Sharing the Road with�Motorcycles, Slow Moving Vehicles,
Emergency Vehicles, and carpoolers.
SHARING the ROAD with
SLOW MOVING VEHICLES
Some vehicles have difficulty keeping up with the speed of traffic.
Examples include:
(a) horse-drawn carriages, (b) construction equipment, (c) farm tractors, and (d) old historical vehicles (e) garbage truck (f) street cleaner
SHARING the ROAD with
SLOW MOVING VEHICLES
Slow moving vehicles may have orange colored triangle signs on their back to warn you that they are traveling slower than other traffic.
You should adjust your speed or lane position before reaching them.
SHARING the ROAD with
SLOW MOVING VEHICLES
Garbage Trucks make frequent stops. They may have a sign indicating this. Do not follow these vehicles too closely and be prepared to stop.
Emergency Vehicles (rescue/lifesaving)
-ambulances
-police
-fire fighting
When you encounter them on the roadway, be courteous. Act like you or a family member are the ones who needs help.
When responding to a call, they will have at least light and sound a siren.
You must YIELD the right of way to a police car, fire engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle using a siren or red light.
SHARING the ROAD with EMERGENCY VEHICLES
Be alert – make sure your music is not too loud.
If you hear sirens but do not see the emergency vehicle, slow down and be prepared to stop.
Approach intersections with caution – the emergency vehicle may be approaching quickly from a side street.
Your responsibility is to pull over as far to the RIGHT as possible and stop until they have passed. It does not matter which side of the road it is approaching from.
You should not stop in the middle of an intersection. Continue through and then pull over.
SHARING the ROAD with
EMERGENCY VEHICLES
On the expressway - SLOW your vehicle, move over to the right lane, and allow the emergency vehicle to pass.
You must also get out of the way of emergency vehicles trying to enter or exit the highway.
Do not pull over to the side on a multi-lane freeway and stop – this is very dangerous.
If you are a pedestrian: get to the curb and remain there.
Sometimes emergency vehicles will use the wrong side of the street to continue on their way.
Emergency vehicles may use a loud speaker to talk to drivers blocking their path.
SHARING the ROAD with
EMERGENCY VEHICLES
Sharing the Road�
Snowplows:
Snowplows travel at reduced speed. Slow down when approaching a snow plow. Stay behind them at least 300-500 feet.
If you follow too close when it is sanding or salting the road, your vehicle may get pelted.
NEVER pass a snowplow. They create artificial snow clouds that may be very dangerous because of various debris that is found in them.
Always yield to snowplows…besides the road is always better behind the plow than ahead of it!
The benefits of carpooling/bus riding include:
Sharing the Road��
Some freeways have special lanes and on-ramps for carpools.
Using a carpool lane requires a minimum of 2-3 people in a vehicle, including the driver.
Signs will indicate times and days these lanes can be used.
Sharing the Road��
What if carpool laws are broken?
Sharing the Road��
The pavement of carpool lanes is marked with white diamond symbols and the words: “CARPOOL LANE.”
Unless otherwise noted, motorcyclists may use them and some areas may have special lanes for buses.
Sharing the Road��
One or more sets of parallel solid yellow lines are used to separate carpool lanes from normal traffic lanes.
Do not cross over these lines to enter or exit the carpool lane. Wait until the lines are broken or for some other designated place to enter or exit the lane.
What are the rules that govern entering and exiting these lanes?
You are legally driving in a carpool lane, what are you not allowed to do here?
The double yellow lines are gone. Can you now exit out of this carpool lane?
Motorcyclists face unusual dangers because they are hard to see and harder to maneuver.
An accident involving a motorcycle frequently results in serious injury.
Most Crashes Happen at intersections:
- running the bike off the road
- head on collisions
-left turning accident
Sharing the Road��
They should also wear something to protect their eyes and face from insects, dirt, wind, rain, and other debris. A helmet with a face shield provides the safest and best protection.
Illinois Law:
Do not require helmets
Must wear eye protection
For visibility, driver and passengers should wear light or bright colored apparel.
Driver and passengers should also wear heavy clothing, such as leather jackets, boots, and gloves to protect the body in case of an accident and reduce the effect of the wind
Sharing the Road��
Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as the drivers of other vehicles. They must:
Sharing the Road��
Motorcyclists are entitled to the same full lane width as all other vehicles.
Maintaining balance on 2 wheels takes skill.
They can accelerate very quickly – in case of a hazard
Motorcycles – have front brakes and back brakes – so they stop a lot quicker
Motorcycles can ride in the “offset positions.” (See picture)
In heavy traffic, Motorcyclists need to know the proper lane position so they are not in someone’s blind spot.
When in traffic, motorcyclists should follow the path of the left rear wheel of the car in front so they are visible in the rear-view mirror of the driver being followed.
Motorcyclists should be aware of the road surface at all times, but especially when turning. Look for potholes, water, oil, etc…..
Motorcyclists use both the front and rear brakes while driving.
The front brake has the most stopping power, but too much front brake can result in the front wheel locking and being thrown over the handle bars.
As a passenger on a motorcycle, you should learn how to lean with the operator during turns and curves.
Passengers are also required to wear proper equipment and clothing.
Do no take picture, text, etc… while a passenger.
-Its harder to operate with twice the weight
Sharing the Road��
Motorcycles are harder to see at night because they only have one tail light and usually only one headlight.
If you see a vehicle with one light coming toward you, drive as far to the right as possible. It could be a bicycle or motorcycle, but it could also be a car with a burnt-out headlight.
One final thought: We all have to share the road together. Show respect, courtesy, and treat others the way you desire to be treated.
Sharing the Road
Quiz time…how much do you remember?
5) True or False: Never pass a working snow plow. They create snow clouds which may have debris and reduce visibility. ______
1) When emergency vehicles are approaching your responsibility is to _____________________until they pass.
2) With an emergency vehicle approaching, if you are in an intersection you should ___________________.
3) With an emergency vehicle approaching on the freeway you must get out of the way, but, do not _______________. This is very dangerous on a multi-lane freeway.
4) Vehicles carrying this mean they are traveling very ________.
1)8) __________ is a useful way to save fuel and reduce the number of vehicles using highways in heavy commute traffic.
1)9) Carpooling trips may take _________ if special carpool lanes are available.
1)10) The pavement in carpools lanes is marked with white __________ symbols and the words: “CARPOOL LANE”
1)11) True or False: As long as due care is taken you may enter and exit a carpool lane at any time. _______
1)12) True or False: One or more sets of parallel solid yellow lines are used to separate carpool lanes from normal traffic lanes. ______
1)13) Motorcyclists face more dangers because they hard to ____and because they require exceptional handling ability.
1)14) In most accidents between a passenger vehicle and a motorcycle, the driver of the _____________is at fault.
15) Motorcyclists have the same _______________ as other drivers. They must obey all traffic laws.
16) ___________ are the most likely place for motorcycle accidents as drivers often fail to yield to cyclists.
1)17) True or False: To maximize visibility both the operator and passenger should wear light or bright colored apparel. _______
1)18) True or False: If you are a passenger on a motorcycle, you will need to learn how to lean with the operator on turns and curves. _______
1)19) Because of only one headlight and taillight, motorcycles are hard to see at _______.
1)20) True or False: For better visibility, motorcycle operators should generally follow the path of the right rear tire of the vehicle in front of them. ________________________