Section 3 Basic Maneuvering Tasks: Low , Moderate & Complex Risk Driving Environments

Bell Ringer Write a half a page red to red. Recall the 4 ways you may use to turn your vehicle around, and explain each using a step-by-step process. Try to do it without your notes first.

Day 2 Objectives The students will understand the two basic requirements for driving The students will be able to explain the components of space management method use in VA. The students will be able to list the 3 visual functions The students will be able to explain the visual search process when driving The students will understand how to manage visibility, time and space The students will understand appropriate intersection search patterns The students will understand how to cross and join traffic at intersections The students will be able to define and explain ground viewing Related SOL: DE.4, DE.5, DE.6, DE.7, and DE.12

The purpose of this lesson is to help students understand the ways that they can control risk to the front. Some of these are: Adjusting lane position Timing their arrival at a given point Ensuring correct placement of the vehicle when stopping Controlling speed Identifying an alternate route of travel 12-15 seconds in advance.

Basic Requirements for Driving Driver Requirements Visibility, space, and time to perform all maneuvers in traffic whether crossing, turning, passing, or adjusting speed and/or position Vehicle Requirements Vehicle needs the time to do the maneuver, space to perform the maneuver, and adequate traction to control the maneuver

What are the components of Space Management in VA.? Search for objects or conditions that could limit the line of sight. Evaluate the path ahead for alternate paths of travel Prepare to make adjustments in speed and/or position (Execute it)

Area a Driver Can See While Looking Straight Ahead Field of Vision Area a Driver Can See While Looking Straight Ahead 90 percent of driving decisions are based on information gathered with the eyes.

Driver’s Useful Vision Areas Focus Vision Area (Focal) Includes 3 to 5 degrees of useful information that is used when: Targeting Establishing a Visual Lead Reading Signs and Interpreting Signals

Driver’s Useful Vision Areas Gathering Useful Visual Information Central Vision Area (Inner Fringe) 30 to 36 degrees of useful information that includes: Referencing Vehicle Position to Roadway Viewing Path of Travel Viewing Line of Sight to Target Area

Driver’s Useful Vision Areas Gathering Useful Visual Information Peripheral Vision Peripheral Vision Peripheral Vision (Outer Fringe Area) 175-180 degrees of useful information that detects: Motion Changes Color Changes

Visual Search Process The first space management skill a driver must develop is an effective visual search process. Searching includes: Where to search When to search How to search What to search for

Where to Search Where to search involves identifying objects or conditions ahead of vehicle that could increase your level of risk and adjusting your speed or vehicle position in time to minimize these risks.

When to Search When to search involves systematically scanning the driving environment. The defensive driver constantly monitors the conditions around the vehicle, especially before initiating any maneuver

How to Search How to search involves looking in a pattern that goes from 20 – 30 seconds ahead of the vehicle to the dashboard, as well as to the left, right, and to the rear of the vehicle.

What to Search for The types of elements that drivers search for on the highway: Traffic Controls Motor Vehicles Non-Motorized Users Highway Conditions

What Highway Conditions Should You Look For? Sensory Input to the Brain ? ? ? ? ? ?

Highway Conditions Roadway Surface Roughness Slick Wet Leaves Mud Sand Roadway Structure Width Curbing Curves Slopes Roadway Features Shoulders Affixed Objects Adjacent Buildings Atmosphere Illumination Glare Precipitation Wind/Noise Intersections

TRAFFIC CONTROLS What Traffic Controls Should You Look For? ? ? ? Sensory Input to the Brain ? ? ?

Traffic Controls Signs Interchanges Signals Unmarked Intersections Regulatory Warning Guide RR Sensory Input to the Brain Interchanges Signals Stop/Go Lane Usage Flashing Unmarked Intersections Roadway Markings Passing Traffic Flow Crosswalks

Motor Vehicles What Motor Vehicles Should You Look For? ? Sensory Input to the Brain ?

Road Handling Characteristics Motor Vehicles Drivers must understand the handling characteristics of other motor vehicles sharing the roadway. Type Automobile SUV Camper Pick-up Motor Home Motorcycle Farm Machines Tractor-Trailer Road Handling Characteristics

? ? NON-MOTORIZED What Non-Motorized Users Should You Look For? USERS Sensory Input to the Brain ? ? ? ?

Non-Motorized Users present special processing challenges Bicycles Animals KIND AND SIZE NUMBERS AGE OF RIDER ACTIVITY RIDER ABILITY In-Line Skates, Skateboards Pedestrians

Managing Visibility, Time and Space 20- to 30-Second Search Area Search far ahead to identify potential conflicts Awareness Zone Objects in Path of Travel Limitations to Line of Sight Target Area 20- to 30-sec. 12- to 15-sec. 4- to 8-sec.

Managing Visibility, Time and Space 12- to 15-Second Search Area Search for Closed or Changing Path of Travel Identify an Alternate Path of Travel or a Safe Stopping Zone Identify objects that require a change in speed or direction Evaluate Open Zones to the Sides and Rear 12- to 15-sec. 20- to 30-sec. 4- to 8-sec.

Searching 4-8 seconds ahead 4 seconds – represents the following distance 8 seconds area - provides for a safe stopping distance under most conditions 4-8 seconds

Maintaining Space/Visibility to the Front Three ways to control space in front of the vehicle: 1. Time your Arrival – adjust speed early to avoid unnecessary braking, stops, and to conserve fuel 2. Forward Placement at an Intersection – maintain a position that allows you to monitor the intersection 3. Following Interval -- control space while in motion to establish a space cushion and open line of sight

Use the SEE-it method to explain this intersection. Class Work 1 Use the SEE-it method to explain this intersection.

Intersections

Intersection Search Patterns Intersection Approach: Step 1 (Search) Identify intersection Identify controls Check rear areas Search for intersection problems

Intersection Search Patterns Intersection Approach: Step 2 (Evaluate) Scan path of travel 1st Scan all other areas Look for closed or changing frontal areas

Intersection Search Patterns Intersection Approach: Step 3 (Execute) Adjust speed Maintain lane position Stop behind crosswalk, or Proceed through open space area in Time

Straddle Lane Positions Create Space and Improve Visibility by Adjusting the Position of the Vehicle in the Lane Lane Positions – 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 Within Lane Positions Straddle Lane Positions LP 4 LP 2 LP 1 LP 3 LP 5

Intersections Risk is increased at intersections controlled by stop signs when joining and/or crossing multi-lane traffic. No Parking

Intersections Controlled by Traffic Signals Check for the following Oncoming vehicles making a left turn Pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalk Cross Traffic

Intersections Controlled by Traffic Signals Make sure there is space available before moving into the intersection for a left turn.

Intersections Controlled by Traffic Signals Count to three before moving Why?

Intersections Controlled by a Yield Sign Important to judge the distance/speed of approaching traffic. Make sure there is ample space so that you may join or cross traffic safely

Crossing and Joining Traffic at Intersections Crossing or joining traffic traveling at high speeds require larger gaps when traveling at higher speeds.

Ample Space for Crossing Traffic At a brisk rate of acceleration, crossing a 2 lane roadway 30 feet wide requires a gap of about six or more seconds. For an approaching vehicle traveling 30 mph, it is 264 feet, or about a half a block. At 55 mph, the same vehicle would travel 528 feet.

Ample Space for Crossing Traffic 60 MPH=6sec/528 ft. 30 MPH=6sec/264 ft.

Ample Space for Right Turns If turning right into traffic traveling 30 mph, a gap of about 8 or more seconds, 352 feet, is needed. With traffic traveling 55 mph, a gap of about 11 seconds, 880 feet, is needed.

Ample Space for Right Turns 55 MPH=11 sec/880 ft. 30 MPH=8 sec/352 ft.

Ample Space for Left Turns Similar to right turns, but more complex problems exist because you must first cross the lanes of traffic traveling from left to right….when it is safe. Do not write this slide

Ample Space for Left Turns You need a gap of about 6 seconds to cross the 2 lanes moving left to right. If traffic moving right to left is traveling 30 mph, a gap of 14 or more seconds ,484 feet, is needed. With traffic traveling 55 mph, a gap of 17 or more seconds , 1130 feet is needed.

Ample Space for Turning Left 30 MPH = 14 sec/484 ft. 55 MPH = 17sec /1130 ft.

When Stopping Always check the rearview mirror when getting ready to stop Tap brakes to flash the lights to alert others

When Stopping Ground Viewing: You should be able to see the rear wheels of the car in front of you touching the ground.

Mirror Usage When Turning Check before any change of speed or position is made so that you can control rear and side space.

Class Work 2 Read pages 176-180 Answers questions 1-4 on page 180 Write in complete sentences when responding to the questions. Turn in work by the end of class!!

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