Interacting With Other Users

Most collisions occur when two or more objects try to occupy the same space at the same time. Drivers must identify movement that could result in dangerous conflicts as well as judge the risk of two objects closing on each other

Closing Probabilities/Traffic Conflicts Major types of crashes* –Intersection related More crashes than at any other location –Rear end More than 2 million crashes/year (tailgating) Merging & exiting vehicles –Lateral movement Lane change Merging & exiting vehicles –Cyclist –Head-on Run off road (over correct) –Single car Run off road (too fast for conditions) *INCR 2001 Report Breaking the Accident Chain Common Conflicts: Oncoming vehicles Merging/exiting vehicles Cars ahead of you Cars behind you Intersecting vehicles and pedestrians

Anticipate Errors Vision errors Failure to yield right-of-way Improper speed adjustment Poor judgment of distance or space Inadequate or improper vehicle control Improper signals Sudden actions to avoid objects

Clues to Problems Read the clues to problems. Be aware of the risk!

Communicating Turn Signals Ky requires 100 ft before turn Beware of confusing signals Headlights Double the distance at which you can be seen Horn Brake Lights Tap lightly to signal intention to stop Flashers Parking Lights Use only for parking

Intersection: Adjust Speed/Placement for Visual Search Cover Brake! Step 1 (Search) Identify Intersection Identify Signs, Signals, Markings Check Rear Areas Search for Intersection Problems Step 2 (Evaluate) Scan Open Side Areas.. 1st Scan Closed Side Areas Look for Closed, Changing Frontal Areas Step 3 (Execute) Adjust Speed/Position Maintain Lane Position Stop behind Crosswalk or Proceed Through Open Space Area

Intersections Master the ability to correctly estimate the interval needed to enter or cross a traffic flow. 1 sec, 2 sec, etc

Intersection Safety What types of crashes are likely to occur while waiting at a red traffic signal? –How can you protect yourself against these types of crashes? Stop before crosswalk/stop bar Stop so you can see rear wheels of car in front of you Be sure cross traffic is stopping before you go

Driving in Traffic Adjust speed and position To stay out of blind spots to avoid driving in a pack to allow time to assess, collect, and process traffic information Maintain adequate space margins Position your car so you can observe actions of drivers 4 to 5 cars ahead of you Increase for view obstructions Leave an area into which you can steer on at least one side of your car

Driving in Traffic Meeting other traffic –Avoid meeting large vehicles in reduced space –Avoid meeting other vehicles as you approach non motorized users or stalled vehicles –Avoid meeting other vehicles on slippery roadways such as bridges, shaded areas, or curves Following distance –When behind a large truck –When approaching a railroad crossing –In poor traction

Mid-Block Crossing What signs should you be reading in this situation?

Blind Intersection

The Stalled Vehicle

Come on, Good Buddy

Dropped Lane

Road Curves to the Right What’s the risk? When inertia overcomes friction, the vehicle fails to turn. The sharper the change in direction(more curve) the greater the need to reduce speed.

Road Curves to the Left When inertia overcomes friction, the vehicle fails to turn. The sharper the change in direction(more curve) the greater the need to reduce speed. What’s the risk?

Passing on a Two-Lane Highway No oncoming vehicles for 3420ft if passing a vehicle doing 50mph!

Non-Motorized Users Expect to be Challenged the Unexpected Children in Traffic

Expressway Driving Effect of high speed on braking distance Effect of high speed on field of vision Highway hypnosis Effect of extended high speed driving Presence of slower moving vehicles Presence of faster moving vehicles Entrance and exit ramps Vehicles on shoulder (reentering) Wind effect

Type of Interchanges TrumpetCloverleafDiamond

Cloverleaf Interchange No gap to enter Entering traffic not matching speed Sudden lane change to exit Exiting vehicle returns Sudden slowing

Entering an Expressway Directly identify gap or vehicle following gap 2. Transfer visual to rear/side mirror 2a. Begin accelerating to highway speed 3. Head check of blind spot (fast glance) 3a. Check intended path 3b. Accelerate into gap - if there is a problem, DO NOT STOP ON RAMP, go into emergency strip 4. Adjust speed to highway limits; establish interval

Selecting the Best Travel Lane

Approaching Merge Ramps Be aware of approaching merge ramps. If possible move out of the right hand lane to avoid a closing conflict. If impossible to move left be prepared to adjust speed to accommodate merging vehicles

Exiting an Expressway 23 Exit Ramp Deceleration Lane 1

Driving Through a Weave Lane What are the risks? Who has the right of way? Freeway Driving

Dealing with Large Trucks Weight difference Momentum Acceleration Deceleration Turns Visibility