1. Driving In Urban Traffic
Chapter 9
Driving In Urban Traffic

2. 9.1 Adjusting to Urban Traffic
Driving in Urban (City) areas very complex
Two factors that make driving in cities difficult
The number of hazards you meet
The rate of which you meet them

3. 9.1 Adjusting to Urban Traffic
Using the IPDE Process
Make effective use of the IPDE process
Identify – be more aggressive in using visual skills
Predict – since there are more hazards, be prepared to predict possible points of conflict quickly
Decide – always be ready to reduce speed and change vehicle position
Execute – be prepared to use car controls in an instant
Show Drive Right Video (Chapter 5)

4. 9.1 Adjusting to Urban Traffic
Four Reasons to keep an adequate following distance
Big Picture (see further ahead)
Other cars can see you
Safe space cushion
Better position to avoid sudden stop collisions

5. 9.2 Following and Meeting Traffic
Following other cars
3 second following distance
A 3 second following distance is considered safe for normal driving conditions.
Increase your following distance to 4 or more seconds in adverse conditions or if you need more time to complete the IPDE process
3 second following distance - YouTube

6. 9.2 Following and Meeting Traffic
Being followed
You are in a high-risk situation when someone is tailgating (following too close)
To manage a tailgater
Increase your following distance to 4 or more seconds
Move slightly to the right to give the tailgater a better view
Signal early for turns, stops and lane changes
Tailgater - YouTube

7. 9.2 Following and Meeting Traffic
Why might a driver cross the center line?
Driver Impairment
Poor Judgment
Poor Visibility
Sudden Move by Others
Vehicle Failure
Reduced Space
Turning Wide Bus/Trucks
Double Parked Cars

8. 9.2 Following and Meeting Traffic
Avoiding conflict with oncoming traffic
Look at least one city block ahead to identify hazards when driving in the city
Slow until the other driver returns to his/her lane
Turn on or flash your lights or honk horn
Move right if possible

9. 9.3 Managing Space in Urban Traffic
Look ahead while staying behind
Look at your target area to respond early to traffic signals
Cover the brake – take your foot off the accelerator and hold it over the brake
Adjust your speed
Select the best lane (right vs. left)
Stay one car length away from parked cars

10. 9.3 Managing Space in Urban Traffic
Advantages of Car Pooling –
(more than one person sharing transportation to the same location)
Save Time
Save Fuel
Reduces Traffic
Reduces Pollution
Reduces Parking Problems

11. 9.4 Special Urban Situations
Identifying One-Way Streets
One-way signs
All traffic and parked cars going/facing same direction
All roadway marking lines are white
Traffic signs facing same direction
Stop line goes all the way across road

12. 9.4 Special Urban Situations
One – Way Streets
Entering one-way
Turn from the nearest lane into the nearest (closest) lane
Lane Choice on a one-way
Avoid lane next to parked cars
When turning get into the necessary lane at least one block before your turn
Leaving a one-way
Turn from the nearest lane into the nearest lane
Make sure to read road markings