CHAPTER 14 Driving in City Traffic This chapter

CHAPTER 14 Driving in City Traffic

�This chapter discusses the skills necessary to navigate driving situations in city traffic.

� What are some ways in which city traffic could be different from driving in other areas? � What can we use to reduce the risks presented by city traffic?

� 2 main reasons for city driving being more difficult are: Traffic Density 2. Issues with Time, Distance, and Speed 1.

�Recall of information �You will have 10 seconds to look at the next slide. �After the slide is shown you will be asked to recall the numbers from smallest to largest.

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�Please write down the numbers. �Did anyone get: �The 1 st set? � 1 st and 2 nd set? � 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd set? �All 4 sets? �Why was this difficult? �This time you will see four numbers. How many times does the number 4 appear?

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�How many times does the number 4 appear? �Is it easier to pick out specific items if you know what you are looking for?

� Identify �Be aware of aggressive drivers and distracted drivers � Predict �Possible points of conflict to gain time to respond � Decide �Change speed and communicate to create time and space � Execute �Carry out you decision in a smooth deliberate manner

� How far behind another vehicle should we be (in terms of time)? � How do you check your following distance? � 3 Second Rule

� What might be some situations in which you would need to increase your following distance to more than 3 seconds? �Beginning driver �Being tailgated �Approaching a LOS restriction �Any poor traction setting �Heavy load/vehicle �Driver ahead seems unsure �Following a motorcycle

� Define Tailgating. �Following someone too closely (less than a 3 second following distance) � Managing �Increase a tailgater your following distance to 4 sec. or more. �Move slightly to the right. �Signal early for turns and stops. �Change lanes or pull over and let them go by.

� How far ahead of your path of travel should you be looking? �½ - 1 block in heavy traffic in a city setting

� Search your target area to find traffic signals. � Red light �Slow � Green and prepare to stop. light �“Fresh” �“Stale” Cover the Brake � What else at the intersection could help you determine if the light is “stale” or not?

� Scan Sidewalk to sidewalk � Identify signs, signals, and roadway markings � Be aware of the roadway features and conditions � Identify the other users � Identify intersections and driveways so you know where traffic can come from

� Cover the brake � Look for drivers inside the car (through windows) � Pay attention to: �Tail lights �Presence of exhaust (cold weather) �Front wheel position � Be prepared to change lane position to the left � Video

� What should you do if an oncoming car enters your lane? How would you avoid a collision? �Slow Down �Steer Right �Honk horn �Flash Lights � Video Demo

� 4 simple questions: �Which one is the safest? �Am I going to keep going straight? �Am I going to turn left? �Am I going to turn right?

� What can help you identify if the cross street is one-way or two-way? �Parked cars �Lane markings �Traffic flow �Signs

� Always turn from the closest lane available to the turn into the first available lane in your direction.

� Treat same as if the crossed the center line. �Steer right �Slow down �Honk �Flash lights

Explain what are the two main factors that increase the difficulty of driving in urban settings. � Explain four ways to help you manage tailgaters. � Explain what to do to avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle in your lane. � Explain how far ahead should you be scanning in an urban setting. � Explain what can you do to help you avoid a possible hazard ahead of you on your side of the road. � List 3 of the 5 items you should be looking for when driving in an urban setting. � Explain how you select which lane you should be in when driving on a multiple lane road. � Explain which lane do you turn into when turning onto a cross street. �