Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn't mean not paying attention to things that are closer. Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.
Black ice is a thin layer that is clear enough that you can see the road underneath. It makes the road look wet. When the temperature is below freezing and the road looks wet, watch for black ice.
While federal and state laws require drivers to inspect their vehicles before every trip, safety is THE MOST important reason to inspect your vehicle. Inspecting your vehicle for defects can prevent breakdowns and crashes.
Never remove the radiator cap or any part of the pressurized system until the system has cooled. Steam and boiling water can spray under pressure and cause severe burns. If you can touch the radiator cap with your bare hand, it is probably cool enough to open.
When you double your speed, it takes four times as much distance to stop your vehicle; your vehicle will have four times the destructive power in a crash.
Other drivers can't know what you are going to do until you tell them. Signaling what you intend to do is important for safety.
Fatigued or drowsy driving is one of the leading causes of traffic collisions. If you notice any signs of fatigue, stop driving and go to sleep for the night or take a short nap. Even a 15-20 minute nap can benefit you greatly and takes little away from your driving day.
Do not try to downshift after your speed has already built up. You will not be able to shift into a lower gear. You may not even be able to get back into any gear and all engine braking effect will be lost.
If you must stop on or by a one-way or divided highway, place warning devices 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet toward the approaching traffic.
Your vehicle must be equipped with the following emergency equipment:properly charged and securely mounted fire extinguisher; spare electrical fuses; three reflective triangles as warning devices for parked vehicles.
Most good drivers look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead. That means looking ahead the distance you will travel in 12 to 15 seconds. Looking 12 to 15 seconds ahead doesn't mean not paying attention to things that are closer. Good drivers shift their attention back and forth, near and far.
Spindle, tie rod and drag link are all essential parts of the steering system and need to be inspected for cracks, bends, non-factory welds, missing castle nuts/cotter puns and proper lubrication.
If you are driving a truck or bus that cannot make the right turn without swinging into another lane, turn wide as you complete the turn. Don't turn wide to the left as you start the turn. If you must cross into the oncoming lane to make a turn, watch out for vehicles coming toward you.
Use your low beam headlights at dawn and dusk. Use your low beam headlights in fog, rain or snow so other drivers will see you. Use your high beams only when it is safe and legal, as they can blind other drivers.
A hazard is anyone or anything that can cause an unsafe condition. The best drivers are defensive and prepared for hazards.
Back to the driver's side so that you can see better. Backing toward the right side is very dangerous because you can't see as well. If you back and turn toward the driver's side, you can watch the rear of your vehicle by looking out the side window.
For manual transmission, partly engage the clutch before you take your right foot off the brake, or put the parking brake on whenever necessary to keep you from rolling back. On a tractor-trailer equipped with a trailer brake hand valve, the hand valve can be applied to keep from rolling back.
Three things add up to total stopping distance. Perception distance + Reaction distance + Braking distance = Total stopping distance.
If your drive wheels have poor traction, the retarder may cause them to skid. Always turn off the retarder when the road is wet, icy or covered with snow, especially if the unit is empty or lightly loaded.
There are two special conditions where you should downshift: before starting down a hill – to prevent brakes from overheating, and before entering a curve – to gain better traction and stability through the curve.
