chapter 5 defensive driving. standard collision prevention formula: be alert be prepared act in...
TRANSCRIPT
THE NEW JERSEY DRIVER MANUAL
Chapter 5
Defensive Driving
Standard Collision Prevention Formula: Be Alert
Be Prepared
Act in Time
Aggressive Driving/Road Rage: a progression of unlawful driving actions
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Distractions Lighting a cigarette Trying to fasten a safety
belt while driving Reaching across the seat
to close a door or look in the glove compartment
Reaching for coins in pockets while driving up to a toll booth
Trying to wind or adjust a wristwatch
Watching children or pets in the vehicle
Trying to remove a coat Reading maps and
newspapers Eating while driving Adjusting a mirror while
driving Using a cellular phone Adjusting the radio or CD
player Shaving Using a laptop computer
or fax machine Applying makeup
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Tired Driver/Highway Hypnosis
A tired driver is a dangerous driverCan be as dangerous as a drunk driver
Maggie’s Law- makes it illegal to knowingly drive a vehicle while impaired by lack of sleep. Reckless driving under vehicular homicide
“Highway Hypnosis”
Solution: Rest every 2 hours, switch drivers
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Communicating and Driving The best way to “talk” to other drivers is to
use your horn and lights
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•Stay in the lane that shows where he/she intends to turn
•Catching other motorists’ eyes
•At night, headlights from low to high and back to low
Keeping a Safe Distance “Space Cushion”- keeping a safe distance from
other vehicles that allows for reaction time in case of emergencies
Tailgating- following too closely behind the vehicle in front
One Car Length- keep 1 car length (20ft) back for each 10mph of speed
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To maintain a proper distance when driving, you should stay at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you
*Three-second rule
Three-Seconds-Plus Rule1. Choose some fixed object ahead of the vehicle in front (sign or a tree).
2. As the vehicle in front passes the object, begin counting seconds (one thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three).
3. If it takes at least three seconds before the vehicle passes the object, a motorist should have enough distance for a sudden stop.
4. Stopping Distance = Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance.
5. Keeping a foot near the brake
6. Time and distance relationships are designed for the best driving conditions.
*Heavier vehicles may take longer to stop
*Increase 3-4 seconds for bad weather Page 86
Following Distances
Minimum Safe Following Distance (in car lengths) Road
Condition20 MPH 30 MPH 40 MPH 50MPH
Ideal 2 car lengths 3 4 5
Wet Pavement
4 car lengths 6 8 10
Gravel 4 car lengths 6 8 10
Packed Snow 6 car lengths 9 12
Ice 12 car lengths 18
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Passed By Another Vehicle
If a vehicle is passing you, you should slow down to make it easier for the driver to complete the pass in time.
Return to normal speed after the passing vehicle is well ahead
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Road Conditions Wet Roads- most slippery during the first few
minutes of rainfall
Hydroplaning- when tires ride up on a film of waterChances increase as speed increasesTo Avoid:
○ Do NOT drive on bald tires Slow down during heavy rain, standing water, or slush is present
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Driving Situations
Snow Motorists may use studded snow tires
between November 15 and April 1.
Night Driving When driving at night, be sure that you can
stop within the distance you can see ahead
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Driving Situations
Construction Zones
City Driving-Drive more slowlyWatch for pedestriansMotorists should look at least 12 seconds
ahead
Reacting to Driving Problems
If your car breaks down on any road, the first thing you should do is try to pull off the road
After driving through a deep puddle you should immediately test your brakes.
Reacting to Driving Problems Skids:
Take foot off gas pedalTurn in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding
Emergency Stops:Signal and turn onto shoulderWarning lightsFlare (300ft)White handkerchief
Running off the Pavement:Slow down and turn back onto the pavement slowlyRegain Control
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Vehicle Failure Brake Failure:
Neutral Hazards E-brake
Tire Blowout: Slow down gradually Holding wheel firmly Pull to safe area
http://www.ugotbrains.com/bianj-whatyoudont.htm
Windshield Wiper Failure Roll down driver side window Slow down Pull to safe area
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Collisions If a motorist sees that his/her vehicle
may hit something, one of three things can be done: stop, turn or speed up.
If a collision is impossible to avoid, you can lessen the impact by:Steering toward objects that ‘give’
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What to do in Case of a Collision Stop the vehicle.
Remain calm.
Assume the worst and get help (notify the police; call an ambulance).
Wait at the scene, but try not to block traffic.
Ask for assistance from passing motorists, bikers or joggers, if needed.
Depending on the location of the accident – local road, highway or in a busy city intersection–warn oncoming traffic.
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Reporting AccidentsNew Jersey law requires motorists to notify
the police of accidents where there is injury, death, or vehicle or property damage. If someone has been killed, do not move the body or permit anyone to move the body until the police or ambulance arrives.
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