Overview
This lecture covers key concepts in driver education, focusing on risk factors for new drivers, licensing processes, essential vehicle checks, traffic laws, and safe driving practices.
Highway Transportation System & Licensing
- The highway transportation system (HTS) moves people/products safely and efficiently using roads, vehicles, and users.
- It takes about 5 years for new drivers to reach the skill of experienced drivers.
- The Graduated Drivers License (GDL) process has 3 levels: permit, provisional license, and full license.
- Level 1 permit in NC: minimum age 15, $25.50 cost, 60 hours driving log (10 at night).
- Driving Eligibility Certificate (DEC) is valid for 30 days; loss can occur from school issues or suspensions.
- New drivers are 10x more likely to crash than adults; inexperience is the main issue.
- Nearly half of new drivers face traffic offenses or crashes in their first year.
- Teen crash risk is higher between 9pm–6am; 90% of crashes are due to driver error.
- Following distance should always be 3–4 seconds to increase risk response time.
- Leading causes of teen crashes: failing to yield, speeding, distractions; vehicle collisions are a leading cause of young deaths.
Traffic Laws & Safe Driving Practices
- Obey all traffic laws; license suspension if exceeding 12 points in 3 years.
- Unpaid fines can result in license revocation.
- Passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights has severe penalties.
- Always check around your vehicle before moving it.
- Supervising drivers must have at least 5 years’ driving experience.
- Traffic laws allow users to predict others’ actions.
Vehicle Operation & Maintenance
- Pre-entry checks: look for body damage, leaks, and tire condition.
- Under-hood checks: brake fluid, power steering, transmission, oil, battery, coolant, belts, hoses, washer fluid.
- VIP indicators: engine oil pressure, temperature, seat belt warning, high beam.
- Parking brake secures the vehicle; keep foot on brake when starting.
- Driver should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel; head restraint at head’s center.
- Safety belts slow deceleration and prevent injury; head restraints reduce whiplash.
Visual Skills & Space Management
- Central, fringe, and peripheral vision each serve different observation roles.
- Scanning involves continuous, quick glances in an orderly pattern.
- Open zones are free of restrictions to line of sight or travel path.
- S.E.E. method: Search, Evaluate, Execute; SIPDE: Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute.
- Maintain 3–4 seconds following distance; increasing it lowers rear-end crash risk.
Traffic Signs, Signals & Road Markings
- Even-numbered highways run east-west; odd run north-south.
- Shield-shaped signs identify interstate highways; yellow/black signs warn hazards.
- Red light: full stop; flashing yellow: slow and proceed with caution.
- Double broken yellow lines: reversible lanes; white lines mark right road edge.
- Yield right-of-way to vehicle on the right at uncontrolled intersections.
Key Terms & Definitions
- HTS (Highway Transportation System) — system including roads, vehicles, and users for transport.
- GDL (Graduated Drivers License) — licensing process with permit, provisional, and full license stages.
- Risk Perception — evaluating risk present at the moment of a driving maneuver.
- Risk Management — adjusting position or speed to reduce risk.
- Visual Lead — distance looked ahead, typically 20–30 seconds.
- Open Zone — area without sight/space restrictions.
- S.E.E. — Search, Evaluate, Execute process for safe driving.
- SIPDE — Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute process for hazard handling.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete required driving hours and logs for permit/license.
- Schedule DMV appointments promptly after receiving DEC.
- Review vehicle checks and safety procedures before each drive.
- Continue practicing safe following distances and scanning techniques.