1. Chapter 16 Speed Management
-Operating at the appropriate speed for all road conditions.
-Condition of road.
-Visibility.
-Traffic speed and flow.
-Perception distance.
-Reaction distance
-Brake lag distance.
-Braking distance.

2. Perception Distance
-Distance a vehicle travels from when you see the hazard to when your brain recognizes it.
-Alert driver is of a second.
-55mph a vehicle travels 60 feet in of a second.
3. Reaction Distance
-Time from when your brain tells you to hit the brake pedal to when you do it.
-Another 60 feet traveled.
4. Brake lag distance
-Take about second for the mechanical operation to take place.
Braking Distance
-Distance for vehicle to stop once brakes are applied.
-Affected by weight, length, speed and road conditions.
-At 55 mph, heavy vehicle travels 170 feet and takes about 7 seconds to stop.
5. Speed and Surface Conditions
-Traction is key
Rain
-Mixes with oils on the road.
-Layer of oil between tires and the road.
-Can last from few minutes to few hours.
-New pavement is more slippery than old.
-Heavy rain can cause a vehicle to hydroplane.
6. Speed and Surface Conditions
Snow
-Reduced traction, limited visibility.
-Reduce speed by at least in snowy conditions.
-Make sure you can safely stop and maneuver if needed.
7. Speed and Surface Conditions
Icy Roads
-Be alert for Black Ice.
-Appears to be wet when it is really icy.
-Check mirrors for ice.
-Drop speed by on icy roads.
-Bridges can freeze easily.
-Avoid any changes while driving on a icy bridge.
8. Speed and Road Shape
Curves
-Driving through a curve too fast can cause you to flip.
-Slow to at least 5mph below posted sign.
-Braking in a curve can be dangerous. You may lock your wheels and cause a skid.
-Never exceed posted limit.
9. Speed and Road Shape
Grades
-Gravity and vehicle weight play a part.
-Upgrade = vehicle works harder.
-Possibly shift to a lower gear.
-Downgrade = vehicle works with gravity, gains more speed.
-Use care in maintaining a safe speed.
10. Speed and Traffic Flow
-When traffic is heavy, safest speed is the speed of traffic.
-If unable to maintain safe following distance, slow down by 3-4 mph.
-Passing traffic increases chances of an accident.
11. Obeying Speed Limits
-Based on principles of good speed management.
-Reasons for not speeding are
Accidents
-More likely to happen at higher speeds.
-Higher speeds in accidents = high chance of fatalities.
12. Obeying the Speed Limit
Penalties
-Two or more convictions can disqualify you from diving a Commercial Motor Vehicle.
-Speeding convictions become part of your permanent record.
-Can be very costly.
-Tracked by insurance carrier.
13. Obeying the Speed Limit
Maintenance
-Tires and brakes wear out faster at higher speeds.
-Speed goes up, so does costs.
Fuel Economy
-Tractor trailers are not race cars.
-Adjusting your speed can positively affect you fuel economy.
-Its worth it to drive a little slower.