DRIVING ENVIRONMENTS

Alabama Course of Study #16, #17 and #18Identify dangerous driving situations that may occur on rural

roads and urban streets. Describe appropriate behavior to be used when detained by a law enforcement officer. Explain how

nature affects the ability to properly control a vehicle.

Rural Road

Rural Driving The speed limit on rural roads when not posted

is 35 mph. Many rural roads are two-lane, two-way

roadways. Curves may be sharper and hills may be steeper

than on many city streets. These roads can be made of concrete, asphalt,

gravel, or dirt surfaces. These roads may or may not have a shoulder.

Usually rural roads are poorly lit or not lit at all.

Higher Speed, Fewer Traffic Controls

Good sound judgment is more important than ever when driving in rural areas.

Country Roads Typically Have: Higher speed limits than city streets Fewer traffic lights and few stop signs Railroad crossing may have no signs, signals, or

gates.Driver must remain alert when driving in rural

areas.

Slow Moving Vehicles

Tractors and other farm vehicles are more common on rural roads.

Tractors and other farm vehicles do not travel at the same speed as cars.

Passing slow moving vehicles can be difficult and dangerous because they are usually wider and decrease visibility.

Sight Obstructions

Objects that limit visibility: Trees Bushes Tall Crops

These obstructions make driving more difficult and dangerous on rural roads.

Rural roads are usually narrow, hilly, windy, or sharply curved.

Animals & Objects on Rural Roads

Deer, raccoons, cows, and other animals, both wild and domestic, frequently cross rural roads.

Smashing into a 175 pound deer at 50 mph would not only kill the deer, but will also damage the vehicle greatly and may possibly kill the driver and passengers.

Slower driving speeds and being more alert in these areas will greatly decrease the risk of hitting an animal.

A Deer In The Headlights

Urban Street

Urban Driving

Urban streets are usually covered with people and traffic.

Expect to encounter pedestrians anywhere and everywhere.

Never assume pedestrians will see you or that they are going to obey traffic rules and signals.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED !!!This is a great example of the “Predict” aspect

of the S.I.P.D.E. process.

Slow or Irregular Traffic Flow

Factors that may influence traffic flow: Cars stopping next to parked cars Park cars pulling into traffic Road work or construction Disabled vehicle Accident Special events (ex. crawfish boil, concert, sporting

events, etc.) Pedestrians Any object that restricts traffic flow

Sight Obstruction

Factors that limit visibility in an urban setting: Parked or double parked vehicles Buses Trucks Vans Smog / pollution Buildings

Urban Driving When driving in the city:

Scan one to two blocks aheadCheck traffic in all directionsKeep alert to taillights in front of youExpect pedestrians to enter roadwayBe alert for emergency vehiclesAlways be ready to stopBe aware for entrances and exitsDrive with low-beam headlightsGive yourself extra timeUse the S.I.P.D.E. process to help identify risks

Limited & Controlled Access Highway

Limited & Controlled Access Highways

Permits driving long distances without interruption, with minimum fatigue and maximum safety.

There are not stops and no cross traffic.Allows vehicles to enter and exit only at specific

places. They include freeways, interstates, parkways, turnpikes, expressways, and other multi-lane highways.

Entrances and exits may be miles apart and usually come from the extreme right lane.

Procedures for Entering Controlled Access highways

1. Check traffic to see if its safe to merge2. Turn on signal3. Briefly check blind spot4. Increase speed to match speed of vehicles

already on the highway5. Move into the nearest lane and maintain

speed6. Turn off signal

Procedures for Exiting Controlled Access highways

• Signal• Get into exit lane well in advance of exiting• Check blind spot• Move into deceleration lane• Decrease speed according to postings.• Cancel signal– Remember not to slow or brake on the highway,

use the deceleration lane.

Emergency Situations In emergency situations it is very important not

to panic but to act promptly.Emergency may cause other drivers to honk

impatiently but should not push the driver into rash actions.

Keeping your vehicle well maintained may prevent mechanical emergencies from occurring.

If an emergency should occur, know the correct action and reaction.

Be prepared!!

Blow Out

Tire Failure A blowout is an explosion in a tire while the

vehicle is in motion. A tire can also loose pressure gradually, through

a slow leak. If not caught the tire will eventually go completely flat.

If a tire suddenly looses pressure you may feel a sharp pull and the vehicle may shake.

If this happens, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, release the accelerator slowly, check the traffic around you, and steer off the road when safe.

Accelerator Pedal Sticks

Apply the brakes and shift to neutral.Check traffic.Steer off the road and continue to apply

brakes.Do not attempt to fix the problem until you

come to a complete stop and turn off the car.You can try to pull the accelerator up by

putting your foot underneath but keep your eyes on the roadway.

Headlight FailureHeadlight failure is extremely dangerous not only

because you cannot not see but because others cannot see you.

Rarely do both headlights go out at the same time. Usually one goes out and may not be noticed until both are out.

Slow down and continue on course, try switching to high beams, try other lights, check traffic, steer off the road when safe, and try to park your vehicle in a lighted area.

Car On Fire

Vehicle Fire Engine fires are usually fuel fed or electrical.

You will see and smell smoke coming from under the hood.

Follow these steps in the event of a car fire: Steer off the road to an open space and turn off the

ignition Get out and move away from the vehicle Call for help Decide how serious the fire is If the fire is not serious and you have a fire

extinguisher, you can try to put the fire out by yourself

Brake Failure

Brake Failure If your brakes fail follow these steps:

Rapidly pump the brake pedal Shift to a lower gear Use the parking brake Look for a place to steer against the curb if possible Try to steer to an uphill road Turn the ignition to the off position but do not lock the

wheels Sideswiping an object is less dangerous than hitting an

object head-on Use bushes, guard rails, or even parked vehicles to slow

vehicle down

Engine FailureEngine stalls when you are driving:– Check traffic and leave the roadway when safe– Be sure to signal your intentions to others– When off the road, shift to neutral, and try to

restart engine– If your engine won’t start, make sure flashers are

on, and raise the hood– Place flares or warning triangles 100 in front and

behind the vehicle– Signal or wait for help

Engine Flooding

Engine flooding occurs when the engine has too much gas and not enough air being supplied to the engine.

To start a flooded engine– Press accelerator to the floor and hold for 5 to 10

seconds– If vehicle starts, slowly release accelerator– If vehicle doesn’t start, wait 10 minutes and try

again

Engine Overheating Engines may over heat for various reasons:

Driving in slow moving traffic with air on Driving with a loose or broken fan belt Broken water pump or hose Not enough coolant Stuck or broken thermo-stat Clogged radiator.

If engine over heats follow these steps:Turn off all accessories, especially the airWhen engine has cooled, raise hood and assessCheck the fluid level in the radiatorTo prevent overheating try running your heater (even in

hot weather).

Power & Total Steering FailurePower steering occurs when engine stalls or the

power assistant mechanism fails. If power steering fails follow these steps:– Grip steering wheel firmly– Safely steer off road– Have mechanic check your power steering

Total steering failure causes your ability to control the vehicle to drastically diminish.– Stop as soon as possible by using the parking brake.– Down-shift as needed to slow vehicle

Running Off The PavementWhen your wheels drift onto the shoulder of the

road If you run off the pavement, follow these steps:– Stay on the shoulder and ease up on the gas– After you have slowed turn gently back onto the

pavementMany young drivers panic when this happens and

they over-correct too sharply which causes the vehicle to spin or flip.

Be prepared for this and DO NOT PANIC!!

Other Emergency Situations Immersion – escape immediatelyWindshield wiper failure – look out side windowEmergency swerve / object in roadway- straddle

the object when possibleLoss of forward vision- hood flies up, look in th

gap between the hood and vehicleStalled vehicle on rail road tracks – push it off, if

you cannot do this, move away from the vehicle in the direction of the oncoming train.

Reporting Traffic Accidents

1. Stop at the scene and render all possible aid.2. If no injuries pull to the side.3. Contact the proper authorities.4. Exchange information (driver’s license, etc).5. Complete paper work required by the police.6. Never sign any blank papers for the other party.7. Follow up on paper work.

Minimizing Risk In Collisions

Force of Impact is determined by:– Speed of the vehicle– Weight of the vehicle– Impact distance

Reducing the force of impact:– Sand Canisters– Vehicle features (ex. air bags)– Head-on, worst type of collision– Side Impact, behind passenger compartment

Avoiding A Collision

The following are techniques one may use to help in avoiding a collision: Accelerating – may be your only means of

reducing risks Steering – may be the quickest method, always

have an escape route to the left or right Braking – you want to stop fast without making

the wheels lock, or stop turning. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) eliminates the problem of locked brakes.

Adverse Conditions

Adverse Conditions

Alabama Basic Speed Law – you must never drive a vehicle at a speed that is faster than is reasonable under existing conditions.

A safe speed is determined by the type and condition of the road as well traffic, weather, and light.

Drivers must go more slowly than the minimum post speed if poor road or traffic conditions make that speed unsafe.

Adverse ConditionsThe higher the speed:– The less time the driver has to spot dangerous

situations and take action– The greater the time and distance it takes to stop

a vehicle– The greater the chance the will skid or roll over on

a turn– The greater the force of impact will be in a

collision– The greater the personal injuries and property

damage will be in a collision

Vehicle Control During Adverse Conditions

Reduced Traction:– Your tires can lose their grip on the road ‘s surface

and the vehicle can began to slide, this is called hydroplaning.

Changing Speeds Too Quickly– Traction could not overcome the vehicle’s kinetic

energy and momentum as fast as you wanted it to.Changing Direction Too Quickly– Tire traction may not be great enough to compensate

for momentum, kinetic energy, and inertia when you turn or enter a sharp curve.

Reduced VisibilityBright Sun Light: Sun light increases visibility, but

the glare on your windshield from the sun can reduce your ability to see.

Follow these steps to minimize risk when driving in bright sun light situations:– Have sunglasses handy– Reduce speed– Increase following distance– Adjust sun visor to block out the sun– Keep windshield clean and scratch free

Reduced VisibilityDusk and Dawn: – Alabama law requires headlights on from a half hour

after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.Fog or Smog:– Be sure to use only low beam headlights or fog lights– You can use your emergency flashers – Reduce speed– Increase following distance– Remain Alert– Pull off road if fog is too dense

December 11, 1990Interstate 75 north of ChattanoogaNorth and South bound lanes

75 vehicles involved15 dead50 injured

Reduced VisibilityDriving At Night:– Requires extra concentration and greater awareness.– Increase following distance– Use high beams in areas of reduced visibility when

possible• State law requires you to dim your headlights within 500

feet of an oncoming vehicle and 200 ft. when following another vehicle.

Overdriving Your Headlights:– Driving at a speed in which the stopping distance

exceeds the area lit by the headlights.

Reduced Visibility

Minimize Risk In Rain And Snow:– Use windshield wipers– Increase following distance– Manage time and space well– Be aware of hydroplaning and black ice

• Western states often suffer visibility problems caused by dust or sand storms

• This is most common in desert regions• The visibility is similar to fog conditions and

drivers should follow similar rules• Dust and sand storms can also cause vehicle

damage such as: clogged air filters and vents, damaged windshields and vehicle surfaces.

• Fine dust particles can easily enter vents and openings filling the passenger compartment

If you encounter this, pull off the road and wait for it to pass or turn your vehicle around.

Visibility will be too poor to drive through it.

• Western states often suffer visibility problems caused by dust or sand storms

• This is most common in desert regions• The visibility is similar to fog conditions and

drivers should follow similar rules• Dust and sand storms can also cause vehicle

damage such as: clogged air filters and vents, damaged windshields and vehicle surfaces.

• Fine dust particles can easily enter vents and openings filling the passenger compartment

Reduced VisibilityWind: A strong enough gust can push a vehicle

out of its intended path of travel.Minimizing Risks In Wind Conditions:– Reduce speed– Grip steering wheel firmly– Increase space on all sides of the vehicle

Vehicles Most Affected By Wind:– Vans– Recreational vehicles– Vehicle pulling trailers

Adverse Conditions: Minimizing Risks

Prepare in advanceAllow an extra margin of safetyDrive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead in wet

conditionsGive other drivers plenty of advanced noticeBe alertKeep low beam headlights onEase your way into turns and curvesUse emergency flashers when needed

Managing Skids

Understanding natural laws that affect your vehicle can help you regain control when in a skid.

When you skid, you lose control of the direction and speed of your vehicle’s movement because of reduced traction.

If you skid you are not helpless.Once you understand what causes a skid, your

on your way to dealing with one.

Causes Of SkidsBraking Skid:– The brakes are applied so hard that one or more

wheels lock (without ABS)Power Skid:– The gas pedal is pressed suddenly and too hard

Cornering Skid:– Tires lose traction in a turn

Blowout Skid:– A tire suddenly loses air pressure

Rail Road Crossing

Rail Road Crossings Proper driving techniques for approaching various

railroad grade crossings.– Slow down and prepare to stop– Look in both directions– Look for warning lights or signals, or lowered crossing

gates– Stop no closer than 15 ft from tracks if train is approaching– Never cross tracks if lights are flashing– Never rely solely on mechanical warning equipment, it

could be broken.– Always look and listen – Always expect a train.

RAILROAD CROSSINGS

• If there are no lights, stop signs or crossing gates, proceed with caution.

• If it is questionable, stop, look and listen.• Always check for the “second” train on

multiple tracks.• Never stop on the tracks.

RAILROAD CROSSING

The following vehicles are required by law to stop at all railroad crossings:

• School, Church, and Passenger Busses• Trucks Transporting Flammables, Explosives,

Hazardous MaterialsBe alert for those vehicles stopping.

Appropriate Behavior when Detained by Law Enforcement

Stop on the Shoulder

• When you are alerted to pull over– Never stop in the middle of the street– Slow your vehicle– Put on your right turn signal to alert the officer

that you are going to pull over– Pull to the right side of the street– Move your vehicle completely out of the lane

of traffic

Keep Hands in Full Sight

• By keeping your hands in full sight, the officer knows you are not trying to reach for or conceal a weapon

• Never touch the officer

Be Visible

• Turn on the interior lights if it is dark outside• Roll down the window• Remove sun glasses • Remove hat

Remain in the Vehicle• Do not leave your vehicle

unless instructed by law enforcement

• Remaining in your vehicle shows the officer that you are not a threat

• You are safer in your vehicle than on the roadside

• Do not remove seat belt

Avoid Sudden Movements

• Remain calm and still• Jerky or fast

movements suggest that you are a threat

Display Proper Demeanor

• Do not take an aggressive attitude with the officer

• Be polite and say “Yes, sir.” or “No, sir.”• Follow the officer’s instructions• Do not lie, cry, or make excuses• Do not try to bribe the officer

Produce Required Documents

• Driver License• Proof of Insurance• Vehicle Registration• New Vehicles– Legal Bill of Sale– Alabama Temporary

Registration