Information Processing:Information Processing:

Moderate Risk Driving EnvironmentModerate Risk Driving Environment

Topic 1 --Topic 1 -- Processing InformationProcessing Information

Topic 2 --Topic 2 -- Intersections, Curves, and HillsIntersections, Curves, and Hills

Topic 3 --Topic 3 -- PassingPassing

Module Five TransparenciesModule Five Transparencies

VirginiaVirginia Department of Department of EducationEducation

Provided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor VehiclesProvided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

Processing InformationProcessing Information

T – 5.1

Topic 1 Lesson 1

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

Processing InformationProcessing Information

T – 5.2

Topic 1 Lesson 1

• SEARCHSEARCH for objects or for objects or conditions;conditions;

• EVALUTEEVALUTE the path ahead for the path ahead for alternate paths of travel; andalternate paths of travel; and

• EXECUTEEXECUTE any needed any needed adjustments in speed or adjustments in speed or position position in Timein Time

Visibility is critical to the Visibility is critical to the SEEiTSEEiT Space Management SystemSpace Management System

More detailed information on SEEiT system may be More detailed information on SEEiT system may be reviewed in Module 4.reviewed in Module 4.

The driver must:The driver must:

Field of VisionField of Vision

T – 5.3

Topic 1 Lesson 2

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

Search PracticesSearch PracticesTopic 1 Lesson 2Topic 1 Lesson 2

Where to searchWhere to search involves identifying involves identifying objects or conditions that increase your objects or conditions that increase your level of risk and adjusting your speed or level of risk and adjusting your speed or vehicle position in time to minimize vehicle position in time to minimize these risksthese risks..

When to searchWhen to search involves systematically involves systematically scanning the driving environment. The scanning the driving environment. The defensive driver constantly monitors the defensive driver constantly monitors the conditions around the vehicle, especially conditions around the vehicle, especially before initiating any maneuverbefore initiating any maneuver

How to searchHow to search involves looking in a involves looking in a pattern that goes from 20 – 30 seconds pattern that goes from 20 – 30 seconds ahead of the vehicle to the dashboard, as ahead of the vehicle to the dashboard, as well as to the left, right, and to the rear of well as to the left, right, and to the rear of the vehicle.the vehicle.

T – 5.4T – 5.4

SearchingSearching

Position of VehiclePosition of Vehicle

Speed of Vehicle Speed of Vehicle

T – 5.5

Topic 1 Lesson 2

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

Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual SearchesTopic 1 Lesson 2

T – 5.6

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.

Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual SearchesTopic 1 Lesson 2

T – 5.6a

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

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

• Direct Response Area

• Stopping Zone and Following Interval

T – 5.7

Topic 1 Lesson 2

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

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

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

Determining Following IntervalsDetermining Following Intervals

Two secondTwo second following intervalfollowing interval at speeds less than 35 mph

•allows the driver time to steer out of problem areas on dry surfaces

•designed for use if there is an alternate path of travel

T – 5.8

Topic 1 Lesson 2

Four second Four second following interval at speeds up to 65 mphfollowing interval at speeds up to 65 mph

•allows the driver time to steer out of problem areas on dry surfacesallows the driver time to steer out of problem areas on dry surfaces

•allows the driver time to stop before problem areas on dry surfacesallows the driver time to stop before problem areas on dry surfaces

Alternate Path of TravelAlternate Path of Travel

• Traffic ControlsTraffic Controls

• Motor VehiclesMotor Vehicles

• Non-Motorized UsersNon-Motorized Users

• RoadsRoads

Visual Search CategoriesVisual Search Categories

T – 5.9

Topic 1 Lesson 3

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

T – 5.10

Topic 1 Lesson 3

HighwayHighway

ConditionsConditions

Processing TRAFFIC CONTROL DevicesProcessing TRAFFIC CONTROL Devices

SignsSigns•Regulatory•Warning •Guide•RR

SignalsSignals

•Stop/Go

•Lane Usage

•Flashing

T – 5.11

Topic 1 Lesson 3

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

T – 5.12

Topic 1 Lesson 3

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

T – 5.13

Topic 1 Lesson 3

present special processing challengespresent special processing challenges

Animals

Positioning the VehiclePositioning the VehicleTopic 1 Lesson 4Topic 1 Lesson 4

T – 5.14T – 5.14

Vehicle Placement is Critical for Establishing Vehicle Placement is Critical for Establishing a Good Visual Fielda Good Visual Field

Controlling Space to the FrontControlling Space to the Front

Lane PositionLane Position

Staggered StopsStaggered Stops

Maintaining Space/Visibility to the FrontMaintaining Space/Visibility to the Front

T – 5.14a

Topic 1 Lesson 4

Three ways to control space in front of the vehicle:Three ways to control space in front of the vehicle:

1.1. Time your Arrival –Time your Arrival – adjust speed early to avoid adjust speed early to avoid unnecessary braking, stops, and to conserve fuelunnecessary braking, stops, and to conserve fuel

2. 2. Forward Placement at an Intersection –Forward Placement at an Intersection – maintain a maintain a position that allows you to monitor the intersectionposition that allows you to monitor the intersection

3. 3. Following Interval --Following Interval -- control space while in motion control space while in motion to establish a space cushion and open line of sight to establish a space cushion and open line of sight

Lane PositionLane Position

Create Space and Improve Visibility by Adjusting Create Space and Improve Visibility by Adjusting the Position of the Vehicle in the Lane the Position of the Vehicle in the Lane

Lane Positions – Lane Positions – 1, 2, 3, 4, and 51, 2, 3, 4, and 5

T – 5.15

Within Lane Within Lane PositionsPositions Straddle Lane PositionsStraddle Lane Positions

Topic 1 Lesson 4

LP 3

LP 2

LP 4

LP 5

LP 1

Staggered StopsStaggered Stops

StopStop your vehicleyour vehicle (RED car) (RED car) behind behind the white stop bar the white stop bar

SelectSelect Lane Lane Position 3 to Position 3 to give the truck give the truck as much space as much space as possible as possible

T – 5.16

Topic 1 Lesson 4

Improving Visibility and Creating Space Improving Visibility and Creating Space for a Truck Making a Left Turnfor a Truck Making a Left Turn

Intersection Search PatternsIntersection Search PatternsTopic 2 Lesson 1

T – 5.17

Step 1 (Search)

Step 2 (Evaluate)

Step 3 (Execute)

Intersection Approach:Intersection Approach:

Identify intersection Identify controlsCheck rear areas Search for intersection problems

Scan path of travel 1stScan all other areas Look for closed or changing

frontal areas

Adjust speedMaintain lane positionStop behind crosswalk, orProceed through open space area

iin n TTimeime

Understanding Lane MarkingsUnderstanding Lane Markings

Shared Left Turn LaneShared Left Turn Lane Reversible LanesReversible Lanes

T – 5.18

Topic 2 Lesson 1

Special Lane MarkingsTopic 2 Lesson 1Topic 2 Lesson 1

T – 5.18aT – 5.18a

Shared Left Turn LaneShared Left Turn Lane

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

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

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

Reversible LanesReversible Lanes

Traffic in these lanes moves in Traffic in these lanes moves in one direction during certain one direction during certain periods of the day and in the periods of the day and in the opposite direction during opposite direction during other times of the day.other times of the day.

Often found in areas with a Often found in areas with a large volume of traffic coming large volume of traffic coming in a city during the morning in a city during the morning hours and going out during hours and going out during the afternoon hours.the afternoon hours.

Limited Line of Sight Through CurvesLimited Line of Sight Through Curves

T – 5.19

Topic 2 Lesson 2

LOS/POT CurvesLOS/POT Curves

T – 5.20

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Entering a Curve to the Right• Determine Line of Sight / Path of Travel• LP2 provides the best visibility• Check traffic to the rear

Path of Travel

Line of Sight

Begin in Lane Position 2

Lane Position 3 Apex Point

Exiting the Curve• Adjust speed and

position for best visibility and space cushion

Moving Through the Curve• Determine target area• LP3 provides best space

cushion

Exit in Lane Position 1

LOS/POT Curves

T – 5.21

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Begin in Lane Position 3

Lane Position 2 Apex Point

Exit in Lane

Position 1 Path of Travel

Line of Sight

Entering a Curve to the LeftEntering a Curve to the Left•Determine Line of Sight/Path of TravelDetermine Line of Sight/Path of Travel•LP 3 provides the best visibilityLP 3 provides the best visibility•Check traffic to the rearCheck traffic to the rear

Moving Through the CurveMoving Through the Curve•Determine target areaDetermine target area•Determine ApexDetermine Apex

Exiting the Curve Exiting the Curve Adjust speed and Adjust speed and position for best position for best visibility and space visibility and space cushioncushion

Line of Sight Over HillLine of Sight Over Hill

Determine the Best Determine the Best Line of Sight and Line of Sight and Path of TravelPath of Travel

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

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

T – 5.22

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space Needs

T – 5.23

Topic 3 Lesson 1

To pass another vehicle safely To pass another vehicle safely you must:you must:

• identify a safe and legal passing identify a safe and legal passing zone;zone;

• judge the time and space needed to judge the time and space needed to pass;pass;

• judge the relative speed and judge the relative speed and distance of other vehicles; anddistance of other vehicles; and

• apply proper passing skills and apply proper passing skills and complete the maneuver safely.complete the maneuver safely.

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

Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space NeedsTopic 3 Lesson 1

T – 5.23a

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

T – 5.24

Topic 3 Lesson 1

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

Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space NeedsTopic 3 Lesson 1

T – 5.24a

To estimate the time and distance of an oncoming vehicle, begin counting when the vehicle is first seen: 1000 and 1; 1000 and 2; etc. Continue the count until the approaching vehicle is opposite your vehicle.

Practicing this technique will help you develop the ability to judge speed and distance.

1000 and 20

COUNT ---COUNT --- 1000 and 1 = 1 second 1000 and 1 = 1 second

1000 and 2 1000 and 1

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

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 VehiclesTopic 3 Lesson 1

T –5.24 bT –5.24 b

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

T – 5.25

Topic 3 Lesson 1

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

T – 5.26

Topic 3 Lesson 1

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.

§ 46.2-838 — Passing when overtaking a vehicle§ 46.2-838 — Passing when overtaking a vehicleThe driver of any vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two feet to the left of the overtaken vehicle and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle.

In approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle or moped, the driver of a motor vehicle shall pass at a safe distance and at a reasonable speed.

§ 46.2-841 — When overtaking vehicle may pass on right§ 46.2-841 — When overtaking vehicle may pass on right

§ 46.2-839 — Passing bicycle or moped§ 46.2-839 — Passing bicycle or moped

A. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only:1. When the overtaken vehicle is making or about to make a left turn, and its driver has given the required

signal2. On a highway with unobstructed pavement, not occupied by parked vehicles, of sufficient width for two

or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; or3. On a one-way street or on any one-way roadway when the roadway is free from obstructions and of

sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.

B. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Except where driving on paved shoulders is permitted by lawfully placed signs, no such movement shall be made by driving on the shoulder of the highway or off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway

T – 5.27

Virginia LawVirginia LawTopic 3 Lesson 1

§ 46.2-842 — Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle§ 46.2-842 — Driver to give way to overtaking vehicleExcept when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. Any over-width, or slow-moving vehicle shall be removed from the roadway at the nearest suitable location when necessary to allow traffic to pass.