Driving Safety and Regulations Lecture Notes

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

• Illegal to drive with BAC 0.08% or higher for 21+
• Driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal

Speed and Driving Laws

• Basic Speed Law: Never drive faster than safe for conditions
• California Vehicle Laws:
  • No driving under influence of medications impairing driving
  • Use bike lanes only up to 200 feet before turning right
  • Use hands-free devices for calls; let calls go to voicemail

Road Markings

• Solid yellow line next to broken yellow line: Passing allowed next to broken line
• Solid double yellow lines: Cannot cross for any reason

Parking and Maneuvering

• Park uphill with no curb: Turn wheels right
• Move vehicle out of traffic after minor collision

Pedestrians and Crosswalks

• Always yield to pedestrians, regardless of crosswalk presence
• Yield to white cane or guide dog users at all times

Vehicle Following and Merging

• Follow large trucks at greater distance
• Allow room for merging traffic on freeways

Traffic Signals

• Non-functioning lights: Treat as stop signs
• Red arrow: No turns until green
• Yellow arrows and lights: Prepare to stop

Large Vehicles

• Allow extra space for stopping
• Trucks may need to swing wide during turns

Legal Obligations

• Consent to chemical tests when driving in California
• Report collisions with damage over $1,000 or injuries

Emergency Situations

• Yield to emergency vehicles by moving to the right
• Use horn only to prevent collisions
• Headlights required 30 minutes post-sunset

Speed Regulations

• School zone speed limit: 25 mph unless otherwise posted
• Basic Speed Law: Adjust speed per conditions

Road Safety Practices

• Keep space cushion on all sides
• Communicate intentions to other road users
• Avoid distractions and drive defensively

Traffic Signs

• Regulatory Signs: Usually white, must be obeyed
• Warning Signs: Diamond-shaped for hazards
• Guide Signs: Green for directions and mileage
• Work Zone Signs: Orange, diamond-shaped

Railroad Crossings

• Always stop if there isn’t room on the other side
• Never go around lowered gates

Children and School Zones

• Illegal to leave child under 6 unattended in a vehicle
• Follow crossing guard instructions

Aggressive Driving

• Avoid eye contact, let aggressive drivers pass

Weather Conditions

• Increase following distance on slippery roads
• Watch for icy spots in shaded areas

Vehicle Issues

• In case of blowout: Slow gradually, use brakes lightly

Intersections

• Yield to the right at four-way stops
• Look left-right-left before proceeding

Miscellaneous

• Abandoning animals on a highway can lead to jail time
• Slow-moving vehicle signs are orange and red triangles
• Double fines in construction zones
• California's Move Over law for emergency vehicles