Mod 5

Processing Information

Intersections

Curves & Hills

Passing

Processing InformationProcessing Information

Basic Requirements for DrivingBasic Requirements for Driving

VISIBILITY... SPACE... TIME... SPACE... TRACTIONVISIBILITY... SPACE... TIME... SPACE... TRACTION

DRIVER REQUIREMENTS

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS

TO MANEUVER TO MANEUVER SAFELYSAFELY

DriversDrivers need visibility, need visibility, space, and timespace, and time

ANDAND

VehiclesVehicles require time, require time, space, and traction space, and traction

Good searching technique…

• How, When, Where & What to search for

Field of VisionField of Vision

**90 percent of driving decisions are based **90 percent of driving decisions are based on information gathered with the eyes.on information gathered with the eyes.

Area a Driver Can See While Looking Straight AheadArea a Driver Can See While Looking Straight Ahead

Peripheral Peripheral VisionVision

Central VisionCentral Vision

Focus VisionFocus Vision

Motion & Color Motion & Color ChangesChanges

TargetingTargeting

(Reading Signs)(Reading Signs)

Viewing Path of TravelViewing Path of Travel

SearchingSearching

Position of VehiclePosition of Vehicle

Speed of Vehicle Speed of Vehicle

Looking for Clues from Other DriversLooking for Clues from Other Drivers

Actions of the DriverActions of the Driver

DistractionsDistractions

•Cell PhoneCell Phone

•PassengersPassengers

LostLost

ImpairedImpaired

Vehicle SignalsVehicle Signals

•TurningTurning

•BackingBacking

•Hazard LightsHazard Lights

•Hand SignalsHand Signals

HeadlightsHeadlights

HornHorn

Brake LightsBrake Lights

The brain must be programmed as to what to look for, identifying potential hazards.

Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual Searches

4- to 8-Second Search Area4- to 8-Second Search Area• Immediate Path of Travel

• Direct Response Area

• Stopping Zone and Following Interval

20- to 20- to 30-sec.30-sec.

12- to 12- to 15-sec.15-sec.

4- to 4- to 8-sec.8-sec.

1-2 Seconds is INADEQUATE!

Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual Searches

Search for Closed or Changing Path of Travel

Identify an Alternate Path of Travel or a Safe Stopping Zone

Evaluate Open Zones to the Sides and Rear

12- to 15-Second Search Area12- to 15-Second Search Area

20- to 20- to 30-sec.30-sec.

12- to 12- to 15-sec.15-sec. 4- to 8-4- to 8-

sec.sec.

Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual Searches

Search far ahead to identify potential conflictsSearch far ahead to identify potential conflicts• Objects in Path of Travel

• Limitations to Line of Sight

20- to 30-Second Search Area20- to 30-Second Search Area

Target Target AreaArea

20- to 20- to 30-sec.30-sec. 12- to 12- to

15-sec.15-sec.4- to 8-4- to 8-

sec.sec.

IntersectionsIntersections

Processing Highway ConditionsProcessing Highway Conditions

Roadway Roadway StructureStructure•Width•Curbing•Curves•Slopes

Roadway Roadway SurfaceSurface•Roughness•Slick•Wet Leaves•Mud•Sand

Roadway FeaturesRoadway Features

•Shoulders

•Affixed Objects

•Adjacent Buildings

AtmosphereAtmosphere

•Illumination

•Glare

•Precipitation

•Wind/Noise

HighwayHighway

ConditionsConditions

Processing TRAFFIC CONTROL DevicesProcessing TRAFFIC CONTROL Devices

SignsSigns•Regulatory•Warning •Guide•RR

SignalsSignals

•Stop/Go

•Lane Usage

•Flashing

InterchangesInterchanges

Roadway Roadway MarkingsMarkings•Passing•Traffic Flow•Crosswalks

Unmarked Unmarked IntersectionsIntersections

Sensory Sensory Input to the Input to the BrainBrain

Motor VehiclesMotor Vehicles

Road Handling Road Handling CharacteristicsCharacteristics

TypeType•AutomobileAutomobile

•SUVSUV

•CamperCamper

•Pick-upPick-up

•Motor HomeMotor Home

•MotorcycleMotorcycle

•Farm MachinesFarm Machines

•Tractor-TrailerTractor-Trailer

Drivers must Drivers must understand the understand the handling handling characteristics of characteristics of other motor vehicles other motor vehicles sharing the roadway.sharing the roadway.

Non-MotorizedNon-Motorized Users… Users…

• KIND AND SIZE

• NUMBERS

• AGE OF RIDER

• ACTIVITY

• RIDER ABILITY

In-Line Skates,Skateboards

Pedestrians

Bicycles

present special processing challengespresent special processing challenges

Animals

IntersectionsIntersections

Check left & right for traffic & pedestrians.

Check ahead for oncoming traffic turning left.

Count to 3 to allow other vehicles to clear.

Crossing a two lane road takes about 6 sec.

Gaps in trafficGaps in traffic

If a vehicle is approaching at 30 MPH (45 FPS), you will need a gap of 270 FT to safely cross the intersection.

If a vehicle is approaching at 50 MPH (75 FPS), you will need a gap of 450 FT to safely cross the intersection

Understanding Lane MarkingsUnderstanding Lane Markings

Shared Left Turn LaneShared Left Turn Lane

Shared Left Turn LaneShared Left Turn Lane

Drivers traveling in either Drivers traveling in either direction may use this lane for direction may use this lane for making left turns.making left turns.

Drivers may not travel further Drivers may not travel further than 150 feet in this shared than 150 feet in this shared lane.lane.

Driver may use the shared left Driver may use the shared left turn lane to enter a street from turn lane to enter a street from a driveway.a driveway.

Always turn from the lane that you are in to the lane that corresponds to that lane.

Inside to inside

Outside to outside

What’s wrong with this picture?

Limited Line of Sight Through CurvesLimited Line of Sight Through Curves

Line of Sight Over HillLine of Sight Over Hill

Line of Sight is Line of Sight is Restricted Up and Restricted Up and Down Down

Car drifting over Car drifting over the center line, the center line, lane blockedlane blocked

Lane position 3 Lane position 3 provides the best provides the best space cushion space cushion

No escape routesNo escape routes

Apex

Always slow down before the curve!

Begin accelerating at the APEX, which will help bring car out of the curve

Must know what is behind you in case you must brake unexpectedly

Curves & Hills

Identifying a Safe and Legal Passing ZoneIdentifying a Safe and Legal Passing Zone

Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space Needs

2. the timetime you will need to pass safely3.3. thethe space space you will need to safely pass the other vehicle

Before you pass, you must Before you pass, you must determine:determine:

TRAVEL TIME = SPACE

Formula – Speed + ½ speed = feet per second (fps) traveled

60 mph -- 60 + 30 = 90 fps

1.1. if you are in a legal passing zoneif you are in a legal passing zone

• broken line = pass with cautionbroken line = pass with caution

• solid line = no passingsolid line = no passing

• list other areas where passing list other areas where passing is prohibitedis prohibited

Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space Needs

2 Second Space 60 fps X 2 = 120 ft.

Total distance traveled: 13 sec. X 60 fps. = 780 ft.

2 sec. following distance = 120 ft.1 car length = 15 ft.1 sec. gap = 60 ftTotal additional distance traveled = 195 ft.Time needed to pass:195 ft. /15 ft. = 13 sec.Total distance traveled:13 sec. X 60 fps. = 780 ft.

Distance traveled = speed + ½ speed in feet per second

Time to pass = distance traveled to complete pass, divided by difference in distance traveled per second by each vehicle

RED car traveling 40 mph = 60 fps (40 mph X 1.5 fps = 60 fps)

BLUE car traveling 30 mph = 45 fps(30 mph X 1.5 fps = 45 fps)

60 ft - 45 ft = 15 ft. Red car is traveling 15 fps faster than Blue car

Judging Time and Space Needed to Pass SafelyJudging Time and Space Needed to Pass Safely

1 car length = 15 feet

1 Second Space

60 fps x 1 = 60 ft

13 seconds / 780 ft. 13 seconds / 780 ft.

SpaceCushion

200 ft

TOTAL distance required to pass safely is 1760 ft (30 seconds).

To complete a pass safely you must take ALL factors into accountTo complete a pass safely you must take ALL factors into account

Judging the Relative Speed and Distance of Oncoming VehiclesJudging the Relative Speed and Distance of Oncoming Vehicles

Passing Time/Space Needs —Passing Time/Space Needs — Oncoming VehiclesOncoming Vehicles

The example below is based on the approaching vehicle The example below is based on the approaching vehicle traveling at 40 mph.traveling at 40 mph.

Red Red vehicle will need 780 feet to complete the passvehicle will need 780 feet to complete the pass

Brown Brown vehicle will travel 780 feetvehicle will travel 780 feet

Allows a minimum 200 ft. space cushionAllows a minimum 200 ft. space cushion

Passing Considerations — Passing Considerations — Larger VehiclesLarger Vehicles

Passing a 90-foot tractor trailerPassing a 90-foot tractor trailer

• Would require an additional 5 seconds Would require an additional 5 seconds for the for the Red Red vehiclevehicle

90-foot truck + 15-foot car = 75 feet additional 90-foot truck + 15-foot car = 75 feet additional distance traveled = 5 seconds distance traveled = 5 seconds

• 18 seconds x 60 fps = 1080 feet 18 seconds x 60 fps = 1080 feet needed by needed by RedRed vehicle vehicle

If there is an oncoming vehicleIf there is an oncoming vehicle traveling 40 mph, the total clear traveling 40 mph, the total clear distance needed to pass safely distance needed to pass safely

becomes 1360 feet (23 seconds)becomes 1360 feet (23 seconds)1080 + 1080 + 200 (space cushion)1080 + 1080 + 200 (space cushion)

Daylight Daylight Headlight UseHeadlight Use

Enhances SafetyEnhances Safety

• an approaching vehicle without headlights becomes visible at about 2,200 to 2,500 feet

• an approaching vehicle with headlights becomes visible at distances up to 4500 feet

Passing on Multi-lane Roadways

• safer than on two lane roadways

• head-on crashes are rare

• will not feel rushed into returning to the lane

• can safely pass larger vehicles that require more time and space to pass

Passing ProceduresPassing Procedures

2 – 3 Seconds

Prepare to Pass:Prepare to Pass:

• Position vehicle two to three seconds behind the vehicle to be passed.

• Check mirrors, blind spot and oncoming traffic.

• Check ahead for safe passing distance.

• Signal intention.

Overtake the Ongoing Overtake the Ongoing Vehicle:Vehicle:

• Accelerate into passing lane.

• Accelerate quickly to a legal appropriate speed.

• Monitor the path ahead.

• Check the mirror for following vehicles.

Return to Lane:Return to Lane:

• Check rear-view mirror for the front of the vehicle being passed.

• Signal intention.

• Change lanes and maintain speed.

• Cancel turn signal.

5 Places Passing is NOT Permitted

1.Hills

2.Curves

3.RR crossings

4.Intersections

5.Solid yellow lines

Daytime Running Lights

They increase the chance of others seeing you—making your car more visible

Safe to return to your lane after a pass?

When you can see the other vehicles headlights or grill in your rear view mirror.