1. Signs, Signals, and Road Markings Chapter 2

2. # 1  What functions do traffic signs serve? Page 2

3. Signs  They Regulate, Warn and Guide. Page 3

4. Signs in general  Signs convey information to travelers not only by their messages and color, but through their Unique shapes as well.  Special shapes are specifically assigned to certain types of signs so that travelers can recognize them quickly and react appropriately. Page 4

5. Signs cont.  In general, the greater number of sides on a sign, the more critical a message it conveys. This is why a circular shape was adopted for the Railroad Advance warning sign (i.e. infinite number of sides), as a collision between a train and a typical vehicle will nearly always end badly. Then next the octagon shape is used for the STOP sign, since not noticing that sign typically has unpleasant consequences, and so on down the line. There are of course exceptions to this rule the YIELD and No Passing Zone signs are still rather important (and the pennant shape of the NPZ sign serves as a sort of "get back over on your own side of the road" arrow Page 5

6. Regulatory Signs  Controls Traffic- Tells you about the laws you must obey!!  Most important: Stop and Yield…. Legally binding. Page 6

7. Regulatory signs Page 7

8. Warning Signs  These signs are intended to help in avoiding surprise situations.  They alert you to possible hazards and road conditions.  Most warning signs are diamond shape… They are by far the most common of all signs. Page 8

9. Warning signs  Exceptions to diamond shape rule. Round railroad, School zone, and No Passing signs. Page 9

10. Warning Signs: Advisory Speed Limits Page 10

11. Other Warning signs Page 11

12. Other Warning Signs Page 12

13. Guide Signs  Provides wide range of information.  Marks routes, intersections, services areas and other points of interests.  Colors: Green, Blue, Brown Page 13

14. Green= Destination/ Distance To Be Traveled Page 14

15. Blue signs= Information of Highway Services (Food, Fuel Lodging) Page 15

16. Brown Signs = Points of interest (Cultural and Recreational) Page 16

17. #3 What’ the shape?  Stop  Yield  Warning  No Passing  Railroad crossing (Two types) Page 17

18. Railroad (Two Types)  Round with two RR’s warn you of a railroad crossing. 250 in the city. And 750 in rural areas.  The white cross buck is at the crossing. Don’t stop on the tracks!! Page 18

19. Interstate route signs  Important to defense, economy, and mobility.  Eisenhower  Red/White/Blue: Shield Shape Page 19

20. Interesting Points  Even numbers = East/West…RT 80  Odd numbers= North/South… Rt 15  3 figure odd that starts with an odd number …. Leads to city/town … 181.  3 figure that starts with even number goes around a city… 287. Page 20

21. # 4 Red Circle & Red Slash???  Red: Action is prohibited. Stop, Don’t do it  Black and white combinations usually tell you what you can do. Page 21

22. Interstate Signs cont. 1.They vary to type of highway. 2.They vary from state to state. 3.They can combine with city streets. Page 22

23. # 5 School Zone  Posted within One block of the school,  Pentagon shape.  Two types Page 23

24. School continue  Drug free zone (1000 feet)  You never get a warning in a school zone… and most fines are double. Be careful !!! Page 24

25. Traffic Signs Page 1

26. # 6 Stop signs  Used on roads that cross main highways or through streets.  State Test: Park 50 feet away. Page 26

27. Actions you take at a stop sign  Stop before any crosswalk or stop line this is also called a legal stop.  Make sure you come to a full stop…No rolling stops!  Creep until you can see both ways… Homestead and 7-11 Page 27

28. #7 Five steps at a four way stop Page 28

29. Actions at a four way stop: ( Stop and wait your turn) 1.The driver who stopped First should be allowed to go first. 2.When cars stop to the right and left of each other at the same time, the driver on the Right should be allowed to go first, 3.When stopped across the intersection facing oncoming traffic the driver going straight should be allow to proceed. A driver turning left should wait. 4.Show your intention to proceed by moving forward slowly before entering the intersection. 5.Check traffic to all sides and watch for other vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection while you drive (foot over break) Page 29

30. # 8 What does yielding mean?  Allowing others to go first.  When approaching a red white triangular yield sign, slow enough ahead of time can often permit you to proceed without completing stopping.  Key is proceed only when it is safe to do so, without affecting the flow of traffic in the lane you are entering. Page 30

31. Typical Yielding Intersection Page 31

32. Yielding Intersections continue… Circles or roundabouts Page 32

33. # 9 “The Right of Way”  Means you accept the privilege of immediate use of the roadway.  Remember the law says you can’t take the right of way… Someone must give it to you!!  Laws are set up to indicate when you must yield. Page 33

34. #10 Basic Speed Law Page 34

35. Basic Speed Law  Speed safe for existing conditions,  Bad weather… You must drive that is safe and prudent regardless of posted speed limits.  Minimum speed limit.. This is to keep traffic moving Page 35

36. # 11 Yellow and Orange Warning Signs (Differences)  Yellow is a general warning that always there. Page 36

37. Orange Warning Signs  Often temporary construction signs  Road work ahead  Fines Doubled $$$ Page 37

38. Other Orange Warning Signs Page 38

39. Slow Moving Vehicles  Examples: Page 39

40. #12 International Signs  The use of symbols not words.  Tells a message/No language barrier. Page 40

41. Page 41

42. #13 Traffic Light Actions 1.Red Light: You must come to a full stop behind the stop line or crosswalk. 2.Yellow Light: Make every reasonable effort to stop at an intersection for a yellow light. If you are too close to stop safely, then you may go through the intersection.(red light to appear) 3.Green Light: Proceed when the path is clear. Page 42

43. Computerize Traffic lights  Sensors in the road. Page 43

44. #14. Right Turn On Red Procedures  All states have them now.  You stop and yield/ Same as a stop sign.  What is the main reason we have right on reds??  Some states allow left on red/ usually from a one way street to another one way street. Page 44

45. Right On Red Procedures cont.… Page 45

46. #15 Flashing Lights  Flashing lights are used to caution drivers or to tell them to stop.  Flashing Red Light.. Make a full stop/Proceed when clear. (Just like a stop sign)  Flashing Yellow Light Treat like a yield sign be prepare to stop or slow down. Page 46

47. Flashing Light cont. Page 47

48. #16 Green Arrow  Turn in that direction after yielding to pedestrians and vehicles already in the intersection.  Protected vs. Unprotected  At a four barrel light… when you have the arrow you are protected… from cross traffic.  When it goes blank or red you are not protected. Page 48

49. Green Arrow cont.  When blank you can still go but you have to yield.  Very important when waiting to cross traffic at an intersection (One at a time) Keep Your Wheels Straight Page 49

50. Turning To Nearest Lane Page 50

51. #17 What does a red X over your lane mean?  Move your lane is closed. Danger!! Example bridge traffic. Page 51

52. #18 Yellow Line Markings (Traffic in Opposition)  Solid yellow separate traffic going in opposite direction. May cross only after Yielding  Broken yellow… Passing permitted on both sides of road. Page 52

53. Yellow Markings cont.  Double Yellow Solid/ No Passing in either direction.  Combo single solid and broken yellow lines Page 53

54. Share Left Turn  Single Yellow may cross only after yielding. Page 54

55. White Line Markings  Separate lanes of traffic that are moving in the same direction.  Treat solid white lines like solid yellow lines they should not be crossed.  Keeps drivers in their lanes and restrict lane changing.  Also used to indicate the shoulder of the road (Fog Line) Page 55

56. White Lines cont. Page 56

57. White Lines cont. Page 57

58. White Lines cont. Page 58

59. #19 Guide Your Path At Night  Reflectors and Rumble Strips Page 59

60. Rumble Strips Page 60

61. Guide Your Path Page 61

62. #20 Raise Road Marking  Main Purpose of raised markers on the roadway and shoulder… Define Safe path of Travel. (If red get out of lane immediately).Wrong side of road Page 62

63. #21 Painted Curbs  Generally designated as No Parking Zones. Fire Hydrants.  Red, Yellow, White. Page 63

64. Painted Curbs cont.  Handicap Parking Only : Must have tags in order to park. Page 64

65. #22 Traffic Officer  Must follow the officer’s directions regardless of the traffic signals. Page 65

66. Page 66

67. Chapter 3 Basic Vehicle Control

68. Chapter 3: Basic Vehicle Control  Instruments, Controls, and Devices  Speedometer: Tells you the speed you are traveling in both mph and mph.  Tachometer: Indicates the engine revolutions per minute. (stick)  Odometer: Measures the amount of miles traveled.  Temp Light or Gauge: warning for coolant temp in engine.  Oil Light or Gauge: warning if the oil isn’t circulating at the proper pressure.  Alternator Warning Light or Gauge: indicates vehicle electrical trouble. Usually lights if the battery is being drained.  Brake system warning light: reminds to release the parking brake, light comes on if the braking system is not working properly. Page 68

69. 3.1 Cont.  Antler-lock Brake Lights:  Keeps the wheels from locking. Light indicates if the brakes are not working properly.  Safety Belt Light: reminds you to fasten your seatbelt.  Air Bag Warning Light: Indicates if the are in proper working condition.  Turn Signal Indicators: indicates the direction you have signaled to turn.  High Beam Indicator: Indicates if the high beam lights have been turned on.  Vehicle Controls:  Steering Wheel: Turns the car  Steering Wheel Adjustment Lever: Moves the Steering Wheel into the drivers optimum position. Page 69

70. 3.1 cont.  Selector Lever: Automatic transmission (forward or reverse)  Console: Compartment between the two seats.  Gear-Shift Lever: Manual Transmition (alternates gears)  Ignition and Starter Switch: Starts the car engine.  Cruise Control: allows you to maintain a desired speed on the road.  Parking Brake: Keeps the vehicle in place when the car is parked.  Clutch Pedal: Manual Transmition, is the pedal that allows you to switch gears.  Foot Brake: Applies brakes to stop.  Accelerator Pedal: increases speed. Page 70

71. 3.1 Cont.  Safety/Communication  Seat Belts: Secure driver and passenger  Head Restraints: Reduces whiplash injuries in collision.  Rearview Mirrors inside/outside: Allows vision to back and sides of car while facing front.  Horn: Signal to other cars.  Hazard Flasher: Warns other vehicles that your car is a hazard.  Turn Signal Lever: Move lever to signal turn  Windshield Wiper and Washer  Light Switch  Hood Release Lever: Unlocks the hood, usually located on bottom of driver seating compartment. Page 71

72. 3.1 cont.  Heater, Air Conditioner, and Defroster:  Sun Visor: Keeps sun out of eyes.  Seat Adjustment Lever: Adjusts seat to meet the drivers needs. Page 72

73. 3.2 Getting Ready to Drive  Outside Checks:  Look around the outside of the car (oil marks, objects, water marks)  Check Tires  Wheel direction  Windshield, headlights, and taillights are clear.  Check back window for loose objects.  Check for unwarranted passengers.  Getting into the Vehicle:  Unlock the Vehicle  Check oncoming traffic  Get in quickly, lock, and start Page 73

74. 3.2 Cont.  Inside Checks  Lock all doors  Adjust the seat to your needs, check distance to foot pedals, make sure you 10 inches away from wheel for collision safety.  Hands should be balanced and comfortable, knees should be slightly bent.  Adjust head restraint to the middle/back of head.  Adjust inside mirror and outside mirrors.  Fasten Seatbelt and ask all passengers too. Page 74

75. 3.3 Driving a Automatic Vehicle  Selector Lever Positions;  P: Park  R: Reverse, back up lights will activate when backing up.  N: Neutral, engine running but car isn't moving.  D: Drive  L1, L2 or 1,2. Positions that send more power to the wheels at lower speeds.  Starting the Engine:  Parking Brake is set  Car must be in park  Keep foot off accelerator if engine is cold.  Turn ignition switch to on, continue turning to start and release the key.  Check all gauges, warning lights, and fuel supplies. Page 75

76. 3.3 Cont.  Hand Positions for Controlled Steering  Using proper grip is very important when driving a car. The ideal position to have your hands is in the 10-2 o’clock position or the 9 and 3 o’clock position. Imagine your wheel is a clock and place your hands on the desired time.  Steering the Vehicle:  Begin your practice with picking out a target far out in the distance. Target is the “aiming point” which is where you want your car to go. Slight steering keeps your car in a straight line.  Putting the Vehicle in Motion;  Press firmly on brake  Selector to drive  Release parking brake  Check traffic, in-front and behind  Use turn signal  Once clear press slightly on accelerator  Check over shoulder  Reach desired speed and then ease on accelerator. (rest heel of foot on ground) Page 76

77. 3.3 Cont.  Stopping the Vehicle:  Check Traffic  Let up on accelerator  Gradually press down on foot brake (shift to park if you plan to park)  Securing the Vehicle:  Once stopped continue to step on brake.  Shift to park or reverse in stick shift  Set parking brake, turn off accessories, and close all windows.  Turn off ignition switch, remove key, release foot brake  Unfasten seatbelt  Lock all doors  Leaving the Vehicle:  Check inside/outside mirrors  Make sure you have your keys  Glance over shoulder  Open door when it is safe  Make sure all doors are locked ad walk to the rear of vehicle. Page 77

78. 3.4 Driving a Vehicle with Manual Transmission  Selector-Lever Position: 4,5,6 speed shift patterns.  Using Stick shift Gears:  N-Neutral  1: start the car 0-15  2: 15-25  3: 25-40  4: speeds above 35  5: over 45 or 50  R: Reverse Page 78

79. 3.4 cont.  Using the clutch:  Press clutch pedal to floor before starting, shifting, or before coming to a stop.  Do not form a habit riding the clutch, which is keeping your foot on the clutch pedal while driving Page 79

80. Chapter 4 Managing Risk with the IPDE Process

81. The IPDE Process  Risks: Can be contributed by the driver, by the vehicle, and by the roadway and environment.  Adjusting the radio, being angry, having blurred vision, combing, hair, texting, talking on the phone, bad tires, dirty windshield, sharp curve, snow and ice.  The IPDE Process:  Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute  Aim high in steering, keep eyes moving, get the big picture, Make sure others see you, leave yourself an “out.”  Identify: Give meaning to what you see.  Zones and Searching Ranges:  Zone: one of the six areas of space around the vehicle that is the width of a lane and extends as far as the driver can see.  Open Zone: space where you can drive without a restriction to your line of sight or to your intended path of travel.  Line of Sight: is the distance you can see ahead in the direction you are looking.  Target Area: section of the roadway where the target is located in the center of your intended path, and the area to its right and left.  Closed Zone: space not open to you because of its restriction in your line of sight or intended path of travel.  Target Area Zone: the space from your vehicle to the target area.  12-15 second range: the space you will travel in 12-15 seconds.  4-6 second range: the space you will travel in 4-6 seconds. Page 81

82. Page 82

83. 4.1 Cont.  Orderly Visual Search Pattern:  Look ahead  Evaluate your left-front, front, and right-front zones in 12- 15 second range.  Glance in rearview mirror to check rear zones.  12-15 second range  4-6 second range  Glance in rearview mirror  Check gauges  Where and how to look:  Field of vision: area you can see around while looking forward.  Central Vision: area seen clearly and sharply.  Peripheral Vision: area you can see to the left and right of central vision. Page 83

84. 4.2  Aim high in steering: means look 12-15 seconds ahead.  Helps identify clues on the road.  Keep your eyes moving: Try to develop the art of scanning.  Scanning: glancing continually and quickly with very brief fixations through your orderly visual search pattern.  Get the big picture:  putting together the critical clues you have selected.  Know what to look for:  Look for open zones: look for clues that might cause an open zone to close.  Search for intersections, parked cars, pedestrians, traffic. (city)  Look for crossroads, slow-moving vehicles, and animals.  Look for other users:  People that may affect your path of travel. Ground viewing: making quick glances to the roadway in front of you.  Always be on the lookout out for problem drivers, speeders/illegal passing.  Change from multilane to single lane:  Identify signs that warn for this change, don’t wait for the last instant allow yourself time to check your zones.  Roadway surface:  identify the roadway surface and the condition each time you drive Page 84

85. 4.2 cont.  Roadside Hazard:  Scan for bicycles, pedestrians, parked cars, animals, other drivers.  Look for traffic controls: stop lights, etc.  Predict: how the hazard may affect you path.  How to:  Knowledge: driving knowledge, study of traffic laws and driver education material.  Judgment: involves measuring, comparing, and evaluation.  Experience: helps you improve your ability to predict accurately.  What to Predict:  The actions of other roadway users.  Control of your vehicle and consequences of your actions.  Predicting Actions of Others:  Watch for clues to what they might do to alter zone conditions.  Path: What path they might follow  Action: What action will the other drivers take  Space: Will I have an open zone?  Point of Conflict: Where might conflict occur? Page 85

86. 4.3 Decide and Execute  Decide:  Decide to change speed:  Any decision will be influenced by the speed of your vehicle as well as the speed of the other drivers.  Decide the change direction:  Use a space cushion: an open space to avoid conflict.  Decide to communicate:  Headlights, horn, turn signals, back up lights.  Traffic Flow:  Safest place is where there are fewer cars surrounding you.  Minimize a hazard: Change you speed to deal with one change.  Compromise Space: give as much space possible to the greater hazard. Page 86

87. 4.3 Cont.  Execute:  Carrying out your decision.  Control Speed: Maintain the speed you are going.  Steer: Execute just the right amount of speeding needed.  Communicate: Use your lights and other devices as you execute. (hazards, turns, back-up, horn)  Combine Actions:  At times you may need to combine a few actions at the same time to execute your desired task. Page 87

88. Chapter 5,6

89. Gravity and Energy of Motion 5.1  Gravity: The force that pulls all things to earth.  Center of Gravity:  The point around which an objects weight is evenly distributed.  Energy of Motion: or kinetic energy.  The force in which moves. The faster you vehicle moves, to more energy of motion it has. Its also affected by weight.  Friction and Traction  Friction:  The force that keeps each tire from sliding on the road.  Traction:  The friction created by the tire on the road.  Traction makes it possible for your car to grip the road.  When you press the brake, braking friction slows you down Page 89

90. 5.2 Friction and Traction  Tires:  Thread and Traction:  Thread: The grooved surface of a tire that grips the road.  Tires ability to grip the road will increase if there is more tread on the tire.  Blowout: when all air escapes the tire at once. This is usually due to a worn out tire.  Inflation and Traction:  Under inflation: When the tire in underinflated you only have the outside edges touching the ground. This means those areas will wear out first.  Over inflation: The tire has too much pressure and only the middle of the tire is touch the ground.  Split Traction:  The use of traction and turning needs to be estimated. You must ease on the brake to prevent skidding and create more traction.  Checking Traction:  Check rear zone  Brake gently  If care doesn’t slow brake slightly harder. Page 90

91. 5.2 cont.  Vehicle Control in Curves:  Speed: You can only control the speed not the curve so when you come to a curve press slightly on the brake to create more friction.  Sharpness of Curve: Sharper the curve the more traction is need to make the turn.  Banked Curves: a curve that is higher that it is on the inside.  Load: The driver must slow down around a curve if they have a heavy load. Page 91

92. 5.3 Stopping Distance  Total Stopping Distance  The distance you car travels when trying to make a stop.  Perception Time and Distance:  Perception Time: The length of time you take to identify, predict, and decide how slow for a hazard.  Perception Distance:  The distance your vehicle travels during this time.  Reaction Time:  The length of time you take to execute your action.  Reaction Distance:  The distance your vehicle travels while you react.  Estimating Stopping  Pick a fixed checkpoint where you  Count off 4 seconds  Check your vehicles position Page 92

93. 5.3 cont.  Factors That Affect Braking Distance:  Speed: higher = longer braking distance.  Vehicle Condition: bad tires, shock absorbers, and brakes = longer braking distance.  Roadway Surface: snow, ice, rain, etc.  Driver Ability: distracted or impaired  Antilock Braking system: better control in braking  Hills: increases when driving downhill  Loads. Heavier load = long braking distance Page 93

94. 5.4 Controlling Force of Impact  Forces of Impact:  The force at which a moving object hits another object.  Speed: The force of impact is in proportion to the square of the increase or decrease in the vehicles speed.  Weight: The heavier the vehicle the more damage it will cause.  Distance Between Impact and Stopping:  Safety Belts:  Restraint Devices  Passive Restraint Devices:  How to wear you belt:  Adjust your seat to a comfortable and upright position.  Snap the metal fitting on the end of the safety belt into the buckle. Low part across the hips, belt should touch your thighs.  Shoulder art right across the chest  Air Bags:  A balloon like device that automatically inflates.  You should be 10 inches away from the steering wheel to protect from impact of airbag. If you have tilted steering wheel. Tilt wheel towards chest. Page 94

95. 5.4 cont.:  Other Protection Devices:  Automatic Safety Belts  Front and Rear Crush Areas  Energy Absorbing bumpers  Side door beams  Reinforced windshield  Energy absorbing steering wheel and column  Padded dash  Head restraints. Page 95

96. Chapter 6

97. Steering, Signaling, and Changing Lanes  Steering Straight Forward:  Overseer Turn the steering wheel to much to make a turn.  Under steer: Don’t turn the wheel enough to keep the vehicle in the planned path.  Steering Straight Backward:  Shift to Reverse  Turn your body to the right and look over shoulder.  Put hand at 12 0’clock position.  Release pressure on brake to allow car to move.  Turn top of steering wheel in the direction you want to go.  Stick Shift: Same but hold clutch  Signaling:  Right turn: Left hand pint up means turn right  Left turn: Hand pointing straight out.  Low or Stop: Hand pointing down. Page 97

98. 6.2 Cont.  Making Turns and Turning the vehicle around.  Hand-over-hand steering  Push-pull steering  Making left and right turns: Look for pedestrians and oncoming vehicles. Check zones, plan turns well in advance. Plan turns in well advance., obey all traffic signs, signals, and roadway markings.  Procedures for Turning:  Correct turning position  Brake early  Slow to about 10 mph before turning Page 98

99. Chapter 7 Negotiating Intersections

100. 7.1 Searching Intersections  There are many clues to look for when coming to an intersection:  Street signs and lights.  Roadway Markings  Crossing Traffic  Parked vehicles on cross street  Turning traffic  Rows of fences and mailboxes  Traffic stopping  Power lines.  Approaching an Intersection:  After identifying the intersection you will need to determine if you have an open zone. Search for changes in the zones that could close, Check your line of sight because that will change if a zone closes and your line-of-sight is restricted. When you have your line of sight, look at a 45 degree angle to the right or left. Page 100

101. 7.1 Cont.  Continue Moving Ahead:  Continue ahead if the traffic is green or if the intersection has no signals or signs, and the front, right-front, and left-front zones are open. If all is clear continue checking the left-front, right-front zone for a path-of-travel.  The point of no return: The point beyond which you can no longer stop safely without entering the intersection. Usually that point is 2 seconds before the intersection.  If you so have a line of sight you want to change your lane position and reduce your speed. This will allow you to see what is hidden. This will also allow you to be seen by others.  Deciding to stop:  You stop at an intersection if you identify or predict a closed zone or a line of sight restriction. This will also allow you to easily check your zones. If the zone is closed you will have about a 10 second window of an available path of travel.  Moving after the stop:  After stopping search 90 degrees in both directions before moving again. When turning that last direction you should check is the direction of your intended path. The path must be open before you can travel to it. Page 101

102. 7.2 Controlled Intersections  Controlled Intersections with signs: full stop  Blocked View at Stop Sign  Crossing Traffic  Search 45 degrees in both directions as you creep forward, check the rear zone.  Check you intended path of travel, look for vehicles making turns into your path.  Stop with your front bumper. Search 90 degrees in both directions.  When you have an open front zone and clear gap to the left and/or right, proceed by accelerating at the proper speed and then check your rear zone.  Joining Traffic (right):  Search front zone for pedestrians and vehicles turning onto your street.  Stop when bumper is even with curb and check 90 degrees. Evaluate the target, when there is a gap of 7 seconds begin to turn. If your line of sight isn’t clear at 90, creep forward slightly to improve your view. Page 102

103. 7.2 Cont.  Joining Traffic (Left)  Search Front zones for pedestrians and vehicles turning onto your street.  Stop when bumper is even with the curb and evaluate your zones. When there is a clear line of sight and a gap of 7 seconds you may begin to turn.  Accelerate to adjust to the traffic and check your rear zone.  Controlled Intersections with Signals  Signals:  Stale Green Light: Long green, predict it will turn yellow so prepare to slow down.  Fresh Green Light: Just turned green, check intersections incase another driver runs the red light.  Yellow Light: Decide whether to stop or proceed  Red Light: Stop and check rear zones.  Unprotected Left Turns:  A signal controlled intersection without a special-left turn light. You must yield to oncoming traffic Page 103

104. 7.2 Cont.  Protected Left Turns: When there is a special turn signal.  Left-Light Turn: provides a protected left turn.  Green Arrow: When turned off means protected turn has ended. Others follow with a yellow arrow.  Delayed Green Light: indicates that one side is able to turn while the other waits for their light to turn green. So not assume you can proceed when oncoming traffic proceeds.  Turns on Red:  Before turning right on red make sure you come to a full stop and check your turning zones.  Left on Red: Some states permit a left on red. This is only from a one-way street to another one-way street.  Controlled Railroad Crossings:  Has lights along the crossing gates. Make a complete stop when the gate is down. Stay their until the gate comes up and the lights stop flashing. Page 104

105. Uncontrolled Intersections  IPDE Process 12-15 sec  Check Roadway Conditions, Check for closed zones in both directions.  Check whether or not the intersection is controlled.  Look for roadway users.  Check 45 degree zone.  Locate your point of no return.  Check mirrors and slow vehicle.  IPDE Process at 4-6 seconds from intersection.  Recheck the path  Search left and right front for open zone.  Prepare to stop if vehicle is coming from both sides.  Recheck traffic to the rear.  IPDE Process at 2 seconds away.  Pause your search for potential conflicts.  Brake to stop if intersection closes.  Search again.  Proceed through intersection if path is clear. Page 105

106. Determining Right of Way and Judging Gaps  What is Right of Way?  Right of Way: privilege of having immediate use of a certain part of a roadway.  Yield: Letting others go first.  Situations when you must yield.  Traffic signs  Other drivers.  You yield the right of way.  Judging the size of a gap.  Gap: the distance between vehicles.  Crossing and Joining Traffic.  Crossing an intersection takes four to five seconds from a stop.  You need a larger gap to join traffic.  Left hand turn needs a larger gap due to on coming traffic from both directions. Page 106

107. Chapter 9

108. Chapter 9 Driving in Urban Traffic  Adjusting to Urban Traffic:  Traffic Complexity:  Traffic is more dense in urban areas, There are more buses, cars, trucks, and pedestrians.  City traffic hazards are closer to you than they are in rural areas. Those hazards can quickly block your path.  Number of Hazards: City roads have the highest number and variety of hazards.  Time, distance, and speed: will have to contend with many situations with closed zones and line of sight.. If you can not increase the distance between your vehicle and a hazard, you must change your lane position, slow, or stop to give yourself time to solve the conflict.  Using the IPDE.  IDENTIFY: be vigorous in using your visual skills. Aim high and look well ahead to your target area.  PREDICT: Predict possible points of conflict quickly and gain valuable time to respond.  DECIDE: Always be ready to communicate and adjust your vehicle position.  Execute: Be ready to make smooth low rise maneuvers. Page 108

109. Following and Meeting Traffic  Following Others:  You can see further ahead “big picture.”  Others can see you better  More time for IPDE  Better position to avoid the car ahead if stopped.  3-second Following Distance:  Pick fixed checkpoints agaead  3-second count  Check to see if your vehicle is still short of your fixed checkpoint.  Looking Beyond the Vehicle Ahead:  Look over, around, and through the vehicle ahead of you.  Areas of Sudden Stop:  Intersections where pedestrians cross.  Lanes next to parked cars.  Business driveways Page 109

110. Following and Meeting Traffic -Following Others: -3 Second Following Distance: -Pick a fixed checkpoint on the road ahead. -3 Second rule when vehicle passes you. -Check to see if vehicle is still short of your fixed checkpoint. -Looking Beyond the Vehicle Ahead: -Be alert for brake lights, including high mount brake lights -Areas of sudden stops -Intersections where drivers may have to stop for traffic or pedestrians. -Lanes next to parked vehicles -Business driveways with high-volume traffic. -When to Look Away: -Make sure the zone ahead is stable and open. -Lower your speed even further when you have line of sight restrictions. -Keep eyes moving Page 110

111. Following and Meeting Traffic  Tailgaters are Hazards:  Managing Tailgaters:  Increase your following distance  Move slightly to the right  Signal Early for turns, stops, and lane changes.  Change lanes in extreme situations  Responding to oncoming traffic  Reasons for Crossing the Center Lane  Driver Impairment  Poor Judgment  Poor visibility  Reduced Space  Sudden moves by others  Vehicle Failure  Turning buses and trucks  Double Parked Vehicles  Avoiding Conflict:  Slow down  Turn on or flash headlights, blow horn  Move to the right to avoid conflict Page 111

112. Special Urban Situations  Driving on Two Way Street;  Some intersection do and don’t have special turn signals  Driving on One Way Street  Identifying One-Way Street:  One way signs are posted  All parked and moving vehicles are pointing the same way  Broken White lines are used to separate lanes  Traffic signs facing the same direction  Entering One Way Street  To turn from your lane to the nearest lane  If there are parked cars in nearest lane then go to next lane over.  When leaving remember to cross over traffic to the nearest correct lane.  Unexpected Situations on Crowded Streets:  Slow and over your brake to maintain a safe path of travel. Always stop for pedestrians. Page 112

113. Driving on a Expressway  Advantages of Expressways:  Cross traffic is eliminated  Expressways have a median or barrier between opposing lanes of traffic.  Pedestrians, no motorized vehicles, and slow moving vehicles are not permitted on most expressways.  Wide shoulders and extra wide underpasses provide good escape paths.  Expressway signs are designed to help drivers anticipate conditions well ahead.  Expressway Interchanges:  Places where drivers can cross over or under as well as enter or leave the expressway.  Cloverleaf Interchange (four leaf clover), allows drivers to proceed in either direction on either highway.  Diamond Interchange: has little traffic crosses a busy expressway.  Trumpet Interchange: forms a T intersection with an expressway Page 113

114.  All directional interchange: Traffic is channeled in many different directions.  Safe Driving Strategies:  Prepare yourself and your vehicle  Build Experience Gradually  Concentrate on the Driving Task  Entering the Expressway:  Expressway Entrances:  Entrance Ramp: gives you time evaluate zone conditions and determine the best speed as your prepare to enter.  Acceleration Gap: long enough for you to search for a gap in which to merger and accelerate to the speed of traffic on the expressway.  Merging Area: the part of an expressway entrance where vehicles blend into the expressway traffic.  Stops for Entering;  Make sure the entrance is what you want  Check front and rear zones, signal. Take quick glances at your rear zone, find a gap, look for an entrance ramp signal.  Once in acceleration lane increase speed, glance over shoulder, decide when to enter into the gap of traffic.  Decide which vehicle to follow, adjust speed to match traffic, merge smoothly.  Once in expressway adjust speed, keep space cushion around vehicle. Page 114

115.  Possible Entrance Problems:  Entrance Ramp Problems:  Entrance Ramp Signal Lights  Acceleration Lane Problems  Merging Area Problems  Entrance Ramp on Left  Strategies on Driving on Expressways:  Applying the IPDE Process:  Identify: You need to identify the volume of traffic around you, as well as signs, signals, and roadway markings.  Predict: search ahead of your target are to watch for sudden slowing of traffic or drivers changing lanes. Anticipate closed zones and points of conflict before they occur.  Decide: Faster speeds demand that your make quicker decisions which means driving adjustments could change your safe travel path of travel into a closed zone or conflict.  Execute: Execute all your decisions smoothly Page 115

116.  Lanes Choice: Generally is it safer to drive in the right lane and pass in the left.  Signs, signals, and other roadway markings:  Know your destination  Road signs and roadway markings  Always think ahead  Speed Limits:  Minimum Speed Limit: A minimum speed limit is posted on many expressways to keep traffic from moving too slowly. This is the lowest legal speed you can travel under ideal conditions.  Common Speed: the speed used by most drivers, you can better blend with expressway driving.  Wolf Packs: a grouping of cars or vehicles on a expressway. Be a “loner” and try to keep a cushion from other cars.  Following:  High speeds demand that you follow a 3 second following distance. Continually scan traffic scene around you to be aware of any situation that may affect your safe path of travel.  Increase your following distance: large vehicle, motorcyclist, bad conditions, heavy traffic, being tailgated, driving a heavy vehicle or towing, operating a motorcycle, entering or exiting a expressway. Page 116

117.  Blind Spots: Remember there are blind spots on both your right and left sides.  Being Followed:  Vehicles that are tailgating or following you to closely can be dangerous. Encourage tailgaters to pass you by reducing your speed gradually.  Lane Changing:  Change Lanes one lane at a time. Signal every lane change.  Check traffic in the outside and inside rearview mirrors Check Blind spots.  If path is clear accelerate gently and move to the next lane.  Cancel your signal after you have changed lanes.  Establish your place in the lane before you continue to another lane change.  Passing your being passed:  Passing on the right is only permitted if the driver in the left lane is driving below the speed limit.  If continually being passed on the right. Turn on signal and proceed with the lane change steps.  Always make sure conditions are safe before beginning your maneuver. Page 117

118.  Exiting Expressways:  Deceleration Lane: and added lane in which to slow your vehicle without blocking the vehicles behind.  Exit Ramp: the ramp leading off the expressway.  Applying the IPDE Process:  Identify the green expressway guide signs showing the distance to your exit.  Predict actions of other drivers who might be using the same exit.  Decide on the safe speed for exiting.  Execute your maneuver smoothly and blend with slower traffic.  Possible Exiting Problems:  Crossing Paths: Exiting traffic should merge behind entering traffic.  Ramp Overflow: Pass exit and use next exit if ramp is full, if you must use exit then proceed to exit early.  Short Deceleration Lane:  Judge the lanes length  Identify the exit ramp speed  Check speed while braking  Check traffic in rear zones. Page 118