1. Driving In Different Environments & Situations
Chapter 9

2. Urban Traffic
Heavy, fast moving traffic
Traffic is more dense than in rural areas
More trucks, buses, cars & pedestrians
Hazards are closer
City roads have the highest number and variety of hazards
Remember, it takes time to do the IPDE process
If you can’t increase the distance between you and the hazard, you must change your lane position, slow or stop to give time for the conflict to resolve

3. Urban Traffic
In heavy traffic situations, focus on driving, avoid distractions
Road Rage / Aggressive Drivers
Be cool, drop back, give driver distance

4. Following Traffic Advantages of having adequate following distance
See further ahead … see the “big picture”
Others can see you better
More time to use the IPDE process
Better position to avoid car that suddenly stops
3 Second Following Distance
Safe cushion in most normal driving situations

5. Following Traffic 3 Second Rule – continued
As speed increases so will the following distance
3 Second Distance is NOT the total stopping distance needed to avoid hitting a stationary object
3 Second Rule protects you from hitting the car in front of you
Increase following distance under adverse conditions

6. Following Distance Situations for greater Following Distance
New driver – need more time for IPDE process
Being tailgated
Approaching a Line of Sight Restriction
Low Traction
Carrying a heavy load
Following a motorcycle
Following a distracted driver

7. Following Distance Other strategies to help Following Distance
Look over or through the vehicle you are following
Look for brake lights
Anticipate areas of sudden stops
Intersections
Areas with parked vehicles
Business areas

8. Looking Away If necessary….
Check to make sure zone ahead is stable and open
Increase following distance
Lower speed
Keep eyes moving
Use a passenger to look for whatever is needed

9. Tailgaters Someone following too closely
Danger: If you have to stop fast they may hit you
Protective Actions:
Increase following distance to 4 seconds
Move slightly to the right
Signal Early
In extreme cases, pull over

10. Oncoming Traffic Driver crosses the center line into your front zone
Reasons Why?
Driver Impairment
Poor Judgment
Poor Visibility
Reduced Space (Parked car, snow bank, double parked vehicle)
Sudden move by others
Vehicle Failure
Turning Buses & Trucks
Double Parked Vehicles

11. Oncoming Traffic Avoiding Oncoming Traffic
Slow allow driver time to return to his lane
Flash headlights / honk horn
Move to the right (if right front zone is open)

12. Managing Space in Urban Traffic
Aim High
In city traffic aim one block or more ahead
Gives you time to adjust to problems ahead
Following Semi’s
Maintain safe following distance (pg 182) so you have a good view of road ahead
Traffic Signals
Can use pedestrian cross signals to alert you to light change
Example: DON’T WALK - warns you the light is about to turn yellow

13. Managing Space in Urban Traffic
Covering the Brake
Take foot off accelerator and hold it over the brake
Reduces reaction time
Riding the Brake
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
Wears brakes
Confuses drivers behind you
Remember: Flash your brakes when planning to stop

14. Managing Space in Urban Traffic
Precautions when passing parked vehicles
Cover brake and move to lane position 2
Look for drivers through windows
Look for exhaust or wheels turned out
Tap on your horn
Be prepared to stop or swerve
Drive at least one car door length away

15. Managing Space in Urban Traffic
Adjusting speed
Drive with traffic flow
Stay within speed limit
Driving faster only slightly saves time
The faster you are traveling the less time is saved by traveling faster
Graph pg 185

16. Managing Space in Urban Traffic
Select the best lane
Left lane usually for faster moving traffic
Left lanes can be a problem on two lane roads without turn lanes
Choose the lane where traffic is the smoothest
Usually center lane
Changing Lanes
Mirror – Blinker – Blind spot
When passing, must see both headlights in rearview mirror before returning to the right lane
Special Lanes
Buses & Car Pooling

17. One Way Streets One Way Streets can… Identifying One Way Streets
Move greater volume of traffic
Generally, less congested
Produce fewer conflicts
Identifying One Way Streets
Posted Signs
All cars moving or parked in one direction
Only broken white lines are visible
All traffic signs facing in the same direction

18. One Way Streets Lane Choice Signaling Wrong Way Drivers Entering
Leaving
Signaling Wrong Way Drivers
Slow
Steer Right
Sound Horn