Chapter 3 Knowing yourself

How do emotions affect your driving? Inattention Lack of Concentration Ability to process information

How can you control emotions? Maintain a responsible attitude Avoid triggering aggressive driving Identify troublesome situations Plan ahead Expect mistakes from others Don’t drive upset or depressed Don’t give in to negative peer pressure Train yourself to use correct procedures

Aggressive Driving Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. Persons doing any of the following may be committing acts of aggressive driving and pose risk of a crash: Speeding Running red lights and stop signs Tailgating Passing on the shoulder of the road Cutting off another vehicle Slamming on brakes in front of a tailgater Improper hand or facial gestures at other drivers Yelling Repeatedly honking the horn Repeatedly flashing the headlights

Aggressive Drivers Avoid aggressive drivers and potentially dangerous situations. If you encounter an angry or aggressive motorist: Do not retaliate or in any way engage the other driver. Get out of the way. Do not make eye contact. Keep your doors locked and your windows up. Keep enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you to pull out from behind. Do not underestimate a driver's potential for aggression.

How Vision Affects Your Ability to Drive Field of vision: Area of central vision Peripheral vision Vertical field of vision

Poor Depth Perception

Contrast Sensitivity

Color Blindness

Nigh Blindness

Temporary Physical Conditions That Affect Your Ability to Drive Fatigue: Brought on by many different factors such as lack of sleep, boredom, illness, stress, overeating, drinking alcoholic. People are less alert in the late afternoon Short-Term/Injuries: Cold, flu, allergies, broken bones or pinched nerves Be careful when taking medication and driving. Always read the label!

Long-Term Physical Factors That Affect Driving Ability Hearing Loss Physical Disabilities Aging – Slower drivers Chronic Illnesses Epilepsy, arthritis, diabetes, and asthma

Distracted and Drowsy Driving One of the greatest hazards of roadway driving is drowsiness or distraction. Lack of sleep, fatigue or inattentiveness affects your ability to safely drive your vehicle. When taking a long trip, avoid drowsiness by stopping frequently to drink coffee, exercise or nap. Exercise your eyes by reading road signs or shifting the focus of your eyes to different parts of the roadway. Make sure you are properly rested. Illinois law prohibits sending or reading electronic communications (text messages) while driving and also prohibits the use of wireless/cell phones in construction/road maintenance zones and school zones.

Phones Local municipalities may govern whether wireless/cell phone use is permitted, regardless of the location or the driver's age. If you do use a wireless/cell phone, take the following precautions: Always assess traffic conditions before calling. Be familiar with the phone's keypad — use speed dial if possible. Place calls when stopped, or have a passenger dial. Make sure the phone is within easy reach. Use a speaker phone/hands-free device. Avoid intense, emotional or complicated conversations. Avoid talking on the phone in congested traffic or bad weather. Pull off the road to dial or complete a conversation.

Illinois drivers are prohibited from text messaging while driving except if you are: Reporting an emergency situation. Using the device hands-free or in voice-activated mode. Parked on the shoulder of a roadway. Stopped due to normal traffic being obstructed and the vehicle is in neutral or park. Avoid Aggressive Driving