Driving in Different Environments

City, Rural and Highways

Chapter 14, 15, 16

City Driving

2 main factors make city driving difficult.

• #1 Traffic is more dense, more cars, buses, trucks and pedestrians per mile.
• #2 City Traffic hazards are closer to you and can quickly block your path.

Focus on Driving

-Stay off your phone

-Don’t worry about radio

Don’t get distracted

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USE THE IPDE Process�

• Identify
• Be alert and actively scan your zones
• Predict
• Predict all the conflicts that could happen
• Decided
• Be ready to change lanes, change speed, etc…
• Execute
• Be ready to make a quick maneuver

Following Traffic

• 3 Second Following Distance
• This protects you from hitting the vehicle ahead of you
• Tailgaters
• When someone follows you too closely
• If you are being tailgated, do the following
• Increase your following distance
• Move slightly to the right so they can see the traffic ahead of you
• Signal early for turns and stops
• Flash your brake lights before you plan to slop or stop
• Meeting Traffic
• If oncoming traffic comes into your lane
• Slow down
• Flash lights or honk horn
• Move over to the right if possible

As you approach this intersection – you should notice the stale green lights. Coast and cover the break until you get to the “point of no return.”

Q: When stopping at a red light, how far back should you be from the car in front of you?

A: Far enough

back to see

the tires

of the vehicle

in front of you.

Q: You want to turn right and notice his turn signal. Is it safe to go? No, never trust a turn signal.

Never trust a turn signal.

STOP

and

THINK

Does a turn

signal always

mean they will

turn there?

A: Some drivers are

unaware that

their signal is

flashing.

A: You do. Right turners are to proceed before left turners; but watch him anyway!�

Q: You want to turn right and the truck is turning left. Who has the right away?

Rural Roadways….�wide open space and less traffic

• Some roads are paved, while some are not
• These roads lack light and can be very dark
• Trees and other foliage can obstruct your vision
• Can be a lot more narrow than city roads
• Can be dangerous when raining or snowing
• Deep ditches

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Passing on Rural Roads

• This can be very risky and should be done in 3 stages… (This is on page 303-303 in the book)
• Deciding to Pass (make sure legal)
• Preparing to Pass (make sure its safe)
• Executing the Pass

Rural Situations You Might Encounter

• Slow Moving Vehicles Signs (organe)
• Farm tractor or machinery
• Animals
• Deer can cause great damage to your car
• Railroad Crossing
• may are passive (no gates or lights)

Driving on Highways

• Highway driving is more safe than city or rural, however is also more stressful due to the high speed of traffic.
• The hard part is getting on and off of them.

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Entering the Highway

1. Check your front and rear zones.
2. Start looking for a gap or hole to join traffic
3. Signal, check left outside mirror and left blindspot
4. Once in acceleration lane, decided between which vehicles you will enter traffic
5. As you enter, adjust your speed to match traffic flow
6. Position yourself at a 3 second following distance

Exiting the Highway

• Check front and rear zones
• Signal. Do not slow down until you are in the deceleration lane
• Move into the deceleration lane
• Turn signal off and adjust speed to post speed limit

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Q: What is the purpose of the first �head check early on ramp? �A: Check volume and speed of traffic

If the traffic is heavy, be alert to

sudden stops by traffic already

on the freeway and be prepared

to slow as you merge.

Q: What is the purpose of the second head check as the ramp begins to straighten?

A: Begin looking for a space to merge

��Q: What should you do as you are now building up speed?��

A: Signal, check outside mirror, and make a final head check to the left.

Enter the freeway at approximately

the same speed as traffic.

Q: What happens if you cant merge? �A: you may have to USE THE SHOULDER until traffic opens up.

Do not force yourself over and do not brake hard.

(you could cause a rear-end crash)

Remember, speeding in a construction work zone, the $$$ fine will ___________.

You predict a conflict with this merger.

Q: What should you do to avoid the conflict?

A: Change lanes or brake.

Q: If you are moving with the flow of traffic,

why is it usually best to drive in the center lane?

A: To avoid conflicts with mergers.

A: The vehicle to our right may lane change into

our lane as we approach it’s blind spot.

(better stay back in case this occurs)

You notice the merger and this car will have a conflict. In addition, the van is slowing to exit. Q: What is your concern?

A: NOT REALLY!

Count…

1001

1002

1003

Q: At 55 mph do you think you are

3 seconds behind this vehicle?

This is much better!

It reduces the possibility of hydroplaning.

In heavy rain, it is best to drive in the tire wipes of the vehicle in front of you?

You will be soon entering this vehicle’s

Do NOT driver in other car’s blindspot.

You’re moving along at the speed limit approaching this slower moving truck.

Q: What should you be considering?

On expressways check your mirrors

frequently, about every 7-10 seconds.

This passing car will soon enter your _____________

Q: After passing this vehicle, when will you know it is safe to change lanes in front of it?

A: It is safe when you see it’s headlights in your rear view mirror.

Continuous long distance driving can lead to highway hypnosis, an unawareness of the driving task, a dangerous inattentiveness.

What are some ways of preventing this?

- frequent rest breaks (at least every 2-3 hours)

- music, talk with passengers, traffic games, etc.