Module 5: Topic 1

Intersections

1. Why do you think more crashes occur at intersections?

2. One in every 3 fatal crashes occur at intersections:

  1. Drivers fail to search and identify a safe path of travel when approaching an intersection.
  2. Drivers don’t identify or understand the risks.
  3. Drivers fail to develop good driving habits to effectively manage the risks.
  1. What do these intersection-warning signs mean?

a. 4 way Intersection b. T- Intersection c. Y-Intersection d. Roundabout e. Railroad Crossing

4. Approaching an intersection:

  1. Search all corners; make sure you are in the proper lane.
  2. If restriction to line of sight, change position and reduce speed.
  3. Check mirrors.
  4. Adjust speed.
  5. Look to the front, left and right.
  6. Check traffic and count to 3 before moving.
  7. Continue if traffic light is green or intersection is clear.
  8. Do not block intersections.
  1. Stopping at Intersections:
  1. May have to stop if there is a yellow or red light, stop sign, yield sign or something in your path of travel.
  2. Begin braking.
  3. If there is someone following close behind, tap your brake pedal a few times to let them know the front car is stopping.

6. Where to stop at intersections:

a. Crosswalk

b. Stop Line

c. Sidewalk

  1. Curb Line

7. Controlled Intersections:

  1. Intersection flow is regulated by STOP signs, YIELD signs or traffic SIGNALS

8. Right of Way Laws:

  1. Right-of-Way is not a right or privilege – it must be given!
  2. Right-of-Way is determined by a set of rules
  3. Drivers must understand right-of-way rules governing:

•Intersections

•Merges

•Special conditions

9. Uncontrolled Intersections: There are No Signs or Traffic Lights Traffic Light is Malfunctioning:

  1. The first vehicle that arrives at the intersection may proceed first if the other yields right of way
  2. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right

10. How do you use SEEiT at an intersection?

SEARCH: When you can see the intersection, begin SEARCHING for the:

  1. Type of intersection
  2. Intersection controls
  3. Risks or problems in your intended path of travel
  4. Also monitor the areas to the rear

EVALUATE: How will you handle the potential risks:

  1. Traffic Controls
  2. No traffic controls
  3. Open, closed or changing path of travel
  4. Cross traffic

EXECUTE in TIME:

  1. If proceeding straight across a 30-feet wide, 2-lane roadway from a stop, you need a 4-second gap.
  2. If turning right and blending into the traffic flow, you need a 6-second gap.
  3. If turning left and blending into the flow of traffic, you need an 8- second gap.

11. Selectthe best lane at least a block ahead:

  1. Center lane(s) – safest when traveling straight through
  2. Right lane is used when turning right. Cross traffic, turning right on red will enter this lane
  3. Left lane is used to turn left - yield to oncoming traffic

12. How to turn at an intersection:

  1. Check mirrors for presence and actions of following traffic.
  2. Signal intent to turn at the intersection 3 to 4 seconds in advance or 100 feet before the turn.
  3. Position the vehicle for appropriate turn.
  4. Steer into proper lane. (push/pull/slide steering).
  5. Tap brake pedal to alert following driver.
  6. Adjust speed as necessary, stopping if required.
  7. Recheck cross and oncoming traffic. Remember that 90 % of drivers do not stop for stop signs in residential area

13. Right Turn Risks:

  1. Right-of-way rules not followed
  2. Failure to signal
  3. Failure to search intersections
  4. Failure to stop on red before turning right
  5. Turning too wide and crossing into adjacent lane

14. In this diagram, a right turn should be made from 2 into lane 3.

15. Why do you think a left turn is more dangerous than a right turn?

  1. Crossing multiple lanes
  2. Vehicle is in the intersection longer

16. Making a Left Turn:

  1. Determine if you have a safe path of travel through the intersection.
  2. Be prepared to stop or yield.

17. In this diagram, a left turn should be made from lane 1 into lane 3:

18. Protected Left Turn:

  1. Vehicles turning left have a green arrow.
  2. All other traffic has a red light.
  3. Red Arrow – Stop - no left turns
  4. Solid Yellow – Clear the intersection; the signal will turn red.
  5. FlashingYellow Arrow – Left turns allowed but must yield to oncoming traffic – oncoming traffic has a green light.
  6. Green – Go if the way is clear – oncoming traffic has a red light.

19. Shared Turn lanes:

  1. Shared lanes help keep traffic moving by giving drivers turning left a designated shared lane in the center of the roadway.
  2. Use shared lanes to start and complete left turns.
  3. You cannot travel more than 150 feet.
  4. Crossing traffic entering a shared lane from a driveway
  • Move all the way into the lane to avoid blocking through traffic lane.
  • Stop in the shared lane and wait to merge safely with traffic.

20. Roundabouts:

  1. A circular intersection controlled by yield signs
  2. Entries and exits into and out of the circle can be at multiple locations
  3. By yielding at the entry, rather than stopping and waiting for a green light or stopping at a stop sign, significantly reduces delays

21. Advantages of Roundabouts:

  1. Fewer points of conflict
  2. The data shows a 90% reduction in fatal crashes
  3. 75% reduction in injury crashes
  4. Reduces delays and keeps traffic moving
  5. Reduction in pollution and fuel use

Module 5: Topic 2

Curves

1. Curves:

  1. Curvy roads present a high risk.
  2. There are many line-of-sight and/or path-of-travel restrictions (trees, hills, etc.).

2. Blind Curve:

  1. Only a portion of the corner is visible; the rest is hidden.

3. S- Curve:

  1. A curve in one direction with a second curve in the opposite direction.

4. Crowned Roadways:

  1. Most roadways are higher in the middle and slope to the outside for better drainage.

5. Banked Curve:

  1. The outside of the curve is higher than the inside.

6. Why do vehicles “slow down” going uphill and “speed up” coming downhill?

  1. Uphill: acceleration is needed to maintain speed.
  2. Downhill: vehicles will naturally pick up speed.

7. Warning signs for curves:

/ Sharp Curve
/ Curve to right followed by curve to left
/ Winding Road
/ Road curves right – vehicle’s weight shifts left
/ Maximum SAFE speed is 25 mph

8. Parts of the Curve:

Entrance / Always reduce speed prior to entering the curve and slow prior to the apex
Apex / Accelerate out of the apex
Exit / Gradually accelerate – lane position 1

9. How do you overcome inertia in a curve?

  1. Need traction to overcome inertia
  2. If a vehicle loses traction in a curve, the vehicle will continue traveling in a straight line and the driver will have no control.

10. How do these statistics below apply to you as a driver?

NHTSA data suggests that over90%of the vehicles in fatal, single-vehicle rollover crashes were involved inroutine driving maneuvers (going straight or negotiating a curve) at the time of the crash. This further suggests that driver behavior (distraction, inattentiveness, speeding, and impaired driving) plays a significant role in rollover crashes.

11. How can you prevent a roll over?

12. Curves

Curve Direction / Diagram / Key Points
Curve to the Left / /
  1. Approach the curve in Lane Position 3, as far away as possible from oncoming traffic
  2. This position also provides the best targeting point for your line of sight

Curve to the Right / /
  1. Assume outside road position on the entry to a right curve
(Lane Position 2)
  1. Allows for a longer braking distance on entry and a better chance of establishing a sightline to the apex and exit of the curve

Module 5: Topic 3

Hills and Mountains

1. Applying SEEiT space management process to hills and mountains:

2. Driving Uphill—Speed Control:

  1. Extra power may be needed to maintain uphill speed.
  2. Slower moving vehicles should travel in the right-hand lane.

3. Cresting the Hill:

  1. Limited LOS at a hill crest
  2. Be prepared for:
  3. Stopped vehicles
  4. Slow moving vehicles
  5. Oncoming vehicle in your lane
  6. Be prepared to adjust speed or position to avoid a hazard.

4. List potential hazards that may exist on the other side of the hill crest.

5. Descending Hills & Mountains:

  1. Gravity will make the vehicle go faster.
  2. Heavier vehicles going downhill will pick up more speed .
  3. Check the rear zone for vehicles that may be having trouble controlling speed.
  4. Turn off cruise control.

6. Runaway Ramps:

  1. Runaway ramps are designed for large trucks that lose braking control on steep hills.
  2. They have deep gravel, sand barrels and other materials to help slow down the runaway vehicle.
  3. Pull off the road if you see a runaway truck behind you.

Module 5: Topic 4

Passing

1. Did you know that?

  1. At 55 mph, you traveled 968 feet; you need TWICE as much distance to pass a vehicle ahead.
  2. If the oncoming car seems to be getting closer, it’s already too close.
  3. When curves or hills keep you from seeing far enough ahead: Assume there’s a car just out of sight or just about to appear.
  4. Don’t start to pass unless there’s room ahead to return.

2. Estimating Passing Gap Needs:

  1. Count the seconds it takes for an oncoming vehicle to pass in the opposite lane.
  2. Do this until you can accurately estimate the time.
  3. If you can see a vehicle approaching it is not safe to pass.

3. Passing Procedures:

  • Prepare to pass
  1. Position the vehicle 2 to 3 seconds behind the vehicle to be passed
  2. Check mirrors and oncoming traffic
  3. Check ahead for safe passing distance
  4. Signal left
  • Overtake the ongoing car
  • Accelerate and move into passing lane
  • Accelerate quickly to the legal speed
  • Concentrate on the path ahead
  • Check mirror for following vehicles
  • Return to lane
  1. Check inside rear-view mirror for the front of the vehicle being passed
  2. Signal right
  3. Change lanes, steer to center of lane and maintain speed
  4. Cancel turn signal

4. Pass on the Right:

a. When another vehicle is waiting to make a left turn and when multiple lanes are available

5. Illegal to Pass:

6. What do you know about passing?

  1. If the oncoming car seems to be getting closer, should you pass?
  1. When curbs or hills keep you from seeing far enough ahead, should you pass?
  1. Don’t start to pass unless…

7. Passing on Multi-Lane Roads:

  1. One of the most dangerous maneuvers a driver can attempt
  2. Higher the speed the greater the risk
  3. High volume of traffic increases the chance of collisions
  4. Passing may occur on the left or right

8. When Being Passed:

  1. Check passing vehicle’s position
  2. Move away slightly if too close
  3. Maintain speed
  4. Once passed, create space ahead and behind

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