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~DefensiveDriving.com can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. Our offic
es are open from 9a.m. to 5p.m, Monday through Friday. Technical assistance is a
vailable 24 hours a day at (888) 545-5422 (in Houston call: (713) 488-4008). How
Well Can You See And Stop? Generally, you should drive at the same speed as the
main stream of traffic. You should always be aware of how fast you are
traveling. You must obey speed limit s, but a good driver does even more. Always
keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. The faster you go the greater
the distance you should keep from the car ahead of you. Slow down when the road
is wet (rain, snow, sleet). Many drivers find out to o late what a little rain
can do. Roads become slippery when wet, making your ca r harder to control. Make
sure you have complete control of the situation at all times. Slow down when the
road is crowded. Slow down when your vision is limited. You should always be
able to stop wit hin the distance that you can see ahead of your car. In
darkness or bad weather, do not over-drive your range of vision. If something is
in your path, you need to see it in time to be able to stop. Ass uming you have
good tires, good brakes, and dry pavement: At g your At g your 50 mph, vehicle
30 mph, vehicle it to it to takes about 229 feet to react to something you see
and to brin a complete stop. takes about 109 feet to react to something you see
and to brin a complete stop.
If you can't see 229 feet ahead, it means you can't drive safely at 50 mph. If y
ou can't see 109 feet ahead, it means you can't drive safely at 30 mph. By the t
ime you see an object in your path, it is too late to stop without hitting it.
Adjust your driving to the weather. You should slow down in rain or fog. Turn on
your headlights during the day if it is hard to see. Driving in Fog The best
advice for driving in the fog is DON'T. You should consider postponing your trip
until the fog clears. If you must drive in fog, then slow down and turn on your
low-beam headlights. Don't drive with high beams because the light will reflect
back and cause glare. Driving safely demands more skill and better judgment than
ever before, especial ly under hostile weather conditions. Driving in heavy fog
is like driving with a blindfold on. Statistically it's the most dangerous
driving hazard. When drivin g in fog, reduce your speed and turn on your
headlights. Think about how far you can see and how long it will take you to
stop. Keep an eye on your speedometer. Studies show that some drivers acclimate
themselves to foggy conditions and unc onsciously increase their speed over
time. Make sure that you can be seen. Turn your fog lights on and make sure your
high beams are not turned on by accident. Use the right edge of the road (aka
fog line) as a guide rather than the center line to avoid running into oncoming
traffic or becoming distracted by oncoming h eadlights. Always use your
defroster and windshield wipers in foggy conditions a nd remember that the
problems associated with fog become greater at night. Never drive with just your
parking lights. Increase your following distance and

be prepared to stop within the space you can see in front of your vehicle. Avoid
crossing or passing lanes of traffic unless absolutely necessary. Listen for tr
affic you cannot see. Use your wipers and defroster as necessary for best vision
. It is recommended that if fog is very dense, the most sensible thing to do is
to signal and pull off the road to a protected area and wait for driving
condition s to improve. If you do pull over, turn on your emergency flashers to
make your car visible to others. Driving in Heavy Rain or Snowstorms In heavy
rain or snow, you may not be able to see more than 100 feet ahead. When you
can't see any farther than that, you cannot safely drive faster than 30 mph .
You may have to stop from time to time to wipe mud or snow off your windshield ,
headlights, and taillights. When you drive in snowy areas, you can improve
traction by using snow tires on t he wheels that power your car. You may also
use tire chains that are placed over the tire tread to increase traction on
snow- or ice-covered roads. Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or
snow on the road. This is when many road pavements are most slippery because oil
and dust have not been washed away. It is wise to turn on your low beam
headlights when visibility is poor-even in d aylight. Light from high beams will
reflect back and cause glare. Heavy rain can overload the wiper blades, allowing
an almost continuous sheet of water to flow over the screen. When visibility is
so limited that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe
distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up. It is best
to stop at rest areas or othe r protected areas. If the roadside is your only
option, pull off as far as possi ble, preferably past the end of the guard rail,
and wait until the storm passes. Keep your headlights on and turn on emergency
flashers to alert other drivers. At night it is much harder to see water
hazards. You will need good road observa tional skills to notice the difference
between a wet road surface and flood wate r. Watch the contours not only of the
road, but also of fences, trees, hedges, a nd buildings at the side of the road
ahead. If they appear to be unnaturally low , slow down at once as the road is
probably flooded. If you don't slow down and hit flood water at an unsafe speed,
the effect is almost like hitting a wall; yo u will first lose control, then
come to a violent stop, possibly injuring you an d your passengers. Watch out
for places where floodwater collects, particularly low-lying roads adjacent to
streams, and dips under rail or highway bridges. Driving on Hills and Curves On
Hills When approaching an icy hill, pick a path that will allow the most
traction. Wat ch the cars ahead of you, and steer clear of spots where they spin
their wheels or slide backward. Instead head for unpacked snow or powder, where
you'll get be tter traction. Build speed gradually while you are still on the
level ground. If you have shift -on-the-fly four-wheel drive, shift into it
before you reach the hill. After you have reached the crest, begin your descent
slowly, shifting into a lower gear t o allow engine drag (rather than brakes) to
reduce your speed.

Rounding Curves To maintain control, you must reduce your speed before you enter
an icy curve. A ny sudden acceleration or deceleration while you are turning
will send you into a skid. You never know what is on the other side of a steep
hill or a sharp curve. If a car is stalled on the road just over the hill or
around a curve, you must be goi ng slowly enough to stop. When you come to a
hill or curve, slow down so you can stop if a vehicle is hidd en on the roadway.
City Driving Whenever you cross or enter traffic from a full stop, you will need
a large enou gh gap (from cars approaching in either direction) to cross the
traffic or to ge t up to the speed of other vehicles. You need a gap that is
about half a city bl ock. Always scan the road ahead of you. Be prepared for
cars and pedestrians to enter intersections in front of you. Look ahead and stay
back! City driving means dealing with congestion and constant distractions.
Because of limited space, information and regulatory signs may be packed tightly
together, making them more difficult to see and react to quickly. Be more
aggressive in using your visual skills and identifying potential hazards . There
are more hazards in the city, so be prepared to anticipate them. Be read y to
reduce speed or change vehicle position should you encounter a hazard. Rural
Driving Rural roads may be less congested than city roads, but they can be just
as deadl y. Only one-fifth of the Nation's population lives in a rural area, yet
almost 5 0% of all fatal crashes occur there. Rural roads are frequently
unpaved, reducing your car's traction and overall con trollability. These roads
often lack the informative signs and markers that are everywhere in the city.
Sometimes, this makes it hard to anticipate intersection s, bridges, and other
road changes. Trees and bushes make rural roads more dangerous because they
limit visibility f rom the highway. Soft shoulders, or the lack of shoulders
altogether, also reduce your ability to avoid dangers that you might encounter.
Among these dangers are animals. Animals, from cows to deer, are unpredictable a
nd seem to come out of nowhere. Hitting large animals is extremely dangerous and
can kill you. You also need to aware of people on rural roads. Because there ar
e no sidewalks, people frequently walk on or across these roads. If you see anim
als or people ahead of you, slow down and prepare to anticipate their actions.
Look ahead to identify potential hazards and observe warning signs. You may need
to adjust your speed for the condition of the road, especially when approaching
oncoming vehicles. Be aware of slow-moving farm equipment. These machines are
frequently quite larg e and can be difficult to pass unless the road is very
wide and clear. If you do not have an absolutely clear view ahead, it's better
to follow behind the vehic

le until it pulls off the road. Farm equipment usually doesn't travel long dista
nces, so be patient. Highway Driving Highway driving is similar to city driving.
Like city roads, highways are usuall y well maintained and full of traffic.
However, the speeds drivers maintain on t he highway are usually much higher
than the speeds maintained in the city. Becau se of the high speeds, you must be
careful to maintain adequate space around you r vehicle at all times to ensure
your safety. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. You
can give yourse lf this time by keeping enough space between your vehicle and
the vehicles aroun d you. Keep a "space cushion" on all sides of your car. A
space cushion is an ar ea of open space surrounding your vehicle. A space
cushion will give you the spa ce you need to brake or maneuver when faced with a
dangerous driving situation. Keep A Space Cushion Around You Good drivers
maintain an ample space cushion around their vehicles. The more spa ce you allow
between your car and the cars around you, the more time you will ha ve to see a
hazard or accident down the road. As a result, you'll have more time to stop or
to avoid the hazard. Keeping adequate space between your vehicle and the
vehicles around you allows y ou to see the "big picture" of what lies ahead.
You'll know what's coming and be able to respond. A 2 second interval provides
the driver time to steer out of problem areas a t all listed speeds on a dry
surface and braking out of problems at speeds under 35 mph. A 3 second interval
provides the driver time to steer out of problem areas a t all listed speeds on
dry surfaces and braking out of problems at speeds of 45 mph. A 4 second
interval provides the driver time to steer out of problems at spe eds up to 70
mph. It is important to note that many passenger car tires are not designed to
steer out of problem areas at speeds beyond 75 mph. High speed rated tires are
required due to sidewall flexion at higher speeds and turning movemen ts. To
keep the right amount of space both ahead and behind you, use the "two-second
rule." When the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a sign, co
unt "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." This takes about two seconds. If you p
ass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely. At
faster speeds the distance should be greater. No matter how fast you are going,
the two-second rule should apply. When conditions are not ideal, you need more
than a "two-second" space cushion. For example, in poor weather or when
visibility is limited, be safe. Give yourse lf a "four-second or more" space
cushion. If another driver "cuts" in front of you, just take your foot off the
gas and sl ow down gradually until you have regained the safe distance between
you and the other vehicle. This will give you space between your car and the
other vehicle w ithout swerving into another lane. Don't overreact if you are
cut off. Plan your emergency escape route before an emergency happens. Keep a
safe space cushion on each side of your car. You do this, in part, by avo

iding driving in other drivers' blind spots. If other drivers can't see you, the
y may change lanes and hit you. Avoid driving alongside other cars on multi-lane
streets. Someone may crowd your lane or try to change lanes and pull into you.
Move ahead of the other car or d rop back. This concludes Lesson 5: Specific
Skills for Difficult Driving Environments. Rem ember these important facts:
Special conditions affect both driver and vehicle performance. Generally, you sh
ould drive at the same speed as the main stream of traffic, but you should alway
s be aware of how fast you are traveling. You must obey the speed limit, but a g
ood driver does even more. Here are some safe driving tips: Adjust your driving
to the weather. You should slow down in rain or fog. Tur n on your headlights
during the day if it is hard to see. You must turn your lights on any time you
can't see at least 1000 feet ahead . Don't look directly into oncoming
headlights -- you may be blinded. Go slower than you would during normal
conditions when you cannot see as far . You will have less time to stop if a
hazard lies ahead. Slow down at the first sign of rain, drizzle, or snow on the
road. Whenever visibility is poor or it rains, headlights are a good way to let
ot her drivers know where you are. It's both helpful to other travelers and
makes y ou a safer driver. Do not blind other drivers with your high beam
headlights. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. You can
give yourse lf this time by keeping enough space between your vehicle and the
vehicles aroun d you. Be more aggressive in using your visual skills and
identifying potential hazards . There are more hazards in the city, so be
prepared to anticipate them. Know th e condition of the road and be aware of
your surroundings. Look ahead to identif y potential hazards and observe warning
signs. ~~~Physical Forces that Influence Driver Control In this section we will
discuss the physical forces that affect driver control a nd vehicle performance.
Physical forces are "natural laws" like gravity, centrifugal force, friction, in
ertia, and kinetic energy. Natural Laws Your driving motion is controlled by
Speed Braking Steering These three are affected by these natural laws:

Gravity Centrifugal Force Inertia Kinetic Energy These natural laws must be
taken into consideration whenever you drive. Speed Control All drivers are
required to obey posted maximum and minimum speed limits. These limits are
designed to provide for the orderly flow of traffic under normal driv ing
conditions. During periods of heavy traffic, inclement weather, low visibili ty,
or other poor driving conditions, speed must be adjusted so that collisions will
be avoided. When you speed: It's harder to react in time. It's harder to steer.
It's harder to control your car. Your fuel efficiency is reduced. You increase
wear and tear on your vehicle. The heavier your vehicle, the more distance it
takes to stop. In fact, if you do uble the weight of your vehicle, it takes
twice as long to stop: 2 x weight = di stance x 2. With your speed, however, the
relationship is exponential. For example, if you a re traveling at a speed of 20
mph, it will take 63 feet for you to react and sto p. If you double your speed
to 40 mph, it will take 164 feet to stop your vehicl e. That's almost 3 times
the distance it takes at 20 mph. If you triple your spe ed to 60 mph, it will
take 303 feet to stop your vehicle and that's more than 4 times the distance it
takes to stop going 20 mph! Please review the chart below. When you are driving,
remember these statistics a s you increase your speed. Fatal Crashes by Speed
Limit and Crash Type Speed Limit Single Vehicle Multiple Vehicle Total 30 mph or
less 2,767 938 3,705 35 or 40 mph 3,867 2,248 6,115 45 or 50 mph 3,692 2,769
6,461 55 mph 5,538 4,256 9,794 60 mph or higher3,878 3,030 6,908 No Statutory
Lmt 117 9 126 Unknown 695 213 908 Total 20,554 13,463 34,017 National statistics
for 2008 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administra tion Please Note:
This chart represents the number of fatal crashes, not the number o f
fatalities. Traction Friction is what brings your vehicle to a stop. Traction is
the friction of grip ping power between your tire and the road. Traction is
affected by: Friction.

Vehicle weight. Centrifugal force. Tire condition. Hydroplaning. Variations in
any or all of these factors will affect the car's traction and you r ability to
control your vehicle. Water On The Road Slow down when there is a lot of water
on the road. In a heavy rain, your tires can lose all contact with the road at
about 50 mph even with good tires. On poor road conditions, you may lose
traction at speeds of 30 mph with worn tires. You r car will be riding on water
or "hydroplaning." A slight change of direction or a gust of wind could throw
your car into a skid. If your vehicle starts to hydr oplane, remove your foot
from the accelerator--don't apply the brakes. You shoul d grip the steering
wheel firmly. Slippery Roads Slow down at the first sign of rain on the road.
This is when many roads are the most slippery because oil and dust have not been
washed away. If the road is sl ippery, it will not give your tires the grip they
need. You must drive slower th an you would on a dry road. Here are some
guidelines to help you adjust speed: Wet road--go 5 to 10 miles slower. Packed
snow--cut speed in half. Ice--slow to a crawl. Some wet road surfaces are more
slippery than others. These roads usually have w arning signs. Here are some
clues to help you spot slippery roads: On cold, wet days, shade from trees or
buildings can hide spots of ice. Thes e areas freeze first and dry out last.
Bridges and overpasses can also hide spots of ice. They tend to freeze befor e
the rest of the road. If it starts to rain on a hot day, pavement can be very
slippery for the fir st few minutes. Heat causes oil in the asphalt to come to
the surface. It makes the road slippery until the oil is washed off. Remember!
When the temperature is close to the freezing point, the road is icy a nd may be
more slippery than at colder temperatures. Watch out for ice build-up at the
beginning and end of tunnels. A dry concrete road creates the best friction,
while dirt roads create the least . You need a lot more room to stop on dirt
roads than on dry pavement. On wet pavement, most traction is lost due to
hydroplaning. A mix of water and o il creates a surface on which the car
actually floats. Because the tires lose co ntact with the road, they lose all
traction. The 3 main factors that contribute to hydroplaning: Vehicle speed. As
speed increases, wet traction is considerably reduced. Sin ce hydroplaning can
result in a complete loss of traction and vehicle control, y ou should always
reduce speed, paying attention to the traffic around you. Tire tread depth. As
your tires become worn, their ability to resist hydropl

aning is reduced. Water depth. The deeper the water, the sooner you will lose
traction, althou gh even thin water layers can cause a loss of traction,
including at low speeds. Let's examine what happens to a tire in the midst of a
hydroplane. When entering a puddle, the surface of the tire must move the water
out of the way in order f or the tire to stay in contact with the pavement. The
tire compresses some of th e water to the sides, and forces the remaining water
through the tire treads. Wi th good tires, a moderate rate of precipitation, and
a well-drained roadway surf ace, hydroplaning rarely occurs below 55 mph.
However, if any of those condition s are not met, it can happen at speeds as low
as 35 mph. On a smooth polished ro ad in moderate rain at 60 mph, each tire has
to displace about a gallon of water every second from beneath a contact patch no
bigger than a size nine shoe. Each gripping element of the tread is on the
ground 1/150th of a second; during this time it must displace the bulk of the
water, press through the remaining thin f ilm, and then begin to grip the road
surface. Although bald tires give better gr ip on dry roads than treaded tires,
they are unsafe in rain because water is a l ubricant on rubber. (Also,
punctures are more common in the rain.) The most slippery surface is an icy
road. It will take three times farther to st op on icy roads than on normal
roads. Kinetic Energy Every time you want to stop your car you must overcome a
force known as kinetic energy. This energy is the energy developed by an object
while it is in motion. In simple terms, the law of kinetic energy means that
when you double your speed , the kinetic energy of your car quadruples. That
means your braking distance is four times as great. The energy that has to be
dissipated to stop a car, called kinetic energy, incre ases exponentially. So
the difference between 30 and 35 mph is only a 16% increa se in speed, but it is
a 36% increase in kinetic energy, which is one of the key factors in stopping
distance. Stopping distance is affected by a number of factors, including load,
condition of the road surface, tires, brakes, driver skill and design and type
of vehicle. It doesn't matter how good a car's engineering and brakes are, there
is nothing they can do to contradict the laws of physics. This increase in speed
will inevi tably increase stopping distance. Speed 20 mph 30 mph 40 mph 50 mph
60 mph 70 mph Total stopping distance 63 Feet 109 Feet 164 Feet 229 Feet 303
Feet 387 Feet
Centrifugal Force Centrifugal force is that force that pulls an object outward
from the center of a curve. It comes into play when you drive around a curve,
because it tends to p ull you away from the inside edge. If you try to take a
curve too fast, centrifu gal force will try to pull you outward into the other
lane, perhaps into oncomin g traffic.

When you approach a curve, you should try to make the turn tight, so that you wi
ll have a margin of safety to compensate for the pull of centrifugal force. It i
s important to slow down and not take the turn too fast. Inertia Inertia is
important to understand. The best way to explain inertia is by exampl e. Say
that a vehicle is traveling at 40 mph. The vehicle hits something that is not
moving and stops. Even after the vehicle stops, anything in the vehicle con
tinues to move forward at 40 mph until it also hits something that is not moving
and stops. This forward momentum, the force called inertia, is what causes many
of the secondary injuries within a car: bodies hitting bodies, bodies hitting s
tationary objects, and objects hitting bodies. Here's another example. Let's say
you just bought a new wrench set at the hardwa re store. You put the wrenches in
the back seat and get into the car to head hom e. The car in front of you
suddenly stops short. There's no way for you to avoid hitting the car from
behind. If you are driving 50 mph, you slow down or stop a lmost immediately
upon hitting the other car. But the wrench set, just sitting there in the back
seat, doesn't stop. It keeps moving forward at 50 mph, perhaps hitting you or
another passenger. In certain c ircumstances this secondary impact, the result
of inertia, could kill you. Prope rly stow all loose items in your car. Place
larger objects in the trunk. Gravity Gravity affects car handling by pulling
cars down. When you're going downhill, g ravity pulls your car faster down the
hill and must be compensated for. When you are going uphill, gravity pulls
against your car, slowing it down. Understanding the Effects of Natural Laws
Taken together, these natural laws affect: Stopping Distance. Car Control. Force
of Impact. The following other factors also affect the force of impact in a
collision: Increased speed increases the force of impact. Increased weight of a
vehicle increases the force of impact. Greater speed and weight reduce your
ability to control your vehicle and mai ntaining a safe distance. Remember! The
natural laws determine the severity of any accident. Adjust your d riving to
reflect the influence of the natural laws in any given situation. This concludes
Lesson 6: Physical Forces that Influence Driver Control. Don't fo rget these
important facts: Physical forces are "natural laws" like gravity, centrifugal
force, friction, in ertia, and kinetic energy. These laws affect stopping
distance, vehicle control, and force of impact.Speed, braking, and steering
controls your driving motion. These three actions are affected by natural laws,
and must be taken into conside

ration whenever you drive.All drivers are required to obey posted maximum and mi
nimum speed limits. These limits are designed to provide for the orderly flow of
traffic under normal driving conditions. Slow down when there is a lot of water
on the road and at the first sight of rain. Your car could be riding on water or
"hydroplaning." A slight change of d irection or a gust of wind could throw your
car into a skid. Stopping distance is affected by a number of factors, including
load, condit ion of the road surface, tires, brakes, driver skill and design and
type of vehi cle. When you approach a curve, you should try to make the turn
tight, so that yo u will have a margin of safety. During periods of heavy
traffic, inclement weather, low visibility, or other poo r driving conditions,
speed must be adjusted so that collisions will be avoided. Remember! The natural
laws determine the severity of any accident. Adjust your driving to reflect the
influence of the natural laws in any given situation. ~~~~~~~~~~ In this section
we will identify the factors of perception and how these factors affect driver
performance. Remember to identify potential hazards, predict what other drivers
will do, decide what safety measures you should take, and execute safe driving
procedures. Visual Interpretations How you drive depends on what you see. To be
a good driver, you need to look car efully by: Looking ahead. Looking to the
side. Looking behind you. Here are some driving and observational skills needed
for everyday driving: Assumptions - The fact that a large proportion of motor
vehicle crashes occu r within 25 miles of the driver's home brings to light the
fact that familiarity breeds complacency, especially when we are comfortable
with our surroundings. Depth perception - You need good vision and an ability to
accurately judge t he speed and distance of approaching traffic and other
roadway hazards. Knowing how fast your vehicle can negotiate tight corners on
different types of roadways , and in varying weather conditions, minimizes your
chances of crashing. Experience - New drivers lack the ability to divide their
attention between control and safety functions. New drivers have a tendency to
underestimate react ion time and braking distance. External distractions - Many
rear-end and multi-car crashes occur when a rub ber-necking driver becomes
distracted by a roadway collision or rescue equipment in the opposite lane. A
lapse of attention will remove concentration from the d riving task. High
standard of alertness - Senses impaired by alcohol, anger, drugs (presc ription
or illegal), fatigue, or illness reduces alertness and results in poor d riving
judgment. In-car distractions - Whenever you are driving a vehicle and your
attention is not on the road, you're putting yourself, your passengers, other
vehicles, an

d pedestrians in danger. Vehicle characteristics - Looking away from the road
ahead to find or operat e controls in an unfamiliar vehicle while driving can
seriously limit the reacti on time available to avoid an unexpected roadway
hazard. Take a minute to carefu lly note where all the important instruments and
vehicle control systems are loc ated prior to operating any unfamiliar vehicle.
Make sure the rear and side view mirrors are properly adjusted, your seat and
steering wheel settings are comfor table, and the climate control settings are
appropriate for current conditions. Visual capability - Uncorrected defective
eyesight restricts the ability for drivers to make satisfactory distance
judgments. Darkness and inclement weather can aggravate poor vision capabilities
as well. Excellent reflexes and good dri ving skills are of little use if our
eyesight is poor. Looking Ahead In order to avoid last minute moves, you should
look down the road 10 to 15 seco nds ahead of your vehicle. A driver needs to
look that far ahead to see hazards early. Constantly staring at the road just in
front of your car is dangerous. If you look ahead, you will be able to see
potential hazards that will affect yo ur driving decisions. For example, you may
be able to see a person getting into a car and preparing to enter traffic in the
distance ahead of you. Otherwise, if you do not look ahead, you may not see the
car pull out into traffic until you are too close to react. In the city, 10 to
15 seconds is about one block. When you drive in city traffic , you should look
at least one block ahead. On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about a quarter of
a mile. Take In the Whole Scene Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead does not mean
looking only at the middle of the r oad. It means looking at the side of the
road as well. "Scanning" the roadside h elps you to see: Cars and people that
may be in the road by the time you reach them. Signs warning of problems ahead.
Signs giving you directions. Keep your eyes moving! Look near and far. Turn your
head and check your blind sp ots before changing lanes, because mirrors have
blind spots. Watch for potential hazards. A child who is about to run into the
street. A car door that is about to open. A bicycle that is about to swerve into
your lane. Be sure to leave your self an "out" and make sure others see you.
Watch for Hazards Look beyond the car ahead of you. Don't develop a "fixed
stare." Look around you r vehicle. Keep your eyes moving. Check your rear view
mirrors frequently (every 5 to 7 seconds) so that you know the position of
vehicles near you. On the highway, be ready for changes in traffic conditions.
Watch for signals fr om other drivers. Expect merging vehicles at onramps and
interchanges. Be prepar ed for rapid changes in road conditions and traffic
flow. Keep an eye out for ot her hazards like trains and overloaded vehicles. As
you look ahead, try to anticipate what may go wrong. Be alert for vehicles on
either side, to the front, and to the rear. Use your mirrors. Leave enough spac

e between you and the vehicle ahead for safe stops. Always leave yourself an "ou
t." Mistakes cause collisions. To protect yourself, know which lanes are clear s
o you can use them if you need to. When you stop behind another car, make sure t
hat you can see where the tires of the car in front of you meet the road. This w
ill give you a space cushion that may help prevent you from hitting the car in f
ront of you if your car is struck from behind. It will also allow you enough spa
ce to move around the vehicle in front of you, if necessary. Looking To The
Sides Any time you come to a place where people may cross or enter your path,
you shou ld look to the sides to make sure no one is coming. Always look to the
sides at intersections, crosswalks, and railroad crossings. An intersection is
any place where one line of traffic meets another. It include s: Cross streets
and side streets. Highway entrances. Driveway and shopping center entrances,
etc. Follow these rules when you approach an intersection: Look Both Ways Look
to the left first, since cars coming from the left are closer to you. Look to
the right. Take one more look to the left before you pull out, just in case
there is so meone you didn't see the first time. Don't Rely On Traffic Signals
Some drivers do not obey traffic signals. At an intersection, look left and
right, even if other traffic has a red lig ht or a stop sign. A drunk or
reckless driver may not stop. While entering an intersection, look left, right,
and ahead for approaching traffic. Make Sure You Have A Good View Make sure you
can see before crossing an intersection. If your view of a cro ss street is
blocked by a building or a row of parked cars, edge forward slowly until you can
see. Crosswalks Crosswalks are areas set aside for pedestrians to cross a
street. If two streets with sidewalks cross "at about right angles," there may
be a crosswalk for pede strians. A crosswalk is usually marked by white lines
painted on the pavement. B ut even if there are no lines on the pavement, a
crosswalk still exists. The cro sswalk is that part of the pavement where the
sidewalk lines would extend across the street. Most crosswalks are at
intersections. Sometimes they are in the middle of the bl ock. Before turning a
corner, watch for people who are about to cross the street . Remember! If you
have a green light, the light is also green for them. Some cr osswalks,
especially in residential areas, are not marked. Pedestrians have the right-of-
way in crosswalks. If you stop in the crosswalk, y ou put pedestrians in danger.
Those pedestrians often have to go into the traffi

c lanes because you have violated their right-of-way. Roadside Areas Whenever
there is a lot of activity along the side of the road, there is a good chance
that someone will cross or enter the road. Therefore, it is very importan t to
look to the sides when you are near: Shopping centers and parking lots.
Construction areas. Busy sidewalks. Playgrounds and schoolyards, etc. Looking
Behind It is a good idea to check traffic behind you often. Make looking in your
rearvi ew mirror a habit whenever you brake. This way, you will know if cars are
tailga ting or coming up behind you too fast. You may have time to get out of
the way b efore being hit from the rear. It is very important to check behind
you before y ou change lanes, slow down quickly, back up, or drive down a long
or steep hill. On long, steep downgrades, keep a look out for large vehicles
that can gather s peed very quickly. Whenever you change lanes, check behind you
to make sure you are not getting in the way of cars in that lane. Remember, the
procedures for entering and exiting a highway or entering a road from the
shoulder are the same as the procedures fo r changing lanes. Before changing
lanes, always check traffic behind and beside you by: Signaling. Checking all
mirrors. Glancing over your left or right shoulder to make sure the lane you
want is clear. If you use only your left or inside rearview mirrors when looking
for car s, you may not see vehicles near the rear of your car because of a
"blind spot." Always check traffic to the sides quickly. Do not take your eyes
off the roa d ahead for more than an instant. Check for other cars with their
turn signals o n. Someone in another lane may plan to move into the same spot
you want. When you must slow down suddenly, take a quick glance in your mirrors.
You shoul d also check your mirrors when you are preparing to turn into a side
road or dri veway, and when you are stopping to pull into a parking space.
Backing Up is Always Dangerous It is hard to see what is behind your vehicle.
Whenever you need to back up or b ack out of a parking space, follow these
rules: Check behind the car before you get in. Children and pets are hard to see
fr om the driver's seat. Turn and look over your right shoulder when backing the
vehicle. Do not depe nd only on looking out a side window.

Honk your horn to alert others that you are backing up. Always back slowly to
avoid collisions. Having Clear Windows And Mirrors Keep your windshield and side
windows clean inside and out. Bright sun or headli ghts on a dirty window make
it hard to see out. You should clear ice, frost, or dew from all windows before
you drive. It is illegal to block your view of the road by putting signs or
other objects o n the front windshield. Don't hang things on the mirror. Don't
block your view t hrough the back or side windows with objects or signs. Tinted
safety glass is al lowed in a vehicle if the glass meets U.S. Department of
Transportation standard s and is installed in a location permitted by those
standards. Motorists with su n-sensitive skin can use removable sunscreens on
their vehicle's side windows du ring daylight travel if they have a letter from
their physician. Make sure you are able to see and be seen. You can do this by
using your lights and horn to signal your presence and by positioning your
vehicle so that others can see you. Stay out of the other driver's blind spot.
If you drive in rain or snow, you may have to stop sometimes to wipe mud or snow
off your windshield, he adlights, and taillights. Adjusting Your Seat And
Mirrors You should always check the adjustment of the seat, mirrors, headrest,
and safet y belt before starting your car. You may have a collision if you try
to adjust t hem while driving. Adjust your seat so that you are high enough to
see the road. If you are still t oo low, you should use a seat cushion. Do this
before putting on your safety bel t. Adjust your rear and side mirrors before
you start driving. If your vehicle has a day/night mirror, learn how to use it.
The night setting reduces the headlight glare from cars behind you and helps you
see better. Wearing Glasses Or Contact Lenses Follow your eye doctor's advice
about glasses or corrective contact lenses. If y our eye doctor tells you to
wear them for driving, do it. If your license says y ou must wear "corrective
lenses," wear them. If you are required to wear glasses or corrective contact
lenses while driving and you do not wear them, you may be fined and the
Department of Public Safety may suspend or revoke your license. Never wear dark
glasses or sunglasses at night. Consult your eye doctor before w earing tinted
contact lenses at night. They can make it hard to see. Don't wear eyeglasses
with temples wide enough to keep you from seeing clearly t o the sides. Vision
Good vision is needed for driving. Most of what you do behind the wheel is based
on what you see. If you cannot see clearly, you cannot judge distances or spot
trouble, and you won't be able to react properly. You need to see "out of the co
rner of your eye." This lets you spot cars creeping up on either side of you whi
le your eyes are on the road ahead.

You may see clearly and still not be able to judge distances. Good distance judg
ment is important to determine how far you are from other cars. Many people who
may see clearly in the daytime have trouble at night. Some see poorly in dim lig
ht. Others may have trouble with the glare of headlights. It is important to
have your eyes checked every year or two. You may not realize you have poor
peripheral vision or poor distance judgment unless your eyes are checked.
Hearing Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. Hearing
the sound s of a horn, a siren, or screeching tires can alert you to road
hazards. Sometim es you can hear a car that you cannot see because it is in your
blind spot. Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio, CD, or
tape deck is blaring. Keep your sound system turned down, and when listening to
it keep at l east one window partly open. Never wear a headset or earplugs when
driving! Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can develop so slowly that you do
not notic e them. Drivers who know they are deaf or have hearing problems can
adjust. They can learn to rely more on their seeing habits. A right hand rear
view mirror on the vehicle will help. Touch and Smell Your senses of touch and
smell are equally important for conveying critical info rmation about your
driving experience. Do you smell smoke? Burning radiator fluid? Your sense of
smell can tell you a l ot about what's going on in your car. If you smell
anything out of the ordinary, have your car checked by a mechanic. If not, you
may let your car become irrepa rably damaged. Touch lets you sense the feel and
actions of your car and its relationship to th e road. Does your steering wheel
feel loose in your hands? Does your brake feel sticky or unresponsive? These and
other warnings come from your sense of touch. Reaction Abilities (Simple and
Complex) Your ability to react to changing driving situations is critical to
being a safe driver. Having complex reaction abilities means that you can
respond to many ch anges at once. You are, for example, able to recognize that
the light ahead of y ou has turned yellow, that the car behind you has moved out
to your side to pass , that the road looks wet ahead, and that a man at the
intersection, anticipatin g the light changing, has already started into the
crosswalk. If you have comple x reaction abilities, you are able to see all of
these things at once and react to them. The term simple reaction abilities is
defined as a person's ability to recognize and handle only a very few situations
at a time. If you can only handle a few s ituations at the same time, it means
that your reaction time is reduced. The les s complex reaction abilities you
have the more careful you must be on the road, giving yourself even more space
and time to react. Judging Speed and Distance Being able to judge the speed and
distance away from you of cars and objects aro

und your vehicle is extremely important. Passing, turning, merging, and stopping
all require the ability to judge the speed and distance of surrounding
vehicles . At 55 mph, you travel over 800 feet in 10 to 12 seconds. So does an
oncoming veh icle. This means that you need over 1600 feet (or about one-third
of a mile) to pass safely. It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming vehicles
one-third of a m ile away. They seem to be approaching more slowly than they
actually are. A vehi cle that is far enough away generally appears to be
standing still. In fact, if you can really see a vehicle moving closer to you,
it is probably too close for you to start to pass. When another driver makes a
mistake, you need time to react. You can give yourse lf this time by keeping
enough space between your car and the vehicles around yo u. Keep a "space
cushion" on all sides of your car. It will give you space to br ake or maneuver
if you need it. The two-second rule always applies. This concludes Lesson 7:
Perceptual Skills Needed for Driving. Always remember t hese important habits:
All drivers must have the ability to identify potential hazards and predict how
other drivers will react. Drivers must constantly decide what safety measures sh
ould be taken and how safe driving procedures will be executed. To be a good dri
ver, you need to monitor your surroundings carefully by: looking ahead, looking
to both sides, and looking behind you. In order to avoid sudden last minute move
s, you should look down the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. A drive
r needs to look that far ahead to see hazards early. Always: Scan the roadside.
Keep your eyes moving! Look near and far. Turn your head and check your blind
spots before changing lanes. Watch for potential hazards. Be ready for changes
in traffic conditions. Watch for signals from other dri vers. Look to the sides
to make sure no one is coming any time you come to a place where people may
cross or enter your path. Check traffic behind you often. Make looking in your
rearview mirror a habit whenever you brake. Make sure you are able to see and be
seen. Your ability to react to changing driving situations is critical to being
a safe driver. When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lesson 8: Defensive
Driving Strategies Lesson Length: 40 minutes (minimum required) In this section
we will identify the concepts of defensive driving and demonstra te how they can
be employed by drivers to reduce the likelihood of crashes, deat hs, injuries,
and economic losses. BE PREPARED. Think about your trip before you get into the
driver's seat. Travel ing when traffic is light and weather is good increases
mobility and safety. If you aren't sure of the way, study a map and plan your
route before you get on the highway. Memorize not only the highway exit you want
to use, but also the o

ne that comes before it so you will have time to move over to the exit lane. Be
sure to get plenty of rest before your trip. Also, check your car to make sure i
t is in good operating condition and check the condition of your spare tire; you
may need it. Finally, wherever you drive in Texas, don't litter. As it is stated
later in thi s lesson, keeping highways clean makes everyone's trip more
pleasant. Lesson 8: Defensive Driving Strategies PAGE 1 of 25 LESSON LENGTH
40:00 TIME SPENT 01:06 Going Great Evaluating the Traffic Environment You can
avoid collisions by letting other drivers know what you plan to do. When you
drive in another car's blind spots you make it very difficult for them to see
you. You won't be seen in the driver's mirrors. The driver must turn his or her
head in order to see a car in one of these blind spots. Whenever you approach
another driver, you will, at some point, be in his or her blind spot. The best
thing to do is move as quickly as you can through the blind spot or drop back
out of the blind spot. As you move through another car's blin d spot, use your
horn or lights to warn the other driver of your presence. You must never drive
faster than is safe for the current conditions. No matter w hat the speed limit
sign may say, your speed should depend on: The number and speed of other cars on
the road. Whether the road surface is smooth, rough, graveled, wet, dry, wide,
or narr ow. Bicyclists, or pedestrians walking on the edge of the road. The
weather conditions -- including rain, fog, snow, ice, wind, or dust. For
example, if you are driving 45 mph in a 55 mph speed zone during a dense fog ,
you could be cited by a police officer for driving "too fast for conditions."
And remember -- even though you may think it is safe, you may never legally driv
e faster than the posted speed limit. What Is The Road Like The faster the
speed, the less control you have of your car. Rather than just lo oking at the
legal posted speed limit, you should consider other factors that mi ght affect
the safe operation of your car. For example, should you drive 35 mph (the posted
speed limit) on a curve down an icy mountain road? Many new drivers do not slow
to safe speeds for varying conditions. This is one reason why new dr ivers have
more "out-of -control" collisions than experienced drivers. On curves, there is
a strong outward pull on your vehicle caused by centrifugal force. Watch out for
it, especially when the road is slippery. Rain, mud, snow, or gravel can cause a
road to become slippery. Sometimes a speed limit is not po sted before a curve
on the highway. Judge how sharp the curve is and change your speed if necessary.
Slow down before you enter the curve. Braking on a curve ma y cause you to skid.

Be careful on highways. Curves on ramps make it hard to see ahead. Orange flags,
signs, or signal persons may warn you that workers and equipment are ahead. Slo
w down. Watch out. Slow down when there is a lot of water conditions, the
friction between your Be aware that a sudden gust of wind or ur car to skid.
Braking can also cause on the road to avoid hydroplaning. In wet tires and the
road surface is decreased. a sudden change of direction can cause yo your car to
skid.
Watch out for flash floods. If water is rushing over the road ahead of you, do n
ot try to drive through it. Your vehicle may be swept off the road by the moving
water. Stop and wait in your vehicle for the water to subside. Slippery Roads
Roads become slippery due to the presence of water, ice, oil, or sand on the roa
d surface. If you drive on a slippery road surface and begin skidding: Focus on
regaining control of your vehicle. Do not apply the brakes. This will only make
your skid worse. Do not accelerate. Take your foot off the accelerator. Do not
turn against the direction of the skid. Turn into the direction of th e skid.
When there is heavy traffic on the roadway, the distance you have in which to br
ing your vehicle to a stop is decreased. Therefore, you must decrease your speed
accordingly. You should usually drive slower in these places: Shopping centers,
parking lots, and downtown areas. Roads with heavy traffic. When you see brake
lights coming on several vehicles ahead of you. Narrow bridges and tunnels. Toll
plazas. Schools, playgrounds, and residential streets. How Fast Is Traffic
Moving? Collisions tend to happen when one driver is going faster or slower than
the oth er vehicles on the road. If you are going faster than traffic, you must
pass other cars. Each time you pa ss another car, you are increasing your
chances of having a collision. The vehic le you are passing may change lanes
suddenly. On a two-lane road, an oncoming ca r may appear suddenly. True, it may
not be a big chance, but if you are passing one car after another, the chances
begin to add up. Studies have shown that spee ding only saves a few minutes in
an hour's driving. Going slower than other cars or stopping suddenly can be just
as bad as speeding . If you drive too slowly, you can cause other cars to bunch
up behind you, incr easing the likelihood of a rear-end collision. If many cars
are pulling out to p ass you, maybe you should increase your speed to the speed
limit or move over in to the right lane. When another driver makes a mistake,
you need time to react. You can give yourse lf this time by keeping enough space
between your car and the vehicles around yo u. Keep a space cushion on all sides
of your car. It will give you space to brak e or maneuver if you need it.

Lesson 8: Defensive Driving Strategies PAGE 5 of 25 LESSON LENGTH 40:00 TIME
SPENT 03:52 Going Great Speeding: A True Story TEACHER KILLED IN WRECK HAD GIFT
WITH KIDS AND COLLEAGUES For 17 years, a beloved Pflugerville teacher who
expected the best of her elemen tary school students gave her best in return.
When students missed class birthday parties because their birthdays fell on scho
ol holidays, she visited the students at home, bringing them gifts and even havi
ng lunch with them. One night, the teacher and her husband were returning from a
visit to a friend's house. They were passing through an intersection when their
car was hit by anot her vehicle. Police reported that the other vehicle was
speeding through a red l ight when it struck the teacher's car. In the
collision, the teacher was killed, and her husband was severely injured. Police
charged the driver of the second car with criminally negligent homicide, a state
felony punishable upon conviction by up to two years' confinement. "She's one of
the few people in the district who have been here longer than I ha ve," said the
School Superintendent. "She was a highly regarded teacher . . . ve ry
professional and well-thought-of, and she will be missed both professionally and
personally by me." The principal of her school said the teacher's practice of
celebrating the summe r birthdays "made her unique. I don't know of anyone else
who did that. It's goi ng to be a big loss for [our school]." The teacher, who
was active in her church, recently returned from a trip to Germ any with her
daughter and a group of students and was preparing for a trip to Ar izona with
her mother. "You always think it's going to happen to some other family," said
the teacher's sister. "It just makes you aware of the fact that life is
temporal, and we're n ot promised tomorrow." Keep A Space Cushion Ahead Many
drivers don't see as well as they should because they follow too closely, a nd
the vehicle ahead blocks their view of the road. Good drivers keep a safe
following distance so they can see better. The more spa ce they allow between
their car and the car ahead, the more time they have to se e a hazard or
collision down the road. They have more time to stop, or to avoid the hazard.
Keep enough space between your car and the car ahead so that you will have "a bi
gger picture" of what lies down the road. Most rear-end collisions are caused by
following too closely. To avoid this, mai

ntain a safe space cushion around your vehicle and use the "two-second rule" des
cribed earlier. Make sure that the vehicle in front of you is at least two secon
ds ahead of you. At faster speeds the distance should be greater. Sometimes you
will need more than a "two-second" cushion. Give yourself a "foursecond or more"
cushion: When you are crowded by a tailgater. You should allow extra room
between you r car and the car ahead. Then, if you need to slow down you can do
so gradually. You will be able to avoid braking suddenly and being hit from
behind by the tai lgater! On slippery roads. If the car ahead should slow or
stop, you will need more distance to stop your car. When following motorcycles.
If the motorcyclist falls, you'll have to avoid hitting the rider. Motorcycles
fall more often on wet or icy roads, on metal sur faces such as bridge gratings
or railroad tracks, and on gravel. Motorcycles als o stop more quickly than
cars. When the driver behind you wants to pass. Slow down to allow room in front
o f your car so the driver will have space to move into. When you are pulling a
trailer or carrying a heavy load. The extra weight ma kes it harder to stop.
Allow yourself extra stopping distance. When following large vehicles that block
your view ahead. You need the extra room to see around the vehicle and to the
sides. When you see a bus, school bus, or vehicle carrying flammables. These
vehicl es must stop at railroad crossings. Expect the stops; slow down early to
allow p lenty of room. When you follow too closely and another driver "cuts" in
front of you, the norma l reaction is to slam on your brakes and swerve out of
the way. Swerving out of the way most often results in cutting off someone else
or possibly driving off t he roadway. It might also result in the car behind you
crashing into your vehicl e or other vehicles. Or your car may skid, resulting
in a collision. If another driver "cuts" in front of you, take your foot off the
gas. This will give you space between your car and the other driver without
swerving into anoth er lane. Don't overreact if you are cut off. Plan your
emergency escape route be fore an emergency happens. Keep A Space Cushion Behind
Watch for tailgaters! If one is following you, be careful! If you are stopping,
tap your brake lightly a few times to warn the tailgater before you slow down. Y
our brake lights will flash. Attempt to "lose" a tailgater as soon as you can by
changing lanes. If you can't change lanes, increase the distance between you and
the car in front of you and encourage the tailgater to go around you. If this
does not work, pull off the r oad when it is safe to do so and let the tailgater
pass. Taking Dangers One At A Time Suppose there is an oncoming car to your left
and a child on a bike to your righ t. Instead of driving between the car and the
child, take them one at a time. Sl ow down and let the car pass. Then, move to
the left to allow plenty of room bef

ore you pass the child. Be aware of motorcycles! According to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Admini stration, in 2008, there were 5,290 motorcyclist
fatalities which accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities for the year. In
41% of these crashes the other ve hicle was turning left while the motorcycle
was going straight, passing, or over taking the vehicle. Both vehicles were
going straight in 28% of the fatal crashe s. Many times, the driver either does
not see the oncoming motorcyclist at all o r does not see the motorcyclist in
time to avoid a collision. Why don't we see motorcyclists? There are several
reasons: Motorists tend to look for other cars, not for motorcyclists. The
profile of a motorcycle is much smaller than that of a car or truck. Thi s makes
an approaching motorcycle harder to see. Estimating their distance and o ncoming
speed is also more difficult. Motorcycle riding requires frequent lane movement
to adjust to changing road conditions. Motorcycle riders may not be wearing
bright clothes or using lights to make them more visible. Motorcycles are more
easily concealed in blind spots. Some motorcyclists tend to weave through
traffic. Interacting with Motorcycles: Why Collisions Occur Knowing when
collisions involving motorcycles are most likely to occur can help you drive
safely in dangerous situations: Left Turns - Nationally, the most common crash
between cars and motorcycles is at an intersection when the automobile driver is
making a left turn in front of a motorcycle. In 2008, there were 2,554 two-
vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle. Blind
Spots - Motorcycles riding alongside a lane of cars are often out of v iew of
the driver. An unsuspecting driver may collide with a motorcycle as the d river
tries to change lanes. Hazardous Road Conditions - Motorcycles have to be very
concerned about road obstructions such as potholes and fallen tree limbs.
Railroad tracks may be a m inor problem for drivers, but a motorcyclist may have
to slow down or change lan es to avoid these obstacles. Weather Conditions -
When the road surface is wet or icy, motorcycle braking and handling abilities
are impaired. Strong Winds - A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle across
an entire lane if the rider isn't prepared for it. Wind gusts from large trucks
passing in the other lane can be a real hazard. Large Vehicles - A large vehicle
such as a van, bus, or truck can block a mo torcycle from a driver's view. The
motorcycle may seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere. Remember to look out for
motorcycles, anticipate their movements, signal your in tentions, and allow
plenty of space around them. You can do this by scanning the

road and your mirrors to identify potential hazards. Anticipate the motorcyclis
t's actions and adjust your driving technique. Use your horn; it is sometimes di
fficult for motorcyclists to hear traffic and they may not hear you otherwise. R
espect motorcycles as full-sized vehicles. Interacting with Bicycles Bicycle
riders on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as au
tomobile drivers. Drivers of motor vehicles must treat bicycle riders the same a
s drivers of other motor vehicles. Bicyclists are not out of place on the roadwa
y -- they are part of the traffic and share the road with other drivers. They mu
st obey stop signs, traffic lights, and most other traffic laws and signs. Speci
al care must be used near bicyclists because any collision with them will probab
ly result in serious injury. This means that automobile drivers must leave safe
passing room and must avoid sharp turns that threaten the safety of the bicyclis
t. Interacting with Trucks To reduce the chance of a collision with a large
truck, motorists must be famili ar with a truck's physical capabilities and how
it maneuvers. Braking - A large truck takes longer to stop than a car traveling
at the same sp eed. The average passenger vehicle traveling at 50 mph can stop
in about 230 fee t. However, a large truck traveling at the same speed can take
more than 400 fee t to stop. Don't pull in front of a large truck and suddenly
slow down or stop. The trucker will not be able to stop quickly enough to avoid
crashing into you. Interacting with Trucks: Turning Turning- For all turning
vehicles, the rear wheels follow a shorter path than th e front wheels. The
longer the vehicle, the greater the difference. This is why big rig drivers must
often swing out to the left as the first step in making a r ight turn. When you
follow a large truck, look at its turn signals before you st art to pass. If you
think the truck is turning left, check the turn signals agai n. The driver may
actually be turning right. Interacting with Trucks: Blind Spots Trucker's Blind
Spots - Passenger vehicle drivers falsely assume that a trucker can see the road
better because they are higher off the road. While truckers do have a better
forward view and bigger mirrors, they still have serious blind spo ts. Your
vehicle can get lost in these blind spots. If you stay in these blind s pots you
block the trucker's ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous
situation. Generally speaking, if you can't see the truck driver in his or her
side mirror, he or she can't see you. Maneuverability - Trucks are designed to
transport products. They are not as man euverable as passenger vehicles. Large
trucks have longer stopping and starting distances. They take more space to
turn. They weigh more. On multi-lane highways and freeways, large trucks usually
stay in the center lane to help the flow of traffic. This also increases the
trucker's options in case he or she must change lanes to avoid a hazard. Here
are some of the most common mistakes passenger ve hicle drivers must avoid when
driving around large trucks: Cutting off a truck in traffic or on the highway to
reach your exit or turn. Cutting into the open space in front of a truck is
dangerous. Trying to beat a

truck to a single-lane construction zone, for example, removes the truck driver'
s cushion of safety and places you in danger also. Don't speed up to pass a truc
k so you can exit the roadway. Take a moment to slow down and exit behind a truc
k -- it will only take you a few extra seconds. Lingering alongside a truck when
passing. Always pass a large truck on the l eft side. And after you have passed
the truck, move ahead of it. If you linger b eside the truck, you make it very
difficult, if not impossible, for the trucker to take evasive action if an
obstacle appears in the road ahead. Following too closely or tailgating. When
you follow behind a truck, and you cannot see the truck driver's rearview
mirrors, the trucker has no way of knowi ng you are there. Tailgating a truck,
or any vehicle, is dangerous because you t ake away your own cushion of safety.
Where will you go if the vehicle in front o f you stops quickly? Underestimating
the size and power of trucks. Never underestimate the size a nd speed of a large
truck. Large trucks often appear to be traveling at a slower speed because of
their large size. Many collisions take place between passenger vehicles and
large trucks because the passenger vehicle driver does not realize how close the
truck is or how quickly it is traveling. Interacting with Pedestrians Pedestrian
safety is a serious issue. In 2008, 69,000 pedestrians were injured a nd 4,378
were killed in traffic crashes in the United States, representing 3% of all the
people injured in traffic crashes and 12% of all traffic fatalities. Pe
destrians lose in any collision, regardless of who had the right-of-way. Drive c
autiously around pedestrians, especially if you have reason to believe they may
cross your path. Stop for the safety of anyone crossing the street on foot. Do
not pass a vehicle from behind that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian
hidden from your view may be crossing. Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to
cross it at a driveway or alley. When cros sing, yield to any pedestrian. Road
Workers Workers who must be on highways try hard to warn you of their presence
by using orange signs, equipment, flags, and jackets. It's up to you to ensure
both your own and the workers' safety by driving slowly through work areas. THE
HIGHWAY WO RKER'S LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS. Vehicles used to maintain the highways,
like bulldozers, often move slowly on or next to the road. They are usually
painted yellow or orange. Be prepared to slo w down or stop for them. When you
see orange equipment on the road, people on fo ot are often working nearby. One
or more lanes may be closed when roadwork is going on. Orange signs warn you
that you must be prepared for people and slow moving equipment on the road. Sig
ns indicate which lanes are closed. A line of orange cones indicates the closed
lane. Do not cross the line of cones. Sometimes a flashing arrow will tell you t
o move left or right. BE CAREFUL! Make your lane change early and safely. Don't
stop or slow down to watch roadwork. Keep going. Obey any special signs or
instructions as you pass. Litter: Definition and Offenses

The Texas Litter Abatement Act defines litter as: Decayable waste from a public
or private establishment, residence, or restau rant, including animal and
vegetable material. Nondecayable solid waste, except ashes, including:
combustible material such as paper, rags, cartons, wood, furniture, rubber,
plastics, yard trimmings and leaves, non-combustible solid waste such as glass,
crockery, tin or aluminum can s, and metal furniture, discarded or worn out
materials and machinery such as mo tor vehicles, motor vehicle parts, and old
appliances. Offenses Under the Texas Litter Abatement Act Under the Texas Litter
Abatement Act, it is illegal: To dispose of, or allow someone else to dispose of
litter at a place that is not a legal landfill. To receive litter for the
purpose of disposing it at a place that is not a l egal landfill, regardless of
whether the litter or the land on which the litter is to be disposed, belongs to
or is controlled by the person. To transport litter to a place that is not a
legal landfill for the purpose of dumping. The Texas Litter Abatement Act
Penalties Under the Texas Litter Abatement Act It is a Class C misdemeanor to
illegally dispose of litter that weighs 15 po unds or less or has a volume of 13
gallons or less. It is a Class B misdemeanor to illegally dispose of litter that
weighs more than 15 pounds, but less than 500 pounds or has a volume of more
than 13 gallons , but less than 100 cubic feet. It is a Class A misdemeanor to
illegally dispose of litter that weighs 500 p ounds or more or has a volume of
100 cubic feet or more. It is a Class A misdemeanor to illegally dispose of
litter if it is for a co mmercial purpose and if the litter weighs more than 5
pounds or has a volume of more than 13 gallons. If a person has been previously
convicted of violating this Act, that person's p unishment will be upgraded to
the next highest category for any subsequent viola tion of this Act. For
example, if a person has a prior conviction of a Class A m isdemeanor, that
person's punishment will be for a third-degree felony the next time he/she
violates this Act. Don't Mess With Texas Campaign Don't Mess with Texas is the
tough-talking litter prevention campaign sponsored by the Texas Department of
Transportation. The campaign reminds Texans to keep t heir trash in the car and
off our roads. This campaign is all about spreading the dirty truth about this
nasty habit. Sin ce the campaign started in 1986, Don't Mess with Texas has been
producing televi sion, radio and billboard advertisements to educate Texans
about the litter prob lem in the Lone Star State.

Research shows that 96 percent of Texans know the Don't Mess with Texas slogan a
nd litter on the roadways has been reduced by 72 percent since the campaign bega
n. Don't Mess with Texas: Just the Facts Littering Texas highways is like
someone littering your home. Cleaning up after litterbugs is costing you money -
$24 million a year. Littering is an ugly behavior, with ugly results. Keeping
Texas highways clean is the right thing to do. Keeping our state clean is a job
for all ages. Littering is a crime and is punishable by a fine of up to $500.
Always dispose of trash properly. Never dump debris directly into a dumpster .
Always place debris in bags and secure with twist ties before depositing. Report
any illegal dumpsites to your local or county litter abatement or env ironmental
health department. Report to your local law enforcement agency license plate
numbers of any veh icles you see transporting trash without a tarp (cover) or
actively dumping tras h or waste. Do not transport unsecured debris in the back
of your own vehicle. When it b lows out, it becomes litter. Throwing cigarette
butts out of the car window is littering. Cigarette butts are the most commonly
littered item, making up half of all r oadside litter. It takes a cigarette butt
25 years to decompose because of the plastic in th e filter. About half of
roadside litter flies out of the back of pick-up trucks. Recycling Programs The
Texas Department of Transportation is actively engaged in litter control, li
tter prevention, and recycling programs. Below are some of the programs Texans c
an get involved in to assist in litter prevention. Adopt-a-Highway This program
gives groups the opportunity to help their communities by adopting a two-mile
stretch of highway for a minimum of two years, collecting litter and beautifying
roadsides four times per year. This international program originated in Texas,
where it remains one of the Lone Star State's most successful publicprivate
initiatives. Your group's name is featured on an Adopt-a-Highway sign ma rking
your adopted section. Adopt-a-Highway will provide your volunteers with ap
propriate permits, safety vests, litterbags, and safety training. Trash-Off The
annual Don't Mess with Texas Trash-Off is one of the nation's largest single
-day cleanups and hauls in an estimated 2 million pounds of litter from state ro
adsides and city streets. From airlifting abandoned cars to picking up tens of t
housands of cigarette butts, the 2002 Texas Trash-Off volunteer team along with
Adopt-a-Highway volunteers hit the roadsides and communities of the Lone Star St
ate on April 6, 2002 to clean up after the 20 million residents of Texas. In
2009, more than 72,000 volunteers picked up 5 million pounds of litter to hel p
keep Texas beautiful. Partners The Don't Mess with Texas extended family of
partners includes household name br ands, trade organizations, non-profit
organizations, schools and civic groups wh o all help spread the word in their
own unique way.

Notable Trash-Off Benchmarks Since 1986, when the Don't Mess with Texas Trash-
Off launched as an event to enc ourage motorists to refrain from littering for
one day, the Trash-Off has become one of the largest cleanup events of its kind
in the nation. Thousands of volun teers give up their time every couple of years
for their love of Texas, picking up more than 500 tons of litter each event.
More than 1,700 Adopt-a-Highway grou ps and over 150 communities across the
state take part in this Texas size event! Litter: Common Violations Common
Violations: Throwing litter out of a car or boat. Rolling junked cars into a
river. Hauling trash for profit and dumping it in any place that is not a legal
lan dfill. Letting someone else dump tires or any waste on your property,
regardless of whether you gain financially from the activity. Pouring used motor
oil or restaurant grease into storm drains or down manhol e covers. Pouring
motor oil on the ground. Littering: It is Not Just A Crime Littering is not just
a crime, it's an insult to Texas. Cigarette butts, soda cans, candy bar
wrappers, and lottery tickets are litter. Throwing litter out of your vehicle is
a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fi ne up to $500. For a repeat offender,
the penalty is increased to a Class B misd emeanor, punishable by a fine up to
$2000 and up to 180 days in jail. Tips for Citizens Take personal responsibility
for your own garbage: Keep a litterbag in your vehicle, and use it. Set an
example for your neighbors, friends and children by putting your tras h where it
belongs. Law enforcement personnel are not the only people who can put an end to
litt ering and illegal dumping. Citizens can take an active role in putting an
end to these crimes by teaming up with local officials. Always dispose of your
own litter properly. Never dump debris directly into a dumpster always place
debris in bags and secure with twist ties before deposit ing. Report any illegal
dump sites to your local or county litter abatement or en vironmental health
department. Report to your local law enforcement agency license plate numbers of
any veh icles you see transporting trash without a tarp (cover) or actively
dumping tras h or waste. Do not transport unsecured debris in the back of your
own vehicle. If it blo ws out, it becomes litter. Spread the word to friends and
neighbors that illegal dumping is a crime.

Write or call your local or county elected officials and let them know that
litter and illegal dumping in your community are major concerns. People are not
as likely to litter an area that is clean. Organize volunteer cleanups of
illegal dump sites and participate in volunteer programs such as Ad opt-a-
Highway, Adopt-a-Beach, and Keep Texas Beautiful. This concludes Lesson 8:
Defensive Driving Strategies. Here is some important in formation from this
lesson to remember. You can avoid collisions by letting other drivers know of
your intended actions. Control your speed and evaluate the flow of traffic to
better anticipate the mo ves of others. Good drivers keep a safe following
distance so they can see well. The more space they allow between their car and
the car ahead, the more time th ey have to see a hazard or collision down the
road. They have more time to stop, or to avoid the hazard. It is a good idea to:
Keep enough space between your car and the car ahead so that you will have " a
bigger picture" of what lies down the road. Watch for tailgaters! If one is
following you, be careful! Know when collisions are most likely to occur. It is
important to obey any special signs or instructions that you pass. These s igns
may include information about the consequences of littering, as defined by the
Texas Litter Abatement Act. Littering has subsequent repercussions to the en
vironment, as well as fines and punishments levied on litterbugs. Lesson 9:
Driving Emergencies Lesson Length: 40 minutes (minimum required) In this section
we will identify common driving emergencies and appropriate reac tions to these
emergencies. When something unexpected happens, what will you do? In an
emergency you must make rapid, often life-or-death, decisions. Learn what to do
in each emergency situation, and you will be prepared to avoid a collisio n.
Sometimes, the more comfortable you are driving, the less aware you are of the s
peed you're going. But when an emergency situation occurs, suddenly everything s
tarts happening very fast. Chances are, when an emergency happens, you'll have
very little time to react. K nowing what to do will help you make the right
decisions. Lesson 9: Driving Emergencies PAGE 1 of 24 LESSON LENGTH 40:00 TIME
SPENT 00:17 Going Great Handling Emergencies Sometimes a road that is normally
safe becomes dangerous when slippery. Ice and packed snow on the road can cause
the car to skid, especially if you are driving fast or going downhill.

If you do go into a skid, ease off the gas pedal, do not brake, and turn the ste
ering wheel in the direction of the skid. If you can't control your car on a sli
ppery surface, try to find something to stop you. Try to get a wheel on dry pave
ment or on the shoulder of the road. You may have to slowly edge into a snow ban
k or some bushes to stop. To help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces, you
should: Drive more slowly and stay farther behind the vehicle ahead. Slow down
before you approach curves and intersections. Avoid fast turns. Avoid quick
stops. "Pump" the brakes to slow or stop. (Antilock brakes do no t require
pumping.) Shift to low gear before going down a steep hill. If the brakes get
wet, dry them by pressing the gas pedal and brake pedal at the same time so that
the car drives against the pressure of the brakes. Do this on ly until the
brakes begin working. Avoid especially slippery areas, such as ice patches, wet
leaves, oil, or deep p uddles. Collision Traps A collision trap is a situation
in which you are not able to maintain an adequat e space cushion around your
vehicle. Collision traps can occur in front of you, behind you, and to your
sides. Front - A tailgater behind you can cause a collision trap in front of
you. I f you try to move forward to give the tailgater more room, you end up
shrinking the space cushion between you and the car in front of you. Instead of
moving for ward, it would be a better idea to slow down gradually (say, by
taking your foot off of the gas pedal) and let the tailgater pass you when
he/she can. Rear - A collision trap can occur to the rear of your vehicle, if
you slow d own to avoid tailgating a vehicle in front of you. Sides - A
collision trap can occur to one or both sides of your vehicle. In all cases, try
to communicate -- with your lights, horn, etc. -- to make sure that you can
maintain your safety space cushion. Increase your distance from th e car in
front of you and leave yourself an "out." In the moments prior to a potential
collision the most important thing to rememb er is: don't panic. By reacting
properly and quickly you may be able to avoid co llision situations. And to be
prepared in case of a collision, it's also very important to know abou t your
braking system. Does your car come with an anti-lock braking system? It m akes a
difference when determining how you should brake in an emergency. If you have
anti-lock brakes: Brake hard and hold the brakes in. You will co ntinue to be
able to steer and control your vehicle. If you do not have anti-lock brakes: Do
not brake hard and hold the brakes i n. This will lock your wheels and send your
car into a skid. Instead, to stop qu ickly, you should pump your brakes. Use
Your Horn

Use your horn sparingly, using the following guidelines: Sound your horn when
necessary to avoid collisions. Don't honk at other time s. Try to get "eye
contact" with other drivers. Sometimes it may be necessary t o tap your horn to
alert another driver who may want to turn in front of you. On narrow mountain
roads, drive as far to the right as possible and sound yo ur horn where you
cannot see at least 200 feet ahead. If a driver is going too slowly, don't honk
just to make the slow driver hur ry. The driver may be ill, lost, or may be
having problems with the car. Don't honk simply to show other drivers that they
have made a mistake. Your honking may upset them so much that they may make more
mistakes. Never honk because you are angry or upset. Use your headlights: When
it is cloudy, raining, snowing, or foggy. On frosty mornings when other drivers'
windows may be icy or "foggy." Any time you have trouble seeing other cars.
Other drivers will also have tr ouble seeing you. On small country or mountain
roads. It is a good idea to drive with your hea dlights on, even on sunny days.
This will help other drivers see you. Your headl ights may help you avoid a
head-on crash. Don't forget to turn them off when you park! You may have to
flash your headlights under certain circumstances to get the att ention of
another driver who may not see you. Off-Road Recovery In the event that your car
goes off the road while traveling at high speeds, you need to be able to re-
enter the road safely. Perhaps someone moves into your la ne forcing you to
enter the shoulder in order to avoid a collision. Perhaps the road is slippery
from ice or rain and you accidentally slide off the road into t he shoulder
area. No matter what the reason, it is important to know what to do when you are
forced off the road. If you end up on a soft shoulder, you must be careful when
turning back onto the pavement. Improper off-road recovery is one of the most
common reasons for vehi cles flipping over. Your instinctive response may be to
jerk the wheel and try t o quickly get back on the road. If so, you are making a
mistake. You may lose co ntrol of your car as its wheels bounce off the road
surface. This situation is e asy to avoid, if you know what to do. To recover
when you have moved off the paved roadway: Slow down by removing your foot from
the gas. Brake gently. Hold the steering wheel firmly.

Position your car so that it straddles the road edge. When you have control of
your vehicle and enough space to safely re-enter th e roadway, do so. Once
you're safely on the road again, accelerate to a normal, safe driving s peed. If
you have slowed down enough, you should be able to get back on the road witho ut
any problems. Remember! Stay calm and concentrate on the task at hand. Slow,
steady movements are always the best in these situations. Paths of Least
Resistance At times, despite your best efforts, you can't avoid a collision. But
even when this situation occurs, you should try to maintain as much control over
your vehi cle as possible so that you can look for and steer toward the path of
least resi stance. In other words, try to move your car in the direction that
will cause an d receive the least amount of damage possible. This may seem
obvious, but many p eople panic and do nothing as a collision is occurring. The
key is to stay in co ntrol of your car, even if the person driving the other car
is not. Let's take an example. If you are headed for a head-on collision with
another ca r, you should try to steer your car to the right to avoid a direct
impact. If yo u can turn the head-on collision into a sideswipe, much of the
energy of the col lision will be diverted, reducing the damage. Any change in
speed or direction m ay help. Let's say your car has entered a skid and you are
heading for a telephone pole. If you can recover just enough to avoid the pole
and hit the brush at the end of the roadway instead, both you and your car will
appreciate the difference. Finally, even after an initial impact has occurred,
the potential collision may not be over. What if the impact of hitting another
car moves your vehicle into a lane of oncoming traffic? If you're alert and
maintaining control of your car t o the best of your abilities, you should try
to steer away from this traffic and toward a safer area. You won't always be
able to succeed in avoiding a collision, but remember not to give up. Maintain
control of your car as long as you can and make smart choices about where to go
to diminish the potential damage to you and others. Protecting Yourself in a
Collision You can't always avoid a collision. If your car is about to be hit,
remember the se tips to protect yourself. Rear Collisions Be ready to apply your
brake so you won't be pushed into the car ahead. Brace yourself between the
steering wheel and the seat back. Flash your brakes early to alert other
drivers. As the car nears, release the brake and move forward, if you can. Press
the back of your head firmly against the headrest. If you are at an intersection
and the intersection is clear, accelerate acro ss the intersection. Side
Collisions Keep a tight hold on the steering wheel. This may help prevent you
from bein

g thrown against the side of the car. Be prepared to steer quickly. Your car may
get spun around or have its direc tion radically changed. If you can regain
control of the car, you may be able to avoid further damage. Brake or accelerate
quickly to avoid getting hit in the passenger compartmen t. Blow your horn to
alert other drivers. Change lanes or swerve away from the other vehicle.
Equipment Problems: Brake Failure If your brakes suddenly give out: Downshift to
low gear. Pump the brake pedal fast and hard to build up brake fluid pressure.
You wil l know in three to four pumps if the brakes will work. Apply the parking
brake, but be ready to release it if the car begins to ski d. Remember! You can
still steer and swerve into bushes or something soft. Sound your horn and flash
your lights to warn other drivers. When you come to a complete stop, turn off
the ignition. Many cars are equipped with ABS, or anti-lock braking systems, but
not many driv ers know how to use them properly. Read your car's owner's manual
to learn more about the proper use of ABS. You should be aware of what type of
braking system your vehicle is equipped with. Since many drivers aren't
accustomed to being able to steer while skidding, they over steer and risk
running off the road. Be careful to turn the steering wheel just enough to avoid
obstacles. If your car has anti-lock braking system, the ABS logo will appear on
your dashb oard every time you start the car. All drivers who have anti-lock
brakes should practice using them before they get into an emergency. Anti-lock
brakes can save lives, but they are not like regular brakes. Drivers with ABS
should practice s udden stops in a safe situation, on both wet and dry pavement.
If your car has ABS, follow this braking procedure: When you need to stop, apply
firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. Gradually steer the car around any
obstacles. Release pressure on the brake. Resume driving normally, but consider
lowering your speed. Equipment Problems: Tire Blowout If one of your tires
blows: Hold the steering wheel tightly and steer straight ahead. Slow down
gradually. Take your foot off the gas pedal slowly but don't apply the brakes.
Slow to a stop off the road. Turn on your emergency flashers. Apply the brakes
when the car is almost stopped. If your power steering goes out:

Turn the steering wheel hard, with both hands on the wheel, to get to the si de
of the road. Use your horn and emergency flashers to communicate your emergency
to others . Lift your foot from the accelerator. Do not brake. Braking could
cause your front wheel to turn sharply. Shift into low gear. Equipment Problems:
Headlight Failure If your headlights suddenly go out at night: Try the dimmer
switch. That will often put them on again. Try the headlight switch a few times.
If that doesn't work, put on the parking lights, emergency flashers, or turn
signals. Pull off the road as quickly as possible and leave the emergency
flashers on . If your hood suddenly flies up: Slow down. Try to look under the
hood to see. If you can't: Put your head out the window and look around the
hood. Use the center line or the lane marking as a guide. Pull off the road as
soon as possible and put on the emergency flashers, if you have them. Equipment
Problems: Stuck Gas Pedal If your gas pedal (accelerator) gets stuck while
you're driving: Shift to neutral. Apply the brakes. Keep your eyes on the road.
Look for a way out. Warn other drivers by flashing your emergency lights. Try to
drive the car safely off the road. Turn off the ignition when you no longer need
to change direction. If possible, free the stuck accelerator by removing the
obstruction. You may be able to do this by tapping the accelerator or placing
your toe or foot under the pedal and lifting. If you get stuck in mud or snow,
here's how to get out: Shift to low gear and keep the front wheels straight.
Gently step on the gas pedal. Avoid spinning the wheels. Drive forward as far as
possible. Shift to reverse and slowly back up as far as possible. Don't spin the
wheel s. Shift to low again and drive forward. Repeat this forward-backward
rocking motion until the car rolls free. Put boards or tree branches under the
tires in deep mud or snow. Never do th is when the tires are spinning. You may
avoid getting stuck if you always carry chains in your vehicle. Put them on the
tires when conditions are appropriate. Equipment Problems: Overheating

If your car begins to overheat, try turning off your air conditioner, which will
lighten the load on the engine. Turn on your heater to draw heat from the engin
e. Shift to neutral when at stops and accelerate the engine slightly. This will
reduce the engine load and increase air flow across the radiator and coolant flo
w through the engine. If you see steam coming from under your hood, your cooling
system is boiling. To continue driving while your car is overheated like this
could seriously damage your car, even requiring replacement of your engine. Pull
to the side of the road, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool. Do n ot
open the radiator cap. The radiator is extremely hot and under tremendous pre
ssure; opening the radiator cap while the radiator is still hot could result in
serious burns and other damage. If you find that your car has a dead battery, be
extremely careful in trying to jump-start it yourself from another car's
battery. If done improperly or under t he wrong circumstances, either battery
could explode, causing you serious injury . Here are some helpful hints to
properly jump-start your battery: Position the cars so they don't touch. Turn
off the lights, heater, and radio of both cars. First, connect the red positive
jumper cable clamp to the positive post of t he low or dead battery. Second,
connect the other red positive jumper cable clamp to the positive po st of the
live battery. Third, connect the black negative cable clamp to the negative post
of the li ve battery. Fourth, connect the other black negative cable clamp to
the negative post of the low or dead battery. As an alternative, you may connect
the negative end of this cable to the engine block or frame of the car (at least
a foot and a half away from the live battery). Make absolutely sure that the two
cars are not touching. Now, start the car with the live battery. After letting
it run a few minutes, start the car with the dead battery. Take off the cables
in the opposite order you placed them on. Remember: if you get any battery acid
on your skin, eyes, or car, wash it off im mediately with water. And never light
a match or smoke a cigarette near a batter y, since the fumes from the battery
can cause an explosion. Equipment Problems: Breakdowns Fortunately most vehicle
breakdowns are not dangerous. If your car breaks down, slow down and pull off
the pavement as far as possible. Always turn on your four -way emergency
flashers. At night, if you have flares, put them at least 100 feet behind your
car at the side of the road. Flares put beside and 100 feet ahead of your car
and at the si de of the road will give you added safety. During daylight, you
should tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or left door handle and raise the
hood as a signal that your car has broken down. Except for an emergency, stay
with your car. It is generally best e your car in a safe place. But when
traveling alone at night, it idea to stay in the car with the windows closed and
doors locked. those that offer help. If in doubt, remain locked inside the car
to wait outsid may be a good Be cautious of and ask that t

he police be notified. Most car fires occur for the following reasons:
Overheated engine Electrical short Fuel leak Oil leak If you smell any burning
odor, investigate immediately. And if smoke comes from under the hood: Drive off
the road, get clear of traffic, and stop. Do not drive near buildings or gas
stations. Turn off the engine and all electrical switches. Get all passengers
out of and away from the vehicle. Poisonous fumes may fil l the vehicle. With a
small fire, you may be able to use a fire extinguisher to smother the fire. Do
not use water on gasoline, oil, or electrical fires. With a large fire, however,
do not try to put it out. Call for assistance, g et far away from the vehicle,
and wait for help. Emergencies: Plunging into Water If your car plunges into
water, but does not sink immediately, you can escape th rough a window. It will
be very hard to open a door because of the immense water pressure. If the car
sinks beneath the surface before you can escape, remember that some a ir may be
trapped near the roof. Don't panic and do the following: Try to get into an air
pocket near the roof so that you can breathe. Roll down your windows or kick the
rear window out. When the car settles and pressure inside and outside the car is
equal, it wi ll be easier to open the door to escape the vehicle. You have
several minutes, so stay calm and you will be able to escape. Emergencies:
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly. Carbon
monoxide is one of the byproduct s given off by your vehicle's exhaust system as
the engine burns gasoline. Carbon monoxide can get into your car in many ways:
it can seep into your car if there are holes in the exhaust system; it can come
from cars around you in traf fic jams; it can build up when your engine is
running in closed spaces such as a garage. Because carbon monoxide does not have
an odor, it can be hard to detect. But the re are symptoms to warn you:
Sleepiness Dizziness Upset stomach If any of these occur, carbon monoxide
poisoning could be the culprit. Get fresh air immediately.

To avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning you should: Avoid running the
engine inside a garage. Keep your car properly ventilated. Keep plenty of
distance between you and the car ahead of you when in traffic . Inspect your
exhaust system for leaks regularly. Emergencies: Encountering a Traffic Crash If
you come across a traffic crash, don't just ignore it. If you aren't trained in
first aid, you shouldn't try to be a doctor. You could do more harm than help .
Instead, do the following: Send for help! This is the most important thing you
can do. Try to help the injured where they lie. Keep them warm. If they are
bleeding, place a clean cloth over the wound and apply pressure with your hands
to slow the bleeding. Be careful not to come into direct contact with blood. Do
not move the injured unless there is immediate life-threatening danger. M
ovement could cause more injury. If the injured can walk, try getting them to
sit or lie down on their back. Don't try to take an injured person to the
hospital yourself unless there is no way to get help. With serious injuries,
improper movement may be harmful. Organ Donation: Legal Background and Issues
Since the 1960s extensive federal and state laws have been passed to regulate or
gan and tissue donation and transplantation. These regulations are designed to p
rotect both donors and recipients and to assure the fair distribution of the lim
ited supply of available organs. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act of 1968 (UAGA)
Establishes the legality of organ and tissue donor cards Revised in 1987 to
define the rights and responsibilities of donors and recipien ts Establishes
that anyone may become a donor The National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) Makes it
illegal to buy or sell human o rgans or tissues intended for transplant.
Establishes a national Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to d
etermine how organs should be allocated. The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act
of 1986 (OBRA) One by-product of the Act is that it has made organ donor cards,
including the d river's license check-off system used in many states, less
meaningful, since man y hospitals are no longer willing to rely just on the
donor card or license as c onsent to procure the deceased's organs. TEXAS LAW
AND ISSUES Routine Inquiry Law In Texas, the Routine Inquiry Law was implemented
in January 1988. Similar to th e required request statute of the federal Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1

986, Routine Inquiry requires hospital personnel to make sure that organ and tis
sue donation is offered as an option to families who have lost a loved one. If t
he patient has not indicated his wishes concerning donation, it is up to the fam
ily to make the decision. Currently, although the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
says that anyone with a sign ed donor card is a donor, it does not happen in
practice. The reason is that pro curement agencies and hospitals hesitate to go
against the wishes of living fami ly members even though the law allows for
recovery to occur. As a result, donors who have not told their families of their
wishes to be donors usually do not be come donors. Myth: If I am in a collision
and the hospital knows that I want to be a donor, t he doctors will not try to
save my life. Fact: Organ and tissue recovery takes place only after all efforts
to save your life have been exhausted and death has been legally declared. The
medical team t reating you is completely separate from the transplant team. The
Organ Procureme nt Organization (OPO) is not notified until all lifesaving
efforts have failed a nd death has been determined. The OPO does not notify the
transplant team until your family has consented to donation. Organ Donation:
Myths and Facts Did you know just one organ and tissue donor can provide 7 life
saving organs an d quality enhancing tissues for another 20 persons? Organs
include: heart, lung, liver, kidney and pancreas. Tissues include: bone, skin,
eyes or corneas and he art valves. Fact: It has never been scientifically proven
that transplant recipients acquire their donors' characteristics. Although some
transplant recipients believe they acquired their donors' characteristics, this
phenomenon has never been proven. Transplanted organs do not have a memory so
there may be other explanations for why recipients gain interest in activities
in which they previously had no inter est. This concludes Lesson 9: Driving
Emergencies. Here is some important information from this lesson to remember.
Making sound decisions in common driving emergencies is extremely important. Bra
ke failures, tire blowouts, and even hood latch failures, can be handled safely
when good decisions are made during the emergency. There are ways to prevent col
lisions. Be prepared to use your vehicle equipment properly. In adverse driving
situations, always drive more slowly and stay farther beh ind the vehicle ahead.
Be sure to communicate properly with other drivers. Attempt to move your car in
the direction that will cause and receive the le ast amount of damage possible.
Unfortunately, all hazardous situations cannot be avoided. Crashes that resu lt
in a tragic outcome could end up saving lives. You should know your options r
egarding organ donation and what affect this could have on many other lives.
Lesson 10: Occupant Restraints and Protective Devices

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