Overview
This lecture covers safe driving practices, traffic laws, and specific rules for sharing the road, focusing on common causes of crashes and best practices in various driving scenarios.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
- Teenage drivers are more likely to crash when driving with teenage passengers.
- Eating, drinking, or smoking while driving makes vehicle control harder.
- Lack of sleep affects driving like alcohol; teenagers should get at least 8 hours of sleep.
- Alcohol and drugs increase crash risk and impair reaction time and judgment, even in small amounts.
Sharing the Road
- Allow motorcycles a full lane and at least four seconds of following distance.
- Move as far left as safely possible when passing bicyclists.
- Use extra caution near blind pedestrians with a white cane or guide dog.
- Yield to pedestrians crossing when turning, even without a traffic light.
School Buses and Emergency Vehicles
- Stop at least 10 feet from a school bus with flashing lights and extended stop arm, unless on the opposite side of a divided highway.
- Remain stopped for a school bus until lights stop flashing and stop arm is withdrawn.
- Pull to the side and stop for emergency vehicles with flashing lights and sirens; do not follow within 500 feet.
Safe Driving Techniques
- Communicate with other drivers and use signals 3-4 seconds before turning.
- Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Use hand signals if turn signals fail.
- Use four-way flashers when parked on the roadway or driving under 40 mph on highways.
Speed, Spacing, and Traffic Flow
- Maintain a space cushion on all sides and use the four-second rule for following distance.
- Increase following distance on wet or slippery roads and when stopping uphill.
- Drive with the flow of traffic unless conditions require slower speeds.
Weather and Road Conditions
- Reduce speed and increase following distance on wet, icy, or foggy roads.
- Use low beam headlights in fog and at night when visibility is low.
- Roads freeze faster in shaded areas and are most slippery during the first 10-15 minutes of rain.
Lane Use and Passing
- Use the left lane for left turns and wait until all lanes are clear before turning left.
- Pass slower vehicles only when safe, using the oncoming lane if allowed.
- Never squeeze between a truck and curb; allow trucks more stopping distance.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Blind Spot — An area not visible in mirrors, requiring a head turn to check.
- Hydroplaning — Loss of traction due to water, usually from excessive speed.
- Space Cushion — Safe space around a vehicle to allow time to react.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review state driving handbook for full rules on passing, right-of-way, and handling emergencies.
- Practice safe following distances and signaling in real driving situations.
- Complete assigned readings or homework as directed by your instructor.