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MODULE 4. DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE CONDITIONS THAT DRIVE US. This sessions presents defensive driving skills and techniques necessary to avoid collisions and violations “in spite of the conditions around you.”
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MODULE 4 DRIVING CONDITIONS
THE CONDITIONS THAT DRIVE US • This sessions presents defensive driving skills and techniques necessary to avoid collisions and violations “in spite of the conditions around you.” • We have no control over the surrounding conditions. We can only evaluate these conditions, and decide how to act.
FIVE DRIVING CONDITIONS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE DRIVER • Light • Weather • Road • Traffic • Other Drivers ADVERSE CONDITIONS RESULTS IN THREE DRIVING HAZARDS • Limited or reduced visibility • Limited or reduced traction • Limited or reduced driving space
REDUCED OR LIMITED VISIBILITY • What causes reduced or limited visibility? • Too much light, too little light, time of day, weather. • Sun glare, snow glare, others headlights, work zones, rain, fog, dust, snow, etc. • What can we do to minimize limited visibility problems? • Sunglasses or visor. Look to side of road, not directly at others headlights. Always turn your headlights on. Reduce speed.
REDUCED OR LIMITED TRACTION • What are some causes of reduced or limited traction? • Poor tire inflation, worn treads, poor braking, black ice, wet leaves, sand, oil, fresh asphalt, bumps, etc. • What can be done to reduce hazards? - Slow down, ensure tread and inflation is good, pay attention, increase following distance.
REDUCED OR LIMITED DRIVING SPACE • Where would you find reduced driving space? • Traffic congestion, parking lots, work zones, turns/curves/intersections, toll plazas • How do we practice defensive driving in these areas? • Increase following distance, slow down, use the what if strategy, check mirrors frequently, scan road ahead (1-2 blocks in the city, 12-15 seconds down the highway)
Driving Around Larger Vehicles • To drive safely around larger vehicles, we must understand and respect some of the differences between their vehicles and ours. • Blind Spots: Larger vehicles have larger blind spots in general. Blind spots on the sides, and rear of large vehicles present hazards. Remember to keep a safe following distance. If you can’t see both side mirrors from behind, chances are the driver of the truck can’t see you. • Turning: Large vehicles need more room to turn. Some of the intersections they travel are not made for such a large vehicle. Use caution, as they may need more room to make the turn than is allowed.
MOTORCYCLES • In 2001, 3,042 fatalities occurred involving motorcycles, and 65,000 riders and passengers were injured. • When traveling behind a motorcycle, give extra following distance. They may stop abruptly, or skid due to road surface. • Scan closely at intersections, and these vehicles are harder to see due to their smaller size. • Motorcycles turn signals are sometimes hard to see. Watch to see if the rider leans in one direction, as the rider may be trying to change lanes. • Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle.
EMERGENCY VEHICLES • Always respect emergency vehicles, by attempting to pull as far to the right as possible and coming to a complete stop.