Driver’s Safety Pg 167-176

Regulatory Signs A sign that regulates or controls the movement of traffic. Tells driver what you must and must not do while driving. Signs are: red, white, black, green on white, or white on black Signs generally have square and rectangular shapes.

Shapes of Regulatory Signs Square or rectangular signs tell a driver what to do or not to do Octagon is only for stop signs Triangle pointing down always indicates a yield sign

Warning Signs Alerts driver to changes in the condition or use of the road ahead. Signs are either yellow or orange with black symbols, majority of these signs are diamond shaped.

Significance of the Shape and Color of Warning Signs Diamond shape, yellow with black letters – warns of possible hazards ahead Pentagon shape, yellow with black letters – warns that there is a school crossing or school zone ahead Pennant shape yellow with black letter – marks the beginning of a no passing zone

Round, yellow with black letters – gives advance warning of a railroad crossing Orange, with black letters – warns of construction or repair activity

Guide Signs Gives information about roadways and routes The mileage to certain destinations Roadside services such as rest stops, service stations and campsites Recreational areas and nearby points of interest.

International Signs A sign that can be understood without knowing another language The meanings are understood by colors, shapes, symbols and numbers

Pavement Markings Roadway lane markings provide advance warning not only to you as the driver, but other they indicate to you what other drivers can and cannot do as well.

Yellow Lines Traffic is going in opposite directions A single solid yellow line marks the left edge of the roadway

White Lines •White lines that are parallel to the roadway indicate traffic is moving in the same direction Single white lines are to discourage passing @ high risk locations, but do not prohibit passing

Road Work Signs Alert drivers to a variety of temporary roadway conditions Orange, diamond shaped signs that warn motorist of: Lane closing, lane shifts, flaggers, uneven pavement and detours In NJ, all traffic fines are doubled in work zones

Other Roadway Markings White arrows – direct drivers into lanes from which they can drive straight ahead, turn left or turn right White arrows pointing alternately right and left – shared left–turn lanes indicating that vehicles moving in either direction can use the lane to make a turn into an entrance or another road

Reversible lanes – at different times of day may be used by traffic moving in opposite directions

Traffic Control Signals Keeps traffic moving in an orderly manner Red – stop; Yellow – DO NOT ENTER THE INTERSECTION; Green - go Flashing red light – stop and proceed only when it is safe to do so Flashing yellow – slow down and proceed with caution

Lane-Use Lights Red X – drivers are prohibited to drive in this lane Green arrow – drivers are permitted to drive in this lane Yellow X – driver should get out of this lane, it will soon be a red X; flashing yellow – the lane can be used, with caution, for left turn movements only

HOV High Occupancy vehicles White Diamonds Indicate high occupancy vehicle lanes Reserved for a particular vehicle type or vehicle carrying multiple riders Also marked with white diamonds on the pavement

Emergency Situations Skid DO NOT TOUCH the GAS PEDAL If the rear end of the vehicle starts to skid DO NOT TOUCH the GAS PEDAL Do not make a quick turn away from the skid Do not over steer Try not to brake during a skid Turn in the direction in which the rear of the vehicle is skidding

Emergency Stops On paved shoulder Unpaved shoulder Signal first and then steer onto shoulder, then slow down Unpaved shoulder Signal, slow down, then steer to shoulder Dusk, darkness or bad weather Turn on vehicle parking lights or hazard lights once on the shoulder of the roadway

Emergency Situations Cont Running off the pavement Slow down and turn back onto the pavement slowly Tire Blowout Grip the steering wheel firmly Keep the vehicle going straight Slow down gradually Do not press the gas or brake

Emergency Situations Cont Windshield Wiper Failure Slow down if they fail during rain or snow storms Roll down drive side window and look out of it to see the road Pull off of the road and stop

Accidents Avoiding Collisions Emergencies do arise, remember these three things Stop Stop hard will cause the car to skid Turn quickly Turn away from the collision Speed up To avoid the collision from the side or behind

Last Minute Choices Few seconds before collision, try not to panic. If collision looks imminent, turn away from oncoming traffic even if it means leaving the roadway try to hit something that will give way try to make it a glancing blow or sideswipe