Real World Driving Tips

Travelers, who quit driving before they get too tired, anticipate the needs of other fellow highway users, exhibit a little common courtesy, and go with the flow, are the ones who have the safest, most enjoyable vacation trips.

SPEED Do not drive the speed limit

if the rest of the traffic is not moving at that speed. If your preferred speed is 65 mph but the slower (right) lane traffic is moving 62 mph and the faster (left) lane is approaching 70 mph, either slow down or speed up, but don't fight or obstruct the flow. Going with the flow is far safer and much less aggravating than forcing other to march to your beat.

Lane Courtesy

Lebanese drivers are renowned for neither understanding nor appreciating the importance of lane courtesy, i.e., slower traffic keep right and faster traffic pass on the left. If you're in the left lane and slower vehicles are in your way, give the other drivers a chance to find an opening in the right lane. Don't climb onto their trunk; signal your intentions with 4 or 5 blinks of your left directional. A brief flash of the headlights may be necessary to clarify your intentions. If they refuse to move, don't lose your temper. Write the lane blockers off as ignorant, incompetent or inconsiderate and work your way around them as best you can. if traffic is heavy, revert to the prior recommendation on speed. Remember, just as current day speed limits have very little to do with safety, lane courtesy has nothing to do with speed limits. If you're in the left lane and someone wants to pass, move over and let them by, Leave traffic law enforcement to the authorities.

Passing

In the "good ole days" when long travel was largely on two-lane roads, a critical weapon in every driver's arsenal was a neck-snapping passing gear. Hanging around in the opposing lane of traffic was universally understood to be bad for ones health. With the convenience and safety that came with Interstate highways also came the "cruise control pass". This is evidenced when one motorist traveling with cruise control set at 65 mph moves to the left and proceeds to take 10 minutes to pass another vehicle going 64.5 mph. Meanwhile, a platoon of vehicles is stacking up in both the right-and left-hand lane. Another variation of this practice is the cruise control devotee who lays up alongside a large truck. This significantly limits a truck driver's emergency options or prevents him/her from moving into the right lane. It's not necessary to punch the passing gear to overtake another vehicle on the Interstate. But, if you're going to pass, then do so promptly and deliberately. Everyone will appreciate your clear intentions and decisiveness.

Anticipation

Traffic would move infinitely faster and more safely if motorists would anticipate the needs of their fellow travelers. Moving to the left lane or opening up space for merging traffic is a common form of anticipation. There are other less common courtesies that cost nothing in time or money, but greatly expedite traffic flow and reduce aggravation. By adjusting your left lane speed, you can permit a vehicle in the right lane to pass another vehicle that is obstructing traffic. When moving from the right lane to execute a pass in the left lane, you should match the speed of the traffic flowing in the left lane. If safety is a high priority to you, this is not a time for blind obedience to speed limits.

Sightseeing

You're reached your vacation paradise destination, you are rested up, and now you want you want to kick back and take in some of the local scenery. There are hundreds of thousands of miles of lightly traveled roads that lend themselves well to this activity. However, those roads also carry the local people to work and shopping. Furthermore, farmers and trades people conduct their commerce on these same corridors. Blending the sightseer with local traffic isn't all that difficult. All it takes is an occasional glance in the rearview mirror. If traffic is collecting behind you, unable to pass, just pull over where there's room and let them go by. The aggravation factor is reduced for everybody. Your fun is enhanced and their trip is safer, faster, and more pleasant.

Need Help

Nothing fouls up a vacation more than cat trouble. The stock recommendation is that you should stay in your vehicle and wait for help. However, waiting for official help in several states is tantamount to opting for roadside starvation. Therefore, plan on fending for yourself. Despite everything hear and see to the contrary, people will go to ridiculous lengths to help a fellow motorist who is clearly in need of such help. The key factor is that the "need for help" must be glaringly obvious. Tying rags on radio antennas and opening hoods won't do it. For many years now, the National Motorist Association has promoted and publicized a universal "Need Help" signal. It is the crossing of one hand over the other, identical to the "time out" signal used in athletic contests. A person standing alongside the road displaying this "need help" signal eliminates any question as to his/her request for assistance.

The Rearward View with Mirrors

When do we rely our mirrors the most? Probably when we are changing lanes; our objective is to change position without getting in another driver's way or cutting him/her off. The positioning for the inside rearview mirror is fairly obvious -- you should be able to see out of the rear window. Be sure the day/night switch found on most rearview mirrors is in the day position during daytime operation. As for the side view mirror or mirrors, most people adjust them so they can see the side of the car on the inside edge of the mirror. Consider the view when the side view mirrors are set up as just described. Essentially, you have created "tunnel vision" to the rear. Your side view mirrors overlap much of what your inside rearview mirrors sees and you've also created blind spots. What in the solution to tunnel vision and blind spots? Simply adjust the side view mirrors just beyond the point where you could see the side of the car on the inside edge of the mirror. With this setup, you almost completely solve the blind spot problem. For the case where there is a vehicle present that isn't visible when checking the mirrors, the vehicle's position will probably be such that its front is adjacent to your door and you'll spot it in your peripheral vision as you check the side view mirror. Most of us have dealt with blind spots by turning our head for a quick check. This isn't generally a problem in terms of missing something ahead; however, there can be a dangerous side effect. Unless you've worked to control it, your arms will move in the direction your eyes are looking causing the steering wheel to turn. With well-positioned mirrors, your head won't have to turn as far to check any remaining blind spots. There are other applications of changing lanes that this setup is useful for as well. For example, when getting on a highway, your ability to judge how to best merge with the traffic flow will be greatly enhanced with the view provided by the "wide view" side mirror. Likewise, as you pass interchanges on the highway, your ability to monitor traffic entering the highway is enhanced. And finally, a good guideline for deciding when to move into the passing lane or back into the traveling lane is to make sure that you can see the headlights of the vehicle you want to pull in front of in the rearview mirror. We can all appreciate the value of adequate pull-in space.

Seven Sensible Signals

One ongoing objective of the National Motorist Association is the improvement of our driving environment. This includes the enhancement of motorist-to-motorist communication. In the late 1980's we researched and developed a series of seven messages and simple signals to convey these messages. The following graphical representations and narratives describe each of these messages and its accompanying signal. It is our hope and intention that they become known and used by all motorists.

Apology

In a brief lapse of attention or judgment you unintentionally inconvenience, irritate, or endanger another motorist. You feel embarrassed and the other driver is angry. Neither state of mind produces safe, courteous driving. The "Apology" signal can diffuse the destructive anger and frustration that follow these unfortunate encounters. To signal an apology, hold two fingers in a "V" position, palm out.

Slow Down, Danger Ahead

You see an obstacle in the road and would like to alert other motorists to the potential danger. The "Slow Down" signal will warn others of an accident, obstacle, or any dangerous condition. To alert traffic approaching from the opposite direction, turn your headlights off and on. To alert traffic approaching from the rear, activate your brake lights or extend your left arm and motion downward. If you see the "Slow Down" signal from another motorist, heed the warning.

Lane Courtesy (Please Yield Left Lane)

While traveling on a multilane highway you wish to pass another vehicle that is in the left "passing" lane. The "Lane Courtesy" signal will alert the other motorist of your intention. Signal your intention by turning the left directional light on and off, 4 to 6 blinks at a time. If the slower vehicle does not respond to the left turn signal, briefly flash your headlights to gain the attention of the other driver. If you see the "Lane Courtesy" signal from the motorist behind you, check the adjacent right lane, pull over when it is safe to do so, and let the faster vehicle pass.

Pull Over For Problem

You come across a vehicle about to have a flat, or lose luggage from an outside rack or litter the highway with skis, bicycles or furniture. The "Pull over for Problem" signal helps you alert the other driver. To alert another motorist of a problem with his or her vehicle, first point in the direction of the problem (up for loose roof rack, back for trailer problem, etc.), then signal "thumbs down." If you receive this signal from another motorist, pull over and check your vehicle.

Light Problem (Check Your Lights)

The directional lights on another vehicle have been unknowingly left on. You see a vehicle with a burned out headlight or taillight. You would like to alert the other driver of the problem. To signal a motorist to "check your lights." open and close your hand touching the thumb and finger tips together.

Need Assistance

You are pulled over to the side of the road and need help. Most passersby are unsure what help, if any, is needed. You need to signal for help without conveying panic. To signal for assistance, make the sign of a "T" by crossing one hand above the other. If you see the "Need Assistance" signal, you must make a decision whether you will stop, phone for help, or ignore the appeal.

I Understand (Thank You, I Understand)

To acknowledge another motorist's signal...an apology light problem or problem pull-over signal, for example, or to thank another driver for courtesy, use the well-understood "Thumbs up" or "OK."

Winter driving tips

We have put together some very useful tips for traversing remote terrain and surviving extreme environments for your next winter driving trip. Good vehicle preparation, knowledge and driving technique are also critical. Here are some winters driving tips for ensuring your journey is as safe, enjoyable and hazard-free as possible.

Tip one - Advanced preparation

" Book your vehicle in for a pre-winter check. " Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Over-inflation can reduce the gripping action of tires because the tread will not meet the road surface as it was designed to do. " Learn to read the terrain. Bridges and overpasses ice over faster than normal roads. Why? The earth is warm and normal roads have the warmth of the earth underneath. Shady areas cool more quickly than areas in full sun. The shadows from large trees, buildings and mountains can cause isolated icy spots. Distilled to their essence, the challenges of winter driving can be defined by two key factors: reduced visibility and reduced traction. Combined, they make winter driving more hazardous than driving in other seasons.

Tip two - Good visibility

Reduced visibility means you have to budget extra time for every drive; this is also a good time to clear snow, ice or frost from the windows. " Before you set out, scrape the ice and snow from every window and the exterior rear view mirrors to maximize your view in command driving position. " Don't forget to remove snow from headlights and brake lights as well. " Use a proper windscreen scraper or de-icer to remove ice from your vehicle. Do not use warm water, as this may cause your windscreen to crack. " Do not drive with the heater in re-circulation mode. Doing so re-circulates interior air, which keeps increasing humidity.

Tip three - Good traction and smooth driving

Traction is the key to every movement your vehicle makes. Permanent four-wheel drive and electronic traction control helps, but remember, all the control you have is delivered through four palm-sized patches of rubber where the tires meet the road. " To maintain maximum traction, it is essential to keep the tires rolling and not allow them to spin or slide. " When accelerating, tip into the accelerator pedal gently. If you do sense wheel-spin, ease back on the pedal immediately until you feel the tires grip again. " Apply the same principle when braking. Brake gently at first, then increase the pedal pressure progressively. You can brake quite hard as long as the application is smooth. " Hill Descent Control will take the guesswork out of steep, slippery slopes by automatically braking to maintain a steady descent speed. " Brake before you turn into a corner, steer through the corner at a safe speed, then accelerate again when you straighten up. Don't steer if you are braking or accelerating and vice versa. " ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution Systems in Land Rover vehicles can help if you have to brake hard in an emergency. Just keep your foot hard on the brake pedal and the system automatically applies and releases the brakes for you.

Just For Starters

1. Before turning on the ignition, make sure the wipers are not frozen to the glass. (Always stop the wipers with the wiper switch and wait until they go into their "park" position before turning off ignition. This is necessary because your wipers will finish one cycle when you turn on the ignition, even though you turn the wipers before right before turning on the ignition the next morning.) 2. Let your engine warm up while you clear off snow or ice from all window surfaces. Put heater fan on "high", heat on "hottest", and selector on "defrost". Be sure to clear off any snow accumulated on the hood and front fenders. This can make it hard to judge distance. Turn on electric rear window defroster if you have one. (In-glass defrosters improve rearward visibility under all moisture-producing conditions, including summer rain.) 3. Check all lights, including headlights, parking lights, tail lights, backup lights, and lane-change signals. Make sure they are free of snow or road grime. Even if you don't wash your car all winter, keep your lights clean. 4. If visibility is anything less than normal, turn headlights on low beam, even during daylight hours. Although this may not improve your ability to see, it will make it easier for the other guy to see you and to judge your speed and distance. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use parking lights on the highway for any reason. As the name indicates, they are for PARKING. When used on the highway, they tend to distort the other drivers' perception of your speed and distance, especially if most other cars are using headlights.

Traction Tips

1. If your car will be parked for some time while it is snowing, try to back into the garage or parking space. When it's time to move, pulling out will be easier than backing out. For rear drive cars, the bare spot where the car is standing may provide enough initial traction to get you going. For front drive cars, backing in snow is more difficult than for rear drive cars so plan ahead. 2. If you have rear drive, load your passengers from back to front. If you have just one passenger, have him/her sit in the middle of the back seat. You want as much weight as possible over the drive wheels. 3. If you appear to be stuck in your parking spot, try rocking the car with gentle backward and forward motions. (Never change gears while moving or accelerating.) If you move forward/backward for a limited distance and then stop, reverse your direction in your own tracks and hit it again a little harder. Avoid sitting in one spot and spinning your tires. This only heats up the tires and digs you in deeper. If you have standard differential, without traction control, it will be possible for one wheel to spin while the other is motionless. A burlap bag, grocery bag, or cardboard carton under that spinning wheel may get you going. Carry a bag of cat litter (unused). A little under the tire may provide assistance for a spinning wheel. 4. Make all moves slowly and carefully: starting, stopping, turning, speeding up, slowing down. Sudden moves cause trouble when the traction is poor. 5. If the main traffic lane is very slippery and you're having trouble getting up a hill, try driving slowly with 2 wheels on the edge of the roadway. 6. Try to avoid going up a hill right behind another car. If it loses traction and starts to slow down, you're licked, too. When approaching a hill, follow the other car at a significant distance and then pick your own pace and maintain it. Inertia is your friend while going up a hill with poor traction. 7. If your drive wheels start to spin or slide while going up a hill, ease off on the accelerator slightly and then gently resume speed. 8. To correct a skid TURN WHEEL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE SKID. If your rear end starts sliding to the right, turn the wheel to the right. If your rear end starts sliding to the left, turn your wheel to the left. Do not apply brakes while in a skid. When your wheels are locked, your car is a toboggan. 9. When ordering a new car with rear drive, be sure to ask for the "prostration" differential. This option is the next best thing to front drive for traction in snow. It delivers power to the drive wheel with the best traction. When ordering a new car with front drive, be sure to ask for the "traction control".

Bits on Braking

1. Brake gently and in an on/off pattern. Power brakes require an especially light touch on the pedal. If you have ABS (automatic braking system) designed to prevent your wheels from locking up when braking, check your owner's manual about stopping under poor traction conditions. As a general rule, continuous pedal pressure will be better than on/off braking. When the ABS engages, you'll hear a rumble from the brakes and the brake pedal will vibrate under your foot. The ABS computer is controlling which wheel is braking in order to prevent a skid. NOTE: Resist the temptation to take your foot off the brake while ABS is engaged; maintain constant pedal pressure. 2. Decelerate well in advance of a turn or stopping point. Try to avoid using brakes while turning; slow down in advance of the turn and then accelerate very gently while going through it. 3. When descending a hill, pick your maximum safe speed while at the crest and then stay under that speed throughout the decent with gentle on/off braking. Don't expect to do all your braking at that stop sign at the bottom. 4. If you are approaching a stop with alternate patches of ice and bare pavement between you and the stop, brake firmly as you cross the bare spot and coast over the ice.

SPECIAL NOTE:

Use your four-way flashers if you are moving much slower than other traffic, stopped in or near a traffic lane, or making an unusual maneuver.

Aggressive Driving What is aggressive driving?

Aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property. Persons doing any of the following may be committing acts of aggressive driving. 1. Speeding 2. Running red lights and stop signs 3. Tailgating 4. Passing on the shoulder of the road 5. Cutting off another vehicle 6. Slamming on brakes in front of a tailgater 7. Improper hand or facial gestures at other drivers 8. Yelling 9. Repeatedly honking the horn 10. Repeatedly flashing of headlights

Avoid aggressive drivers.

Aggressive driving is a serious problem which is responsible for many traffic accidents and fatalities. It is to your benefit to avoid aggressive drivers and potentially dangerous situations. If you encounter an angry or aggressive motorist: 1. Do not retaliate or in any way engage the other driver. Get out of the way. 2. Don't make eye contact. 3. Keep your doors locked and your windows up. 4. Keep enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you to pull out from behind. 5. Do not underestimate the other driver's potential for aggression.

Don't become an aggressive driver.

Anyone can become an aggressive driver. Don't let stress and frustration get the best of you while driving. 1. Be patient and courteous. 2. Do not drive when angry, overtired, or upset. 3. Allow extra time to get to your destination. 4. When possible, change your schedule to avoid congestion. 5. Listen to relaxing music or books on tape. 6. Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt - all drivers make mistakes. 7. Avoid all conflict, even if you are right.

Alert Driving

A driver must concentrate on the road and drive defensively. CONCENTRATION: Operating a vehicle safely demands that the driver concentrate on driving. The person should be rested, calm and not under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. One of the greatest hazards of roadway driving is drowsiness or "highway hypnosis". Lack of sleep or fatigue impact your ability to safely drive your vehicle. When taking a long trip, avoid drowsiness by stopping frequently to drink coffee, exercise or nap. Exercise your eyes by reading road signs or shifting the focus of your eyes to different parts of the roadway. Make sure you are properly rested. DEFENSIVE DRIVING: Plan ahead for the unexpected. Always be prepared to react to the other driver. Do not expect the other driver to do what you think he or she should do. Do not think you know what he or she is going to do. If you cannot avoid a crash, remain calm and try to choose the least dangerous situation. For example, running into a ditch is less dangerous than a head-on collision. Also, your chances of survival are greater if your vehicle is in good mechanical condition.

Vehicle Following Distances

TWO-SECOND RULE: Following a vehicle too closely is called "tailgating." Use the two-second rule to determine a safe following distance. Select a fixed object on the road ahead such as a sign, tree or overpass. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the object, count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." You should not reach the object before you count to one-thousand-two. If you do, you are following too closely. Most rear end collisions are caused by the vehicle in back following too closely. The two-second rule also applies to your speed when you are on a good road and during good weather conditions. If the road and/or weather conditions are not good, increase your distance to a four or five-second count. If you are being tailgated, move to another lane or slowly pull off the road and allow the vehicle to pass.

Vehicle Speed

1. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM SPEEDS: A driver should use common sense when driving. Driving too fast or too slowly may create a dangerous situation. Regardless of the posted speed limit, weather and traffic conditions may make it necessary to drive more slowly. However, driving too slowly can also be dangerous. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic, as long as it does not surpass the maximum posted speed. STOPPING: The ability to stop your car safely should be considered when deciding your speed. You should consider: -how quickly you can react physically and mentally. -the type and condition of the roadway. It will be more difficult and take longer to stop on wet asphalt. -the kind of tires you are using and the condition of their tread. Large, wide tires with good tread will stop a vehicle faster than small, narrow tires with little tread. -the type, condition and adjustment of your brakes. -the direction and speed of the wind. A strong tail wind can make it very difficult to stop. -vehicle design, weight distribution, suspension and shock absorbers.

Weather Conditions

Weather can create a driving hazard. Special care must be taken in fog, rain, high winds and winter driving conditions. FOG: It is best not to drive in fog. However, if you must drive in fog, take the following precautions: -Slow down. If you see headlights or taillights, slow down even more. A driver may be driving in the center of the roadway or may be stopped or barely moving. -Drive with your headlights set on dim, or use foglights. -Do not overdrive your headlights. Stay within the limits of your vision. You may have to stop suddenly. If the fog is too dense, pull off the roadway and stop. Do not drive at five or 10 miles per hour. -Use your turn signal long before you turn and brake early when you approach a stop to warn other drivers. RAIN: When rain begins to fall lightly, water, dust, oil and leaves cause the roadway to become slippery. When this happens, increase your following distance. Take special care on curves and turns and while braking. Your headlights must be on when operating your wipers. Parking lights are not acceptable. When rain begins to fall heavily, your tires may "hydroplane." This means the tires are riding on a layer of water and not on the road-way. Avoid hydroplaning by slowing down. If you skid while hydroplaning, try to regain control of the vehicle. Otherwise, release the accelerator and ride out the skid. HIGH WINDS: Wind can be a difficult problem for all drivers. Wind is especially difficult for drivers of trucks, recreational vehicles, campers and trailers-in-tow. In high winds, you should reduce your speed and make steering corrections when you go from a protected area to an open area and when meeting large vehicles such as trucks and buses. Heavy rain or sleet often accompanies high winds. You should be alert to wet or slippery areas and plan for those conditions. In high winds, the Illinois Toll way System will ban the hauling of house trailers. WINTER DRIVING: Winter is the most difficult driving season due to many reasons, including ice, snow, lower temperatures and fewer daylight hours. When driving in winter conditions: -drive slower and increase your following distance. Roadway conditions may vary depending upon the sun, shade or roadway surface. -remove all snow and ice from your vehicle. Clear all windows, and do not start driving until your windshield is defrosted and clear. Be sure you have non-freezing windshield washer liquid and that your headlights and taillights are visible. -be sure your vehicle is maintained properly. Lights, brakes, windshield wipers, defrosters, radiator and other parts should be in good working order. -use snow tires and/or chains (where allowed). Snow tires give you extra traction, and chains increase safety on snow or icepacked roads. Neither tires nor chains allow you to drive on bad roads at normal speeds. -start slowly. Gentle braking, in slow, steady strokes, helps you find out how much traction you have. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection or a stop. -approach bridges, shaded spots, overpasses and turns slowly. They may remain icy after the rest of the roadway is clear and dry. -plan your winter driving. Carry a blanket, food and other survival equipment, such as a shovel, in your vehicle in case you become stranded. If you become stranded, remain in your vehicle. Run your engine only for brief times, and open your window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your vehicle tailpipe is free of snow and debris.

Equipment Failure

Crashes often happen when equipment fails. Your most important aid is remaining calm. Equipment failures may include: BLOWOUTS: A thumping sound may be a warning of a blowout. If this happens, ease your foot off the gas pedal and keep a firm grasp on the steering wheel. Do not brake suddenly. Pull safely off the roadway and check your tires. LOSS OF A WHEEL: React as you would with a blowout. Ease off the gas pedal and pull off the roadway. STEERING FAILURE: If you suddenly have no control of the steering wheel, ease your foot off the gas pedal. Turn on your emergency flashers and allow your vehicle to come to a slow stop. Brake very gently to prevent your vehicle from spinning. BRAKE FAILURE: If your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, pump it to build pressure. If that does not work, use your emergency or parking brake. To slow down, shift your vehicle into a lower gear. HEADLIGHT FAILURE: If your headlights fail suddenly, try your emergency flashers, parking lights and/or turn signals. Pull off the road. If your lights begin to dim, drive to a service station or pull off the road and seek help. STUCK GAS PEDAL: If the gas pedal becomes stuck, hook your toe under it to free it. If it does not become free, shift your vehicle into neutral and brake gently to slow down. If you have power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition, you will lose either your power steering or your ability to steer. BLOCKED VISION: If for any reason your vision becomes blocked, roll down the side window to see. Turn on your emergency flashers and then pull your vehicle off the road.

Special Driving Situations

Just as weather and equipment affect your safety, other driving situations also require extra caution. These include: EXPRESSWAY DRIVING: Expressways, toll roads, turnpikes and freeways are fast, multiple-lane roads. The maximum speed limit is 55 or 65 miles per hour. Here are some tips for safe driving on expressways: DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAYS: You should be especially alert when driving on expressways. Speed and traffic volume are major concerns. Remember: -Check your rearview and side mirrors before changing lanes. -Use your turn signals when making lane changes. -Go to the next exit if you missed yours. Backing up on expressways is against the law. -Do not follow too closely. Allow plenty of distance between you and the car ahead. -The right lane is for slower traffic. The left lane is used for faster traffic and for passing. -Do not stop on the expressway. Pull off the road if you have a problem. Lift your car's hood and turn on your hazard flashers. Do not walk along the expressway. NIGHT DRIVING: Night driving is difficult because things may appear differently than in daylight. Also, glare from lights may interfere with vision. Courtesy and common sense should be used when driving at night. Remember: -Never overdrive your headlights. Always keep them clean and aimed properly. Use them at dusk and dawn. Bright lights must be dimmed 500 ft. before meeting an oncoming vehicle or 300 ft. before passing a vehicle. -If street lights cause a lot of glare, dim your dashboard lights and use your sun visor. Avoid using any other light inside your vehicle. -Roadway signs are more difficult to see at night. -Use edge lines and center lines of the roadway as guides. -Do not stop on the roadway. If you must stop, carry and use a red warning light. CURVES: Slow down before beginning the curve. Do not brake suddenly as this may cause skidding or locked wheels. Never drive over the center line. HEAD-ON APPROACHES: When a vehicle is approaching head-on in your lane, slow down immediately. Pull over to the right and sound your horn. SKIDDING: Skidding occurs when tires lose traction. If you skid, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction and then straighten your vehicle. DRIVING OFF THE PAVEMENT: If your wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, grip the wheel firmly, ease your foot off the gas pedal and brake gently. After checking for traffic behind you, gently steer back onto the pavement. Do not jerk your wheel to correct your steering. This may cause you to drive into oncoming traffic. FIRE: If smoke appears, pull off the road. Turn off the engine, move away from the vehicle and call the fire department. Vehicle fires can be very dangerous. Do not fight the fire yourself. WATER ACCIDENTS: If your vehicle runs off the roadway into water but does not sink right away, try to escape through a window. Because of differences in water pressure, you may not be able to open your car door. If your vehicle does sink, move to the back seat area where an air pocket usually forms. Take a deep breath and exit from a rear window.6y CELLULAR PHONE USAGE: When using your cellular phone while driving, always remember your number one responsibility is driving. If you do use a cellular phone, take the following precautions: -Always assess traffic conditions before calling. -Be familiar with the phone's keypad - use speed dial if possible. -Place calls when stopped, or have a passenger dial. -Ensure phone is within easy reach. -Use speaker phone/hands-free device. -Avoid intense, emotional or complicated conversations. -Avoid talking on phone in congested traffic or bad weather. -Pull off road to dial or complete a conversation.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is a deadly poison. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are weariness, yawning, dizziness, nausea, headache and ringing in the ears. You can prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by having the exhaust system checked regularly. Also, leave the window partially open when starting the engine, while driving the vehicle or when running the engine while parked. Never run the engine in your garage.

Electricity

If you are in a crash that results in power lines falling on your vehicle, the danger of electrical shock exists. You should remain in your vehicle until help arrives. However, if fire is an immediate danger, you must jump clear of the vehicle. DO NOT ALLOW ANY PART OF YOUR BODY TO TOUCH THE VEHICLE AND THE GROUND AT THE SAME TIME.

Chapter Ten Study Questions

1. The road surface of a bridge may be dangerous in winter because it may remain icy after the rest of the roadway is clear. True or False 2. If driving during foggy weather, a driver should turn on the vehicle's high-beam headlights to increase the field of vision. True or False 3. Most rear-end collisions are caused by the vehicle in back traveling too fast. True or False 4. The two-second rule helps the driver determine a safe following distance. True or False 5. If a vehicle starts to skid on water (hydroplane), the driver should quickly apply the brakes. True or False 6. If the front right wheel of a vehicle runs off the pavement, a driver should ease off the accelerator, brake gently and gently steer back onto the pavement. True or False 7. When approaching a railroad crossing that has no warning signals (such as electric flashing lights or gates), a driver should look, listen and slow down. True or False 8. After a train clears a crossing that has flashing signals, drivers may proceed after checking for a second train on another track. True or False 9. If moving with a stream of vehicles across a railroad track, it is safe to stop on the track for a short period of time. True or False 10. Drivers who become stranded in blizzard conditions should remain in their vehicles. True or False 11. When experiencing a tire blowout, the driver should apply the brakes quickly and pull off the roadway to check the tire. True or False 12. If a vehicle starts to skid, the driver should gently apply the brakes and steer in the opposite direction of the skid. True or False 13. Illinois law requires that headlights be illuminated when atmospheric conditions require the use of windshield wipers. True or False