Basic Driving ManeuversEntering Traffic, Lane Changes, and Turning

NV Driver Education Curriculum

Unit 3: The Driving TaskPresentation 6 of 7

Before we begin...Let’s Talk About It

Take 60 seconds to discuss:

How does vehicle type and size affect how it handles?

Share your thoughts with a partner.

Share your thoughts with a partner.

Learning to Drive Videos

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

See Ford’s Driving for LifeVehicle Handling

https://www.drivingskillsforlife.com/index.php?option=com_seyret&task=videodirectlink&Itemid=41&id=48

(6:47)

Vehicle Balance. Braking, Turning, Load Shift, Affects of Vehicle Type/Size

Signaling

• Turn signals are the most effective way to communicate your intentions on the road

• Signal every time you:– Turn– Change lanes– Pull to the side of the road– Re-enter the traffic flow

• Signal well in advance of beginning any maneuver (at least 100 feet on city streets and 300 feet on open highways)

Hand Signals

Use left hand to signal out window, keeping right hand on steering wheel.

Left Turn:Arm outstraight

Right Turn:Arm up

90 degrees

Slow/Stop:Arm down 90 degrees

Entering Traffic

• Signal intention• Find a safe space to enter within traffic flow• Select proper and legal lane • Accelerate smoothly• After entering, cancel turn

signal (manually if necessary)

• Re-evaluate the rear zone for fast-approaching vehicles

Lane Change Video

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

See Rules of the Road video#8-Lane Change

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/video/lets_drive/rules/lane_changes/lane_changes.htm#topVideo

(1:11)

Changing Lanes

Before deciding to make a lane change, consider whether it is:

• Necessary• Beneficial• Legal

Making a Lane Change

• Check traffic flow for safe maneuver

Use rear and side-view mirrors

• Signal intention 100 ft in city, 300 on highways

• Check blind spots Turn head & Look over shoulder

• Gradually ease into new lane• Check traffic behind you• Cancel signal

Unsafe Lane Change Video

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

See Top 10 Reasons for Failing the Driving Test video

#1-Unsafe Lane Change

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/video/lets_drive/10reasons/unsafe_lane_change/unsafe.htm#topVideo

(1:56)

Turns Video

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

See Rules of the Road video#9-Turns

http://apps.dmv.ca.gov/video/lets_drive/rules/turns/turns.htm#topVideo

(1:55)

Making Left and Right Turns

• Signal intention 100ft in advance

• Check for traffic and pedestrians• Brake early to reduce speed• Search left, front, and right zones

– If turning right, check left again before turning

• Turn head and steering wheel toward target area

• Turn into nearest lane of traffic• Halfway through turn, accelerate

Turning Video

See eHow videoTurning Left Across Traffic(Tony’s Driving School – AZ)

http://www.ehow.com/video_4993686_turning-left-across-traffic.html

(1:00)

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

NOTE: May have advertisement when viewing.

Turnabout Options

• A turnabout is when you turn your vehicle around to go in the opposite direction

• Options– Midblock U-turn– Back/Pull into side street

or driveway– Three-point turnabout

The safest way to turn your vehicle around is to drive around the block

Precautions for Turnabouts

• Check law permits a turnabout

• Need at least 10 seconds of visibility in each direction

• Do not attempt near hills, curves, or within 200 feet of intersections

• Never attempt in heavy or high-speed traffic

• Continually check all around you for traffic, bicyclist, and pedestrians

U-Turns

In Nevada, U-turns are generally allowed on any road when they can be made safely*

Not allowed:• Where sign or signal prohibits• In a business district• On curves• Near a grade (less than 500ft visibility)

*Local authorities may prohibit U-turns at any location within their jurisdictions

Midblock U-Turn

U-Turns are not allowed anytime a traffic sign or

signal prohibits

Consider:• Width of road• Amount of traffic• Vehicle turning radius

Risky maneuverMay be law prohibiting

Back or Pull into Side Street or Driveway

• Using RIGHT side has advantage of re-entering traffic going forward

• Using LEFT increases risk because you back out into traffic

Pull forward into open area (on left)

Back into open area (on right)

Two-Point Turnabout Video

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

See ADTSEA videoTwo-Point Turnabout Forward in Driveway

http://www.adtsea.org/videos/Watch.aspx?VideoID=d1d312f4-d762-4ca4-a99e-b7addb79ba36

(0:29) NO Sound

See ADTSEA videoTwo-Point Turnabout

Back in Driveway

http://www.adtsea.org/videos/Watch.aspx?VideoID=93722d57-5fef-47e6-b491-fd0aec4a717f

(0:29) NO Sound

Three-Point Turn

• Used to turn around on narrow, two-way streets

• Your vehicle comes to a complete stop and blocks oncoming traffic

• Never attempt if sight distance is limited

Dangerous maneuverOnly consider in lightly

traveled area

Three-Point Turn Video

See eHow videoHow to Make a 3-Point Turn

(Step-by-Step)

http://www.ehow.com/video_1870_make-three-point.html

(1:06)

See eHow videoHow to Make a 3-Point Turn(Tonys Driving School - AZ)

http://www.ehow.com/video_4993683_make-threepoint-turn.html

(1:24)

Click on web address to access video clips

*Suggest full screen viewing

NOTE: May have advertisement when viewing.

Driving Tip

Changing lanes is a very simple task, yet it produces thousands of collisions each year.

Check your mirrors Look over your shoulderUse your turn signal Before turning the wheel

Checking your blind spot when you are changing lanes will help keep you out of trouble.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Test Your Knowledge

This sign means:

A.Disabled parking spot

B.No disabled parking

C.No parking anytime

D.No parking left or right

Test Your Knowledge

When coming to a stop at an intersection where there is a stop sign you should first stop:

A.Within the crosswalk but in back of the line closest to the intersection

B.Behind the line of the crosswalk farthest from the intersection

C.Just in front of the stop sign itself, regardless of any crosswalk

D.Out far enough to see cross traffic

Test Your Knowledge

If you are driving the car on the right, the center line means:

A.It is unsafe for you to pass

B.You are permitted to pass

C.You may not make a left turn into a driveway

D.You may not make a left turn into a alley