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Friday, August 27th, 2004
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are you just about sick of these free ipod shit... free flat screen... yeah... i got my free ipod... had another one completed and the flat screen one too but then the accounts got put on hold. damn!
ok, ONE 'MO GAIN...
Free Desktop PC
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Comments: Read 3 or Add Your Own.
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Saturday, August 21st, 2004
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ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Maybe you never touch a drop. You may have never driven under the influence of alcohol or any other drug. Congratulations! But don’t think for a minute the problem doesn’t affect you. Drivers operating a motor vehicle while impaired are responsible for almost half of all fatal collisions in this country. Alcohol and drug related collisions are the leading cause of death among teenage drivers. It is each and every driver’s responsibility to be in complete and absolute control of all their faculties whenever they get behind the wheel.
A. ALCOHOL
You can buy it at your local supermarket. It’s promoted in TV commercials and on billboards. And it is the most abused addictive drug in America.
1. AS A DRUG
Alcohol is a powerful drug. It is a chemical depressant that acts very quickly on the human body because it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
2. STAGES OF ALCOHOL INFLUENCE
All it takes is one drink to impair a driver’s physical and mental state. Initially, alcohol lightens your mood, relaxes you. After one or two additional drinks, however, your thought processes becomes dulled. Judgment and reasoning are compromised. Continue drinking, and physical effects begin to manifest: speech, vision, and muscle coordination become impaired. Enough alcohol in your system will result in loss of consciousness.
The average individual needs 1 hour to metabolize away the alcohol in 1 drink. In other words, if you have 2 quick drinks, you will not be sober until 2 hours have transpired. Using hot coffee or a cold shower to sober up is a myth. The only thing that will sober up an intoxicated person is time.
a. Blood Alcohol Level
The amount of alcohol in your blood is quantified in a percentage by the BAC, or blood alcohol concentration. Several factors influence the BAC, including: the number of drinks consumed; the time period in which they are consumed; the weight of the individual; the individual’s sensitivity to alcohol; other chemicals in the body; and how recently food was consumed.
BAC For drivers over 21
.03 - .07 driver is impaired
08 - above driver is DUI
BAC For drivers under 21
.01 driver is DUI (Zero Tolerance Law)
BAC For commercial drivers
.04 driver is DUI
b. Reaction Time
Your reaction time is slowed significantly when you consume alcohol. At 65 mph on the freeway, your vehicle is moving almost 100 feet per second. If you’ve been drinking, you will react more slowly to a road hazard. If you depress the brake just two seconds later than you should...that’s an additional 200 feet in stopping distance on the freeway!
Alcohol in your system also inhibits your ability to handle more than one task at a time. Evasive action often calls for a simultaneous steering and braking maneuver. If you are driving impaired, you will be unable to perform multiple tasks. Blood Alcohol Concentration Chart
c. Collision Potential/Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
A driver is five times more likely to be in a collision with a BAC of .04
A driver is 25 times more likely to be in a collision with a BAC of .08
Alcohol related crashes have an economic cost of $45 billion each year
By the late 1990’s traffic deaths had been reduced to 40,000 a year
By the time a driver is arrested for his first DUI he was probably driving legally drunk on 100 previous occasions without being stopped!
3. EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON THE BODY
Alcohol has a profound affect on the human body, and not just immediately after consumption. There are devastating long-term effects as well.
a. Organs
Chronic abuse of alcohol over a period of years can damage the liver, brain, heart, and other internal organs. Cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, and dementia are often the result of years of heavy drinking.
b. Vision
Drinking relaxes all of the muscles in the human body, including the muscles in the eye. When you drink, your eye-lids get heavy and your vision becomes blurred. The pupils can’t react as well to changes in light intensity, forcing drivers to squint and be blinded by glare from headlights. Other problems include poor depth perception, fixed staring, and narrow field of vision.
c. Brain
Alcohol quickly passes into the bloodstream, where it is transferred to the brain. Drivers are prone to taking dangerous risks because their judgment and reasoning is impaired due to the effects of alcohol on the brain. With the brain so affected, motor skills suffer as well. Physical coordination diminishes and reaction time increases.
4. HOW TO AVOID/IDENTIFY DRUNK DRIVERS
Police look for the following clues to help them identify drunk drivers.
wide turns or straddling lanes
headlights off
weaving
tailgating
erratic braking
inconsistent turn signals
abrupt or illegal turns
slow responses
driving too slow and too fast It is safer to be behind a drunk driver than in front of one. Avoid them at all costs! Stay behind and turn off the road. If a drunk driver comes up behind you, DO NOT PULL OVER AND STOP.
You could be hit from behind. Instead, make a quick right turn onto the nearest street or into a driveway.
5. ALTERNATIVES TO DRINKING AND DRIVING - NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE!
There are other options.
Have a designated driver accompany you
Be a designated driver yourself
Call a cab or a friend
Stay the night (assuming you’re at a friend’s home)
An opened (or unsealed) container of alcohol is illegal anywhere in a motor vehicle where it can be retreived by the driver or passenger while the vehicle is moving. With the exception of a motor home or limousine, an open container of alcohol may only be carried in the trunk.
6. SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS
If alcohol is consumed in combination with other drugs, a magnifying effect is manifested in which the total level of impairment is far greater than might be anticipated. If you chase down a common over-the-counter hay fever pill with one beer at a picnic, it could easily be the equivalent of drinking an entire six-pack!
B. OTHER DRUGS
"Under the influence" refers not only to alcohol but to other drugs as well.
1. TYPES - EFFECTS
a. Prescription
Be sure to read the warning labels on any prescription drug prescribed by a physician. If operating machinery or driving is prohibited, heed that warning.
b. Non prescription
Certain over-the-counter medications such as headache remedies, cold pills, and cough syrups can make you extremely drowsy. Do not drive when taking these medications. If you’re drowsy behind the wheel, you’re a danger to yourself and to others.
(1) Depressants
Certain medications used to relieve tension and reduce anxiety do so by depressing the central nervous system. Reaction time and coordination are compromised as with alcohol. There are illegal depressants as well - marijuana is one.
Losing your job can be very depressing.
(2) Stimulants
Stimulants speed up the central nervous system. The state of edginess or being ‘wired’ can make a driver nervous and impair judgment. Stimulants include diet pills, amphetamines, and caffeine (coffee).
(3) Narcotics
Narcotics are highly addictive pain-killers that induce sleep and impair motor function. The most powerful of all depressants, narcotics can only be taken under a doctor’s supervision and you must NEVER DRIVE while taking them. Heroin, morphine, and codeine are common narcotics.
(4) Hallucinogens
As the name implies, this class of drug profoundly alters the mental state of the user, causing hallucinations and often a complete break with reality. Peyote, mescaline, LSD, PCP, and some forms of marijuana are hallucinogens.
2. EFFECTS ON THE DRIVING TASK
No drug will have a positive impact on the skills needed to operate a motor vehicle. Even stimulants - a popular choice for some drivers on long trips - can be extremely dangerous. Stimulants will only temporarily mask the symptoms of fatigue. The fatigue itself is not eliminated and will ultimately be dangerously magnified when the drug wears off.
3. SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS
Any combination of powerful drugs could cause violent and devastating side effects. Loss of consciousness, coma, and death are possible synergistic effects.
C. PENALTIES
The laws against driving under the influence have grown tougher over the years, but many believe they are not tough enough. A driver convicted of driving drunk can expect stiff fines and possible jail time.
1. IMPLIED CONSENT (13353 VC) AND ADMIN PER SE (13353.2 VC)
When you received your driver license, you signed a legally binding contract with the State of California. In this contract you consented to take a chemical sobriety test in the event you are arrested for DUI. If you refuse, your license will be suspended. The arresting officer may confiscate your license immediately after determining your BAC is .08 or higher.
a. Testing Concept
A court-accepted scientific test is used to objectively identify drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
b. Consequences of Refusal
A driver who refuses to take a chemical sobriety test is in violation of the Implied Consent law and can expect serious punishments.
c. Types of Tests
The current chemical sobriety tests include a breath test, blood test, and urine test. You do not have the right to talk to a lawyer or have one present before deciding on the test or while the test is being performed.
Alcohol: If you are arrested because the police officer suspects you are intoxicated with alcohol you will be required to take a breathalyzer test or a blood test.
Drugs: If you are arrested because the police officer suspects you are intoxicated with a drug other than alcohol, or a drug in combination with alcohol, you will be required to take a blood or urine test.
2. FINES AND PENALTIES - DUI
Society pays dearly for the grief inflicted by drunk drivers. But the drunk driver pays dearly as well.
For a first DUI conviction, a driver will be sentenced to jail for a period of 48 hours to 6 months. A driver convicted of a second DUI within 7 years will be imprisoned at least 90 days.
a. First and Second Conviction Requirements First Offense
a fine up to $1000
total fees, fines, assessments and attorney- $7000
vehicle impounded up to 30 days at driver’s expense
suspended license - up to 6 months
probation - up to 5 years
Second Offense
a fine up to $1000
total fees, fines, assessments and attorney - $7000
vehicle impounded up to 90 days at driver’s expense
jail term - up to 1 year
suspended license - 18 months
probation - up to 5 years
Ignition Interlock device required at driver’s expense
b. Misdemeanor vs. Felony
The fi and penalties just detailed apply only to misdemeanor DUI. If a driver under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs is involved in a collision in which anyone is injured, the charge is upped to a felony DUI. Felonies are SERIOUS CRIMES and the driver will be tried not in traffic court but in a criminal court. Additionally, misdemeanors are also tried in a criminal court, not in traffic court. You can expect a heavy fine, a lengthy jail term, and extended probation.
1st Offense 1 year license suspension
2nd Offense (within 7 years) 2 year license revocation
3rd Offense (within 7 years) 3 year license revocation
c. Other Effects
A conviction for DUI is a life-changing experience. And it is not a change for the better!
Personal: Imagine not being able to drive your car. Enough said? You will suffer embarrassment and humiliation as news of your DUI reaches your family and friends, and perhaps your employer. A felony DUI conviction carries a far worse stigma. As a convicted felon, you will lose certain rights. You will no longer be able to vote, own a firearm or travel abroad to certain countries.
Financial: A conviction for DUI has enormous economic consequences. The estimated cost is roughly $10,000 over several years. And if you injured someone while driving drunk, you can expect to be sued in civil court. Those costs could be staggering.
The days of dancing out of DUI are over!
DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
Every driver is responsible not only for his or her own safety and the safety of their passengers, but for the safety of every other motorist, cyclist, and pedestrian on the road with them.
All drivers moving to California must have a valid California driver license within 10 calender days of gaining residency. Also, when you move, the law requires you to report your new address to DMV within 10 calender days. When applying to the DMV for a driver license, drivers can use their birth certificates to prove their identity.
A. PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Pedestrians are in danger any time they step into the street. Some pedestrians may not know - or may choose to ignore - traffic laws and signals. Both driver and pedestrian share responsibility for pedestrian safety.
1. PEDESTRIAN RESPONSIBILITY
There is a good chance that when a pedestrian is hit by a motor vehicle s/he will share the blame. When you’re on foot, you are, in part, responsible for your own safety. Obey the rules. Cross the street only at legal crosswalks. "Jaywalking" is illegal. Always yield to approaching vehicles. Look left and right before you cross the street, and DON’T ASSUME the car is going to stop. If you are jogging or walking in the street, always move AGAINST the flow of traffic.
Pedestrians should always cross their fingers before they cross the street.
2. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
It is one of your primary duties as a driver to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. Be vigilant when approaching crosswalks and when driving by children. The elderly and physically challenged need special consideration as well; and don’t forget rollerbladers, joggers, and skateboarders, who add speed to the problem of unpredictability.
B. MOTORCYCLE SAFETY
Motorcycles are a fact of life, especially in California. They are more maneuverable and harder to see than larger passenger vehicles.
1. SHARING THE ROADWAY
Drivers must actively look for motorcycles, especially on the freeway. Check your mirrors frequently. Don’t allow yourself to be surprised by a motorcycle driving between lanes - a legal but unsafe maneuver. On city streets, watch for motorcycles when changing lanes and when making a left turn on the light change. Increase following distance when behind a motorcycle…it has a much shorter stopping distance.
2. PROTECTION
Motorcycle riders tend to be more cautious than drivers because of the increased inherent danger. An approved helmet is required by law. But smart motorcyclists don’t stop with protecting only their head. Leather jackets, pants, gloves and boots can prevent serious injury as well in the event of a collision.
C. BICYCLE SAFETY
Look at any street and you’ll see somebody on a bicycle. They are everywhere. They are also extremely vulnerable because of the speed factor - even more so than a pedestrian.
1. SHARING THE ROADWAY
Bicycles have the same right to be on the street as any motor vehicle. They are subject to the same rules and regulations. Bicycle riders must stop at stops signs and red lights. They are allowed in the ‘’Left Turn Only" lane. They can be ticketed for speeding and for DUI as well. In other words, we share the road with them.
2. DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
Every collision between a bicycle and a motor vehicle has the same outcome: the cyclist loses. Usually the driver is held responsible for the collision. Always be on the lookout for cyclists. Anticipate them approaching on the sidewalk from your right when you are stopped at a corner and about to turn right. Give them plenty of room when passing, and check your left side mirror before you get out of your parked car.
3. PROTECTION
As of January 2003 California law requires all persons under the age of 18 years of age to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet while operating a bicycle or riding upon a bicycle as a passenger, operating a non-motorized scooter or skateboard, wearing inline skates or roller skates, or while riding upon a non-motorized scooter or skateboard as a passenger.
D. MISCELLANEOUS
1. STEREO EARPHONES
Headphones that cover both ears are illegal. You need to hear to be safe. (Hearing impaired drivers learn to compensate.) If your music is too loud, you could miss a horn or an emergency siren.
2. EMERGENCY VEHICLES
All traffic must yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles. Pull to the right and stop. If you can’t pull to the right, stop where you are and let the emergency vehicle navigate around you. You may not follow an emergency vehicle at a distance closer than 300 feet. Ambulances often transport heart attack victims to the hospital.
E. PROCEDURES WHEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION
No driver wants to be involved in a collision. If we obey the law and drive defensively we can drastically reduce the odds. But collisions do happen. The following describes what to do in case of collision.
1. STOPPING REQUIREMENTS
After a collision you must stop and exchange information (more on this later) with the other driver. Failure to stop is a misdemeanor hit-and-run. If death or permanent injury results from the collision, you will be charged with a felony hit-and-run.
Victims at Scene: The law is specific in regard to anyone injured: "The driver shall also render reasonable assistance to any person injured in the collision, including transporting that person for medical treatment to a doctor or hospital".
Property Damage - Unable to Locate Owner: If you hit a parked car or do damage to a homeowner’s property, the law requires you to attempt to notify the owner and identify yourself before you leave the scene. If you can’t find the owner, you must leave a note identifying yourself in a conspicuous place.
2. AID TO THE INJURED
Sending for Help: In the event of injury, call 911 (or have someone else do it) and request an ambulance. If you know how to administer first-aid, do so.
When to Move an Injured Person: Unless the collision victim is in life-threatening danger (car on fire, rising flood water), NEVER MOVE the victim. If you move someone who has sustained internal injuries, the very act of moving them - even a few feet - could hasten their death.
3. PREVENTING FURTHER DAMAGE
There is potential for more trouble in the immediate aftermath of the collision.
Reducing Chances of Fire: Make sure the ignitions of all vehicles involved in the collision have been switched off. Prevent anybody from lighting a cigarette.
Warning Oncoming Vehicles: Warning oncoming vehicles of a collision could be hazardous, especially at night, or on a curving road. Do so with great caution. If there are flares or reflectors, deploy them safely around the collision scene.
4. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
When a Report is Required: More than $ 750.00 in damage was done to the property or any person. Anyone was injured (no matter how slightly) or killed Each driver is responsible for making a report to the DMV. You must make this report, whether you are at fault or not, even if a collision occurred on private property. Submit the report on the California Traffic Accident Report form (SR-1). You can get this form from any DMV or CHP office, or download it from the DMV’s website. If you don’t make this report your license will be suspended.
Use of Reports: The information in these reports is confidential. It is not admissible in court as evidence if there is a trial. The reports only indicate involvement in the collision, not fault (unless one of the drivers does admit fault at the scene or in the report itself).
5. EXCHANGING INFORMATION
A common automobile collision is a rear-end fender-bender.
Identifying Information: Every driver involved in the collision must exchange the following information:
name and current address;
driver license number;
vehicle license and ID numbers;
name and address of vehicle owner (if different than driver);
proof of financial responsibility (insurance information).
Noting Damage and Injury: Confirm that no one is injured before you leave the scene. Some drivers carry cameras in their vehicles to record photographic evidence of damage. At the very least, observe the damage and take notes.
6. ADDITIONAL STEPS
Refrain from getting into any discussion or argument with the other driver concerning fault.
Obtain Names and Addresses of Other Witnesses: Write down the names and addresses of any witnesses willing to come forward. If you do have a camera, take pictures of all parties involved.
Give Accurate Facts to Police: Be truthful, but do not admit fault. Sign no documents other than the police report.
Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries are not immediately obvious - whiplash, for example. You might be in shock. Even if you don’t think you’ve been hurt, check with a doctor just to be sure.
File Necessary Supplemental Reports: Be prepared to inform your insurance company about the collision. Take notes, photographs, and keep copies of all exchanged information and police reports for reference.
A driver can get good coverage under an umbrella.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE: DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY
COLLISIONS AND REPORTS
DUTY TO STOP AT THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT (20001 VC)
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting in injury to any person, other than himself or herself, or in the death of any person shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident and shall fulfill the requirements of Sections 20003 and 20004.
(d) As used in this section, "permanent, serious injury" means the loss or permanent impairment of function of any bodily member or organ.
DUTY WHERE PROPERTY DAMAGED (20002 VC)
(a) The driver of any vehicle involved in an accident resulting only in damage to any property, including vehicles, shall immediately stop the vehicle at the nearest location that will not impede traffic or otherwise jeopardize the safety of other motorists. …The driver shall also immediately do either of the following:
(1) Locate and notify the owner or person in charge of that property of the name and address of the driver and owner of the vehicle involved and, upon locating the driver of any other vehicle involved or the owner or person in charge of any damaged property, upon being requested, present his or her driver’s license, and vehicle registration, to the other driver, property owner, or person in charge of that property. The information presented shall include the current residence address of the driver and of the registered owner. If the registered owner of an involved vehicle is present at the scene, he or she shall also, upon request, present his or her driver’s license information, if available, or other valid identification to the other involved parties.
(2) Leave in a conspicuous place on the vehicle or other property damaged a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the owner of the vehicle involved and a statement of the circumstances thereof and shall without unnecessary delay notify the police department of the city wherein the collision occurred or, if the collision occurred in unincorporated territory, the local headquarters of the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(b) Any person who parks a vehicle which, prior to the vehicle again being driven, becomes a runaway vehicle and is involved in an accident resulting in damage to any property, attended or unattended, shall comply with the requirements of this section relating to notification and reporting…
DUTY TO REPORT ACCIDENTS (20008 VC)
(a) The driver of a vehicle, other than a common carrier vehicle, involved in any accident resulting in injuries to or death of any person shall within 24 hours after the accident make or cause to be made a written report of the accident to the Department of the California Highway Patrol or, if the accident occurred within a city, to either the Department of the California Highway Patrol or the police department of the city in which the accident occurred. If the agency which receives the report is not responsible for investigating the accident, it shall immediately forward the report to the law enforcement agency which is responsible for investigating the accident.
On or before the fifth day of each month, every police department which received a report during the previous calendar month of an accident which it is responsible for investigating shall forward the report or a copy thereof to the main office of the Department of the California Highway Patrol at Sacramento.
(b) The owner or driver of a common carrier vehicle involved in any such accident shall make a like report to the Department of California Highway Patrol on or before the 10th day of the month following the accident.
REPORTS CONFIDENTIAL (20012 VC)
All required accident reports, and supplemental reports, shall be without prejudice to the individual so reporting and shall be for the confidential use of the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of the California Highway Patrol, except that the Department of the California Highway Patrol or the law enforcement agency to whom the accident was reported shall disclose the entire contents of the reports…to the driver or drivers involved, or the guardian or conservator thereof, the parent of a minor driver, the authorized representative of a driver, or to any named person injured therein, the owners of vehicles or property damaged thereby, persons who may incur civil liability, including liability based upon a breach of warranty arising out of the accident, and any attorney who declares under penalty of perjury that he or she represents any of the above persons.
REPORTS AS EVIDENCE (20013 VC)
No such accident report shall be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident…
USE OF REPORTS (20014 VC)
All required accident reports and supplemental reports…shall be immediately available for the confidential use of any division in the department needing the same, for confidential use of the Department of Transportation, and, with respect to accidents occurring on highways other than state highways, for the confidential use of the local authority having jurisdiction over the highway.
COUNTER REPORTS: NO DETERMINATION OF FAULT (20015 VC)
No traffic or police officer shall include in any counter report of a property-damage accident…any determination by the peace officer of fault of the reporting person, including, but not limited to, inattentiveness. This section does not apply to a determination which is the result of an examination of the physical evidence of the accident at the site of the accident by the traffic or police officer or the result of an express, knowing admission of the reporting person if the basis for the determination is also included in the report.
(b) As used in this section, "counter report of a property-damage accident" means any report of an accident involving one or more vehicles which meets the following criteria:
(1) The accident reported caused damage to property, but did not cause personal injury to or the death of any person.
(2) The report is prepared at an office of the California Highway Patrol or local law enforcement agency.
(3) The report is written or recorded by, or with the assistance of, a peace officer.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
REPORT REQUIRED (16000 VC)
The driver of every motor vehicle who is in any manner involved in an accident originating from the operation of a motor vehicle on any street or highway or any reportable off-highway accident defined in Section 16000.1 that has resulted in damage to the property of any one person in excess of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) or in bodily injury or in the death of any person shall, within 10 days after the accident, report the accident, either personally or through an insurance agent, broker, or legal representative, on a form approved by the department to the office of the department…
MANDATORY SUSPENSION OF LICENSE (16004 VC)
The department shall suspend the driving privilege of any person who fails, refuses, or neglects to make a report of an accident as required…
REQUIRED MAINTENANCE OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (16020 VC)
Every driver and every owner of a motor vehicle shall at all times be able to establish financial responsibility pursuant to Section 16021, and shall at all times carry in the vehicle evidence of the form of financial responsibility in effect for the vehicle.
PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MUST BE MAINTAINED BY ALL DRIVERS.
Liability insurance provides protection against claims if you are at fault in a collision. The minimum amount of insurance coverage required is 15,000 / 30,000 / 5,000. The "bodily injury" provision on your insurance covers the injury to or death of each person as a result of a vehicle collision.
REQUIREMENTS OF POLICY OR BOND (16056 VC)
No policy or bond shall be effective…unless issued by an insurance company or surety company admitted to do business in this state by the Insurance Commissioner...nor unless the policy or bond is subject, if the accident has resulted in bodily injury or death, to a limit, exclusive of interest and costs, of not less than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and, subject to that limit for one person, to a limit of not less than thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and, if the accident has resulted in injury to, or destruction of property, to a limit of not less than five thousand dollars ($5,000) because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.
SUSPENSION OF DRIVING PRIVILEGE (16070 VC)
Whenever a driver involved in an accident…fails to provide evidence of financial responsibility, the department shall...suspend the privilege of the driver or owner to drive a motor vehicle, including the driving privilege of a nonresident in this state.
PERIOD OF SUSPENSION (16072 VC)
The suspension of the driving privilege…shall not be terminated until one year has elapsed from the date of actual commencement of the suspension and until the person files proof of financial responsibility.
LICENSING CONTROL MEASURES
The State of California DMV licenses and regulates drivers. Comprehensive files are kept on all motor vehicle operators and they are public record. If a driver is negligent and exhibits a chronic disregard for the vehicle code, the DMV will prevent that individual from operating their motor vehicle.
Gallons are units of measure.
A. THE DRIVING PRIVILEGE
All drivers must have a valid driver license. Different vehicles require different license classes - a total of nine are available - allowing for the restricted operation of trucks, motorcycles, buses, etc.
Driver Education and Training- Amendment to CVC 12509
The minimum age for issuance of an instruction permit is 15 years, 6 months. The Department of Motor Vehicles, for good cause, may issue an instruction permit to any physically and mentally qualified person who meets the following requirements and who applies to the Department of Motor Vehicles for an instruction permit:
Is age 15 years and 6 months
Has successfully completed an approved course in automobile driver education
Is taking driver training or is enrolled and participating in an integrated driver education program.
1. PRIVILEGE VS. RIGHT
It is not your right to have this license. It is a privilege granted by the State of California to individuals who prove they know the law and can safely operate a motor vehicle. Remember: A privilege can be taken away.
2. LICENSE REFUSAL
Certain standards must be met before a driver license is issued. You will be refused a license if you are underage, don’t know the law, are incompetent behind the wheel, or have a history of drug/alcohol abuse.
3. VIOLATION OF LICENSE RESTRICTION
The DMV can impose certain restrictions on a driver license. If these restrictions are violated, it can result in suspension or revocation. Some restrictions are: corrective lenses, privileges limited to driving to and from work, privileges limited to driving in daylight hours, and privileges limited to driving to and from school.
B. NEGLIGENT OPERATOR TREATMENT SYSTEM (NOTS)
The DMV has developed a system to keep track of all licensed drivers and a method of designating them as unfit to drive. Drivers should NOT fall asleep while driving.
1. EFFECTS OF CONVICTIONS/COLLISIONS
The system places points on every driver’s DMV record both for moving violations and for at fault collisions. As points accumulate on the DMV record, drivers are sent letters warning them of their jeopardized status. These letters urge them to modify their driving habits. If they don’t comply, they will have their licenses taken away.
2. POINT COUNT DETERMINATION
A moving violation will stay on the DMV record for 37 months, a collision for three years, and a DUI for seven years or longer. You will be designated a NEGLIGENT OPERATOR if your record reflects one of the following point totals:
FOR DRIVERS
4 points in 12 months
6 points in 24 months
8 points in 36 months
FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
6 points in 12 months
8 points in 24 months
10 points in 36 months
(a) Violations
For most moving violations, the penalty is one point. More serious violations have a stiffer penalty: two points. These include, but are not limited to:
reckless driving
hit-and-run
DUI
driving faster than 100 mph
speed contest (drag racing)
driving the wrong way on the freeway
evading a police officer
driving on a suspended license
Vehicular manslaughter
illegally transporting explosives
(b) Collisions
If you are in a collision and the DMV determines that it was your fault, this finding will appear on your record as a one point violation. This point is in addition to any other points for violations attached to the collision.
3. ACTIONS
AT 2 POINTS (within 1 year) driver receives warning letter
AT 3 POINTS (within 1 year) driver receives notice of INTENT TO SUSPEND
AT 4 POINTS (within 1 year) driver is notified of six month suspension and one-year probation. A hearing may be requested after which suspension might be adjusted.
(a) Probation 14250 VC
The DMV may suspend or revoke the driving privilege and may also impose a probationary driving period in which a probationary license would be issued.
(b) Suspension 13102 VC
The DMV may temporarily withdraw the driving privilege. Suspension may be for a specified time or open-ended as in the case of failure to appear or failure to pay.
(c) Revocation 13101 VC
The DMV may also terminate the driver’s license, in which case it literally ceases to exist. After the revocation period is over, the person must reapply for a new license and go through the entire testing process again.
A driver caught driving on a suspended license will be fined, jailed and have their vehicle impounded.
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ESTABLISHED SPEED LAWS
We speculated earlier about an imaginary city with no speed limits. Not a comforting notion. Speed limits are established by law…unfortunately, the law is often ignored.
A. PURPOSE OF BASIC SPEED LAWS
The Basic Speed Law says that you may never drive faster than is safe for prevailing conditions. What ‘conditions’ could affect your safety? Weather, for one. When it’s ‘coming down,’ the Basic Speed Law requires you to slow down. Rain, snow, sleet, fog are hazardous conditions that you must respect. Is there construction on the road? Bicycle riders? Is there debris up ahead? Pedestrians? Joggers? How heavy is traffic? Are there any visibility problems? Is the roadway damaged? Every driver must ask the question: ‘Am I going too fast for these conditions?’
B. PURPOSE OF MINIMUM SPEED LAWS
You could be ticketed for driving too slowly! Minimum speed laws insure a safe traffic flow. Slow vehicles that block traffic always inspire frustration and sometimes rage in their wake. Slower vehicles should always keep to the right side of the roadway.
C. SPEED LIMITS FOR DESIGNATED AREAS
Faster speeds are allowed on freeways, interstate highways, and in rural areas. In densely populated and heavily traveled urban areas we are required to drive more slowly.
1. FREEWAY
The speed limit on the freeway is 65 mph, although in some areas it can be as low as 55 mph. (If you are driving on a two-lane undivided highway and there are no posted speed limits, the maximum speed will be 55 mph.) In some areas we will encounter 70 mph speed limits. These are found usually on the interstate, away from urban congestion.
2. RESIDENTIAL ZONES
A residential zone is a street composed mostly of single-family dwellings. The speed limit on most residential streets is only 25 mph! There are usually no speed-limit signs on residential streets. If there is a sign posted, it might indicate a higher speed - 30 or 35 mph. But when you don’t see a sign on a residential street, you’d better be down to 25 mph.
3. BUSINESS DISTRICTS
Business districts are streets with stores, shops, and other commercial enterprises. Speed limits on business streets will vary, topping out at 40 mph. WARNING: If no sign is posted on a business street, the speed limit is only 25 mph!
4. SCHOOL ZONES
Pay attention to the distinctive yellow signs and crosswalk lines, which indicate a school crossing. Many school zone speed-limit signs indicate an order to reduce speed (to either 25 or 15 mph) ‘WHEN CHILDREN ARE PRESENT’.
5. BLIND INTERSECTIONS
If you are blind, you cannot see. When within 100 feet of an intersection, if you can’t see at least 100 feet down the cross street in both directions, then you are approaching a blind intersection. The potential danger here is obvious and the vehicle code requires drivers to reduce speed to 15 mph. What could obstruct your view up the street? Trees, signs, bushes, fences, and large vehicles parked close to the intersection.
6. SENIOR CENTERS
The speed limit in a “senior citizen zone” is 25 mph. Unless you are traveling on a state highway. always reduce your speed to 25 mph when driving adjacent to any facility used primarily by senior citizens. This would include (but is not limited to) retirement homes or communities, nursing homes and other senior centers.
D. SPEED LIMITS FOR DESIGNATED VEHICLES
The law requires certain vehicles to observe reduced speed limits. These include:
Any vehicle hauling a trailer;
A truck with three or more axles;
Any vehicle transporting explosives;
Any vehicle towing another vehicle;
A farm labor vehicle transporting passengers;
Any school bus transporting students. These vehicles may never exceed 55 mph - under any circumstances.
E. SPEED AND STOPPING DISTANCE
So you think your brakes are in top condition? Do you brag to your friends that your new car can ‘stop on a dime?’ You better stop bragging. The truth of the matter is there are no pockets big enough to accommodate that ‘dime’ you’ve been stopping on. Stopping your car takes a LOT longer than you think, both in time and distance. Remember: When the road is wet it takes two-to-three times longer to get the job done! Stopping your vehicle is accomplished in a series of separate and discreet steps that follow.
1. PERCEPTION TIME AND DISTANCE
STEP 1: You perceive the need to stop, triggering your stopping reaction. This is called perception time, and your vision, state of mental alertness, and level of distraction affect it. The distance traveled by your vehicle during perception time is called perception distance.
2. REACTION TIME AND DISTANCE
STEP 2: You react to the hazard, take your foot off the gas, and place it on the brake. This is reaction time. Your age and physical condition affect it. It takes an average of a 3/4 of a second to touch the brake after you decide you need to stop. The distance traveled by your vehicle during reaction time is called reaction distance.
3. BRAKING DISTANCE
STEP 3: You are slowing to a stop with your foot depressing the brake. A vehicle traveling at 50 mph needs four times the braking distance of a vehicle traveling half as fast.
A boxer who had just won a match was asked to describe how he did it. This is what he said: "He was a smart fighter...all the time he was in the ring he was thinking. And all the time he was thinking, I was hitting him.’ The same could be said of calculating your speed and stopping distance. Keep it simple. Drive within your limits, and nobody will be hitting you while you’re tying to figure it out.
4. STOPPING DISTANCE
Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance = stopping distance.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE: SPEED LAWS
ESTABLISHED SPEED LAW
TEMPORARY MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT (22348 VC)
(a)…Julius Caesar spoke fluent Latin no person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway with a speed limit…at a speed greater than that speed limit.
BASIC SPEED LAW (22350 VC)
No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.
PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMITS (22352 VC)
(a) The prima facie limits are as follows…:
(1) Fifteen miles per hour:
(A) When traversing a railway grade crossing, if during the last 100 feet of the approach to the crossing the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the crossing and of any traffic on the railway for a distance of 400 feet in both directions along the railway. This subdivision does not apply in the case of any railway grade crossing where a human flagman is on duty or a clearly visible electrical or mechanical railway crossing signal device is installed but does not then indicate the immediate approach of a railway train or car.
(B) When traversing any intersection of highways if during the last 100 feet of the driver’s approach to the intersection the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the intersection and of any traffic upon all of the highways entering the intersection for a distance of 100 feet along all those highways, except at an intersection protected by stop signs or yield right-of-way signs or controlled by official traffic control signals.
(C) On any alley.
(2) Twenty-five miles per hour:
(A) On any highway other than a state highway, in any business or residence district unless a different speed is determined by local authority under procedures set forth in this code.
(B) When approaching or passing a school building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to or leaving the school either during school hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching or passing any school grounds which are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign. For purposes of this subparagraph, standard "SCHOOL" warning signs may be placed at any distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds.
(C) When passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens, contiguous to a street other than a state highway and posted with a standard "SENIOR" warning sign…
MINIMUM SPEED LAW (22400 VC)
(a) No person shall drive upon a highway at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the reduced speed is necessary for safe operation, because of a grade, or in compliance with law.
No person shall bring a vehicle to a complete stop upon a highway so as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic unless the stop is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.
(b) Whenever the Department of Transportation determines on the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that slow speeds on any part of a state highway consistently impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, the department may determine and declare a minimum speed limit below which no person shall drive a vehicle, except when necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law, when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected along the part of the highway for which a minimum speed limit is established.
SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES (21654 VC)
(a) Notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(b) If a vehicle is being driven at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time, and is not being driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, it shall constitute prima facie evidence that the driver is operating the vehicle in violation of subdivision (a) of this section.
(c) The Department of Transportation, with respect to state highways, and local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, may place and maintain upon highways official signs directing slow-moving traffic to use the right-hand traffic lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle or preparing for a left turn.
MAXIMUM SPEED FOR DESIGNATED VEHICLES (22406 VC)
No person may drive any of the following vehicles on a highway at a speed in excess of 55 miles per hour:
(a) A motortruck or truck tractor having three or more axles or any motortruck or truck tractor drawing any other vehicle.
(b) A passenger vehicle or bus drawing any other vehicle.
(c) A schoolbus transporting any school pupil.
(d) A farm labor vehicle when transporting passengers.
(e) A vehicle transporting explosives.
(f) A trailer bus, as defined in Section 636.
DEMANDS OF CITY DRIVING
Driving in a busy urban environment demands great vigilance and skill. A city street is an obstacle course. Looking away for even a split-second to change radio stations could mean disaster. Motor vehicles of every size and shape are moving in close proximity, some predictably and others not, speeding up, slowing down, stopping, parking. Add to traffic density the problems created by pedestrians, bicycles, and animals and you have a daunting challenge. Every driver must meet that challenge head-on.
A. REDUCING SPEED
Traffic can be heavy in Fresno. The faster you drive the less time you have to react. As your speed increases over the speed limit, so do your chances of being in a collision. Slowing down will give you more time to SCAN the road to IDENTIFY hazards ahead, PREDICT what might happen, DECIDE what you are going to do and then EXECUTE your maneuver.
1. ALLOW FOR MORE TIME TO SEE DETAILS AND IDENTIFY THEIR MEANING
On a city street your eyes are assaulted by a dense tangle of moving images. These images are information vital to your safety. You need time to see every detail around you on the street and identify what it means. If you’re speeding, these images will be a blur. Slowing down will bring everything into clearer focus. The slower you drive, the wider your peripheral vision.
2. ALLOWS FOR MORE TIME TO ANALYZE INFORMATION AND PREDICT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN
Once potential hazards are identified, you need time to analyze what the probable outcome will be, as well as allow for the possibility of a worst-case scenario.
3. ALLOWS FOR MORE REACTION TIME TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO
What’s your next move? Change lanes? Slam on the brakes? If you are driving too fast, you will be forced to rush your decision. You don’t want to make a mistake.
4. ALLOWS FOR ADDITIONAL TIME TO EXECUTE DECISIONS OR AVOID DANGEROUS SITUATIONS
A common evasive action is to slam on the brakes in an emergency stop. Slowing down will shorten stopping distance. You don’t want to rear-end that vehicle, do you?
B. LOOKING AHEAD OF TRAFFIC
When driving on a city street, you should scan up to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. At roughly 30 mph, that translates to one city block! And be sure to scan left-to-right, sidewalk-to-sidewalk.
1. LOOK AHEAD FOR TRAFFIC HAZARDS
Get the BIG picture. Don’t just stare at the vehicle in front. You need to see ten cars ahead as well. Keep your eyes moving, and check mirrors frequently. You will be able to spot hazards earlier, and have more time to react and take evasive action.
2. LEAVE ENOUGH DISTANCE TO MANEUVER
Get a space cushion around your car. Where is your ‘out?’ You can’t take evasive action if you have no place to go.
3. SIGNAL LIGHTS
Most busy intersections are controlled by automated traffic signal devices. But they are only as effective as drivers allow them to be. Running red lights is an all-too-common violation that often has deadly consequences. It is the responsibility of every licensed driver to watch for signal lights and obey them.
Look Ahead for Signal Changes: When you scan the road a block ahead, you will be able to see the signal light. But will you be able to ‘make the light?’ The earlier you can answer that question, the better.
Anticipate Signal Changes: Green changes to yellow...yellow changes to red...we see it happen dozens of times a day. Experience teaches us to anticipate the light changes, and that allows us to make good decisions on whether to proceed, or prepare to stop.
Running Red Lights: This violation is extremely expensive. It will cost you roughly $300. The collision that often occurs when this violation is committed is one of the worst - a broadside collision in the intersection. How do you know if you’re legal? When the light turns red, some part of your vehicle has to have crossed the limit line. If you are behind the limit line when the light turns red and you proceed through the intersection, you are running a red light.
WARNING! There are three other variations of this violation.
1) Stopping at a red light with any part of the vehicle in the crosswalk (over the limit line).
2) Failure to come to a complete stop (at the limit line) on a right turn on a red light.
3) Completing a turn out of a ‘Left Turn Only’ lane if you were behind the limit line when the light turned red.
Remember: Running red lights in the city is an exercise in futility. Why? Four little words: ‘Hurry up and wait.’ Think about it. What happens after you run a red light? About 20 seconds later, you get stopped dead at the next red light! And everybody who ate your dust at that light you ran catches up to you. You may get ahead for a while, but was it worth risking a ticket or a collision?
Many communities are installing automatic cameras that photograph drivers running red lights. In other words, you can get this ticket in the mail!
Check for Stale Green Lights: The CROSSWALK SIGN will often indicate when the green light is about to turn to yellow (stale green light.) This is helpful when we are half a block away, facing a green light and we experience a state of indecision…will we make the light or not? When a driver is unsure, even for a few seconds, safety is compromised. When the DON’T WALK sign stops flashing the YELLOW LIGHT will usually appear in three to five seconds, depending on the speed limit. Be prepared to stop.
C. COVERING THE BRAKE, NOT RIDING IT
1. SLOW FOR REDUCED STOPPING DISTANCE
Riding somebody’s bumper is tailgating. Covering the brake will save you close to a second of reaction time and will reduce your overall stopping distance. Remember: When you cover the brake your foot is off the gas and poised over the brake pedal, not depressing it.
2. SITUATIONS IN WHICH THE BRAKE PEDAL SHOULD BE COVERED
Many drivers have developed this technique and do it almost without thinking. It’s a healthy habit. Below are some situations in which covering the brake is recommended.
Next to Parked Cars: When driving in the right lane next to a line of parked cars a defensive driver will cover the brake - at least intermittently - especially when the parked car is occupied or the taillights indicate the car is being started.
Brake Lights of Other Cars: When the brake lights become illuminated on cars up ahead, you have an early warning of the need to stop. If the brake lights become illuminated on the car directly in front of you, do not merely cover the brake; be on the brake!
Approaching Signal Lights: Covering the brake as you approach and enter an intersection will add extra seconds to your journey, but it might also add years to your life as well! Intersections are extremely dangerous. There’s no such thing as too much caution.
D. CITY PASSING
1. PASSING OVER CENTER LINE OF TRAVEL
On a city street, you may only pass over the centerline of travel when that line is broken (usually yellow). The street will more than likely be a residential street and you will probably be passing around a car that is stopped to let off passengers. You may NEVER drive to the left of a solid double yellow line.
2. PASSING IN OR NEAR AN INTERSECTION
The vehicle code says you may make a ‘safe change of direction’ while inside an intersection. This means a safe lane change. WARNING: Don’t do it! Passing and changing lanes inside or near an intersection is extremely dangerous.
E. CHOOSING A LANE
1. CHOOSE A LANE APPROPRIATE TO USE
On a multi-lane street a driver will have to decide the best lane in which to travel. Slower traffic and cars preparing to turn right should be in the right lane. Cars preparing to turn left should be in the left lane.
2. CHOOSE LESS CONGESTED LANE UNLESS PLANNING TO TURN
When you scan ahead it’s easy to judge which lane is moving better. Get in that lane and avoid slow-downs. If the street has three lanes in one direction, the center lane will usually have the least congestion.
F. VEHICLE POSITION
Drivers must position vehicles within the lane for optimum safety and maneuverability.
1. KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC SPEED AND WITHIN LEGAL LIMITS
Go with the flow! Good drivers don’t speed and don’t drive too slowly, either. If, for whatever reason, you must drive under the speed limit, keep to the right or pull over and stop to allow traffic behind you to proceed.
2. AVOID ANOTHER DRIVER’S BLIND SPOT
Every vehicle has blind spots off both rear corners. Take care not to drive for more than a few seconds where the other guy can’t see you.
The shaded areas are blind spots
3. AVOID OTHER DRIVER IN YOUR BLIND SPOT
What if the other guy is in YOUR blind spot? Do you wait for him to get away? No! You get away from him by speeding up or slowing down slightly.
The shaded areas are blind spots
4. AVOID SIDE-BY-SIDE DRIVING
must constantly adjust position to maximize the space cushion around their vehicles.
5. AVOID DRIVING IN BUNCHES
Get out of that crowd! You can’t maneuver when you’re surrounded by a pack of other vehicles. Adjust position and find some wide-open spaces! Chain reaction collisions occur when vehicles are being driven too close together.
G. CHOOSING A SAFE ROUTE
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. Unfortunately, the shortest distance might not be the safest.
1. TIME OF DAY AND TRAFFIC DENSITY
Nobody likes rush hour. Avoid peak traffic times if possible. Know your city! Become familiar with alternate routes. Maybe surface streets are moving faster than the freeway. The author thinks that the best time of day is 11:34 AM.
2. THROUGH STREETS VS. SIDE STREETS
Through-streets are larger, multi-lane boulevards that are designed to accommodate heavier traffic loads. Side streets are likely to be residential, with only one lane in each direction. Drivers circumventing busier through streets can fall victim to speeding, rolling through stop signs and ignoring potential hazards like bike riders, children, and other pedestrians. Unless you are faced with gridlock, through-streets will provide a safer and faster route.
3. ONE-WAY STREETS VS. TWO-WAY STREETS
One-way streets tend to be safer since oncoming traffic is absent. They also move more quickly because there are usually three lanes instead of just two.
H. SPECIAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CITY TRAFFIC
Certain potential hazards are peculiar to city driving. Be prepared for them (see below).
1. PARKED CARS HIDING CROSS TRAFFIC
You might approach an intersection and, scanning left, your view of approaching cars will be obstructed by a vehicle parked close to the corner. That vehicle might also obstruct your view of a pedestrian, bicyclist, or traffic signal. So reduce your speed, cover the brake, and proceed with caution.
2. DETOUR IN LANE OF TRAVEL
A delivery truck or double-parked car might be blocking the lane ahead of you. If you scan ahead, you will be able to anticipate the need to change lanes well in advance. You can then avoid the frustration of being trapped behind a stopped vehicle in the right lane.
3. TWO-WAY LEFT TURN CENTER LANE USE
Many wide boulevards have a center turn lane that allows traffic from both directions to initiate a turn off the street into a driveway, or to complete a turn out of a driveway back onto the street. This lane is marked by one solid and one broken yellow line on each side. Use great caution when entering or exiting this lane. You may legally drive only 200 feet in a center turn lane before turning left or merging back into traffic. It is always illegal to cruise down the center turn lane. But it is legal to drive across a center turn lane.
4. TURNING AT CORNERS
Prior to initiating turning left or right, ask yourself these questions: Do I have the right-of-way? Are other vehicles surrendering the right-of-way to me? Are there any pedestrians or bicyclists to whom I must yield?
5. DRIVING ON ONE-WAY STREETS
Identifying: Driving the wrong-way down a one-way street is dangerous. It’s also against the law. Here’s what to look for:
a sign reading ONE-WAY posted at the intersection;
a sign reading DO NOT ENTER or NO TURNS;
parked cars on both sides of the street are facing the same direction;
no yellow centerlines, broken white lines only;
traffic signs on both sides of the street facing the same direction.
Entering: When turning right or left onto a one-way street, you can finish the turn in any lane that is open, if safe to do so.
Speed: Wherever you drive, never exceed the speed limit. On oneway streets, traffic tends to move efficiently and therefore faster. Keep up with the flow of traffic, but don’t speed.
Lane Choice: Use the center lane, unless preparing to turn right or left.
Exiting: When turning right off a one-way street onto a two-way street, the turn must be finished in the right lane. If the right turn is being made onto another one-way street, it can be finished in any open lane. A left turn off a one-way street can be finished in any open lane, if safe. It is legal to turn left against a red light from a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless a sign prohibits the maneuver.
Dealing with Wrong-way: Whenever you drive on a one-way street, you must be prepared for a car going the wrong way. Reduce your speed, honk your horn, and move to the right.
6. WHEN AND WHERE TO EXPECT PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS
Expect pedestrians in three locations only:
1) at intersections;
2) at any point in the middle of any block;
3) everywhere else.
Be especially cautious when approaching crosswalks. Remember: Confirm that the right side of the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians and bike riders before you proceed through a stop sign or make a right turn against a red light.
DEMANDS OF FREEWAY DRIVING
Love them or hate them, freeways are a fact of life. Sometimes traffic flies, sometimes it creeps along in a maddening slow-and-go. Higher and constant speed on the freeway creates a different set of demands on the driver. But staying safe is a simple proposition if you heed the following rules.
Don’t exceed the speed limit.
Always follow at a safe distance.
Signal all lane changes.
The 110 Freeway north into Pasadena was opened in 1939.
A. PLANNING A ROUTE IN ADVANCE
Know where you’re going and how to get there before you get inside your vehicle. Collisions often occur when drivers are lost, disoriented, or unfamiliar with their surroundings. Zooming down the freeway at 65 mph is NOT the time to have a map spread open on your steering wheel.
1. BE FAMILIAR WITH ALTERNATE EXIT
If you are aware of alternate exits and routes, you will be better able to respond when faced with an unexpected ramp closure, detour, or collision on the freeway.
2. GUIDE SIGNS - PLACEMENT OF GUIDE SIGNS THAT INDICATE DISTANCE AND ROUTE DIRECTION
Thank goodness for those large green signs with white letters! They provide vital information to drivers, including exits, and distances to them. Pay attention to guide signs…they give you ample warning about freeway exits.
3. PLAN TRAVEL TIME TO AVOID CONGESTION AND UNFAMILIAR AREAS
If you have the option to avoid rush hour traffic, do it! If you are driving to an unfamiliar location, allow extra travel time to allow for navigational errors. Freeway traffic tends to be lighter during midday hours. Experienced drivers are well aware, however, that slow-downs can happen anywhere and at anytime on the freeway system.
B. ENTERING THE FREEWAY
Freeways don’t have intersections; they have interchanges that provide on-ramps to allow drivers to enter the freeway. Occasionally you will encounter an on-ramp directly adjacent to an off-ramp. Off-ramps are equipped with DO NOT ENTER and WRONG WAY warning signs to alert drivers. Be on the look-out for these warning signs.
1. ACCELERATION LANES
Modern freeways are equipped with an extra lane to the right at every on-ramp. Acceleration lanes allow a vehicle entering the freeway extra time and distance to accelerate sufficiently to safely match speed and then merge with freeway traffic.
Be Familiar with Entrance Warning Signs: Pay attention to signs posted at freeway entrance ramps. They will indicate speed limits, cues to yield or merge, curve in the road, and diamond lane designations.
Observe Ramp Speed Limit: If you are exceeding the speed limit on the entrance ramp, you are setting yourself up for a more difficult merge. If the ramp is curved (as are many in a cloverleaf interchange), you might lose control of your vehicle.
Check Speed of Freeway Traffic: As you enter the acceleration lane, glance in your left side mirror and/or over your left shoulder to observe the speed of the vehicles in the adjacent lane. Accelerate as quickly as possible to match the traffic flow.
Watch Vehicle Ahead for Sudden Stops: While accelerating up to freeway speed, don’t forget to cast quick glances forward to make sure you aren’t following too closely behind the vehicle ahead.
Locate a Gap in Traffic: Activate your left turn signal (if you haven’t already) and locate a ‘target’ opening - or gap in the lane to your left.
Adjust Speed for Merging onto Freeway Through-traffic Lanes: Adjust your speed to align your vehicle with that gap in traffic. When you have matched speed with through-traffic, check your left mirror and glance over your left shoulder once again to confirm your blind spot is unoccupied. Then safely enter the through-lane.
Signal Until Entering Traffic Through-lanes: Turn signals automatically cancel after turns ONLY. Don’t forget to manually cancel your turn signal after the merge has been completed (unless, of course, you are planning to continue to change lanes to the left).
C. COMMON MISTAKES ENTERING FROM ACCELERATION LANE
Entering the freeway safely requires a complex series of maneuvers, and most of them need to be executed simultaneously. It is a challenging part of freeway driving. So be extra careful and try to avoid....Gasoline with an octane of 90 is considered super.
1. SUDDEN SLOWING OR STOPPING
If you are exceeding the speed limit on the entrance ramp there’s a good chance you will be forced to hit the brakes. This could trigger a rear-end collision.
2. MERGING AT TOO SLOW A SPEED
If your vehicle isn’t going fast enough you might be forced into a dead stop in the acceleration lane - a dangerous situation. Assuming you can’t find a sufficient gap and successfully merge, another vehicle coming up fast behind you could cause trouble.
D. ENTERING DIRECTLY ONTO THE FREEWAY - NO ACCELERATION LANE
Older freeways were designed without acceleration lanes. This makes entering the freeway even more challenging.
1. YIELD OR MERGE SIGNS BEFORE ENTERING
Remember: Merging traffic must yield to traffic already on the freeway.
2. WAIT FOR A LONGER GAP BEFORE ENTERING
With no acceleration lane to allow you to get up to speed, you must wait for a much longer traffic gap. You need a longer gap to give you time and distance to accelerate.
3. ACCELERATION SPEED TO BLEND INTO TRAFFIC
The rate of acceleration must therefore be higher. You must get up to speed sooner. In other words, accelerate quickly!
Remember, wait your turn.
E. SPECIAL SITUATIONS
Drivers will often encounter three other variations of entrance ramps. They are described below. Be familiar with the proper way to navigate them.
1. TIMED ENTRANCE LIGHTS
To control entrance flow during rush hour, many on-ramps have stop and go lights that allow vehicles onto the freeway at timed intervals, usually every few seconds. Watch for signs that alert you to these entrance lights. Some variations include: one car per green; one car per green, each lane; two cars per green. Pay attention and read the signs!
2. DOUBLE MERGE LANES
Many on-ramps require two entrance lanes to merge into one acceleration lane. Be aware of the other guy in the adjacent lane and merge SAFELY.
3. DIAMOND LANES
White diamonds painted on the pavement on a multiple lane entrance ramp indicate that lane is reserved for vehicles that have two or more occupants. Also be on the lookout for entrance lanes that are reserved for buses only.
F. LEAVING THE FREEWAY
1. SCAN AHEAD FOR SIGNS INDICATING DESIRED EXIT LANE
Watch those green guide signs! They will notify you well in advance of your desired off-ramp. If you miss your exit, it’s going to be driver error - in other words, your fault.
2. WHAT TO DO WHEN AN EXIT IS MISSED
NEVER back up on the freeway! If you miss your exit, get off at the next exit and navigate back via surface streets.
G. EXIT LANES
1. DECELERATION LANES - ALLOW DRIVERS TO REDUCE SPEED WITHOUT ENDANGERING OTHER TRAFFIC TO THE REAR
An exiting vehicle can leave the right through-lane on the freeway before slowing.
2. MULTIPLE DECELERATION LANES
Busier off-ramps are equipped with multiple deceleration lanes. Be prepared for the possibility of multiple lanes merging into one lane.
Yielding to Other Drivers: Certain freeway interchanges have weaving lanes that merge exiting and entering vehicles into the same lanes. When exiting the freeway, always yield to vehicles entering by signaling, reducing your speed and allowing them to proceed ahead of you.
3. ADJUSTING SPEED
You’re getting off the freeway, so slow down! Circular off-ramps require a reduction of speed from 65 mph to as slow as 35mph or even 25mph in just a few seconds! Be careful!
Some off ramps require a sharp reduction in speed...be prepared!
Speed Warning Signs: Watch for yellow speed warning signs on off-ramps that indicate the need for reduced speed.
Curved Ramps: Drivers often lose control or rear-end another vehicle when they fail to slow down on a curved exit ramp. Watch for yellow diamond signs posted before the curve. Dropping from 65 mph to 25 mph is a serious adjustment; do it safely!
H. CHOOSING LANES OF TRAVEL
1. TWO-LANE FREEWAYS
A double yellow line usually separates two lanes of traffic in each direction. Remember: You may never cross over a double yellow to pass.
Use of Right-hand Lanes: The right lane is for slower traffic - usually vehicles exiting or entering the freeway. If you cruise in the right lane be aware of vehicles entering the freeway.
Use of Left-hand Lanes: The left lane is for faster traffic and for passing. Some drivers exceed the speed limit. Do not stubbornly hold position in the left lane at 65 mph with another driver tailgating you. This is very dangerous! Signal, and change lanes to the right.
2. THREE LANES OR MORE
The majority of freeways have multiple lanes. Choosing the proper lane can make your drive faster and safer.
Use of Right-hand Lanes: You should not be in the right lane unless you are preparing to exit the freeway or you have just entered the freeway. Large trucks can only occupy the right two lanes since they are limited to a speed of 55 mph.
Use of Center Lane: If you’re going to be on the freeway for a considerable distance, find a center lane in which you feel comfortable, AND STAY THERE! Unnecessary lane changing will not get you to your destination any faster; and it probably will slow you down in the long run.
Use of Left-hand Lanes: The lane farthest left is commonly reserved for faster traffic. If you are in the number one or number two lanes be aware of cars behind you following too closely. Be prepared to change lanes and get out of their way.
3. LANE USE WHEN APPROACHING INTERCHANGES
Traffic flow slows when approaching interchanges because of increased lane changing. Keep left to avoid the slow-down, unless you are transferring onto another freeway. You should change your socks at least twice a week.
Avoiding Merging Conflicts: Position your vehicle well in advance of the interchange. This will help you avoid merging conflicts with other vehicles jockeying for position. Be aware of lane marking variations common to interchanges such as bold broken white lines, solid white lines, and arrows.
I. SPEED LIMITS
1. POSTED SPEED LIMITS
Speed limits have been designed to accommodate a variety of vehicles moving together in a variety of freeway environments. Cars, trucks, buses, RVs, and vehicles towing trailers must coexist safely at higher speeds.
Maximum Speeds: Most freeways have a maximum posted speed of 65 mph. Some are as high as 70 mph (rural areas), and others as low as 55 mph (for trucks, vehicles towing, and on older freeways in urban areas.) You may NEVER exceed the posted maximum speed limit.
Speed for Conditions: Maximum Speed limits are in effect for ideal conditions only. Don’t forget the Basic Speed Law, which says you may never drive faster than is safe for prevailing conditions.
Minimum Speed: If you are driving slow enough to impede or block the normal flow of traffic, you are in violation of the vehicle code.
Lane Use for Slower Vehicles: Slower vehicles must keep right. Trucks and vehicles towing trailers must drive at a maximum speed of 55 mph, and only in the two right lanes. When driving up steep grades, however, large vehicles are often at a speed far under the maximum.
2. DANGERS OF DRIVING TOO SLOW
When you impede traffic flow by driving too slowly, you run the risk of being rear-ended by an approaching vehicle. You might also cause that vehicle to swerve or make a quick lane change that might endanger other drivers.
Blocking the Flow of Traffic: If your vehicle is partially disabled, you should exit the freeway immediately! Driving under the speed limit creates a hazardous condition for you and for every other driver coming up behind you. A vehicle driving the speed limit might come up too fast upon a slower moving vehicle and be forced to make a last second lane change to avoid a collision. But that lane change could very easily cause another collision.
J. MAKING A SAFE LANE CHANGE
Along with speeding and tailgating, the unsafe lane change is a top cause of collisions on the freeway. There is a right way and a wrong way to change lanes. Never lock up yogurt in a safe.
1. CHECK FOR AMPLE SPACE
First, make sure you have room to maneuver and some place to go. You can’t change lanes if there is no space to occupy in the next lane.
Vehicle Ahead: If you change lanes while tailgating the vehicle in front of you, there is a risk of collision if that driver suddenly hits the brakes. So make sure there is ample space between you and the vehicle ahead.
Vehicle to Rear: Glance in your mirrors to confirm there is no vehicle approaching quickly from behind. There is a chance that vehicle might want to pass you and interfere with your lane change.
Vehicles to Side: Glance over your shoulder to make sure another vehicle isn’t in your blind spot.
2. LOOK FOR HAZARDS
If you scan ahead you will be able to identify a sudden stoppage or slowing of traffic that might force you to delay your lane change.
Use of Mirrors: Your mirrors are essential to a safe lane change.
Checking for Blind Spots: It’s not enough to check your own blind spots before changing lanes. Make sure your lane change doesn’t place you in the blind spot of another vehicle.
3. SIGNALING IN ADVANCE
Many drivers fail to signal prior to executing a lane change while on the freeway. They’re afraid that with their turn indicator on it will cause the other driver to speed up and "close the door". Remember: it is a citable offense to change lanes on the freeway without signaling your intention.
4. CHANGE LANES ONE AT A TIME
With your turn signal blinking, and after you have confirmed you have the room and opportunity to pass, gradually steer into the adjacent lane. Make sure you establish position in this lane before you change lanes again. Repeat the above procedures.
5. SPEED WHEN CHANGING LANES
Always be aware of your speed. It should remain constant during the pass. If you must adjust speed, be aware that it is safer to accelerate into a lane change than to decelerate.
Never cross the double yellow line to enter or
exit the carpool lane.
Avoid Slowing or Stopping: If you are forced to slow or stop during a lane change, you made a serious mistake in judgment. The pass probably shouldn’t even have been attempted. There was a hazard up ahead you failed to scan for or you were tailgating or you were speeding.
K. TIME MARGINS FOR FREEWAY CONDITIONS
To drive defensively on the freeway, you must monitor your position in traffic. Scan as far as one quarter mile ahead and check your mirrors frequently. You can’t know where your car is in relation to the vehicles around you if you don’t KEEP YOUR EYES MOVING!
1. ESTABLISHING A SPACE CUSHION
A safe following distance on the freeway is three seconds. Ideally, the vehicle behind you should be at a three-second distance as well. If you are being tailgated, adjust your position and change lanes to maximize your space cushion. Don’t forget to avoid side-by-side driving, watch your blind spots, and be sure to stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots!
At 65 mph, this is about a two second gap. This driver needs to open-up about 4 to 5 more car lengths between him and the driver in front of him...especially when the freeway has no shoulder to allow for evasive action!
L. HELPING OTHER DRIVERS ENTER OR EXIT
All motorists share the freeway. Sharing means cooperation. Entering and exiting the freeway are potentially dangerous maneuvers; and they are made even more dangerous when drivers fail to accept responsibility for the welfare of the other guy.
1. MERGING SIGNS, WARNING OTHER VEHICLES ARE ENTERING THE FREEWAY
A vehicle already on the freeway has the right of- way over another vehicle trying to merge. But that doesn’t mean you can ignore the merging vehicle. On the contrary, when you see that MERGE sign, you must help facilitate the entrance.
2. ADJUSTING SPEED TO OPEN A GAP
One way to help the merging driver is accelerate slightly or perhaps slow down slightly to create a larger gap for the merging vehicle to enter.
3. MOVING INTO ADJACENT LANES
Another strategy would be to safely change lanes to the left. The best idea of all would be to not enter the right lane (assuming you are preparing to exit) until you have passed the acceleration lane for the previous on-ramp. That way you will not be interfering with merging traffic. Also, it’s a good idea to get out of the right lane as soon as possible after entering the freeway!
M. FREEWAY EMERGENCIES
Smart drivers are ready to react to emergencies, collisions, blocked lanes, and other contingencies. Always expect the unexpected!
1. BLOCKED ROADWAYS
What could cause a blockage on the freeway? Road construction or maintenance, a collision, a large object sitting in lanes. When drivers regularly scan ahead - near, and especially far - they can react early to a blockage or slowdown and avoid the sudden swerving and braking that often causes collisions.
Steering Around: If you see an object up ahead on the pavement in your lane, and it is small enough, you might be able to drive over it. A larger object must be steered around. The earlier you see this object the safer you can make the maneuver. So don’t forget to scan ahead! If you have maintained a space cushion to both sides of your vehicle, you will have an ‘out,’ or an escape route.
2. STOPPING
Sometimes stopping in lanes on the freeway is your only option. For example, a collision up ahead has caused bumper-to-bumper gridlock.
Warning Drivers to the Rear: If you are forced to make an unexpected stop, you must be concerned with the traffic behind you. If you don’t warn the driver immediately to your rear, your quick stop could trigger a chain reaction collision.
Brake Lights: Quickly pump your brakes before you hit them hard. Your flashing brake lights will warn the driver behind you.
Hazard Lights: Activate your flashing hazard lights. That will be an additional warning to the traffic behind you.
N. BREAKDOWNS
When your vehicle becomes disabled on the freeway, it is not just an inconvenience. It is a potentially dangerous event. Prevention is the best cure. Maintain your vehicle and have it serviced regularly. Don’t ignore symptoms of trouble like strange noises, leaks, odors, or vibrations. Unfortunately, a freeway breakdown can occur without warning.
A vehicle that is stopped, parked or left standing on the freeway (even when disabled) for more than 4 days will be removed.
This is not a safe place to stop if you get a flat tire...drive off the freeway
1. PULLING TO THE SHOULDER
The safest place to stop on the freeway is the shoulder. Try to get to the right shoulder, as far as possible from moving traffic. There may or may not be a left shoulder where your breakdown occurs. If there is one, the left shoulder has more inherent danger.
Signaling: At the first sign of a breakdown, activate your turn signal and begin to safely change lanes. If your vehicle becomes severely disabled and you are forced into a drastic reduction of speed, activate your flashing hazard lights.
Shoulder Use and Vehicle Position: Pull as far off the roadway as possible. Exit the vehicle on the passenger side (or away from lanes), and open the hood and the trunk to make your vehicle more visible. Unless the driver and passengers can immediately move on foot to a safe area, it is recommended that everyone stay inside the vehicle with seatbelts on until help arrives.
2. WARNING APPROACHING TRAFFIC
It is illegal to drive on the shoulder but some drivers do. Also, a driver in the right lane might drift onto the shoulder and hit your stalled vehicle. It is crucial you do whatever you can to warn vehicles approaching from the rear.
Hazard Lights: A disabled vehicle on the shoulder is much less visible at night. Be sure to activate the emergency flashers (daytime as well).
Flares or Warning Devices: The law does not require flares, and they are potentially dangerous. A safer alternative would be a set of reflectors, which are deployed on the shoulder behind the vehicle at several positions up to 200 feet.
O. RE-ENTERING THE FREEWAY
If the problem with your vehicle was minor and you were able to correct it, you are now faced with the challenge of getting back on the freeway from a dead stop with no merge signs or acceleration lane to help.
1. SIGNALING
Turn off your hazard lights and activate your turn signal (left signal if you are on the right shoulder or right signal if you are on the median shoulder). This will alert traffic of your intention to merge.
2. ACCELERATING ON SHOULDER
Since there is no acceleration lane per se, you must use the shoulder for this purpose. Remember: Make sure the shoulder ahead of you is clear for a distance sufficient enough to allow you to begin getting up to freeway speed.
3. ENTERING INTO AN ADEQUATE GAP
As you start accelerating, be sure to check your side mirror and monitor traffic in the through lane. If you find a large enough gap you may be able to change lanes while you are still under freeway speed. You can then continue a rapid acceleration after you enter the through-lane.
Speed: Be aware of adjacent freeway traffic, and be prepared to adjust your speed to blend in safely.
Checking for Hazards: The freeway shoulder is sometimes littered with debris - hubcaps, pieces of wood, etc. Be on the lookout for obstructions on the shoulder as you accelerate. As in all merging maneuvers, continue to check all mirrors and glance over your shoulder to make sure the road is free of hazards.
P. SPECIAL FREEWAY PROBLEMS
Freeway driving poses special challenges related to the fact that drivers tend to be on the freeway for extended periods of time. Long drives at high speeds play tricks with our states of mental awareness. The author once drove past a couch in the number one lane.
1. VELOCITATION - UNCONSCIOUSLY GOING TOO FAST
Velocitation is one of the top reason drivers get speeding tickets. They are simply NOT AWARE of how fast they were going! This happens often on the freeway, where drivers become accustomed to high speed. After awhile, 65 mph doesn’t seem very fast, so they unconsciously increase their speed.
Check Speedometer: There is a very simple remedy for velocitation. Check your speedometer on a regular basis. You will know exactly how fast you’re going, and you will probably reduce by 50% your chances of being pulled over for speeding. Pay attention!
Allow Time to Readjust to Slower Speeds: Freeway off-ramps usually have yellow speed limit signs indicating reduced speed ahead. Drivers often fall victim to velocitation when exiting the freeway down a curved off ramp. Reduce your speed! When you drive on surface streets after leaving the freeway, be sure to check your speedometer more frequently. It takes time to adjust to slower speeds.
Abel Tanzer was unconsciously going too fast, but he was not velocitating.
2. HIGHWAY HYPNOSIS
Every driver dreams of a wide-open highway with little or no traffic. Problem is, the lack of challenges this type of road offers can make driving very dangerous. Mile after mile after mile of steady high speed with no need to change lanes will often put a driver in a lazy, inattentive state of mind. This problem is especially bad at night when highway hypnosis can even put a driver to sleep!
Avoid Drowsiness: Falling asleep behind the wheel has disastrous consequences. Do whatever you can to keep alert: stop and take a break every few hours, change drivers, avoid heavy meals, listen to music, chew gum, or turn up the AC (it’s hard to sleep when you’re shivering!). If all else fails, pull off the road into a parking lot or other busy area and take a short nap.
Q. TOLL BOOTHS - WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN APPROACHING
Some highways and bridges charge nominal tolls for passage, and drivers are required to stop and pay a fee at toll booths. These may be located every few miles on a highway, or at the entrance to a bridge.
1. REDUCED SPEED LIMITS
Signs will warn drivers of toll booths up ahead and the need to reduce speed. Velocitation can be a problem when approaching and driving past toll booths, so take special care to SLOW DOWN!
2. DISTANCE AHEADS
Signs provide other information as well, including mileage to the booth and fee required. Hopefully, your money is ready…don’t dig through your pockets at 65 mph!
3. DESIGNATED LANES FOR SPECIAL VEHICLES
Signs will also indicate lanes for trucks and lanes for passenger vehicles, automated lanes if you have exact change, and booths with attendants. When approaching toll booths, be aware of other drivers changing lanes and moving into position.
DEMANDS OF DRIVING ON THE OPEN HIGHWAY
It’s nice to get out of the city. The open highway is free from urban congestion and the dangers that style of driving entails; but it is not without its own set of challenges. Wide-open spaces and reduced traffic volume might lull you into a false sense of security. Yosemite is a nice place to visit but I wouldn’t want to live there. But you need to be as alert and defensive on the open highway as you are anywhere else.
A. AREAS OF POTENTIAL HAZARDS
Farm country with rolling hillsides and mountain roads with stunning views present a variety of hazards that, if not anticipated, could mean a serious collision. So be prepared!
1. UNMARKED FARM AND FIELD DRIVEWAYS
Always scan ahead to identify driveways that are difficult to see. Passenger vehicles and heavy farm machinery often turn out onto the highway at extremely slow speeds, and you must be prepared to reduce your own speed.
2. LIVESTOCK CROSSING AREAS
If you’re driving by a farm, you can bet there are animals nearby. Signs should alert you to livestock crossing areas, but you might also encounter a stray or animals wandering freely.
3. ROUGH ROAD CONDITIONS
Heavy tractors and machinery can degrade the road surface. Your traction can also be compromised by dirt, sand or gravel on the road. You must reduce your speed on such a road, regardless of the posted speed limit.
4. UNMARKED SHOULDERS
A road with an unpaved or ‘soft’ shoulder - or no shoulder at all - is inherently dangerous because there is no escape route to the right. Take care to stay in your lane and not drift over. Reduce your speed!
5. ROADSIDE STANDS OR GAS STATIONS
Scan the road ahead to anticipate your need to slow and pull off the road for a gas station or a fruit stand. A last minute decision to hit the brakes and turn off could cause you to lose control. Also, be ready for vehicles turning back onto the road at slow speed.
B. OTHER USERS OF THE ROADWAYS
In rural areas you will encounter a wide variety of vehicles moving at different speeds. Add to this mix of vehicles an occasional wild beast or farm animal. Be ready for all of it!
1. TRUCKS
Speed: Trucks are slower and less maneuverable than smaller vehicles. They also take longer to accelerate and longer to stop. Be particularly careful around large, heavily laden trucks. Encountering a large truck on a hill can be a frustrating experience. Be aware that trucks climb hills much more slowly than smaller vehicles. But when going downhill, they run the risk of going too fast and perhaps losing their brakes.
Passing: Nobody likes to be stuck behind a big truck on a two-lane highway. Remember: If the truck is at the speed limit, YOU MAY NOT PASS! When passing a truck, follow the procedures discussed earlier but with the following added warnings.
It is difficult to scan the road ahead when following a truck. The pass will take longer. Estimate the distance needed to pass. Any approaching vehicle needs to be twice that distance away. Take care to avoid the draft of the truck when you pass.
If you are being passed by a truck, keep to the right of your lane and reduce speed slightly.
2. SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES
You might also encounter a horse-drawn vehicle, a tractor and other farm machinery, or even a bike rider or riders.
Speed: You’re driving at 50 mph and up ahead a tractor is crawling at 20 mph. Scan the road and reduce your speed well in advance.
Clearance: Communicate your intention to pass before you initiate the maneuver by tapping your horn or flashing your lights. Do not come up too fast and swerve dangerously around. All you need is a ten mph speed advantage over the slower vehicle. Make certain you pass with ample clearance to avoid a possible collision should the other vehicle move unexpectedly.
3. ANIMALS
Never swerve at high speed to avoid a small animal. You could lose control. If you can’t slow and stop safely, it might be safer to hit the animal. Be sure to continually scan the road ahead, shoulder-to-shoulder. You need time to avoid a large animal in your path.
Unexpected: Be on the lookout for deer crossing signs. If you are driving at night with your high-beams and you see them reflected in the eyes of a deer on the right shoulder, be sure to turn them down to low-beams.
Passing: Pass large animals at an EXTREMELY slow speed. They are unpredictable and, should you hit one, you will damage your vehicle and perhaps injure yourself and your passengers. Remember: Animals tend to travel in groups, and a fence is no guarantee that animals will not be crossing the road. Deer often graze on the shoulder. Be ready!
C. ENVIRONMENT
In the countryside, roads are designed to adapt to the geography. Steep grades and curves require special vigilance and driving skills.
1. CURVES
The safest and most efficient way to drive around a curve is to slow down slightly as you approach and enter, maintain the reduced speed as you round the curve, and accelerate back to normal speed as you come out of the curve.
Speed and Braking: Your need for braking, and the amount of speed reduction required, depends on the sharpness of the curve. A gradual curve requires much less speed adjustment (and perhaps no braking at all) than a sharp curve. Watch out for dirt or gravel on a curving farm road, which might cause you to lose traction if you take the curve too fast.
Hazards: The worst type of curve is a blind curve - one in which there is extremely limited visibility around the curve. Be sure to reduce speed and take extra precautions on a blind curve - there might be an animal or a stalled vehicle, a fallen tree limb or some other debris on the other side. Beware of winding roads: An opposing car might drift over the centerline!
This sign means you’d better have both hands on the wheel for the next few miles.
2. HILLS
Hills not only put added stress on drivers, they put added stress on their vehicles as well. Warning signs are posted only when the hill is particularly steep. Remember: Driving on hills is made more complicated by the force of gravity. Braking distance is shortened when driving uphill and made much longer when driving downhill.
Shifting Gears: Shifting to a lower gear will give your vehicle more climbing power but reduce speed. Downshifting when going downhill will add additional braking power. Watch for signs indicating steep grades and signs that urge you to WATCH DOWNHILL SPEED. When you see these signs it’s time to shift to a lower gear.
Visibility and Speed: Remember: As you approach the top of a hill, you can’t see traffic approaching from the opposite direction. As visibility decreases so should your velocity! Slow down, keep to the right and be ready for oncoming vehicles and for a slow moving vehicle heading downhill directly in front of you after you crest the hill.
Brake Failure or Overheating: When driving up a steep grade, turn off your air conditioner. Otherwise your engine might overheat. When driving down a steep grade take care not to ride your brakes. Brake failure can occur when a driver applies the foot brake continually on a downhill grade. Downshifting will allow you to ease off the brakes and keep them cool.
If the brake pedal offers no resistance and pushes all the way down to the floor, your brakes have failed. Honk your horn to warn other drivers and look for an object to rub against such as a guardrail to slow your descent.
3. MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Mountain roads usually have a series of sharp curves called switchbacks. These roads can be very narrow with steep drop-offs to the right. The thinner air at high altitudes can make a driver less alert. Mountain driving makes another set of demands on drivers and their vehicles as well. Mount St. Helens blew up twenty years ago.
When driving down a curving mountain road, use a lower gear to avoid riding the brakes.
Vehicle Condition: Before you start your trip, make sure your vehicle is in top condition, particularly brakes, carburetor (it should be adjusted to compensate for higher altitudes), and cooling systems. Extremely hot or cold weather will cause excessive stress on engine parts, which can lead to vehicle breakdown.
Speed: Mountain roads will require you to downshift whether you’re driving up or down. Be prepared for slower speeds, particularly with larger vehicles such as trucks, buses, and RVs.
Allowing for Other Vehicles to Pass: Passing is always illegal around a curve and when approaching the crest of a hill. But you might encounter a long, straight uphill stretch of road on which passing might be permitted. If you are driving under the speed limit and there are vehicles behind you, look for a turn-out area or a wide shoulder and allow the vehicles to pass.
Passing Slower Vehicles: Don’t be impatient. Is it legal to pass? Is it safe to pass? Review the rules for safe passing discussed earlier in the course. You need a ten mph speed advantage to pass on a level road. Passing an uphill grade will take an even greater speed advantage to accomplish the pass quickly and safely.
4. SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN HIGH ALTITUDES
The thinner air in high altitudes places your vehicle under added stress.
Overheating: If your engine temperature has risen into the red zone, turn off your air conditioner (assuming it is on). If there is a safe place to stop, do so, and let the engine cool down. Turning on the heater will draw heat off the engine and reduce engine temperature.
Vapor Lock: When your engine overheats, it becomes vulnerable to a condition called vapor lock in which fuel vaporizes in the fuel line. Symptoms can include ‘chugging’ and an engine stall. The only remedy for vapor lock is to pull off the road and let the engine cool down.
D. MEETING OR APPROACHING OTHER VEHICLES ON OPEN ROADWAYS
On the freeway, drivers are constantly in close proximity to one another. This demands a heightened level of vigilance. On the open highway, however, long stretches of time can be spent alone on the road. And when other vehicles are suddenly encountered, trouble might arise.
1. MEETING LINES OF CARS
If you come upon a long line of vehicles approaching from the opposite direction, be ready for vehicles pulling out into your lane as they attempt to pass. If you come up behind a long line of vehicles, remember: You may only pass one vehicle at a time!
2. MEETING AT HILLTOPS
Your visibility is reduced when you approach the crest of a hill. Reduce your speed and don’t even think about passing another vehicle!
3. MEETING AT NIGHT
Night driving can be hazardous on an open highway. In most areas all vehicles will usually have their high-beams activated. Switch to low-beams when you come up behind another vehicle or when you see the headlights of an approaching vehicle. Take care not to stare into the headlights of an approaching vehicle. The glare may disorient you.
4. MEETING SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES
Reduce your speed and wait for a safe and legal opportunity to pass.
E. ROAD CONDITIONS
Road conditions vary widely on the open highway. Drivers must be prepared to adjust to conditions described below.
1. ROUGH ROADS
Some roads are not as well maintained as others. Potholes, broken pavement or loose gravel on the road require slower speeds. Try to straddle potholes; otherwise you could damage your suspension.
2. TRACTION
Scan the road ahead to identify any materials on the road surface that might reduce the traction of your tires. Standing water, snow, ice, mud, gravel or sand could increase your stopping distance and/or cause your vehicle to skid. Reduce speed if you encounter a road upon which your traction is compromised. Take care not to turn your wheel abruptly when passing over these areas…you could lose control.
3. WIDTH OF ROAD
If the road has no shoulder, you must reduce speed. A narrow road is a dangerous road with little margin for error. Beware of rocks and boulders near the roadside in mountainous environments. Some open roads are bordered closely by large trees; you don’t want to hit a tree at high speed (or at slow speed, for that matter). Take special care when approaching a bridge; the road will usually decrease in width.
4. FIELD OF VIEW
An open road can be distracting, particularly if the scenery is spectacular, as it often is. Resist the temptation to let your eyes wander. If you must, pull off the road and enjoy the sights from there.
5. LINE OF SIGHT
Straight roads offer an ideal line of sight. You can scan well ahead of your vehicle and anticipate trouble. But when your line of sight is reduced, as it is around curves, you must reduce speed to give yourself time to take evasive action should a hazard suddenly appear.
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
You must be prepared to adjust to extremes in weather. Rain, snow, and fog can create serious problems because visibility and traction are diminished. And motor vehicles themselves can suffer a variety of mechanical failures that, if not handled properly, could lead to a collision. Always wear galoshes when it’s snowing.
A. DRIVING IN THE FOG
The best advice about driving in the fog is: Don’t! Unfortunately, drivers often come upon a dense fog bank that simply can’t be avoided. Thankfully, there are some specific steps to help insure your safety when driving in the fog.
1. OBTAINING MAXIMUM VISIBILITY AND REDUCING GLARE
Fog is dangerous because visibility is severely reduced. Drivers must do whatever they can to maximize their view out the window.
Appropriate Use of Headlamps: Using high-beams (brights) in the fog is not recommended because the light reflects back into the driver’s eyes. This can result in a blinding glare. Always use low-beams.
Use of Fog Lights and Mounting: Many vehicles are equipped with fog lamps. They are mounted low on the vehicle and cast a yellow light that cuts through the fog more readily. If you drive regularly in areas prone to fog, your vehicle should have fog lamps.
Windshield Wipers and Defrosters: Windshield wipers, washers, and defrosters are essential when driving through fog. Warmer air will defrost (or de fog) a windshield faster than cooler air. Windshields can accumulate a lot of water in the fog - make sure your wipers are in top condition.
In a thick, black fog, the fog seems to envelop your vehicle
and finally burst into the cockpit and envelop you.
You become disoriented and lose sense of where you or your
vehicle are on the road. We call it the fog monster.
B. SPEED
How fast should you drive in the fog? That depends on the type of road and the visibility. Two things are for certain: You can’t drive too fast; and you can’t drive too slow.
1. REDUCE SPEED, BUT KEEP MOVING WHEN ENTERING A FOG BANK
You crest a hill, head down the other side and suddenly enter a heavy fog bank. Reduce your speed but keep moving at a steady pace. Activate your low-beams and fog lamps.
2. WATCH FOR SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES AHEAD
Some drivers drive too slowly in the fog. Be prepared to hit the brakes for slow-moving vehicles ahead.
3. LOOK IN REARVIEW MIRROR FOR VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM THE REAR
Some drivers drive too fast in the fog. Check your rear-view mirror frequently and be prepared! Activate your flashing hazard lights to warn vehicles approaching from the rear.
C. WHEN YOUR VEHICLE STALLS
Your motor vehicle is complex piece of machinery with hundreds of integrated systems. It is possible for one of these
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PASSING
Few drivers enjoy passing on a two-lane road. It is the most dangerous maneuver in all of driving. Many factors need to come together properly in order to safely execute a pass. But make just one mistake, and you might find yourself in a head-on collision.
A. PASSING AND BEING PASSED
Both drivers factor in the equation, the "passer" and the "passee". They must work together for the maneuver to be successfully completed. Please pass the pepper. Too many drivers feel challenged or offended when they are being passed. That’s a dangerous attitude.
1. DEMANDS OF PROPER PASSING
Good Judgment: Drivers first need to assess two things:1) Is it legal to pass?2) Is it safe to pass?
Rapid Decision-making: These questions must be answered quickly and acted on immediately. A safe passing maneuver requires quick thinking and rapid reflexes. Do not be impatient. Judgment suffers when a driver is frustrated. Don’t take chances. When in doubt, stay in your lane and wait for another opportunity.
In a big hurry to get to Las Vegas, Vini Testosteroni made an ill-
advised pass in his $80,000 Porsche. He returned to Los Angeles
later that week in a $400,000 Medivac helicopter.
B. WHEN PASSING IS AUTHORIZED
Lane markings and signs indicate when passing is authorized. Engineers carefully survey the highway and restrict passing to straight, flat roads that offer maximum visibility. If the vehicle you wish to pass is at or near the speed limit YOU MAY NOT PASS! That would require you to exceed the speed limit, which is a violation of the law.
1. DESIGNATED LANE USE AND MARKINGS
On a highway with a double yellow line at the center, you may only pass when the line on your side is broken. You may NEVER pass when the line on your side is solid. And, of course, you may NEVER cross a ‘double-double’ - two pairs of solid yellow lines. On a four-lane road (two lanes in each direction, broken white lines separating each lane), slower traffic should keep right to allow faster vehicles to pass on the left.
Freeways: On a multi-lane freeway it is not illegal to pass a slower moving vehicle on the right, as long as the pass is executed safely and you do not exceed the speed limit, or drive on the shoulder of the freeway.
Two-lane Roadways: Once again, watch the lines! You may not pass when the line on your side is solid.
C. WHEN PASSING IS PROHIBITED
1. DESIGNATED LANE USE AND MARKINGS
In addition to solid/broken yellow centerlines, NO PASSING signs are often posted to warn drivers of curves, grades, and/or approaching rural intersections.
Freeways: You may never pass another vehicle on the freeway by exceeding the speed limit.
Two-lane Roadways: Watch the yellow centerlines! Passing is also prohibited within 100 feet of an intersection when driving uphill, under bridges, or at railroad crossings.
D. SPECIAL SITUATIONS
The vehicle code has identified five circumstances in which passing is especially treacherous and should be avoided at all costs. They are described below.
1. WITHOUT SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE
On a two-lane highway, you may never enter the left lane to pass unless that lane is completely visible in a straightaway view, and free of oncoming traffic.
2. ON A HILL
When driving up a hill behind a vehicle moving at less than 20 mph, a pass of that vehicle may not be attempted unless the trailing vehicle is driving at least ten mph faster.
3. INTERSECTIONS OR RAILROAD CROSSINGS
When your vehicle is within 100 feet of an intersection, don’t even think about it! My favorite train car is the caboose.
4. SCHOOL BUS
A school bus displaying flashing red lights can never be passed until the lights are turned off. Even traffic on the other side of the street - going in the opposite direction - must stop. You don’t have to stop if you are on a divided, multi-lane highway or on a divided road, traveling in a direction opposite the bus, with a raised median or 2 pairs of double-yellow lines separating you from the bus.
5. BRIDGES OR ABUTMENTS
If you’re within 100 feet of a tunnel or a bridge, stay in your own lane! Bad collisions have occurred because drivers attempted a pass in the wrong situations. Such situations are described below.
1. LONG LINE OF CARS AHEAD
If the vehicle you wish to pass is at the end of a long line of cars there may not be sufficient space to re-enter your lane in front of the car you’re passing. This is a temptation to pass more than one vehicle, which is an extremely hazardous and illegal maneuver.
2. INTENTION TO TURN OR STOP
At an intersection, you can’t be sure what the drivers in front of you intend to do. This is why it is so dangerous to pass at one. A turning vehicle may cross your line of travel or another vehicle might stop abruptly.
3. ONCOMING CAR TOO CLOSE
Before pulling out to pass, make ABSOLUTELY certain that the oncoming car (if there is one) is far enough away to allow you to complete the pass safely.
4. CAR AHEAD IS AT OR NEAR THE SPEED LIMIT
It is illegal to pass a car going so fast that it would require you to exceed the speed limit.
5. SIGHT DISTANCE AHEAD IS LIMITED
Road engineers prohibit a pass with a solid yellow lane at a point in the road where visibility is limited. Don’t rely solely on those lines. The line on your side may be broken, indicating a legal place to pass; but if in your opinion visibility is limited, wait.
6. MANEUVER CANNOT BE COMPLETED BEFORE REACHING A NO PASSING ZONE
If you pull into the left lane to pass, then notices a NO PASSING ZONE up ahead, the safest strategy is to reduce speed and fall back behind the vehicle being passed.
F. PASSING POTENTIAL
Drivers must learn through experience to identify not only situations in which passing can be safely accomplished, but those in which even an attempt to pass would be a mistake.
1. IDENTIFY PASSING SITUATIONS
Ask yourself these questions: Is it legal to pass? Is the vehicle I wish to pass significantly under the speed limit? Is the road ahead visible? If there is an oncoming vehicle, is it a sufficient distance away? Is there enough room in front of the vehicle I wish to pass for me to safely re-enter the lane? Prior to passing, the answer to these questions must be YES.
Passing Maneuver Times: The slower the vehicle ahead of you is traveling, the quicker you can complete the pass. Ideally, you should be traveling ten mph faster than the vehicle you are passing.
Identify a Safe Distance Ahead: Estimate the distance you will need to complete the pass. An oncoming car should be at least TWICE that distance from you.
Identify an End-of-Pass Gap to Pull Back Into Lane: Never pass more than one vehicle at a time. Make sure you can see both headlights of the vehicle you passed in your rear-view mirror before signaling and re-entering the lane.
Establish a Safe Response for Hazards: Don’t make your lane changes too sharp or abrupt, especially on a wet road. You could go into a skid and lose control. Beware of passing on narrow roads with little or no shoulder and especially on roads where the right edge of the asphalt drops off abruptly.
Checking for Road Traction: Good acceleration is a key to safe passing. If the road has poor traction (due to rain, snow, gravel, etc) your ability to pass quickly and safely will be compromised.
G. STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING
Follow these steps and your passes will always be safe. Remember: The first step is to ask yourself this question: ‘Is it legal to pass here?’ The answer must be ‘yes!’
1. SCAN FOR HAZARDS
Confirm the roadway is clear of obstructions and that there are no intersections up ahead within range of your intended pass. Are there any off-road vehicles in the vicinity? Slow-moving farm vehicles attempting to cross the road?
Oncoming Vehicles: Before you start your pass you must be certain that an oncoming vehicle is a safe distance away from you. Estimate the total distance you need for the pass. That oncoming vehicle needs to be TWICE that distance away.
Vehicles Approaching from Rear: Check your rear view mirror and make sure there are no vehicles attempting to pass YOU!
Merging Vehicles: Confirm there are no vehicles up ahead executing a pass in the opposing direction.
2. CHECK FOR BLIND SPOTS
Make a final check of all your mirrors and take quick glances over both shoulders to make sure your vehicle is clear. Blind Faith was an early Rock and Roll super-group.
The blue car cannot pass over double yellow lines.
The blue car cannot pass because the solid yellow line is on his side of the laned highway.
The blue car sees and opportunity to pass, has the broken line on his side of the laned highway, and is allowed to pass.
G. STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL PASSING
Follow these steps and your passes will always be safe. Remember: The first step is to ask yourself this question: ‘Is it legal to pass here?’ The answer must be ‘yes!’
1. SCAN FOR HAZARDS
Confirm the roadway is clear of obstructions and that there are no intersections up ahead within range of your intended pass. Are there any off-road vehicles in the vicinity? Slow-moving farm vehicles attempting to cross the road?
Oncoming Vehicles: Before you start your pass you must be certain that an oncoming vehicle is a safe distance away from you. Estimate the total distance you need for the pass. That oncoming vehicle needs to be TWICE that distance away.
Vehicles Approaching from Rear: Check your rear view mirror and make sure there are no vehicles attempting to pass YOU!
Merging Vehicles: Confirm there are no vehicles up ahead executing a pass in the opposing direction.
2. CHECK FOR BLIND SPOTS
Make a final check of all your mirrors and take quick glances over both shoulders to make sure your vehicle is clear. Blind Faith was an early Rock and Roll super-group.
3. SIGNAL INTENT
Your pass is a change of direction and must be preceded by a flashing left turn signal.
4. WARN THE DRIVER AHEAD
A tap of the horn and/or a flash of your headlights will help communicate your intention to pass to the driver in front of you.
5. OBTAIN A SPEED ADVANTAGE
Move out quickly and hit the gas! For optimum passing you must achieve an advantage of ten mph over the vehicle ahead. Remember: It is illegal to pass a vehicle that is driving at the speed limit!
6. RE-CHECK CONDITIONS AHEAD
It is possible for a hazard to suddenly appear in the road ahead of you. Check again to make sure the road is free and clear.
7. CREATE RETURN SPACE
Do not re-enter the lane too soon. Make sure you have pulled far enough ahead of the vehicle you’re passing by waiting until you can see its headlights in your rear-view mirror.
8. SIGNAL RETURN
You are about to change lanes again so make sure your right-turn signal is flashing.
9. CHECK FOR BLIND SPOTS
There’s no such thing as being TOO careful. Quickly glance over your right shoulder as you complete the lane change.
10. CREATE SPACE FOR VEHICLE PASSED
In the event you changed lanes too early and notice the trailing vehicle is following at an unsafe distance, accelerate to create a larger gap.
H. WHEN BEING PASSED
The driver being passed has two choices:1) Cooperate with the passer and help facilitate the pass2) Cooperate with the passer and help facilitate the pass Choose either 1) or 2).
1. SAFETY WHEN BEING PASSED
If you are driving under the speed limit you must regularly check your mirrors and scan behind you so you will not be surprised by another vehicle attempting to pass.
Yielding Required: NEVER accelerate while the other car is passing you. This is reckless and illegal. A slight reduction in speed will allow the vehicle to complete its pass more quickly and safely. Moving slightly to the right (within your lane) will help as well.
Maintaining Speed: Maintain a safe speed and be prepared to brake quickly if a road hazard up ahead suddenly appears that could force the passer over to the right earlier than anticipated.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE: PASSING
OVERTAKING AND PASSING
OVERTAKE AND PASS TO THE LEFT (21750 VC)
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle or a bicycle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left at a safe distance without interfering with the safe operation of the overtaken vehicle or bicycle, subject to the limitations and exceptions hereinafter stated.
PASSING WITHOUT SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE (21751 VC)
On a two-lane highway, no vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless the left side is clearly visible and free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.
WHEN DRIVING ON THE LEFT PROHIBITED (21752 VC)
No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the roadway under the following conditions:
(a) When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
(b) When the view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct, or tunnel.
(c) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any railroad grade crossing.
(d) When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any intersection.
This section shall not apply upon a one-way roadway.
YIELDING FOR PASSING (21753 VC)
Except when passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall safely move to the right-hand side of the highway in favor of the overtaking vehicle after an audible signal or a momentary flash of headlights by the overtaking vehicle, and shall not increase the speed of his or her vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. This section does not require the driver of an overtaken vehicle to drive on the shoulder of the highway in order to allow the overtaking vehicle to pass.
PASSING ON THE RIGHT (21754 VC)
The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:
(a) When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn.
(b) Upon a highway within a business or residence district with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in the direction of travel.
(c) Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width and clearly marked for two or more lines of moving traffic in the direction of travel.
(d) Upon a one-way street.
(e) Upon a highway divided into two roadways where traffic is restricted to one direction upon each of such roadways.
PASS ON THE RIGHT SAFELY (21755 VC)
The driver of a motor vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving off the paved or main-traveled portion of the roadway.
PASSING ON GRADES (21758 VC)
In the event any vehicle is being operated on any grade outside of a business or residence district at a speed of less than 20 miles per hour, no person operating any other motor vehicle shall attempt to overtake and pass such slow moving vehicle unless the overtaking vehicle is operated at a speed of at least 10 miles per hour in excess of the speed of the overtaken vehicle, nor unless the passing movement is completed within a total distance not greater than one-quarter of a mile.
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INTERACTING AT INTERSECTIONS
An intersection is defined as any location where two roadways cross or join. Here’s another definition: Trouble! Most collisions in city driving occur in these three locations.
1) While entering an intersection
2) While inside an intersection
3) While exiting an intersection
A. IDENTIFYING AN INTERSECTION
Safe drivers recognize there are different types of intersections and that negotiating each type demands different skills.
1. CONTROLLED
Stop signs, traffic signals and YIELD signs are present to ‘control’ the traffic flow.
2. UNCONTROLLED
When no signs or signals are present is the intersection really uncontrolled? No. It is controlled by the drivers themselves, who must exercise extreme caution to proceed through them. Uncontrolled intersections are usually in residential areas. When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, reduce speed to 15 mph, scan left-right- left and proceed if safe. When two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the left must yield to the vehicle on the right. If your vehicle is on the right, be certain the other driver has surrendered the right-of way before you proceed. Make eye contact and don’t assume.
When traffic lights are not functioning, treat the situation as if it were an uncontrolled intersection
B. SKILLS REQUIRED FOR CROSSING AND TURNING
To safely cross or turn through an intersection a driver must accomplish tasks that require considerable physical skills. But that’s not all. Mental skills are involved as well.
1. JUDGING TIME TO MAKE A MANEUVER
Since a right turn requires a reduction of speed, it will take longer to accomplish than proceeding straight through the intersection. Left turns can take considerably longer, especially if the left turn must yield to oncoming vehicles.
2. JUDGING SPEED AND DISTANCE OF OTHER VEHICLES
How fast is that other vehicle moving? How far is it away from you? Are you likely to collide with that vehicle? Below are some average durations.
Straight through the intersection four seconds
Right turn six seconds
Left turn seven seconds and longer
3. CHOOSING A TRAFFIC GAP OR SPACE TO ENTER OR CROSS TRAFFIC
When waiting at a stop sign for cross-traffic to clear, scan continually left and right but never proceed until you confirm a sufficient gap in the traffic closest to you on the left. Of course, you can avoid his problem by choosing streets with safer signaled intersections.
C. LEFT TURNS - PROTECTED AND UNPROTECTED
Some intersections have dotted lines called ‘cat-tracks’ to safely guide you through a left turn intersection.
Left turns are more dangerous than right turns because the driver must cross opposing lanes of traffic. A protected left turn is the safest variety since a green arrow allows you to proceed with all other traffic stopped. (A traffic officer directing traffic and a delayed green light will also provide a protected left turn.)
An unprotected left turn requires the driver to wait for oncoming vehicles to pass before proceeding.
1. SCAN FOR HAZARDS - OTHER VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES
Be sure to scan left-right-left when approaching an intersection. Don’t assume that just because you have a green light you are not vulnerable to another driver running the red. Make sure the crosswalks are clear; be particularly wary of bicyclists on the sidewalk preparing to enter the crosswalk from your right. On a green light, an unprotected left turn must yield for a car turning right onto the same street.
2. VEHICLE POSITION - BEFORE AND AFTER TURN
A left turn must be initiated from the (legal) lane farthest to the left. Most of the time it will be a ‘Left Turn Only’ lane. Creep into the intersection (not too far), keep your wheels pointed straight ahead, and wait for oncoming traffic to clear. Judge the speed of oncoming vehicles, especially motorcycles. After confirming the adjacent crosswalk is clear of pedestrians, make the turn. When turning on the change of the light, DON’T ASSUME the oncoming car will stop. Make sure s/he is stopping before you commit to the turn! When turning onto a multi-lane street, you can finish the turn in any lane that is open and safe.
What is this driver doing? S/he is the third driver in line to turn left, but appears to be starting the turn already!
3. WHEN VIEW IS BLOCKED
Your visibility might be hindered by a large truck, van, or SUV. Inch ahead into the intersection and listen for approaching vehicles. When in doubt, wait!
D. RIGHT TURNS - PROTECTED AND UNPROTECTED
While less dangerous than left turns, a right turn executed improperly could cause major problems. A right turn arrow does not guarantee that a pedestrian or cyclist won’t suddenly appear in your path.
1) Begin signaling Look over right shoulder Move as close to the right curb as possible - OK to enter bicycle lane if it is safe
2) About 100 feet from corner, reduce speed
3) STOP BEHIND LIMIT LINE
4) Turn into right lane
1. SCAN FOR HAZARDS - OTHER VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES
When turning right at a stop sign or turning right on a red light, make sure that left AND right sides of the crosswalk are clear of pedestrians and bike riders. A right turn against a red light must yield for a vehicle completing a left turn.
2. CHECK FOR CONTROLLED LANES AND SIGNALS
Be especially aware when navigating busy, wide, commercial intersections. Watch for right turn arrows, simultaneous turn lanes, and signs that prohibit right turn on red.
When the bike lane line is broken,
it is legal to turn across. It is illegal
to turn across a solid bike lane.
3. VEHICLE POSITION - BEFORE AND AFTER TURN
A vehicle must have established position in the right lane and be signaling at least 100 feet before the intersection. You must finish the right turn in the right lane! It’s the letter of the law.
4. WHEN VIEW IS BLOCKED
If you can’t see, you can’t turn safely. So slow down and/or stop, scan the road, and proceed with caution.
5. USE OF BIKE LANE FOR TURNS
It is illegal to drive in a bicycle lane unless you are preparing to turn right. Watch the solid white line that marks the bicycle lane. At 100 feet (sometimes 200 feet) before the intersection the line will become broken. It is then legal to enter the bike lane to prepare to turn right. However, if a cyclist is in front of your vehicle you must stay safely behind. The author’s first bicycle was a red Sting-ray.
E. U-TURNS
The U-Turn has even more inherent danger than the left turn. Look to exercise other options, like turning around inside a parking lot or going around the block.
1. SCAN FOR HAZARDS (OTHER VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES)
Do not be surprised by pedestrians and bicyclists. As with left and right turns, make sure there are no other vehicles within 200 feet. Watch to your left for a vehicle turning right on a red. S/he must yield for you…assuming the driver knows the law.
Legal U-turns
at any intersection with no prohibitive sign
in the middle of a residential street having 200 feet of visibility in both directions
Illegal U-turns
in the middle of a business/commercial street (unless that street has a break in a raised center median and no prohibitive sign)
on a residential street that is 50% apartment buildings and/or condos
in front of a fire station
anywhere a NO U-TURN is posted
on a one-way street
2. CHECK FOR PROHIBITIVE SIGNS
First determine that the U-Turn you wish to make is legal. If the intersection has a prohibited left turn you can bet the U-Turn is also illegal.
3. VEHICLE POSITION - BEFORE AND AFTER TURN
Every U-Turn must be initiated from the (legal) lane farthest to the left. So, a U-Turn out of a parking space in the middle of a business street is an ‘illegal illegal’ U-Turn.
F. PROCEEDING STRAIGHT
Green does NOT mean GO. It means go only when it’s SAFE to proceed. Always exercise extreme caution when proceeding straight through any intersection, especially when the light initially changes to green.
1. SCAN FOR HAZARDS (OTHER VEHICLES, PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLES)
As with turning maneuvers, be sure to scan left-right- left to make sure your right-of-way has been surrendered by other vehicles, pedestrians, and bike riders. Keep your eye on the lead vehicle in the opposing ‘Left Turn Only’ lane. The driver may miscalculate your approach and make a sudden turn directly in front of your vehicle.
2. COVERING THE BRAKE PEDAL
An effective defensive driving technique is taking your foot off the gas and holding it over the brake pedal. When you ‘cover the brake’ you are not depressing the pedal, you’re ready to depress the pedal. The reaction time you save in an emergency stop situation could help you avoid a collision.
G. SIGNALING FOR TURNS AND STOPS
Every turn and lane change must be preceded by a blinking turn signal. Brake lights will indicate your stop.
1. PURPOSE OF SIGNALING
Every driver must share the roadway. To drive safely we must communicate with one another. Signaling our intentions is a vital element in that communication.
2. DISTANCE REQUIRED
On city streets, all turns and lane changes must be signaled at least 100 feet prior to initiating the maneuver.
3. DURATION OF SIGNAL
Your turn signal is designed to turn off automatically after the turn is completed. Sometimes the signal fails to cancel and must be turned off manually. Remember: When you change lanes, you must deactivate the turn signal yourself.
Here are some potential conflicts to watch out for:
Vehicles 1&2 are turning simultaneously, and must watch out for one another. Part of this potential conflict is solved because;
Vehicle 1 is hanging back before committing to his turn, because he must watch out for the bicyclist crossing his turning path;
Meanwhile, vehicle 3 needs to be aware of the bicyclist behind him, whom may want to make a right-turn on red at the same time as the driver;
Vehicle 2 must also be aware of the pedestrians in the crosswalk that he is turning across;
Vehicles 4&5 are on a collision course with the two turning vehicles - 1&2 - and should prepare to yield, even though they have the right-of-way on a solid green light.
Above shows the hand signals associated with turning and stopping at an intersection.
Knowing these comes in very handy if your turn signals are not working properly; however, the
hand signals can be used anytime a situation requires you to emphasize that you’re turning,
and the direction of your turn.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE: INTERSECTIONS
PROCEEDING STRAIGHT, TURNING, AND SIGNALING
INTERSECTION DEFINED (365 VC)
An "intersection" is the area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways, of two highways which join one another at approximately right angles or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
TURNING UPON A HIGHWAY (22100 VC)
…the driver of any vehicle intending to turn upon a highway shall do so as follows:
(a) Right Turns. Both the approach for a right-hand turn and a right-hand turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except:
(1) Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction which terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn right into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(2) When a right-hand turn is made from a one-way highway at an intersection, a driver shall approach the turn as provided in subdivision (a) and shall complete the turn in any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
(3) Upon a highway having an additional lane or lanes marked for a right turn by appropriate signs or markings, the driver of a vehicle may turn right from any lane designated and marked for that turning movement.
(b) Left Turns. The approach for a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand edge of the extreme left-hand lane or portion of the roadway lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel of such vehicle and, when turning at an intersection, the left turn shall not be made before entering the intersection. After entering the intersection, the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection in a lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered, except:
(1) Upon a highway having three marked lanes for traffic moving in one direction which terminates at an intersecting highway accommodating traffic in both directions, the driver of a vehicle in the middle lane may turn left into any lane lawfully available to traffic moving in that direction upon the roadway being entered.
U-TURN AT CONTROLLED INTERSECTION (22100.5 VC)
No driver shall make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by official traffic signals except as provided in Section 21451, and then only from the far left-hand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel from which the turn is commenced. No driver shall make a U-turn at an intersection controlled by official traffic control devices except from the far left-hand lane that is lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of travel from which the turn is commenced.
REGULATION OF TURNS AT INTERSECTIONS (22101VC)
(b) When turning movements are required at an intersection notice of such requirement shall be given by erection of a sign, unless an additional clearly marked traffic lane is provided for the approach to the turning movement, in which event notice as applicable to such additional traffic lane shall be given by any official traffic control device.
(c) When right- or left-hand turns are prohibited at an intersection notice of such prohibition shall be given by erection of a sign.
(d) When official traffic control devices are placed as required in subdivisions (b) or (c), it shall be unlawful for any driver of a vehicle to disobey the directions of such official traffic control devices.
U-TURN IN A BUSINESS DISTRICT (22102 VC)
No person in a business district shall make a U-turn, except at an intersection, or on a divided highway where an opening has been provided in accordance with Section 21651. This turning movement shall be made as close as practicable to the extreme left-hand edge of the lanes moving in the driver’s direction of travel immediately prior to the initiation of the turning movement, when more than one lane in the direction of travel is present.
U-TURN IN A RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT (22103 VC)
No person in a residence district shall make a U-turn when any other vehicle is approaching from either direction within 200 feet, except at an intersection when the approaching vehicle is controlled by an official traffic control device.
UNOBSTRUCTED VIEW NECESSARY FOR U-TURN (22105 VC)
No person shall make a U-turn upon any highway where the driver of such vehicle does not have an unobstructed view for 200 feet in both directions along the highway and of any traffic thereon.
TURNING ACROSS BICYCLE LANE (21717 VC)
Whenever it is necessary for the driver of a motor vehicle to cross a bicycle lane that is adjacent to his lane of travel to make a turn, the driver shall drive the motor vehicle into the bicycle lane prior to making the turn and shall make the turn pursuant to Section 22100.
TURNING MOVEMENTS AND REQUIRED SIGNALS (22107 VC)
No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.
DURATION OF SIGNAL (22108 VC)
Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.
SIGNAL WHEN STOPPING (22109 VC)
No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle on a highway without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear when there is opportunity to give the signal.
METHOD OF SIGNALING (22110 VC)
(a) The signals required by this chapter shall be given by signal lamp… Drivers of vehicles not required to be and not equipped with turn signals shall give a hand and arm signal when required…
(b) In the event the signal lamps become inoperable while driving, hand and arm signals shall be used in the manner required…
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BACKING UP SAFELY
Ordinarily, any driving maneuver performed at 3 mph would be considered inherently safe. But not when your vehicle is in reverse. Backing up - a very simple move done usually at a slow rate of speed - is EXTREMELY dangerous when not done correctly.
A. CHECK BEHIND THE VEHICLE BEFORE GETTING IN
Don’t assume there is nothing behind your car or immediately to its side. There is a continuous blind spot or ‘blind zone’ that runs around the perimeter of every vehicle. Drivers must make visual confirmation that their blind zone is free of obstacles.
1. CHILDREN
A particularly tragic event occurs when a parent backs out of the driveway having failed to check behind their vehicle for their children. Avoid this terrible collision by taking a quick walk around your car before you get inside. Always be looking for small children, especially when parking on a residential street where children might be playing as well as near schools and recreation centers.
2. SMALL OBJECTS
If you take a walk around your vehicle before getting inside you will avoid damaging your children’s toys, not to mention your own tires on broken glass, nails, or other debris.
B. VISIBILITY AND BODY POSTURE
Where you sit and how you position your body in the driver's seat will affect your ability to see behind you. Unless you are driving in a truck or van with no rear window, NEVER use only your mirrors to back up.
1. BODY POSITION WHILE STEERING
When backing up your vehicle, do the following simple steps.
Place your transmission in REVERSE gear.
Place LEFT hand at the top of the steering wheel.
Turn your head and upper body to the RIGHT and look out the rear window.
With your foot on the brake, gradually release pressure and slowly back up.
2. HEAD POSITION WHILE STEERING
Turning your body and looking out the rear window gives you maximum visibility. When facing backwards to back the vehicle, remember to look forward intermittently. You can prevent the front of your vehicle from hitting any obstructions.
C. SPEED CONTROL
Backing up too fast is extremely risky. Since the driver’s body is in an awkward position and visibility is reduced, backing should always be executed slowly and deliberately.
1. RELEASE OF BRAKE PEDAL
In most backing situations it should be unnecessary to depress the gas pedal. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, releasing pressure on the brake will provide sufficient movement. On vehicles with manual transmissions, the clutch will have to be engaged.
2. BACKING SPEED
You can never go TOO SLOWLY when backing up!
D. STEERING
Backing up in a straight line is dangerous enough. Turning a vehicle while backing complicates matters enormously.
1. SHARP TURNS
Reduce backing speed to a crawl when making turns. Remember: As you turn in reverse, the front of your vehicle could swing out and strike an obstruction. Turn your head forward and check the front of your vehicle. Stop the vehicle completely if you need to.
2. BACKING AROUND A CORNER
This is a reckless maneuver and should be avoided unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Remember: Backing is only legal when the maneuver can be performed safely. Is there someone outside your vehicle guiding you? No? Is traffic heavy? Yes? THEN DON’T BACK AROUND THAT CORNER!
E. WHEN MOVEMENT IS CONSTRICTED
You’re in a crowded parking lot after a sporting event. Thousands of drivers are getting into their cars and backing out of parking spaces. Extra caution is required.
1. USE MIRRORS AND PASSENGERS TO HELP NAVIGATE
Use mirrors only as a supplement to looking rearward. Never use mirrors to the exclusion of looking out the rear window. If you have passengers in the car with you, great! An extra set of eyes will keep everybody a lot safer. Ask for help!
2. WHENEVER POSSIBLE AVOID BACKING
All dangerous maneuvers should be avoided if possible. If you enter an empty parking lot, it’s a good idea to pull your vehicle forward into a space that adjoins end-to-end and park facing out. When it’s to time to leave you won’t have to back up.
3. FIND PARKING SPACES THAT DO NOT REQUIRE BACKING
Parallel parking on a busy street can be a risky maneuver, because you are holding up traffic behind you in the right lane. If it all possible, locate parking spaces that allow you to pull forward into them.
Beano Schultz, forced to wait 17 hours at the
supermarket for a parking space, decided to
leave his wife rather than return home a day late
without the whipping cream.
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For maneuvering in traffic, Eleanor
Smith usually abandons her vehicle
and runs the rest of the way to work.
PROPER LANE USE
’Hey, Buddy! Stay in your own lane!’ All drivers will hear this on occasion, usually shouted angrily in their direction. Usually the other guy won’t be using the word ‘Buddy.’
YELLOW LINES separate vehicles traveling in opposite directions, (except freeway car-pool lanes)
WHITE LINES separate vehicles traveling in the same direction
SOLID LINES may not be crossed (generally speaking)
BROKEN LINES may be crossed if it is safe to do so.
Imagine a street or a freeway without lane markings. On second thought, don’t. We depend on those yellow and white lines to guarantee us safe passage. Double lines, single lines, broken lines, ‘double-double’ lines all have a special purpose. Every licensed driver must know their meaning. There are arrows that indicate direction and special lanes dedicated to buses and bicycles. You might encounter an unmarked roadway in a rural area. Don’t forget to STAY TO THE RIGHT!
A. DESIGNATED LANES OF TRAVEL
Unless you are driving on a two-lane road (one lane in each direction) you have a choice: anywhere from two to six lanes in which to position your vehicle. The type of road (city street, rural road, freeway, etc), and your navigational needs (turning or proceeding straight, etc.) will influence your decision. Specialized lanes are designated for certain vehicles and certain maneuvers (car pool lane, buses only, left turn only, all vehicles must exit, etc.).
1. DIVIDED HIGHWAYS
On a divided highway, a raised median, dirt/grass median, or two pairs of solid double yellow lines separate vehicles traveling in opposite directions. These roads almost always have two or more lanes in each direction. If there is no break in that divider, or there is a sign prohibiting crossing it, NEVER CROSS OVER the center divider.
2. LANED ROADWAYS
On a road with multiple lanes in each direction, broken white lines will indicate each lane of travel. Vehicles must stay safely positioned within these lanes. No part of your vehicle may cross over the lane markers unless a lane change is being executed. Always be watching for signs and pavement markings that restrict vehicle usage and limit your direction. If you find yourself in a lane marked "Right Turn Only" and you proceed straight, you are in violation of the law!
3. THREE-LANED HIGHWAYS
This type of road is encountered rarely and should be driven upon with the utmost caution. A shared center left turn lane will separate the other two lanes, each moving in the opposite direction. You may only enter the center lane when preparing to turn left off the street into a driveway or when turning left out of a driveway back onto the street.
It is illegal to cruise in a center turn lane. A vehicle may only travel 200 feet in the center lane before it must turn or merge into a traffic lane.
Another variation of a three- lane road will have two lanes in one direction and one lane moving opposite. No shared center left turn lane here; just a solid double yellow line (or a solid/broken yellow lane to allow passing.)
B. POSITION OF VEHICLE IN LANE OF TRAVEL
Why are lanes marked? They keep vehicles from making contact with each other on the road. It is not enough, then, to merely ‘stay in your lane.’ Every driver must continually adjust position within the lane, reacting to the movement of adjacent vehicles.
1. MARKED LANES
Your vehicle should be positioned in the center of the lane. Maneuver so that you are not driving directly alongside the vehicles next to you. Be aware of the other guy’s blind spot!
2. NARROW ROADWAYS
You might encounter narrow roads in the country or on an urban hillside. Reduce speed and keep as far right as possible. Be particularly cautious on a road that curves, and be sure to sound your horn if the curve is blind (you cannot see 200 feet around the curve.)
3. MOUNTAIN ROADWAYS
If two vehicles traveling in opposite directions cannot pass each other on a mountain road, the uphill car has the right-of-way. The car going downhill must back up the hill to allow the other vehicle to pass. Make sure to control your speed when traveling down a steep grade. Use a lower gear and avoid "riding the brakes". That could cause them to overheat and, perhaps, fail. Mountain roads are usually VERY curvy. Take care to stay in your lane and keep to the right. Passing on a mountain road is always UNSAFE and ILLEGAL!
Lily Romero finds that bowling helps her remember the importance of staying in her lane.
4. OTHER VEHICLE APPROACHING
On a roadway that allows vehicles to enter your lane of travel in order to pass, you must be extremely defensive! Constantly be on the lookout for such a vehicle. The vehicle code requires that you signal and move to the right, granting the oncoming car at least 50% of the main portion of the roadway.
5. EXCEPTIONS TO DRIVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY
’Keep to the right’ is a basic rule when driving. But there are a few exceptions. You may move left...
when (legally) passing another vehicle
when on a one-way street
when the right lane is closed
when on the freeway or other multi-lane road
when preparing for a left turn.
C. REQUIRED LANE USE AND USE OF TURNOUTS
A close look at this picture tells you two things: 1.) An undeveloped shoulder can be very dangerous for this trucker (see the embedded drainage pipe?); and, 2.) That means danger for you as well, because as you can see he’s straddling both lanes. What are you going to do?
In order to improve the flow of traffic on rural or mountainous roadways where slower moving vehicles such as motor homes and recreational vehicles are likely to be encountered, traffic engineers have recommended special laws. Snails are slow-moving animals.
1. SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES
Unless preparing to turn left, a slow moving vehicle must drive in the right lane. If the road has a turnout, slower moving vehicles are required to pull off the road to allow vehicles behind to proceed ahead. If five or more vehicles are lined up behind a slower moving vehicle, that vehicle is required by law to pull off the road to the right (as soon as is practicable and safe) to allow those vehicles to proceed ahead of it.
2.SPECIAL VEHICLES
Signs and pavement markings often indicate lanes dedicated solely for the use of special vehicles. These include car pool lanes, bus only lanes and bicycle lanes. Do not drive in such a lane if your vehicle does not qualify!
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE: PROPER LANE USE
PROPER LANE USE
RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY (21650 VC)
Upon all highways, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:
(a) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing that movement.
(b) When placing a vehicle in a lawful position for, and when the vehicle is lawfully making, a left turn.
(c) When the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic under construction or repair.
(d) Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.
(e) When the roadway is not of sufficient width.
(f) When the vehicle is necessarily traveling so slowly as to impede the normal movement of traffic, that portion of the highway adjacent to the right edge of the roadway may be utilized temporarily when in a condition permitting safe operation.
(g) This section does not prohibit the operation of bicycles on any shoulder of a highway, where the operation is not otherwise prohibited by this code or local ordinance.
2. Divided Highway (21651 VC)
(a) Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful to do either of the following:
(1) To drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section.
(2) To make any left, semicircular, or U-turn with the vehicle on the divided highway, except through an opening in the barrier designated and intended by public authorities for the use of vehicles or through a plainly marked opening in the dividing section.
(b) It is unlawful to drive any vehicle upon a highway, except to the right of an intermittent barrier or a dividing section which separates two or more opposing lanes of traffic…
SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES (21654 VC)
(a) Notwithstanding the prima facie speed limits, any vehicle proceeding upon a highway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.
(b) If a vehicle is being driven at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such time, and is not being driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or curb, it shall constitute prima facie evidence that the driver is operating the vehicle in violation of subdivision (a) of this section.
DESIGNATED LANES FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES (21655 VC)
(a) Whenever the Department of Transportation or local authorities with respect to highways under their respective jurisdictions determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the designation of a specific lane or lanes for the travel of vehicles required to travel at reduced speeds would facilitate the safe and orderly movement of traffic, the department or local authority may designate a specific lane or lanes for the travel of vehicles…
(b) Any trailer bus and any vehicle subject to the provisions of Section 22406 shall be driven in the lane or lanes designated pursuant to subdivision (a) whenever signs have been erected giving notice of that designation. Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, when a specific lane or lanes have not been so designated, any of those vehicles shall be driven in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right edge or curb. If, however, a specific lane or lanes have not been designated on a divided highway having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, any of those vehicles may also be driven in the lane to the immediate left of that right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited under this code. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic as permitted under this code.
This subdivision does not apply to a driver who is preparing for a left- or right-hand turn or who is entering into or exiting from a highway or to a driver who must necessarily drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to continue on his or her intended route.
TURNING OUT OF SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES (21656 VC)
On a two-lane highway where passing is unsafe because of traffic in the opposite direction or other conditions, a slow-moving vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, behind which five or more vehicles are formed in line, shall turn off the roadway at the nearest place designated as a turnout by signs erected by the authority having jurisdiction over the highway, or wherever sufficient area for a safe turnout exists, in order to permit the vehicles following it to proceed. As used in this section a slow-moving vehicle is one which is proceeding at a rate of speed less than the normal flow of traffic at the particular time and place.
LANED ROADWAYS (21658 VC)
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following rules apply:
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
(b) Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the directions of the traffic device.
THREE-LANE HIGHWAYS (21659 VC)
Upon a roadway which is divided into three lanes a vehicle shall not be driven in the extreme left lane at any time, nor in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway ahead is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn, or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding and is signposted to give notice of such allocation. This section does not apply upon a one-way roadway.
APPROACHING VEHICLES (21660 VC)
Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions shall pass each other to the right, and, except when a roadway has been divided into traffic lanes, each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main traveled portion of the roadway whenever possible.
NARROW ROADWAYS (21661 VC)
Whenever upon any grade the width of the roadway is insufficient to permit the passing of vehicles approaching from opposite directions at the point of meeting, the driver of the vehicle descending the grade shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle ascending the grade and shall, if necessary, back his vehicle to a place in the highway where it is possible for the vehicles to pass.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING (21662 VC)
The driver of a motor vehicle traveling through defiles or canyons or upon mountain highways shall hold the motor vehicle under control at all times and shall do the following when applicable:
(a) If the roadway has no marked centerline, the driver shall drive as near the right-hand edge of the roadway as is reasonably possible.
(b) If the roadway has insufficient width to permit a motor vehicle to be driven entirely to the right of the center of the roadway, the driver shall give audible warning with the horn of the motor vehicle upon approaching any curve where the view is obstructed within a distance of 200 feet along the highway.
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Comments: Add Your Own.
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A retired aerospace executive
now living in Florida, Otto
Neswig spends six hours a
day holding this sign at major
intersections in Miami Beach.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Defensive driving is about being alert, paying attention, and anticipating trouble before it happens. Most drivers are defensive, but only to a limited degree. If you are distracted, you cannot be defensive.
A. DRIVING COURTESY AND ATTITUDE
The courteous and helpful attitude you display toward other drivers will be reflected back to you in much the same way that your anger is reflected. A smile will be returned to you as quickly as an obscene gesture. Which do you prefer?
1. BE AS COURTEOUS WHILE DRIVING AS IN OTHER SOCIAL CONTACTS
Driving is just another form of social interaction. So behave behind the wheel in the same manner you would when you are face-to-face with your fellow human beings. Be courteous and considerate. Don’t be rude. Don’t be abusive.
2. RIGHT-OF-WAY
Just because the law says you can proceed doesn’t mean it’s safe to proceed. Don’t assume the other guy knows the law or sees the sign.
a. When to Use It
Defensive drivers understand that right-of-way must be surrendered before they can proceed. Don’t assume the other car will stop because the law says so. Confirm the stop with your eyeballs before you proceed.
b. When to Give It Up
If the other driver fails to surrender the right-of-way, you have no choice but to give it up. If you’re unsure of the law, err on the side of caution and let the other guy proceed ahead of you. Better safe than sorry. Making eye contact with the other driver will assist you in understanding each other’s intentions.
3. STRESS, ANGER, EMOTION AND FATIGUE
Life can be challenging. People have problems with money, health, career, relationships. Don’t bring your problems into the car with you. Any intense emotion - not just anger - can be a dangerous distraction to a driver and can compromise their ability be defensive and safe. Depression, anxiety, fear, even joy! Laughter might cause you to tilt your head back and you could miss a stop sign.
A drowsy driver might soon be asleep forever. If you are fighting to stay awake, you must realize that it’s a losing battle. The only solution is to change drivers or, if you’re alone, get off the road and take a nap. (Never stop on the shoulder to sleep - always find a well-lit public place, such as a parking lot.)
a. How to Recognize It
We all know when our emotions have gotten the better of us. In extreme cases of road rage drivers and their passengers have actually lost their lives. A simple definition of the word rage is ‘temporary insanity.’ Anybody in a state of rage is potentially deadly…both to themselves and to everyone around them.
Some drivers get angry. If you lose your temper, do whatever you can to manage your emotions. Life is too precious to lose it on the road over something unimportant.
If you are fatigued, you must get off the road. Sometimes that’s not practical. You might try turning on the air conditioner, or opening the windows, or playing your favorite music. Certainly, if there is another licensed driver with you, let them take the wheel.
b. How Does it Affect Driving?
Emotions and fatigue affect our driving ability in obvious ways… none of them good. Anger and rage usually lead to reckless driving and a callous disregard for safety, both the other guy’s safety, and your own, not to mention your spouse’s and children’s. Think about it. You might tend to speed if you felt a sense of joy or extreme happiness. And, for obvious reasons, falling asleep at the wheel is DISASTER.
c. Collision Potential
A driver who is stressed, angry, emotional, or fatigued stands a much greater chance of getting into a collision. It’s enough of a challenge to stay safe on the road when you’re awake, alert, and calm. Why make it even harder for yourself?
B. ADJUSTING TO THE DRIVING ENVIRONMENT
Drivers are constantly called on to adapt to a wide variety of conditions. If you drive the same way regardless of weather or time of day or type of road, you are begging for trouble. Driving on a city street requires a different technique than freeway driving. Weather conditions demand adjustments in speed and following distance.
1. DAYTIME VS. NIGHTTIME
Driving a car at night is more dangerous than driving during the day. You can see better in the daytime. Visibility is only limited by obstructions in the roadway. You can see more detail. But at night your vision is limited to the cone of light produced by your headlights. Glare off headlights of oncoming vehicles can be a problem. Depth perception is compromised. As you scan the roadway your eyes must constantly adjust to a wide range of lighting intensities, including oncoming headlights, taillights, illuminated signs, etc.
Night driving presents other challenges. We tend to be fatigued at night. Many drivers are less alert at precisely the time driving conditions demand extra attention and vigilance. Also, you are much more likely to encounter a drunk driver at night than during the day.
a. Visibility
Bright sunlight can be challenging to the driver. Forgetting your sunglasses could be a serious mistake if you’re westbound on the freeway with a bright California sunset blazing into your eyes. Be sure to use your visors to reduce glare. When driving at night always give yourself a greater safety margin for any maneuver, especially changing lanes. If you are driving at night on an open highway with no area lighting, your view of the road will be limited to the throw of your headlights. Some drivers will actually ‘overdrive’ their headlights by driving too fast.
Was this crash caused by reduced nighttime visibility?
b. Speed
During daylight hours a safe driver will drive at the speed limit or slower, depending on conditions. At night, a safe driver will analyze road, lighting and traffic conditions, and his or her own state of alertness, adjusting his or her speed accordingly.
c. Planning the Route
Night is not the time to have a road map spread open across your steering wheel. (Actually, no time is a good time) Know where you’re going and how to get there before you hit the road. Whenever possible, try to drive on well lighted streets. It is dangerous (and illegal) to cruise slowly along the street while you’re looking for street numbers because it blocks traffic.
2. WEATHER
Not only will weather affect your vision, it affects the condition of the road as well…and never for the better. Any kind of precipitation makes the road more dangerous! Bad weather is the proverbial ‘double-whammy.’ So slow down when it’s coming down!
a. Rain, Fog, Snow
On the left is your view driving through a snowstorm with your brights on. On the right is the
same view, driving through a fogbank with your brights on.
The most dangerous time to drive in the rain is within the first 30 minutes. When the water first hits the road it becomes treacherously slick from the oil and grease floating up on the pavement. Be particularly careful at the start of a storm. The most dangerous rain is a light drizzle after a long dry spell. Why? In a light rain, many drivers fail to reduce their speed. It still gets very slick very quickly and - since not a lot of rain is coming down to wash away the slippery grime - it stays slick longer.
Fog can be extremely frightening, especially when visibility is reduced to zero. Get off the road if you can; but first find an off ramp. Do not pull onto the shoulder and stop, since you might get struck from behind by another vehicle. Unfortunately, you might not be able see the off ramp! If you must remain on the road, reduce your speed (don’t go too slowly, however.) Try locating the white line on the side of the road, or the center stripe to guide you. If your car has fog lamps, turn them on. Never use high-beams (brights) in the fog; the light will reflect back and make visibility even worse.
If you’re planning on driving in the snow, your car should be equipped with snow tires and/or chains. The police in some parts of the state (usually mountainous) will not allow you to proceed in snowy conditions if you aren’t carrying such traction devices. Falling, swirling snow reduces visibility much more than rain; even greater reduction of speed and longer following distance is required.
(1) Braking distance
It takes your car two-to-three times longer to stop when the road is wet. A defensive driver will reduce speed and increase following distance. Don’t slam on the brakes in a panic stop on a wet road. Reduce speed and increase following distance, keep your eyes moving, and anticipate trouble before it happens. Nasty weather conditions demand a much greater degree of ‘defense’ behind the wheel.
(2) Speed
Speeding in adverse weather conditions will increase your collision potential. If you are driving at 65 mph on the freeway during a rainstorm past a speed limit sign that reads 65 mph, you could very easily be ticketed for speeding! How could that happen? We’ll discuss the Basic Speed Law a little later in the course.
(3) Wet roads
A wet road is a dangerous road. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the risk of driving in the rain. And don’t overestimate your own driving skills or the capacity of your tires to handle diminished traction.
Reduce speed when driving through deep puddles; pump your brakes to test them when you clear.
On a wet road, anticipate conflict and cover the brake.
(a) slippery
When driving in the rain or on a wet road after the rain stops, you should test your brakes. You will then be better able to react properly when the need to brake is real. If you go into a skid (fishtailing), do the following:
• Ease your foot off the gas and do not step on the brake;
• Steer the front of the car in the direction the rear end skids;
• Carefully ‘fly’ the wheel back and forth in your hands to counter the front end of your car, being careful not to over correct, which could cause you to spin completely around.
(b) hydroplaning
It is possible for your tires to lose contact with the road and ‘float up’ on a very thin layer of water. This is hydroplaning, and the risk is usually greatest during heavy rain or when there is standing water (like a large puddle) on the road. Many factors can contribute: amount of water on the road, speed of your vehicle, condition of your tires (tread depth and inflation) and grade of the road. To reduce the risk, try to follow in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.
b. See and Be Seen
New cars are equipped with daytime running lights. If you have an older vehicle always remember to turn on your lights during the rain. When you drive in the rain, glance in your rearview mirror. The cars without headlights on will be very difficult to see. So don’t be one of them. Let yourself be seen. If your wipers are not clearing water off the windshield quickly enough (assuming your blades are in good condition), you are driving too fast. Reduce speed and you’ll notice your wipers will be working better. Windshields can fog up in the rain. Use your defroster (warmer air defrosts more quickly) or open a couple of windows.
3. ROAD CONDITIONS
Some roads are just better than others. Defensive drivers will continually assess the state of the driving surface and adjust their driving technique accordingly.
a. Soft Shoulders
If you’re on a country road there will probably be a soft shoulder to your right. This is an unpaved buffer zone along the roadside, usually made of packed dirt or gravel. Be careful on such roads. If you swerve onto a soft shoulder at high speed, you could lose control of your vehicle.
b. Drop-offs
On some roads the asphalt drops off abruptly on the right. It could be a drop of as much as four or five inches to a soft shoulder. Do not allow your right wheels to leave the pavement. If this does happen, take your foot off the gas, straddle the edge of the road and slowly steer left. Don’t turn your wheel too sharply or you could lose control of your vehicle and fishtail into oncoming traffic. If your wheels scrub against the drop-off, you may need to drive completely onto the shoulder and re-enter the road from a dead stop.
I once got stopped for driving with sunglasses on after dark. I told the officer, "When you’re cool, the sun is always shining." He laughed and impounded my car.
Unless you’re driving one of these, a
rough road can shake your vehicle
apart if you’re not careful.
Beautiful scenery can be a hazard. Don’t be distracted...keep your eyes on the road. c. Bad Pavement
Not only could a pothole damage your vehicle, it could send you out of control. Reduce speed on degraded roadways and keep your eyes peeled for hazards.
d. Seasonal Hazards
Different times of the year offer special challenges: blinding sunsets during summer months; heavy rains during spring and winter; Santa Ana winds in the fall. With experience, the defensive driver will learn to anticipate and adapt to these seasonal hazards.
4. INTERSECTIONS
Most collisions in city driving occur in intersections. They are the single most dangerous places on the street. The reason is simple: cross traffic. Cars moving in opposite directions have the potential to do serious damage to themselves and their occupants. The defensive driver will always increase awareness levels when approaching, entering, or leaving an intersection.
a. Controlled and Uncontrolled Intersections
Marked intersections are controlled with stoplights, stop signs, and/or yield signs. These intersections have a lot of traffic. Unmarked intersections - always residential and usually very lightly traveled - are not controlled by signs. If there are no signs protecting you, then who will? The answer is: You, the driver! When approaching an unmarked intersection a defensive driver will reduce speed to 15 mph and be scanning left, right, and left again before proceeding. (Left first because traffic from the left will be closer to you.)
This is tailgating...don’t do it!
(1) Signaling distance
Every change of direction must be preceded by a signal 100 feet before the maneuver is made - whether a turn or a lane change. Signaling too late is as bad as no signal at all.
(2) Speed
We don’t always have posted signs to tell us the speed limit. Most people drive 35 mph surface streets. But on a business or residential street that has no sign, the speed limit is only 25 mph!
(3) Stopping limits
You must stop your vehicle before the limit line. This is usually the first crosswalk line. But in some communities you will find a short line before the crosswalk. Watch for that line! Sometimes there is no painted crosswalk or limit line. Then the stopping limit will be an imaginary line from curb to curb.
(4) Signal controlled
Red light stop
Flashing red stop and proceed when safe
Yellow light prepare to stop
Flashing yellow reduce speed but proceed with caution
Green light proceed with caution
Remember: Green does not mean GO. Green means GO when it’s safe to GO!
Red arrow no turn in the direction the arrow is pointing
Remember: You may never turn against a RED ARROW - even if a GREEN LIGHT is illuminated as well.
Yellow arrow protected turning time is ending - prepare to stop
Signal blackout in the event of traffic signal blackout, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.
5. CITY, FREEWAY, OPEN ROADWAY, MOUNTAIN
The defensive driver understands that different roads require different skills and will adjust their technique to accommodate changes in driving environments. The intersection of Westwood Blvd. and Wilshire Blvd. is extremely busy.
a. Speed
Every licensed driver must know the speed limit on all roadways - either by observation of posted signs or by making themselves aware of non-posted or prima facie speed limits.
b. Following Distance
The old rule used to be one car length for every ten miles an hour. But The 3 Second Rule is easier to implement. Here’s how it works: Select a fixed object in the road up ahead. Anything, as long as it’s not moving…a sign, shadow, tree or other landmark. When the vehicle you are following passes that fixed object, start counting: One-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one thousand-three.... When you say ‘three’ you should be passing that fixed object yourself. Some drivers follow at just one second! But make no mistake: Following too closely is one of the top causes of collisions. You may feel safe driving at a one-second following distance, but if you happen to look away to change radio stations at the instant the driver in front of you slams on his brakes...BANG!
c. Braking Distance
The distance it takes to stop your vehicle increases as your speed increases. At a normal city speed - 35 mph - most drivers will be able to stop within 100 feet. But double that to freeway speed - 65 mph - and the stopping distance becomes four times greater! More than the length of a football field - 360 feet! Other factors affect braking distance:
condition of your brakes
condition of your tires
condition of the road
grade of the road (stopping on a downgrade will increase o stopping distance)
weight of your vehicle
d. Signaling Distance
Signaling distance should increase as speed increases. A 100-foot signaling distance in the city is considered safe. But consider the freeway: At 65 mph your vehicle travels 100 feet in one second; if you signal a lane change 100 feet early on the freeway, that’s only one second lead time! A safer signaling distance on the freeway would be closer to 500 feet - roughly five seconds.
e. Traffic Conditions
Rush hour is the one variable traffic condition that can be anticipated. Other traffic conditions must be dealt with as they arise and defensive drivers are ready at all times to respond to whatever challenges arise on the road.
f. Passing
Passing on a two-lane road is without a doubt the most dangerous maneuver in the world of driving. Every driver has experienced the anxiety of pulling their vehicle into the opposing traffic lane and running the risk of a head-on collision.
(1) Open roadway
Before you pass, ask yourself this question: ‘Do I really need to pass?’ If the vehicle in front of you is driving at the speed limit, the only way to pass would be to exceed the speed limit, which is a violation of the law. Watch the centerlines. If the line is solid on your side of the road, YOU MAY NOT PASS. If the line on your side is broken you may pass; BUT ONLY WHEN SAFE.
BE SURE TO:
check the stripes in the road;
scan ahead for oncoming vehicles;
signal your intention; pass as quickly as possible.
Don’t re-enter the lane until you can see the entire front of the vehicle you passed in your rearview mirror.
NEVER PASS:
more than one vehicle at a time;
when the yellow line on your side is solid;
when approaching a grade or a curve;
when within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, railroad crossing or tunnel.
(2) Mountains
Taking your car up into the mountains can be fun. But this is a driving environment fraught with dangers. If you are caught behind a slow-moving truck, an RV, or a car pulling a trailer struggling to make it up a steep grade, you will feel compelled to pass. Don’t even try it unless you are facing a safe, straight road ahead. Accelerating down a steep grade might send you speeding out of control. Your vehicle may not have sufficient power to accelerate on a steep upgrade to the degree necessary to pass successfully. Know the road and know your vehicle!
6. DRIVING DISTRACTIONS
If you are distracted, you can’t be defensive behind the wheel. Just a one second delay in reaction time on the freeway could be the difference between a collision and getting home safely.
Remember: On the freeway, driving at 65 mph, you are traveling 100 feet every second. If you hit the brake a second late, 100 feet will have gone by before you even begin to slow. Bad things can happen in 100 feet.
HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL DRIVERS
So, anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the one thing they should be doing - namely, the operation of their motor vehicle - will drastically increase his or her chances of being involved in a collision.
a. Distractions Inside the Vehicle
cell phone
food and beverages
applying make-up
shaving
reading
screaming children
screaming husbands
screaming wives
fiddling with radio/ tape/ CD player
b. Distractions Outside the Vehicle
attractive pedestrians
interesting billboards
collision scenes
looking for street numbers
Do you smoke while you drive? Most vehicle compartment fires are caused by lighted cigarettes.
If you must divide your attention, DON’T STARE! Be sure to keep your eyes moving. Learn to glance back and forth briefly and intermittently.
WARNING: Even though it is currently still legal to talk on the cell phone while you are driving, you could get a ticket for operating your motor vehicle in an unsafe manner. Drinking a soda out of a can will cause you to tilt your head back and perhaps take your eyes off the road. Same violation. So use a straw!
C. COLLISION CAUSATION
Most drivers will experience at least one collision in a lifetime of driving. Understanding why collisions happen is the first step toward avoiding them.
In California during 2002, there were 4,078 traffic fatalities, representing an increase of 10.6% since 1998. Here are the primary factors:
1. MENTAL
Emotions and fatigue contribute to loss of control, loss of judgment, and diminished reflexes. A driver who is daydreaming could miss a stop sign or run a red light. A safe driver is always alert, rested, mentally fit, and even-tempered. Daydreaming about fame is popular in Hollywood.
2. PHYSICAL
Driving a motor vehicle is a complex task involving not just motor skills but the senses of sight and hearing. The irony is that while younger drivers are at a physical peak and accordingly have the physical tools to be the safest drivers on the road, some of them lack the maturity that is even more essential. Some older drivers who have the experience and maturity have driving skills that are compromised by the physical conditions associated with aging. As a person ages, vision, reflexes, and coordination diminish. Many medications create altered physical states, particularly drowsiness. Drivers with physical challenges such as hearing loss or partial paralysis tend to be more vulnerable to collisions unless they compensate for these challenges by driving in a more vigilant manner.
3. ENVIRONMENT
The environment in and of itself is not responsible for collisions. It is driver negligence - or inability to adapt driving to the particular demands of that driving environment - that causes collisions. In other words, if you rear-end another vehicle because you were driving too fast in the rain, you’d better not blame it on the rain.
4. VISUAL HABITS
Drivers who stare straight ahead are just asking for trouble. The defensive driver keeps his eyes moving and checks mirrors frequently. Be aware of your blind spot; and stay out of the other guy’s blind spot! Glance over your shoulder before you change lanes. If you are required to wear corrective lenses, WEAR THEM!
5. OTHER DRIVERS
Let’s face facts: The road is filled with negligent operators. (Are you one of them?) But always be on the look out for the other guy, whether he’s negligent or not.
6. COLLISION TYPES
a. Intersections
Most collisions happen in intersections. Never forget this fact when you drive on city streets. If you anticipate trouble you will be better prepared to avoid it. Remember: Green does not mean go; it means go when it’s safe to proceed.
Whenever you cross an intersection, always scan left, right, and then left again. Why? Drivers don’t merely roll through stop signs; they blow through them at 40 mph!
Many factors contribute to heightened jeopardy at intersections: changing traffic lights, pedestrians crossing the street, a variety of vehicles making legal or illegal turns.
(1) Blind
If the intersection has no controls - no stoplights, stop signs, or yield signs - you must slow your vehicle to 15 mph when you are within 100 feet of the intersection. If the view of the cross street to your left and right is obstructed (which is usually the case on a residential street lined with trees), it might be necessary to slow to a crawl or even a stop to make sure you can cross the intersection safely.
(2) Right-of-Way
The most obvious time to yield right-of-way is when you are facing a triangular sign that reads, "YIELD". You must allow all cross-traffic to proceed before you. Below are some typical instances when you shall yield.
One of these drivers did not yield right-of-way.
Always yield to avoid a collision.
Yield for emergency vehicles.
At a four-way stop situation in which two cars arrive at the same time, the car on the left must yield to the car on the right.
If two cars arrive at a four-way stop at the same time from opposing directions one car signaling a left turn and the other car wanting to proceed straight ahead - the left turn must yield for the car proceeding straight.
At a "T" intersection, the car approaching on the street that ends must yield to through traffic. (Although there probably will be a stop sign controlling the intersection.)
To a pedestrian crossing the street. If you should happen to encounter a pedestrian in a crosswalk who is waiving his right-of-way NEVER accept the gesture! Always stop and yield and indicate to the pedestrian that you are going to wait for them to proceed. Thanks, but no thanks!
Left turn and U-turn must yield to all other traffic except right turn on red.
Right turn on red yields for EVERYBODY - vehicles and pedestrians!
(3) Turns
Turns have enormous collision potential, particularly when drivers fail to signal. A collision that occurs during a turning maneuver is almost always caused by driver error.
(a) left turn
Left turns are most dangerous because the maneuver requires a driver to cross the path of an oncoming vehicle. If you are the lead car in a "Left Turn Only" lane and the light turns red, don’t assume that the oncoming car will stop. Make absolutely certain that the stop is made before proceeding. Cross-traffic may have a green light, but those cars are required by law to wait until you complete your left turn.
Many impatient drivers feel compelled to make a quick left turn in front of an oncoming car while the light is still green. WARNING! Do not neglect to check the crosswalk for pedestrians and the sidewalk for bicyclists who might be directly in your path of travel. Better still, wait for the light to change, then make your turn leisurely and safely.
(b) right turn
Most drivers turn wide on a right turn into the center or left lane. This is a violation of the vehicle code, which states that a right turn must finish as close as is practicable to the curb in the lane farthest right on the street being entered. A common collision involves a vehicle making a wide right turn colliding with a vehicle turning left. Both vehicles could be at fault in this situation. The car turning right did not finish the turn in the right lane. But the car turning left failed to yield.
(c) simultaneous turns
When two lanes are turning left or turning right, each vehicle must stay in its own lane. DO NOT CHANGE LANES WHILE MAKING A SIMULTANEOUS TURN. Drivers making simultaneous turns need to anticipate that the other driver will get sloppy and drift into the wrong lane. It happens all too often. Stay in your own lane!
(d) wide turns - commercial vehicles
We’ve all seen the sign on the back of a big truck: CAUTION! VEHICLE MAKES WIDE RIGHT TURNS! If you try to squeeze by a truck to the right you might end up forced onto the sidewalk where you could very easily hit a pedestrian.
Don’t be impatient and attempt to pass a commercial vehicle on the right when you are nearing an intersection.
(4) Pedestrians
Drivers must constantly be on the look-out for pedestrians, especially in city driving. One out of every six traffic fatalities is a pedestrian. When driving through a residential neighborhood reduce your speed (remember: 25 mph on most residential streets) and be ready for small children darting out between parked cars. A pedestrian ALWAYS has the right-of-way! Wait to proceed until you’re absolutely certain the pedestrian is safe!
b. Freeway
Despite the increased speed factor, freeway driving is simpler than city driving. There are fewer variables: no cross-traffic; no pedestrians; no bike riders; or skateboarders; nobody parking cars; and nobody walking the dog. If you want to drive on the freeway problem-free, remember:
don’t speed
always follow at a safe distance (three seconds);
signal all lane changes well in advance.
(1) Merging onto the freeway
The right-of-way belongs to the vehicles already on the freeway. The merging vehicle must yield to freeway traffic. The merging driver must activate the turn signal and get up to freeway speed in the acceleration lane, check the left mirror, quickly glance over the left shoulder to confirm the blind spot is clear, then safely merge left and enter the flow of traffic.
(2) Exiting the freeway
Anticipate your need to leave the freeway well in advance. Signal all lane changes and make them gradually. Swerving into an off-ramp at the last second could cause big problems. Whenever possible, delay your entrance into the right lane until you’ve passed the acceleration lane from the previous on-ramp.
(3) Space cushion
Staying safe on the freeway requires that every driver be continually aware of surrounding vehicles and adjust position accordingly. Don’t tailgate. If another vehicle is tailgating you, change lanes. Speed up or slow down to avoid driving alongside another vehicle.
Remember: A space cushion on all four sides of your vehicle will enable you to take evasive action in all four directions
c. Lane Changes
Reckless lane changing is one of the top causes of collisions on the freeway. Some drivers fail to judge distance and speed correctly. Other drivers are simply distracted or oblivious to the other vehicles around them. Every time you change lanes without signaling, you are in violation of the vehicle code! Remember: The earlier you signal a lane change, the greater the chance that vehicles in your target lane will be able to safely react.
d. Passing
Slower drivers should keep right. Some drivers going the speed limit arrogantly hold position in the number-one lane at 65 mph, blocking a line of cars behind them. They reason: ‘Hey, I’m going the speed limit…I don’t have to move!’ Technically, they’re right. But some drivers exceed the speed limit on the freeway. Get out of the number-one lane if traffic behind you wants to move faster. On a multi-lane roadway such as a freeway, it is not illegal to move ahead of slower moving vehicle on the right, as long as you are not exceeding the speed limit. But it is recommended that slower moving vehicles be passed on the left.
e. Head-on Collision
A head-on collision is possible anywhere at any time. A wrong-way driver could be drunk, asleep or having a heart attack. When driving on a four lane street with a solid double yellow centerline ask yourself: ‘Do I really need to be in the left lane?’ What’s separating you from that oncoming car; about 11 inches? This is very little margin for error. If you see a car coming at you in your lane on a country road, reduce speed, honk your horn, and flash your lights. Then wait as long as possible before pulling off to the right
f. Rear-end Collision
A rear-end collision is almost always the fault of the driver to the rear. But that’s small consolation if you’re the one who gets hit. So don’t tailgate and if someone is tailgating you, get away from the vehicle.
g. Fixed object Collision
A box falls off the back of a truck...or a mattress flies off the roof of a car...or lawn chairs. Anything might be strewn on lanes of the freeway. If the object is small enough, you could drive over it. Some drivers might swerve suddenly to avoid the obstruction. This is a mistake, especially on a crowded freeway. If you always scan ahead of you - up to a quarter mile - you will have time to take evasive action.
h. Slippery Surface Skids
Remember: Slow down in the rain. Do not make abrupt steering maneuvers over standing water. This could trigger a hydroplaning effect. If your car is fishtailing, ease your foot off the gas. Do NOT step on the brake and be sure to turn in the direction of the (rear-end) skid.
i. Vehicle Failure
A driver can only be as safe as the condition of his vehicle allows. Proper maintenance should keep you moving, but a problem still could arise when you least expect it. The increased speeds on the freeway complicate matters.
(1) Brake failure
A brake failure at any speed - let alone 65 mph - could have disastrous consequences for both you and the other drivers around you. Specific procedures for dealing with a brake failure will be described later in the course.
(2) Tire failure
Are your tires getting bald? What about that nail-head you noticed last month? A blow-out on the freeway will ruin your day. Don’t let it happen. Check your tires frequently. Yul Brynner was a bald actor. Specific procedures for dealing with blow-outs will be described later in the course.
D. COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Now that you have a basic understanding of what can cause collisions, let’s get into the steps you can take to avoid them in the first place.
1. DEFENSIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
TO DRIVE DEFENSIVELY, REMEMBER THESE RULES…
Watch out for the other guy.
Assume nothing.
A little paranoia can make you a safer driver.
Keep your eyes moving.
Leave yourself an out.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Never drive angry.
S-I-P-D-E DEFENSIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUE
Keep in mind the letters S-I-P-D-E, and they will remind you to:
SCAN the road to:
IDENTIFY potential trouble - usually another vehicle; then
PREDICT what the other guy is going to do;
DECIDE what your best course of action is; and
EXECUTE the maneuver.
a. Be Alert - Don’t Assume
Green does NOT mean go. Cross-traffic may have a red light, but that is no guarantee a car won’t run the red light. Always be ready for trouble. Analyze the road ahead to anticipate problems and be ready to take evasive action.
b. Escape Techniques
To escape means to get away. It stands to reason that in order to escape you need some place to go. Evasive action is pointless if swerving to avoid a vehicle on your right causes you to collide with a vehicle on your left.
EVASIVE DRIVING TECHNIQUES
steer left or right
hit the gas
hit the brake
The more directions available toward which you can take evasive action the safer you will be. So always drive with as much of a space cushion around you as possible.
c. Reaction Time
If you are distracted behind the wheel, your reaction time will increase. A vigilant driver whose eyes are where they should be - on the road - has a COMPLEX REACTION TIME of 3/4 of a second. This is the time it takes to get your foot on the brake after you observe a hazard up ahead. On the freeway at 65 mph you will travel roughly 75 feet in that split second. But if you’re on the cell phone your reaction time will probably double, and there’s a good chance you won’t be able to stop in time. So, keep your reaction time at an optimum level by limiting your activity when you’re behind the wheel to one thing and one thing only: OPERATING YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE!
d. Three-second Rule
Remember: Follow the vehicle in front of you at a three-second interval. To figure your interval: First, observe the vehicle’s rear bumper pass a fixed object; second, count ‘one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.’ If you are following at the proper interval, your front bumper will not pass the fixed object before your count reaches ‘three-one-thousand.’
e. Think Ahead
Anticipate, anticipate, anticipate! ‘What if the driver in front of me suddenly slams on his brakes? Am I at a three-second following distance? I better be!’
f. Use of the Horn
You need your horn to avoid collisions. Once again, it is illegal to honk your horn for anything other than insuring your safety and the safety of others.
2. AVOIDING A COLLISION WITH THE CAR AHEAD
This will be repeated over and over and over and over…
Don’t tailgate.
Don’t be distracted.
Don’t fall asleep.
Drivers follow too closely out of:
ignorance
arrogance
or both.
a. Importance of Vehicle Lane Placement
Some lanes are safer than others. Are you surrounded by a cluster of vehicles? Is traffic in your lane moving too fast? Is it moving too slow? Are you in the center of the lane or are you riding over the Bots Dots? Always choose a lane that affords you the most visibility and the greatest space cushion.
b. How to Establish a Three-second Gap
Select a fixed object in the street ahead. When the car in front of you passes that object, start counting: ‘one-thousand-one...one-thousand-two...one-thousand-three.’ When you say ‘three,’ you should be passing that fixed object.
c. When to Increase the Following Distance to Four Seconds or More
Following distance should be increased at night, when behind a motorcycle, in the rain or any bad weather, and in any conditions of reduced visibility
When being tailgated: If the vehicle in front of you makes a sudden stop and you are too close to that vehicle, you will slam on your brakes, causing any tailgater to hit you from behind. Bottom line, get away from the car that is tailgating you by changing lanes.
When vision is blocked or visibility poor: If you are behind a larger vehicle (truck, bus, RV, SUV) that blocks your view, you are at a dangerous disadvantage. Why? There is only one set of brake lights to warn you of a short stop. Defensive drivers need to see several vehicles ahead.
When speed is increased: The higher the speed, the greater the distance needed to stop your vehicle. Here’s a simple formula: double the speed means QUADRUPLE the stopping distance!
When adverse roadway or weather conditions exist: Don’t forget! When the road is wet, it takes two to three times longer to stop your car. If the recommended following distance on a dry road is three seconds...that means you need to follow at six-to nine seconds on a wet road!
d. Momentary Distractions - Pick a Safe Time to Look Away
Pay full attention at all times! If you absolutely must take your eyes off the road, DON’T DO IT while turning, changing lanes, entering an intersection, or in heavy traffic. Pick a safer time to look away.
Check the situation ahead: In the city, drivers should have a visual lead-time of at least 12 seconds, or one block. On the freeway, visual lead-time should be increased to 30 seconds, or roughly a quarter mile ahead. Remember: Keep your eyes moving! Don’t just look far…look near as well.
Take short looks: If you must take your eyes off the road, don’t look away for long. Take intermittent glances. Look back and forth. Use good judgment. If something is demanding too much of your attention, it will probably be safer to pull over and park your car.
Have a passenger help with navigation: We’ve all seen drivers on the freeway with maps open on the steering wheel. This is dangerous and illegal. If you’re sharing the ride with a passenger, give them the map or ask them to look for street numbers.
Look Ahead for Trouble: What exactly are we looking for when we scan the road 12 seconds ahead? Anything that might require us to reduce our speed. If you don’t actively look ahead for potential problems, they will certainly find you when you least expect it. The author once ran over an Armadillo.
Look over and around the car ahead: Trailing a high-profile vehicle will shorten your visual lead-time to only three seconds (or less if you’re tailgating). You need to see brake lights coming on up ahead and ‘fl owing’ back toward you like a wave to safely anticipate your own need to hit the brakes.
Check ahead for speed on hilltops and curves: Driving up a steep grade requires extra caution. Pay attention to road signs offering crucial information. Slow down when entering curves by letting up on the gas. And be mindful that a speeding car coming at you might lose control and drift over the center line. You are probably safer in the right lane when negotiating a curve.
Watch for brake lights in adjacent lanes: If a car ahead of you in an adjacent lane suddenly starts braking, they could be stopping for a pedestrian or an animal darting out into traffic. Be ready!
Start braking early: If you are surprised by a hazard ahead of you and slam on your brakes, you run the risk of being struck from behind by another vehicle. Scanning the road ahead of you allows for early braking. Pumping your brakes will flash your brake lights and warn the driver to your rear.
f. Locations to Watch for Trouble
A collision can happen anywhere and at any time. But certain locations have more inherent jeopardy. Here are just a few:
Traffic-controlled intersections: Most collisions occur in intersections. Always scan left-right-left when driving through an intersection. Beware of the lead car in the opposing "Left Turn Only" lane and anticipate that it might try to turn in front of you. When making that left turn on a heavily congested street, don’t be impatient. Wait for the light to change, and confirm opposing traffic has stopped before proceeding through the intersection.
Approaching crosswalks: It is a primary responsibility of all licensed drivers to avoid a collision with a pedestrian. Many wide boulevards have crosswalks in the middle of the block. Some are controlled by flashing red lights, but others are not. Always be on the look-out for pedestrians - even jaywalkers - and be prepared to stop.
Skid marks tell the tale. If you’re not driving defensively, every location is trouble.
Lanes next to parked cars: Occasionally a driver will park his or her car and, without looking, open their door…and an oncoming car in the adjacent lane will tear it off its hinges. If you are driving in that right lane, you must continually scan the parked cars ahead of you. If someone is sitting behind the wheel, there is a chance they are about to open their door or pull out into traffic without looking or signaling. Be ready!
Parking lot entrances: Any location that has a lot of activity is hazardous. Vehicles entering, exiting, turning left and right. The lot might be full, causing cars to be lined up into the street. If you scan ahead properly, you will be able to anticipate the blocked lane and move to the left.
Interchanges where cars enter and leave: If you are proceeding straight through a freeway interchange you should position yourself well in advance inside a through-lane and away from merge and weaving lanes. Unsafe lane changing is one of the top causes of collisions on the road.
Slippery or ice-covered streets: Bad weather does not cause collisions. A driver’s inability to adjust to adverse conditions causes collisions. Ice is extremely treacherous. It could cause a complete loss of control. Snow tires and traction devices are recommended for snowy/icy conditions.
Where children are at play: Children are unpredictable and may dart into the path of a motor vehicle. Be vigilant when driving by parks, schools, recreation areas, and residential streets.
3. AVOID BEING REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE
The rear-end collision is one of the most common collisions. The irony is this collision almost always could have been avoided. Driver error is usually responsible.
a. Increase Following Distance from Vehicles Ahead
If you are a tailgater you are just begging for trouble. Always follow at a minimum of two seconds, preferably three seconds. You need more room to brake and stop.
b. Signal Early for Turns, Stops, and Lane Changes
If you surprise another driver with a change of speed and direction you are inviting him to collide with you. On a city street you must signal at least 100 feet in advance (roughly two seconds.) On the freeway, signal five seconds in advance.
c. Brake Smoothly and Gradually
Sudden braking is usually a panic move and will surprise the trailing driver. Remember: Your brake lights are a warning to that car. They should be activated as early as possible.
d. Keep Pace with Traffic When Possible
Slower traffic, keep right! If you are driving too slowly you are inviting the vehicle behind you to follow too closely.
e. Check Mirrors for Following Distance of Other Vehicles
How can you tell if the car behind you is following too closely? Look behind you. How do you accomplish that? Look in your rear-view mirror. Check all mirrors regularly!
f. Before Changing Lanes, Check Direction of Travel
’Objects are closer than they appear.’ This familiar phrase is etched on the bottom of your right side mirror. This mirror is optically warped to allow you to see down the entire length of the right side of your car. But can you really see that car two lanes over about to change lanes into the very lane you occupy? The answer is NO! So don’t forget to quickly glance over your shoulder before you change lanes.
This vehicle was being tailgated.
g. After Stopping, Keep Brake Pedal Depressed
Whenever you stop at a red light, leave ten feet between you and the car in front of you and keep your foot firmly on the brake. Why? If you are rear-ended while stopped at a red light and you are too close to the car in front, you will take not just one, but two, impacts. The car that hits you from behind will cause you to strike the vehicle in front of you. And it is likely your insurance company will deem the front collision to be your fault because you were stopped too close to that car in front.
h. Keep Rear Lights Clean and Working
Once again, your taillights - particularly the brake lights - are there to warn the drivers behind you. If they are dirty or in disrepair, you greatly increase your chances of being hit.
4. HOW TO CHOOSE AN ALTERNATIVE PATH OF TRAVEL AS ESCAPE ROUTE
You can’t choose an escape route if you have none to choose from. Stalag 17 is a great escape movie. Always maneuver your vehicle into open space, preferably in all directions, front, back, left, and right.
a. Importance of Adequate Visual Leads
Looking up the road ahead of you will allow you to identify hazards well in advance and give you time to choose an alternate path of travel.
Choosing a safe path of travel ahead: A common hazard involves a line of cars in the ‘Left Turn Only’ lane. The lane is filled to capacity and cars are backed up into the center lane, preventing through traffic from proceeding. Sound familiar? If you spot this hazard early - let’s say from half a block away - you will probably have time to change lanes and proceed through the intersection. Don’t get stuck.
Possible speed or position adjustments: This is evasive action. A driver can maneuver away from trouble or avoid a collision by speeding up, slowing down, changing lanes, or by changing direction (swerving)
Christopher Columbus became famous looking for an alternate route of travel.
b. Positioning the Vehicle Laterally
Traffic lanes have a little ‘wiggle-room’ that let a driver adjust position left or right inside the lane. If a vehicle in an adjacent lane drifts toward you there will be room to avoid contact without actually changing lanes.
Select speeds to position the vehicle between clusters of vehicles: The only way to achieve an adequate space cushion around your vehicle is to analyze the pattern of traffic activity and actively adjust your speed to find breathing room.
Select a lane position within traffic clusters to allow greatest maneuverability: Avoid the other guy’s blind spot. Speed up or slow down to get him out of your blind spot. It is generally safer to accelerate into a lane change than to brake into one.
c. Avoiding Multiple Hazards
Our roadways are complex environments and drivers are often confronted with more than one hazard at a time. All the more reason to keep your cell phone turned-off.
Identify hazards early: Surprises can be fun, but not while driving. Look over and around the car ahead of you. Don’t forget to check parked vehicles if you’re driving in the right lane. Keep your eyes moving and check your mirrors frequently. Forewarned is forearmed!
Predict potential hazards: Once the hazard is identified, the driver must make two separate predictions: 1) What is likely to happen?2) What is the worst thing that could happen? If you expect the unexpected, you will be prepared to avoid it. Remember: A little paranoia goes along way towards keeping you safe.
Adjust speed and position to avoid potential hazards: Okay, the hazard has been identified and you’ve made a prediction about what is going to happen. What’s your next move? Decide what you’re going to do about the hazard and then do it! Your options are limited to a change of speed and a change of direction. Remember: The earlier you are able to make your move, the better.
Anticipate and plan possible escape routes: Don’t wait for an emergency to look for an escape route. Defensive drivers are always looking for a safety zone, even before the need arises. If you wait, it may be too late.
d. Compromise to Reduce the Risk of Hazard
Sometimes there are dangers on both sides of the road. You’re driving down a narrow residential street. Up ahead to your right is a bike-rider. Approaching from the opposite direction is an oncoming car. Would you pass the bicycle? Of course not. Reduce your speed - to a crawl if need be - and wait for the oncoming car to pass you. Only then would it be safe to pass the bike. You compromised and reduced the level of both risks.
A long line of cars approaching from the opposite direction: This is a hazardous situation, particularly on a two lane rural road. Be ready for a car initiating a reckless lane change, pulling out into your lane. Be prepared to brake and move to the right: A head-on collision must be avoided at all costs. Since you were driving defensively, you already noticed that the right shoulder would be an adequate escape route.
An approaching vehicle drifts into the lane of travel: Unless you are traveling on a roadway that has a raised center divider, there is always the threat of an oncoming vehicle suddenly appearing in your lane ahead. Here is the recommended course of action:
slow down;
pull to the right; and
sound horn and flash lights.
WARNING: There may be no place to go to the right. What if you’re driving up a mountain road and all you have to your right is a 1,000-foot drop? Then your escape route will have to be to the left!
On a curve: Drivers are prone to losing control on curves if the curve is sharp and they’re going too fast. Don’t forget to:
slow before entering; and
stay toward the right of the lane.
On a four-lane road ALWAYS position yourself in the right lane when negotiating a curve.
5. PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN A COLLISION CANNOT BE AVOIDED
If a collision is inevitable, try to minimize injury by turning your vehicle in such a way as to distance yourself (assuming you are alone in the car) from the force of the impact.
a. Being Hit from the Rear
Picture this: You are stopped at a red light. You glance up into your rear-view mirror and see a vehicle bearing down on you at about 35 mph. There’s no escape route ahead or to the sides. Hopefully, you have not stopped too close to the car in front of you, and you are wearing your safety belt. What should you do?
Ease up on brake to allow slight forward movement to absorb energy from impact.
Relax your body
INTERESTING FACT: Many drivers surprised by a collision tend to be injured less severely. This is because their bodies are relaxed at the very moment of impact. Conversely, drivers who have the time to react and brace themselves are often injured more seriously. Why does this happen? If it bends it won’t break.
If you are a passenger in the front seat of a vehicle that is about to be hit, NEVER put your feet up on the dash to brace yourself. Serious injuries may result.
When to apply the brakes: If you are rear-ended and the force of the collision propels you into an intersection, slamming on the brakes may prevent you from being hit by cross-traffic.
Use of head restraints: Make sure your head restraint is properly positioned. If your head restraint is positioned so low as to allow your head to bend backward, you are risking a whiplash injury.
b. Being Hit from the Side
If you are alone in your car, a right side collision is obviously preferable to being hit broadside on the left where you are sitting. Either can be extremely unpleasant. You can decrease the odds of this ever happening to you by remembering that, GREEN MEANS GO WHEN IT IS SAFE TO GO! And, don’t forget to scan left-right-left whenever you enter an intersection!
Preparing to steer: When hit from the side, steer your vehicle away from the impact. This allows the energy from the collision to be absorbed. (In other words, if you are hit on your left side, try to steer to the right.)
Bracing against the steering wheel: Bracing against the steering wheel might work, but generally only at impacts occurring at 20 mph or less.
c. Being Hit from the Front
A head-on collision is to be avoided at all costs. Prevention is the only remedy. Always have an ‘out.’ Know where your escape route is. On a street with no center turn lane, the left lane has greater inherent danger, since only two lines of yellow paint are separating you from that oncoming car.
Air bags are designed to deploy during moderate to severe front-end and near front-end collisions. If your car is equipped with a driver-side air bag, hold the steering wheel at the ‘9 o’clock and 3 o’clock’ position or ‘8 and 4’ position, instead of ‘10 and 2.’ Why? In the event of a front-end collision your arms and hands will not interfere with the deployment of the bag. (And you will not punch yourself in the nose!)
If you are in a collision without a safety belt, your face will look like a portrait by Picasso.
If you hold tight to the steering wheel during a high speed crash, this is the result.
Protecting your face when wearing a shoulder strap: Your shoulder belt is designed to prevent your face and upper body from hitting the steering wheel during a head on collision. Protecting your face might be a simple matter of turning your head and covering your face with your hands.
WARNING: Do you often carry pens or pencils in your chest pocket? Do you hang sunglasses on your shirt collar? That could be dangerous if you are involved in a collision. Collision victims have been known to suffer punctured lungs from pens in their pockets. Sunglasses hanging from your neck could likewise cause added injuries during a collision.
Protection when not wearing a shoulder strap: You are risking serious injury if you are restrained with only a lap belt. It will not prevent you from folding at the waist and hitting your face against the steering wheel. Some drivers disable their shoulder belts (because they chafe the neck) by tucking the strap under the armpit. Don’t do this! You could be cited for a seat belt violation or, worse, suffer serious facial injuries in even a low speed collision. Devices are available for purchase which reposition the shoulder strap into a more comfortable position. Buy one!
6. EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Certain emergencies arise when you least expect them and require a constant level of vigilance from the driver. But certain driving environments are more intrinsically hazardous than others. Pay special attention around:
a. Maintenance and Construction Areas
Orange signs indicate road construction and maintenance. Orange cones are used to close off lanes and funnel traffic flow. Watch for flagmen directing cars. Remember: ALL FINES ARE DOUBLED IN WORK ZONES! Slow down and drive cautiously when the roadway is compromised by construction and maintenance.
b. Children
Be cautious when driving by parks, schools, or any location where children might be congregating. Kids are unpredictable, whether they’re on foot chasing balls and Frisbees or riding bikes and skateboards. Don’t forget your own driveway! Check behind your car before you even get inside to make sure your kids aren’t playing there.
c. Animals
Animals are a potential hazard in any kind of driving environment. In rural areas (and in many mountainous urban areas as well) you could easily encounter a deer or other large animal in the roadway. When driving at night on a country road with your brights on you might see the eyes of a deer shining up ahead on the shoulder to your right. Immediately reduce to low-beams. The deer might otherwise dart out in front of your car. A squirrel could dart out in front of you at any moment on any city street. Don’t swerve to avoid the animal - you might hit a pedestrian instead. Certainly, slam on the brakes, but don’t make any abrupt steering maneuvers unless you are ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN that your escape route is clear.
7. COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
Large trucks maneuver differently than passenger vehicles. Defensive drivers recognize these physical limitations and adjust accordingly.
a. Braking: Large trucks take longer to stop, so don’t tailgate and don’t cut in front of a large truck.
b. Turning: Trucks make wide right turns. Watch for turn indicators.
c. Blind Spot: It is generally safer to drive on the left side of a large truck because the driver is seated on the left. If you are following a truck, remember: if you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, the truck driver probably can’t see you. Never linger alongside a truck; get ahead quickly and safely. Avoid passing big trucks on the right.
d. Size and Maneuverability: It’s easy to underestimate the speed of an approaching big-rig because its large size makes it "appear" to be moving slowly. Don’t be fooled. Never tailgate and never cut off a truck in traffic. If you do, he may not have enough time and distance to avoid rear-ending your vehicle.
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TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNALS, AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Road signs and traffic signals provide a common language for the road. They are the means by which millions of drivers are able to exist safely and efficiently on streets and freeways.
A. RECOGNIZING TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNS AND PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Traffic controls communicate in different ways.
by color
by shape
by words
by symbols
1. PURPOSE OF TRAFFIC CONTROLS
Regulation: Regulatory signs indicate specific rules that apply where posted, and must be obeyed. Warning signs put drivers on alert for a danger or hazard up ahead. Information signs indicate motorist services. Guidance signs indicate direction, destination, mileage, and route designation.
Warning: Warning signs put drivers on alert for a danger or hazard up ahead.
Information: Information signs indicate motorist services.
Guidance: Guide signs indicate direction, destination, mileage, and route designation.
2. MEANING OF TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS
Every driver must be fluent in the language of the road. They must know the meaning of and obey all signs and signals.
Traffic Lights: In old western movies cowboys were often shot with an arrow in the leg. As you approach an intersection, watch for the steady DON’T WALK signal, which usually indicates a stale green light. Always scan left-right- left before proceeding. Yellow lights indicate the signal is about to turn red. Depending upon the position of your vehicle, you may be able to safely and legally proceed through the intersection. But stop if you can do so safely. You must stop behind the limit line or, if none, at an imaginary line from curb to curb.
Green light proceed when safe
Yellow light prepare to stop
Red light stop
Arrows: A green arrow indicates a protected turn. All other conflicting traffic is stopped to allow you to proceed. (Yield first to pedestrians or vehicles leaving the intersection.) YOU MAY NEVER TURN AGAINST A RED ARROW, even if a green light is illuminated.
Flashing Signals
Flashing red same as stop sign - stop, scan, proceed when safe.
Flashing yellow reduce speed and approach with caution
Lane Signals: You might encounter a road on which lane usage can be altered to accommodate varying traffic flow at different times of the day. Signals are positioned above the lanes.
Red X lane is closed
Yellow X exit the lane
Green arrow or X lane is open
3. INTERSECTION SAFETY
Remember: Most collisions in city driving happen in or near intersections.
Scan for Traffic Controls and Prohibitive Signs: In addition to the problems posed by cross-traffic, drivers approaching intersections must process a dizzying array of traffic control signals and signs. Do not allow yourself to be distracted. Scan the street ahead for changing traffic signals and signs allowing and prohibiting turns. This is information crucial to your safety.
Scan for Potential Hazards: Cover the brake and be on the lookout for pedestrians (both in and out of the crosswalks.) Watch for bike riders, people getting out of parked cars and/ or cars pulling out of parking spaces. Pay attention to vehicles waiting to turn left out of the opposing "Left Turn Only" lane. If cross-traffic is supposed to stop at a stop sign DON’T ASSUME that every vehicle will. Be especially aware of vehicles waiting to turn left out of the opposing ‘Left Turn Only’ lane. They may wrongfully assume you are stopping and begin their turn.
Controlled Intersections: These intersections have traffic signals, stop or yield signs regulating right-of-way.
Signal Lights: Major intersections are controlled by signal lights. Never forget this: Green does NOT mean ‘go.’ Green means ‘go’ only when it’s safe to proceed.
Elmira’s favorite game as a child was ‘red light-green light, which not only made her a more aware driver, but made her one of the biggest winners ever on the professional drag racing circuit.
Flashing Signal Lights: Flashing red means stop, scan, then proceed when safe. Flashing yellow means slow down and approach with caution. Lights will also flash when the signal is malfunctioning.
Circular Arrows: Green arrows indicate a protected turn AFTER yielding to pedestrians and vehicles still in the intersection. Turning against a red arrow is always prohibited.
Right Turn on Red Signals: Right turn on red is always legal if the right turn is legal and there is no prohibitive sign.
Designated Lanes: Once inside a ‘Left Turn Only’ or ‘Right Turn Only’ lane, you MUST make the turn. It is illegal to exit the lane. You may only drive in a bicycle lane to turn right after the solid line becomes broken, usually 100 feet before the intersection.
B. PAVEMENT AND CURB MARKINGS - PURPOSE AND MEANING
Valuable information is imparted on the road surface itself through a variety of painted lines, words, symbols, and colors.
1. YELLOW CENTER LINE MARKINGS
Yellow centerlines divide opposing traffic.
Broken Line: A yellow broken line is the centerline, usually on a residential street. You may cross a broken line to pass, for example, a double-parked car.
Solid Line Next to Broken Lines: Solid line on your side means don’t pass. Broken line on your side means you may pass.
Double Solid Lines on Two-lane Roadways: Don’t cross double solid yellow lines except when turning left into or out of a driveway.
Double Solid Lines on Four-lane Roadways: Cross only when turning left into or out of a driveway.
Left Turn Center Lane: Outer lines solid, inner lines broken indicate that you can turn left. You may only drive 200 feet (to merge) in a left turn centerline.
Double-Double Yellow Lines: Double-double Yellow Lines are essentially a painted divider. NEVER CROSS THESE.
2. WHITE LINE MARKINGS
White lines separate traffic moving in the same direction.
Broken: White broken lines (lane dividers) separate vehicles moving in the same direction.
Solid: An extended solid white immediately before and immediately after an intersection must NEVER BE CROSSED.
Lines With Arrows: Arrows painted on the pavement in the lane indicate dedicated ‘Left Turn Only,’ ‘Right Turn Only,’ or Optional Turn/Proceed straight lanes.
3. CURB MARKINGS
Purpose: Curb markings are used to control parking. Be sure to curb your dachshund when taking it for a walk.
Color:
Green
limited parking (time allowed usually painted on curb)
Yellow stopping for freight and passenger loading/unloading
Red stopping, standing and parking is prohibited
Blue disabled/handicapped parking only
Placement: Curb markings are placed as required by municipal, state and federal ordinance.
C. ADDITIONAL PAVEMENT MARKINGS - COLOR AND PURPOSE
Edge of Pavement: White paint is applied to indicate end of curb.
Obstructions: Certain pavement markings will guide traffic around obstructions. These are usually characterized as a no passage zone indicated by a series of slanted white lines.
Stop Lines: A solid white line placed immediately before the crosswalk is known as a stop line, and is a limit line. Limit lines measure 12 to 24 inches in width, per CVC 377.
Crosswalks: Pedestrian safe passage areas are indicated by a pair of perpendicular white lines (yellow near a school) positioned (usually) at intersections. A legal crosswalk does not have to be indicated by painted lines.
Railroad Crossings: These are indicated by a large ‘X’ and a ‘RR’ usually painted in white.
School Warnings: The words ‘SCHOOL XING’ will be painted on the pavement.
D. INTERSECTIONS OR CROSSINGS THAT REQUIRE SPECIAL STOPS
1. RAILROAD CROSSINGS
The following vehicles must ALWAYS stop at a railroad crossing and may not proceed until it is safe:
school bus transporting students
public bus carrying passengers
van pool vehicle carrying employees
Never cross your legs while driving.
a. Controls
All railroad crossings are marked with signs and pavement markings. But less than one third of all railroad crossings have gates and flashers to warn approaching vehicles.
Flashers: Flashing red lights require you to bring your vehicle to a complete stop.
Crossing Gate: A crossing gate will usually accompany flashing red lights. NEVER attempt to drive around a gate when it is in down position.
Stop Signs: Stop signs always require a full stop. Proceed only when safe.
b. Rail Crossing Safety (including rail transit)
It is illegal to park within 7 1/2 feet of a railroad track. You must stop at least 15 feet away from the tracks when the crossing devices are activated, when you can see or hear an approaching train, or when another person warns you that the train is coming.
People are needlessly injured or killed because they fail to respect the fact that most light-rail transit trains are extremely fast and quiet. Wherever you drive in the city, pay attention and watch for rail crossing warning signs.
2. SCHOOL BUSES
Exercise EXTREME caution when you encounter a school bus. Children can be unpredictable when entering or exiting a school bus. College students don’t ride in school buses.
At School Crossings: Be particularly careful when you see a crossing guard entering the crosswalk holding up a stop sign. Don’t just wait for the children to cross safely before proceeding. Be sure to wait until the crossing guard gets BOTH feet back up onto the sidewalk.
When driving past parked school buses, watch for children and be prepared to react to flashing lights.
When Lights are Flashing: If you are approaching a school bus from EITHER direction that is stopped for the purpose of picking up or dropping off children, you must come to a complete stop before passing that bus if the RED LIGHTS are flashing. You may not proceed until the red lights have been turned off. Times you don’t have to stop for the school bus are:
When you are on a divided road and a raised median is separating you from the bus.
When you are on a multi-lane highway moving in a direction opposite the bus.
E. UNDERSTANDING PICTORIAL MESSAGES AS INSTANT COMMUNICATION
(COLOR AND MEANING)
1. REGULATION - RED, BLACK AND WHITE, OR RED ON WHITE
Regulations are laws; you must obey the law! Regulatory signs include, but are not limited to: Speed Limit, One-Way Street, Yield, and Stop signs.
Stop, Yield, or a Prohibition: Red means danger! Red signs include Stop, Yield, No U-Turn (red circle and a slash), and Do Not Enter.
2. GUIDE - GREEN
Large, green, rectangular signs are prevalent on the freeway and the interstate.
Movement Permitted or Directional Guidance: Guide signs provide direction, mileage and other navigational information.
3. WARNING - YELLOW
Yellow signs alert drivers to a hazard or road characteristic that requires extra attention.
General Warning: Yellow warning signs include, but are not limited to: Intersection Ahead, School Crossing, Curve in the Road, Pedestrian Crosswalk, No Passing Zone, and Railroad Crossing.
4. CONSTRUCTION - ORANGE
Orange signs with a diamond shape indicate road maintenance or construction ahead.
Warning and Guidance, Information for Construction and Maintenance Zone: Reduce your speed in a construction zone. Road workers are extremely vulnerable and lanes might be closed. Watch for signs indicating ‘Men At Work.’ Remember: All traffic fines are DOUBLED in a work zone!
5. SERVICE - BLUE
Blue service signs are usually found on the right shoulder of the freeway or interstate.
Motorist Services: These signs include, but are not limited to: Hospital Next Exit; Call Box, and; Gas-Food-Lodging.
6. RECREATIONAL - BROWN
These signs are usually found usually in remote areas.
Public Recreation and Cultural Interest Guidance: Federal, state and local parks, facilities, historical monuments are indicated by brown signs. It’s better to visit the desert in winter.
7. SHAPES
SHAPE COLOR MEANING
Octagon Red Stop
Triangle Red & White Yield
Round Yellow & Black RR Crossing
Vertical/Rectangle White Speed limit/Regulatory
Pentagon Yellow School Nearby
Pennant Yellow Do Not Pass
Diamond Yellow Warning Ahead
Horizontal Green Guide/Information
In 1898, Bruno Hepplewhite
took a job as the world’s
first human stop sign in
Piscataway, New Jersey.
Traffic engineers realized their
error when Bruno caused a
massive citywide traffic jam
simply by walking home
wearing his sign.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE: TRAFFIC CONTROLS
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES
OFFICIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS (21450 VC)
(a) Whenever traffic is controlled by official traffic control signals showing different colored lights, color-lighted arrows, or color-lighted bicycle symbols, successively, one at a time, or in combination, only the colors green, yellow, and red shall be used, except for pedestrian control signals, and those lights shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles, operators of bicycles, and pedestrians as provided in this chapter.
CIRCULAR GREEN OR GREEN ARROW (21451 VC)
(a) A driver facing a circular green signal shall proceed straight through or turn right or left or make a U-turn unless a sign prohibits a U-turn. Any driver, including one turning, shall yield the right-of-way to other traffic and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.
(b) A driver facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, shall enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by that green arrow or any other movement that is permitted by other indications shown at the same time. A driver facing a left green arrow may also make a U-turn unless prohibited by a sign. A driver shall yield the right-of-way to other traffic and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk.
(c) A pedestrian facing a circular green signal, unless prohibited by sign or otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section 21456, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk, but shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that signal is first shown.
(d) A pedestrian facing a green arrow turn signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in section 21456, shall not enter the roadway.
CIRCULAR YELLOW OR YELLOW ARROW (21452 VC)
(a) A driver facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal is, by that signal, warned that the related green movement is ending or that a red indication will be shown immediately thereafter.
(b) A pedestrian facing a steady circular yellow or a yellow arrow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section 21456, is, by that signal, warned that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway and shall not enter the roadway.
CIRCULAR RED OR RED ARROW (21453 VC)
(a) A driver facing a steady circular red signal alone shall stop at a marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication to proceed is shown, except as provided in subdivision (b).
(b) Except when a sign is in place prohibiting a turn, a driver, after stopping as required by subdivision (a), facing a steady circular red signal, may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street onto a one-way street. A driver making that turn shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to any vehicle that has approached or is approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard to the driver, and shall continue to yield the right-of-way to that vehicle until the driver can proceed with reasonable safety.
(c) A driver facing a steady red arrow signal shall not enter the intersection to make the movement indicated by the arrow and, unless entering the intersection to make a movement permitted by another signal, shall stop at a clearly marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then before entering the intersection, and shall remain stopped until an indication permitting movement is shown.
(d) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian control signal as provided in Section 21456, a pedestrian facing a steady circular red or red arrow signal shall not enter the roadway.
LANE USE CONTROL SIGNALS (21454 VC)
When lane use control signals are placed over individual lanes, those signals shall indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles as follows:
(a) Green indication: A driver may travel in any lane over which a green signal is shown.
(b) Steady yellow indication: A driver is thereby warned that a lane control change is being made.
(c) Steady red indication: A driver shall not enter or travel in any lane over which a red signal is shown.
(d) Flashing yellow indication: A driver may use the lane only for the purpose of making a left turn to or from the highway.
SIGNAL AT OTHER PLACES (21455 VC)
When an official traffic control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this article shall be applicable except those provisions which by their nature can have no application.
Any stop required shall be made at a sign or crosswalk or limit line indicating where the stop shall be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop shall be made at the signal.
FLASHING SIGNALS (21457 VC)
Whenever an illuminated flashing red or yellow light is used in a traffic signal or with a traffic sign, it shall require obedience by drivers as follows:
(a) Flashing red (stop signal): When a red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, a driver shall stop at a clearly marked limit line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering it, and the driver may proceed subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.
(b) Flashing yellow (caution signal): When a yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, a driver may proceed through the intersection or past the signal only with caution.
CURB MARKINGS (21458 VC)
(a) Whenever local authorities enact local parking regulations and indicate them by the use of paint upon curbs, the following colors only shall be used, and the colors indicate as follows:
(1) Red indicates no stopping, standing, or parking, whether the vehicle is attended or unattended, except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signposted as a bus loading zone.
(2) Yellow indicates stopping only for the purpose of loading or unloading passengers or freight for the time as may be specified by local ordinance.
(3) White indicates stopping for either of the following purposes:
(A) Loading or unloading of passengers for the time as may be specified by local ordinance.
(B) Depositing mail in an adjacent mailbox.
(4) Green indicates time limit parking specified by local ordinance.
(5) Blue indicates parking limited exclusively to the vehicles of disabled persons and disabled veterans.
(b) Regulations adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) shall be effective on days and during hours or times as prescribed by local ordinances.
DISTINCTIVE ROADWAY MARKINGS (21459 VC)
(b) The distinctive roadway markings shall be employed to designate any portion of a highway where the volume of traffic or the vertical or other curvature of the roadway renders it hazardous to drive on the left side of the marking or to indicate no driving to the left as provided in Section 21460, and shall not be employed for any other purpose.
DOUBLE LINES (21460 VC)
(a) When double parallel solid lines are in place, no person driving a vehicle shall drive to the left thereof, except as permitted in this section.
(b) When the double parallel lines, one of which is broken, are in place, no person driving a vehicle shall drive to the left thereof, except as follows:
(1) That the driver on that side of the roadway in which the broken line is in place may cross over the double line or drive to the left thereof when overtaking or passing other vehicles.
(2) As provided in Section 21460.5.
(c) Either of the markings as specified in subdivision (a) or (b) does not prohibit a driver from crossing the marking when (1) turning to the left at any intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or (2) making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn, and either of the markings shall be disregarded when authorized signs have been erected designating off center traffic lanes as permitted under Section 21657.
(d) Raised pavement markers may be used to simulate painted lines described in this section when the markers are placed in accordance with standards established by the Department of Transportation.
TWO-WAY LEFT TURN LANES (21460.5 VC)
A two-way left-turn lane is a lane near the center of the highway set aside for use by vehicles making left turns in both directions from or into the highway.
(b) Two-way left-turn lanes shall be designated by distinctive roadway markings consisting of parallel double yellow lines, interior line dashed and exterior line solid, on each side of the lane. The Department of Transportation may determine and prescribe standards and specifications governing length, width, and positioning of the distinctive pavement markings.
(c) A vehicle shall not be driven in a designated two-way left-turn lane except when preparing for or making a left turn from or into a highway or when preparing for or making a U-turn when otherwise permitted by law, and shall not be driven in that lane for more than 200 feet while preparing for and making the turn or while preparing to merge into the adjacent lanes of travel. A left turn or U-turn shall not be made from any other lane where a two-way left-turn lane has been designated.
(d) This section does not prohibit driving across a two-way left-turn lane.
(e) Raised pavement markers may be used to simulate the painted lines described in this section when those markers are placed in accordance with standards established by the Department of Transportation.
OBEDIENCE OF DRIVER TO OFFICIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES (21461 VC)
(a) It shall be unlawful for any driver of a vehicle to fail to obey any sign or signal erected or maintained to indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or any local traffic ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to a local traffic ordinance, or to fail to obey any device erected or maintained pursuant to Section 21352.
OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS (21462 VC)
The driver of any vehicle, the person in charge of any animal, any pedestrian, and the motorman of any streetcar shall obey the instructions of any official traffic signal applicable to him and placed as provided by law, unless otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer or when it is necessary for the purpose of avoiding a collision or in case of other emergency, subject to the exemptions granted by Section 21055.
SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED
STOP REQUIRED (22450 VC)
(a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection, or railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection. If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway or railroad grade crossing.
STOPS FOR TRAIN SIGNALS (22451 VC)
(a) The driver of any vehicle or pedestrian approaching a railroad or rail transit grade crossing shall stop not less than 15 feet from the nearest rail and shall not proceed until he or she can do so safely, whenever the following conditions exist:
(1) A clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device or a flagman gives warning of the approach or passage of a train or car.
(2) An approaching train or car is plainly visible or is emitting an audible signal and, by reason of its speed or nearness, is an immediate hazard.
(b) No driver or pedestrian shall proceed through, around, or under any railroad or rail transit crossing gate while the gate is closed.
RAILROAD CROSSINGS (22452 VC)
(a) Subdivisions (b) and (c) apply to the operation of the following vehicles:
(1) Any bus or farm labor vehicle carrying passengers.
(2) Any motortruck transporting employees in addition to those riding in the cab.
(3) Any schoolbus and any school pupil activity bus transporting school pupils…
(c) No stop need be made at any crossing in the following circumstances:
(1) Of railroad tracks running along and upon the roadway within a business or residence district.
(2) Where a traffic officer or an official traffic control signal directs traffic to proceed.
(3) Where an exempt sign was authorized by the Public Utilities Commission prior to January 1, 1978.
SCHOOL BUS (22454 VC)
(a) The driver of any vehicle, upon meeting or overtaking, from either direction, any schoolbus equipped with signs as required in this code, that is stopped for the purpose of loading or unloading any schoolchildren and displays a flashing red light signal and stop signal arm, as defined in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 25257, if equipped with a stop signal arm, visible from front or rear, shall bring the vehicle to a stop immediately before passing the schoolbus and shall not proceed past the schoolbus until the flashing red light signal and stop signal arm, if equipped with a stop signal arm, cease operation.
(b) (1) The driver of a vehicle upon a divided highway or multiple-lane highway need not stop upon meeting or passing a schoolbus that is upon the other roadway.
(2) For the purposes of this subdivision, a multiple-lane highway is any highway that has two or more lanes of travel in each direction.
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Every motor vehicle must be in top working condition and all safety equipment must be properly utilized and maintained.
A. LIGHTING
1. PURPOSE
Your car must have three lighting systems: one that allows you to see where you are going; a second lighting system that enables you to communicate with other drivers; and a third system that makes you visible to them.
High Beams/Low Beams: If you drive at night, these systems must be in full working order. High beams (for open highway driving) are focused higher and cast their light farther down the road than low-beams (for city driving), which are angled at a more downward angle. When driving at night on a dark road, to prevent being blinded by an approaching vehicle (especially if the high-beams are activated), drivers should reduce their speed slightly and avoid looking directly into the approaching headlights.
Tail Lights: Running lights are required because they enhance visibility of a vehicle from the rear. Taillights must be red and visible at a distance of at least 1,000 feet behind your motor vehicle.
Brake Lights: When you step on your brake, red lights on the rear of your vehicle become illuminated. This provides an early warning to the driver immediately behind you and prompts him or her to step on their brake as well. Brake lights must be red. In an emergency stop situation where the driver ahead of you pumps his brakes rapidly (non anti lock systems) - the resulting ‘flicker effect’ will warn you to initiate an emergency stop of your own.
Back-up Lights: A set of white lights becomes illuminated at the rear of your vehicle when you shift your transmission into reverse gear. The law requires that these lights be sufficiently bright to be visible at a distance of at least 75 feet. Your rear license plate must be illuminated as well, and visible from at least 50 feet. Make sure that no objects are obstructing the visibility of your rear license plate.
Turn Signals: The other guy needs to know where you’re going, and he needs to know before you go there. Every change of direction, every turn and lane-change, must be preceded by a turn signal. There are blinking lights located on all four corners of your vehicle, front and rear. Turns and lane changes must be signaled at least 100 feet prior to making the maneuver. Remember: signaling too late is almost as dangerous as no signal at all. You must signal EVERY turn - even a turn from a lane marked ‘’Left Turn Only’ or ‘’Right Turn Only’.’
Emergency Flashers: Collisions can happen. Or your vehicle might become disabled. Every driver must be prepared for trouble. This is why the law requires every motor vehicle to come equipped with emergency lights that flash simultaneously on all four corners, both front and rear. If your vehicle becomes a hazard to other drivers on the road, you will be able to warn them by activating your emergency flashers.
2. HOURS OF USE
Your headlights are required to be on one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise. So turn them on when evening twilight arrives and turn them off at morning twilight. Most new cars are equipped with daytime running lights which enhance visibility and provide an added measure of safety.
3. VISIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Your lighting systems may be in excellent working order, but you could still be in violation of the law. How is that possible? Well, if it’s been six months since your last car wash, a build-up of dirt on the lenses might severely diminish your ability to see, as well as making you less visible to other drivers on the road. Keep your car clean!
4. MAINTENANCE AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Drivers are responsible for the condition of their vehicles’ lighting systems. If your car has a burned out headlight or broken tail light, you could be stopped and handed a ‘notice to correct’ (Fix-it Ticket.) So periodically check to see if all your lights are working.
B. BRAKES
1. PURPOSE
Would you like to be able to stop your motor vehicle? You’d better have brakes. The author’s favorite song lyric is "Breaking up is hard to do."
Maintenance Tip:
OIL
Change your oil every 3,000 to 7,000 mph, depending on the age of your vehicle and scheduled maintenance requirements. Look beneath your vehicle for leaking oil. Check your oil frequently for color, clarity, and smell. It should be an amber to deep brown color. It should not be black or smelled burnt.
Vehicular Control: Brakes are probably the single most important safety feature on a motor vehicle. Without them it would be impossible to reduce your speed and stop. Your brakes work in partnership with your tires. If they lack proper tread depth or have improper inflation, the stopping power of your brakes could be compromised. Many cars come equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS). If your vehicle is so equipped, it is essential you know how they work and how to operate them properly.
Maintenance Tip:
BRAKES
Have your mechanic check your brakes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on how you drive. Meanwhile, look under and around your vehicle for signs of leaking break fluid.
Remember: in an emergency stop situation, anti-lock brakes should NEVER BE PUMPED. Constant pressure on the anti-lock brake pedal activates the ABS and the brakes are pumped automatically. Pumping anti-lock brakes reduces their effectiveness.
Stopping Requirements: The Vehicle Code is specific and strict regarding the effectiveness of your braking system. Here is the minimum standard: your motor vehicle must be capable of stopping in 25 feet when traveling at 20 mph.
Most cars’ brakes are actually more powerful - and quite capable of stopping a car in an even shorter distance.
Remember: Larger vehicles such as trucks and buses can’t stop as quickly as a passenger vehicle. A fully loaded big-rig moving at 20 mph is permitted a braking system that will stop it in 40 feet. So don’t cut off a truck…you might just get hit from behind.
Maximum Stopping Distance from 20 mph (feet)
(1) Any passenger vehicle 25
(2) Any single motor vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 lbs. 30
(3) Any combination of vehicles consisting of a passenger vehicle or any motor vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 lbs. in combination with any trailer, semitrailer or trailer coach 40
(4) Any single motor vehicle with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 lbs. or more or any bus 40
(5) All other combinations of vehicles 50
2. REQUIRED SYSTEMS
Every vehicle is required to have two braking systems: a dual hydraulic brake (service brakes); and a mechanical brake (parking/emergency brake). Your service brakes will stop all four wheels. Your emergency brake will only affect the rear wheels.
3. MAINTENANCE AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Do not neglect your brakes. In the case that your brakes begin to fail, you may get an early warning. Things to look for are: the action on your pedal feels different, or the pedal goes all the way down to the floor-board (probably a leak in your master cylinder) or you might hear a strange noise when you step on the brake. Don’t ignore these warnings. Have your brakes serviced immediately!
C. WINDSHIELDS AND MIRRORS
1. PURPOSE
The law requires a windshield on almost every motor vehicle. The windshield protects the driver from heat and cold and wind and debris.
Visibility: If your windshield is dirty or cracked, visibility will be hampered and you will be considerably less safe on the road.
Screening: Think about it for a moment: you’re driving down the freeway at 65 mph with no windshield. That’s almost like having a hurricane force wind in your face!
2. REQUIREMENTS TO AID VISIBILITY
Motorcycles are the only vehicles NOT required to have windshields.
3. PROHIBITED DEVICES OR EQUIPMENT
If you have anything hanging from your rearview mirror that obstructs your vision, you may be ticketed. So use good judgment. If it’s hanging too low it’s got to go…get rid of it! Sun screening devices (like shades) affixed to the windows must be removable, non-reflective and at least 35 percent of the window must remain unobstructed. Transparent materials must be gray, green, or neutral smoke in color, reflective, and may not reduce normal transparency by more than 35 percent.
4. MAINTENANCE
If a police officer notices your windshield is cracked, you may be cited for a violation and ordered to correct the violation within 48 hours.
D. HORN
1. PURPOSE
Your horn is essential to your safety. Use it sparingly - and only to insure your safety and the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, bike riders, skateboarders, rollerbladers, etc. It is a communication tool, not a device for venting anger and frustration.
Warning Device: Don’t ‘lay on the horn’ when a little tap would do the job just as well. If another driver or a pedestrian doesn’t see you, your horn will alert them to your approach.
Maintenance Tip:
WIPERS
If your wipers are missing spots or streaking your windshield, it’s time to replace them.
2. USE
Somebody cuts you off in traffic. You slam on the brakes and successfully avoid a collision. You honk your horn in anger. Guess what? You are in violation of the law. But what if you see a driver ahead of you in the lane to the left?
You’re in his blind spot and he starts changing lanes, swerving toward you - so you hit the brakes and honk your horn. The other guy swerves back into his lane. Your use of the horn was legal because you honked to avoid a collision. (By the way, what were you doing in the other guy’s blind spot?) Cows have horns but they can’t be licensed to drive.
3. AUDIBLE DISTANCE
Your horn should be loud enough to be heard at a minimum distance of 200 feet. But be careful, if someone can hear your horn a mile away it’s TOO LOUD!!!!!!!
4. PROHIBITIVE AMPLIFICATION
When you drove your new car home from the dealership, your horn met all standard requirements. If you decide to customize your horn you might be cited if an officer considers it to be ‘unreasonably loud or harsh.’ Sirens are only permitted on emergency vehicles. Many car alarms are wired to the horn. If your car alarm sounds for more than 20 minutes it could be towed away by the police.
5. MAINTENANCE
It is a violation of the law to drive without a horn in good working condition. Your horn could save your life. A horn that stopped working could end it.
E. TIRES
1. PURPOSE
Good tires are essential to a safe ride. Tires are often neglected until a flat forces us off the road …but they are one of the most important safety features on your motor vehicle.
Vehicle Control: Your car makes contact with the road on only the few square inches your four tires touch the pavement. Your tires grip the driving surface and that friction is necessary for you to control your speed and direction.
Traction: That friction - or traction - will only be as strong as the condition of your tires - their inflation and the depth of their tread. Traction is needed for acceleration, slowing, stopping, and changing direction.
2. REQUIRED CONDITION, INFLATION AND TREAD
Tire wear is affected by the quality of the tires, their inflation, mileage, the way you drive, vehicle suspension and steering, and the types of road surfaces you drive upon. Treads are the grooves in your tires. They have been designed in a variety of patterns for optimum traction and to channel water out from under the tires. As the tire degrades the treads become shallower and can eventually become worn smooth. This is a ‘bald tire.’ Don’t wait until your tires become bald to have them replaced. All modern tires are required to have tread wear indicators (TWI.) When the tread is worn down enough to reveal a horizontal band of rubber across the tire, it’s time to buy new ones.
Maintenance Tip:
TIRES
Check your tires frequently ford wear, damage, tread depth, and air pressure. Have them rotated every 10,000 miles. Tread should be a minimum 1/32nd inch deep.
3. MAINTENANCE
Check your tires regularly for damage and tread wear. Bulges or splits in the sidewalls or tread need immediate attention. If you see the head of a nail in one of your tires, do not remove the nail yourself. Have it removed and the tire repaired by a professional. It’s usually an inexpensive fix. Proper inflation is extremely important for the safe operation of your vehicle. Tires should generally be inflated to factory specifications, although driving in extreme heat or cold will warrant variations in normal tire pressure. Tires must be balanced before installation and should be rotated roughly every 10,000 miles to insure uniform wear to the tread.
These are purportedly the first tires ever
developed, approximately 10,000 years
BC. They were impossible to control on
wet surfaces due to lack of tread.
F. SAFETY BELTS
Manufacturers have been required to equip passenger automobiles with seat belt since 1968 but drivers have been required by law to buckle up for the only the last ten years or so. Your lap belt will keep you from sliding out from behind the steering wheel but will not prevent you from folding at the waist and striking your head and upper body against the steering column and the dash.
Which is why all cars today are equipped with both lap belts and shoulder belts that protect the upper body. Front impact and side impact air bags are also available to provide a supplemental restraint system. Seat belts and air bags are responsible for saving thousands of lives every year.
The driver will be issued a citation if a passenger under the age of 16 is not wearing a safety belt. Remember, drivers: the safety of children is your responsibility!
1. PURPOSE
Seat belts prevent people from being ejected from a vehicle in a severe collision. They also hold the driver in position during sudden steering and braking maneuvers that could throw the driver out from behind the wheel, causing a loss of control.
Reduce Injury and Fatalities: If you are involved in a collision at just 30 mph without seat belts...well, imagine jumping off a three story building and trying to break the fall with your hands. It’s not going to work, is it? Keep that in mind the next time you hop in your car for a short ride and choose not to put on your safety belt. You are twice as likely to survive a collision if you are wearing your seat belt.
2. USE
If your vehicle was manufactured in 1968 or later, it came equipped with seat belts as standard equipment and you are required to wear them. It is even a violation to disable the shoulder belt by tucking it under your arm. A law passed in 1993 (AB 338) allows a police officer to pull you over for a seat belt violation without having any other reason. If your car was manufactured before 1968, adults are not required to wear seat belts. This is an accommodation to car collectors who, if forced to install non-standard equipment, would have the value of their investment reduced. BUT, anyone 16 years of age or under must be provided a seat belt, which is the reason we don’t see children going for rides in early vintage collector automobiles.
3. MAINTENANCE
This is one system in your vehicle you DO NOT want to fail during a collision. So check your belts frequently. Are they fraying? Any tears in the fabric? Is the buckle faulty? Get them fixed or replaced. Many people wrongly assume since there is ‘play’ in the shoulder belt that it is malfunctioning. As a test, yank the shoulder belt out quickly; it should stop abruptly. There is a small pendulum locking mechanism that allows you comfort and ease of motion during normal driving but in the event of a crash will lock the belt.
4. CHILD PASSENGER SEAT RESTRAINTS: REQUIREMENTS (27360 VC)
Child passenger restraint is so important that we are giving you the legal requirements and their language so that there is no room for misinterpretation. Heed the following!
Make sure that all the straps are snug around me, and that the safety seat itself is strapped to
the seat according to the directions. And NEVER EVER leave me alone in the vehicle.
(a) No parent or legal guardian, when present in a motor vehicle… shall permit his or her child or ward to be transported upon a highway in the motor vehicle without providing and properly securing the child or ward, in a child passenger restraint system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards unless the child or ward is at least one of the following:
(1) Six years of age or older.
(2) Weighs 60 pounds or more.
(b) A driver may not transport on a highway a child in a motor vehicle, as defined in Section 27315, without providing and properly securing the child in a child passenger restraint system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards unless the child is at least one of the following:
(1) Six years of age or older.
(2) Weighs 60 pounds or more.
This subdivision does not apply to a driver if the parent or legal guardian of the child is also present in the vehicle and is not the driver.
Maintenance Tip:
ANTI-FREEZE
Check your tires frequently ford wear, damage, tread depth, and air pressure. Have them rotated every 10,000 miles. Tread should be a minimum 1/32nd inch deep.
5. MORE TIPS FOR PRECIOUS CARGO
! Make absolutely certain the child safety seat is properly installed and don’t forget to buckle in the child! Once strapped in, the child seat must have no more than about an inch of wiggle-room in any direction.
! Babies under one year and under 20 pounds must be in a rear-facing child seat in the center of the back seat (which is the safest place in your vehicle since it is the point farthest removed from front, rear, and side impact collisions.)
! Never use a second-hand child safety seat. It may have already been involved in a collision and its effectiveness compromised. (Be sure to discard yours if it has been in a collision.) Any child seat more than 10 years old should be replaced.
! Never put a child in a car seat opposite a passenger-side air bag. Air bags have been known to kill small children. Have children ride in the back seat. The Safety Council recommends waiting until your child is 12 years old and around 100 pounds before he rides up front.
! After acquiring a child safety seat or restraint, make sure you follow the manufacturers’ recommendations for installation.
6. UNATTENDED CHILDREN (15620 (a) VC)
Known as Kaitlyn’s Law, this law prohibits parents, guardians or other persons responsible for a child who is 6 years of age or younger from leaving that child in a vehicle unattended when the vehicle’s engine is running, the keys are in the ignition, or there is significant risk to the child’s health and safety. The law was named for a child who died after being left for two hours inside a vehicle in 100 degree heat.
15620. (a) A parent, legal guardian, or other person responsible for a child who is 6 years of age or younger may not leave that child inside a motor vehicle without being subject to the supervision of a person who is 12 years of age or older, under either of the following circumstances:
(1) Where there are conditions that present a significant risk to the child's health or safety.
(2) When the vehicle's engine is running or the vehicle's keys are in the ignition, or both.
Your vehicle needs to be in shape for anything, including tornadoes.
Maintenance Tip:
CHECKING BELTS & HOSES
Belts and hoses seem insignificant, until the loss of one or the other disables your vehicle. Check belts for cuts, fraying, and tightness, etc. A belt should only yield about a half inch if you push on it. Check your hoses for holes and/ or cracking. If your hoses seem brittle, change them. Signs of trouble from hoses includes random fluid on your engine block, and/or the smell of hot fluids when you open the hood.
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE: SAFETY EQUIPMENT
LIGHTING
LIGHTING DURING DARKNESS (24250 VC)
During darkness, a vehicle shall be equipped with lighted lighting equipment…
LIGHTING DISTANCE REQUIREMENTS (24251 VC)
…any lighting equipment shall render a person or vehicle visible...during darkness, directly ahead upon a straight, level unlighted highway, and under normal atmospheric conditions…
LIGHTING EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS (24252 VC)
All lighting equipment of a required type installed on a vehicle shall at all times be maintained in good working order.
Headlamps on motor vehicles (24400 VC): During darkness, every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with at least two lighted headlamps, with at least one on each side of the front of the vehicle, and…they shall be located directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. The headlamps and every light source in any headlamp unit shall be located at a height of not more than 54 inches nor less than 22 inches.
Auxiliary driving and passing lamps (24402 VC): Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less than 16 inches nor more t h a n 42 inches. Driving lamps are lamps designed for supplementing the upper beam from headlamps and may not be lighted with the lower beam…Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary passing lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches. Passing lamps are lamps designed for supplementing the lower beam from headlamps and may also be lighted with the upper beam.
Foglamps (24403 VC): Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two foglamps which may be used with, but shall not be used in substitution of, headlamps. Foglamps shall be mounted on the front at a height of not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches…
Multiple beams (24406 VC): …the headlamps, or other auxiliary driving lamps, or a combination thereof, on a motor vehicle during darkness shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, and the lamps may, in addition, be so arranged that the selection can be made automatically.
Maintenance Tip:
BATTERY
If your lights seem
dim, or your radio
doesn’t work, you may
need to replace
your battery. Check
your battery for charge
and fluid level as often as necessary.
Upper and lower beams (24407 VC): Multiple-beam road lighting equipment shall be designed and aimed as follows:
(a) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet ahead for all conditions of loading.
(b) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or vehicle at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead. On a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.
Use of multiple beams (24409VC): Whenever a motor vehicle is being operated during darkness, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations:
(a) Whenever the driver of a vehicle approaches an oncoming vehicle within 500 feet, he shall use a distribution of light or composite beam so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver.
The lowermost distribution of light specified in this article shall be deemed to avoid glare at all times regardless of road contour.
(b) Whenever the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within 300 feet to the rear, he shall use the lowermost distribution of light specified in this article.
Single beams (24410 VC): Headlamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light not supplemented by auxiliary driving lamps are permitted on motor vehicles manufactured and sold prior to September 19, 1940, in lieu of multiple-beam road lighting equipment if the single distribution of light complies with the following requirements and limitations:
(a) The headlamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high-intensity portion of the light shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of five inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes, and in no case higher than 42 inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of 75 feet ahead.
(b) The intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 200 feet.
Tail lamps (24600 VC): During darkness every motor vehicle…shall be equipped with lighted taillamps mounted on the rear as follows:
(a) Every vehicle shall be equipped with one or more taillamps.
(b) Every vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with not less than two taillamps,…
(d) When two taillamps are required, at least one shall be mounted at the left and one at the right side respectively at the same level.
(e) Taillamps shall be red in color and shall be plainly visible from all distances within 500 feet to the rear except that taillamps on vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1969, shall be plainly visible from all distances within 1,000 feet to the rear.
(f) Taillamps on vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1969, shall be mounted not lower than 15 inches nor higher than 72 inches…
Stoplamps (24603 VC): Every motor vehicle…shall at all times be equipped with stoplamps mounted on the rear as follows:
(a) Every such vehicle shall be equipped with one or more stoplamps.
(b) Every such vehicle, other than a motorcycle, manufactured and first registered on or after January 1, 1958, shall be equipped with two stoplamps…
(c)…stoplamps on vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1969, shall be mounted not lower than 15 inches nor higher than 72 inches...
(e) Stoplamps on vehicles manufactured on or after January 1, 1979, shall emit a red light. Stoplamps on vehicles manufactured before January 1, 1979, shall emit a red or yellow light. All stoplamps shall be plainly visible and understandable from a distance of 300 feet to the rear both during normal sunlight and at nighttime…
(f) Stoplamps shall be activated upon application of the service (foot) brake and the hand control…brakes. In addition, all stoplamps may be activated by a mechanical device designed to function only upon sudden release of the accelerator while the vehicle is in motion.
Back-up lamps (24606 VC): (a) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle…shall be equipped with one or more backup lamps…
(b) Backup lamps shall be so directed as to project a white light illuminating the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance not to exceed 75 feet…
BRAKES
REQUIRED BRAKE SYSTEM (26450 VC)
Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a service brake system and every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, shall be equipped with a parking brake system. Both the service brake and parking brake shall be separately applied.
PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM (26451 VC)
The parking brake system of every motor vehicle shall comply with the following requirements:
(a) The parking brake shall be adequate to hold the vehicle or combination of vehicles stationary on any grade on which it is operated under all conditions of loading on a surface free from snow, ice or loose material. In any event the parking brake shall be capable of locking the braked wheels to the limit of traction.
(b) The parking brake shall be applied either by the driver’s muscular efforts, by spring action, or by other energy which is isolated and used exclusively for the operation of the parking brake or the combination parking brake and emergency stopping system.
(c) The parking brake shall be held in the applied position solely by mechanical means.
CONDITION OF BRAKES (26453 VC)
All brakes and component parts thereof shall be maintained in good condition and in good working order. The brakes shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.
CONTROL AND STOPPING DISTANCE (26454 VC)
(a) The service brakes of every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle or combination of vehicles under all conditions of loading on any grade on which it is operated.
(b) Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, at any time and under all conditions of loading, shall, upon application of the service brake, be capable of stopping from an initial speed of 20 miles per hour according to the following requirements:
WINDSHIELDS
...a passenger vehicle, other than a motorcycle, and every…motortruck...shall be equipped with an adequate windshield.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS (26706 VC)
(a) Every motor vehicle, except motorcycles, equipped with a windshield shall also be equipped with a self-operating windshield wiper.
(b) Every new motor vehicle first registered after December 31, 1949, except motorcycles, shall be equipped with two such windshield wipers…
CONDITION AND USE OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS (26707 VC)
Windshield wipers…shall be maintained in good operating condition and shall provide clear vision through the windshield for the driver. Wipers shall be operated under conditions of fog, snow, or rain and shall be capable of effectively clearing the windshield under all ordinary storm or load conditions while the vehicle is in operation.
MATERIALS OBSTRUCTING OR REDUCING DRIVER’S VIEW (26708 VC)
(a) (1) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.
(2) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied in or upon the vehicle which obstructs or reduces the driver’s clear view through the windshield or side windows.
(b) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(1) Rearview mirrors.
(2) Adjustable nontransparent sunvisors which are mounted forward of the side windows and are not attached to the glass.
(3) Signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield farthest removed from the driver, signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the rear window farthest removed from the driver, or signs, stickers, or other materials which are displayed in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield nearest the driver.
(4) Side windows which are to the rear of the driver.
(6) Rear window wiper motor.
(10) Sun screening devices installed on the side windows on either side of the vehicle’s front seat, if the driver or a passenger in the front seat has in his or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed physician and surgeon certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a medical condition, or has in his or her possession a letter or other document signed by a licensed optometrist certifying that the person must be shaded from the sun due to a visual condition. The devices authorized by this paragraph shall not be used during darkness.
(c)…transparent material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the topmost portion of the windshield if the following conditions apply:
(1) The bottom edge of the material is at least 29 inches above the undepressed driver’s seat when measured from a point 5 inches in front of the bottom of the backrest with the driver’s seat in its rearmost and lowermost position with the vehicle on a evel surface.
(2) The material is not red or amber in color.
(3) There is no opaque lettering on the material and any other lettering does not affect primary colors or distort vision through the windshield.
(4) The material does not reflect sunlight or headlight glare into the eyes of occupants of oncoming or following vehicles to any greater extent than the windshield without the material.
(d)… clear, colorless, and transparent material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the front side windows, located to the immediate left and right of the front seat if the following conditions are met:
(1) The material has a minimum visible light transmittance of 88 percent.
(2) The window glazing with the material applied meets all requirements of…specified minimum light transmittance of 70 percent and the abrasion resistance of AS-14 glazing, as specified in that federal standard.
(3) The material is designed and manufactured to enhance the ability of the existing window glass to block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A rays.
(4) The driver has in his or her possession, or within the vehicle, a certificate signed by the installing company certifying that the windows with the material installed meet the requirements of this subdivision and identifies the installing company and the material's manufacturer by full name and street address, or, if the material was installed by the vehicle owner, a certificate signed by the material's manufacturer certifying that the windows with the material installed according to manufacturer's instructions meets the requirements of this subdivision and identifies the material's manufacturer by full name and street address.
(5) If the material described in this subdivision tears or bubbles, or is otherwise worn to prohibit clear vision, it shall be removed or replaced.
SUNSCREENING DEVICES: REQUIREMENTS (26708.2 VC)
Sun screening devices permitted…shall meet the following requirements:
(a) The devices shall be held in place by means allowing ready removal from the window area, such as a frame, a rigid material with temporary fasteners, or a flexible roller shade.
(b) Devices utilizing transparent material shall be green, gray, or a neutral smoke in color and shall have a luminous transmittance of not less than 35 percent.
(d) The devices shall not have a reflective quality exceeding 35 percent on either the inner or outer surface.
MIRRORS (26709 VC)
(a) Every motor vehicle registered in a foreign jurisdiction and every motorcycle subject to registration in this state shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of such vehicle.
Every motor vehicle subject to registration in this state, except a motorcycle, shall be equipped with not less than two such mirrors, including one affixed to the left-hand side.
DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS AND REAR WINDOWS (26710 VC)
It is unlawful to operate any motor vehicle upon a highway when the windshield or rear window is in such a defective condition as to impair the driver’s vision either to the front or rear.
In the event any windshield or rear window fails to comply with this code the officer making the inspection shall direct the driver to make the windshield and rear window conform to the requirements of this code within 48 hours…
HORNS OR WARNING DEVICES
Every motor vehicle, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet, but no horn shall emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound…
USE OF HORN (27001 VC)
(a) The driver of a motor vehicle when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation shall give audible warning with his horn.
(b) The horn shall not otherwise be used, except as a theft alarm system which operates as specified in Article 13 (commencing with Section 28085)…
TIRES
TREAD DEPTH - PNEUMATIC TIRES (27465 VC)
(a) No dealer or person holding a retail seller’s permit shall sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or install on a vehicle axle for use on a highway, a pneumatic tire when the tire has less than the tread depth specified in subdivision (b).
(b) No person shall use on a highway a pneumatic tire on a vehicle axle when the tire has less than the following tread depth, except when temporarily installed on a disabled vehicle…
(1) One thirty-second (1/32) of an inch tread depth in any two adjacent grooves at any location of the tire…
(3) Six thirty-second (6/32) of an inch tread depth at all points in all major grooves on snow tires used in lieu of tire traction devices in posted tire traction device control areas.
(c) The measurement of tread depth shall not be made where tie bars, humps, or fillets are located.
SAFETY BELTS
REQUIREMENTS (27315 VC)
(d) (1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person and all passengers 16 years of age or over are properly restrained by a safety belt…
(e) No person 16 years of age or over shall be a passenger in a motor vehicle on a highway unless that person is properly restrained by a safety belt…
(f) Every owner of a motor vehicle...operated on a highway shall maintain safety belts in good working order for the use of occupants of the vehicle. The safety belts shall conform to motor vehicle safety standards established by the United States Department of Transportation…
(h) … any violation of subdivision (d), (e), or (f) is an infraction punishable by a fine…
CHILD PASSENGER SEAT RESTRAINTS: REQUIREMENTS (27360 VC)
(a) No parent or legal guardian, when present in a motor vehicle…shall permit his or her child or ward to be transported upon a highway in the motor vehicle without providing and properly securing the child or ward, in a child passenger restraint system meeting applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards unless the child or ward is at least one of the following:
(1) Six years of age or older.
(2) Weighs 60 pounds or more.
The law requires that a child who is required to be secured in a child safety seat (Under 6 years or under 60 pounds), be secured in the rear seat of the vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2005 provisions will be placed in the vehicle code stating a child is allowed to be secured in the front seat of the vehicle if:
o There is no rear seat
o The rear seats are side facing jump seats
o The rear seats are rear-facing seats
o The restraint system cannot be installed properly in the rear seat
o All rear seats are occupied by children under the age of 12 years
o Medical reasons necessitate that the child not ride in the rear
A child may not ride in the front seat of a motor vehicle with an active passenger air bag if they are under one year of age, weigh less than 20 pounds, or riding in a rear-facing child passenger restraint system.
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Comments: Add Your Own.
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Tuesday, August 10th, 2004
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I know this is super annoying... cuz everyone is doing this free ipod shit. I know I know... and I'm sure all you haters are hatin on the fact that people actually did get the free ipod... oh well. Just disregard this entry then... or my future entries cuz it's only gonna be about the free ipod and free flat screen tvs. spanks.
I GOT MY MINI IPOD!!!!!!!! I swear!
PLEASE SIGN UP FOR a free flat screen tv!!
FREE FLAT SCREEN
i just signed up first for aol and then cancelled it for my ipod... and this time i'm gonna get the free anti wrinkle cream or some shit... and then cancel. but there are more options now, like signing up for an ebay account.
if by any chance you didn't get the link to the free ipod... here it goes
FREE IPOD
DO IT DO IT DO IT
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Comments: Read 10 or Add Your Own.
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Saturday, August 7th, 2004
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YAY for the free ipod!
now please fill out the flat screen tv offer. spanks.
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Comments: Read 2 or Add Your Own.
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