CHAPTER 1: DRIVING SMART

The following section summarizes the concepts, practices, and techniques that are covered in more
detail in later sections. It's the longest section for just that reason: because it introduces you to all
the material. As you read it, think about how attitude, aptitude, anticipation and attention all work
together to make for a safe, fun driving experience.

SECTION 1: DEFENSIVE DRIVING

All good drivers have learned the rules of the road, and have acquired the skills to adapt quickly to
changing situations. They know how to use their common sense to anticipate problems. Their skills
and their common sense work together to make them the safest drivers on the road. The marriage of
learning and common sense to anticipate and avoid problems has a name: Defensive Driving.

A. Driving Courtesy and Attitude

1. Be as Courteous While Driving as in Other Social Contacts

Many of us think of driving as a solitary experience. We get in our vehicle and go, and feel wrapped
in the solitude of 3000 lbs. of steel and upholstery. In fact, when we drive, we are a part of a huge
community that includes other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, etc. As in any community, rules of
courtesy are the key to comfort and survival. Never underestimate the power of stupid people in
groups. First, courtesy means that you are aware of those around you...and awareness is the basis
for survival on crowded roadways filled with hurtling vehicles.

The other important fact is this: If you are courteous, you help create a more gentle and comfortable
driving environment. It makes driving more fun.
2. Right-of-way

A lot of heated driving disputes occur over the simple question: 'Who gets to go first?' 'Right-of-way'
rules help avoid these disputes by laying out the order that drivers can proceed through an
intersection that has no stop signs or traffic signals (called an 'uncontrolled intersection') when two
or more vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time.

The right-of-way rule says that a driver that reaches an uncontrolled intersection first has the right-
of-way to go through the intersection after making certain that it is safe to proceed.

If two vehicles arrive at the intersection simultaneously, the vehicle to the right proceeds first.

a. When to use it: Take the right-of-

way when you have it under the rule,
and when it is safe to proceed.

However, look at the other drivers first

to make certain that they understand
that you are proceeding. If another
driver proceeds improperly as you are
taking your right-of-way, you won't feel
any better about a collision knowing
that under the law, you were in the
right.

b. When to give it up:

• To pedestrians in a crosswalk
• At stop signs
• To pedestrian and vehicle when you are
emerging from an alley
• To emergency vehicles Vehicle #1 is to the right of vehicle #2 and
• At four-way stops proceeds first..
• When making a left turn

3. Stress, Anger, Emotion, and Fatigue

Stress, anger, and/or fatigue – if unchecked - impair your ability to think clearly and concentrate on
the job at hand. Learn to identify and control these conditions.
 a. How to recognize it: Before you start your
vehicle, think about how you feel. Are you angry,
exhilarated, or depressed? Has something made
you edgy? If you do not feel relaxed, take time to
clear your head.

b. How it affects driving: If you are distressed

or fatigued, you are not clear-headed and you
will be less apt to recognize danger as it
develops. You will be less prepared to make
critical, split-second decisions once the danger is
apparent.

c. Collision potential: High or low emotional

states affect your ability to concentrate, greatly You are responsible for your
increasing your chances of collision. Fatigue also emotions on
affects your concentration, and is often a factor the road...and emotions kill if you
in mishaps on long trips. don't
control them.

B. Adjusting to the Driving Environment

The driving environment changes constantly. Your job is to adjust and adapt to changes.

1. Daytime vs. Nighttime

Driving during daylight hours, your biggest problem can be keeping your eye on the road rather than
rubbernecking at the scenery. At night, you tend to lose depth perception. You also tend to
unconsciously speed-up and 'overdrive' your headlights. Thus, driving in daylight tests your focus,
while driving at night is a bigger test of your driving technique.

a. Visibility: Always concentrate on seeing and being seen. During the day, avoid
being blinded by road glare. Make sure to keep your windshield clean. It is not a bad
idea to drive with your lights on during the day to increase your visibility to others. At
dawn and dusk you will find yourself driving through low-contrast 'white light.' This is an
especially dangerous time, because low contrast ensures that you see less than you
think you do. Avoid passing or driving too fast for conditions.

b. Speed: When the sun goes down, so should your speed, since your visibility is cut
to approximately 500 ft…the distance your headlights cast their beams. You must be
able to stop your vehicle within the range of your headlights.
 c. Planning the route: If you are driving at
night, plan a route that takes you along well-
lighted streets. Business areas and urban
freeways are better lighted than secondary
roads and residential areas. Where do forest
rangers go to 'get away from it all?'
Nighttime reduces your vision to
the throw
of your headlights. It is also
primetime for intoxicated drivers.

2. Weather

In California, a leisurely day's drive can take you from hot, dry badlands to icy, snow-covered
mountains to rainy coastal plains. Each of these climatic zones presents its own challenges, and their
conditions can co-mingle to create wind, hail, rain, and fog…all within a few dozen miles.

a. Fog, Rain, and Snow: Driving in a fog is unlike any other driving condition. Fog
slicks up the road. It makes it difficult to see. It makes it difficult to judge distance. It
makes you lose sense of exactly where you are on the road, in which direction you are
driving, and at what speed you are driving. To make matters worse, fog reflects your
high-beam headlights back into your eyes turning the fog into a solid, impenetrable
wall. So, only use low-beams when driving in the fog – never high-beams.

In one recent year in the U.S. there were 1,387 deaths due to foggy conditions. In
November 2002 198 vehicles collided in a single chain reaction due to soupy fog on the
Long Beach Freeway. According to Ted Eichman of the California Highway Patrol, the
collision occurred because motorists badly misjudged their stopping distance in the fog,
continuing to drive too fast. In dense fog, drivers often steer their vehicles by following
the taillights of the vehicle ahead…which is blind reliance on a stranger.

Roads become especially slippery during the first 15 to 20 minutes of precipitation (fog,
rain, or snow), because moisture washes-up oil that has permeated the road surface.
This mixture of old oil and water can be lethal to an unaware driver.

The same slippery conditions that hold in fog apply to light dustings of snow. Also,
drifting snow obscures the road; high winds can blow your vehicle off a slippery road;
deep snow reduces traction; and vehicle problems such as vapor lock can leave you
stopped and stranded.
 (1) braking distance: 'Braking distance' refers to
the time it takes your brakes to stop your vehicle.
In wet weather, this often increases as road
moisture penetrates your tire-wells and makes
your brakes slick, causing loss of traction. Leave
plenty of braking distance. Avoid hard braking in
bad weather, which leads to skidding.

(2) speed: Your total stopping distance (reaction

time/ distance plus braking distance) is affected
by your speed. On slippery roads, reduce your
speed.

(3) wet roads: Wet roads affect all aspects of your

vehicle's performance and control, including the
effectiveness of your brakes and tires in stopping
your vehicle. Increase your safety margin by
heeding the following.
Your worst nightmare: driving in a
snowstorm at night.
Keep your headlights on low-beam to
avoid reflection, and SLOWDOWN!

Slippery: Below are tips for adjusting to slippery, wet roads.

• Get the 'feel' of the road and adjust your speed accordingly.
• Be sure tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated.
• When slowing or stopping, gently apply the breaks.

Hydroplaning: When it rains, water collects on the roadway in

a thin sheet. If your tires are bad, or you are driving too fast,
your vehicle can actually lose contact with the road surface
and ride up on top of this sheet. This condition is called
'hydroplaning.' Here's what you should do, when hydroplaning
occurs.

• Avoid braking.
• Reduce your speed by decelerating.
• Steer smoothly in a straight line.
• Follow in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.
• Open up extra space between you and the traffic.
• If conditions are ripe for hydroplaning, stay out of the fast
lane where, if you spin-out, you can strike the center divider.
 b. See and Be Seen: Headlights are
required to be activated during darkness,
which is from 30 minutes after sunset to
30 minutes before sunrise. Darkness is
also defined as any other time when
visibility is not sufficient to render
discernible a person or vehicle at a
distance of 1000 feet. Turn on your low-
beam headlights in rain, fog or snow The
law (CVC 24400 a & b) now requires your
headlights to be activated whenever your
windshield wipers are in continuous
operation and whenever visibility is such
that you cannot clearly see another
vehicle or a person from a distance of
1000 feet. In special circumstances – you
are slowing down for safety, for instance -
tap your brakes, thus activating your
brake lights. Always keep your windshield, This is a lethal combination of snow and
headlights, and taillights clean. fog...not
uncommon in the mountains during
3. Road Conditions winter, spring, and
autumn. Drive with your lights on to see
a. Soft Shoulder: Often road shoulders and be seen.
are made of softer material and are lower
than the paved portion of the roadway.
Not only does this reduce your traction,
but you can become trapped on the wrong
side of an abrupt edge.

b. Drop-offs: A drop-off may be

engineered next to the roadway to funnel
rainwater, or rainwater can erode a deep
gutter alongside the roadway.

c. Bad Pavement: Secondary or less

traveled roads may be poorly maintained.
Urban streets are often rutted by cracks
and potholes. Poor road conditions not
only cause collisions, they can cause
damage to your vehicle's alignment and
tires.
Rough road
d. Seasonal Hazards: Each season
presents its own hazards. Beware of fog
and slippery roads in the winter, spring,
and autumn. Summer heat is hard on your
vehicle, and road glare is a problem.

4. Intersections
 a. Controlled and Uncontrolled: A controlled intersection is an intersection protected
by a signal light, traffic control officer or a stop or yield sign. Uncontrolled intersections
have no such safeguards, leaving you to proceed through the intersection at your
discretion. 'Discretion' can be defined here as your common sense about the rules of the
road, combined with your anticipation of trouble given the situation.

(1) signaling distance: You must signal a change of direction, such as a

turn or lane change, for 100 feet continuously before the maneuver.
Regardless of your speed, it is recommend that you signal for 5 seconds
before making any lane change.
(2) speed: Since most collisions occur at intersections, be cautious as you
approach. Cover your brake and be ready to stop.
(3) stopping limits: Always stop at the limit line, if marked, or before
entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no
crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway
or rail-grade crossing (Think of it as an imaginary line from curb to curb).
Keep in mind there are marked crosswalks (with painted lines) and
unmarked crosswalks (no painted lines). In the absence of a posted sign
prohibiting pedestrian crossing, you can assume a crosswalk at any
intersection, even if there are no lines painted on the pavement.
(4) signal controlled: These are intersections with signal lights controlling
the flow of traffic.

Red Stop
Red arrow Do not turn against this arrow
Flashing red Come to a full stop before proceeding with caution
Yellow Proceed with caution and prepare to stop
Flashing
Proceed cautiously through the intersection
yellow
Yellow arrow The 'protected' turning time is ending; prepare to stop
Green Go, after yielding to vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists in the intersection
Go in the direction of the arrow, after yielding to any vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist in
Green arrow
the intersection
Traffic signal
When there is an electrical power failure, treat the intersection as a four-way stop
blackout

5. City, Freeway, Open Roadway, Mountains

Each of these driving environments presents challenges.

a. Speed: As you drive,

read and follow the posted
speed limit signs. Always be
aware of the weather
conditions, the type of road
and the amount of traffic in
determining your speed on
the road.

b. Following distance: You

must be able to stop before
striking the vehicle in front
of you if it stops or slows
unexpectedly. If a turtle
doesn't have a shell, is he
homeless or naked?

c. Braking distance: Keep

in mind that braking
distance depends on a
number of factors.
• How quickly
you see and
react to the
hazard
Less space on the roadway and more traffic
• Conditions of considerably limits your reaction time when driving
the road in the city. Always be looking ahead and
• Condition of anticipating trouble.
your brakes
• Condition of
your tires
• Gravity-
up-/downhill
Remember: Braking distance
increases exponentially with
speed. Your braking distance at
60 mph will be four times your
braking distance at 30.

d. Signaling
distance: The law
requires that
drivers signal at
least 100 feet
before turning. At
higher speeds,
signal sooner. For
example, on open
highways or at
freeway speeds,
signaling five
seconds prior to a
lane change is
recommended.

e. Traffic
conditions: In
larger cities,
traffic can be
congested during
most daytime
hours. Properly
prepared drivers
will listen to traffic
reports on radio
stations
throughout the
day to find
whether traffic
conditions on their
intended route are
good.

f. Passing: Below are some tips for passing.

(1) open roadway: Passing on a two-lane road requires

you to travel into the oncoming traffic lane…a
dangerous maneuver in any event.

Never pass:

• Over double yellow lines or against a 'No Passing'

 sign;
• If the
vehicle
ahead of
you is
traveling
at the
speed
limit;
• When an
oncoming
traffic is
too close;
• Several
vehicles
in front of
you at a time (pass only one vehicle at a time);
• On a curve when your line of sight is limited;
• On or near an underpass or bridge; and/or
• Near an intersecting road, in the event that vehicle is
making a right turn from cross-traffic into your line.
(2) mountains: There are several dangers involved in
passing in mountainous areas. Be prepared for:

• An oncoming vehicle moving into your lane to pass;

• Difficulty passing a slower moving vehicle on a
narrow road;
• Blocked field of vision on sharp curves and steep
hills;
• Loss of braking on a steep downgrade;
• Extreme weather conditions such as heavy fog, rain,
and snow.

6. Driving distractions

Collisions often occur when the driver of one or more vehicles is distracted. This is
especially unfortunate, since most distractions are avoidable. Below are some
distractions you do not want to fall prey to.

a. Inside vehicle

• Talking to passengers
• Dialing, answering, and talking on cell phone
• Pets roaming in the vehicle
• Lighting a cigarette
• Eating and driving
• Insects such as bees
• Changing radio stations, audio tapes, or compact discs
 Adults are required to use a hands-free set-up when talking on a mobile
phone, and may not use an electronic device to write, send, or read a
text-based communication (e.g., text message, instant message, e-
mail), when driving. Those under the age of 18 are prohibited at all
times from using any wireless telephone or other mobile service device
when driving. The law provides exemptions for using mobile
communications devices to place an emergency call to law
enforcement, the fire department, a health care provider, or other
emergency services.

b. Outside vehicle

• The scene of a collision

• Interesting sights
• Looking too long at scenery
• Finding a location and address.

C. Collision Causation

Driver error is the most common cause of traffic collisions. Below are some pitfalls to
avoid.

1. Mental

The best defensive driving techniques and attitudes are compromised by mental errors. If
you are unfocused, distracted, or unaware, you can't anticipate and respond effectively
to dangerous situations. These types of mistakes are caused by stress or fatigue, or just
plain sloppy mental habits.

2. Physical

Fatigue, physical disability, illness, and/or being medicated all qualify as physical
conditions that can compromise defensive driving. Aging is factor that sometimes affects
vision, hearing, and mental alertness.

3. Environment

Adapt to your environment. Also, be prepared for changing environments. If you're

driving from the mountains to the coast, you can drive through many different climate
and weather conditions within several hours.

4. Visual Habits

Bad visual habits will lull you into complacency and reduce attentiveness. Train yourself
to scan the driving environment...and then think about what you are seeing, so that you
actually understand the meaning of what you are looking at.
5. Other Drivers

You can never really predict what other drivers will do. Protect yourself by anticipation
and awareness.

6. Collision Types

Collision types tend to differ with road-type and terrain. Collisions on city streets often
happen at intersections, whereas freeway collisions tend to be more varied and
unpredictable.
a. Intersections

(1) blind: A 'blind' intersection is one

in which you cannot see 100 feet to
the left or right down the cross-street
when you are within 100 feet of the
intersection because of some natural
or manmade obstacle. A blind
Blind intersection
intersection can be controlled (one
that is protected by signals or signs)
or uncontrolled (no signals or signs).
By law, you must slow to 15 mph
within 100 feet of a blind intersection
that is uncontrolled. For your own
protection, be prepared to stop at
the corner before entering the
intersection. You are allowed to drive
at the speed limit (or safe speed)
when approaching a controlled blind
intersection as long as you obey all
signs and controls.

If the police arrest a mime, do they

tell him he has the right to remain
silent?

(2) right-of-way: Watch for drivers

careless about giving the legal right-
of-way to others. Beware of
pedestrians in the crosswalk when
you are turning left. Anytime you are
in a controlled or an uncontrolled
intersection there is a chance that an
emergency vehicle will be
entering the intersection against
traffic.
(3) turns: Turns are often the occasion of collisions
in the city. Remember the following.
Left: Turning left requires
that you judge the speed
of oncoming traffic
(traffic you are 'turning
against'). Add to this the
presence of pedestrians
in crosswalks and/or
changing lights, and you
have many things to
keep track of. As you
move into the
intersection, keep your
wheels straight and cover
the brake while waiting
to turn, so that a rear-
end impact could not
push you into oncoming
traffic.

Right: Nowadays many

urban streets have
bicycle lanes to the right
of the traffic lanes.
Drivers must cross these
lanes to turn right. In
such cases, bicyclists
going straight have the The vehicle on the right misjudged the
right-of-way. Meanwhile, turning radius of this
watch for pedestrians in commercial vehicle (tow truck towing
the crosswalk as you vehicle) and ended upforced to the curb.
turn…crosswalks are
prime spots for collisions
involving pedestrians.
 Simultaneous: At some intersections, it is
permissible for two vehicles side-by- side to turn in
the same direction at the same time. If you are
making such a turn, keep a close eye on any vehicle
turning with you to make sure they stay in their
lane. Be prepared to maneuver to get out of their
way, should they – on completing their turn – drift
into your lane.

Wide turns - commercial vehicles: Large commercial

vehicles (usually multi-wheeled, articulated
tractor/trailers) must make wide turns – that is,
turns that take up space in two lanes – in order to
avoid turning into oncoming traffic. When you are
side-by-side with one of these vehicles – if the driver
does not see you - you can get run-over whether
you're on the lane inside or outside of the vehicle.
Remember: As long as a driver's face is visible to
During simultaneous turns, you in the vehicle's mirrors, he can see you.
stay in your Otherwise, he may be unaware of you.
lane, and be wary of the other
guy
drifting out of his and into
yours'.
(4) pedestrians: According to the California Highway Patrol 2003
SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System) Annual
Report, 712 pedestrians were killed and 13,991 pedestrians were
injured in traffic crashes during 2003. Children under 15
accounted for 24.7% of all pedestrian victims. The most vulnerable
age group for pedestrian victims (killed and injured) was 15-24
years. Overall, the majority of pedestrian victims tend to be male.
These numbers are appalling! Pedestrians are the most vulnerable
users of our roadways. One of your primary responsibilities as a
driver is to do whatever possible to avoid a collision with a
pedestrian.
Pedestrians have a responsibility for their own safety as well. If
you are a pedestrian, follow these rules:
• Use sidewalks
•Cross only at intersections and crosswalks
•Look left, right, left for traffic before stepping off curb.
•It is illegal to cross mid-block between 2 controlled intersections.
•A pedestrian crossing illegally (i.e. outside of crosswalk) must
yield to traffic.
•Pedestrians walking in the road should walk opposing traffic,
along the left-hand edge of the road.
b. freeways: Due to the higher speeds of freeway traffic, when a collision
occurs it often involves a chain reaction as nearby vehicles swerve to avoid
the collision. Beware of being caught in a collision not of your own making.
(1) merging: Two common causes of collisions as vehicles merge
onto the freeway are slower moving vehicles being struck from
behind, and drivers merging without adequate space.

(2) exiting: Three prime causes of freeway-exiting collisions are:

• An exiting vehicle slows too much and is hit from behind;

• A driver fails to read the sign 'slow to 15 mph' and strikes the
barrier;
• An impaired or disoriented driver enters in the exit ramp.

(3) space cushion: Think of the space around your vehicle (front,
rear, and both sides) as a cushion that protects you from contact
with other vehicles. Obviously, - depending on the speeds you are
traveling, as well as other factors – that cushion may need to
change form or expand.
c. Lane Changes: Inattentive or sudden lane changes are a major cause of
collisions on the freeway. Often these are caused by 'blind spot errors.' Stay
out of the blind spot of other drivers, and do not let other drivers cruise in
your blind spot. Before making a lane change, be sure to glance quickly in the
corresponding blind spot to be sure there is no conflict.

d. Passing: A major cause of collisions is one vehicle passing another and

cutting that vehicle off while merging back into the line of traffic. Don't get
out of your passing attitude until you have arrived at where you want to be.

e. Head-on: Head-on collisions usually occur late at night when traffic is light.
An intoxicated or disoriented driver enters the freeway on an exit ramp
thinking it is an on-ramp. Watch for wrong-way drivers on one-way streets
and anticipate the possibility of a vehicle crossing the centerline on a curved
roadway.

f. Rear-end: Colliding with a vehicle in front of you should it stop or slow

unexpectedly is a common and avoidable collision. Always drive at a safe
following distance (you'll read about the 3 Second Rule later in the course)
and be sure to eliminate distractions in your vehicle (like the cell phone) that
might cause you to look away and miss the brake lights being activated on
the vehicle(s) in front of you.
 g. Fixed objects: The major fixed objects on
a freeway are the ends of the guardrails
and trees at the bottom of the freeway
embankment. There is the additional
problem of debris and large items sitting in
lanes - another reason to always scan up
the road to anticipate your need to change
lanes.

h. Slippery surface skids: When the

weather first begins to turn, road
conditions and weather are often at their
worst. Also, it takes time to shift focus from
fair- to foul weather driving. When
conditions change, change focus with them.
So always reduce speed, increase following
distance and heighten\n your vigilance
when driving on wet roads.

i. Vehicle Failure:
(1) brakes: Brakes tend to fail when overused to slow or stop the
vehicle on long, downhill stretches or in stop-and-go traffic. In
stop-and-go traffic, this can be avoided by driving more slowly in a
lower gear. On long, downhill stretches, drive in a lower gear.

(2) tires: Tires with worn tread tend to blow out and skid easily.

D. Collision Avoidance

1. Defensive Driving Techniques: The Smith System and SIPDE

There are two defensive driving techniques that are especially helpful to know: The Smith
System of Accident-free Driving; and the SIPDE process. Each is enumerated below.

The Smith System

1. Aim high when steering: Look as far as a block

ahead when driving.
2. Keep your eyes moving: Constantly move your eyes
side walk to sidewalk near and far.
3. Get the big picture: Take in everything in the driving
scene, rather than merely other vehicles.
4. Make sure they see you: Whether pedestrians, two-
wheeled vehicles, or other automobiles, use horn and
lights to be seen; make eye contact and yield right-of-
way when necessary.
5. Leave yourself an out: Continually visualize escape
routes as you travel. Maintain your space cushion by
adjusting your speed, which will give you the time to
use your escape route.
 Good anticipation...

...plus a good space cushion

around your vehicle ...makes
you a defensive driver.

SIPDE process

1. Scan or search - for possible trouble.

2. Identify - problems or conflicts on the
roadway.
3. Predict - signals will change; vehicles will turn;
pedestrians will cross.
4. Decide - which maneuver should be taken.
5. Execute – the maneuver.
Stay well behind the vehicle in front of you, especially in bad
driving conditions. If you collide with the rear-end of
another vehicle, you will almost always be cited for driving
too close for conditions.

a. Be alert - don't assume: As you drive along, envision a plan for escaping
trouble as you drive, and be committed to that plan. Although each situation
is different, you are only going to get a few cues before you must commit to a
maneuver. Many times, there are no advance cues at all. If a vehicle crosses
the centerline, are you going to swerve left? Swerve right? If you know what
you will do beforehand, and you commit early, you stand a better chance of
 avoiding trouble.

b. Escape techniques: Learn escape techniques. Be prepared to commit to an

escape technique. Most important, maintain a space cushion that will give you
time to make decisions.

c. Reaction time: Reaction time is the time

you take to move your foot from the
accelerator to the brake, once you see a
hazard. The quickest among us can react to
a hazard in a half second. Average reaction
time is three-quarters of a second. One of
the reasons that a defensive driver stays
focused is that inattention can significantly
increase reaction time.

d. 'Three Second Rule': The 'Three Second

Rule' basically states that you should
maintain a space between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you that would take
three seconds to travel at the posted speed
limit.

e. Think ahead: Pay attention at all times to the driving task and drive within
your ability to handle your vehicle.

f. Use of horn: Don't be afraid to use your horn, particularly to communicate

your presence to other drivers or pedestrians that may be unaware of you.

2. Avoiding a Collision with the Car Ahead

a. Importance of vehicle lane placement: Because large vehicles such as

sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and recreational vehicles (RVs) limit sight lines,
it is up to you to make certain that they know where you are on the road.
Remember a couple of things:

• Do not drive in another's blind spot, and do not let others drive in yours'
(speed up or slow down). If you have to be in a blind spot, make certain the
driver sees you in his/her mirrors (if you can see the driver's face in the
mirror, s/he can see you).
• Increase your following distance when following a larger vehicle.
• Momentary Distractions: If a distraction is serious, pull off the roadway to
address it.

b. How to establish a three-second gap: When the vehicle ahead of you passes
a stationary reference point such as a sign, count, "one-thousand-one, one-
thousand-two, and one-thousand-three." If you pass that pre-established
reference point before you are finished counting, then you are following too
closely.
c. When to increase the following distance to four (or more) seconds:

• Following large trucks and vans

• Driving in rain/fog
• Driving on icy routes
• When being tailgated
• When vision is blocked or visibility is poor
• When speed is increased

d. Momentary distractions – pick a safe time to look away: A momentary

distraction is one that you can resolve quickly (less than a second or two). If
you cannot resolve the distraction in this time, then pull off the roadway. If
you can safely resolve it in this time, here are pointers:
• Assess the situation ahead before reacting to the distraction. If you don't
see a couple of seconds worth of clear sailing on the road ahead, don't
attempt to resolve the situation. In other words, don't look away in busy
traffic.
• Take short looks: If you must look away from the road, do not do so until the
road is straight and you have made certain that have enough room to stop.
Only then can you look away. Then, take short looks, returning your eyes to
the road constantly.
• Have passengers help with navigation: Do not use time on the roadway to
check maps for navigational information. If you are unfamiliar with where you
are going, get good directions, a phone number, and check maps before you
leave. If you have a passenger, let the passenger navigate.

e. Look ahead for trouble: When you're driving in the city, look at least 12 to
15 seconds (about one block) ahead of your vehicle. On the freeway, extend
the time/distance to 15 to 20 seconds ahead.

• Look over and around the car around the car ahead.
• Check ahead for speed on hilltops and curves:
Remember that your line of sight is significantly
shortened as you near the crest of a hill. Similarly,
on a curved road, your vision will be blocked.
• Watch for brake lights ahead or in adjacent lanes: If
you see brake lights ahead of you or to your side,
that usually means that something needs your
attention.
• Start braking early: Immediately check your mirrors
and apply light brake pressure. This slows you down
and warns drivers behind you that you might have to
suddenly stop. If you're looking for trouble, pick on a truck.

f. Locations to watch for trouble:

• Traffic-controlled intersections: In the fluid conditions of a traffic-controlled
intersection, anticipate that some drivers will accelerate to beat a light,
change their minds, and slam on the brakes. Anticipate vehicles entering the
intersection against the light.
 • Approaching crosswalks: Pedestrians often step off just before or just after
the light changes. As you near an intersection, remember to cover your
brakes…put your foot over – but do not ride – the brake pedal.
• Lanes next to parked vehicles: Always scan lines of parked vehicles for
people exiting by the driver's side, or vehicles pulling out into traffic. Position
your vehicle so that the driver's side is close to the painted lane marker on
your left.
Below are a few cues to look for:
• Person in driver's seat
• Pedestrian moving between cars
• Exhaust from parked car
• Front wheels turned outward
• Opening doors
• Parking lot entrances: Don't assume that a vehicle signaling to turn into a
parking entrance will turn immediately. Often the driver must wait to give
right-of-way to pedestrians and/or vehicles.
• Freeway interchanges: Freeway interchanges have marked lanes for
acceleration and deceleration when entering or exiting, respectively.
However, don't ever assume that other drivers will use them properly. The
freeway is full of drivers speeding up across deceleration lanes to make an
exit and/or braking in acceleration lanes to merge.
• Slippery or ice-covered streets: Particularly in shaded areas or on bridges
and overpasses, streets will remain slippery longer.
• Where children are at play: Be careful around schools, parks, playgrounds,
and residential areas.

3. Avoid Being Rear-ended by Another Vehicle

a. Increase following distance: Check your mirrors frequently to gauge the

following distance of the vehicles behind you. Try to open space between you
and the vehicle following you, particularly if the vehicle is tailgating. Change
lanes, if necessary.
b. Signal early for stops and lane changes: Provide plenty of room for
inattentive drivers to recognize your intentions.
c. Brake smoothly and gradually: Smooth braking, along with signaling, is
another cue to drivers behind you to slow.
d. Keep pace with traffic, when possible: If you are keeping pace with traffic,
you reduce the chances of being hit from the rear.
e. Check your mirror for the following distance of other vehicles.
f. Before changing lanes, check the direction of travel: On freeways and urban
streets, make sure that the lane you are entering is not reserved for
oncoming traffic.
g. After stopping, keep your brake pedal depressed: If you are hit from the
rear, this technique minimizes the chance of your being propelled into the
intersection where a chain reaction can begin.
h. Keep your taillights clean and working: Taillights are your first line of
defense against being rear-ended if you must stop quickly. Make certain they
are visible.
4. How to Choose an Alternate Path of Travel Escape Route

A defensive driver is always looking for an escape route especially on a narrow curvy
road.

a. Importance of adequate visual leads: A proper

visual lead allows you to see trouble as it's developing.
It also allows you more reaction time. I wish my
brother would get a job, so I'd know what kind of work
he's out of. Train your eyes to look 12 to 15 seconds
ahead of your vehicles in city driving. On higher speed
freeways or open highways, use a visual lead-time of
15 to 20 seconds.

• Choosing a safe path of travel: Usually lanes #1 and

#2 – the two left lanes - are used for higher speed
thru-traffic. Use the right-hand lanes if you plan to
drive more slowly, or are preparing to exit.
• Possible speed or position adjustments: Be prepared
to make quick – but not abrupt - adjustments,
particularly if you come up on a vehicle that blocks
your visual lead. Find a gap in another lane, signal,
and change lanes.
Finding an alternate route of
b. Positioning the vehicle laterally: Since you travel can save you time and
always want to keep your options open, avoid being aggravation.
trapped in clusters of vehicles. If you find yourself in a
cluster, identify lateral spaces (spaces to your sides)
that will be open in case you need to move.
• Select speeds to position your vehicle between clusters of vehicles: First,
position yourself using your speed in an area that gives you the most lateral
options; then signal and move in either direction out of clusters.
• Select lane position within traffic clusters to allow the greatest
maneuverability: If you can't get out of a cluster (e.g., in rush hour traffic) opt
for the position within the cluster that promises the most maneuverability.
You can then expand your space cushion to the front by allowing space to
open up.

c. Avoiding multiple hazards: Be alert and leave a space cushion.

• Identify hazards early: Be scanning ahead 20 seconds.
• Predict potential hazards: When you are approaching a school zone, expect
children crossing the street. Anticipate vehicles turning in front of you if you
are driving through an area with uncontrolled intersections.
• Adjust speed and position to avoid potential hazards: Slow down or speed
up and position yourself in the edge of the lane away from potential hazards.
• Anticipate and plan possible escape route: Continually identify open spots
around you for evasive maneuvers.
 d. Compromise to reduce the risk of hazards: Compromise is the basis of
courtesy.

• A long line of cars approaching from the opposite direction: Move to the
right. Being the first driver facing a long line of approaching vehicles requires
you to be prepared to slow, stop, or move to the shoulder.
• An approaching vehicle drifts into the lane of travel: Sometimes an
inattentive or distracted driver coming at you from the opposite direction will
drift over the line into your lane of travel. Be prepared to:
• Slow down;
• Pull to the right;
• Sound your horn and flash your lights.
• On a curve: Going into a curve, remember to slow down on the way into it
and stay toward the right of the lane.

5. Protecting Yourself When a Collision is Unavoidable

a. Being hit from the rear: There are things you can do to reduce the impacts.
Leave enough space when following another vehicle so that you can pump
your brakes (to alert a driver approaching from your rear) or swerve into an
empty lane if you see an inattentive driver approaching you from behind.
• When to apply the brakes: Try to release the brake at impact to reduce the
force; then, brake hard to avoid being pushed into vehicles stopped or slowed
in front of you.
• Use of head restraints: Brace your head against the head restraint to
minimize whiplash.
b. Being hit from the side: If you see
a vehicle approaching from the side,
speed up or slow down if possible to
protect the driver's-side door. Being
stuck in the front wheel or rear trunk
will reduce your chances of injury.

• Preparing to steer: Steer sharply away

from the other vehicle to reduce the
impact of a collision from the side.
• Brace against the steering wheel to
avoid being thrown around in the
vehicle.

c. Being hit from the front: Avoid a

head-on collision at all costs. If a head-
on collision seems imminent:

• Protect your face when wearing a

shoulder strap: Use your arms and
hands to protect your face if you are
wearing a shoulder strap. The strap will
act to keep you in the vehicle, and your
 priority should be protecting your head.
• Protection when not wearing a
shoulder strap: If you are not wearing as
shoulder strap, throw yourself across
the seat so you don't hit the steering
wheel or the windshield.

6. Emergency Situations

Again, your most trusted resource should be your ability to anticipate hazards.
a. Maintenance and construction areas
: If you are in a construction zone, it will be
well-marked with orange cones and/or signs.
Watch for construction machinery and
construction workers.

Stay cool despite the delays that can

accompany construction work. A person
convicted of the assault or battery of a
highway maintenance or construction
worker engaged in the performance of his or
her duties may be punished with a fine of up
to $2,000 and/or up to one year of
imprisonment in a county jail for each
offense!

b. Children: Children are likely to be either

in school zones or residential areas. Almost
any maneuver is permissible to save the life
of a child (or another adult), if you think you
can walk away from the results alive.

c. Animals: Animals can be almost

anywhere and are always unpredictable.
Anticipate pets if you are in a residential
area. In rural areas, prepare to encounter
domesticated farm animals such as cows
and horses, especially if you see a 'livestock
crossing' sign. If a collision with an animal is
unavoidable, brace yourself and drive
'through' the animal at speed. Attempting to
brake or drive around an animal at high
speeds is more dangerous than driving
straight and hitting the animal. How do they
get the deer to cross at that yellow road
sign?

BEWARE: THE CAR YOU ARE DRIVING MAY BE A “DEADLY WEAPON”

Many of us probably do not know this fact, but according to the United States Government collision crash test site,
www.Safercar.gov many of the poorly rated cars for safety on the road today could result in its occupants becoming
one of the horrific, 40,000 plus annual causalities (in the United States). This statistic should make us very
uncomfortable, especially when we compare this figure to those killed in any major war. There is great news
though… Now, every one of us can do something about this, and make an informed decision, by simply checking
the US government site to see how safe our car really is. Even if you are a very safe and cautious driver, the fact
remains that nearly all of us will someday get into a serious collision during our lifetime. Unfortunately, too few of
us pay attention to the car safety features or ratings when buying a car. Please take this important moment to visit
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration government test site to see if your car (or that of a loved one) is
basically safe. The data at www.safercar.gov covers over 14 years of new and used vehicle safety records and this
information will surely surprise and enlighten you. Indeed, some of the safest cars on the road today happen to be
smaller makes and models, while many of the worst performers are the large family cars that most of us assume are
the safest. Please help save the lives of your close friends and family by visiting www.safercar.gov and see if your
car (or theirs) has mostly five star government crash safety ratings (the highest level). If it doesn’t…well we can’t
advise you what to do, but can only ask that you use your imagination. Being safe usually will not cost you any extra
money. However, picking the right car can mean the difference of surviving an accident. At Comedy School For
Less Money, we feel that 40,000 deaths in car collisions is 40,000 people too many and we hope this public service
announcement will save one of our student’s lives. And we hope it’s yours!!!
 Continue

FAQ | Student Center | Log Off

You missed the question marked as red.

Nr Question
1 To slow fatigue, stop driving your vehicle every four to five hours.
2 Roads become especially slippery _______.
3 Braking distance at 60 mph is _______________ farther than at 30 mph.
4 One pedestrian is killed every _______ minutes in the U.S.
In the section on Defensive Driving, the author asks: Where do __________ go to "get
5
away from it all"?
6 The "Three-second Rule" has to do with following distance behind another vehicle.
7 When driving on a freeway, drivers should look _______ down the road.
When driving on city streets, drivers should look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of
8
your vehicle.
If your vehicle is about to be struck from the side, it is best to be hit _______ the
9
driver's side door.
10 When being hit from the rear, brace your head against the _______________.
11 According to the DMV, a common cause of collisions is _______.
 CHAPTER 2: DRIVER ATTITUDE
AND APTITUDE
Your 'aptitude' is defined as your 'ability to learn.' Obviously, your ability to learn is affected by
your attitude, or your willingness to learn.

An awful lot of drivers don't care to know the fundamentals of driving. As long as they can operate
the vehicle - turn it on and keep it on the road - that's all they are really willing to learn. These
drivers may roll through stop signs; fail to signal before turning; drive in crowded areas at night with
their high beam headlights on. These drivers don't care to learn the fine points of driving; they don't
learn them; and they are, as a result, dangers not only to themselves but to the rest of us who must
share the road with them.

You are expected to come out of this course with a new attitude: A desire to learn and improve your
driving So let's start at the
beginning...with the fundamentals.

SECTION 2: THE COMMON SENSE OF DRIVING

A. Operating a Motor Vehicle is a Serious Responsibility

Driving, as we've said, is not a solitary experience. You will never be in a much larger, actively
connected, mutually responsible community than when you are behind the wheel of an automobile. If
a mute swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap? Take your responsibility to that
community seriously.

1. Motor Vehicle is a Weapon

When you are behind the wheel, you are aiming some 3,000 lbs. of metal down a narrow ribbon of
concrete at speeds between 25 mph and 70 mph. Even when you are in control, your vehicle is a
weapon. When you are out of control - driving impaired; or driving too fast for conditions - your
vehicle is a deadly weapon.
 You don't have to be afraid of
your
vehicle...but you have to respect
its 2. Dangerous as a Loaded Gun if Not Operated Properly
lethalness.
A single vehicle with passengers driven at moderate speed will
take more casualties if it collides with something than even the
most powerful gun, once its trigger is pulled.

If multiple vehicles driven at high speeds are involved in a

collision, the likelihood of casualties, including fatalities, could
only be matched by long bursts from an automatic weapon in a
crowded room. In short, you are handling a deadlier weapon
than a firearm when you drive; and just as you must always
assume that a weapon is loaded and dangerous in the absence
of evidence otherwise, you must assume that your vehicle is
always dangerous if handled improperly (or sometimes, even if
it is handled properly).

3. Parking Responsibility (to Avoid Rollaways) Turn your wheels

away;
Parallel parking on a hill demonstrates how quickly an innocent vehicle can
become a weapon. If you do not park correctly, and the brake systems fail, your from the curb
vehicle will become an out-of-control runaway. It will mow down anything and when
everything in its path. parking on an
uphill
When pulling into a curbed space, park with the wheels no farther than 18 slope.
inches from the curb. Set the parking brake immediately, even before taking
your foot off the brake and putting the car in park. This ensures that the parking
brake is engaged.

When parking on a slope – even a slight one – be sure that the front wheels are
sharply turned in a direction that will guide the vehicle away from traffic, should
the parking brake system fail. That means that on a downward slope, the wheels
must be turned toward the curb. On an upward slope, the wheels must be
turned away from the curb. If there is no curb, the wheels should always be
turned toward the near-side of the road, no matter whether the slope is uphill or
downhill.

B. Obey the Literal Interpretation of Everyday Laws

When you fudge the laws, you are not just using bad judgment and bad driving
technique; you are violating the common understandings of the drivers around
you. Isn't it a little scary that doctors call what they do "practice?" They are used
to responding in a certain way to such things as stop signs and yield signs; and
if you force them out of their patterns by violating the letter of the law, they can
become unpredictable and confused.
Common understandings keep things going smoothly; violating common
understandings leads to chaos.

Turn your wheels

toward the curb
when parking on
a downhill slope.
1. Why Stop Completely at Stop Signs

One of our most fundamental common understandings is

that we are required to stop completely at stop signs.
Just about every driver at an intersection makes his or
her decisions about how to proceed based on their
understanding that every other driver at or approaching
the intersection will stop completely. When a driver 'rolls-
through' the intersection – usually violating right-of-way –
the driver shows confusion. And confusion increases the
chances of collision.

2. What does 'Yield' Really Mean?

Again, 'yielding' amounts to a shared understanding that
is written into law. "Yield" means you are required to
allow the other user (vehicle or pedestrian, for example)
to use the roadway before you. Sounds like simple
courtesy, right? Yielding might require you to stop, or
merely to slow down – it depends on the circumstances.
Rolling through stop signs is illegal. The law also says that when two or more drivers
 Worse, odds
simultaneously arrive at an intersection, the driver on the
go up for you making a mistake...and
left must allow the driver on the right to proceed first.
then it's only a matter of time before
The other drivers then proceed, one-at-a-time.
you cause a collision.

C. Common Courtesy is the Key to Safety

The common thread of the two examples is that violating the

literal interpretation of the law can bring traffic to a halt. Just
as important is that, by rolling through a stop or not yielding
right-of-way, the driver in violation is being rude to the rest
of local the driving community. Courtesy often is the best
guarantee of public safety. Be nice to others; they will be
nice to you; and the number of collisions will go down.

1. Roadway is Shared by All Drivers

Even if it were true that roads were planned solely to move motor vehicles efficiently, the growing
popularity of alternative modes of transportation forces us to rethink this goal. Really, it's good that
we encourage bicycles, motorcycles, and public transportation, because the roadways become less
congested and the air-shed becomes cleaner. And, after all, the users of alternative modes of
transportation are taxpayers too, and have contributed to the building and upkeep of the nation's
roads. So, get used to sharing the roadway.

2. Courtesy Makes Order Out of Chaos

Common sense rules the roadway; but common courtesy makes common sense possible. That's
because there are only so many laws to cover driving situations, and the rest of the situations that
fall between the cracks of written law must be dealt with among human beings, face-to-face. Two
drivers arrive at an intersection almost simultaneously...who proceeds first? One driver tells the
other to go first, which is common courtesy. And that common courtesy enables common sense,
because it's common sense that they proceed one-at-a-time, rather than trying to bowl one another
over in the intersection.

A driver must interpret the edges of the law and make decisions on each and every trip. This leads to
interaction among drivers; and when people interact, courtesy keeps the interaction from descending
into
chaos.

3. The Golden Rule: Treat Other Drivers the Way You Want to be Treated

When you treat others the way you want to be treated, you are exercising courtesy, making the
roadway safer and more orderly, and increasing your chances for a safe, pleasant, efficient trip.

D. Road Rage

Why – with danger inherent in the task of driving itself -

would some person voluntarily introduce the potential for
more injury or death into the situation? This is exactly what
'road rage' does — it invites more mindless violence onto
the nation's roadways. Road rage is not a fluke; it's not a
bad habit. Road rage is a willful surrender to dangerous,
sometimes deadly, whim.

Road rage is irrational, and a driver suffering from road

rage is dangerous. Such a person over-reacts to situations;
s/he reacts in unpredictable ways; s/he loses sight of the
task – driving; and s/he misrepresents the motives and
actions of other persons. Because they lose sight of their
task, they threaten the entire driving community. Because
they lose sight of the person with whom they are angry,
they threaten you as an individual (assuming you are the
person).

Road rage is different than aggressive driving. Aggressive

drivers usually are not angry; just selfish or self-absorbed.
Road rage is fury, and that fury is directed outwards at
others.

Signs of road rage include drivers who veer into other

'offending' drivers or otherwise begin driving erratically;
attempts by perpetrators to interact with the victims via
speech or gestures, etc.

Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid somebody will clean them? If you are ever
the target of such a person, do not interact with them. Attempt to drive away. If the person follows,
use a cell phone to notify police, or drive until you see law enforcement on the roadway.

ROAD RAGE AND AGGRESSIVE DRIVING FACTS

• The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines

aggressive driving as "the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that
endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property"—a traffic and not a
criminal offense like road rage. Examples include speeding or driving too fast
for conditions, improper lane changing, tailgating and improper passing.
• Approximately 6,800,000 crashes occur in the United States each year; a
substantial number are estimated to be caused by aggressive driving.
• An average of at least 1,500 men, women and children are injured or killed
each year in the U.S. as a result of road rage.
• More than half surveyed by NHTSA admitted to driving aggressively on
occasion.
• About 30 percent of respondents said they felt their safety was threatened in
the last month, while 67 percent felt this threat during the last year. Weaving,
tailgating, distracted drivers, and unsafe lane changes were some of the unsafe
behaviors identified.
• Aggressive driving can easily escalate into an incident of road rage. Motorists
in all 50 states have killed or injured other motorists for seemingly trivial
 reasons. Motorists should keep their cool in traffic, be patient and courteous to
other drivers, and correct unsafe driving habits that are likely to endanger,
antagonize or provoke other motorists.
• Only 14 percent felt it was "extremely dangerous" to drive 10 miles per hour
over the speed limit.
• 62 percent of those who frequently drive in an unsafe and illegal manner said
they had not been stopped by police for traffic reasons in the past year.
• The majority of those in the NHTSA survey (52 percent) said it was "very
important" to do something about speeding. Ninety-eight percent of
respondents thought it "important" that something be done to reduce speeding
and unsafe driving.
• Those surveyed ranked the following countermeasures, in order, as most likely
to reduce aggressive and unsafe driving behaviors: (1) more police assigned to
traffic control, (2) more frequent ticketing of traffic violations, (3) higher fines,
and (4) increased insurance costs. Increased police enforcement was rated
"Number 1," both for effectiveness and as a measure acceptable to the public
to reduce unsafe and illegal driving.
• According to a study released by AAA of Northern California, Sacramento-area
motorists rank the roads with the meanest and most aggressive drivers as the
Capital City Freeway, I-80 from Davis to Roseville, Highway 99 from Elk Grove
to Marysville, Highway 50 from Sacramento to Placerville, and Highway 65 from
Roseville to Marysville.
• In areas with less public transportation, drivers tend to make several short,
simple trips that can often add an element of frustration or anger to their
driving experience, according to a recent survey. The study found that the
Riverside/San Bernardino, Sacramento and Oakland/San Francisco metropolitan
areas ranked in the top 20 nationwide for fatalities caused by aggressive
driving.

Don't be like Butch and Sundance here.

No perceived driving offense is worth risking injury or death.
 Continue

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Motorcycle Statistics SECTION 3:DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY

The effects of a crash involving a
motorcycle can often be devastating.
While 20 percent of passenger vehicle
crashes result in injury or death, an
astounding 80 percent of motorcycle
In this chapter, you will learn about some of your
responsibilities as a driver. As an operator of a lethal
weapon, you have a special responsibility to look out
for the safety of those less protected than you. This
crashes result in injury or death.
According to the California Highway Patrol
2003 SWITRS (Statewide Integrated
Traffic Records System) Annual Report, of
the 368 motorcyclists killed in California
during 2003, 331 or 90% were male. Of
the 9,681 motorcyclists injured, 8,481 or
88% were male. The most vulnerable age
group for motorcycle fatalities was 35-44
and the most vulnerable age group for
injuries was 25-34. Motorcycle riding is
extremely dangerous, even with safety
equipment. Of the 368 motorcyclists
killed, 321 (88%) were using safety
equipment. Of the 9,681 injured, 8145
(84%) were using safety equipment.
Pedestrian Statistics
According to the California Highway Patrol
2003 SWITRS (Statewide Integrated
Traffic Records System) Annual Report,
712 pedestrians were killed and 13,991
pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes
during 2003. Children under 15
accounted for 24.7% of all pedestrian
victims. The most vulnerable age group
for pedestrian victims (killed and injured)
was 15-24 years. Overall, the majority of
pedestrian victims tend to be male. The
most dangerous pedestrian activity in
2003 was crossing in the crosswalk
(accounting for 5,369 victims) followed by
crossing outside the crosswalk (4,309
victims) and walking on the road or
shoulder (2,430 victims).
includes pedestrians and operators of two-wheeled
vehicles.
All drivers moving to California must have a valid
California driver license within 10 calendar days of
gaining residency. Also, when you move, the law
requires you to report your new address to the DMV
within 10 days. When applying to the DMV for a driver
license, drivers can use their birth certificate to prove
their identity.
Effective January 2006, the DMV no longer has the
choice of canceling the registration of any vehicle
when it is determined that the vehicle is not covered
by a valid form of financial responsibility, but instead
the DMV is mandated to cancel the registration by
law. Additionally, the DMV may charge a
reinstatement fee to cover the cost of reinstating the
registration after cancellation.
A. Pedestrian Safety
1. Pedestrian Responsibility
Pedestrians must take responsibility for their own
safety, by heeding the following:
• Only cross streets at intersections.
• Make eye contact with approaching drivers.
• Never cross a street between parked vehicles.
• Wear light-colored jackets, especially at night.
• Always hold the hand of young children when
crossing
a street.
• Stop, look, and listen before crossing a street.
2. Driver Responsibility
• Come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights.
• Always yield the right of way to a pedestrian inside a
marked or unmarked crosswalk. (A marked crosswalk
has painted pavement lines. An unmarked crosswalk
has no such lines. There is an "implied" crosswalk at
every intersection in the absence of any signs
prohibiting pedestrian crossing).
• Drivers must reduce speed and exercise due care
when approaching a pedestrian inside a marked or
unmarked crosswalk.
• Drivers must yield to pedestrians approaching on the
sidewalk when attempting a turn in or out of a
 driveway.
•Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a marked or
unmarked crosswalk.
• Be especially careful in school zones where children
are walking or playing.
• Pay particular attention to the elderly, the very
young,
and disabled.
B. Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycles are smaller and quicker in traffic than

cars and trucks. They can be hard to track, and often
they pop-up in unexpected places. Be alert to them.

1. Sharing the Roadway

• When changing lanes or entering major streets,

make a point to visually check for motorcycles.
• Allow yourself extra space when following a
motorcycle.
• Avoid driving in the same lane with a motorcyclist.
• At intersections, watch for quick-moving and turning
motorcycles.
• Motorcyclists have to contend with various road
problems that do not significantly affect larger
vehicles such as pot holes, gravel, slippery surfaces
and uneven pavement . Be aware of this when you
are driving near a motorcyclist.
• A person is prohibited from operating a motorized
scooter unless that person has a valid class C driver's
license or an instruction permit. A person is also
prohibited from altering or modifying the exhaust
system of a motorized scooter in violation of specified
noise restrictions and muffler requirements.

2. Protective Gear for Motorcyclists

• Approved helmet to reduce head injury, with eye protector (drivers and passengers, as required by law)
• Heavy boots or shoes
• Good full leather gloves to help protect skin from scrapes
• Reflective tape on clothing
• A luggage carrier (avoid hanging cord or straps that get caught in motorcycle chains)

For their part, motorcyclists should not ride more than two abreast in the same lane. Motorcycle
operators must be able to reach the ground with their feet when astride the seat, and handlebar
grips should not be positioned more than six inches above the operator's shoulders. Passengers
must ride on a securely fastened seat with footrests, or in a sidecar designed to carry a passenger.
When parked, motorcycles should have one wheel or fender touching the curb; where no curbs or
 barriers are present, right-hand parallel parking is
required unless otherwise indicated.

The law requires motorcycles to have at least one and

not more than two headlamps, and motorcycles
manufactured on or after January 1, 1978, should have
headlamps that activate automatically whenever the
motor is running. Motorcycles should also have one or
more taillamps that are red in color and visible from a
distance of 1000 ft. to the rear (500 ft. if the
motorcycle was manufactured before 1969).

C. Bicycle Safety
More and more cyclists share the roadway with
automobiles to commute and recreate. Why don't
sheep shrink when it rains? As their total numbers rise,
so does their incidence as victims of traffic mishaps.

1. Cyclist Responsibility

Every person riding a bicycle upon a highway has all

the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable
to the driver of a motor vehicle, including provisions
concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs.
• Ride in the same direction as other traffic. A common mistake made by many
cyclists is riding in the street along the curb against the flow of traffic. This is
dangerous and illegal!
• Ride in a straight line and as near to the curb as you can safely. No unnecessary
weaving and lane changes will help avoid conflicts with larger and faster motor
vehicles. It is legal to ride to the left, however, when preparing to turn left (including
entering a left turn only lane, or when riding on a one-way street, or when necessary
to pass a slower bicycle or to avoid an obstruction in the roadway).
• Follow the same rules as motor vehicles for turning left and right. Remember to
always signal your intentions!
Article 4 of the California Vehicle Code deals with the Operation of Bicycles. Here are some of the
more important cyclist responsibilities described there: As mentioned earlier, it is actually possible
to be charged with a DUI while riding a bicycle. All cyclists under 18 must wear a helmet (cyclists 18
and over would be wise to wear a helmet, but it is not the law.) If you ride a bike at night, the bike
must be equipped with a headlamp, as well as tail and side reflectors. It is illegal to lay a bicycle
down on its side on the sidewalk. While it is not illegal to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in California
(as long as you yield right of way to pedestrians) some local jurisdictions (like San Diego) have
prohibited it. So, if you ride a bicycle, it is your responsibility to know your local laws as well as all
State laws that pertain to bicycles.

2. Driver Responsibility
 • When making a right turn, watch for cyclists in designated bicycle lanes.
• Always give bicyclists a wide berth when passing them or driving beside them.

3. Protective Gear for Bicyclist

• The law requires that riders under the age of

18 years wear approved bicycle helmets.
• Wear heavy leather gloves to protect against
falls.
• Especially at night, wear light-colored clothing
and/or reflective tape on back of the jacket.

D. Miscellaneous

1. Stereo Headphone

Under the law (27800 VC), you may not drive a motor vehicle
wearing a headset or earplugs over both ears. Additionally, CVC
27602 prohibits a television screen positioned forward of the
back of the drivers seat. Global positioning navigation screens
are exempt.

2. Emergency Vehicles

• You must yield the right-of-way to police-, fire-, and/or emergency

vehicles when those vehicles are approaching from either direction and
using a siren and/or flashing red lights. You must pull your vehicle as close
as possible to the right hand edge of the curb or roadway and stop.
Important: all surrounding traffic (both sides of the roadway) must pull as
far to the right as possible and stop.
• Pull off onto the shoulder or to the right edge of the roadway if it is
curbed; stop until the vehicle is completely passed. If you are stopped at
an intersection, preparing to turn left in front of an approaching emergency
vehicle, remain stationary. If you are proceeding through an intersection,
do not stop in the intersection. Rather, pull through the intersection and
stop on the other side.
• It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of any emergency vehicle
running its emergency sirens/ light.

3. Cell Phones- (CA Vehicle Code Section 12810.3) Effective July 1, 2008

CVC 12810.3 prohibits a person from driving a vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless the
person uses a system that allows hands-free listening and speaking.

4. Emergency Vehicles/Tow Trucks- (CA Vehicle Code Section 21706.5) Effective January
1, 2007

CVC 21706.5 requires drivers to take specific precautionary actions on a highway when passing a
stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck when the emergency lights are activated. Drivers are
directed to proceed with caution and to make a lane change into an available lane not immediately
adjacent to the emergency vehicle or tow truck if practicable and not prohibited by law. If the driver
cannot make a safe lane change, they are to slow to a reasonable and prudent speed that is safe for
existing conditions

5. Trunking- (CA Vehicle Code Section 21712) Effective January 1, 2007

CVC 21712 states it is a misdemeanor violation for any driver to knowingly permit a person to ride in
the trunk of a vehicle. Additionally, any passenger found guilty of riding in the trunk is guilty of an
infraction.

6. Evading a Peace Officer

This new law enhances the penalty for evading a peace officer from imprisonment in the county jail
for not more than six months to not more than one year. In addition, it also enhances the penalty for
anybody who causes bodily injury while evading a peace officer to a minimum of 3, 5 or 7 years in
the state prison and 4, 6 or 10 years should they cause a death.

E. Procedures When Involved In an Accident

If you are involved in a single-vehicle collision that causes property damage or in a collision with
another vehicle or a pedestrian, you are required to stop. If necessary, you must render aid to the
injured. If you do not stop, you can be charged with 'hit-and-run.' In any non-injury crash, if the
vehicle is operational, you are required to move the vehicle out of the roadway so it does not
impede traffic or jeopardize the safety of other motorists.

California Vehicle Code: Accidents and Accident Reports

Duty to Stop at the Scene of an Accident (20001 VC)

(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other
than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at
the scene of the accident and shall fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.
(d) As used in this section, "permanent, serious injury" means the loss or permanent
impairment of function of any bodily member or organ.

1. Stopping Requirements

• Property damage or unable to locate owner: If you are involved in

a property damage only collision, you must move your vehicle (if it is
drivable) to the nearest location that will not impede traffic or jeopardize
the safety of other motorists. You must locate the owner or person in
charge of the damaged property (this would be the other driver if you
collided with another motor vehicle) and give that person your name and
address as well as driver license number and vehicle registration
information.

If you cause property damage and are unable to locate the owner of the
 damaged property, leave
a note in a conspicuous
place (for example, if
you collide with a parked
vehicle, leave the note
under the windshield
wiper). In it, include your
name, address, and
phone number. You can
also leave your license
numbers (driver's and
car's) and your insurance
carrier's phone number.

Duty Where Property

Damaged (20002 VC)

(a) The driver of

any vehicle
involved in an
accident
resulting only in
damage to any
property,
including
vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest
location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the
safety of other motorists.
…The driver shall also immediately do either of the following:

(1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that

property of the name and address of the driver and owner of
the vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any
other vehicle involved or the owner or person in charge of
any damaged property, upon being requested, present his or
her driver's license, and vehicle registration, to the other
driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property.
The information presented shall include the current
residence address of the driver and of the registered owner.
If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at
the scene, he or she shall also, upon request, present his or
her driver's license information, if available, or other valid
identification to the other involved parties.
(2) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other
property damaged a written notice giving the name and
address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle
involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and
shall without unnecessary delay notify the police department
of the city wherein the collision occurred or, if the collision
 occurred
in

unincorporated territory, the local headquarters of the

Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(b) Any person who parks a vehicle which, prior to the vehicle
again being driven, becomes a runaway vehicle and is involved in
an accident resulting in damage to any property, attended or
unattended, shall comply with the requirements of this section
relating to notification and reporting…
• Injury collision: If you are involved in a collision resulting in the injury
or death of another person, you must stop and render assistance to the
injured person. (see below) You must also provide to any traffic or police
officer at the scene the name, address, driver license numbers,
registration numbers for yourself and all occupants and all other parties
involved in the collision. If there are no police officers at the scene, you
must report the incident to the police or Highway Patrol without delay.

• Victims at scene: You must render reasonable assistance to any

person injured in the collision. The word 'reasonable' includes transporting
the victim, arranging for transport or making arrangements for medical
treatment. However, you are not required to do more than you are
trained to do. Some guidelines are given below, in #2.

2. Aid to the Injured

• Sending for help: If there is no other person available, a quick

assessment of the scene will tell you whether you can do more good by
remaining and giving aid, or by going to call for emergency help. If some
victims require immediate attention – of the kind that you are qualified to
give – you may want to stabilize them before going for help. If, however,
 the situation seems stable, go for help first.
A When to move an injured person: You must move the victim if there
is a chance of fire, water, or another collision. Otherwise, never move an
injured person, since hidden injuries can easily be worsened in this way.
Then, immediately call emergency 911. You may and should also give first
aid (stopping bleeding, etc.) to the extent that you feel competent. Even a
person without first aid training, using good judgment, can save a victim's
life. Do not perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) unless you are
trained in the technique.

• Be calm and reassuring to the victim.

• Always treat the most seriously injured first.
• If an injured person is not breathing, call for help and perform
CPR if you are qualified.
• If the victim is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound for as
long as it takes for the bleeding to stop. Elevate the wound while
applying pressure, if possible. Keep the victim warm and lying down.

3. Preventing Further Damage

• Reducing chances of fire: Shut off the engines of all vehicles involved in the
collision to reduce the chance of fire.
 • Warning oncoming vehicles: Warn approaching vehicles of the collision. If you
have flares, and you are absolutely certain that you know how to use them safely,
place them approximately 20 to 50 feet away from the collision. Recruit available
onlookers to control traffic until police arrive.

4. Reporting Requirements

• When a report must be filed: Any driver involved in a crash must submit to the
DMV (either personally or through an insurance agent, broker, or legal
representative) an SR-1 accident report within ten days of the incident. If there is
injury or death, each driver must submit a report to the California Highway Patrol
(CHP) or the local police within 24 hours. As stated above, a police report must be
filed in the event of a property damage collision if you are unable to locate the owner
of the damaged property. Information must be surrendered to any police officers at
the scene.
Remember to submit an accident report if:
• More than $750.00 dollars in damage was done to the property of
any person
• Any person was injured (no matter how slightly) or killed
• Use of Reports: All police reports by law are confidential and are only to be used
by the police. Reports may not be used as evidence in any trial. However, information
may be released by law enforcement to any individuals with "proper interest," such
as other drivers, injured parties, and parent of a minor driver.

Duty to Report Accidents (20008 VC)

(a) The driver of a vehicle, other than a common carrier vehicle, involved in any accident
resulting in injuries to or death of any person shall within 24 hours after the accident make
or cause to be made a written report of the accident to the Department of the California
Highway Patrol or, if the accident occurred within a city, to either the Department of the
California Highway Patrol or the police department of the city in which the accident occurred.
If the agency which receives the report is not responsible for investigating the accident, it
shall immediately forward the report to the law enforcement agency which is responsible for
investigating the accident.
On or before the fifth day of each month, every police department which received a report
during the previous calendar month of an accident which it is responsible for investigating
shall forward the report or a copy thereof to the main office of the Department of the
California Highway Patrol at Sacramento.
(b) The owner or driver of a common carrier vehicle involved in any such accident shall make
a like report to the Department of California Highway Patrol on or before the 10th day of the
month following the accident.

Reports Confidential (20012 VC)

All required accident reports, and supplemental reports, shall be without prejudice to the individual
so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the
Department of the California Highway Patrol, except that the Department of the California Highway
Patrol or the law enforcement agency to whom the accident was reported shall disclose the entire
contents of the reports…to the driver or drivers involved, or the guardian or conservator thereof, the
parent of a minor driver, the authorized representative of a driver, or to any named person injured
therein, the owners of vehicles or property damaged thereby, persons who may incur civil liability,
including liability based upon a breach of warranty arising out of the accident, and any attorney who
declares under penalty of perjury that he or she represents any of the above persons.

Reports as Evidence (20013 VC)

No such accident report shall be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an
accident…

Use of Reports (20014 VC)

All required accident reports and supplemental reports…shall be immediately available for the
confidential use of any division in the department needing the same, for confidential use of the
Department of Transportation, and, with respect to accidents occurring on highways other than
state highways, for the confidential use of the local authority having jurisdiction over the highway.

Counter Reports: No Determination of Fault (20015 VC)

No traffic or police officer shall include in any counter report of a property-damage accident…any
determination by the peace officer of fault of the reporting person, including, but not limited to,
inattentiveness. This section does not apply to a determination which is the result of an examination
of the physical evidence of the accident at the site of the accident by the traffic or police officer or
the result of an express, knowing admission of the reporting person if the basis for the
determination is also included in the report.
(b) As used in this section, "counter report of a property-damage accident" means any report
of an accident involving one or
more vehicles which meets the following criteria:
(1) The accident reported caused damage to property, but did not cause personal injury
to or the death of any person.
(2) The report is prepared at an office of the California Highway Patrol or local law
enforcement agency.
(3) The report is written or recorded by, or with the assistance of, a peace officer.

G. Financial Responsibility Requirements

1. When a Report is Required to the DMV

• Property damage amounts: An SR-1 form must be filed with the DMV if there is $750.00
or more in damage done to
property.
A Injury: When a person is injured, even slightly, you must file an accident report with the
DMV.
• Time frames for reporting: Any collision with damage of $750 or more or injury or death
must be reported to the DMV within ten days.
 2. Compulsory Injury and Property
Damage Coverage

California has a compulsory financial

responsibility law. If you are involved in a
collision, and you are without some form
of liability coverage (see below), you may
lose your drivers' license for up to four
years. You may fulfill this obligation
through substitute methods outlined
below.
• Minimum amounts of
insurance coverage:
• $15,000 for death or injury
to one person
A $30,000 for multiple
injuries or deaths
• $5,000 for property
damage
• Additional forms of
coverage: If a driver does not
have automobile liability
insurance, s/he can still meet the
compulsory financial responsibility
law. S/he can:
• Deposit cash of $35,000
with the DMV
• Obtain a $35,000 security
bond from a California-
licensed bonding company
• Obtain a DMV-issued self-
insurance certificate

3. Failure to Provide Proof of Coverage

In any case, you must carry written evidence of financial responsibility whenever you drive. If you
are stopped by law enforcement for any reason and you cannot produce evidence of financial
responsibility, you will be issued a citation and, if convicted, you will receive a fine from $100 to
$200 plus penalty assessments.
• Period of suspension: If a driver fails, refuses or neglects to provide proof of financial
responsibility (or file a required accident report) the DMV will suspend their driving
privilege until the suspension is terminated by receipt of evidence of financial
responsibility (or receipt of the accident report).

5. Exchanging Information

• Identifying information: Drivers involved in a collision should

 exchange the following of the other driver:

name and address

license number
vehicle license plate number
insurance company and policy number
• Noting damage and injuries: Exchange notes on damage and injury,
including their extent of damage to each vehicle, and the extent of
injuries to each person. If a camera and opportunity is available, take
photographs of the collision.
6. Additional Steps

• Obtain names, addresses and

phone numbers of all witnesses.
• Record accurate facts for law
enforcement and insurance
companies, including the date,
time, street, type of weather, and
any other pertinent facts.
• Even if you do not think you have
been injured, see your doctor.
• File necessary supplemental
reports, including a report to your
insurance company and to your This woman is exchanging information with
employer, if you were driving a the driver of a vehicle that rear-ended her.
company vehicle.

H. California Vehicle Code: Financial Responsibility Laws

Report Required (16000 VC)

The driver of every motor vehicle who is in any manner involved in an accident
originating from the operation of a motor vehicle on any street or highway or any
reportable off-highway accident defined in Section 16000.1 that has resulted in damage
to the property of any one person in excess of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) or in
bodily injury or in the death of any person shall, within 10 days after the accident, report
the accident, either personally or through an insurance agent, broker, or legal
representative, on a form approved by the department to the office of the department…

Mandatory Suspension of License (16004 VC)

The department shall suspend the driving privilege of any person who fails, refuses, or
neglects to make a report of an accident as required.

Required Maintenance of Financial Responsibility (16020 VC)

Every driver and every owner of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish
financial responsibility pursuant to Section 16021, and shall at all times carry in the
vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle.

Requirements of Policy or Bond (16056 VC)

No policy or bond shall be effective…unless issued by an insurance company or surety

company admitted to do business in this state by the Insurance Commissioner...nor
unless the policy or bond is subject, if the accident has resulted in bodily injury or death,
to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than fifteen thousand dollars
($15,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and,
subject to that limit for one person, to a limit of not less than thirty thousand dollars
($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one
accident, and, if the accident has resulted in injury to, or destruction of property, to a
limit of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) because of injury to or destruction of
property of others in any one accident.

Suspension of Driving Privilege (16070 VC)

Whenever a driver involved in an accident…fails to provide evidence of financial

responsibility, the department shall...suspend the privilege of the driver or owner to
drive a motor vehicle, including the driving privilege of a nonresident in this state.

Period of Suspension (16072 VC)

The suspension of the driving privilege…shall not be terminated until one year has
elapsed from the date of actual commencement of the suspension and until the person
files proof of financial responsibility

COLLISION REPORTS: The following are some classics that have been collected and
published from actual collisions.
The first time I saw the old man was when he bounced off the hood of my car.
Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don't have.
The other car collided with mine without giving me warning of it's intentions.
To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian.
I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
A truck backed though my windshield into my wife's face.
A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.
The guy was all over the road. I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law, and headed over
the embankment.
In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole.
I had been driving my car for forty years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had a
collision.
The indirect cause of this collision was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.
I was thrown from my car as I left the road. I was found by some stray cows.
The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him.
As I approached the intersection, a stop sign appeared in a place where no stop sign
had ever appeared before.
I was unable to stop in time to avoid the collision.
I thought my window was down, but found it was up when I put my hand through it.
My car was legally parked as I backed into the other vehicles.
An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my vehicle, and vanished.
I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat, I found I had a skull
fracture.

Frequently Asked Questions | Close Window

SECTION 4: ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS

Driving while under the influence of alcohol (and other

drugs) is a huge problem in California, just like it is for the
rest of the country. The organization MADD (Mothers
Against Drunk Driving) recommends the following to redu
fatalities due to driving while impaired:
• Well-publicized sobriety check points
• Tougher penalties against drivers who refuse
alcohol tests
• Tougher penalties for drivers convicted of DU
more than once
• Tougher penalties for drivers with a blood
alcohol level testing at more than .15 percent

California's 2003 Alcohol Fatality Rate (AFR) - alcohol involved

fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled - is 0.49, much bet
than the national AFR of 0.59. Only sixteen states have a better AF
than California. These numbers are encouraging, but people contin
die on California streets and highways because of DUI. So there is
much work to be done.

A. Alcohol
 As a Drug

cohol is a drug. It is categorized as a 'depressant,' and acts on the central nervous system. Can vegetarians eat
nimal crackers? It is absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the digestive system, where it is quickly
ansported to the brain. There, it affects judgment, physical response time, and coordination first, followed by
eech and vision.

Stages of Alcohol Influence

ood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Blood Alcohol Concentration is a number that refers to the levels of (the activ
gredient of) alcohol in your bloodstream. The number is used by law enforcement simply as a measure of wheth
u are more or less intoxicated. (If your alcohol content is .08, you are more intoxicated than .06 and less
toxicated than .10.)

emember though, your level of your intoxication is not necessarily the same as your level of impairment, which
ur ability to control your vehicle. Your level of your impairment depends on many factors besides just the level
cohol in your bloodstream, such as your body weight, the type of alcoholic drinks you've consumed, the length
me between drinks, how accustomed you are to drinking, etc. Thus, your BAC may test under the legal limit, but
u can't walk a straight line on the roadside (or you flunk any of the 'field sobriety tests') you will probably be
rested.

other words, the real issue when it comes to drinking is not in the numbers. It is: Am I safe to drive? The answe
always: No!

he following stages of intoxication may appear at lower or higher BACs than cited below, again depending on su
ctors as body weight, etc.
a. Blood Alcohol Level (refer to chart below)
mber of Drinks BAC Symptoms
No loss of coordination; slightly euphoric; no apparent depressan
e (.01%-.04%)
effects
Slight Impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and
o (.05%-.07%) hearing; euphoria; judgment and self-control are reduced; cautio
reason, and memory are impaired
Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good
ur (0.08% -UP) judgment; speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time
and hearing impaired

b. The limits of knowing your limits: There is no safe way to drive while under the influence. The
paradox of 'knowing your limits' is that your judgment goes first if you are drinking, so you probably
are in no state after even a beer or two to 'know' anything, much less your limits.
c. Reaction time: Reaction time is slowed greatly by the use of alcohol. Drivers must be able to
identify, predict, decide and execute all driving maneuvers. When vision, coordination and judgment
are affected by alcohol, a driver's ability to react is sharply reduced.

d. Collision potential/statistics: Collision potential/statistics: According to the California Highway

Patrol 2003 SWITRS (Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System) Annual Report, in California during
2003, 1,445 people were killed in alcohol related crashes (34% of total fatalities) and 31,340 people
were injured in alcohol-related crashes (10% of total injuries). In California during 2003, November was
the deadliest month for alcohol related fatalities and Los Angeles was the deadliest County, Statewide,
intoxicated drivers killed 711 innocent drivers, 222 innocent pedestrians and 322 innocent passengers.
In California during 2003, the deadliest time on the road as regard intoxicated drivers was midnight to
3 AM, Saturday and Sunday. This statistic remains constant, year after year after year. So be very
careful when driving late night/early morning on the weekend.

Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Heavy long-term alcohol abuse can cause serious mental and physical illness
Eventually, it will kill the user.

a. Organs: : Brain-, heart-, and liver-function are all degraded by

long-term abuse of alcohol. The brain soaks up alcohol (hence the
medical term 'wetbrain' as a symptom of long-term alcohol
abuse), interfering with oxygen absorption, which over the long-
term begins strangling brain function. Since alcohol is a
depressant, it slows the heart, which can lead to heart disease
and blood disorders. Also, blood pressure increases as the heart
compensates for the initially reduced blood pressure caused by
alcohol.
 Here are some of the long- term effects of alcohol on the body.

• Skin problems
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Heart and blood disorder
• Sexual impotence
• Birth defects (if mother uses)
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Brain damage plus other complications

b. Vision: The immediate short-term effect on the eyes is blurred vision, the reduced ability to see at
night, fixed eye stare, and increased sensitivity to bright lights.

c. Brain/psychological effects

• Affects emotional reaction

• Alters moods
• Impairs memory
• Develops a false sense of confidence

How to Identify and Avoid An Impaired Driver

ne sure way to tell if someone has been drinking is to smell his breath. Other cues are listed below.

• Stopping for no reason

• Stopping short of the limit line at an intersection
• Driving with headlight off
• Swerving
• Straddling lane lines
• Driving on wrong side of the road (following headlights of oncoming vehicle)
• Driving below the speed limit
• Drifting out of lane
• Illegal turns
• Tailgates
AFETY TIP: If you are stopped on the freeway shoulder at night, do not activate your emergency flashers. Impair
ivers have the tendency to focus in on flashing lights and to steer towards them. You do not want to be "followe
y a speeding, impaired driver when you are sitting still.

Alternatives to Drinking and Driving

responsible drinker always plans an alternative to driving. Make

rangements before you go out to do any of the following:
There is no good reason to driv
when you've been drinking.
A responsible drinker always plans an alternative to driving. Make
arrangements before you go out to do any of the following:
 • Designate a non-drinking driver for the evening.
The State's Designated Driver Program specifies that:
o The non-drinker should be at least 21 years of age
and possess a valid driver's license.
o The designated driver must be part of a group of
two or more persons and verbally identify him/herself to
the server as the designated driver.
o The designated driver must abstain from
consuming alcoholic beverages and be otherwise free
from impairment for the duration of the outing.
o The designated driver must understand that
management reserves the right to refuse service to anyone
at any time.
• Stay at a motel.
• Stay at friends home.
• Take a taxi.
• Call a relative or friend to come for you.

Synergistic Effects

cohol mixed with other drugs tends to intensify the effects of both. This
orking together is called 'synergy,' and it occurs not just between alcohol
nd illegal drugs, but between alcohol and some prescription medications.
hy do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines? Check the
bels on your medication to find out whether they react with alcohol.

. Other Drugs

ugs are classified according to their effect on the central nervous system and the body. It is important to read t
bels on all drugs before using them, especially when driving a vehicle.

Types/effects of Other Drugs

a. Prescription: Prescription drugs can only be prescribed by a licensed physician because of their
potency and the possibility of addiction. Usually a prescription is prescribed for a limited time and may
not be reordered.
b. Non-prescription: Some non-prescription drugs are sold over-the-counter at pharmacies or in
supermarkets. Many over-the–counter drugs cause drowsiness. Read the label of any drug especially
before driving. Others non-prescription drugs are not available legally, and are sold on the black
market..
(1) depressants: Depressants are drugs that depress or slow down the central nervous
system. Barbiturates, sedatives, and tranquilizers are depressants. The physical symptoms
of depressant drugs are drowsiness, depressed breathing, and heartbeat.
(2) stimulants: Stimulants are drugs that stimulate the central nervous systems. Caffeine,
nicotine, cocaine, and amphetamines are commonly used stimulants. Stimulants can
increase tension, affect eyesight, compromise judgment, and skew reaction time.
(3) narcotics: Drugs such as heroin, morphine, codeine and Demerol are mainly taken to
 dull or deaden pain. These are strong drugs, and can lead to extreme drowsiness.
(4) hallucinogens: The most used hallucinogens are marijuana, LSD, PCP, ecstasy, and
peyote. Hallucinogens are mind-altering drugs that may cause unpredictable behavior and
visual and/or auditory hallucinations.

Effect on the Driving Task

epressant drugs cause drowsiness, poor judgment, faulty and blurred vision, and stupor. Stimulants cause
yperactivity, irritability, anxiety, and nervousness. The parts of the brain first affected by alcohol are the most
itical to judgment and reasoning, which are the most critical to the driving task.

Synergistic Effects

hen two drugs combine to alter mental states in a way that intensifies the affects that either drug would cause
dividually, this is called 'synergy.' If, for instance, you take an antihistamine for hay fever, this can make you
ghtly drowsy. If you then take an over-the-counter migraine medication, the combination of the two drugs will
ely put you to sleep.

. Penalties

ver the past few years, penalties for driving while impaired have become
ore severe than ever before. All DUI violations are considered crimes and
djudicated in the criminal division. Even a misdemeanor DUI conviction carries
andatory jail time.

Implied Consent (13353 VC) and ADMIN PER SE (13353.2 VC)

mplied Consent' means that when you get your drivers license, you agree to
ecific conditions even if they are not explicitly stated to you. One thing you
gree to is that you will take certain tests if you are arrested by law
nforcement for DUI. You do not have the right to consult with an attorney
efore taking these tests.

a. Testing concept: To determine whether a person is driving

under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, and to remove the
intoxicated driver from the road.

b. Purpose of testing: To determine alcohol and drug

concentrations in the bloodstream.

Consequences of refusal

t Offense Suspended for 1 year

ond Offense within a 10-year
Revoked for 2 years
iod
ee or more offenses within a 10-
Revoked for 3 years
ar Period
 Types of Tests

• Alcohol : If a law enforcement official arrests you for driving under the influence of alcohol, you will
be required to take a blood or breath test to determine your BAC.
• Drugs: If you are arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, you will be required to take a
blood or urine test.

Fines and Penalties - DUI

emember that any container of liquor, beer, or wine carried inside your vehicle must be full, sealed, and
nopened. Open containers must be placed in an area that is not accessible to the driver or the passengers, such
a locked trunk. What do you call a song sung in an automobile? A cartoon! It is against the law to keep an open
ntainer of alcohol in the glove compartment, whether or not the compartment is locked, because it is still
cessible. Likewise, do not place open containers in such areas as the hatchback where - though they might be
fficult to get to - they are nonetheless accessible. The following penalties are for drivers 21 years of age and
der.

MPLIED CONSENT

hen you signed and accepted your California Drivers License you legally consented to submit to a Preliminary
cohol Screening test (breath, blood or urine) if requested. If you refuse this chemical test of your sobriety, unde
e "Implied Consent Law" (CVC 13353.1) your license will be suspended for one year.

DMIN PER SE SUSPENSION

hen a driver suspected of DUI does submit to the required chemical test, and that test shows a BAC of 0.08 or
eater, that individual's driving privilege will be suspended immediately, on the spot. This is "Admin Per Se
uspension" (CVC 13353.2).

RIVERS UNDER 21

the driver is under 21 years of age, his/her license will be suspended if the Preliminary Alcohol Screening test
ows a BAC of only 0.01. This is the "Zero Tolerance Law." (CVC 23136) An individual under 21 may have have
eir license reinstated on a restricted basis if they can demonstrate a "critical need to drive" (i.e. to and from
hool when there is no other mode of transportation or to and from employment that is critical to the support of
e family) It is illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.05 and the driver can be
und in violation regardless of whether a chemical test is made. In other words, if the traffic officer merely
bserves that the driver has consumed alcohol and is under the influence, the arrest may be made (CVC 23140).
dditionally, it is illegal for a driver or passenger under 21 to transport alcoholic beverages in a vehicle unless
companied by a parent, legal guardian, adult relative or individual designated by a parent or guardian.
xceptions would be a driver under 21 alone but under employment (making deliveries) or following instructions
parent or guardian in a timely manner.

a. First and second conviction requirements:

• First conviction: A First conviction: The punishment for a first DUI violation is imprisonment in
the county jail for between 96 hours (at least 48 hours of which shall be continuous) and six
months, and a fine of between $390 and $1,000. You may also lose your license for six months and
 the court may take your vehicle for up to six months (10 months if BAC was 0.20% or higher).
• Second conviction: If you are convicted of a DUI twice within a ten-year period, the court is
required under sentencing guidelines to have you incarcerated for not less than 90 days or for not
more than 1 year. You will also be fined between $390 and $1,000 plus penalty assessments and
you will lose your vehicle for up to twelve months. You will lose your license for two years. After
completion of your suspension period, you may obtain a restricted license if you enroll in a DUI
program, have an ignition interlock device placed on your vehicle, and pay the required fees.

A person who is on probation for a DUI offense may not operate a motor vehicle at any time with
0.01% BAC or greater, as determined by a preliminary alcohol screening test or other chemical test.
This violation of probation carries immediate administrative per se license suspension, and drivers
who refuse or fail to complete a lawfully requested test face the suspension or revocation of their
driving privilege for one to three years.

A person convicted of multiple DUIs within 10 years of a prior conviction, can have his or her
privilege reinstated, if he or she shows proof of completing the initial 12 months of either the 18-
month or 30-month drinking driver treatment program, installs an ignition interlock device, and
establishes proof of financial liability.

Completion of a DUI program is required for all DUI convictions. What do you call a pig that does
karate? A pork chop! Persons convicted of their first DUI with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of
0.20% or higher, or who refuse a chemical test, are required to complete an alcohol treatment
program of at least 60 hours over at least 9 months.

b. Misdemeanor vs. felony:

• Misdemeanor: If you are stopped for DUI before you cause property loss, injury, or death, you
will most likely be charged with a misdemeanor count of DUI. This is punishable by fines and/or jail
time.
• Felony: When injury or death occurs from your DUI, the charge will be felony DUI. A DUI felony is
treated as harshly as any other felony. You can spend years in prison, depending on the severity of
the results. In recent years, people have been convicted of second-degree murder for felony DUI.

c. Other Effects

• Personal: On a personal level, if you are convicted of DUI, your life will never be the same. For
one thing, you will now have a criminal conviction on your record. You will have to report this
conviction on most employment applications and loan applications. In the short-term, you will
spend a great deal of time, energy, money, and emotion fulfilling the requirements imposed on you
by the court. If you have a full schedule, think about cutting it by 1/3rd or so for the time you will
need to take public transportation or catch rides when you need to go out. Obviously, work and
school days will be extended by hours as you work around not having a vehicle. If you are a single
mother or father, forget about taking the children on vacation for awhile if you plan driving. Forget
about much dating, as well, since you won't have wheels. This is just the beginning. If you are
convicted again, and you do jail time, many of those job and loan applications you submit will not
even be considered
• Financial:
 The Cost of a Drink

(Prepared by DMV in cooperation with the CHP, Office of Traffic Safety, Department of Alcohol and
Drug Programs, and Department of Justice.)

TOTAL FEES, FINES, AND ASSESSMENTS $5,238

If you use an attorney, add $2,000 - $4,000.

Frequently Asked Questions | Close Window

 SECTION 5: LICENSING CONTROL
MEASURES

The Department of Motor Vehicles is responsible for

the safety of the driving public. One of the DMV's
many functions is maintaining the driving records of
their clients (you and the rest of the driving
community). The driving records are public and can
be accessed for legitimate reasons by police
agencies as well as insurance companies
A. The Driving Privilege
1.Privilege vs. Right The DMV is not compelled
constitutionally or legally to issue any particular
person a license to drive. In fact, one of the
department's main responsibilities is refusing to
issue licenses to persons unqualified to drive, or
disqualified from driving. Thus, driving is a privilege
rather than a right. Like all privileges, it must be
earned and – once earned – it must be preserved
through the safe and conscientious actions of the
driver.

2.License Refusal

The Department of Motor Vehicles takes the strongest action possible against anyone who alters or
otherwise attempts to falsify a driver license. The department may furthermore refuse to issue you
a license if you:

• Have a history of alcohol or drug abuse

• Have used the license illegally
• Have lied on your application
• Do not understand traffic laws or signs
• Do not have the skills to drive
• Have a health problem that makes your driving unsafe
• Have an outstanding traffic citation because you failed to appear (FTA) in court or failed to pay
(FTP) a court-ordered fine
• Have not complied with a judgment or order for family support payments
• Use a crib sheet for any license examination
• Impersonate an applicant or allow someone else to impersonate you to fraudulently qualify for
a license;
• Refuse to give a thumb print
 • Refuse to sign the certification on the application
• Submit a fraudulent birth date/ legal presence document
or social security document

As a condition of obtaining or renewing a driver's license,

applicants must sign a declaration acknowledging that they
may be charged with murder if a person is killed as a result of
their driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

3. Violation of License Restriction

Some drivers are issued licenses with restrictions placed on

their use. Types of restrictions include, but aren't limited to:
• Using special mechanical control devices
• Driving only to and from work or school
• Using corrective lenses
• Driving only during daytime hours
• Using special mirrors
If you are restricted in any way, and the DMV receives satisfactory evidence of a violation of the
restriction, the DMV may suspend or revoke your license. Is it true that cannibals don't eat clowns
because they taste funny?

4. Provisional Licenses

A provisional license is issued to drivers under the age of 18. During the first twelve months of
provisional licensing, drivers may not drive between 11 pm and 5 am and may not transport
passengers under the age of 20 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, a licensed driver who
is at least 25 years old, or a licensed or certified driving instructor. Exceptions are made for such
things as school (requires a note from the school principle/dean/designee), work (requires proof of
employment), medical necessity (requires a doctor's note), your or a family member's necessity
(requires a note from parent/guardian), and emancipated minors.

If a provisional driver fails to appear in court or fails to pay a fine for a traffic violation, their license
will be suspended until they appear before a judge or pay. What do you get if you cross a chicken
and a cement mixer? A brick layer.

If a provisional driver has one traffic conviction or an "at fault" collision (or both) within 12 months,
they will receive a warning a letter. A second such occurrence within 12 months and the person will
be forbidden to drive for 30 days unless accompanied by a parent or other licensed adult at least 25
years of age. A third such occurrence will result in a 6-month suspension and one year's probation.
An additional occurrence during the probationary period will result in suspension.

If you are between the ages of 13 and 21 and convicted of using a controlled substance, your license
will be suspended for one year. If you don't yet have a license, the age at which you can be licensed
is pushed back one year. You may also be required to complete a DUI program.

Actions against your provisional license will continue past your 18th birthday for their full term.

B. Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)

'Negligent operators (drivers),' according to the DMV definition, are drivers who have repeatedly or
 IMPORTANT
We appreciate you choosing our course and wanted to take a
moment for an important message. Many students need to contact us
after the course for one reason or another but they forget to write
down our phone number or bookmark our web address.
Please take this moment to write down our phone number (800)
457-3559. Keep it in a secure place in the event you ever need a
duplicate of your certificate, want to refer us to a friend, or come back
again to take our fun course again.
Trust us, you'll be glad you did. Please bookmark our course
www.ComedySchoolForLess.com. Type in coupon code "comedy"
and you will receive a $3.00 discount on your next course (valid for
anyone)!
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You missed the questions marked as red.

Nr Question
1 Only ten-thousand people were killed in traffic collisions in 2001
2 When parking uphill you should turn the steering wheel __________ the curb.
3 Pedestrians should _______ approaching drivers.
4 Drivers should pay particular attention to _______ .
 5 In California during 2002, only 706 people were killed in alcohol-involved collisions.
6 _____ is a possible effect of long-term alcohol consumption.
7 Most traffic convictions stay on your driving record _______ .
8 You are considered a negligent operator if you receive 4 points within 12 months.
9 In a collision, drivers must file a SRI report within 10 days if _______ .
10 Any injury or death must be reported within _____________ .
In the section of Driver Responsibility, the author asks: Why don't ____________
11
when it rains?

CHAPTER 3: WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD

SECTION 6: USE AND MAINTENANCE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Everyone has a safety stake in maintaining their vehicle. But did you know you have a financial stake as well?
Most new-vehicle warrantees are voided if maintenance schedules are not kept, potentially costing you
hundreds in lost maintenance fees that you must now pay yourself. Plus, older, un-maintained vehicles break
down far more often and catastrophically than maintained vehicles, costing you potentially thousands of
dollars in repairs and towing expenses.
So consider yourself lucky that the State of California requires that you maintain and operate a safe vehicle.
 To be intoxicated is to feel sophisticated but not be able to say it.The
State sets the standards for that safety, and you must abide by the
standards.

A. Lighting

1. Purpose – See and Be Seen

The first condition of safe driving is that you can see. The second
condition – equally important – is that your fellow drivers can see you.
Never underestimate the value of having others see you; because turn
signals, brake lights, back-up lights, and emergency flashers
communicate to others what you intend to do. Notice that 'community'
and 'communication' come from the same root word. To maintain a
safe community of drivers, you must have the means to communicate.

• High Beam-Low Beam: Your headlights are composed of a high beam lamp and a low beam lamp,
which refers to their intensity and the direction in which they are aimed at the roadway. You toggle back-and-
forth between high beam and low beam by a variety of methods particular to your vehicle (learn them). High
beams are excellent for driving at night on deserted or semi-deserted roadways that are not otherwise lighted
by external sources
Simple Maintenance (e.g., streetlamps). Because high beams cast their light higher
Keeps You Safe and farther on the roadway, however, they tend to create glare
for other drivers. Use high beams sparingly. (See CVC below.)
Tires: If your vehicle tends
Low beams cast down and to the right to illuminate the
to drift or dive to one side of
roadway adequately for normal nighttime driving. High beam-
the road or the other, you
low beam lights are white.
may need to fill or align your
tires. If you have trouble
• Taillights: Taillights are red. They alert drivers behind you
holding the road, you may need to check
to your presence. When the headlights are turned on, the
them for wear or tire pressure.
taillights automatically light as well.
• Keep your tires inflated to the
pressure specified on the sidewall of
the tire. • Brake Lights: Brake lights communicate to drivers behind
• Check tires frequently for cuts, you that you are slowing and/or stopping. They are red, and
punctures, sidewall- and tread-wear. activate when you depress the brake pedal.
• Replace your tires when the tread is
less the 1/32nd of an inch deep. • Back-up Lights: Back-up lights are activated when your
• Rotate your tires four times a year. vehicle is in reverse gear. They are white, and usually found
beneath the taillights on the rear of your vehicle. These
Belts: If you hear a whining coming from lights illuminate the area behind you when you back, and alert
the engine compartment, or your vehicle others to your intention.
begins to overheat, your fan belt could be
loose or broken. If your dash lights begin to • Turn Signals: Turn signals are found on the front and rear
dim, your generator belt could be loose or corners of your vehicle as an element of your head- and
broken. taillight assemblies. They may be amber or white on the front
• Your belts should be tight...they and amber or red on the rear of the vehicle. When activated by
should not deflect more than a half- the turn-signal stem on your vehicle's steering column, they
inch when you press on them. indicate that you intend to turn or merge, as well as the
• Check belts for cuts or wear. direction of the intended maneuver.
 Oil
• Check oil dipstick when
gassing your vehicle to
make certain your oil
level is proper.
• The oil on the dipstick
should be yellow-to-brown in
color. Change your oil if it is black-
colored or smells burned.
• Check under and around your vehicle
for oil, which could indicate an oil leak.
Brakes: Be aware of changes in the
pressure or distance required when you
depress your brake pedal to the floor. If the
brakes feel 'spongy,' or the pedal seems to
travel farther than usual, you may be
leaking brake fluid.
• Check the brake fluid reservoir,
usually in a plastic bottle on the side of
the engine compartment.
• Be aware of uneven braking, or of the
brakes 'grabbing' when you depress
the pedal. Have your brakes checked
by your mechanic for wear on the pads
every 10,000 miles or so.
Fluids and Hoses: Top-off battery fluid
levels, anti-freeze levels, and transmission
fluid levels at least twice a year at the onset
of winter and the onset of summer. Check
any hoses for cuts or wear.
• Emergency Flashers: Emergency flashing lights are also an
element in your head- and taillight assemblies. They are
essentially all 4 turn signals blinking together. These lights are
activated by a switch located on your steering column or,
alternately, on the dashboard. These flashers should be
activated to warn others that you have an unusual situation
(mechanical failure or collision ahead). You can also activate
them if you are impeding traffic or in very hazardous weather
conditions. However, beware of confusing others by activating
them for situations that are not truly emergencies.
• Parking Lights: Parking Lights are defined as "side, cowl, or
fender lamps" or any lamps mounted on the front of the
vehicle designed to be displayed primarily when the vehicle is
parked. It is illegal to drive with only the parking lights lighted.
Parking lights may only be on if they are being utilized as turn
signal lamps or when headlights are also lighted.
2. Hours of Use
Headlights (and taillights) are required to be activated during
"darkness," which is defined as any time from one-half hour
after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise and any other time
when visibility is not sufficient to render clearly discernible any
person or vehicle on the highway at a distance of 1000 feet.
You can also use head- and taillights during daytime to allow
others to see you better. However, keep them on low-beam.
3. Visibility Requirements
When you are driving with your high beam headlights, dim
them within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle; dim them at
least 300 feet behind another vehicle when approaching it
from the rear. Note, new for 2005: Headlamps must be
operated during darkness or whenever weather conditions
prevent a driver from clearly discerning a person or other
motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1000 feet, or
when driving in conditions that require windshield wipers to be
in continuous use..
4. Maintenance and Precautionary Measures
Again, some maintenance and precautionary measures are not
just a good idea; they are the law. Begin your driving task by
walking around your vehicle.
• Clean head- and taillights, since dirt and film reduce overall
visibility. Check your head- and taillights, and turn signals,
brake lights, back-up lights, and emergency flashers to make
sure they are working. Also, check the small light that
 Continue

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SECTION 7: TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND CONTROLS

Traffic signs, signals, and controls communicate to drivers, regulating them, guiding them, and giving
them information through combinations of visual cues. These cues include words, colors, shapes, and
placements of the devices. You must learn their methods of communication and their meanings in
order to drive safely and legally.

Obedience of Driver to Official Traffic Control Devices (21461 VC)

(a) It shall be unlawful for any driver of a vehicle to fail to obey any sign or signal
erected or maintained to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or any local
traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to
obey any device erected or maintained pursuant to Section 21352.

Obedience to Traffic Control Signals (21462 VC)

The driver of any vehicle, the person in charge of any animal, any pedestrian, and the motorman of
any streetcar shall obey the instructions of any official traffic signal applicable to him and placed as
provided by law, unless otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer or when it is necessary for the
purpose of avoiding a collision or in case of other emergency, subject to the exemptions granted by
Section 21055.

A. Recognizing Traffic Control Signals and Pavement Markings

Traffic control signals and pavement markings are recognizable by their colors and placement.

1. Purpose of Traffic Controls

Signs, signals, and markings fill in the blanks between your general driving skills and general
knowledge, giving you specific information about local driving conditions.

• Regulation: Such signs are almost always rectangular in shape, with black letters on a white
background or field. An important example of this kind of sign is the posted speed limit sign. The
exception to the shape and color of most regulatory signs are the 'Stop (red field; white letters),'
'Wrong Way (red field; white letters),' 'Yield (yellow field; black letters),' and 'Do Not Enter' signs.

• Warning: Yellow in color with a diamond shape, these signs warn drivers about a change in
normal driving conditions, such as 'right lane ends,' or 'curve.' These signs are usually placed well
ahead of the change.

• Information: Information signs are either blue or brown, depending on the type of information.
Blue signs indicate upcoming private facilities, such as food, camping, hospital, scenic area, or rest
stop. Brown signs indicate a public sites of interest, such as historic sites or national parks.
• Guide: Signs with green fields and white lettering provide information about such topics as
distance to the next city, upcoming exits, etc.
• Construction and Maintenance:: These signs are usually orange and have a rectangular shape.
They warn motorists that there may be work crews in the roadway up ahead. Always be prepared to
reduce speed when you see these signs and to obey any instructions of any flag persons. And
remember: traffic fines may be doubled in a construction zone!

2. Meaning of Traffic Control Signals

• Traffic lights: Tri-colored signal light are used to direct traffic flow at intersections. The duration
of each red, green, and yellow phase of a traffic light is set to the traffic patterns for various times of
the day at each intersection.

California Vehicle Code: Traffic Control Devices

Official Traffic Control Signals (21450 VC)

(a) Whenever traffic is controlled by official traffic control signals showing different
 colored lights, color-lighted
arrows, or color-lighted bicycle
symbols, successively, one at a
time, or in combination, only the
colors green, yellow, and red shall
be used, except for pedestrian
control signals, and those lights
shall indicate and apply to drivers
of vehicles, operators of bicycles,
and pedestrians as provided in
this chapter.

Signal at Other Places (21455 VC)

When an official traffic control signal is erected

and maintained at a place other than an
intersection, the provisions of this article shall
be applicable except those provisions which by
their nature can have no application. Any stop
required shall be made at a sign or crosswalk
or limit line indicating where the stop shall be
made, but in the absence of any such sign or
marking the stop shall be made at the signal.
• Circular Lights
• green light: The
intersection is clear and you can proceed with caution.
• yellow light: The signal is about to change from green to red. If you are
already in the intersection, proceed with caution; otherwise stop.
• red light: Come to a complete stop.
• right-turn-on-red: Drivers may make a right turn at a red light after
stopping, if it is safe. However, watch for signs prohibiting a right turn on
red.
• Arrows
• green arrow: Proceed in the direction of the arrow when safe.
• yellow arrow: Be prepared to stop.
• red arrow: Do not proceed in the direction indicated. A common mistake
is a driver making a right turn after a complete stop against a red arrow.
That is illegal as is proceeding against a red arrow when a circular green is
also illuminated. Remember: it is illegal to proceed against a red arrow in
the direction of that arrow - period.

Circular Green or Green Arrow (21451 VC)

(a) A driver facing a circular green signal shall proceed straight through or turn right or
left or make a U-turn unless a sign prohibits a U-turn. Any driver, including one turning,
shall yield the right-of-way to other traffic and to pedestrians lawfully within the
intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.
(b) A driver facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another
 indication, shall enter the intersection only to make
the movement indicated by that green arrow or any
other movement that is permitted by other
indications shown at the same time. A driver facing
a left green arrow may also make a U-turn unless
prohibited by a sign. A driver shall yield the right-of-
way to other traffic and to pedestrians lawfully
within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.
(c) A pedestrian facing a circular green signal,
unless prohibited by sign or otherwise directed by a
pedestrian control signal as provided in Section
21456, may proceed across the roadway within any
marked or unmarked crosswalk, but shall yield the
right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the
intersection at the time that signal is first shown.
(d) A pedestrian facing a green arrow turn signal,
unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control
signal as provided in section 21456, shall not enter the roadway.

Circular Yellow or Yellow Arrow (21452 VC)

(a) A driver facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal is, by that signal,
warned that the related green movement is ending or that a red indication will be shown
immediately thereafter.

(b) A pedestrian facing a steady circular yellow or a yellow arrow signal, unless
otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section 21456, is, by
that signal, warned that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway and shall not
enter the roadway.

Circular Red or Red Arrow (21453 VC)

(a) A driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked limit line, but
if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none,
then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to
proceed is shown, except as provided in subdivision (b).
(b) Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, a driver, after stopping as required
by subdivision (a), facing a steady circular red signal, may turn right, or turn left from a
one-way street onto a one-way street. A driver making that turn shall yield the right-of-
way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any vehicle that has
approached or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard to the
driver, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that vehicle until the driver can
proceed with reasonable safety.
(c) A driver facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the
movement indicated by the arrow and, unless entering the intersection to make a
movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at a clearly marked limit line, but if
none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then
before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication permitting
movement is shown.
(d) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section
 21456, a pedestrian facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall not enter the
roadway.
• Flashing signals:
• A flashing red light means the same as a stop sign. Come to a full stop,
and proceed with caution.
• A flashing yellow light requires the driver to slow down, check for cross
traffic, and proceed with caution.
• Blacked Out Lights: When approaching an intersection that has traffic control signals that
are inoperative, drivers must stop at the intersection, and may proceed with caution only when it is
safe to do so. This also applies to traffic control signals that become inoperative because of battery
failure. In other words, should you encounter an intersection where the traffic signals are not
operating, treat the intersection as you would a 4-way stop. Vehicles should proceed only after
making a complete stop, in the order of arrival, and only when safe. If 2 vehicles arrive at the same
time, the vehicle on the right has the right-of-way.

Flashing Signals (21457 VC)

Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow light is used in a traffic signal or with a traffic sign, it
shall require obedience by drivers as follows:
(a) Flashing red (stop signal): When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent
flashes, a driver shall stop at a clearly marked limit line, but if none, before entering the
crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the
intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the
intersecting roadway before entering it, and the driver may proceed subject to the rules
applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(b) Flashing yellow (caution signal): When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid
intermittent flashes, a driver may proceed through the intersection or past the signal
only with caution.
• Designated lane signals: Lane signals are sometimes used on freeways or city streets to
control traffic during heavy commutes. These signals are mounted over individual lanes.
• A green arrow over a lane means that the lane is open to all traffic.
• A red 'X' over a lane indicates that it is closed. If you see a steady yellow
light, move out of that lane.
designated lane
green-yellow-red solid traffic signals green-yellow-red arrows
signal
Lane Use Control Signals (21454 VC)

When lane use control signals are placed over individual lanes, those signals shall indicate and apply
to drivers of vehicles as follows:
(a) Green indication: A driver may travel in any lane over
which a green signal is shown.
(b) Steady yellow indication: A driver is thereby warned
that a lane control change is being made.
(c) Steady red indication: A driver shall not enter or travel
in any lane over which a red signal is shown.
(d) Flashing yellow indication: A driver may use the lane
only for the purpose of making a left turn to or from the highway.

3. Intersection Safety

• Scan for traffic controls and prohibitive signs: Ease off

the gas pedal as you approach an intersection, and check for signs.
Keep in mind that the particular traffic control may be time-
specific, such as prohibiting turning at some intersections during
certain hours of the day.

Women like silent men...they think they're listening.

• Scan for potential hazards: All intersections are dangerous, so even when you have the
green light, scan thoroughly before proceeding.

• Entering an intersection on a yellow light: A potential hazard is created each time you
enter an intersection on a yellow light. Basically, don't enter an intersection on a yellow light if you
can safely stop prior to the limit line.

• Controlled intersections: Controlled intersections are intersections with stop or yield signs,
or traffic signals directing the right-of-way.
• signal lights: Signal lights are placed at major intersections to control
cross-traffic. Occasionally, a traffic signal may be placed on a lightly-
traveled street or near a school. Be alert.
• flashing signal lights: Flashing signal lights are activated in the early
morning hours.
• circular arrows: You may make a turn in the intersection when it is safe
to do so only in the direction that the arrow is pointing
• right-turn-on-red: If you are stopped at a red light at an intersection, and
you wait until it is safe (no cross traffic or pedestrians in the crosswalk)
you may turn right against a red light unless there is a sign posted
prohibiting such a turn. If you are entering an intersection on a green light,
beware of others making this maneuver without clearance.
• designated lanes: Be alert to the ever-growing number and variety of
designated traffic lanes, including those for bicycle lanes, 'must-turn' lanes,
diamond lanes, etc.
California Vehicle Code: Special Stops Required

Stop Required (22450 VC)

(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an
intersection, or railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise
before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no limit line
or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway or railroad
grade crossing.

B. Pavement and Curb Markings – Purpose and Meaning

1. Yellow Centerline Marking

Yellow line markings separate traffic approaching from opposite directions.

• Two-laned roadway/broken line: You may cross these lines for passing, after assessing
safety.
• Two-laned roadway/solid line next to a broken line: If the lines are yellow, and the
broken line is on your side of the roadway, you may pass over these lines. If the solid line is on your
side of the roadway, do not pass.
• Two-laned roadway/double solid lines: While passing over double solid centerlines is illegal, a
driver may turn left over these lines at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway. A driver
may also make a U-turn over these lines, under the rules governing that turn.
• Four-laned roadway/double solid lines: Obviously, on a 4 lane road there would be no need to
pass over double solid lines. However, as stated above, a driver may turn left over these lines (from a
legal lane farthest left) at an intersection or onto a private road or driveway. A driver may also make
a U-turn (from a legal lane farthest left) over these lines, under the rules governing that turn.
• Divided Highways: Some highways are marked by intermittent barriers a dividing section that is
described by double parallel lines that are not less than 2 feet apart. It is illegal to drive over, upon or
across such an area unless there is a break specifically designed to accommodate a left or U-turn.
• Two-Way Left Turn Lanes: These special lanes are located down the center of the street and
they consist of parallel double yellow lines, interior line dashed and exterior line solid, on each side of
the lane. They are used to shelter vehicles preparing to turn left off of the street and vehicles
attempting to turn on to the street. It is illegal to drive more than 200 feet in these lanes. In other
words, you may only use them to accelerate up to the prevailing speed for merging, or slowing down
in preparation to make a left turn out of the lane.

Double Lines (21460VC)

(a) When double parallel solid lines are in place, no person driving a vehicle shall drive
to the left thereof, except as permitted in this section.
(b) When the double parallel lines, one of which is broken, are in place, no person
driving a vehicle shall drive to the left thereof, except as follows:
(1) That the driver on that side of the roadway in which the broken line is in
place may cross over the double line or drive to the left thereof when
overtaking or passing other vehicles.
(2) As provided in Section 21460.5.
 (c) Either of the markings as specified in subdivision (a) or (b) does not prohibit a driver
from crossing the marking when
(1) turning to the left at any intersection or into or out of a driveway or
private road, or (2) making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn,
and either of the markings shall be disregarded when authorized signs
have been erected designating off center traffic lanes as permitted under
Section 21657.
(d) Raised pavement markers may be used to simulate painted lines described in this
section when the markers are placed in accordance with standards established by the
Department of Transportation.
• Two-way left-turn lanes: Two-way left-turn lanes consist of parallel double yellow lines,
interior line dashed and exterior line solid, on each side of the lane. It is illegal to drive in a
designated two-way left-turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into a
highway or when preparing for or making a U-turn. You may not drive for more than 200 feet while
preparing for and making the turn or while preparing to merge into the adjacent lanes of travel. A left
turn or U-turn shall not be made from any other lane where a two-way left-turn lane has been
designated.

Two-way Left Turn Lanes (21460.5 VC)

A two-way left-turn lane is a lane near the center of the highway set aside for use by vehicles making
left turns in both directions from or into the highway.
(b) Two-way left-turn lanes shall be designated by distinctive roadway markings
consisting of parallel double yellow lines, interior line dashed and exterior line solid, on
each side of the lane. The Department of Transportation may determine and prescribe
standards and specifications governing length, width, and positioning of the distinctive
pavement markings.
(c) A vehicle shall not be driven in a designated two-way left-turn lane except when
preparing for or making a left turn from or into a highway or when preparing for or
making a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law, and shall not be driven in that lane
for more than 200 feet while preparing for and making the turn or while preparing to
merge into the adjacent lanes of travel. A left turn or U-turn shall not be made from any
other lane where a two-way left-turn lane has been designated.
(d) This section does not prohibit driving across a two-way left-turn lane.
(e) Raised pavement markers may be used to simulate the painted lines described in
this section when those markers are placed in accordance with standards established by
the Department of Transportation.

2. White Line Marking

 • Broken: Broken white lines divide lanes for traffic moving in the same
direction on multi-laned roads, and can be crossed to pass or change lanes.
• Solid: Solid white lines may appear near an intersection. Bold white broken
lines indicate that a 'Turn Only' lane is approaching. When these lines transition to
a bold solid line, you are required to turn.
• Lines with arrows: An arrow in a lane indicates that you must turn in the
direction of the arrow.

3. Curb Marking

• Purpose: Driving in an urban area, you often see the curbs painted
different colors. You tend to find these marked curbs in commercial areas. They
limit where you can stop or park your vehicle, and for how long.
• Color:
• white: You can stop only long enough
to pick up or drop off passengers or
mail.
• green: You can park for a limited
time. The time is usually shown on a
sign next to the green zone, or painted
on the curb.
• yellow: You can stop here only long
enough to load or unload passengers
or freight – and no longer than posted.
Drivers of noncommercial vehicles are
usually required to stay with their
vehicles.
• red: No stopping, standing, or parking
(a bus may stop at a red zone marked
for busses).
• blue: Disabled parking only. To use Colored curb markings
the space, your vehicle must display a
DMV-issued placard or license plate
identifying a person with disabilities.
• Placement: These markings can appear at any point along the block, depending on which
business establishment requests the control.

Curb Markings (21458 VC)

(a) Whenever local authorities enact local parking regulations and indicate them by the
use of paint upon curbs, the following colors only shall be used, and the colors indicate
as follows:
(1) Red indicates no stopping, standing, or parking, whether the vehicle is
attended or unattended, except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked
or signposted as a bus loading zone.
(2) Yellow indicates stopping only for the purpose of loading or unloading
passengers or freight for the time as may be specified by local ordinance.
(3) White indicates stopping for either of the following purposes:
(A) Loading or unloading of passengers for the time as may be
 specified by local ordinance.
(B) Depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox.
(4) Green indicates time limit parking specified by local ordinance.
(5) Blue indicates parking limited exclusively to the vehicles of disabled
persons and disabled veterans.
(b) Regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be effective on days and
during hours or times as prescribed by local ordinances.

C. Other Pavement Marking

• Edge-of-pavement lines are solid white lines on the outside margins of the roadway that
indicate the edge of the roadway.
• Limit lines are single thick white lines found at intersections. You must stop your vehicle
behind these lines.
• Pedestrian crosswalks are indicated by parallel white lines, usually found at intersections.
Yellow crosswalks are found near schools.
• Railroad crossings are often marked by a white 'X' on the pavement just prior to the
crossing.
• School warnings are marked by 'school xing' on the pavement around schools.

Distinctive Roadway Markings (21459 VC)

(b) The distinctive roadway markings shall be employed to designate any portion of a
highway where the volume of traffic or the vertical or other curvature of the roadway
renders it hazardous to drive on the left side of the marking or to indicate no driving to
the left as provided in Section 21460, and shall not be employed for any other purpose.

D. Intersections or Crossings that Require Special Stops

1. Railroad Crossings

Especially in rural areas, where railroad crossings are not always well marked, proceed with caution
at railroad crossings. Most are marked by signs on the approach to the tracks, although there are
seldom crossing gates. Thus, stop before crossing the tracks, look, and listen. Do pediatricians play
miniature golf on Wednesdays? Do not proceed until you are certain you have plenty of time. Never
stop on the tracks.
 a. Controls
• Flashers: Red flashing
lights at a railroad crossing
mean that a train is
approaching. If there is no
gate preventing your
crossing, you may cross on
a red flashing light,
provided you carefully
scan the tracks for sight of
the train first.
• Crossing gate: There
may also be a crossing
gate that blocks entrance
onto the tracks. Once the
gate begins to descend,
stop behind it. If you
attempt to beat a gate
that is going down and
don't make it, you can
become trapped on the
tracks between the gates.
If this happens get yourself
and your passengers out
of the vehicle immediately. Look for all train crossing indicators...because
Move away from the even if the engineer is looking for you, by the
tracks. Say goodbye to time he spots you it's too late for him to stop.
your vehicle, because the
train will not be able to
stop.
• Stop sign: You must
stop if there is a stop sign
at the crossing, whether
you see or hear a train
coming or not. Stop, look,
listen, and proceed with
caution.
b. Rail crossing safety: High speed commuter trains now travel through busy cities.
Remember, commuter trains travel at higher speeds and are much quieter than freight
trains. Pedestrians and vehicles should never cross a guard gate that is down.

Stops for Train Signals (22451 VC)

(a) The driver of any vehicle or pedestrian approaching a railroad or rail transit grade
crossing shall stop not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and shall not proceed until
he or she can do so safely, whenever the following conditions exist:
(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device or a flagman gives
warning of the approach or passage of a train or car.
(2) An approaching train or car is plainly visible or is emitting an audible
signal and, by reason of its speed or nearness, is an immediate hazard.
 (b) No driver or pedestrian shall proceed through, around, or under any railroad or rail
transit crossing gate while the gate is closed.

Railroad Crossings (22452 VC)

(a) Subdivisions (b) and (c) apply to the operation of the following vehicles:
(1) Any bus or farm labor vehicle carrying passengers.
(2) Any motortruck transporting employees in addition to those riding in
the cab.
(3) Any school bus and any school pupil activity bus transporting school
pupils....
(d) No stop need be made at any crossing in the following circumstances:
(1) Of railroad tracks running along and upon the roadway within a
business or residence district.
(2) Where a traffic officer or an official traffic control signal directs traffic to
proceed.
(3) Where an exempt sign was authorized by the Public Utilities
Commission prior to January 1, 1978.
2. School Buses

• At school crossings: It is illegal to

proceed through an intersection
when a crossing guard is in the
crosswalk. The law also requires that
you reduce your speed to 25 mph
around schools anytime school is in
session and children are present
outside fenced areas. However, even
if a school is not officially in session,
schools are gathering places for a
variety of after-school activities.
Anytime you are around a school,
If you are approaching any school bus with a stop watch for students. And keep in mind
sign that traffic fines are enhanced
extended or its red lights flashing from the front (doubled) in school zones, which
or the rear, you means it will cost you more money if
must stop immediately before passing the bus on you get a ticket where children might
any undivided road be present. Why? You're putting the
lives of innocent children in danger.
• When school bus lights are flashing: When the red traffic control lights on a
school bus are flashing, or the stop sign is swung out perpendicular to the body of the
bus, this means that children could soon be exiting and crossing the street in front of
the bus. A flashing yellow light on a school bus means that you should slow and proceed
with caution. A flashing red light means that - if you and the bus are traveling a laned-
road without center dividers - you must stop immediately before passing the bus
(regardless of whether you are approaching from the front of rear), and remain stopped
until the traffic control devices are no longer operating.

The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway or multiple-lane highway need not stop
upon meeting or passing a school bus that is upon the other roadway (traveling in the
 opposite direction). A multiple-lane highway is any highway that has two or more lanes
of travel in each direction. But a driver traveling in the same direction as the school bus
on a divided or multiple-lane highway is still required to stop.

School Bus (22454 VC)

(a) The driver of any vehicle, upon meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any
school bus equipped with signs as required in this code, that is stopped for the purpose
of loading or unloading any schoolchildren and displays a flashing red light signal and
stop signal arm, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 25257, if
equipped with a stop signal arm, visible from front or rear, shall bring the vehicle to a
stop immediately before passing the school bus and shall not proceed past the school
bus until the flashing red light signal and stop signal arm, if equipped with a stop signal
arm, cease operation.
(b) .(1) The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway or multiple-lane highway need
not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus that is upon the other roadway.
(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, a multiple-lane highway is any
highway that has two or more lanes of travel in each direction.

E. Understanding Pictorial Messages as Instant Communication

Traffic signs give early warning to potential problems that may be ahead. Learn to identify them by
color and shape immediately.

1. Regulatory – Red, Black, or Red on White

• Stop, yield, or a prohibition: Regulatory signs deliver instructions

that must be followed under penalty of law. In color, they can be a red field
with white lettering, white field with black lettering.

2. Guide – Green
• Movement permitted or directional guidance.

3. Warning – Yellow
• General warning: Begin exercising caution immediately. Depending
on the type of warning, cover your brake, reduce speed, look for hazards.

4. Construction - Orange
• Warning and guidance, information for construction and
maintenance zone operations: Slow down, look for men and/or machines
and material obstructing the roadway.
 5. Service – Blue
• An indicator of motorists services, such as food, gas, and rest
areas.

6. Recreational – Brown
• Public recreation and cultural interest guides that point out
historical, cultural, and recreational areas of interest.

7. Shapes
Most signs are recognizable by their distinctive shape and can be understood from a distance.

Shape Meaning
Octagon Stop
Triangle Yield
Round Railroad crossing
Vertical rectangle Regulatory
Pentagon School
Pennant No passing
Diamond Warning
 Horizontal rectangle Information and guide

Take note of this fact: Racecar drivers know that a basic mistake can be their last. That's
true for you and me, too.

Continue

FAQ | Student Center | Log Off

You missed the question marked as red.

Nr Question
California, like New York, requires that drivers have their vehicles inspected every
1
year.
2 The main purpose of vehicle lighting is to _______ .
Drivers must dim their high beam lights when following a vehicle within _______ and
3
when approaching an oncoming vehicle within _______ .
4 Anti-lock braking systems keep the wheels of a vehicle from locking up when the
 brakes are applied.
5 The hydraulic brake system controls____________________.
In the section on Safety Equipment, the author says: Age is a very high price to pay for
6
___________.
7 Yellow signs are rectangular and regulate traffic.
8 A flashing red light means _______________
9 A white curb means _______ .
10 A blue curb means _______ .
11 Railroad crossings may be marked with _______ .

CHAPTER 4: BASIC MANEUVERS

SECTION 8: ESTABLISHED SPEED LAWS

There are three types of speed limits in California: Maximum, prima facie, and safe speed.

MAXIMUM SPEED: On the freeway, you will never see a maximum-posted speed higher than 65
mph, unless the highway is in a remote area, removed from the city, in which case you may
encounter a 70 mph speed limit. But keep in mind there are some older freeways with maximum-
posted speed of 55 mph.

PRIMA FACIE SPEED: It's easy to know the speed limit on a road with a posted sign. But some
streets do not have signs. It is your responsibility to know the speed limit wherever you drive – even
on a street with no posted signs! More on these speed limits in a moment.

SAFE SPEED: Speed limits are designed for optimum conditions: clean, dry road, good visibility and
no extraordinary traffic situations. But have you noticed that the driving environment is not always
"optimum?" The law allows for this; you may never drive at a speed that is unsafe for conditions,
regardless of what the speed limit sign says. In other words, drivers must always use their judgment;
if the road is wet or visibility is bad, you must reduce speed.

California Vehicle Code: Established Speed Laws

Excessive Speed and Designated Lane Use (22348 VC)

(a)…no person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway with a speed limit…at a speed
 greater than that speed limit.

Maximum Speed Limit (22349 VC)

(a) no person may drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 65 miles per
hour.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person may drive a vehicle upon a
two-lane, undivided highway at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour unless that
highway, or portion thereof, has been posted for a higher speed by the Department of
Transportation or appropriate local agency upon the basis of an engineering and traffic
survey.Before they invented the drawing board, what did they go back to?

A. Purpose of Basic Speed

Laws

Posted speed limits (the speed limits you

see on signs) are the speed limits for
posted areas. They have been set to
accommodate speeds for ideal
conditions: dry roads and daylight
driving.

However, driving conditions are not

always ideal. When they are not, the
Basic Speed Law is the rule of the road.
The Basic Speed Law says that you must
always drive at a speed that is safe for
current conditions. Current conditions
include (but are not limited to):
• The number and speed of
other cars on the road;
• The condition of the road
surface (smooth, rough,
graveled, wet, dry, wide, or Driving too slow can be as dangerous as driving too fast.
narrow); Particularly on the freeway, if your vehicle cannot maintain
• The presence of bicyclists at least the minimum speed limit, find a secondary road to your
or pedestrians in the
destination.
immediate area;
• Weather conditions (rain,
fog, snow, ice, wind, or
dust, etc.).

Basic Speed Law (22350 VC)

No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent
having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway,
and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

B. Purpose of Minimum Speed Law

As a matter of law, no person is allowed drive on a highway at a speed that blocks or impedes the
normal flow of traffic. Sometimes, of course, going below minimum posted speeds becomes
temporarily unavoidable. The law recognizes, for instance, that you must sometimes slow for safety
reasons (a hazard, or bad weather), or for reasons of difficult terrain or unexpected mechanical
problems. In these cases, it is expected that the slowing will be temporary. If a driver wishes to drive
slower than the rest of the traffic, it must be done in the right hand lane. Keep in mind that driving
too slow could constitute a hazard, in which case the driver would be in violation of the Basic Speed
Law. As the Minimum Speed Law states (see below) if your speed impedes the normal traffic flow,
you could be in violation.

Minimum Speed Law (22400 VC)

(a) No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the
normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the reduced speed is necessary for
safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law.
No person shall bring a vehicle to a complete stop upon a highway so as to impede or
block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the stop is necessary for
safe operation or in compliance with law.
(b) Whenever the Department of Transportation determines on the basis of an
engineering and traffic survey that slow speeds on any part of a state highway
consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the department
may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a
vehicle, except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law, when
appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected along the part of the highway for
which a minimum speed limit is established.

C. Speed Limits for Designated Areas

1. Freeways / Highways

As stated earlier, the maximum speed limit on divided freeways is usually 65 mph, although they can
range from a low of 55 mph to a high of 70 mph, depending on location. The speed limit on 2-lane
(one in each direction) undivided highways is 55 mph, unless posted otherwise. Freeways and
highways through urban areas generally have speed limits lower than for those roads found in more
outlying, rural areas. Some freeways and highways have different speeds posted for trucks than cars;
some are posted for daytime versus nighttime driving. Some freeway stretches – such as Interstate 5
near the Oregon border – require speeds below the normal freeway speed of 65 mph due to sharp
curves and steep downgrades. Once again, the Basic Speed Law must always be obeyed, regardless
of the posted speed limit – you may never drive faster than is safe for conditions.
 2. Residential Areas

The speed limit in all residential areas are 25 mph. Local

governments may post higher speed limits in residential
areas, usually on wider thru-streets. If you do not see posted
speed limits in a residential area, assume the speed limit is
25 mph.

3. Business Districts

This sign means that within 500 ft. Each city posts its own speed limits – usually 35 mph in
of a school where the playgrounds business districts, although it can be higher on larger streets.
are not fenced, you must slow- If no signs are posted, the speed limit is 25 mph.
down to 25 mph if children are
present.

4. School Zones
You can be sure that if you are driving near a school, there will be children nearby. Always drive
carefully when in a school zone, which is usually within 500 feet of a school. Signs posted within a
school zone usually indicate a speed of 25 mph (although they may be as low as 20mph or 15mph,
depending on municipality) A reduced speed is required whenever children are present, usually
defined as morning arrival, afternoon departure, lunch hour and any time scheduled school activities
bring children to the premises.
Additionally, always anticipate the presence of children on bikes, skateboards and scooters when
driving in a school zone. Warning: fines are doubled for any moving violation committed while
passing through a school zone.

5. Senior Centers

When driving by a retirement home or any other facility used primarily by senior citizens, reduce
your speed to 25 mph. This speed limit only applies on surface streets (business or residential.) This
"senior citizen zone" speed limit will not apply if you are driving on a state highway adjacent to such
a senior center.

6. Uncontrolled / Blind Intersections

When within 100 feet of an intersection that is not protected by stop signs, yield signs or traffic
control signals, and your view of the cross street or highway is obstructed for a distance of 100 feet
in either direction, you must reduce speed to 15 mph, proceed with extreme caution and be
prepared to yield or stop.

7. Alleys and Blind Railroad Crossings

Alleys are rarely marked with speed limit signs, but the prima facie alley speed limit is 15 mph.
Additionally, when approaching within 100 feet of a railroad crossing that is not protected with
mechanical or electrical gates or devices and your view of the tracks in both directions is not clear
for 400 feet, you must reduce speed to 15 mph, proceed with extreme caution and be prepared to
stop.

Prima Facie Speed Limits (22352 VC)

(a) The prima facie limits are as follows…:

(1) Fifteen miles per hour:
(A) When traversing a railway grade crossing, if
during the last 100 feet of the approach to the
crossing the driver does not have a clear and
unobstructed view of the crossing and of any
traffic on the railway for a distance of 400 feet
in both directions along the railway. This
subdivision does not apply in the case of any
railway grade crossing where a human flagman
is on duty or a clearly visible electrical or
mechanical railway crossing signal device is
installed but does not then indicate the
immediate approach of a railway train or car.
(B) When traversing any intersection of highways if during the
last 100 feet of the driver's approach to the intersection the
driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the
intersection and of any traffic upon all of the highways
entering the intersection for a distance of 100 feet along all
those highways, except at an intersection protected by stop
signs or yield right-of-way signs or controlled by official traffic
control signals.
(C) On any alley.
(2) Twenty-five miles per hour:
(A) On any highway other than a state highway, in any
business or residence district unless a different speed is
determined by local authority under procedures set forth in
this code.
(B) When approaching or passing a school building or the
grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a
standard "SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to
or leaving the school either during school hours or during the
noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply
when approaching or passing any school grounds which are
not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other
physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and
the highway is posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning
sign. For purposes of this subparagraph, standard "SCHOOL"
warning signs may be placed at any distance up to 500 feet
away from school grounds.
(C) When passing a senior center or other facility primarily
used by senior citizens, contiguous to a street other than a
state highway and posted with a standard "SENIOR" warning
sign…

D. Speed Limits for Designated Vehicles

The following vehicles may not travel in 55 mph:
• A motor-truck or truck tractor having three or more axles
• A passenger vehicle or bus towing another vehicle
• A school bus transporting students
• A vehicle transporting explosives
• A farm vehicle carrying laborers
• A trailer bus

Maximum Speed for Designated Vehicles (22406 VC)

No person may drive any of the following vehicles on a highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per
hour:
(a) A motor-truck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motor-truck or truck
tractor drawing any other vehicle.
(b) A passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle.
(c) A school bus transporting any school pupil.
d) A farm labor vehicle when transporting passengers.
(e) A vehicle transporting explosives.
(f) A trailer bus

E. Speed and Stopping Distance

The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes to stop the vehicle. Below are the factors used in
calculating just how long it takes to stop your vehicle.

1. Perception Time and Distance

'Perception time' is defined as that period between seeing an object and recognizing what it is. While
usually only a split-second (although it may be much longer, depending on your vision and mental
awareness, local conditions, and the nature of the object), it adds car-lengths to stopping distance.

2. Reaction Time and Distance

Once you recognize a hazard, you must react to it. This is called 'reaction time.' If all the world is a
stage, where is the audience sitting?It takes a (statistically) normal driver 3/4 of a second to react to
an event after perceiving it as a hazard.

3. Braking Distance

'Braking distance' is the distance a vehicle travels from the instant the driver applies the brakes until
the vehicle stops moving. This distance is highly variable, depending on the condition of the vehicle's
tire and brakes, road condition, and weather conditions such as rain and snow.

4. Stopping Distance

The sum of the above factors – perception, reaction, and braking distances - is called the 'stopping
distance.' Stopping distance, of course, goes up exponentially as speed increases. A vehicle moving
at 30 mph can usually stop within 70 feet on dry pavement; a vehicle moving at 60 mph will take
almost four times longer (250 feet) to stop.

If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?

Statistics on Speeding

Speeding — exceeding the posted speed limit

or driving too fast for conditions — is one of the
most prevalent factors contributing to traffic
crashes. The economic cost to society of
speeding related crashes is estimated by
NHTSA to be $27.4 billion per year.

Speeding and Fatalities (NHSTA)

Motor vehicle crashes cost society an

estimated $4,800 per second. The total
economic cost of crashes is estimated at over
$150.5 billion. The costs of speeding-related
crashes are estimated to be $51,930 per
minute or $865 per second.

Estimated Annual Economic Costs

of Speeding-Related Crashes
 In California during 2003, unsafe speed was
the Primary Collision Factor in 28.3% of all fatal
and injury collisions. In California during 2003,
unsafe speed caused 58,173 injury collisions
(which injured 89,347 people) and 569 fatal
collisions (which killed 653.)
In California during 2003, when the motorcycle
driver was at fault in a fatal collision, speeding
was second only to DUI as the primary collision
factor. Of the 5,202 motorcycle at fault injury
collisions in California during 2003, 45% were
caused by unsafe speed. Of the 250
motorcycle at fault fatal collisions in California
during 2003, 38% were caused by unsafe
speed.

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SECTION 9: PROPER LANE USE

Traffic lanes separate vehicles on the roadway and channel traffic within the complex web of
California's roadways. For traffic lanes to work, however, you need to work with them. Choose a
lane…don't just drift in-and-out of open spaces. Plan lane changes. Check thoroughly for appropriate
space into which to merge; and stay in your lane as long as you are not being impeded, or impeding
someone else.

California Vehicle Code: Proper Lane Use

Right Side of Roadway (21650 VC)

Upon all highways, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction
under the rules governing that movement.
(b) When placing a vehicle in a lawful position for, and when the vehicle is lawfully
making, a left turn.
(c) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic under construction or repair.
(d) Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
(e) When the roadway is not of sufficient width.
(f) When the vehicle is necessarily traveling so slowly as to impede the normal
movement of traffic, that portion of the highway adjacent to the right edge of the
roadway may be utilized temporarily when in a condition permitting safe operation.
(g) This section does not prohibit the operation of bicycles on any shoulder of a
highway, where the operation is not otherwise prohibited by this code or local
ordinance.

A. Designated Lanes of Travel

1. Divided Highways

'Divided highways' separate two-way traffic with a barrier such as a guardrail, concrete wall, or a
median strip.

Divided Highway (21651 VC)

(a) Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of
intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width,
either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the
roadway, it is unlawful to do either of the following:
(1) To drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.
(2) To make any left, semicircular, or U-turn with the vehicle on the divided
highway, except through an opening in the barrier designated and
intended by public authorities for the use of vehicles or through a plainly
marked opening in the dividing section.
(b) It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon a highway, except to the right of an
intermittent barrier or a dividing section which separates two or more opposing lanes of
traffic…
2. Laned Roadways

Urban and rural roadways with multiple lanes going in the same direction are called 'laned
highways.' Lanes are marked-out by painted lines. Additional messages or symbols painted on the
roadway may indicate the presence of 'turn' lanes, or other special-use lanes.

Laned Roadways (21658 VC)

Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one
direction, the following rules apply:
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall
not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(b) Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane
or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of
vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic device.

3. Three-laned Highways

On a three-laned highway, travel in the middle lane if you are driving a long way. Use the outside
lane to pass; and the inside lane to exit.

Three-lane Highways (21659 VC)

Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes a vehicle shall not be driven in the extreme left
lane at any time, nor in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where
the roadway ahead is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in
 Continue

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SECTION 10: BACKING UP SAFELY

You back your vehicle everyday, usually without thinking of it as a risky maneuver. But your
driveway is the single area that your vehicle regularly shares with your children and pets, with toys,
garbage cans, tools, and other inanimate objects. Backing out of it also puts you in proximity to
pedestrians, bicyclists and other unprotected individuals. Additionally, people around a parked
vehicle seldom pay attention to it, making them less than alert to potential danger. Finally, backing-
up itself is one of the few maneuvers that must be executed with less than a clear field of vision.

A. Check Behind the Vehicle Before Getting In

Make a habit of walking around your vehicle to make certain that your backing path is safe. Only
then should you get into your vehicle.

1. Children

If you see children playing in the area – or even if you think children might be playing in the area –
check your vehicle and the driveway from every angle. If another adult is present, station them
outside the vehicle while you are backing. A quick honk also signals children and pets that your
vehicle is now occupied. When you are sure it is safe to back down the driveway, back very slowly
with your foot covering the brake. Keep your window rolled down and listen for the presence of
people around you.
 2. Small Objects

In residential areas, children may leave

bikes wagons, skateboards, and other
toys on a driveway. Always survey your
backing path before you enter your
vehicle.

B. Visibility and Body Posture

1. Body Posture While Steering

Your margin of error is small when you

are backing, because whatever happens
will happen in close quarters. Do not back-up looking forward and guiding yourself with your mirrors.
Mirrors do not give reliable information as to what is directly behind you. When backing to the left,
look through the left side windows (front and rear). However, since most street traffic approaches
from your right, avoid looking over your left shoulder for a long period of time.

Make sure that your last look is to your right.

2. Head Position While Steering

Backing in a straight line, turn your head enough so that both eyes are aimed out the back window.
Your left-hand should be placed on top of the steering wheel. If you intend to back to the left, turn
your head and look through the left rear window and left side window placing your right hand on the
top of the steering wheel. You may have to twist your head and body to look over and around the
vehicle headrest.

C. Speed Control

1. Release of Brake Pedal

After you have checked for traffic and other hazards, release the brake pressure and allow your
vehicle to move slowly, with your foot poised over the brake pedal. When the way is clear, accelerate
gently.

2. Backing Speed

Begin by backing your vehicle at about the same speed that you would walk (three to five mph). This
also happens to be near idle speed, give or take. However, if you intend to use idle speed, keep in
mind that your vehicle idles faster when it is first started.

D. Steering

1. Sharp Turns
 When backing out of a spot that requires a sharp
turn, such as out of a parking lot space, the front
of your vehicle will swing sharply in the opposite
direction. Be careful, because you risk striking the
vehicle next to you with your front fender.

2. Backing Around a Corner

When you are backing and turning around

obstacles – such as backing around a blind corner
– as much as half of your vehicle will be exposed
in the line of traffic before you can see clearly in
either direction. A magician was driving down the
road...and then he turned into a driveway.... Back
very slowly; give a quick honk. Back a short
distance, and then pause for unseen traffic and/or
pedestrians to clear. Continue this practice until
you have a clear field of vision to complete the
maneuver.

E. When Movement is Constricted

1. Use Mirrors and Passengers to Help Navigate

In areas with lots of traffic such as busy shopping centers, parking lots, ask passengers to assist you.
Position them outside your vehicle so that they are visible to you in your mirrors. Remind them that if
they look into your mirrors from outside your vehicle and cannot see you, then you cannot see them
either. Again, backing with only your mirrors for guidance is a bad idea. The line of sight through
your rearview mirror is particularly limited, so don't forget to use your side view mirrors in tandem
with your rearview.

2. Whenever Possible, Avoid Backing

Particularly for larger vehicles backing is a persistent cause of collisions and mishaps. Drivers of
large vehicles are instructed never to back-up unless they are bringing their vehicles in for
unloading. You should follow that advice. If you miss a turn, go around the block (in the city) or the
next exit (freeway).

3. Find Parking Spaces that Do Not Require Backing

In less busy parking areas, you may find enough open spaces so that you can drive through a
parking space into an open space directly forward, thus allowing you to pull forward out of the space
when you leave. Also, available end spaces allow for forward exit. However, since most lots are
configured for one-way traffic down alternate rows, in either of the above cases you will usually be
pulling out into the opposite direction of the flow of traffic. This requires you to be alert to vehicles
coming from odd directions. Do not pull out until you have a clear path, particularly since you will
often have to make a sharp turn – sometimes even a three-cornered turn – to get into the proper
direction of traffic flow.
 Continue

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Intersections are full of activity and potential problems to look out for
...they fracture your attention and require special focus.

SECTION 11: INTERACTING AT INTERSECTIONS

racting at intersections forces you to split your focus in several directions, and to look and listen for a variety of
 safety cues. It can be very confusing...and when you are confu
is the time to slow down and clear your head. Whatever decisio
make, remember to clearly signal your intentions to other drive
few other things to keep in mind:
• Plan your trip ahead of time,
particularly if you are on a deadline, and
particularly if you are driving in a
strange area;
• Consult a map before you set out. Mark
it up if necessary, and even write-out
directions. Note one-way and/or two-way
streets around your destination, so that
you do not get turned around;
• Use passengers as navigators
whenever possible. Make sure they
inform you of your turns well before you
arrive at them.
• If you find yourself approaching an
intersection, and you are three lanes
away from the lane you need to be in,
don't panic. Drive to the next
intersection and back-track. If you must
make the turn, do it calmly. Merge
deliberately and slowly, and always signal your intentions.

Identifying an Intersection

rsections are where roadways cross one another. By definition, these crossings can be primary and secondary
dways, or any combination of primary and secondary roadways. Intersections are made up of a minimum of two
sing roadways, although three or more roadways may cross at an intersection. Traffic may flow at a minimum i
directions (intersecting one-way streets, with no turns allowed) up to 16 directions (intersecting two-way street
right and left turns allowed from all directions). Intersections can be improved or unimproved, or a combination
ked or unmarked; controlled or uncontrolled (by traffic signs or lights). Look for the following seven clues to
oming intersections.
• Traffic signals
• Stop signs
• Cross traffic
• Vehicles stopped ahead or on cross streets
• Vehicles making right and left turns
• Pedestrians waiting at intersections
• Absences of parked vehicles

ifornia Vehicle Code: Intersections – Proceeding Straight, Turning, and Signaling

rsection Defined (365 VC)

intersection" is the area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral
ndary lines of the roadways, of two highways which join one another at approximately right angles or the area
in which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.

ulation of Turns at Intersections (22101 VC)

(b) When turning movements are required at an intersection notice of such requirement shall be given by
erection of a sign, unless an additional clearly marked traffic lane is provided for the approach to the
turning movement, in which event notice as applicable to such additional traffic lane shall be given by any
official traffic control device.
(c) When right- or left-hand turns are prohibited at an intersection notice of such prohibition shall be given
by erection of a sign.
(d) When official traffic control devices are placed as required in subdivisions (b) or (c), it shall be unlawful
for any driver of a vehicle to disobey the directions of such official traffic control devices.

ontrolled

icularly in cities, most intersections are 'controlled.' Stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, or any conventional
hod (even a traffic officer) qualify as traffic control.

ncontrolled

ome residential areas within the city or on secondary or rural roads, you will find intersections without traffic
rol. These 'uncontrolled' intersections are dangerous. Right-of-way decisions are left to approaching drivers. Wh
ou call a fish with no eyes? A fsh. Sometimes, the most destructive collisions occur at uncontrolled intersection
n negligent drivers enter them without even bothering to slow.

Skills Required for Crossing and Turning

d judgment, patience, keen observation, and courtesy will increase your margin of safety when crossing and
ing at intersections.
udging Time to Make a Maneuver

ending on the size of the intersection, you may take five-to-six seconds to cross from
mplete stop. A left turn may take four-to-five seconds to complete. To make a right
on a red light against traffic, it may take as long as five-to-six seconds to move into
flow of traffic.

udging Speed and Distance of Other Vehicles

ing the speed and/or distance of moving vehicles when you are at a stop is a matter
xperience. However, there are things you can do to reduce risk. At busy hours, seek
streets controlled by traffic signals, rather than risking a left turn onto a busy street
m a stop sign. Remember to judge the speed of traffic coming from the left and right
n you pull across a two-way street.

hoosing a Gap or Space in Traffic

re is no hard rule for picking a gap in traffic, since vehicles approach at varying
eds. Generally, if you are stopped at a stop sign, it will take approximately a five-to-
en second gap in traffic in both directions to safely clear an intersection. If a vehicle
e approaching at 45 mph, you would need a block in each direction to safely cross the
rsection.
This intersection
Left Turns – Protected and Unprotected provides a protecte
intersection, as
indicated by the
rsections with traffic lights that include green, yellow, and red arrows in the light array
illuminated green tu
called 'protected,' because the arrows mean that oncoming traffic must stop for left-
arrow. Vehicles 1 &
ing vehicles. In some instances – usually indicated by a sign on the light - you may still
have the right-of-way
once the arrow disappears, if the light remains green. More often than not, however,
turn left. The illumina
e the green arrow disappears, you may no longer turn until the arrow cycles around
red light means tha
n.
oncoming vehicle 3 m
stop and yield right-o
way to them.

unprotected left turn – the turn against traffic that is not regulated by a green arrow - is a dangerous maneuve
obvious reasons. First, the maneuver is one of the few that puts the driver directly into and through the path of
oming traffic; and, second, the unprotected left turn requires that the driver calculate several factors in a short
od of time: the duration of the traffic signal; the speed of oncoming vehicles; the distance through the danger
e, etc.

can for Hazards

rch the intersection well before you reach it. Scan the four corners of the intersection and identify any hazard in
r the intersection. Two snowmen are standing in a field. One says to the other: "Funny, I smell carrots, too." Loo
hanging traffic signal, pedestrians in or near the intersection, bicycle riders moving along the curb.

ehicle Position Before and After Turn

 some streets there are specially-marked 'left turn' lanes in the approxima
middle of the street; on some streets, not. Obviously, if there is a 'left tur
lane, position yourself in that lane before turning. Otherwise, start your le
from the inside lane (the lane closest to the middle of the street). Comple
left turn into either lane of the cross-street that is available and it is safe.

When Your View is Blocked

Generally, multiple-laned two-way roadways allow turning from the inside

lane(s), while through-traffic proceeds along the outside lanes. If you are
turning left, vehicles in the turn lanes across the cross-street can obscure
through-traffic coming at you. If this happens to you, inch out slowly with
r wheels straight, and wait until the you can see a clear path before
completing the turn.

ning upon a Highway (22100 VC)

Left Turns. The approach for a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of the extrem
hand lane or portion of the roadway lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle
when turning at an intersection, the left turn shall not be made before entering the intersection. After entering
rsection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving
direction upon the roadway being entered, except:
(1) Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction which terminates at an
intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane
may turn left into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being
entered.

Right turns – Protected and Unprotected

otected right turn is indicated by a right-turn arrow. You may find a protected right turn at a 'right-turn only' lan
lane leading on or off a freeway ramp.

can for Hazards

ou approach a busy intersection, slow down and anticipate what is happening or what might happen at the
rsection. Ask yourself:

• Will the signal turn yellow?

• Why is the vehicle ahead slowing?
• Is that pedestrian stopping traffic?
• Will the bicyclist cross against the signal?
• Is there a problem from the vehicle making a left turn?
• Is the vehicle to the rear following too closely?
 heck for Controlled Lanes and Signals

ht Turn on Red: The 'Right Turn on Red' rule permits a driver

se his or her best judgment when turning right at a controlled
rsection. Remember: a right turn on red is legal only under the
wing conditions: you signal your intention to turn, you come
complete stop, you yield to other users who have the right of
, there are no signs prohibiting the right turn on red, you
e the turn from a lane which is legally appropriate for a right
, and you can make the turn safely.

n for any restrictions on right turns. Such signs include

hibitions on 'Right Turn on Red' turns, or right turns at certain
es of the day. Also, watch for 'Right Turn Only' lanes, which
uire you to turn even if you don't mean to turn. Some streets
e signs posted that allow vehicles to make a right turn from
middle lane. Pavement marking and posted sings must be in
e that allow for such turns.
You can usually turn right on a red light
there are no prohibitive signs...but you ca
never turn right on a red light if - like the g
in the picture above - you haven't made su
to yield to vehicles approaching through t
green light first.

ehicle Position Before and After Turn

t turns must be made from the lane closest to the right hand curb, unless there are markings on the pavement
er signs that allow the turn to be made from a middle lane. Stay in the right lane until the turn is completed. Avo
ging wide when turning right.

When View is Blocked

ur view of the intersection is blocked by natural or manmade obstacles, slow down and cover the brake as you
pare to turn right.

ning upon a Highway (22100 VC)

e driver of any vehicle intending to turn upon a highway shall do so as follows:

(a) Right Turns. Both the approach for a right-hand turn and a right-hand turn shall be made as close as
practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except:
(1) Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction which
terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of
a vehicle in the middle lane may turn right into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving
in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(2) When a right-hand turn is made from a one-way highway at an intersection, a driver shall
approach the turn as provided in subdivision (a) and shall complete the turn in any lane
lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(3) Upon a highway having an additional lane or lanes marked for a right turn by appropriate
signs or markings, the driver of a vehicle may turn right from any lane designated and
marked for that turning movement.

5. Use of Bike Lane for Turns

You must be within 200 feet of your turn before you can enter the bike lane. In any event, bicyclists often
appear suddenly and 'as-if out of nowhere' in these lanes, and you are responsible for tracking them.

Turning Across Bicycle Lane (21717 VC)

Whenever it is necessary for the driver of a motor vehicle to cross a bicycle lane that is adjacent to his
lane of travel to make a turn, the driver shall drive the motor vehicle into the bicycle lane prior to making
the turn and shall make the turn pursuant to Section 22100.
E. U-turns

A 'U-turn' transitions you from traveling in one direction on a street into

traveling in the opposite direction on the same street. This maneuver
requires that you turn across the path of oncoming traffic. Avoid U-turns if
you can just as easily drive around the block. A U-turn is legal at any
intersection in the state of California, unless there is a prohibitive sign. In a
residential district, you may not make a U-turn when any other vehicle is
approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection
when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control
device.

1. Scan for Hazards

You should be watching cross-traffic, and oncoming traffic going through

expiring lights. You should also be watching for bicyclists and pedestrians in
crosswalks across which you are turning. Finally, watch for vehicles making
right turns from the cross-street into the lane into which you are U-turning.

2. Check for Prohibitive Signs

Local jurisdictions have the right to prohibit U-turns. Look for prohibitive signs
above the traffic signal or on the traffic signal post. Some signs might
prohibit U-turns only during peak traffic hours. U-turns are always This driver needs to begin h
illegal: from the left lane to make

• Where signs ("No U-Turn") prohibit the maneuver.

• Anywhere that you do not have an unobstructed view of the
highway and traffic upon it for at least 200 feet in each direction.
• On one-way streets.
• In a business district,except at an intersection (Note: The
CVC treats churches, apartment buildings, multiple dwelling
houses, clubs, and public buildings other than schools, as business
districts.)
• In a residence district when another vehicle is within 200 ft.
in either direction, except at an intersection when the approaching
vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.
• On a divided highway, except where an opening has been
provided.
• In front of a fire station.
3. Vehicle Position Before and After Turn

On a normal four-lane city street, start your U-turn from the inside lane (lane closest to the center), as if
making a left turn. After all opposing oncoming traffic has passed, you can complete the turn in any lane
that is available and safe.

U-turn at Controlled Intersection (22100.5 VC)

No driver shall make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by

official traffic control devices except from the far left hand lane
that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel
from which the turn is commenced.

U-turn in a Business District (22102 VC)

No person in a business district shall make a U-turn, except at an

intersection, or on a divided highway where an opening has been
provided in accordance with Section 21651. This turning
movement shall be made as close as practicable to the extreme
left-hand edge of the lanes moving in the driver's direction of
travel immediately prior to the initiation of the turning movement,
when more than one lane in the direction of travel is present.

U-turn in a Residential District (22103 VC)

No person in a residence district shall make a U-turn when any other vehicle is approaching from either
direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an
official traffic control device.

Unobstructed View Necessary for U-turn (22105 VC)

No person shall make a U-turn upon any highway where the driver of such vehicle does not have an
unobstructed view for 200 feet in both directions along the highway and of any traffic thereon.

F. Proceeding Straight

1. Scan for Hazards

Make it a habit to use a 12-to-15 second lead time when you are driving in the city, paying particular
attention to approaching intersections.

Always be careful when pedestrians are in the area, and especially youngsters. Bicycle riders are hard to
see since they are small compared to other vehicles on straight streets, they tend to ride close to parked
vehicles.

Put enough distance between you and larger vehicles in front of you so that you can see around them.
Avoid following buses, trucks, and large sport utility vehicles that block other drivers' view of you. Always
 be aware of entrances and exits on busy streets: these areas are
bottlenecks for vehicles slowing and making turns into and out of
shopping centers, strip malls, and gas stations.

2. Covering the Brake

As you approach a busy intersection, suspend your brake foot over

your brake (but do not put pressure on the brake). This is called
'covering the brake,' and it will give you an extra split-second to
avoid trouble.

G. Signaling for Turns and Stops

1. Purpose of Signaling

Signaling alerts other drivers and pedestrians that you are about to turn or change lanes.

2. Distance Required

The law requires that you begin signaling 100 feet prior to making a right or left turn. Begin signaling
earlier if you are traveling at higher speeds, or if you are being tailgated by another driver. If your signals
do not work, you must use arm signals.

3. Duration of Signal

You must continue signaling until you complete your turn.

Turning Movements and Required Signals (22107 VC)

No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such
movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in
the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.

Duration of Signal (22108 VC)

Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by
the vehicle before turning.

Signal When Stopping (22109 VC)

No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle on a highway without first giving an
appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the
rear when there is opportunity to give the signal.

Method of Signaling (22110 VC)

(a) The signals required by this chapter shall be given by signal lamp… Drivers of vehicles
not required to be and not equipped with turn signals shall give a hand and arm signal when
required…
(b) In the event the signal lamps become inoperable while driving, hand and arm signals
shall be used in the manner required…

Signaling is essential to allow other drivers to anticipate your moves and react to
them.
The above picture matches turn signals (circles) with their appropriate hand
signals.
If you have some reason to think that your turn signals are not effectively
signaling your intent,
you can use the hand signals as well. But you must have your turn signals in
working order and use them!
 Continue

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SECTION 12: PASSING

The act of passing requires you to exercise good judgment. Good judgment comes from using your
senses, and then applying common sense to what you see and hear…and don't second-guess
yourself! If the gap ahead seems a little short for passing, it probably is.

California Vehicle Code: Overtaking and Passing

Overtake and Pass to the Left (21750 VC)

The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle or a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall
pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle
or bicycle, subject to the limitations and exceptions hereinafter stated.

A. Passing and Being Passed

1. Demands of Proper Passing

 • Good judgment: Good judgment is the
foundation of rapid decision making (see
below). If you cannot trust your own
judgment, you will either hesitate making
decisions, or hesitate executing them.
Practice observing the driving
environment closely until you are
confident that you are correctly
identifying times/distances/objects/and
the intentions of other drivers; observe
your own responses, learn from your
responses, and learn to trust your
responses.

• Rapid decision-making: Get used to

making the following decisions in a split-
second:
• Is the road ahead clear of
traffic?
• Is there any problem such
as a hill, curve, or
intersection? Use it or lose it.
• Is an oncoming vehicle too
close or moving too fast or?
• Do I have the speed to
rapidly pass?
The answer to these questions must be: 'Yes, I'd bet my life on it.' Once you pull out and pass, the
following decisions must be made in a split-second.
• Is the passing lane clear from behind, or are vehicles approaching?
• Is the vehicle I am passing remaining in line?
• Is my vehicle continuing to perform as I expected? (Sometimes a pass is
started on a low grade, but finished on a steeper grade, which can affect
the vehicle's performance.)
• Are the traffic and road conditions the same as I thought them to be
when I decided to pass?
 B. When Passing is
Authorized

Passing is always allowed under the

following conditions:

• On multi-
lane
roadways
with traffic
moving in
the same
direction;
• When
broken or
dashed
white lines
separate
traffic
moving in
the same
direction on roads with two or more lanes;
• On multi-lane roadways with a solid yellow line adjacent to a broken
broken yellow line, when the broken yellow line is on your side of the
roadway;

1. Designated Lane Markings

• Freeways: Freeway lanes are delineated by broken white lines. You can change lanes
or pass in lanes to the right or left of another vehicle. Diamond lanes can be entered
when they are delineated by broken or dashed lines. Drivers can not cross a yellow line
into a diamond lane.
• Two-lane Roadways: Two-lane roadways have one lane in each direction for
converging traffic. Converging traffic are separated by painted lines:

Broken white lines Conditions are proper for passing

Two solid yellow lines
Solid yellow line beside a broken yellow
line
Passing is prohibited
Passing (with caution) allowed on the
side of the road with the broken yellow
line

Passing on the Right (21754 VC)

The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only under the
following conditions:

(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn.
 (b) Upon a highway within a business or residence district with unobstructed pavement
of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in the direction of travel.
(c) Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district with unobstructed
pavement of sufficient width and clearly marked for two or more lines of moving traffic
in the direction of travel.
(d) Upon a one-way street.
(e) Upon a highway divided into two roadways where traffic is restricted to one direction
upon each of such roadways.

Pass on the Right Safely (21755 VC)

The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass

another vehicle upon the right only under conditions
permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall
such movement be made by driving off the paved or
main-traveled portion of the roadway.

C. When Passing is Prohibited

It is illegal to drive to the left of center on a two lane

(one lane in each direction) roadway:

• When approaching the crest

of a hill where your view of a
vehicle approaching from the
opposite direction is
obstructed.
• When approaching a curve in
the highway where your view
of a vehicle approaching from
the opposite direction is
obstructed. (blind curve)
• When your view is
obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or
tunnel.
• When approaching within 100 feet or crossing an intersection or railroad
crossing.

The above does not apply to a one-way roadway.

When Driving on the Left Prohibited (21752 VC)

No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:

(a) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the
driver's view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event
another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
(b) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge,
 viaduct, or tunnel.
(c) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any railroad grade crossing.
(d) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any intersection.

This section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.

1. Designated Lane Use and Markings

Double yellow line separating

Passing
oncoming
prohibited.
traffic
Double yellow lines with the solid
Passing
line
prohibited.
nearest the driver
Lanes with turning arrows in Passing
them prohibited.
• Freeways: Most freeways in California have car pool lanes that are strictly for the use
of vehicles carrying two or more passengers. Car pool lane markings tend to vary
slightly. Some have diamonds painted on the lane. You might see a pair of solid double
yellow lines or a pair of double solid yellow lines with a single solid white line directly to
the left and inside the lane. Other variations include 2 pairs of solid double yellow lines
("double-double") or a double-double with a solid white line inside. Remember that it is
illegal to enter or exit a car pool lane over any of the above lane markings. You may
only enter or exit over a broken white line. The only exception would be if an
emergency vehicle displaying siren and lights were approaching from the rear. In this
situation, after signaling and determining it is safe, a driver must exit the car pool lane
over the double lines and allow the emergency vehicle to proceed ahead. Additionally, it
is illegal to use the entrance/exit area of a car pool lane for passing.

• Two-lane Roadways: You are prohibited from passing over solid yellow lines on two-
lane roadways.

D. Special Situations

Many areas on two-lane roadways are not marked 'no passing,' but common sense dictates that
passing can be dangerous.
1. Without Sufficient Clearance

Never attempt to pass when you can't identify sufficient clearance, such
as on a curvy road.

Passing Without Sufficient Clearance (21751 VC)

Atheism is a non-prophet organization. On a two-lane highway, no

vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in
overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction
unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a
sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be
completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any
vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

2. On a Hill

It is illegal to drive on the left side of the road (as in attempting to pass
another vehicle) when driving on the crest of a grade where the driver's
view of the possible approach of another vehicle from the opposite
direction is obstructed. If you are passing a slow-moving vehicle traveling
20 mph miles or less on a grade or hill, you should ideally pass at a
speed of at least 10 mph faster than the vehicle you are overtaking –
without exceeding the speed limit. In other words, if the grade is so steep
that you can not coax another 10 mph out of your vehicle, you should not
attempt to pass.

Passing on Grades (21758 VC)

In the event any vehicle is being operated on any grade outside of a

business or residence district at a speed of less than 20 miles per hour,
no person operating any other motor vehicle shall attempt to overtake You cannot enter a
and pass such slow moving vehicle unless the overtaking vehicle is diamond lane to pass.
operated at a speed of at least 10 miles per hour in excess of the speed
of the overtaken vehicle, nor unless the passing movement is completed
within a total distance not greater than one-quarter of a mile.

3. Intersections or Railroad Crossing

It is illegal to drive on the left side of the road (as in attempting to pass
another vehicle) when approaching within 100 feet or traversing an
intersection or railroad crossing. A doctor gave a man six months to live.
He couldn't pay his bill, so the doctor gave him another six months.
4. School Bus

When approaching from either

direction a school bus that is stopped
for the purpose of loading or
unloading children (the bus will be
displaying flashing red lights and a
stop signal arm) drivers must stop
their vehicles before passing the bus
and remain stopped until the flashing
red lights and stop signal arm have
been deactivated.

The exception to the above rule would

be when driving on a divided or multi-
laned highway. In this situation, a
driver need not stop upon
approaching a school bus that is
stopped on the other roadway in the
opposite lanes. But a driver would still
be required to stop if driving on the
same roadway as the school bus,
approaching the school bus from
behind.
You cannot pass within 100 ft of a bridge or a railroad
crossing.
5. Bridges or Abutments

It is illegal to drive on the left side of

the road (as in attempting to pass
another vehicle) when your view is
obstructed upon approaching within
100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or
tunnel.

E. Dangerous Passing
Situations

1. Long Line of Cars Ahead

Never pass more than one vehicle at

a time. Wait your turn, pulling out into
the passing lane only after those in
front of you have had a chance. If you
pull out to pass someone who seems
to be a 'reluctant' passer, be very
alert that they do not reconsider at
the last instant and pull into your
vehicle.
2. Intention to Stop or Turn

The location of crossroads on two-lane highways can be unpredictable, and the crossroads
themselves may be difficult to spot. Furthermore, much of the traffic on two-lane roads is local. Prior
to passing, be alert for drivers ahead who are turning left, or drivers pulling out of the side roads into
traffic. Signal your own intention to turn early.

3. Oncoming Vehicle Too Close

Don't even think about it...you're risking a head-on collision.

4. Car Ahead Is At or Near The Speed Limit

It is illegal to exceed that speed limit even briefly while passing. If you are keeping-up with the
vehicle in front of you, and you both are at or near the speed limit, you are prohibited from passing
by the speed laws.

5.Sight Distance Ahead is Limited

When you decide to pass, you need time and distance to pull out, accelerate, and travel well beyond
the vehicle you are passing before pulling back into line. The doctor says: "You'll live to be 60!" I
said: "I am 60." "See, what did I tell you?" he says. This can be a long or short distance, but if you
can't see clear passing ahead for at least that distance, don't pass.

6. Maneuver Cannot be Completed before Reaching a 'No Passing' Zone

'No Passing' zones are sometimes marked with a sign prior to reaching them. Even if they are not,
they are always marked with yellow lines. Do not pass if you cannot complete the pass before
entering a 'No Passing' zone.

F. Passing Potential

Consider the following when assessing the potential for safe passing:

• The distance and speed of the oncoming vehicles

• Speed of the vehicle that will be passed
• Time it will take to pass
• Your speed
• Type of road and conditions – hill, curves, grave, wet, and fog
 1. Identify Passing Situations

• Passing maneuver times: Ideally you

should pass at a minimum of 10 mph
faster than the vehicle you are passing,
while staying within the legal speed
limit.
• Identifying a safe distance ahead:
Do not consider passing if there are hills,
curves, or dips within your intended
path. Any oncoming vehicle should be at
least one half mile-to-one mile away.
(Figure that at approximately eight city
blocks to a mile, an oncoming vehicle
must be at least four blocks away at
normal highway speeds).
• Identify an end-of-pass gap to pull
back into lane: Identify the gap into
which you intend to merge after passing
before you pull out to pass. Never
assume that a gap will miraculously
open for you.
• Establish a safe response for hazards: On two-lane roads, you want to have an
escape route in mind, should an oncoming vehicle suddenly appear in your lane. Often
this will be the shoulder opposite the line of travel.
• Checking for road traction: If you must pass in uncertain road conditions, test the
road surface by accelerating briefly within your lane.

G. Steps for Successful Passing

1. Scan for Hazards

• Oncoming vehicle: You should be able to

complete a pass without sudden acceleration to beat
an oncoming vehicle. Give yourself plenty of room.
• Vehicles approaching from rear: Often in
passing situations, vehicles behind you will pull out to
pass before you get the chance. Don't become so
intent on passing that you fail to use the rear-view
mirror.
• Merging vehicles: On a freeway, vehicles often
merge into the lanes of traffic from the right – or
slower - lanes. Avoid passing vehicles in these slower
lanes, especially near an on ramp.

2. Check for Blind Spots

Before the attempt to pass is made, check the side-view mirror and glance over your left shoulder to
 make sure there is no vehicle in the blind spot.

3. Signal Intent

Signal with your turn indicator to communicate that you are

starting the passing maneuver.

4. Warn the Driver Ahead

Tap on the horn or flashing your lights as safety measures

warning the driver ahead of your intention to pass.

5. Obtain a Speed Advantage

In your own lane, begin speeding-up toward the vehicle you are
passing as soon as you've committed.

6. Re-check Conditions Ahead

Before pulling out, check conditions ahead again to ensure that the passing lane is clear. You
definitely do not want to be wrong about this.

7. Create Return Space

Do not complete your pass too soon…you should be able to see both headlights of the vehicle you
have just passed in your rear-view mirror before merging back into the driving lane.

8. Signal Return

Signal your intention to return into the driving lane.

9. Check For Blind Spots

As a final check, glance over your right shoulder to make sure that the driving lane is clear.

10. Create Space For Vehicle Passed

The driver being passed should not be forced to slow down or take evasive action. Leave plenty of
space for him or her when returning to the lane.

H. When Being Passed

1. Safety When Being Passed

• Yielding required: If you are being passed, you must do whatever necessary to
assist the passer in completing the maneuver. Your actions can include slowing and
moving to the right if the passer has mistimed the pass.
 • Maintaining speed: Still, the passing driver generally expects the driver ahead to
maintain consistent speed. An intoxicated person puts a quarter in the parking meter
and the dial goes to 60. "Huh!" he says, "I lost 100 lbs.!" When you are being passed, if
there is no danger apparent, maintain your speed and lane placement. Definitely do not
speed-up.

Yielding for

Passing (21753 VC)

Except when passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall safely move
to the right-hand side of the highway in favor of the overtaking vehicle after an audible signal or a
momentary flash of headlights by the overtaking vehicle, and shall not increase the speed of his or
her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. This section does not require the
driver of an overtaken vehicle to drive on the shoulder of the highway in order to allow the
overtaking vehicle to pass.
 IMPORTANT
We appreciate you choosing our course and wanted to take a
moment for an important message. Many students need to contact us
after the course for one reason or another but they forget to write
down our phone number or bookmark our web address.
Please take this moment to write down our phone number (800)
457-3559. Keep it in a secure place in the event you ever need a
duplicate of your certificate, want to refer us to a friend, or come back
again to take our fun course again.
Trust us, you'll be glad you did. Please bookmark our course
www.ComedySchoolForLess.com. Type in coupon code "comedy"
and you will receive a $3.00 discount on your next course (valid for
anyone!)
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You missed the questions marked as red.
Nr Question
1 Speed limits are set based on _______ driving conditions.
2 The minimum speed limit law states that a driver _______ .
It is a good idea to have a navigator (passenger) assist in looking for pedestrians and
3
other vehicles.
In the section on Proper Lane Use, the author asks: If work is so terrific, how come
4
they have to _______ ?
5 Always survey your backing path _______ .
6 U-Turns are legal _______ .
7 A driver should give _______ of the road to an oncoming vehicle.
When a road is too narrow for approaching vehicles to
8
pass,________________________________________.
On a narrow road a driver must sound his horn when approaching a curve where the
9
view is obstructed within a distance of 500 feet.
10 All turns must be signaled continuously before the turn for at least
11 Rapid decision-making is NOT a factor in safe passing.
Driving environments, like natural environments, are ever changing..

CHAPTER 5: DRIVING ENVIRONMENTS

SECTION 13: DEMANDS OF CITY DRIVING
 City driving requires something more than simple focus: It requires a
persistent attention to your surroundings. Traffic patterns in cities
are complicated enough; to complicate them, patterns can
change seasonally (tourist inflow, etc.), daily (changing
construction zones, etc.), and momentarily (local mishaps).

A. Reducing Speed

1. Allows for More Time to See Details and Identify Their

Meaning

You need time to see; to absorb information; to react to information.

Allow for more time to see details and identify their meaning. If a
synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest have to drown, too? This
is especially true when sights and sounds are coming fast-and-
furious. The only way to add time for seeing details and identifying
what they are is to slow down.

An intoxicated guy goes before a judge. The judge says: "You've been brought here for drinking." The guy
says: "Okay, let's get started."

2. Allows for More Time to Analyze Information and Predict What Might Happen

In the city, you should train your eyes to look 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle, giving yourself time
to analyze what you are seeing. Reducing speed is a must for the same reason. Is the vehicle 20
yards ahead moving with the flow of traffic; or is it illegally parked? You do not want to arrive at the
spot without knowing for certain. Slow down.

3. Allows for More Reaction Time to Decide What to Do

The time you have to react to a situation will depend on your speed. You must have time not only to
identify problems, but to evade them as well.

4. Allows for Additional Time to Execute Decisions or Avoid Dangerous Situations

The more difficult an evasive maneuver, the more time it takes to formulate it in your mind, commit to it,
and execute it. Driving at slower speeds adds time for executing maneuvers.
B. Looking Ahead of Traffic

1. Look Ahead for Traffic Hazards

Look ahead a block (12 to 15 seconds), scanning from

sidewalk to sidewalk. Remember:

• Aim your vision high

• Get the big picture
• Keep your eyes moving
• Make sure others see you
• Leave yourself an 'out'

2. Leave Enough Distance to Maneuver

Safe drivers never get 'boxed in' by allowing vehicles to Sudden jam-ups like this are common in
simultaneously block their sides, front, and rear. the city and you require space and time
Give yourself a space cushion for maneuvering. to identify them and avoid a collision.

3. Signal Lights

• Look ahead for signal changes: Scan ahead one block (12 to 15 seconds) searching for
changing lights. You may have to slow or stop for traffic ahead of you as the traffic line gets up
to speed through a new green light.
• Anticipate signal changes: Many traffic signals at busy intersections have pedestrian
signals. They are boxes attached to the signal with either icons indicating 'walk-don't walk,' or
the words 'walk-don't walk.' If the 'don't walk' signal stops flashing, be prepared for the light to
turn yellow. The yellow will usually last for three to five seconds before turning red, depending
speed limit on the street.
• Check for stale green lights: A stale green light is a signal that has been green for some
time and is about to turn yellow. Be aware of how long the light ahead has been green, and be
prepared to brake.

C. Covering the Brake; Not Riding It

When you cover your brake, you remove your foot from the accelerator and position it over the brake
pedal without actually touching the pedal. This is a good practice at intersections and in stop-and-go
traffic. 'Riding the brake' refers to keeping a foot on the brake heavily enough that the brake pads
engage the hub. This wears out the brake system and is a bad habit. It also activates your brake
lights, indicating to drivers behind that you intend to stop when in fact you don't.

1. Slow for Reduced Stopping Distance

Removing the foot from the accelerator itself slows your vehicle…a good thing if you're anticipating
trouble. More important, you are already poised to step down on the brake if trouble occurs. What
has four legs and an arm? A happy pit bull.
2. Situations in which Brake Pedal Should Be Covered

• Next to parked cars: Scan for exhaust, brake lights or for

the left front wheel turning toward the street. Many times
you can see people entering their vehicles or a person
closing their car door.
• When observing brake lights ahead: If you see brake
lights ahead, it may mean that traffic is stopping for an
unexpected reason. Cover your brake.
• Approaching signal lights: Signals can change from
green to yellow or red abruptly as you approach them. Cover
your
brake.

D. City Passing

Passing other vehicles on multi-lane streets is perfectly within the law.

Slower traffic should move in the slower lanes and faster traffic
should travel and pass on the left.
1. Passing Over the Center Line of Travel

Whenever there are two yellow solid lines dividing a city street, you cannot pass on the left. If you are
making a left turn, you may turn over the yellow lines if it is not otherwise prohibited.

2. Passing In or Near an Intersection

Avoid passing when approaching an intersection, especially on a two lane street.

E. Choosing a Lane

The basic rule of lane-positioning applies to all roadways: Slower drivers in the right-hand lane and faster
drivers in the left-hand lane. If you are in the left-hand lane, and a driver approaches from the rear,
always move to the right-hand lane (assuming it is safe) and allow the faster driver to pass.

1. Choose a Lane Appropriate to Use

A lawyer is a man who helps you get what's coming to him. On multi-laned streets (more than three-lanes
in either direction), the middle lane generally provides the safest, most unobstructed lane for
travel, since left-turning or right-turning vehicles are turning from the right- or left-hand lanes
respectively.

2. Choose a Less Traveled or Congested Lane Unless Planning to Turn

Sometimes the right or slower lane may move faster than the other lanes. If necessary change to a lane
where traffic is moving faster. You may drive in the fast – or left lane – even if you do not
necessarily want to keep up to speed, if you plan to turn left. However, do not merge left until you
are near your turn (200 ft), and clearly signal your intention to turn.

F. Vehicle Position

In flowing traffic, keep your vehicle to a single lane and drive deliberately, allowing drivers around you to
anticipate your moves and make room for you.

1. Keep up with Traffic Speed and Within Legal Limits

Be aware of traffic speeds. Speed up to close gaps to safe distances; but do not exceed the speed limit to
do so. You can find more room slowing just as easily as you can by speeding, so consider closing
gaps by moving to a slow lane.

2. Avoid Another Driver's Blind Spots

Blind spots exist as a matter of vehicle design at approximately the right and left fender of every vehicle.
They are smaller on small vehicles and larger on larger vehicles. Larger vehicles may also have a
blind spot to their rear. The longer you drive in another driver's blind spot, the greater grow the
odds that the driver will merge into you.
3. Avoid Letting another Driver Drive in Your Blind Spot

Not only can you inadvertently hit vehicles in your blind spot, but having them there limits your
immediate escape routes. Always know where the vehicles around you are located.

4. Avoid Side-by-side Driving

Slow down or speed up to avoid being hemmed in.

5. Avoid Driving in Bunches

Driving in a bunch increases your chance of having a collision, and limits your ability to escape others'
mishaps. If possible, move to lanes where you have room in front, and to the sides and rear of your
vehicle.

G. Choosing a Safe Route

Nothing reduces your chances of having a driving mishap – or increases your chances of arriving safely at
your destination – more than choosing the right route. The best route is often not the most direct
route; nor is it necessarily the route with the most freeways. Get used to planning your route in
advance, taking into consideration the following:

• number of lanes on a street

• amount of congestion due to businesses
• pedestrian traffic
• whether the road is divided for faster movement

When traveling to an unknown destination write the address, phone number and important landmarks.

1. Time of Day and Traffic Density

Avoid traveling at particular times of day, such as rush hour. This may mean arriving at work early, or
leaving late. If possible, travel to congested areas between 10:00 am to 11:30 am and from 1:30
pm to 4:00 pm.

2. Thru-streets vs. Side Streets

Whether to travel thru-streets or side streets is an age-old debate. As a rule, thru-streets – even during
peak traffic – move steadily, if slowly. Side streets - although they may have less traffic during peak
- often have unprotected intersections that slow you down.

3. One-way Streets vs. Two-way Streets

One-way streets generally support more traffic (have more lanes of travel in a single direction) than two-
way streets. Thus they are an improvement when choosing a route.
H. Special Problems Associated with City
Traffic

1. Parked Cars Hiding Cross Traffic

Be careful as you approach any line of parked vehicles for

drivers exiting them, for vehicles emerging from
driveways, and/or for pedestrians darting into traffic.

2. Detour in Lane of Travel

Street construction or double-parked vehicles are two

hazards that drivers must contend with in city
driving. Look for cues ahead that alert you to
blocked lanes, such as orange signs in the lane,
brake lights, and vehicles merging out of the lane of
travel.

3. Two-way Left-turn Center Lane Use

Center turn-lanes enhance the flow of traffic by allowing

drivers turning left to get out of the line of traffic.
However, they may also present a hazard, should
drivers carelessly turn across the traffic flow. If you This unexpected detour is a common
need to turn left, you can merge into the center lane sight on city streets. They cause traffic
a maximum of 200 feet before you must turn. Be jam-ups for the unsuspecting, and once
aware that – as you merge into the turn-lane - other you're caught it's too late to get out of
drivers turning left and/or drivers turning from a side the way. Look ahead in traffic for them.
street into your direction of travel may appear
abruptly in your path in the center lane.
4. Turning at Corners

Intersections are where most collisions

occur on city streets. When
approaching an intersection, watch
for drivers:

• Not turning into the correct

lane (right lane into the right lane
and left lane into a safe lane)
• Running red lights as oncoming
vehicles turn left
• Stopping suddenly in front of Two-way left-turn center lanes present special
you (often from pedestrians problems that can only be
blocking the path of travel)
resolved by common sense and good judgment.
Vehicles traveling in opposite directions may enter the
 lane at any time to turn off the main thoroughfare,
and vehicles may enter from side streets traveling in
either direction. Be patient, wait your turn, and be
observant. Remember: you can only drive 200 ft. in
the center lane.

5. Driving on One-way Streets

One-way streets tend to move more vehicles at higher speed with less conflict than two-way streets.

• Identifying
• One-way sign with arrows
posted
• Only broken white line
pavement markings
• No yellow dividing lines
• Parked vehicles facing the
same direction on both
sides of the street
• Entering: When making a right
turn onto a one-way street, turn
from the lane closest to the right
curb. You can finish the turn in
any lane that is open and safe.
When making a left turn onto a
one way street from a one-way
street, turn from the farthest left
lane and turn into any lane that
is open and safe. You can turn
left on a red light from a one-way
onto another one-way street.
When turning left from a one-way One-way streets would seem to be more efficient to
street onto a two-way street, use...and they are. But
make certain to pass across the
yellow center lines into your lane they present their own challenges: mainly staying
of travel. alert to pedestrians,

bicyclists, and erratic lane changers

• Speed: Keep up with traffic on one-way streets. On the other hand, avoid exceeding the
speed limit, since traffic on streets without oncoming traffic tends to move at higher speeds.
• Lane choice: Choose your lane on a one-way street by the distance you plan to travel. Long
distance travel on a one-way usually dictates traveling in the center lane(s).
• Exiting: It is best to move into the correct lane at least one block before you plan to make a
left or right turn. Drive in the outer lanes prior to turning.
• Dealing with wrong-way drivers: If you notice a vehicle turning onto a one-way street in
your direction, sound your horn, flash your lights, and quickly move into a safe lane. Pull to the
side and stop if possible.
6. When and Where to Expect Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Bicyclist can ride their bicycles on either side of the street on a one-way street. Thus, watch for them
whenever you are in an outside lane. Also, if you park on a one-way street, watch for bicyclists
before opening your door to exit your vehicle. An unbreakable toy is useful for breaking other
toys.In the case of both bicyclists and pedestrians, one-way traffic puts them at a disadvantage
crossing the street, because of the lack of a center turn lane as a refuge. That can make them
unpredictable. Watch for them anywhere.

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SECTION 15: DEMANDS OF DRIVING ON AN OPEN HIGH

On an open highway, expect the unexpected.

s of Potential Hazards

ked Farm and Field Driveways

field driveways are seldom marked and often difficult to spot. These driveways can and will be found at any and
open highways, including in blind curves and on hillsides. Farm vehicles enter and exit these areas at near-zero
 Livestock Crossing Areas

crossing areas are usually marked by 'Livestock Crossing' signs. When you see a
animals in the crossing, you must grant the right-of-way to the livestock. Furtherm
frighten animals or livestock in a crossing by honking or any other means.

Road Conditions

roads in rural areas are poorly maintained. Watch for gravel, dust on the paveme
Deja Moo is the feeling that you've heard all this bull before.

ked Shoulders

shoulders may be interrupted by storm drains or ditches that can

se a vehicle to swerve suddenly or flip over.

de Stands or Gas Stations

ds, gas stations, and other small rural businesses may appear
xpectedly at any and all points along the highway. They may lack
nage and/or be partially hidden. Daylight Savings Time: Why are
y saving it and where do they put it? Often their driveways are
veled, and allow little room for maneuvering. They're often popular
hering places for locals, and can be quite busy. Watch for vehicles
ering and exiting these places.

On roads with no shoulders, slow dow

keep observant. Have a sense of an e
route should something happen

r Users of the Roadway

e items consumed and produced in the countryside are trucked in on the open highway. Trucks travel slowly be
terrain, reduced space, and reduced speeds. Near the summit of a steep or long hill, a truck may be traveling s
o be virtually stopped. If you approach from behind at high speed, you will be on them before you know it.

• Speed: Large commercial trucks will often range in speed from 'below the speed limit' to 'way below the spe
Do not tailgate, honk at them, or harass them.

• Passing
 • Passing a large truck takes longer than passing o
types of vehicle.

• When passing or being passed by a large truck, s

currents may cause your vehicle to suddenly move
sideways.

• Passing a large truck in a heavy rain is made mo

dangerous by side streams of water thrown off by
wheels, which can obscure your vision.

moving Vehicles

the traffic on open highways is local: slow-moving farm vehicles, de

and short-trip drivers.

• Speed: Farm tractors and road maintenance vehicles

travel at 25 mph on rural roadways. They are distinguish
orange safety signs or red flags attached to the rear of v
When you see such signs or flags ahead, begin slowing
immediately, because you will close with the vehicle ver

• Clearance: Farm implements such as harrows or plow

designed for narrow highways. Give them wide clearance when you pass them.

are paying particular attention to 'cattle crossing' and 'horse crossing' signs, don't forget that rural areas are ho
ety of domestic pets and undomesticated animals as well.

• Unexpected: High speed collisions with large - or medium-sized animals are always destructive. At the very
they destroy the animal. Such a collision usually causes major damage to your vehicle as well; and, if you lose
the vehicle, you may do damage to yourself and/or your passengers. In the worse case, vehicles swerving to av
animals have

been known to cross the centerline of the roadway and collide head-on with oncoming vehicles

If you are traveling too fast to allow the animal to move off or for you to move around it safely, the rule of thum
Protect yourself first. Traveling in a straight line through the animal is safer at high speed than swerving to avo
you kill an animal, stop, move it off the roadway, and attempt to contact local animal control or law enforceme
injure the animal, leave it alone, since injured animals can be dangerous. Attempt to contact local animal contr
enforcement.

• Passing: If you can pass an animal, slow down so as not to spook it, and then move cautiously around it.

Environments

highways with diverse terrain increase the number of judgments and adjustment
make.

almost never encounter a high-speed blind curve except on an open highway. W

encounter one, move your vehicle to the right, away from the center line.

• Speed and braking: Always slow as you approach a curve. Then p

speed as you come out of the curve. Before you enter the curve, try t
whether the curve is banked or flat. Banked curves allow for a steadie
speed than a flat curve.

• Hazards: When you are traveling into a blind curve, always be awa
your time and ability to react to a hazard is limited by your visibility a
centrifugal forces acting on your vehicle.

• Be prepared for an oncoming vehicle that may drift into your lane.

• Be prepared for a bad road surface, which can affect your traction.

• Be prepared for any obstacles in the road.

• Shifting gears: When traveling downhill, downshift your transmission to control your speed. This reduces w
tear on your brakes, wheels, and tires.

• Visibility and speed: Reduce your speed as you approach the top of a hill, taking care not to drive so fast t
cannot stop within the distance that you can see. Drive to the outside of the lane to avoid any vehicle opposite
passing near the crest of the hill.

• Brake failure or overheating: Going downhill, watch your speedometer to make certain that your speed d
gradually build to the point that you are out of control. Again, use your transmission to slow your vehicle, thus
brake failure. When you must apply the brakes, use light, intermittent brake pressure.
 Continue

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SECTION 16: HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

A. Driving in the Fog

Fog usually appears at first as a white wall or bank. The instant you see such a wall, reduce speed.
Fog often appears in patches, so when you drive out of one patch, be prepared for the next.
1. Obtaining Maximum Visibility and Reducing Glare

Fog is at its most dangerous at night, when it 'throws back' or reflects your headlights at you.

• Appropriate use of headlamps: Always use

low beam headlights driving through fog, which
reduces glare.

• Fog lights Fog lights enhance your ability to

see in a fog. However, they must be mounted no
less than 12 inches, not more than 30 inches,
off the ground.

• Windshield wipers and defrosters:

Replace windshield wipers before the rainy
season starts for effective, non-streak cleaning.
Also, your defroster is effective for preventing fog from condensing on your windshield, so keep
it operational.

B. Speed Control in a Fog

1. Reduce Speed but Keep Moving When Entering a Fog

When you enter a fog, reduce your speed – perhaps by as much as half - to prevent overdriving your
headlights. However, avoid the temptation to stop, because you can be rear-ended by vehicles
behind you.

2. Watch for Slow-moving Vehicles Ahead

In a fog, it is difficult to tell whether the taillights you're seeing belong to a slow-moving vehicle, or
whether the vehicle is actually stopped. Cover your brake until you are certain.

3. Look in the Rearview Mirror for Approaching Vehicles

If you must slow suddenly, tap your brake to warn vehicles approaching you from the rear. If you
must stop, turn on your emergency flashers prior to stopping, and leave them on until you are
moving again.
C. When Your Vehicle Stalls

1. Move Off the Roadway Quickly

Usually there is some warning that your vehicle is

about to stall, such as a sputtering engine.
When this happens, move off the roadway as
quickly as possible.

2. Move Away from the Vehicle

Exit your vehicle from the passenger-side door. If you

check your engine, check it from the off-road
side of the vehicle. You are better off, however,
staying away from the vehicle altogether. If
possible, move to the other side of a guardrail
or to the unpaved portion of the roadway.
Never try to cross lanes of the freeway for help.
Wait for police to assist you.

3. Restricted Use of Flashers or Flares

Emergency flashers, reflective triangles, or flares are

important in preventing your stalled vehicle If you have vehicle problems in the fog,
from being struck. On high-speed roads, pull to the side of the road and stay with
triangle or flares should be placed at least 50 your vehicle. If you go looking for help in
feet from the vehicle so that approaching a dense fog, it's easy to wander onto the
vehicles are forewarned. Beware that roadway and get a nasty surprise.
intoxicated drivers tend to focus on the flashing
lights, and may be drawn to your flashers. Keep
an eye out for erratically driven vehicles
approaching from the rear.

D. General Tips

1. Listen for Traffic You Cannot See

Diplomacy is the art of saying 'nice doggie' until you find a rock. In heavy fog where visibility is
limited, listen for sounds of approaching vehicles.

2. Avoid Crossing Roadways

Find and use signal-controlled intersections. If you must cross the roadway in a fog, again, listen for
the sounds of an approaching vehicle.

3. Avoid Passing a Line of Cars

Never attempt to pass a line of vehicles in a fog. If you must travel in hazardous conditions, leave
 yourself more time to arrive at your destination.

4. Postpone Your Trip

Your best option is to postpone your trip until weather conditions improve.

5. Keep Headlights and Taillights Clean

Particularly when driving into hazardous conditions, keep your vehicle in good working order, and
keep headlights and taillights clean. Road dirt and grime from ice and snow will greatly reduce
visibility.

E. Driving on Slippery Surfaces

1. Obtaining Maximum Visibility

In slippery conditions, the limits of visibility may mean the difference between hitting a patch of ice
at high speed or avoiding it.

• Drive with headlamps on: Always drive with your headlamps on so that others see
you. If you begin to slide, this will help them avoid a chain reaction collision.

• Use windshield washers to remove film: Slippery conditions are often associated
with mist or road moisture that film

your windshield and - if it is cold outside – can layer your windshield with ice. Keep your
windshield wipers and defroster going.

F. Speed Control in Slippery Conditions

1. Keep Below Dry-road Speed

Cut the posted speed limit in half when driving in fog or on ice.
Slow even more if the fog or ice worsens.

2. Entering Curves

Even at your already reduced speed, you might have to reduce

speed even further when entering a curve. Be sure to
avoid any sudden braking or steering maneuvers.

G. Staying on the Roadway

1. Stay on the Pavement

Stay on the paved portion of the roadway. You may be tempted to drive with two wheels on a
graveled shoulder, thinking it improves traction; but you may encounter potholes, raised
grates, etc.

2. Drive in the Tracks of the Car Ahead

The wheels of the vehicles in front of you can 'squeegee' away some of the water that causes
hydroplaning in heavy rains, and/or break-up and melt ice or frost. Try to drive in those tracks
if you can.

3. Allow More of a Space Cushion

A simple one- or two-vehicle collision in good conditions can begin 'chain reactions' involving dozens
of vehicles in hazardous conditions. Avoid this by increasing the distance between you and the
vehicles around you

4. Avoid Sudden Movements

Any sudden acceleration, braking, or steering can cause a vehicle to lose traction on a wet road. Give
a man a fish and he will eat for one day. Teach him how to fish and he'll sit in a boat and drink
beer all day.

H. Driving Through Deep Water

Avoid driving through water. If you can't avoid it, remember the following.

1. Do Not Overload the Rear

Distribute passenger and cargo as evenly as possible in your vehicle. If the rear of the vehicle is
overloaded, deep water can cause the front end to rise, reducing your ability to steer..

2. Shift to a Lower Gear

Drive through unavoidable water at a very slow speed in low gear. The more you disturb the water,
the more likely you are to splash it into places it shouldn't be, such as the electrical and/or
brake systems. When you emerge, pump your brakes to test them for grab. If their stopping
ability is compromised by water, drive slowly and continue pumping them lightly until they
dry.
I. Hydroplaning

When you drive too fast on rain-laden

roadways – especially if you have bad
tires – your vehicle can lose contact
with the road surface and surf the
water on the roadway. This is called
hydroplaning. Drivers have described
the action of hydroplaning as '…like
moving on Jell-O...'

1. Regaining Control

• Take your foot off Your ability to keep contact with a wet road is
accelerator and slow down directly proportional to your speed. Slow down.
to regain traction with the
road.

• Do not brake. Hard braking

may cause the vehicle to skid.

J. Driving in Snow and Ice

In cold, snowy climates, one of your most

effective preventative measures is
warming your vehicle before starting
out, which will improve its overall
short-term performance (brakes,
defroster, etc.).

1. Obtaining Maximum Visibility

Also before starting out, remove snow, ice,

and/or street grime from headlights
and taillights, and from windows,
windshield and windshield wiper
blades.

• Appropriate use of headlamps: Drive with your headlights on. Pale winter landscapes
make everything look washed out. Your headlights bring your vehicle into higher relief for
other drivers to see.

• Windshield wipers and defrosters: Snowy conditions lead to condensation of

moisture on glass surfaces inside the vehicle that obstructs visibility, and snow and grit on
the outside of the surfaces. Make full use of your wipers and defrosters to avoid this
 problem.

K. Speed Control

1. Keep Below Dry-road Speed

Your traction is greatly reduced in snow, so you need to take into account road surface conditions
and terrain features when setting your speed. Beauty is in the eyes of the "beer-holder." You
will definitely need to keep below dry-road speed.

2. Keep Your Speed Steady

Particularly in rear-wheel drive vehicles (which include most passenger vehicles), sudden
acceleration produces faster spinning of the rear wheels relative to the spinning of the front
wheels. This makes your vehicle 'fishtail.' This in turn can cause a full-on skid. Keep a very
steady, slow speed on an icy road.

3. Reduce Speed on Curves and in

Shady Areas

Watch for ice on curves in the road that

may be covered in shade. Bridges ice
up before the road freezes.
Remember: The road is more slippery
at near-freezing than at much lower
temperatures.

4. Maintain a Larger Space

Open up space around you, giving yourself

more time to react to hazards and
reducing the chances of being caught
in a chain reaction collision.

L. General Tips to Avoid Skids

One of the many hazards to look out for in a
1. Watch for Areas Where Ice Collects
snowstorm is snowplows. Often, their shovels
extend over the centerlines, and more than one
vehicle has hit them unawares. Pay particular attention to shady areas,
curves, hill, bridges, and icy patches.

2. Avoid Turning or Slowing Suddenly

Slow before entering a curve in the road. Drivers are more likely to go into a skid on a curve or when
 changing speeds. Always avoid swerving from a straight path.

3. Avoid Applying Brakes Too Suddenly or Too Hard

This leads to skidding. If you have older (non-ABS) brakes, pump them intermittently and gently. If
you have ABS brakes, do not pump them, since
this reduces their effectiveness. If possible, find
a dry spot on the road prior to braking to
increase traction.

4. Do Not Drive on Road Edge or Shoulder

The more points of contact between your vehicle and

the road surface, the less likely you are to skid;
so when you put two wheels on the shoulder,
you have reduced your contact points by two.
Also, since shoulders of the road are not
maintained during winter, ice may remain
there longer than it stays on a traveled road.

5. Do Not Shift to a Lower Gear at High Speed

Shifting to a lower gear at high speed causes skidding. First slow down, then downshift.

6. When to Use Chains

Tire chains provide the best traction on snow and ice. Traction tires (either studded winter tires, or
studded regular tires) are a good substitute. Both chains and traction tires are available at
most tires stores, as well as many auto-parts stores. One or the other – rarely, both – are often
required on steeply graded, high-elevation roads. If you do not have one or the other installed
on your vehicle during storms in these areas, and you are stopped by law enforcement, you
will be turned around and sent back.

If you need to chain-up, it's not necessarily fun. Still, in many conditions - especially in
the mountains - you will be required to do it. Carry chains with you if you plan to drive in
 the mountains in snowy weather.

M. How to Stop Skidding

1. Avoid Braking Suddenly – Pump Brakes

Lightly but Quickly

If you brake suddenly in hazardous conditions –

and particularly if you keep your foot on
the brake – your vehicle will lose traction,
increasing your chances of skidding, and
worsening a skid if you are in one already.
Pump the brakes briskly to reduce speed
(non-ABS).

2. Do Not Lift Your Foot from the

Accelerator
Alternately, keep your foot on the accelerator.
This keeps the engine moving. If the
engine slows rapidly, it will make the skid
harder to control.
If you ever have to steer out of a skid,
turning into the
direction that you're already skidding is one
of the scariest

3. Steer in the Direction in Which the Rear- things you will ever do. It feels completely
end is Traveling wrong...because

No matter what direction the rear of your vehicle you're already skidding in a direction you
is traveling during a skid, steer in that don't want to go.
direction. This has the effect of
straightening the vehicle. But trust us, it's the only way to straighten
out the vehicle
4. Avoid Oversteering
and get it under control. If you straighten the
The steering wheel should be turned gently to vehicle out
bring the vehicle out of the skid. The horse
that I bet on was so slow, the jockey kept a and then bolt into a ditch before you can
diary of the trip. By turning the steering stop the forward
wheel too hard or too far - over-correcting
- the vehicle will whip out of control in the progress of the vehicle, that's a lot better
opposite direction. than turning away

from the skid and doing 360 degree turns

into oncoming traffic.
5. Keep the Clutch Engaged

Engine compression in a manual transmission vehicle helps the vehicle slow. If you push in the clutch
pedal, you disengage the engine, canceling out this benefit. Thus, in a manual shift vehicle,
never depress the clutch pedal in a skid.

N. Starting Out When Traction is Poor

1. Start in a Higher Gear

By starting gradually in (D) drive, there will be very little spinning of the wheels.

2. Accelerate Gradually

Accelerate gradually, deliberately, and slowly to avoid

spinning your wheels.

O. How to Rock-out when You are Stuck

'Rocking out' is a technique for freeing your vehicle if it is

trapped in snow and ice. Prior to rocking the vehicle,
stabilize the ground surface directly in front of the front
wheels, and directly behind the rear wheels, with sand,
gravel, boards, or anything handy. Then:

1. Start slowly in low gear and accelerate

forward gradually until the wheels start to spin;

2. Quickly shift to reverse, allowing the vehicle

to fall backward and accelerating gradually until
the wheels start to

spin again;

3. Repeat the steps in rapid succession, effectively rocking the vehicle back and forth.
Make sure that you keep the

vehicle moving, quickly gaining momentum with each back and forth movement.

P. Mechanical Failure

Below are some simple fixes for various mechanical failures.

1. Stuck Accelerator

1. Shift to neutral.
 2. Apply the brakes.

3. Keep your eyes on the road.

4. Look for a way out.

5. Warn other drivers by blinking and flashing your emergency lights.

6. Try to drive the vehicle safely off the road.

7. Turn off the ignition when you no longer need to change direction.

2. Blowout

1. Hold the wheel tightly and steer straight ahead.

2. Slow down gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal slowly but don't apply the
brakes.

3. Slow to a stop off the road in a safe spot.

4. Apply the brakes when the car is almost stopped.

3. Brake Failure

1. Downshift to a low gear.

2. Pump the brake pedal fast and hard to build up fluid pressure. You will know in three
or four pumps if the brakes

will work by whether the brake resistance stiffens at the top of its travel.

3. Intermittently pump (apply and release) the parking brake, but be ready to release it
if the car begins to skid.

4. If possible, steer into bushes or something soft.

5. Sound your horn and flash your lights to warn other drivers.

6. When you no longer need to chance directions, turn of the ignition.

4. Headlight Failure

1. Try the headlights switch a few times.

2. If that doesn't work, put on the parking lights, emergency flashers, or turn signals.
 3. Pull off the road as quickly as
possible and leave the emergence
flashers on.

5. Power Steering Failure if the Engine

Dies

1. Steering will become difficult,

but possible. Move to the side of
the road as safely as possible.

2. Stop the car. You may have to push the brake pedal hard if your car has power
brakes.

3. Restart the engine and proceed with caution.

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