Chapter 11 Sharing the Roadway with Others - FACTORS THAT AFFECT YOUR DRIVING IN: - Pedestrians - Bicycles and Motorcycles - Light trucks and small vehicles - Large Vehicles
Lesson 1 Pedestrian and Animals Jaywalking Walking across a street at a location other than a crosswalk Problems posed by Children: They have less visibility of traffic and less experience choosing an appropriate time to cross Usually distracted or playing close to road Problems posed by Adults: Cell phone use while walking Rushing and assuming a driver will see them and stop
How can you avoid hitting a pedestrian SIPDE Especially in high risk areas Playgrounds, school areas, parks, etc Pedestrians in residential areas Increase number of children Use ground viewing Searching under parked cars and around objects looking for movement Pedestrians in urban/suburban areas Exercise extreme caution at intersections Volume of adults will be higher and more will be in a rush
Pedestrians What responsibilities does the pedestrian have? Never assume a driver will see you or stop Cross only at intersections and obey traffic laws Walk facing traffic when on the road or nearby Wear reflective clothing when running or walking on the road especially at night or in low visibility situations
Lesson 2 Bicycles and Motorcycles Visibility of all 2 wheeled vehicles can be difficult Bicycle and motorcycles are the most common Reaction time will be less if you do not see them right away Understand the limitations an individual driving a motorcycle or bicycle have Limited rear vision No windshield or wipers to help with visibility in rain
Lesson 2 Bicycles and Motorcycles Create a safe driving environment for everyone Make everyone aware of your intentions on the road signals, tapping brakes Increase following distance Increase eye movement Dangerous Roadway conditions Minor hazards to cars are major hazards for motorcyclist Potholes, loose gravel, wet or slippery ground, and grooved roads can cause motorcyclist to make sudden adjustments Traffic Laws Motocycles are required to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers Riding between lanes, weaving in and out of traffic, driving recklessly, etc. Can lead to traffic violations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_b3t7u4zj1y
Lesson 3: Light trucks and small vehicles This group includes all cars, pick-up trucks, vans, SUV s Makes up the majority of other vehicles on the road
Lesson 3: Light Trucks and Small Vehicles Light Trucks: Heavier and higher then most cars Different kinds of wheels Drives differently because the weight is distributed differently
Lesson 3: Light Trucks and Small Vehicles Factors altered when driving different types of vehicles Visibility Taller vehicles allow drivers to see over surrounding traffic and farther down the road at any upcoming changes/hazards Vehicle Height Effects locations you are able to drive and park Increase distance behind a taller vehicle to better your visibility When involved in a crash the bumpers will not align and typically cause more damage to the other vehicle Increase glare for other cars because the increased height of the headlights Vehicle Weight Hurts your gas mileage, increases the needed braking distance, slower to accelerate Higher center of gravity increases the possibility of the car rolling
Lesson 4 Large Vehicles Semi-Trucks and Tractor Trailers Visibilty Figure 11.2 Sit very high so visibility forward is good however side and rear visibility is obstructed because of the length of the vehicle Time Increase time needed to pass Space Increase following distance and side distance Very hard to see around Takes longer to stop Takes wide turns Braking Don t pull in front or cut off a truck o Takes a truck 300ft going 60mph to stop compared to 160ft of a car once the brakes are applied Turning Swing wide to clear turns
Other types of larger vehicles Emergency Vehicles Yield right-of-way to these vehicles Do not stop in an intersection clear the intersection then pull off Keep emergency areas clear don t hang around just to see what happened Maintenance Vehicles Construction and repair vehicles Increase alertness in construction areas and obey any speed changes/stops/lane adjustments Ice Cream Trucks Increased number of children Slow down and continue to use your SIPDE Snowmobiles Certain states allow them on the road during the winter Often hard to see and can be difficult for their drivers to stop allow extra time and space for these vehicles
Semi-Trucks Avoiding Crashes with semi-trucks: Always pass a truck on the left side Don t get squeezed! Don t linger next to a truck no zone Realize the speed of the truck usually look slower becauase of their size http://www.cmvroadsharing.org/?page_id=49
Buses Same rules for driving by buses apply that you would use for a semi-truck When passing a bus stopped or moving be extremely careful Reduce Speed Be alert for pedestrians Stop for the bus when they have their sign out both directions!!