Overview
This lecture covers key rules and best practices for driver safety, traffic signs, and handling common on-road situations, emphasizing safe driving and traffic law compliance.
Chemical Tests & Alcohol
- Refusing a chemical test (breath or blood) results in your driver's license being taken away.
- Mixing alcohol with prescription or over-the-counter medicines can multiply alcohol's effects.
- The breathalyzer is used to test Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
Turning & Lane Usage
- When turning left from a two-way street into a one-way street, finish in the left lane.
- To turn left from a one-way street onto another, start from the lane closest to the left curb.
- For a proper right turn, signal at least 100 ft before, then move into the right lane when safe.
Passing & Right-of-Way Rules
- Never pass when a vehicle ahead is stopped for a pedestrian at a crosswalk.
- Pedestrians have the right of way in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
Traffic Signs & Signals
- "Do Not Enter" signs prevent entry to wrong-way ramps or one-way streets.
- White arrows in lanes direct drivers for proper turning on highways.
- Solid yellow lines in the center indicate traffic moving in opposite directions.
- Hospital, steep hill, divided highway ends, and two-way traffic signs have specific meanings.
Parking & Vehicle Positioning
- Park uphill with a curb by turning wheels away from the curb.
- Park uphill with no curb by turning wheels to the left, away from the street.
- Back out of a driveway only after checking behind the vehicle for children or obstacles.
Special Lanes & Driving Conditions
- HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes are for vehicles with multiple occupants.
- You can drive in a bike lane only within 200 ft of making a right turn.
- In the far right freeway lane, expect vehicles entering or exiting.
Headlights, Following Distance & Safety
- Dim headlights when following another vehicle within 200 ft at night.
- Tailgating can frustrate other drivers and cause danger.
- In fog, dust, or heavy precipitation, best practice is to avoid driving until conditions improve.
School Buses & Pedestrian Safety
- If a school bus with flashing lights is on the opposite side of a divided highway, continue at normal speed unless children are crossing.
Traffic Control & Obedience
- Always obey a police officer's directions over signals or signs.
- At a steady yellow light, proceed with caution and stop if not safe to continue.
Vehicle Operation & Licensing
- With a Class C license, you may drive a 3-axle vehicle if it weighs less than 6,000 lbs.
Key Terms & Definitions
- BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) — The amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream.
- HOV Lane — High Occupancy Vehicle lane reserved for vehicles with multiple occupants.
- Crosswalk — A designated area for pedestrians to cross the road, marked or unmarked.
- Do Not Enter Sign — Prevents vehicles from entering a restricted area, often a one-way ramp in the wrong direction.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review official driver's handbook for further details.
- Practice identifying traffic signs and lane markings.
- Complete any assigned driver safety readings or quizzes.