Adjusting to Urban Traffic Following & Meeting Traffic Managing Space in Urban Traffic Special Urban Situations

Two main factors make city driving difficult: 1. Traffic is more dense, more cars, buses, trucks, & pedestrians/mile 2. City traffic hazards are closer to you & can quickly block your path Mile for mile, city roads have the highest number & variety of hazards You must utilize time, distance, & speed while driving in the city

Focus your attention on driving to avoid conflicts & distractions Identify: be vigorous in using your visual skills. Predict: Predict possible points of conflict quickly & gain valuable time to respond. Decide: Be ready to communicate or adjust your vehicle Execute: Be ready to use your vehicle’s controls to make smooth low-risk maneuvers.

An adequate following distance has advantages: You can see further ahead to get the “big picture” Others can see you better You have more time to use the IPDE Process You’re in better position to avoid the car ahead if it stops suddenly

Provides a safe space cushion As you speed increases, so should your following distance Increase your following distance in adverse weather conditions Maintain extra distance in these situations: You’re a new driver (YOU!!!) You’re being tailgated You’re line-of-sight is restricted Traction is low You’re carrying a heavy load The driver ahead seems unsure You’re following a motorcycle

Be alert in areas where sudden stops can occur Intersections where drivers may have to stop for traffic or pedestrians Lanes next to parked vehicles Business driveways with high-volume traffic Public transportation pick- up/drop-off areas

Dangerous, yet important actions while city driving: Checking directions Looking for an address Finding a parking space Sight-seeing Steps to prevent mistakes: Make sure zone ahead is open Lower your speed Keep your eyes moving Split-second glances rather than one long look If you have a passenger, ask that person for help looking

You are in a high-risk closed rear zone situation when someone TAILGATES, or follows too closely. Managing tailgaters: Increase following distance from the vehicle ahead of you Move slightly to the right Signal early for turns, stops, & lane changes. Flash your brake lights Slow sooner & make gradual stops In extreme situations, change lanes or pull out of traffic

Reasons for Crossing the Center Lane Driver impairment Poor judgment Poor visibility Reduced space Sudden moves by others Vehicle Failure Turning buses & trucks Double-parked vehicles

If a vehicle comes at you: Slow until the other driver returns to their lane. Flash your headlights & blow your horn. If your right-front zone is open, move to the right. Swerve sharply to an open space on the right if needed. DON’T PANIC!

In addition to looking around your vehicle, look a block or more ahead. By looking far ahead, you’ll be able to spot zone problems in time to adjust your speed and/or lane position. Maintain a safe following distance to have a good view of the road ahead.

If the light is red, slow & be ready to stop. If the light is green when you first see it, predict it will change Watch for DON’T WALK pedestrian signals as guides. POINT OF NO RETURN Point on the road where you can no longer stop safely before the intersection NEVER SPEED UP TO GET THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT BEFORE IT CHANGES

COVERING THE BRAKE COVERING THE BRAKE: take your foot off the accelerator & hold it over the brake pedal Could cut your reaction time & help avoid a collision GOOD RIDING THE BRAKE RIDING THE BRAKE: resting your foot on the brake pedal Brakes heat up & wear faster Brake lights stay on, may confuse others NOT GOOD 

When approaching parked vehicles, you should... Cover your brake & move left in your lane. Look for drivers through windows of parked vehicles. Be alert for brake lights, exhaust, or wheels turned out Lightly tap your horn (if needed) Be ready to swerve or stop. Try to drive at least 1 car door’s width away.

Blending into traffic is ESSENTIAL for safe city driving! I’M NOT GIVING YOU PERMISSION TO SPEED I’M NOT GIVING YOU PERMISSION TO SPEED Drive with the traffic flow * Stay within the speed limit Adjust speed & position ahead of time

Select the lane with the fewest # of hazards and where traffic flow is the smoothest Avoid buses & cabs Left lane is usually for faster traffic Stay out of other drivers’ blind-spot areas Move to another lane if your front zone closes

Use the lane-changing procedure & drive past the slower vehicle Signal, M.M.S., Pass Be alert for: Pedestrians Cross traffic Signals Endless # of line-of-sight restrictions. If you must overtake another vehicle, make sure you can do so safely & legally

Clues that help identify one-way streets: ONE-WAY signs are posted All moving traffic & parked vehicles point in the same direction Broken WHITE lines are used to separate lanes Most traffic signs are facing the same direction

If you plan to drive on a one-way street for a distance, avoid lanes next to parked vehicles. When you plan to turn, get in the correct lane ahead of time At least 1 block before you turn Road markings or overhead signs will direct you

If you encounter a vehicle headed the wrong way on a one-way street: Slow Steer right Sound your horn. Flash your headlights Plains, Trains & Automobiles Plains, Trains & Automobiles