Chapter 5: Sharing the Road

Large Vehicles ► When following a large vehicle, stay out of its blind spots ► Position your vehicle so the driver can see you in their side mirrors ► Larger vehicles make wide right turns and sometimes leave an open space to the right just before the turn

Large Vehicles ► Size and weight affect a vehicles ability to maneuver and stop ► Dim headlights at night as the light will reflect off their large side mirrors ► Communicate with the driver letting them know you are passing (blinking headlights)

Slow Moving Vehicles ► Vehicles considered slow moving vehicles:  Farm vehicles  Construction equipment  Vehicles drawn by animals

Slow Moving Vehicles ► An orange/red slow moving vehicle emblem must be on the rear of the slow moving vehicle ► A slow moving vehicle travels between 5-20 mph ► Closing Speeds: ► The closing speed of a vehicle traveling 55 mph shortens the time it takes to reach the slow moving vehicle and causes increased danger

Slow Moving Vehicles ► Turns and Passing: ► SMV may make wide turns and may turn right or left at anytime into unmarked entrances ► Try to make eye contact with the driver before passing

Slow Moving Vehicle ► Rear Lights: ► Both hazard lights flashing means vehicle is moving forward ► Right or left turn signal on means the vehicle will be turning into that direction

Pedestrians ►T►T►T►Traffic Signals, Walk Lights and Crossings: ►W►W►W►Walk (constantly lighted) Pedestrians may cross in the direction of the signal

Pedestrians ► Traffic Signals, Walk Lights and Crossings: ► Don’t Walk (flashing) Pedestrians may not start entering the roadway – clear the intersection

Pedestrians ►T►T►T►Traffic Signals, Walk Lights and Crossings: ►D►D►D►Don’t Walk (constantly lighted) Pedestrians may not enter the roadway

Pedestrians ►T►T►T►Traffic Signals, Walk Lights and Crossings: ►Y►Y►Y►Yellow Light (constant) Pedestrians may not cross unless directed by a police officer

Pedestrians ► Crossing a Road: ► When crossing at any place other than a marked or unmarked crosswalk, pedestrians must give the right of way to drivers

Pedestrians ► Roadways: ► If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic ► Joggers/Walkers: ► Travel in a well lighted environment and wear reflective clothing

Pedestrians ► Other Safety Concerns: ► Hitchhiking – standing on the roadway to ask for a ride is illegal in Illinois

Children ► Watch for signs that mark special hazard areas such as school zones, bus stops, playgrounds and parks. (Reduce speed)

Motorcycles ► Intersections: ► More than 50% of all motorcycle accidents occur at intersections ► Most common motorcycle accident occurs when an oncoming vehicle makes a left turn in front of a motorcycle

Motorcycles ► Intersections: ► Don’t be misled by a motorcycle with a flashing turn signal on as signals are not self canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off ► NEVER TRUST A TURN SIGNAL

Motorcycles ► Visibility: ► Failing to recognize motorcycles in traffic is the most common cause of an accident ► Due to their small size, they may be difficult to see ► Expect motorcycles any time, not just in the spring and summer

Motorcycles ► Lane Sharing ► Motorcyclists are entitled to the entire lane, never share a lane ► Motorcycles may need to adjust their lane position due to oil spills, potholes, debris or gravel

Motorcyclists ► Passing ► When your vehicle is being passed by a motorcycle, maintain your lane position and speed

Motorcycle ► Following Distance ► Allow a minimum of three to four seconds following distance when following a motorcycle ► In dry conditions motorcycles can stop much quicker than an automobile

Motorcycles ► Road Conditions ► Wet/Icy Roads – Impair their ability to brake and maneuver ► Wind Gusts – Can move a motorcycle across an entire lane (Natural and large passing vehicles) ► Potholes – Require motorcycles to change lanes ► Gravel – Decreases traction and causes them to slow down where vehicle might not brake

Motorcycles ► Protection ► Helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves and durable clothing ► Which of the above are mandatory in the state of Illinois?

Motorcycles ► Class L License – If the engine is less than 150 cc displacement (scooter) ► Class M License – If the engine is greater than 150 cc displacement (motorcycle)

Bicycles ► Bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as an automobile user ► Are prohibited on limited-access highways and expressways ► Are required to travel the same direction as vehicles

Bicycles ► When a motorist is turning left and a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite lane, the driver should wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn ► If a motorist is turning right and a bicyclist is approaching on the right, let the bicyclist go through the intersection before making the right turn

Bicycles ► Bicyclists should travel to the right of faster moving (Understand bicycles may need to adjust lane position for debris, dead animals or drainage grates) ► Allow for a minimum of three feet when passing a bicyclist

Snowmobiles ► During the winter, drivers may share the roadway with snowmobiles ► Look for snowmobile trail signs

Horseback Riders ► May use public roadways ► Must travel the same direction as traffic ► Never sound a horn when near a horse ► When meeting a horseback rider, do it so with caution and be prepared to stop