles. Most crashes involving motorcycles are caused due to the driver failing to see the motorcycle. 3. Keep in mind that your rear wheels will travel inside the path of the front wheels, and will be closer to the curb during a right turn, or opposing traffic during a left turn. Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and moped riders, especially on right turns, because they are often difficult to see in traffic.
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Right Turn
As you prepare to turn right, remain as far to the right as possible. Avoid making wide, sweeping turns. Unless signs direct you otherwise, turn into the right lane of the road youre entering. Left Turn From a One-Way Road onto Another One-Way Road: Prepare to turn by moving into the left lane or into the left side of a single lane road and make sure youre as close as possible to the left curb or edge of the road beforehand. If the road youre entering has two lanes you must turn into its left lane. Left Turn From a One-Way Road onto a Two-Way Road: Approach the turn while in the left lane or from the left side of a single lane. As you cross the intersection, enter the two-way road to the right of its centerline, but as close as possible to the centerline. Be alert for traffic, especially motorcycles, approaching from the road to the left. Oncoming motorcycles are difficult to see, and its difficult to judge their speed and distance. Left Turn From a Two-Way Road onto a Two-Way Road: Approach the turn with your left wheels as close as possible to the centerline. Try to use the left side of the intersection to help ensure that you dont interfere with any opposing traffic that may be turning left. Stay to the right of the centerline of the road youre entering, but as close as possible to the centerline. Be alert for traffic, especially motorcycles, approaching from the left, as well as from the oncoming lane youre about to cross. Oncoming motorcycles are difficult to see and its difficult to judge their speed and distance. Drivers often fail to see an oncoming motorcycle and may collide with the vehicle while making a turn across a traffic lane. Left Turn From a Two-Way Road onto a One-Way Road: Approach the turn with your left wheels as close as possible to the centerline. Make the turn before reaching the center of the intersection and turn into the left lane of the road youre entering. Left Turn From a One-Way Road onto a Four-Lane Highway: Approach the turn with your left wheels as close as possible to the centerline. Enter the left lane to the right of the centerline. When traffic permits, you may move out of the left lane.
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Stopping Regulations
Did you know that each year motorists running red lights cause nearly 1,000 deaths nationwide? The Federal Highway Administration reports that 96 percent of drivers fear colliding with a vehicle thats run a red light. This is a very real concern, given that 55.8 percent of us confess to having run a red light at least once. Drivers may run red lights or stop signs because they have no regard for human safety, but these violations are often careless mistakes. When on the road, its important to remain alert so that you know when you will have to stop well in advance. Stopping suddenly is dangerous and usually indicates that a driver was not paying attention. When you brake quickly you could cause your vehicle to skid and lose control. You can also make it harder for drivers behind you to stop without rear-ending your vehicle. The best way to avoid a panicked stop is by seeing events well in advance. In fact, by slowing down or changing lanes you may not have to stop at all. However, if stopping is your only option, you can make it safer by coming to a gradual stop. Remember, you must always come to a complete stop at a stop sign or stop line. A motorist should never try to speed up with the intent of beating a traffic signal change. A motorist must be careful even if the light has just changed to green because there may be other vehicles still in or entering the intersection. Most accidents at traffic signals occur within the first few seconds after the light has changed. When a yellow light follows a green light a motorist must stop before entering the intersection, unless the vehicle is too close to stop safely. If the light changes while a driver is already in the intersection, they should proceed with caution. No one is more familiar with this subject than undercover federal agent Joel Murphy who was rushing through an intersection when he struck and killed Vespa-riding mother of three, Aileen McKay-Dalton, in July 2010. Murphy claimed that he entered the intersection as the light changed from green to yellow. Murphy was on-duty at the time and he claimed he was in a hurry to use the restroom while on break from a surveillance stakeout. No criminal charges have yet been filed against Murphy but he was ticketed the following October for allegedly running a red light. He is currently appealing that decision and insists that the light was yellow. Regardless if that fateful traffic light was red or yellow, there is little doubt that Murphy should have acted with more caution. In trying to save himself a few extra seconds he wound up costing McKay-Dalton her life. A motorist must stop:
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At an intersection with a stop sign. At an intersection with a flashing or illuminated red light. At an intersection with a yellow light following a green, unless its too close to stop safely. When a traffic officer orders the vehicle to stop. When there is a yield sign and traffic doesnt permit safe merging. When a school bus is picking up or dropping off children and/or the red lights on the vehicle are flashing. When coming from an alley, private driveway or building. At a bridge span thats about to open for boat traffic. For a blind pedestrian using a white or metallic walking cane, a trained guide dog, or a guide dog instructor engaged in instructing a guide dog. For a pedestrian in a crosswalk or at an intersection. For a motorized wheelchair or mobility-assistance device while in a crosswalk or an intersection.
Right of Way & Yielding Regulations

Right-of-way rules, together with courtesy and common sense, help to promote traffic safety. Its important to respect the right-of-way of others, especially pedestrians, motorcycle riders and bicycle riders. Never assume other drivers will give you the rightof-way. The following are common right of way regulations: You must obey signals given by a law enforcement officer even if the officers signals contradict the traffic signal. Drivers must yield the right-of-way at all times to pedestrians in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. Pedestrians using a guide dog or carrying a white cane have absolute right-of-way. Dont use your horn as this could confuse or frighten the pedestrian. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming vehicles going straight. Drivers entering a traffic circle or rotary must yield to drivers already in the circle. At an intersection where there is no stop sign, yield sign or oncoming traffic signal, drivers must yield to vehicles coming from the right.
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At a four-way stop the driver reaching the intersection first goes first, but only after coming to a complete stop. If more than one vehicle arrives at the same time the vehicle on the right proceeds first. Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley or roadside must yield to vehicles already on the main road. Drivers may not enter an intersection unless they can safely get through it without having to stop. If this isnt immediately the case the driver should wait until traffic ahead clears so that they are not blocking the intersection. Drivers overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direction must yield to that vehicle, even if the vehicle is slowing down or coming to a stop. You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle when using a siren, air horn or a red or blue flashing light. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction you must pull over to the right edge of the road or as near to the right as possible and stop your vehicle. You must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a state or local police officer or other emergency responder. If youre in an intersection, drive through the intersection before pulling over. You must stop for a school bus that has its red lights flashing, whether its on your side of the road, the opposite side of the road, or at an intersection youre approaching. Youre not required to stop if the bus is traveling towards you and a median or other physical barrier acts as a separation. After the vehicles red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along the side of the road and dont proceed until they have completely left the roadway. You must yield the right-of-way to trains crossing the roadway.
Pedestrians
As we discussed earlier, a pedestrian is a person on foot or who uses a conveyance such as roller skates, skateboard, etc., other than a bicycle. A pedestrian can also be a person with a disability using a tricycle, quadricycle, or wheelchair for transportation. Pedestrian deaths account for 17 percent of all traffic-related fatalities. When approaching a crosswalk, remember the following seven rules: 1. Be especially careful when there are children in crosswalks. Children are unpredictable and may run into the roadway. 2. Be sure to never pass another vehicle thats already yielding to a pedestrian. 3. Keep your windshield clean for maximum visibility. 4. There is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers to ensure that 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 68
everyone remains safe. 5. Remember, if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, he or she is ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian. 6. Dont bring your vehicle to a stop while in a crosswalk. Doing so will place pedestrians in danger. 7. Never drive on a sidewalk, except when entering or exiting a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to all pedestrians.
Proper Use of Headlights & Horns

Headlights: Have you ever heard the old wives tale that flashing your high beams will cause a traffic light to change from red to green more quickly? Of course there isnt any truth to that familiar claim, but high beamsand headlights in generalstill have an extremely crucial role to play. Crashes often happen when one driver doesnt see another driver or when one driver does something the other driver doesnt expect. Because of this, its important that drivers let other road users know they are there and what they intend to do. When to use your headlights: On rainy, snowy or foggy days, it may be difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle. In these conditions, headlights make your vehicle easier to see. When day turns to dusk, turning on your headlights will help other drivers see you, even if you turn them on a little early. Whenever youre driving and headlights become necessary, use them. Remember, parking lights are for parked vehicles only. When driving away from a rising or setting sun, turn on your headlights. Drivers coming toward you may have trouble seeing your vehicle due to the intensity of the light and turning on your headlights will help them see you well in advance. Here are four tips to help you see better while driving: 1. High beams let you see twice as far as low beams but should only be used when there are no oncoming vehicles. Its important to use high beams on unfamiliar roads, in construction areas, or where there may be people along the side of the road. Conversely, remember to dim your high beams whenever you come within a one-block distance of an oncoming vehicle. 2. Use your vehicles low beams when following another vehicle or when driving in heavy traffic. 3. Use your vehicles low beams in fog and when its snowing or raining hard. Because light from high beams will reflect back, it causes glare and makes it more difficult to see what is ahead. Some vehicles are also equipped with fog lights that can be used under 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 69
these conditions. 4. At no time should you drive with only your parking lights on. Parking lights are for parking only. Horns: Use Your Horn for Safety. People cant see you unless they are looking in your direction. Use your horn to get their attention whenever its necessary to help prevent an accident. If there is no immediate danger, a light tap on the horn should be all you need. Give your horn a light tap: When a person on foot or on a bike appears to be moving into your lane of travel. When youre passing a driver who begins turning into your lane. When a driver isnt paying attention, or when they may have trouble seeing you. If there is danger, dont be afraid to sound a SHARP BLAST with your horn. Do this when: A child or elderly individual is about to walk, run, or ride into the street. Another vehicle is in danger of hitting you. You have lost control of your vehicle and are moving toward someone. There are several occasions when you should NOT use your horn. These include: Encouraging someone to drive faster or to get out of the way. Notifying other drivers of an error. Greeting a friend. In the presence of blind pedestrians.
Safe Driving Practices

Its important to make a habit of implementing safe driving practices. The following is a list of safe driving practices you should always remember: Signal Properly - Always signal to other drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians when you plan to turn left, turn right, slow down, or stop. Signals may be given by hand-and-arm positions or by using the vehicles turn signals. If bright sunlight makes the signal lights hard to see, use hand-and-arm signals instead. Proper Steering Control - Modern vehicles require very little effort to turn. Imagine the steering wheel as the face of a clock and place your hands at the 9 and 3 oclock positions, or slightly lower at the 8 and 4 oclock positions, should you find this more comfortable. These ideal hand positions reduce the possibility of turning the wheel too sharply. Scanning - Scanning your surroundings (keeping your eyes moving) includes
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maintaining a safe distance around your vehicle at all times. When another driver makes a mistake, you will need time to react, and this cushion of space will give you room to brake or maneuver if necessary. Look Ahead - To avoid last minute maneuvers, look down the road 1015 seconds ahead of your vehicle so you can recognize hazards well in advance. Constantly staring at the road just in front of your vehicle is a dangerous habit. As you scan ahead be alert for vehicles around your vehicle. Take in the whole scene If you only look at the middle of the road you will miss what is happening on the peripheral of the road, as well as behind you. Know your side - Any time you come to a place where people may cross your path or when one line of traffic meets another, you should look to the left and right sides of your vehicle in order to make sure no one is coming. Always remember to look on each side of your vehicle at intersections, crosswalks and railroad crossings. Know what is behind you When changing lanes or backing up, know what is behind you, which will help prevent a collision. Keep your windows and mirrors clean - Keep your windshield and side windows clean, both inside and out. Bright sun or headlights on a dirty window can cause glare, making it more difficult to see. Always remember to clear away ice, frost, or dew from all your vehicles windows before driving. Adjust seat and mirrors - Before putting on your seat belt, adjust your seat so that youre high enough to clearly see the road. If adjusting your seat isnt adequate, add a seat cushion for additional height. Be sure to also adjust your rear and side mirrors before driving. Buckle Up - Its the Law - Seat belts are proven to help save lives by improving a motorists chances of survival by 60 percent. In fact, a motorist is three to four times more likely to survive a severe impact if they are wearing a seat belt in conjunction with a shoulder strap. Fastening a seat belt only takes a few seconds but can significantly reduce the chance of death or serious injury. Check condition of your car: A motorist should always check the condition of their vehicle before getting behind the wheel. Make sure to inspect that your brakes, brake lights, headlights, horn, steering, taillights, tires, turn signals and windshield are in good working order before placing the key in the ignition.
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Parking Regulations
Unless to avoid an accident or directed by a police officer, a motorist should never stop or park at any of the following places: In a crosswalk. Between a pedestrian safety zone and the adjacent curb, or within 20 feet of the end of the safety zone. Near properly marked street construction. In a parking space marked specifically for the use of handicapped motorists, unless legally authorized to do so. On an interstate highway. On a sidewalk. In a bus stop zone. In front of a public or private driveway. Within an intersection. On any bridge or elevated roadway, or in a tunnel. Next to another vehicle parked at the curb (also known as double parking). In an area where parking is prohibited by local laws.
Drivers are responsible for making sure that their vehicle isnt a hazard when its parked. Whenever you park, be sure to do so in a place thats far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic and is visible to vehicles approaching from either direction. When parking, remember the following: If possible, always park in a designated parking area. Always set your parking brake before exiting your vehicle. Leave the vehicle in gear if its equipped with a manual transmission or in park if it has an automatic transmission. Check traffic in both directions before opening your door. If you can, exit your vehicle on the curbside. If you have to exit on the street side, check traffic beforehand and close the door as soon as you can. Never leave your keys in the ignition of a parked vehicle. Its a good habit to lock all doors before walking away from your vehicle. If you must park on a roadway, keep your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible. If there is a curb, park as close to it as you can. When parking on a hill, turn your wheels sharply toward the side of the road or curb. If your vehicle begins rolling downhill, this will cause it to move away from traffic.
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Suspension of Driving Privileges

Driving is a privilege, not a right. State law allows for an individuals driving privileges to be suspended for certain motor vehicle violations. This results in an individuals drivers license being taken away, during which time the motorist may not operate a motor vehicle. Reasons for revocation of driving privileges may include, but are not limited to: Failure to appear in court or to pay fines. Failure to pay mandatory motor vehicle surcharges. Driving with a suspended license. Failure to provide proof of insurance. Physical or mental disqualification. Drug or alcohol use. Traffic law violations. Motor vehicle negligence resulting in a fatality.
Registration, Inspection and Insurance

Vehicle registration is a mandatory enlisting of the vehicle with a government authority. The purpose is to establish a clear ownership of the vehicle. Vehicle registration is managed by each states department of motor vehicles (DMV) or another agency if one doesnt exist (e.g., Texas Department of Transportation, Michigan Secretary of State). Passenger and commercial vehicles must be registered as a condition of use on public roads. In most states, a liability insurance policy that meets auto insurance requirements must be purchased before the vehicle may be registered through the department of motor vehicles. Auto insurance is designed to cover the risk of financial liability or loss a motor vehicle owner may face if their vehicle is involved in a collision resulting in property or physical damages. Some states require a vehicle owner to carry some minimum level of liability insurance. Insurance companies provide a motor vehicle owner with an insurance card for the particular coverage term, which is to be kept in the vehicle in the event of a traffic collision as proof of insurance. In the United States, vehicle safety inspection and emissions inspection are governed by each state individually. States either have annual or biennial safety inspection programs. Under the Clean Care Act of 1990, states are required to implement vehicle emissions inspection programs. The specifics of the inspection programs vary from state to state. Driving without insurance is illegal, dangerous, and can have serious consequences. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 73
Law Enforcement Stop

Motorists that are stopped by police may feel confused, anxious, or even angry. Its important that drivers know what to expect from a routine traffic stop. In order for a police officer or other law enforcement agent to stop you while youre driving, the law demands that he or she have reasonable suspicion to believe that you have either broken a traffic law or that youre engaged in some other criminal activity. Traffic stops are inherently dangerous and pose a significant threat to the physical safety of law enforcement officers. One of the foremost responsibilities of the motorist is to be cooperative. Being polite may not get you out of a ticket but it can make the stop go smoother. The U.S. Department of Transportation suggests the following to make the situation safer for the motorist and the officer: 1. When you see emergency lights and/or hear a siren, find a safe place to pull over and stop. Officers are trained to scope out the best location for the stop before turning on their emergency equipment. This is one reason why there are times when officers may follow a violator for a long distance before initiating the stop. 2. Stay in your vehicle unless the officer asks you to get out. Encourage passengers to stay quiet and cooperate with the officers instructions. Turn on your dome light. This lets the officer know you have nothing to hide and are willing to cooperate. 3. Keep your hands on the steering wheel or dash so the officer can see them. This makes the officer feel more comfortable because he/she can see your hands. 4. Wait for the officer to ask you for your license, registration and insurance before you reach for them. You may think youre doing the officer a favor by having them ready, but they may think youre reaching for something else, like a gun. 5. If you feel the reason for the stop is vague or unclear, you can ask the officer for details. If you disagree, now isnt the time to argue. You will have the opportunity to contest the citation in court. 6. If youre issued a ticket, sign the citation whether you agree or disagree. Accepting it or signing it is not an admission of guilt. Traffic stops can be a dangerous situation for motorists and law enforcement. Understanding the basics of a traffic stop and following suggestions, motorists can reduce the likelihood of a negative experience.
Unattended Vehicles
Motorists who start their cars to warm them up and defrost windshields and then run back inside the house are on the wrong side of the law in many states. The same goes for motorists who leave their car running when they pull up at a convenience store to buy a gallon of milk. States around the country are warning that either of those moves can end with a stolen car or a fine. Laws vary from state-to-state but the general consensus is that no person driving or in charge of a motor vehicle shall permit it to stand unattended
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without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, removing the key from the vehicle, and effectively setting the brake (New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law).
Littering
Litter in the United States is an environmental issue and littering is often an offense punishable with a fine and/or imprisonment. Similar from state-to-state, littering and dumping laws act as public safety, not aesthetic measures. Litter laws, enforcement efforts, and court prosecutions are used to help curtail littering. Along roadways, motorists and pedestrians are the biggest contributors to litter. Over 51 billion pieces of litter land on U.S. roadways each year, costing almost 11.5 billion dollars in cleanup costs. Over 800 Americans are killed each year in litter/debrisattributed motor vehicle accidents. As a motorist, you have an important role to play in preventing litter. Here are a few things you can do to ensure the roadways are kept clean, beautiful, and safe: Carry and use a car litterbag. When these are full, empty them into a trash and/or recycling receptacle. Use a car ashtray or portable ashtray to dispose of cigarette butts and lighting material. Dont throw any litter out of vehicle windows.
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5: Traffic Signs & Signals

Did you know that, on average, a person spends up to two weeks of their entire life waiting just for traffic lights to change? When youre eager to get where youre going, a single red light can feel like two weeks by itself. Its easy to imagine why an impatient driver, frustrated and eager to get home from a long day at work, might speed through a yellow light or pretend not to see a stop sign. Though it may be tempting to shave a minute or two off your commute time, traffic lights, signals and other signs must be taken seriously. These devices are not intended as suggestions for drivers, but are instead necessary for the safety of everyone on the road. In this lesson, you will learn about traffic signs and signals. We will explore the following six topics: 1. Traffic Signal Lights 2. Pedestrian Signal Lights 3. Traffic Signs 4. Directions of Officer 5. Road Markings 6. Miscellaneous Signs & Signals
Traffic Signal Lights

Steady Red: Stop. Dont go until the light is green. If a green arrow is shown along with the red light, you may proceed only in the direction of the arrow, and only if your path is clear. Flashing Red: This means the same as a STOP sign: Stop, yield the right-of-way, and proceed when its safe. Red Arrow: Dont proceed in the direction the arrow is pointing until a green light or arrow appears. A right or left turn on red isnt permitted at a red arrow. Steady Yellow: This occurs when the light is changing from green to red. Be prepared to stop upon seeing the red light. Flashing Yellow: Drive with caution. Yellow Arrow: The protection of a green arrow is ending. If you intend on turning in the direction of the arrow, be prepared to stop.
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Steady Green: A green light means GO. If youre turning left, make the turn only if you have enough space before creating a hazard for any oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Because you can be cited if you block the intersection, dont enter the intersection if you cant make it completely across before the light turns red. Green Arrow: You may proceed in the direction of the arrow, but you must first yield the right-of-way to any other traffic at the intersection, as required by law.
Pedestrian Signal Lights

Pedestrian signals display words or pictures similar to the following: Walk or Walking Person lights convey that its legal to cross the street. Dont Walk or Raised Hand lights mean that you may NOT begin crossing the street. Flashing Dont Walk or Flashing Raised Hand lights are intended to show that you shouldnt begin crossing the street because the traffic signal is about to change. If the flashing commences after you have already begun to cross, finish crossing the street as quickly as possible. Countdown signals indicate how many seconds remain for safe crossing, and allow pedestrians the option of speeding their progress if the crossing phase is about to expire.
Traffic Signs
The shape and color of a sign will always offer a clue about the information contained on them. Here are the common shapes used: An eight-sided red STOP sign indicates that you must make a complete STOP wherever they are located. Come to a complete stop before entering a crosswalk or when at a white limit line, which is a wide, white line painted on the street. If a crosswalk or limit line isnt visible on the street, stop at the corner. A three-sided red YIELD sign indicates that you must slow down and be prepared to stop, if necessary, in order to allow any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian to pass before proceeding. A square red and white regulatory sign indicates that you must follow its instruction carefully. For example, the DO NOT ENTER sign means you may not enter a road or off ramp where posted, which is usually on a freeway off ramp. The WRONG WAY 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 77
sign may or may not be posted together with the DO NOT ENTER sign. If you see one or both of these signs, drive to the side of the road and stop, because youre now going against the flow of traffic. When its safe to do so, back out or turn around and return to the road you were previously on. At night if youre going the wrong way, the road reflectors will shine red in your headlights. If a sign has a red circle with a red line through it, this always indicates NO, and the picture inside the circle will represent what you cant do. The sign may be shown with or without words, so its doubly important to pay close attention. A yellow and black circular sign indicates that youre approaching a railroad crossing. X-shaped signs with a white background will read RAILROAD CROSSING to indicate that you must slow down and be prepared to stop, if its necessary to let any trains pass before proceeding. A five-sided sign indicates that youre near a school. Stop if children are located in the crosswalk. A four-sided diamond-shaped sign warns you of specific road conditions and dangers ahead. In fact, many warning signs are diamond-shaped, so you should always remain alert upon seeing one. Warning signs are to indicate road conditions that require extra caution, and for specific hazards that may be encountered during certain road operations. Some of the warning signs may alert motorists to poor road conditions, school crossings or curved roadways. The signs are yellow and diamond-shaped, and include a black symbol or word message. Roadwork signs alert motorists to a variety of temporary roadway conditions. Its important to look for: Orange, diamond-shaped signs will warn of lane closings, lane shifts, flaggers, uneven pavement and detours. Roadwork may temporarily cause lanes to be closed or will divert normal traffic patterns. Motorist service signs have white letters or symbols on top of a blue background and provide information about upcoming motorist services.
Special Warning Signs - These signs alert motorists to slow-moving vehicles. A fluorescent and reflective orange triangular sign indicates slow-moving vehicles, such as farm and construction equipment operating on public highways. The operators must obey all traffic rules and must also place a slow-moving vehicle sign on the back of their vehicle to warn approaching motorists.
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Directions of Officer
You may have noticed a police officer directing traffic during a traffic accident, roadside construction, or a sports stadium emptying out. The officer overrides the traffic signal to create a better flow of traffic. Directions given by a traffic officer takes precedence over any other signs, signals or pavement markings. If a traffic officer signals you to stop at a green light, for example, you must stop. If an officer signals you to drive through a red light or through a stop sign, you must do so. Auxiliary fire or police personnel, flag persons located on roadway construction areas and school crossing guards should always be obeyed.
Road Markings
Road markings have the same force of law as signs or traffic signals. The following are some standard road markings motorists will encounter on a regular basis: Yellow centerlines: These lines separate traffic flowing in opposite directions. White lines: These separate traffic moving in the same direction when there is more than one lane. These also demarcate the edges of roads. Dashed lines: On a motorists side of the centerline, dashed lines indicate that safe passing is permitted. Solid line: Located on the motorists side of the centerline, solid lines mean that its unsafe to pass. Road arrows: When used in conjunction with other signs, road arrows indicate the correct direction a motorist must drive while in that particular lane. White dashed lines: These separate lanes of traffic on multi-lane highways. Yellow solid lines: These types of lines denote that passing is prohibited. Dont cross the solid yellow line in order to pass another vehicle. Remain in your lane and keep right when driving slowly. Yellow solid and dashed lines: These lines control when passing is permitted. If the solid yellow line is on the motorists side of the road its not permissible to pass. Only if the dashed line is on the motorists side of the road can a pass occur, which must be completed before the yellow dashed lines return to solid. Edge lines: Edge lines separate the roads shoulder from the travel lane and also indicate the edges of highways.
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White crosswalks: These divide the roadway from pedestrian crossing areas. Pedestrians will use these areas when crossing the road. At intersections where stop lines are missing, bring your vehicle to a stop before the crosswalk. This will occur when required by traffic signs or signals, or for pedestrians already in the crosswalk. White stop lines: These lines show where to stop at stop signs or traffic signals. White special markings: These alert motorists to special conditions, such as STOP AHEAD, SCHOOL, and R X R. At some railroad crossings, there may be a cross buck, flashing lights, and/or a gate that lowers as a train approaches. The pavement markings, signs and cross bucks are passive warnings, while the flashing lights and lowered gates are active warnings. Remember; a motorist must always yield to trains. White diamonds: Many states have markings to indicate high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, which are reserved for particular vehicle types and for vehicles carrying multiple riders as identified by posted regulatory signs. Such signs will also indicate hours that HOV lanes are operational. HOV lanes may also be marked with painted white diamonds on the pavement. HOV lanes are intended to promote carpooling, but the concept only works if they are used sparingly, so its important that individuals who are driving alone dont take unfair advantage. Arizona resident and expectant mother Candace Dickinson learned this lesson the hard way when she was pulled over in 2006 for driving alone in an HOV lane during rush hour. The Arizona Department of Public Safety states that only vehicles with two or more passengers may use the HOV lane. Dickinson, who was nine-months pregnant at the time, argued that her unborn child should have counted as a second passenger. Not surprisingly, her argument was rejected.
Miscellaneous Signs & Signals

Rumble strips: Christy Harter couldn't remember what made her walk outside her home on a Saturday night. She just had a weird feeling as she stepped out onto her porch. She watched in horror as a 65-year-old woman drove her car off the end of Peachtree Road, right near the boat ramp, and into the water. Christy ran inside to call 911 and then ran next door to the neighbor's house, asking for help. She watched as emergency responders dove into the water. The driver was dead inside her car when responders were able to pull the car out of the water. This was not the first time Christy witnessed a fatal accident on this dead end road. Two deaths in two years. Christy's family asked for something to be done to stop these accidents. "We should have strips down, a few rumble strips," suggests Christy.
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You may have veered towards the shoulder on a busy, local highway, only to find yourself shocked back into the driving lane by rumble strips. They've worked so well at cutting down on accidents that states have been adding rumble strips to many roads. Transverse and longitudinal rumble strips are small indentations or narrow, raised strips on the highway or shoulder and are placed there in order to alert motorists there is a decision point ahead (such as a four-way intersection after miles of uninterrupted travel). Because the strips noisily vibrate the steering wheel, they are intended to catch the motorists attention, which may have waned. Rumble strips wont damage a vehicle and are meant to simply alert a motorist that its necessary to drive slowly. These strips are almost always used in conjunction with a cautionary sign. Speed Humps/Speed Bumps: Other types of speed control devices include speed humps and speed bumps. A speed bump is a low ridge that runs across a street and is designed to slow down cars. A speed hump is a longer, flatter version of a speed bump and is more raised in the center. Roundabouts: A roundabout is a one-way, circular intersection, in which traffic flows around a center island. Roundabouts are designed to meet the needs of all road users drivers, pedestrians, individuals with disabilities, and bicyclists. A roundabout eliminates left turns, which are a primary cause of crashes at traditional intersections. Because roundabout traffic enters or exits only through right turns, the occurrence of severe crashes is substantially reduced.
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6: Know Your Vehicle

You probably spend many hours a day in your car, but how much do you really know about your vehicle? The first step in driving safely is to drive a safe vehicle. Its the duty of every driver to ensure that any vehicles they operate are safe and in good condition. Because they can break down or cause a collision, a vehicle thats in poor condition is unsafe, and costs more to operate than one thats well-maintained. If a vehicle is in poor condition, your chances of getting out of an emergency situation can be greatly reduced. Quite simply, a vehicle in good condition can give you an extra safety margin when you need it most. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, each passenger vehicle in the country emits more than five metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. And with over 254 million cars on the road as of 2009, this translates into approximately 1.2 billion metric tons of CO2 being released into the atmosphere annually. Because of this, in addition to good operating condition, most states require your vehicle to undergo an emissions inspection at an authorized inspection station. When learning the best way to maintain your vehicle, the car's service manual should be at the top of your list. Because it was written by the factory representatives who designed and built the car, it stands to reason that they should also know how best to keep everything running smoothly. In this lesson, you will learn about your vehicle while we explore the following topics: 1. Common Car Maintenance 2. Exterior Equipment 3. Interior Equipment 4. Seat Belts 5. Air Bags 6. Car Seats & Child Restraints 7. Anti-Theft 8. Starting a Car 9. Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles 10. Carbon Monoxide the Silent Killer
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Common Car Maintenance

The following are common maintenance items that should regularly be performed on your car. Some can be completed yourself, while others may require the services of a professional mechanic: Car Wash. Check or replace oil filters. Check or replace fuel filters. Check or replace windshield wipers. Check or refill windshield washer fluid. Inspect tires for pressure and wear. Tire balancing. Tire rotation. Wheel alignment. Check, clean or replace battery terminals and top off battery fluid. Inspect or replace brake pads. Check or flush brake fluid. Check or flush transmission fluid. Check or flush power steering fluid. Check or flush engine coolant. Inspect or replace spark plugs. Inspect or replace air filter. Inspect or replace timing belt and other belts. Lubricate locks, latches, and hinges. Check all lights. Tighten chassis nuts and bolts. Test electronics, e.g., Anti-lock braking system or ABS. Read fault codes from the Engine Control Unit.
Exterior Equipment
Braking System: Your vehicle can only come safely to a stop by using its brakes so its very dangerous if they are not working properly. If your brakes dont seem to be functioning properly and make a lot of noise, emit an unusual odor, or feel squishy, 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 83
have a mechanic look them over. If your vehicle pulls to one side when the brake is applied, they may be wet, or might require adjustment or replacement. If you find they are wet, your brakes can be dried by lightly maintaining pressure on the brake pedal while driving. If this doesnt clear up the problem, have your brakes checked by a mechanic. In addition, if you notice any change in the performance of your brakes, have them checked immediately as this may indicate a dangerous situation for you and those you share the road with. Lights: Make sure that turn signals, brake lights, taillights, and headlights are operating properly, which can be done from outside of the vehicle. Just as turn signals tell other drivers that youre turning, your brake lights tell them that youre stopping. An out-ofline headlight can shine where it impedes your night vision and may also blind other drivers. If youre having trouble seeing at night or if other drivers are often flashing their headlights at you, have a mechanic check your vehicles headlights. Also keep your headlights clean and clear of dirt, snow and ice. Broken lenses can cause dangerous glare for other drivers so have them replaced when any damage is apparent. Lastly, make sure your headlights are adjusted properly in order to give you an optimum view of the road and to avoid blinding approaching drivers. Windshield, Wipers, & Windows: Its important that youre able to see clearly through your vehicles windows and windshield at all times. Always clear snow, ice, or frost from all windows before driving. Make sure all wipers are in good operating condition as these keep rain and snow from accumulating on the windshield. Some vehicles also have wipers for rear windows and headlights so it then becomes increasingly important to replace them as soon as possible if the blades are not clearing water properly. Keep your window washer reservoir full, which is typically located in a high-visibility area on top of your vehicles engine. Make sure the inside of the windshield and windows are clean as well, because bright sun or headlights shining on a dirty windshield can make it hard to see. Damaged glass can break very easily during a minor collision or when a hard object such as a rock strikes the windshield. Have a damaged glass replaced right away. Tires: Worn or bald tires can increase your stopping distance and can make turning more difficult on wet roadways. Unbalanced and low-pressure tires cause faster tread wear, reduced fuel economy, and make the vehicle harder to steer and stop. If the vehicle bounces, the steering wheel shakes, or if the vehicle pulls to one side, have a mechanic check the tires. Worn tires also increase the effect of hydroplaning as well as the chance of suffering a flat tire. Check your tires air pressure by using an air pressure gauge, which can only be accurately measured when the tires are cold. Please refer to your vehicles owners manual or the side of the tires for the proper inflating pressure. Suspension System: In addition to providing a comfortable ride on a variety of road surfaces, your suspension also helps you maintain control over your vehicle. If the vehicle bounces excessively after a bump in the road or is hard to control, you may be in need of new shocks or other suspension parts. Have a mechanic inspect it before any serious or more costly problems arise.
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Exhaust System: Your vehicles exhaust system helps reduce engine noise, cools hot gases coming from your engine, and moves these gases to the rear of the vehicle. Gases from a leaky exhaust can cause death inside a vehicle within a very short period of time. If you have to sit in a vehicle with the motor running, open a window to allow fresh air inside. Some exhaust leaks are easily heard but many are not. Because of this, its important to have your vehicles exhaust system checked periodically. Engine: An engine thats running poorly may lose power required for normal driving and emergency situations, it may get poor fuel economy, and may not even start, not to mention pollute the air. A poorly running vehicle could also die when traveling on the road, causing a problem for you and other drivers around you. Be sure to follow the procedures recommended in the owners manual for maintenance.
Interior Equipment
Steering System: If the steering system isnt working properly it can be difficult to safely control your vehicles direction. If the vehicle is difficult to turn or if it doesnt turn when the steering wheel is turning, have the steering system checked by a mechanic. Horn: The horn may not seem like its important for safety but because it acts as a warning device it could save your life. Use your vehicles horn only as a warning to other drivers when signaling to pass or when exiting from a blind alley, curve or driveway. Mirrors: You should always check your seat and mirrors before you begin driving and make any necessary adjustments at that time. Adjust your rear view mirror and side mirrors so that you can see out the back window and to the sides. A good rule of thumb for the side mirrors is to set them so that when leaning slightly forward you can see the entire side of your vehicle.
Seat Belts
Seat belts can save a life by improving a motorists chances of survival by 60 percent. Another staggering figure is that a motorists chances of surviving a collision are three to four times greater if they are wearing both a seat belt and a shoulder strap. Fastening a seat belt takes only three seconds and vastly reduces the chances of death or serious injury. Seat belts help in many ways, for example: They keep motorists and passengers from being ejected from a vehicle during a collision. If a motorist or passenger is held firmly in place, the severity of any injuries is greatly reduced. They slow a persons body down at the same time as the vehicle. If a vehicle collides with a fixed object, the vehicle will stop, but the individuals body will
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keep going at the same speed. To put this in perspective, hitting the dashboard or windshield at 30 mph is like falling from the top of a three-story building. Belts and straps also keep a motorist in position so they can better control the vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Eighteen-year-old Steven Rivera of Newark, New Jersey would be happy to talk with you about the importance of seatbelts. In 2008, the young driver was on his way home when he crashed into another car driving the wrong way on a major highway. While Rivera walked away with only minor injuries, he soon learned that the three passengers in the other car passed away. Was it just blind luck that the recent high school graduate survived such a terrible accident? Possiblybut its far more likely that his seatbelt had a major role to play. Soon after the accident, the State Division of Highway Traffic Safety got in touch with Rivera and asked him to share his story with all New Jersey drivers and passengers, in addition to anyone else who may not wear their seatbelt. Jumping at the chance to create something positive out of such a tragic experience, Rivera agreed to speak at a press conference for New Jersey's Click It or Ticket campaign. The young man admitted that he hadn't always worn a seat belt; in fact, hed never realized the importance of seatbelts until just four days before his own accident when a friend of his was ejected from her car during a collision. His friend had died from her injuries and her death remained with him as he drove his parents Acura back to Newark that fateful evening. When the other car struck his vehicle, Rivera was deciding whether or not to grab a burger. He would later learn from witnesses that the two cars had gone airborne after colliding at the top of a northbound traffic ramp. Rivera was functional enough to pull himself from the wreckage but it soon became apparent that the others involved were not so lucky. As he gazed upon the other car, Rivera heard a panicked voice shout, "Oh my God, they're dead." In Riveras case, he suffered injuries to his back, neck and knee. On top of that, the seatbelt had bruised his abdomen and shoulder. Buthe was still alive.
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As he spoke to the crowd, Rivera asked everyone in attendance to learn from our experience. "Wear your seat belt and make sure the people in the car with you wear their seat belts, the young man said as his mother looked on proudly. Do it not only for yourself, but for the people who love you." Here are five tips for seat belt use that you should always follow: 1. Buckle up using both lap and shoulder belts on every trip. (Air bags are supplemental protection devices.) 2. Wear the lap belt under your abdomen and low across your hips. The shoulder portion should come over the collarbone, away from the neck, and cross over the breastbone. The shoulder belt in most new vehicles can be adjusted on the side pillar in order to improve fit. 3. Know how to adjust the seat belts in your vehicle and how to release them if passengers need assistance to quickly exit the vehicle. 4. Buckle up when riding in the backseat and use center seat belts if the side seats are occupied. 5. Never buckle more than one person into one seatbelt.
Air Bags
For years the seat belt was the only form of restraint in cars. Shortly after the development of the Model T, Henry Ford stated that there is no further development needed as he believed he had perfected the automobile. At that time, Ford didnt realize that he had developed something that would undergo decades of technological advancements. The purpose of the airbag a cushion designed to inflate rapidly in case of a collision -is to restrain automobile drivers and passengers to prevent injury. Early airbags were mainly used as inflatable crash landing devices for airplanes. Aircraft pilots would inflate their life vests before a crash. The first patent on an airbag was filed during World War II, and the automobile industry started researching airbag technologies in the late 1950s. In the 1980s, airbags started to appear in automobiles. In fact, since model year 1998, all automobiles sold in the United States are required to have airbags on both driver and passenger sides. This requirement was put in place by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). Today, many cars go well beyond to have 6 or even 8 airbags.
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A motorist can tell if their vehicle has an air bag by looking for the words air bag or the letters SRS (supplemental restraint system) or SIR (supplemental inflatable restraint) on the steering wheel and dashboard panel. Manufacturers also may mark the sun visors or the sides of the open door frame with warning labels or enter a warning in the vehicle owners manual. Air bags have proven to be very effective safety devices and are credited with saving thousands of lives. According to the NHTSA, statistics show that between 1986 and 2000, front air bags saved the lives of 5,303 front-seat riders. However, their record is far worse when it comes to children. According to the NHTSA, many infants and children have been killed by air bags. Those children received fatal head injuries by the forcefully inflating air bags. In response, vehicles with air bags now carry warning stickers instructing parents to restrict children and infants to the back seat. There are also "smart" air bags now in the developmental stages that will be capable of assessing the weight and height of the occupant and deploying with the appropriate force. Children of any age are safest when they are belted properly in the backseat of a vehicle, especially when the vehicle is equipped with a passenger-side air bag. Remember the following safety points: Always put an infant in a rear-facing infant child safety seat in the back seat of a vehicle with air bags. Always be sure that children 12 years old and younger ride in the backseat of the vehicle. Always make sure everyone is buckled up. Unbuckled occupants can be hurt or killed by an airbag.
Although she wasnt involved in an accident, a woman from Price George County, Virginia learned how crucial it was to have her children in the backseat. After putting her two and a half-year-old daughter and 10 month old son in her car, Sunnie Krenicky closed the passenger door. She never expected to hear what she described as an explosion. She said she looked in and saw a cloud of white smoke covering the inside of the car. It took a moment for her to realize what happened but figuring out why it happened took a lot longer. Apparently her airbag had inadvertently deployed with her two children in the car. Luckily, they were safe in the backseat. For adults, researchers have determined that the risk zone for driver airbags is the first 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) of inflation. So, placing yourself 10 inches (25 cm) from your driver airbag gives you a clear margin of safety. Measure this distance from the center of the steering wheel to your breastbone. If you currently sit less than 10 inches away, you can adjust your driving position in the following ways: Move your seat back as far as you can go while still reaching the pedal. Slightly recline the back of your seat. If your steering wheel is adjustable, point it slightly downwards so the airbag is pointed towards your chest and away from your head and neck. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 88
Car Seats and Child Restraints

A child less than 8 years of age and less than 55 inches in height shall be properly fastened and secured in a child passenger restraint which is in accordance with safety standards approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Child safety seats must also meet U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards and must be used by following manufacturers and automobile manufacturers instructions. The use of safety belts is very important to children who may actually fly about the interior of the vehicle in a crash. Children should always be restrained by safety equipment while riding in a vehicle. This will help prevent the possibility of death or injury. You should never let children stand on the car seat. Small children and babies must be placed in special child safety seats that attach to the safety belts of a vehicle. In almost all states, the driver is responsible for making sure that children are properly secured. A violation of this carries significant penalties. Remember the following when travelling with children: Children from birth to age 12 months should ride facing the rear. Children ages one through eight should ride facing forward in a child safety seat or booster seat. The safest place to install a child safety seat is in the center of the back seat. Never place a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag turned on. Never hold a child in your lap. In a crash, the child may be crushed between your body and the dashboard. Make sure that all car doors are securely closed and locked before driving. If your car is equipped with a child safety lock, turn it on. Dont allow children to play with door handles or locks. If you must open a door, pull the vehicle off the road and come to a complete stop. Never allow children to ride in the luggage area of hatchbacks, station wagons or vans. Never leave a hatchback open when a child is riding in the back seat.
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In 2002, a woman was stopped by the Michigan State Police and received a traffic citation for failing to have her 2-year-old son in a child safety seat. According to Sgt. Christopher Luty, "the woman had obtained a safety seat from a relative as a loaner but it was in really bad shape. You could tell just from looking at it that it was not safe to have her child riding in it." Sergeant Luty, concerned for the child's safety and sensitive to the mother's special needs, contacted Sgt. Kelly Robinson at the MSP District Headquarters for help. The district had loaner car seats that were designated for low-income families. Sergeant Robinson drove to Bridgeport with the car seat, met the woman and installed the car seat in the woman's vehicle. The troopers thought that would be the end of the story. 2 weeks later, Sergeant Luty received a phone call from the woman who advised him that she had been involved in a traffic crash a week after her encounter with Sergeant Luty. She had received serious leg and head injuries and her son had sustained a broken leg. According to Luty, "The crash was so violent that the buckle on the car seat was broken." Thanks to the efforts of the troopers and the mothers use of the car seat, her son survived the violent crash.
Anti-Theft
In the United States, a vehicle is stolen an average of every 21 minutes. Vehicle theft results in costs to the victim and it increases insurance premiums. The vehicle thieves also use the stolen vehicles to commit other crimes. Vehicle thefts occur more often where large groups of cars are parked at any time of day for extended periods of time, such as shopping centers, colleges, sporting events, movie complexes, and large apartment complexes.
Use the following tips to avoid becoming the victim of vehicle theft: Roll up your windows and lock your vehicle even if its parked in front of your house. Park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas whenever possible. Report a stolen vehicle immediately to the police.
Never leave: Your vehicle running and unattended even to dash into a business or store. The keys in the ignition. Keys inside a locked garage or a hide-a-key box. Spare keys in the vehicle. Valuables such as purses, laptops, etc., in plain view even if your vehicle is
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locked. Place them out of sight. You'd be surprised how often this happens but individuals leave valuable items in plain sight all the time. If you leave items in your vehicle and they're visible, the chances your vehicle will get broken into increase greatly. Place items out of sight BEFORE reaching your destination: Someone may be watching when you put your valuables under a seat or in the trunk and the moment you're gone, a thief could break into your car. So place those items in a safe place before you get to your destination. Personal identification documents, such as the ownership title or credit cards in the vehicle. A GPS in your vehicle. This is the number one item targeted by thieves nationally. Unplug the GPS system and put it away. Leaving it in plain view will entice thieves to break into your car.
Consider the following: Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. Think about purchasing a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently-stolen model vehicles. Have a visible or audible device that alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. When you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic, only leave the ignition key. Copy your license plate and vehicle information on a card, and keep that information with you and not in the car. The police will need this information if your vehicle is stolen.
If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately.
Starting a Car
There are many things that you should do prior to starting a parked car. Before getting into a vehicle look behind it and in front of it. Since there are blind spots once a motorist is behind the wheel, be sure to check for children. There also may be bottles, cans, bicycles, small animals or other things that cant be seen from the motorists seat. The following is a checklist to keep in mind prior to starting a car: Make sure all windows are clean and your vision isnt obstructed. Bright sun or headlights on a dirty windshield make it hard to see. Carry a rag so that you can stop and clean your windshield when you need to. Dont hang anything from the mirror or clutter the windshield with decals. Adjust the seat so the pedal and all controls can be easily reached. You also want to make sure youre an arms length away from the steering wheel. Make sure youre not straining to reach anything. You should be comfortable. Make sure your seat is adjusted high enough for you to see the road. If the seat is too low,
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use a seat cushion. Adjust all mirrors to reduce blind spots. Rearview and side view mirrors should be adjusted. Make sure you can clearly see behind you and to the left and right. The outside mirror should be adjusted so that you can see the tip of the driver-side front door handle in the lower right of the mirror. This will allow you to see part of the lanes of traffic to the left and rear of the vehicle. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses should be fastened so that they are firm and comfortable. The vehicle should be in park or neutral gear and the parking brake should be set. Doors should be locked. Dont rely solely on the rear or side mirrors. To check for objects or people, you should turn and look back.
Unattended Children in Motor Vehicles

Its very dangerous and often illegal to leave children unattended in a motor vehicle. If the vehicles engine is running or the keys are in the ignition, children may try to operate the vehicle and cause serious injuries or death to themselves or others. Weather conditions also pose a significant risk to the childs health and safety. A childs body can heat up 5 times faster than an adults. The numbers are staggering. Since 1998, more than 550 children across the U.S. have died from hyperthermia when unattended in a vehicle. Sadly, more than half of these reported heat stroke deaths occurred when a distracted caregiver forgot their child was in the car or truck. Other heat stroke fatalities occurred when a child was playing in an unattended vehicle and became trapped, or when a child was intentionally left unattended by an adult "for just a few minutes." Heat stroke happens when the body cant cool itself fast enough and the core temperature rises to dangerous levels. Recently, a Kentucky father, 31-year-old Kenneth Robinson, was driving his 2-year-old to day care and simply forgot to stop at the child care center before going to his job. A coworker noticed the boy, still breathing and red-faced, and immediately called an ambulance. The Kentucky father was arrested and charged with wanton endangerment. Fortunately, the boy survived and this story has a happy ending. Unfortunately, there are many deaths attributed to hyperthermia every year. According to SafeKids.org, remember the simple acronym ACT to prevent hyperthermia: Avoid heat stroke related injury and death by: Never leaving your child alone in the car, even for one minute. Locking unattended vehicle doors and trunks. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 92
Create simple reminders and habits to give yourself a safety net: Establish a peace-of-mind plan. When you drop off your child, make a habit of calling or texting all other caregivers, so all of you know where your child is at all times. Place a purse, briefcase, gym bag, cell phone or an item thats needed at your next stop in a back seat. Set the alarm on your cell phone or computer calendar as a reminder to drop your child off at childcare.
Take action if you see an unattended child in a vehicle. Dial 911 immediately and follow the instructions that emergency personnel provide they are trained to determine if a child is in danger.
Carbon Monoxide The Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, invisible gas thats created by a number of common appliances, including your car, and is also responsible for at least 700 deaths in the United States each year. Carbon monoxide poisoning is known as a silent killer because a person can never actually be aware that he or she is being exposed to the toxic gas and if the exposure is great enough, it can be fatal. If you find that you experience symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning whenever youre driving or in the car, its important that you get your exhaust checked out for leaks. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, tiredness, flu-type symptoms, nausea and even loss of consciousness. You may find that your symptoms improve whenever youre away from the car but come back or become worse whenever youre in the car. This is a definite sign that you should get your vehicle checked out for CO leakage. If you keep your car in a garage at home, you should never leave the engine running idle in an enclosed space. This can cause a build up of carbon monoxide fumes in the garage area and can also cause CO pollution to seep into the house, which poses a risk to everyone in the home. You should bear in mind that vehicles tend to give off more carbon monoxide emission during the colder months because more fuel is required in order to start and run the engine during cold weather. As a result, youre advised to regularly have your vehicle 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 93
checked for excessive CO emissions during the winter months, as this could help to protect you and others. Its vital that motorists take the same precautions to avoid carbon monoxide pollution and poisoning when in their vehicles as they would in the home or office. Carbon monoxide is still as deadly when the leakage or pollution is from your vehicle as its from any other source, and without taking steps to prevent, identify and reduce this pollution you could suffer serious illness, injury or death. The risks of death are further increased from vehicle CO poisoning, as you could quite easily crash your vehicle if you start to become drowsy or feel unwell from the poisoning when youre driving. In May 2012, an 82-year-old woman was found dead on her bedroom floor, one flight above the garage where she left her car running for as long as 20 hours. Mary J. Ringley was the apparent victim of carbon monoxide poisoning. Her son, who went to her house after being unable to reach her by phone, found her. Her dog was found dead in another bedroom. Police said there were no carbon monoxide detectors in the home. Stories like this highlight the dangers posed by carbon monoxide.
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7: Special Driving Conditions

Would you go out in a thunderstorm without a raincoat, or walk around in flip-flops during the middle of a snowstorm? Were guessing that you would certainly take changing conditions such as weather and location into account when planning most of your daybut do you adjust your driving habits in the same manner? In order to be a safer driver, its important to recognize and adjust for unusual or hazardous driving conditions. And really, this all comes down to common sense. If you wouldnt wear shorts and a t-shirt during a blizzard, why would you drive through a blizzard as if theres no snow or ice on the ground? In this lesson, you will learn how to drive in special conditions, as we explore the following topics: 1. City Driving 2. Highway Driving 3. Wet Roads 4. Snow & Ice 5. Reduced Visibility 6. Night Driving 7. Drowsy Driving 8. Hill Country & Curves 9. Driving in Reverse 10. Traffic Congestion 11. Deer Hazards
City Driving
Driving in urban areas requires that the driver maintain their attention at all times because there are many pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles that have to be accounted for. Young driver Sally Schuman learned this lesson the hard way back in 2003 when she began her first real job in the small but crowded city of New Brunswick, NJ. Schuman was new to the area and was still feeling a bit intimidated by New Brunswick driving, but her boss had given her a few important errands to run and she was determined to face up to her driving fears. Schuman soon found herself both lost and stuck in traffic. With a slow-moving line of cars ahead and pedestrians everywhere, she decided it would be best to make a right turn into an upcoming gas station, where she could take a second look at her directions.
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As soon as Schuman made the turn, however, a bicyclist (who had been traveling quickly up the sidewalk) went flying across the hood of her car. Good lord, Schuman thought. Ive just killed a man! She immediately got out of her car to check on the bicyclist. To her great relief, he appeared dazed but unhurt. Schuman hadnt seen the bicyclist coming up the sidewalk because shed been too distracted by all the other things going on around her. Luckily though, she had made the turn into the gas station very slowly, thereby not causing any serious harm to the man or to his bike. Had she lost her patience that day and driven more quickly over the sidewalk, things couldve been much worse. In the end, Schuman paid the bicyclist 25 dollars to have his bike repaired. The money was a small price to pay for the valuable lesson learned; she was now much more aware of her surroundings while driving, and over the next few years, she traveled the crowded streets of New Brunswick without incident. In city traffic, a motorist should try to cooperate with other motorists. Drive more slowly and watch for the movements of others. Motorists must pay extra attention to pedestrians and less-visible vehicles such as bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, motorized wheelchairs, and mobility-assistance vehicles. Individuals in wheelchairs or mobility-assistance vehicles always have the right-of-way in a crosswalk and a motorist must always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk. A motorist should also constantly look at least 12 seconds ahead while driving in the city. This means that they should be able to see an object far enough ahead so that it takes at least 12 seconds to arrive at its location. This means that driving at 25 mph on a clear city road, a motorist should be able to see about a block ahead. When traffic is heavy, extra time to react is necessary, which means driving more slowly. On city streets, a motorist will pass through intersections very often, which many new motorists fail to see. A motorist should always consider the following five safety tips when driving in a congested urban area: 1. If at the middle of a block, check intersections ahead for traffic controls. 2. When approaching or nearing an intersection, reduce speed. Glance left and then right. 3. Keep a foot on the brake. 4. When at a crosswalk, a vehicle should be at its slowest speed, at which point a motorist must decide whether to stop or to continue. Take a quick glance around and proceed if clear. 5. Watch for uncontrolled intersections where there are no lights or signs present. Dont think that a roadway is protected just because its wide, smooth or busy. If there are no traffic signals, there is no traffic control, and avoiding a collision is up to the motorist. Remember to always look, listen, and think.
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Highway Driving
Expressway or Highway means any divided roadway where traffic is flowing in one direction using two or more lanes. Highways will usually be entered and exited using on and off ramps. When using a highway, always make sure to check for posted speed limit signs, as speeds can differ from rural roadways. Before traveling a highway, its a good idea to identify your entrance and exit points on a road map. Know where to get on and off the highway and be prepared to get into the proper lanes when its time to enter and exit. If you miss an exit however, never back up to return to the highway. Get off at the next exit and then look for signs that indicate how to return to the highway going in the opposite direction. There will usually be an exit for your destination from that side of the highway. Unless there is a STOP sign, a YIELD sign, or a traffic light located on the entrance ramp, use it to accelerate to highway speed and then blend in with traffic. As you do this, make sure to signal and to look over your shoulder for approaching traffic already present on the highway. If necessary, slow down to safely merge. If the entrance lane is too short to allow acceleration to highway speed, the safest way to enter is to stop and wait for a large gap in traffic at which point you can then accelerate and enter the highway. In order to avoid possible conflicts with other entrance lane traffic, stop only when necessary and merge into highway traffic as soon as possible. As you drive on the highway, remember to signal all lane changes and to check over your shoulder so that you wont cut off any vehicles behind you. Make sure your directional signal is switched off after changing lanes. Remain alert for traffic entering the highway ahead. If possible, move out of the right lane as you approach entrances in order to allow more room for merging traffic. To avoid a last-minute lane change, check destination and exit signs as they appear and move into the proper lane for your exit well in advance. Be sure to signal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before you reach the exit ramp. Once youre on the exit ramp, slow down, because there is often a lower speed posted for the ramp. Since highway driving combines high speeds with heavy traffic, you must always be alert. The higher speed and traffic volume require you to think faster and handle your vehicle more efficiently than in most other driving situations. On long trips, plan frequent rest stops. On a bright day, sunglasses can reduce glare as well as eye fatigue. Lastly, sharing driving time with a friend or family member will reduce the burden of long trips and can help ensure you arrive at your destination safely.
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Wet Roads
Wet roads require driving more slowly and stopping or turning should be completed with great care. The three-seconds-plus rule should be increased to four seconds or more because quick turns or changes in speed may cause a vehicle to skid and the driver to lose control. Road surfaces are most slippery during the first few minutes of a rainfall. After driving through a puddle of water, a motorist should test the brakes by pumping them, which will also speed the drying process. Speed should be decreased when passing through puddles, especially those deeper than the tires tread. While most drivers use caution when driving on wet roads, many treat it as they would under regular driving conditions. For example, during one recent afternoon in Fresno, California, slick driving conditions caused a series of accidents involving not one, not two, but ten different cars. The first accident was caused byyou guessed itcars driving too quickly on the wet North Fresno Freeway. Things soon became worse when additional vehicles were unable to stop in time to avoid the mess. The drivers in each of the ten cars were extremely lucky to walk away with only minor injuries that day. The fact of the matter remains, however, that driving on wet roads using the same techniques as regular conditions, can be hazardous and often even deadly. There are many things a safe driver can do to avoid accidents in these conditions. When combined with wet roads, excessive speed can result in an accident. When driving on wet roads, avoid high speeds in order to reduce the risk of hydroplaning, which is when the loss of steering or braking control occurs due to a layer of water between the tires and road. Speed can cause a vehicle to go into this sometimes-uncontrollable slide, easily sending your car off the road or into oncoming lanes. Speed can also reduce your vision as it becomes more difficult to recognize upcoming obstacles such as deep puddles. The most frequent location where accidents occur is at intersections. During wet road conditions, exercise extreme caution when approaching an intersection. Although you may be approaching slowly to avoid heavy braking and sliding, other drivers around you may not be so cautions. Always be aware of other vehicles at intersections because they are often made more slippery by frequent oil spills. Intersections are not the only place where a driver should maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. We have all heard of the two second following rule and this guideline becomes even more important at intersections. During wet road conditions its imperative to watch the distance between you and the driver in front of you, as suddenly stopping on a wet road is one of the leading causes of accidents. Taking these simple tips into account can possibly save your life. You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch and when you need to stop or slow down, dont brake hard or lock the wheels. Maintain only mild pressure on the brake pedal. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 98
If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas pedal and carefully steer in the direction you want the car to go. You must be prepared to turn the steering wheel again and again until the front of the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. For cars without anti-lock brakes (ABS), avoid using your brakes altogether. If your car is equipped with ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid. Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires properly inflated, and maintain good tire tread. Slow down when roads are wet, stay away from puddles, and try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you. If you find yourself hydroplaning, dont brake or turn suddenly, as this could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has antilock brakes then brake normally. The car's computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person. Remember, a good defensive driver will always adjust their speed to wet road conditions before having to use any of these measures.
Snow & Ice

Winter is the most difficult driving season because not only do you have snow and ice to contend with, but there are fewer hours of daylight as well. Before winter weather arrives, make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Make certain your vehicle has good snow tires and install them on your vehicle before the first snowfall. Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. On front-wheel drive cars, its best to install snow tires or "all-season" tires on all four wheels, not just on the front. During ice or snowstorms, or when a travel advisory is issued, dont drive unless absolutely necessary. If you must drive, first clear the ice and snow from your vehicle, including the headlights and taillights, the windshield wipers, and all windows. Be sure the windshield washer reservoir is adequately filled with a freeze-resistant cleaning solution. Drive slowly. Even if your vehicle has good traction on ice and snow, other drivers will be traveling cautiously. Dont disrupt the flow of traffic by driving faster than everyone else. In a rear-wheel drive vehicle, you can usually feel a loss of traction or the beginning of a skid. With a front-wheel drive vehicle, there may be no warning. Though front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles generally do handle better in ice and snow, they dont have flawless traction and skids can occur unexpectedly. Dont allow the improved feel and handling of a front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicle to cause you to drive faster than the road conditions will allow. Before driving in cold weather, start the engine and let it warm up according to manufacturer directions. All snow and ice must be removed from the entire vehicle. Always make sure the vehicle has the proper type of windshield washing fluid and that its full. When starting to move on snow and ice, keep the engine at low RPMs, and if the 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 99
wheels spin, a lower gear should be selected. When stuck, rock the vehicle back and forth by shifting between forward and reverse in order to escape. As mentioned earlier, the best way to remain safe in winter is to avoid driving when conditions become too treacherous. During one major 2011 snowstorm in Marathon County, Wisconsin, dispatchers received calls from more than 50 drivers who were stuck in the snow overnight, including semi trucks and snowplows. If a snowplow cant make it through the snow, it might be a good idea for the rest of us to stay home.
Reduced Visibility
Driving with fog, rain or hail can greatly reduce your visibility. In November 2010, Virginia State Police were called to the scene of a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 77. The fog was so thick that within minutes the police had received notice of several more accidents just a few miles away on the same road. In the end, it was determined that 75 vehicles were involved in the collisions during which two people were killed and 16 people were injured. Given the high number of cars involved, the fatalities couldve been a lot worse. To avoid taking part in such a massive pileup, remember the following eight tips: 1. Use your headlights when driving at night, or in poor weather conditions. 2. When turning, dont follow too closely and signal well in advance. 3. Pull off to the side of the road if conditions are too poor to continue driving. 4. Drive slowly enough to maintain a safe stopping distance. 5. Don't slow down so much that you become a risk to other drivers. 6. Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the taillights of vehicles in front of them. 7. If you must, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off the brake pedal and turn on your hazard lights. 8. Make sure you always have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle in case of bright sunlight. The best advice for driving in the fog isdont! You should consider postponing your trip until the fog clears. However, if you must drive, then move slowly and use your low beam headlights, because the light from your vehicles high beams will reflect back and cause glare. Never drive with only your parking or fog lights illuminated. Increase your following distance and be prepared to stop within the space that you can see ahead. Avoid crossing or passing lanes of traffic unless absolutely necessary. Listen for traffic you cant see. Use your wipers and defroster as often as necessary for best vision. If the fog becomes so thick that you can barely see, pull completely off the road and dont resume driving until you can see well. Turn off your lights and keep your foot off the brake pedal; otherwise, someone may see your taillights, think youre moving, and drive directly into your vehicle.
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Night Driving
Because you cant see very far ahead and because you will have less time to stop for a hazard, its important that you drive more slowly at night. Always make sure you can stop within the distance provided by your headlights. Use your low beam headlights at night when it rains and never drive at night using only your parking lights. Use your high beam headlights whenever possible in open country or on dark city streets, as long as its not illegal to do so. Dont blind other drivers with your high beam headlights. Its important to dim your lights when necessary in order to avoid causing problems for other drivers. If another driver does not dim their lights: Dont look directly into the oncoming headlights. Look toward the right edge of your lane. Watch the oncoming vehicle out of the corner of your eye. Dont try to get back at the other driver by keeping your bright lights on. If you do, both of you may be blinded. When you drive at night, remember: Pedestrians and bicyclists are much harder to see at night, so stay alert. Motorcycles are also harder to see at night because most are only equipped with one taillight. More highway construction takes place during the night when traffic is lighter. Reduce your speed in highway construction zones. When you leave a brightly lit area, drive slowly until your eyes adjust to the darkness. Drive as far to the right of the road as possible when a vehicle with one headlight is approaching; it could be a bicyclist or motorcyclist, but it could also be a vehicle with a missing headlight. Consider the following statistics: Nighttime driving only accounts for 25% of all driving and there is usually significantly less traffic during these hours. However, driving at night is more of a challenge than many people think. Its also more dangerous: Traffic death rates are three times greater at night than during the day 55% of all driving fatalities occur after dark 62% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night. Despite these figures, many of us are not aware of the unique hazards or special precautions associated with night driving.
The following tips will help you minimize the hazards of night driving:
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1. Adjust your speed to the range of your headlights. High beam headlights in good working order illuminate the road for about 300 ft. ahead; use low beams for a much shorter distance. 2. Keep your eyes moving. Don't fall for the temptation of focusing on the middle of the lighted area in front of you. Search the edges of the lighted area. Look for other patches of light that could be cars. Look for them at hilltops, on curves, or at intersections. Where there are many distracting neon signs or brightly lit buildings, try to concentrate on street-level activities. 3. Protect your eyes from glare. Prolonged exposure to glare from sunlight during the day or headlights at night can temporarily ruin your night vision, while also leading to eyestrain and drowsiness. Wear good sunglasses on bright days and take them off as soon as the sun goes down. 4. Keep windshields and headlight lenses clean. 5. Use your lights wisely. Use high beams when possible. Switch to low beams when following another car or encountering oncoming cars. Emergencies are always worse after dark than during daylight hours. There is less traffic and fewer opportunities for assistance. Here are some suggestions for road emergencies at night: Pull your vehicle off the main highway as far as possible. If there is a shoulder, use it. Turn on your emergency flashers and the interior dome light. Place flares or reflectors near your vehicle and 300 feet behind it on the right edge of the roadway. If possible, stay with your vehicle until help arrives. If you must leave your vehicle, carry a flashlight and walk on the left shoulder facing traffic.
Drowsy Driving
When youre tired, you are less alert. Because the body naturally wants to sleep at night, most drivers are less alert at this time, but especially after midnight. You may not recognize hazards as quickly as when youre rested and alert so your chances of having a crash may be greater. If youre sleepy, the only safe response is to get off the road and get some sleep. Below are some helpful tips to keep from becoming tired on a long trip: Get a normal nights sleep before starting on your trip. Dont take any medications that can cause drowsiness. Dont drive for extended periods of time, and try not to drive late at night. Take regular rest stops, even if you dont feel tired. Constantly shift your eyes from one part of the road to another. Look at objects near and far, left and right. 2012 DriveSafeToday.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 102
Try chewing gum or singing along with the radio/CD to avoid becoming tired. Roll your window down to get some fresh air. If youre tired all the time and fall asleep often throughout the day, ask your physician to check for a sleep disorder. The motorists most at risk of falling asleep during driving are: Sleep deprived. Driving long distances without rest breaks. Driving through the night or at other times when they are normally asleep. Taking medicine that increases sleepiness, or drinking alcohol. Driving alone. Driving on long, rural, boring roads. Young people. Shift workers. Commercial drivers.
Hill Country & Curves

In October 2012, Joseph Beer, a 17 year old high school student from Queens NY was driving a 2012 Subaru hatchback carrying four passengers. The students were all friends who had gone out for a ride and were heading back to New York around 4 a.m. As they rounded a notorious bend in the parkway that emergency workers have nicknamed Dead Mans Curve, the car suddenly lost control and slammed into a tree. The car struck with such force that it split in two, ejecting all of its occupants. Only Joseph survived. The area where Joseph lost control is known for causing horrific accidents. Local residents stated that the curve in the road where the accident occurred climbs a hill before veering sharply. This sad story reminds us that we never know what is on the other side of a steep hill or a sharp curve. Driving on a highway or road with a lot of hills and curves can be challenging. With little traffic and few traffic signals, its tempting to pick up speed and cruise along as though there were no hazards ahead. Remember, the curves and hills can be concealing dangerous situations created by other vehicles, hidden driveways, animals, and other obstacles on or near the road. When you come to a hill or curve, slow down so you can stop for any hazard. You must drive slowly enough to stop.
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Any time your view is blocked by a hill or a curve, you should assume there is another vehicle ahead of you. Only pass the vehicle if a hill or curve is at least one-third of a mile away because you need at least that much room to pass safely. Dont drive on the left side of the road when coming to a curve or the top of a hill because you cant see far enough ahead to know if its safe to pass. Upon reaching the top of the hill, look for hazards such as pedestrians on the road or shoulder, vehicles entering the road from driveways, or vehicles backed up at a traffic light.
Driving in Reverse
A manager of a drive-thru called the police department and asked to have an officer dispatched immediately. The dispatcher asked what seems to be the problem? The manager replied, there is an individual that is holding up traffic and we cant service other customers because hes doing a terrible job of driving his vehicle through the drivethru. When the police officer arrived at the scene, he realized that there was a man trying to operate his vehicle into the drive-thru in reverse. The police officer approached the man and inquired, what are you doing? The man replied, I was short on cash so I figured I would drive in reverse to have my passenger pay for the food. Of course the story isnt true! But, in the event that you do find yourself driving in reverse through a drive-thru, remember the following tips:
Prior to driving in reverse, you must be sure that the path is clear. Look behind and under your car before getting in it if you will be driving in reverse. Many accidents involve children and pets simply because the driver didn't know they were there. Once youre in the car, use the mirrors and turn your head and body to check. Your have to be very careful because your view to the rear is limited. In reverse, turning the wheel to the right will direct the vehicle to the right. Steering to the left will direct the vehicle to the left. If you dont turn the wheel while in reverse, the vehicle will move straight backward. Simple enough to remember! To reverse in a straight line, place your right hand and arm over the back of the front passenger seat; the left hand should grasp the top of the steering wheel. Turn your head and body to the right until you can see clearly through the back window of the vehicle without the use of mirrors. When parallel parking or turning the wheel while reversing you should place two hands on the steering wheel and turn your head and body to look out the rear window. Remember, the front of the vehicle will swing in the opposite direction of a turn. Its important to always drive very slowly in reverse, typically at 2 to 4 mph
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Traffic Congestion
Traffic congestion is a huge problem in many states. There are small changes in driving habits that could provide fast relief. Several driving behaviors that contribute to traffic congestion include: Rubbernecking this is perhaps the most frustrating. Slowing down to look at accidents or anything else out of the ordinary is one of top contributors to traffic congestion. Tailgating - following too closely contributes to a countless number of accidents. Unnecessary Lane Changes many motorists weave in and out of traffic. This can cause an accident and congestion by slowing down traffic. These unnecessary lane changes dont shorten the length of time it takes to get to your destination and should be avoided. Inattention - drivers can commonly be seen eating, grooming in the rearview mirror, talking on a cellular telephone, and even reading the newspaper as they drive to work.
If youre driving in heavy traffic congestion, remember the following: Drive slower that you normally would in heavy traffic so that you can stop in a short notice. Many drivers try to change lanes and weave in and out of traffic in an effort to beat traffic. Be prepared to stop in case one of these drivers cuts in front of you. Avoid distraction and be focused on the road in front of you. If youre distracted, you might not see all of the cars in front of you going forward. When driving in heavy traffic, its tempting to play with your cell phone. This distraction can cause an accident. Try to stay in your lane and dont change unless required. Frequent lane changes can be risky during heavy traffic flow. Plan your exit. If your exit is approaching, try to drive in the lane closest to your exit. This will help you avoid any sudden lane changes. Stay calm. Its easy to get upset, angry, and frustrated in traffic. Keep your cool and focus on the road.
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Deer Hazards
Deer can be found all over the country and healthy deer populations are increasingly coming into residential and urban areas seeking food and mates. This is a result of developments encroaching on deer habitats. This increases the chances of motorists encountering deer on the roadways around their homes and places of business. Contact with a deer at a high speed can cause significant damage to your car and can also be fatal. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that about 275,000 motor vehicle crashes involving an animal occurred in 2005 and the numbers have increased dramatically since that time. Use the following tips to help avoid vehicle-deer collisions: Slow down and prepare to stop as soon as you see a deer. Stopping your vehicle is better than taking evasive action. Notice other cars; slow down if they are behaving differently. Look out for posted deer crossing signs. Use high beams at night to provide a better vision of the road. When you spot a deer, watch for more. Deer often travel in groups. Understand that deer are nocturnal. Deer often travel at dawn and at dusk. Many vehicle-deer crashes happen between 6 PM and midnight. Dont swerve into another lane to avoid striking a deer. Its better to strike a deer than another vehicle or object.
If you do hit a deer, call 911 and wait for assistance.
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Conclusion: Summing It All Up

Youre now at the end of the coursebut we hope it didnt FEEL too long! Throughout the duration of this program, we shared many stories about driving and following the rules of the road. We know these stories were sad at times and we sincerely hope that we didnt upset you. Our intention was never to leave you in tears; we simply wanted to add a personal touch to this program and to impart some important lessons through the wisdom and experience of others. As you complete this course, dont focus on sadness and regret. We encourage you instead to look toward the future and the prospect of becoming an even better driver. Cars are certainly a means of getting from one place to another but they are also a place in and of themselves. At the end of long workdays, our cars provide quiet sanctuaries in which to unwind. When were feeling cooped up or unappreciated at home, we can hop in our cars and just drive, even when there isnt necessarily any place to go. Most of us spend hours of quality time in our automobiles each day as we sing along with the radio more loudly than wed ever dare to at home. When you get into your car you may feel as though youre the only person on the planet. Its important to remember, however, that the driving decisions you make can impact every other person or vehicle on the road. Surely, youd think it was irresponsible for another motorist to ignore traffic signs, weave recklessly in and out of traffic, or drink copious amounts of alcohol while sharing your roadways, right? And if youd never excuse such behavior from others, how could you expect any less from yourself? We hope youve come out of this program with a new appreciation for the world of driving, as well as for the enormous responsibility that comes along with it. Even though this course is complete, we hope youll take some additional time to reevaluate the habits you've picked up throughout the years. Remember, even great drivers can always learn ways to become a little bit better. From all of us at DriveSafeToday.com, we hope you have many long years of exciting road trips ahead. Goodbye, good luckand happy driving!
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Defensive Driving Course & Traffic School

Have Another Day By Driving Safe Today

2. Drugs, Alcohol & Health Issues .. 31

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Breath Tests Vision Hearing Alertness

4. Driving Rules, Regulations & Penalties.. 61

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5. Traffic Signs & Signals ..... 76

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Miscellaneous Signs & Signals

6. Know Your Vehicle ..... 82

7. Special Driving Conditions . 95

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Driving in Reverse Traffic Congestion Deer Hazards

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1. Sharing the Road with Others

Police & Emergency Vehicles

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Trucks & Buses

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Visually Challenged People

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Vehicles with Hazardous Loads

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2: Drugs, Alcohol & Health Issues

Drinking & Driving

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Effects of Drugs on Driving

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Aggressive Drivers & Road Rage

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Keeping a Safe Distance

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Distractions Text Messaging & Cell Phones

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Passing & Changing Lanes