Roadcraft Flashcards
What does the systems give you? (Page 25)
Time to react to hazards.
Driving hazards (page 26)
Driving hazards fluctuate the system takes into account of this continual flux as:-
- it has a centrally flexible element- you the driver.
- it draws together all levels of driving competence into a logical sequence of action to help you deal with hazards and respond to new ones safely and efficiently.
Planning (page 48)
Plan driving action:-
- anticipate hazards
- priorities
- decide what to do
Purpose of a plan :-
Correct
- position
- speed
- gear
- time
Planning 1-5 (page 49)
- Observe
- Anticipate
- Prioritise
- Decide what to do
- Act
Practical stress to combat tiredness (page 64)
- Adjust seat
- Ventilation / air con
- Take regular breaks once every two hours - for 15min.
- Caffeine drinks - 15min to take effect and wears off over time. Several drinks over time each drink will have less effect.
- Long journey more rest breaks but each successive break will give less recovery than the one before.
- Physical exercise- brisk 10min walk
Drivers over 45 (page 65)
Drivers over 45 are at more risk of and recover less quickly from tiredness. To to manage problem as will affect your driving.
Night driving - you (page 68)
You
As light fades, less contrast, colour fades edges become indistinct. Body wants to slow down more likely to get tired.
Night driving puts strain on your eyes even slight eyesight regularity can cause stress and tiredness.
If you find you are unexpectedly tired from driving especially at night get your eyes tested.
Dazzel (page 70)
Headlight shining directly into your eyes may dazzle you.
This can happen on sharp right bends and steep inclines and when the lights of oncoming traffic vehicles are undipped or badly adjusted. The intensity of the light bleaches the retinas of your eyes so that you can see nothing for some moments.
To avoid dazzle, look towards the near edge of the road. This enables you to keep your road position but doesn’t tell you what is happening in the road ahead, so reduce your speed. If you are dazzled, slow down or stop if necessary until you can see properly again.
Rapid progress (page 99)
For rapid progress - accelerate up to the engine’s peak performance point and then change to a higher gear. Bear in mind the manufacturer’s peak engine performance recommendations for your vehicle this may differ from the maximum revs obtainable from the engine. Do not take revs into the red.
Engine breaking (page 104)
Releasing the accelerator - engine breaking.
When you release the accelerator the engine slows.
Engine compression slows the wheels.
Causes engine to act as a break, reducing speed smoothly and gradually without wear to the vehicle.
The loss of road speed is greater when you ease off the accelerator in a low gear. This applies equally to automatic gearboxes.
Releasing the accelerator on a larger vehicle fitted with a retarder will activate the retarder. This will apply additional braking power.
Engine breaking allows you to lose speed in conditions where normal braking might lock the wheels - for example, on slippery roads. It is also useful on long descents in hilly country.
In normal driving, engine breaking can only be used to produce gradual variations in speed.
Braking (page 107) You need to be aware of:-
- the breaking capabilities of your own vehicle
- the type and condition of the road surface - in slippery or wet conditions, braking distances increase greatly.
- the effects of cornering, braking and vehicle balance on tyre grip.
In narrow and single track lanes allow twice the overall stopping distance that you can see to be clear to allow room for any oncoming vehicles to break too.
How to holding the steering wheel (page 113)
- hold palm on rim with extended thumbs - thumb nails towards you.
- hold wheel lightly but be ready to tighten your grip if necessary.
- keep both hands on wheel while driving unless operating a control.
- Make small smooth and gradual changes in direction.
- don’t pass the twelve o’clock position.
- for larger turns use push and pull method.
Avoiding skidding (page 131)
Avoiding a skid by driving safely is far better than having to correct one.
Know limitations.
Isnt poor road or weather conditions but the driver.
Skidding is caused by excessive speed coarse steering, harsh acceleration or excessive sudden breaking.
Minimise risk by driving slowly and using observation, anticipation and planning.
Anticipate and plan - adjust your driving to the road conditions (page 133)
Use your observations skills - watch out for and assess poor weather and road conditions accurately and adjust your speed accordingly:
- Leave plenty of room for manoeuvre, reduce speed and increase the distance you allow for stopping to match the road conditions - on a slippery surface a vehicle can take many times the normal distance to stop.
- Use lower revs in slippery conditions to avoid wheel spin, especially when moving off. Use a higher gear when travelling at low speeds.
- On a slippery surface aim to break, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible so that you don’t break the tyre grip.
- Use the principles of cornering to negotiate corners carefully in slippery conditions.
Key principles for safe cornering (page 167)
- Make sure that your vehicle is in the correct position on the approach.
- Travel at the correct speed for the corner or bend.
- Select the correct gear for that speed.
- Use the accelerator to maintain a constant speed through the bend.
- Be able to stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road.
