10 and 2 Flashcards
time frame for new hire to have defensive driving
90 days or before operating company vehicle
two parts of defensive driving certifacation
written exam and field demonstration
minimum score to pass defensive driving
92%
recerts for defensive driving
every 3 years, after an accident or as required by your system/division
what is the 3x5 test
pump brakes 3 times then hold for 5 seconds
in the city how far ahead does the 12-15 second eye lead time have you looking
1 - 1 1/2 blocks
what is the 45 degree eye scan
scanning in front of the vehicle sidewalk to sidewalk
When passing or changing lanes, what should you do to check the traffic coming up behind you?
Check your rear-view mirror, do a 45-degree scan using your side-view mirrors, then do a 90-degree head check
What is your safety perimeter?
It’s the 360-degree safety space cushion around your vehicle
Complete the following formula: Space + Visibility =?
time
What is the rule for determining the proper following distance?The 3 to 4 second rule
The 3 to 4 second rule
For which brake type should you use a steady firm pressure when braking hard?
ABS brakes
What is the “Rear tire rule”?
When stopped behind a vehicle at an intersection, you should be able to see the rear tires of the front vehicle touching the ground
What is the most important rule to remember concerning right-of-way?
Never assume or demand the right-of-way; always be prepared to stop, if necessary
What is the most basic rule concerning left turns?
When stopped, keep your front wheels straight and keep foot on brake
When the weather turns the road conditions slick, the appropriate precaution is to
Slow down and avoid braking in a turn or on a curve, if possible
How can you cope with frustration and anger?
- Stop and pull over if you can
- Count to 10, do some deep breathing, consciously think about something less stressful
- Try to relax and cool off
good mood distractions
payday
social functions
romance
What are you responsible for when you drive a vehicle?
Your own life and the lives of others in the vicinity
Comcast’s equipment and reputation
personal factors that can affect driving ability
illness/drowsiness
work related conflicts
personal conflicts
aggressive driving symptoms
- Driving in a selfish manner without regarding the safety of others
- Trying to intimidate or “better” another driver
- A ticket-able offence
Road rage symptoms
- Using a vehicle as a weapon with intent to harm
- Physical assault of a person or vehicle as a result of a traffic accident
- A criminal offense
likeliest road rage culprits
men 35-50
likeliest road rage car
blue bmw
percentage of drivers that said they carry a gun in their vehicle
11%
percentage of offenders that say shouting or swearing is most common way to express anger
31%
percentage of men/women that have experienced road rage on a daily basis
56% men
44% women
10 reasons drivers claim that sent them into road rage
distracted driving blocking merge lanes
getting cut off heavy traffic
aggressive drivers construction delays/detours
tailgating driving in a city
running late having a bad day
5 common cars for road rage drivers
34% bmw 32% land rover 29% audi 22% subaru 18% vauxhaul
5 common colors for road rage drivers
47% blue 33% black 26% silver 19% green 15% red
worst month for road rage
September
best month for road rage
June
worst day of week for road rage
tuesday
best day of week for road rage
sunday
worst time of day for road rage
5:45
signs of aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Lane blocking
- Following too closely
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Maneuvering around traffic without using turn signals
- Blocking intersections
factors that contribute to aggressive driving
Personal factors
Running late for an appointment
Slow drivers
Other aggressive drivers
Few points that define a defensive driver:
- Is careful to commit no driving errors
- Makes allowances for the lack of skill and improper attitude and actions of others
- Avoids accidents or close calls due to weather, road conditions, traffic or the actions of pedestrians and other drivers
- Keeps continually alert for accident-producing situations far enough in advance to take action
- Concedes the right of way to prevent an accident
What are some personal factors that affect your ability to drive a vehicle?
Sick, tired, family problems (angry with spouse/children/friend), work problems (conflict with co-worker), late for appointment, drugs/alcohol
What are some external factors that can affect your driving experience?
Other drivers’ personal factors, pedestrians, children playing nearby, weather, poor visibility, driving conditions
What can be affected when you are not in 100% condition to drive a vehicle?
Other people’s lives around you, Comcast’s equipment, and/or damaging the environment
basic vehicle check list
windows fluids
lights tires
mirrors brakes
exterior steering
engine and systems housekeeping
whats included in lights and reflectors
emergency lights driving lights headlights turn signals brake lights reflectors
how to check power steering fluid levels
with vehicle running turn wheel stop to stop
should be no noise
what may indicate an alignment problem
front end noise, loose steering or a vehicle pulling to the side
what is most important item to service on vehicle
engine oil, if you run out you stop period end of story
how to check engine coolant
the line method, if no line about 2 inches in reservoir.
why should the reservoir not be full of coolant.
it is an overflow when the coolant expands it has a place to go.
this fluid level should be checked when the vehicle is running
transmission fluid
what should the brake fluid level be
at the fill line or close to full if no fill line
how to check tire tread depth
use a quarter upside down into tread and if you see the top of the head get new tires
what to check on tires
tire inflation
tire tread
lugs and studs
what to check on lugs and studs
discoloration
misshapen holes on wheel or rim
deep dents at tire bead
what does discoloration mean
sign of excessive heat and possible metal crystalization
what are misshapen holes a sign of
lugs may be loose
what may deep dents at tire bead do
weaken tire
how to check brakes
3x5 test
what is the 3x5 test
press the brake 3 times and hold for 5 seconds
what is a building pressure with each pump a sign of
air in the brakes
what is low or no pressure a sign of
low on fluid or need to adjust brakes
what is a slow loss of pressure during the seconds a sign of
a leak in the system or malfunctioning master cylinder
how to check parking brake
set the brake and put in gear and apply a small amount of pressure vehicle should not move
what can prevent accidents if used properly
the horn
why to test horn
to make sure it works and remind you where it is on the wheel if you need it in an emergency
how often should you replace wiper blades
every 6 months
What are some areas of the vehicle you should check on a daily basis?
Fluids, tires, brakes, steering, driving aids (mirrors, lights, wipers), cleanliness of vehicle
What are some common driving aids and how can they assist us?
The horn: alert other drivers of danger, lights, reflectors, mirrors and windows: ability to see and be seen
What are some areas covered by the documented vehicle inspection?
Tires, such as tread and wear; Glass—any damage, and mechanical areas, such as the engine, transmission, steering, brakes, fluid levels, and status of the exterior of the vehicle for scratches, dents, or rust
reasons people give for not wearing their seat belts
They forget
They think the belt is uncomfortable
The belt wrinkles their clothes
Others
the most frequently cited reasons for not having a seat belt on are
“I was only going a short distance.”
“I forgot to wear it.”
single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and injury
seat bealts
seat belts reduce risk of crash injury by
50%
in 2010 seat belt use averaged
84%
most crash deaths occur within this distance of home
25 mi at speeds less than 40 mph
how many lives have seat belts saved from 2006 to 2010
69000
a car is traveling at 50 mph and hits a stationary object, the car will stop but the passengers will continue to travel at what speed
50 mph
you should never do this with your seat belt
put the shoulder behind your back or under your arm.
this allows police to pull you aver for not wearing your seat belt
primary enforcement law
allows police to ticket a motorist for not wearing seat belt only if the witness another traffic offense first
secondary enforcement law
safety belt usage with primary laws
88%
safety belt usage with secondary laws
75%
how often an American is injured in a car accident
every 14 seconds
how often is an American is killed in a car crash
every 12 minutes
estimated how many lives saved per year by safety belts
9500
reduced risk of fatal and moderate to critical injury in a front seat passenger by
45% and 50%
reduced risk of fatal and moderate to critical injury in a light truck by
60% and 65%
how many states in the seat belt law primary
11 in the inkling doc but 34 in real life.
how much higher is use of seat belts in primary law states than secondary law states
15%
what should you do before putting the vehicle in gear
adjust the side and rear view mirrors
aspect of a correctly loaded ladder
extension on passenger side
base section down
feet toward the rear
hooks in storage position and toward front
ladder should fit between bumpers never more than 2’ past the rear bumper
locking mechanisms engaged
all locks locked
What objects on the exterior of the vehicle must be secured?
Any ladders, drill bit compartment doors, and if equipped, the aerial lift should be returned to its proper location for driving.
how to react driving at night
Ensure low-beams are on; brake early before an intersection
how to react driving raound a curve
Stay to the right; drive slowly
how to react in inclement weather
Clean precipitation from vehicle; use low beam headlights
how to react driving in Heavily populated area
Keep a safe distance from people; take turns slowly; enter intersections with delay
how to react when driving Behind larger vehicles
Maintain safe following distance; use low beam headlights, if necessary.
How can I be seen while driving?
Turn on headlights during precipitation or dark; use turn signals; ensure brake lights are working; maintain a clean exterior vehicle (including removal of snow from vehicle)
what can help you avoid being boxed in and alerts you to other vehicles in you blind spots
scanning
how far ahead of you should you be scanning
12-15seconds or 1/4-1/2 mi highway 1-1 1/2 blocks city
how often should you scan your mirrors
every 5-8 seconds
what is essential when changing lanes or pulling out into traffic
the 90 degree head check
what scanning pattern should be used
front, rear, front, side
It’s important to develop good scanning habits when you’re driving so that
you can locate, identify, and react to hazards or problems early.
using the 12-15 sec eye lead time forces you to look where
top 1/3 of windshield, which prevents you from becoming fixated on vehicle in front of you
where should you start your 45 degree eye scan
farthest point out you can see
what to do whenever you’re going to change lanes, pull out into traffic, or check the side perimeters of your driving environment.
90 degree head check
how often to check instrument panel
about xevery 5 min
what is the safety perimeter
360 degree space cushion around your vehicle
space + visibility =
time
when one vehicle blocks the vision of the driver of another vehicle
billboarding
how to implement the 3-4 sec rule
time between when the vehicles bumper in front of you passes a stationary object until your vehicles bumper reaches that same object
how much time to add to 3-4 sec rule at night
2-3sec
how much time to add to 3-4 sec rule when raining
2-3 sec
how much time to add to 3-4 sec rule when in an unfamiliar vehicle
2-3 sec
how much time to add to 3-4 sec rule when icy or snowing
several seconds
group of vehicles bunched up traveling together
wolf pack
There are two items to check to help you change lanes more safely.
- Checking the mirrors
2. Checking for blind spots
blind spots of a truck
8’ in front 50’ in back
use these to help see your vehicles blind spots
convex or fish eye mirrors
things to do if you’re in the vehicle being passed
monitor your mirrors
pay attention
don’t squeeze driver out
communicate your intention
when does maximum braking efficiency occur
just before the wheels lock up
when does loss of control happen during braking
right after the brakes lock up
types of brakes
drums, disks and ABS
proper braking method for drum brakes
pump the brake pedal
proper braking method for disc brakes
squeeze the brake until you feel them lock up then let up and squeeze again. on/off squeezing motion
proper braking method for ABS
steady firm pressure, do not pump
if the GVWR doubles the braking distance
doubles
if the speed doubles the braking distance
quadruples
if the vehicle weight and speed both double the braking distance
increases 8 times
how much father does it take to stop on icy or wet roads
10 to 15 times
what happens to following distance if you are not having a good day mentally or physically
add 1 or 2 sec
having your foot hovering over the brake pedal in anticipation of applying brake
cover the brake
one of the most hazardous situations you encounter while driving
intersections
potential intersection hazards
pedestrians
bicyclist
emergency vehicles
variety of distractions
how should you approach an intersection especially if there is a stale green light
cover the brake
intersection scanning pattern
left ,front, right, back to left
what to be alert for at an intersection
side or cross street traffic pedestrians stale green light fast approaching cross traffic turning vehicles coming toward you
rolling through the intersection
approach intersection with foot off the accelerator and covering the brake
factors that might affect the “stop or go” decision
waiting cross traffic, pedestrians waiting to cross, fast approaching cross traffic, and possibility of changing conditions
scanning pattern when stopped or approaching an intersection.
look left, front, right, back to the left
things to look for when approaching an intersection
side/cross traffic, pedestrian traffic, stale green light, fast approaching cross traffic, turning cars coming toward you
normal legal stop how far from the pedestrian walk way are you
3 to 6 feet
two stopping positions
normal legal stop and staggered stop
where do you stop on a staggered stop
1 car length behind normal stop
reasons for staggered stop
compensate for wide right turns and short left turns.
reasons for the rear tire rule (10-12’ back)
ability to maneuver around vehicle in front if needed, don’t have to worry about vehicle rolling back into you on a hill, if you are hit from behind you should have enough room to not hit the vehicle in front of you.
what to do when proceeding after a red light to prevent accidents
3 second delayed start.
reasons for 3 second delayed start
helps imediatley establish 3 to 4 second follow, helps avoid hitting vehicle that starts and then stops unexpectedly, time to see if a vehicle is running the light, allows you to begin establishing your safety perimeter.
one of the most common causes of injuries related to improper driving
failure to yield right of way
never assume or demand this
the right of way
safer to make __ right turns than __ left
3 rights, 1 left
adverse weather conditions affecting driving
rain, snow, fog, high wind, night time
drivers actions that can cause skidding
driving to fast, heavy accelerations, sudden steering changes, hard braking
virtually all vehicle are uncontrollable when reaching this angle
17-20 degrees
once this start the driver has little to no control of the vehicle
hydroplaning
what to turn on in dense fog
flashers to alert other drivers of your position
after driving through deep water what should you test
your brakes they may pull to one side
how to dry brakes
put vehicle in low gear, drive slowly and apply brakes lightly.
two factors that affect your vehicles probability of skidding
friction and traction
resisting force between two surfaces sliding against each other
friction
ability of two surfaces to grip each other
traction
traction for a vehicle rolling on a dry flat road drops to
60%
things that drop traction
road surface, tire condition, tire construction
types of skids
front wheel, all wheel, rear wheel
angle between vehicle and trailer when chances of recovering or preventing jack knife skid become slim to none
15 degree
three factors that contribute to skids
spin out, hydroplaning, driver over correction
this occurs when you enter a curve to fast for the conditions and the tires don’t have enough traction to overcome the centrifugal force pushing the vehicle
spin out
frequently becomes a skid and too often a roll over
spin out
a wedge of water builds up and in front of the tire causing the tires to lose contact with the road.
hydroplaning
can result in a second skid that is faster and more violent than the first
driver overcorrection
best way to control skids
avoid them by driving defensively
causes of shoulder drift
momentary lapse in concentration, vehicle entering curve to fast, others causing the driver to take evasive action
three factors that determine your action and recovery
amount of drop off, shoulder conditions, tire size and type
average reaction time of individual recovering from shoulder drift
approximately 3/4 sec
time for the power steering system to change the directional flow of fluid
1/2 sec
total time on average to recover from shoulder drift
1 and 1/4 sec
three ways to back up
driver side backing, straight back, blind side backing
