Changes in driving techniques Flashcards
Rising fuel costs
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has found the following specific effects in its analysis of the effects of rising fuel costs on how people drive.
Freeway motorists have adjusted to higher prices by making fewer trips and by driving more slowly. CBO analyzed data collected at a dozen metropolitan highway locations in California, along with data on gasoline prices in California, to identify changes in driving patterns. On weekdays in the study period, for every 50 cent increase in the price of gasoline, the number of freeway trips declined by about 0.7 percent in areas where rail transit is a nearby substitute for driving; transit ridership on the corresponding rail systems increased by a commensurate amount. Median speeds on uncongested freeways declined by about three-quarters of a mile per hour for every 50 cents the price of gasoline has increased since 2003.
After increasing steadily for more than 20 years, the market share of light trucks (including sport-utility vehicles and minivans), relative to all new passenger vehicles, began to decline in 2004. As a result, the average fuel economy of new vehicles has increased by more than half a mile per gallon since 2004 (because light trucks tend to be less fuel efficient than cars).
Used-vehicle prices have shifted, reflecting changing demand, particularly with respect to fuel economy: The average prices for larger, less-fuel-efficient models have declined over the past five years as average prices for the most-fuel-efficient automobiles have risen.
Decrease in Traffic fatalities
Traffic fatality rates have been declining year over year since 1966. Experts attribute this decline to a variety of reasons, including changes to cars – such as vehicle rollover protection – and programs to change driver behavior – such as campaigns addressing drunk driving, distracted driving and seat belt use. Laws aimed at young people also likely have had an impact, notably older minimum drinking ages and graduated driver licenses.
This fatality rate trend hit a low of 15.29 fatalities per 100,000 drivers in 2014 and has been slightly trending back up ever since. In 2016 and 2017, the fatality rates were 17.05 and 16.48 fatalities per 100,000 drivers respectively. Experts believe that this trend is due to the popularity of the use of mobile smart phones.
Sharrows
“Sharrows” (Shared roadway bicycle markings) are pavement markings which are designed to remind drivers that bicycling is allowed and encouraged in a travel lane when conditions warrant. When a “Sharrow” is present, vehicle drivers are reminded of laws regarding bicyclists:
Treat a sharrow lane the same as other traffic lanes.
Do not turn into the lane if there is a bicyclist in the bike lane.
Do not obstruct bicycle traffic by reducing the width required for safe bicycle passage, typically three to four feet.
When making a right turn within 200 feet of the corner/entrance only enter the bicycle lane after ensuring there is no bicycle traffic, and then make the turn. Do not drive in the bicycle lane at any other time.
When passing a bicycle, you must have maintain a distance of at least three feet between any part of the vehicle and any part of the bicycle or driver. When three feet is not possible, the motor vehicle must slow to a reasonable and prudent speed and only pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist. Failing to do so can incur a fine, regardless of a collision or not.
