Mod 8Mod 8

Adverse ConditionsExtreme Weather ConditionsProtecting OccupantsRoadway & Vehicle TechnologyTraction Loss Concerns

Headlight Alignment and SpeedHeadlight Alignment and Speed

Properly aligned Properly aligned LOW BEAMLOW BEAM headlights headlights

lighted area above road

300 to 500 feet

illuminated roadway

100 to 150 feet

The Code of Virginia requiresThe Code of Virginia requires that you use your headlights from sunset to sunrise and during inclement weather, such as rain, fog, snow, or when you use your windshield wipers. At twilight, when the sun light begins to fade, turn your headlights ON. This will make your vehicle more visible to others.

beam hits roadway 100 to 150 feet ahead illuminates area above road 300 to 500 feet ahead load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect light beam distancea maximum safe speed of 40 to 45 mph is based on your ability to

stop within the lighted area

Headlight Alignment and SpeedHeadlight Alignment and SpeedOverdrivingOverdriving your headlights your headlights

Your vehicle’s stopping distance is greater than the distance lighted by your headlights.

To determine if you are overdriving your headlights, select an object the moment the headlights pick it up, and count off six seconds.

The posted speed limits are calculated for daylight driving and are often too fast for nighttime conditions.

Dirty headlights and improper headlight alignment will add to this traffic safety problem.

Fixed Object1000 and 1

1 second1000 and 66 second

1000 and 66 second

Speed is Safe

Speed is too FAST

If the object is still ahead of your vehicle, you are driving at a safe speed.

If you have passed it, you are driving too fast.

Other driver with high beams onOther driver with high beams on::

• Where do we look?

• Down and to the right edge of the roadway making brief glances forward

Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)

BGE LEFT SIDE MIRROR VIEW

BGE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR VIEW

REAR MIRROR VIEW

Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)

Adjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outward Adjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outward (BGE) helps to reflect light away from the driver(BGE) helps to reflect light away from the driver

•Peripheral Vision Area

Peripheral Vision Area

Alleviate glare in the rear view mirror Alleviate glare in the rear view mirror at night?at night?

Flip the day/night lever on the bottom of the rear view mirror

Tilts mirror 15 degrees

Visibility Limitations in FogVisibility Limitations in Fog

Reduce speedReduce speedMake sure your headlights are on Make sure your headlights are on low beamlow beam (aimed at the road surface) to reduce the (aimed at the road surface) to reduce the amount of light/glare reflected back at youamount of light/glare reflected back at youTurn on your windshield wipersTurn on your windshield wipersIf necessary, turn on the defroster or air If necessary, turn on the defroster or air conditioner (that conditioner (that dehumidifies the airdehumidifies the air))

Driving in Driving in Drifting FogDrifting Fog

Visibility Limitations in FogVisibility Limitations in Fog

Reduce speed, but NEVER stop in a Reduce speed, but NEVER stop in a travel lanetravel lane

Turn on emergency flashersTurn on emergency flashers Look for an exit from the highwayLook for an exit from the highway

stop beyond end of guard railback up to outboard of the

guard rail turn off all lightswait for the fog to lift

Driving inDriving in Heavy Fog Heavy Fog

If impossible to leave highway

Strong winds will cause:

• Buffeting

• Can cause total loss of control

What should you do?What should you do?

Clean ALL of the snow off the vehicle!

Turn on windshield wipers Turn on windshield wipers

Be alert for vehicles stopped on the roadwayBe alert for vehicles stopped on the roadway

Be prepared for effects of gusting or strong steady crosswindsBe prepared for effects of gusting or strong steady crosswinds

Make all steering, accelerating, and braking actions gently and Make all steering, accelerating, and braking actions gently and

smoothlysmoothly

Precautions in Bad WeatherPrecautions in Bad Weather

Precautions in Bad WeatherPrecautions in Bad Weather

In severe snow conditions, look for exit from highway and turn on In severe snow conditions, look for exit from highway and turn on

the radio for a weather report the radio for a weather report

If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the outboard end of If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the outboard end of

guard rail guard rail

Use cell phone to check conditionsUse cell phone to check conditions

Smoke, ice, fog, and snow often Smoke, ice, fog, and snow often

require use of windshield washerrequire use of windshield washer

Low Water CrossingsLow Water Crossings

Slow down, try to learn Slow down, try to learn depth & cross in the depth & cross in the middle (shallowest)middle (shallowest)

Nearly 50% of flash Nearly 50% of flash flood fatalities are flood fatalities are vehicle related vehicle related

Most vehicles will float Most vehicles will float in 2 feet of waterin 2 feet of water

Very little water on the Very little water on the road surface can road surface can cause loss of controlcause loss of control

HydroplaningHydroplaning

• Water builds between the tires & the road

• Total loss of traction

• No control

• Will take off like a plane!

How can you determine water depth?How can you determine water depth?

1) Fire hydrants

2) Road signs

3) Fences

4) Cars

5) Buildings

How do youHow do youdry the brakes?dry the brakes?

• Keep slight pressure on the accelerator & the brake at the same time.

• Creates friction or heat

Minimize glareMinimize glare

• Clean windshield

• Wear sunglasses

Dusty or sandy areas?Dusty or sandy areas?

• Change oil• Oil filter • Air filter

Underinflation?Underinflation?

• Risk of a blowout

• Bad handling

Tips for snow & iceTips for snow & ice

1. Accel gently

2. Extra room to stop

3. Slow down

4. Big follow distance

5. Stay in tire tracks

6. NO cruise control

Wind?Wind?

• Headwind – accelerate to maintain speed

• Tailwind – Brake to maintain speed

Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for Adults

Your number one defense to prevent severe Your number one defense to prevent severe injuries is to wear your safety belt.injuries is to wear your safety belt.

• Adjust the seat, place your lower back firmly against the Adjust the seat, place your lower back firmly against the seat and sit up straight.seat and sit up straight.

• If your vehicle is equipped with an adjustable center post If your vehicle is equipped with an adjustable center post mounting for shoulder belt height, adjust it to the proper mounting for shoulder belt height, adjust it to the proper height setting so the belt does not rub against your neck.height setting so the belt does not rub against your neck.

• The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across The shoulder belt should go over the shoulder and across the chest and rest against the bodythe chest and rest against the body. If a crash occurs and a person has not taken the slack out of the shoulder belt, the extra forward movement of the body will increase the chance of injury.

• The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the The lap part of the belt should be worn low and snug on the hips, barely touching the thighs. hips, barely touching the thighs. If a crash were to occur, the force would then be applied to the strong pelvic bones and not the abdomen, reducing the chance of serious internal injuries.

• Check frequently for snug fit across the sternum & hips (bones)!

Wear Lap BeltWear Lap Belt low and snug across hips (pelvis) to low and snug across hips (pelvis) to avoid unnecessary internal injuriesavoid unnecessary internal injuries

Adjusting Belts for Proper FitAdjusting Belts for Proper Fit

Wear Shoulder BeltWear Shoulder Belt over collar bone and chest over collar bone and chest (sternum) to avoid (sternum) to avoid

shoulder shoulder dislocation and rib dislocation and rib cage cage damagedamage

Seat belts should be worn over the strongest skeletal bones

If you are traveling 65 MPHIf you are traveling 65 MPH

Your body is moving at 65 MPH

Car hits tree & stops immediately, your body is still moving…

65 MPH

What stops it if no seatbelt? Wheel, tree

Safety Restraints for YouthSafety Restraints for Youth

Belt and Seat Restraint UseBelt and Seat Restraint Use

Safest if seated in back center seat Infant seats/rear facing/birth to 20 lbs. Use child seats up to 40 lbs. Use booster seats up to 60 lbs. & at

least 8 years old.

Infant Car Bed

Rear Facing Infant Seat

Forward Facing Child Restraints

Booster Seats

Adjustable

Shoulder-Belt Mount

Head Restraint (middle of head)

Air Bag

Crash Sensors

Gases Vent Opening

Occupant ProtectionOccupant Protection

Air bags work with seatbelts, not in place of them!Air bags work with seatbelts, not in place of them!

Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for Adults

Air Bag in Steering WheelAir Bag in Steering Wheel

• Raise seat or adjust steering wheel to Raise seat or adjust steering wheel to direct air bag toward chestdirect air bag toward chest and not at and not at the facial areathe facial area

• Adjust seat for a minimum Adjust seat for a minimum 10-inch 10-inch clearance between chest and steeringclearance between chest and steering wheelwheel

• Hand position should be at Hand position should be at 8 and 48 and 4

• Avoid 10 and 2 hand position to prevent Avoid 10 and 2 hand position to prevent blow hole burns to hands and armsblow hole burns to hands and arms

10 inches

Safety Restraints for AdultsSafety Restraints for Adults

No passenger under 12 years ofNo passenger under 12 years ofage should sit in the front seatage should sit in the front seat

Protect driver or passengers from Protect driver or passengers from sustaining severe head and chest injuriessustaining severe head and chest injuries

The speed of bag inflation is critical to The speed of bag inflation is critical to prevent body contact with the steering prevent body contact with the steering wheelwheel

Air Bags in Dash or Steering WheelAir Bags in Dash or Steering Wheel

The air bag inflates in the blink of an eye, at speeds as high as 200 miles per

hour.

Types of Belt-Locking SystemsTypes of Belt-Locking Systems

Normal ConditionsNormal Conditions

Seat Belt Seat Belt

Ratchet Mechanism

Ratchet MechanismPendulum

Pendulum

BarBar

Sudden Car MovementSudden Car Movement

Emergency ConditionsEmergency Conditions

Secondary collision?Secondary collision?

• Bodies in a vehicle collide with the interior of the vehicle

• Wheel, windows, dash, floor board

Movement of Belted OccupantMovement of Belted Occupant

Head = 1.9 ft.Head = 1.9 ft.

Chest = 1.3 ft.Chest = 1.3 ft.

Pelvis = 1.2 ft.Pelvis = 1.2 ft.

31 MPH Crash31 MPH Crash

ResponsesResponsesLow speeds – most fatal crashes occur at

less than 45 MPH (125 lbs @ 30MPH = force of 3750)

Thrown clear – must remain in seat

Short tips – most fatal crashes within 25 miles of home. Most crashes within 5!

Rumble strips

Occupant Protection Highway Occupant Protection Highway Design Features IncludeDesign Features Include

Highway Safety Design FeaturesHighway Safety Design Features

Crash attenuators such as vinyl liquid or sand filled drums

New design guard rails with ends angled away from roadway and buried

Safest Safest place to place to stop if stop if you you have to have to pull off pull off the roadthe road

Anti-Lock BrakesAnti-Lock Brakes

Crush ZonesCrush Zones

Traction Control DevicesTraction Control Devices

Electronic Stability Program (ESP)Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Suspension Control DevicesSuspension Control Devices

Door LatchesDoor Latches

GlassGlass

HeadlightsHeadlights

Automotive TechnologyAutomotive Technology

Traction – Traction – grip between the tires & the road. grip between the tires & the road. Allows vehicle to start stops & turnAllows vehicle to start stops & turn

1) Static – veh not moving. Max traction

2) Rolling – veh moving. Traction depends on surface

3) Sliding – Veh moving but tires not rolling. Lost traction (control)

7 road conditions =7 road conditions =loss of tractionloss of traction

1. Rain

2. Snow

3. Ice

4. Gravel

5. Uneven

6. Sand

7. Dirt

Worst traction first 10-15 minWorst traction first 10-15 minafter rain starts?after rain starts?

• Water, dirt, oil & rubber combine

• Roads extremely slick during this time

Causes ofCauses of Traction LossTraction Loss

Brakes unevenly adjusted

Brakes pulling in one direction or the other can cause

a skid--as can wheels out of alignment when brakes

are applied

Tires with unevenly worn tread

- The size of the front and rear tires do not matched

- Tires cannot channel water!

Condition of the VehicleCondition of the Vehicle

Different tire pressure on opposite sides of the

vehicle has a similar effect to uneven brake adjustment

since one tire will drag more than others

Weight Moves to the Front of the Car Causing Weight Moves to the Front of the Car Causing

– a noticeable drop of the hood

– a noticeable rise of the rear deck

– forward movement of driver and passengers

Traction Loss ConsiderationsTraction Loss Considerations

When When BrakesBrakes are Applied Too Hard or Quickly are Applied Too Hard or Quickly

Direction of Travel

Force or Weight Movement

Rear Rear LIFTSLIFTS

Front DROPSFront DROPS

Weight Moves to the Rear of the Car CausingWeight Moves to the Rear of the Car Causing

– a noticeable rise of the hood

– a noticeable drop of the rear deck

– rearward movement of driver and passengers

Traction Loss ConsiderationTraction Loss Consideration

When When AccelerationAcceleration is Applied Too Hard or Quickly is Applied Too Hard or Quickly

Direction of Travel

Front LIFTSFront LIFTS

Force or Weight Movement

Rear Rear DROPSDROPS

Weight Moves to the Opposite Side of the CarWeight Moves to the Opposite Side of the Car

Weight Movement Causes: Weight Movement Causes:

– a noticeable drop and tilt of the hood

– a noticeable rise and tilt of the rear deck

– driver and passenger movement towards the car’s corner

Traction Loss ConsiderationTraction Loss Consideration

When When SteeringSteering is Applied Too Hard or Quickly is Applied Too Hard or Quickly

Force or Weight

Movement Front DROPSFront DROPS

Rear Rear LIFTSLIFTS

Direction of TravelDirection of Travel

Traction Loss to Front TiresTraction Loss to Front Tires

If A Vehicle Keeps Moving Straight Ahead in Spite of Steering Efforts To the Contrary, It Means Front Traction Has Been Lost

The Technical Term is Called “Understeer”

Actual Path Actual Path of Travelof Travel

Intended Path Intended Path of Travelof Travel

front tires front tires SLIDESLIDE

rear tires rear tires PUSHPUSH

The Driver Will First Visually Identify Unusual Forward Sliding Movement Caused by the Vehicle’s Weight Pushing the Front Wheels Straight Ahead Regardless of Any Steering Input

To Correct Understeer Traction LossTo Correct Understeer Traction LossTargeted Path of TravelTargeted Path of Travel

Lift Eyes to Lift Eyes to TargetedTargeted Path of TravelPath of Travel

Intended Path of TravelIntended Path of Travel

Actual Path Actual Path of Travelof Travel

• Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel

• Activate ABS, if Vehicle is EquippedActivate ABS, if Vehicle is Equipped– Ease off Conventional Brake System– Reestablish Rolling Traction

• Ease off Steering InputsEase off Steering Inputs– Abrupt Steering Can Create Traction Loss– Allows Tire Tread to Point Toward Path of Travel

• Jab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not Available Jab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not Available (ABS performs this function automatically)(ABS performs this function automatically)

Traction Loss to Rear TiresTraction Loss to Rear Tires

• Identified by driver when front of vehicle moves to the left or Identified by driver when front of vehicle moves to the left or right of travel path without steering input in that directionright of travel path without steering input in that direction

• Technical term is “Technical term is “OversteerOversteer””

Intended Path of TravelIntended Path of Travel Actual Path Actual Path of Travelof Travel

• Vehicle’s Weight Tends to Push Rear Vehicle’s Weight Tends to Push Rear Wheels Left or Right Without Steering InputWheels Left or Right Without Steering Input

• Vehicle Begins To YawVehicle Begins To Yaw

front tires front tires ROLLROLL

rear tires rear tires SLIDESLIDE

• Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel

Oversteer Traction Loss CorrectionOversteer Traction Loss Correction

On Targeted Path

On Targeted Path

Off Targeted Off Targeted PathPath

• Steer Toward Targeted Path of TravelSteer Toward Targeted Path of Travel

• Adjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path of Adjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path of Travel Travel

• Apply Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) to Move the Apply Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) to Move the Weight to the Rear. (The Traction Control System will adjust the Weight to the Rear. (The Traction Control System will adjust the speed and brakes automatically when activated)speed and brakes automatically when activated)

• Activate Traction Control Activate Traction Control System, if Equipped:System, if Equipped:

– Ease off brake or accelerator

– Reestablish rolling traction

Intended Intended Path of Path of TravelTravel

Rear Tire MovementRear Tire Movement

TractionTraction

• ABS helps with understeer traction loss

• Traction control helps with oversteer traction loss

Off-Road RecoveryOff-Road Recovery• Do not panic and steer too abruptlyDo not panic and steer too abruptly

• Ease off accelerator Ease off accelerator

• DO NOT BRAKEDO NOT BRAKE

• Get both wheels off the pavement & STOP!Get both wheels off the pavement & STOP!

• Steer the vehicle parallel to the roadwaySteer the vehicle parallel to the roadway

• If clear, ease back on to the roadway one wheel at If clear, ease back on to the roadway one wheel at a timea time

• Limit steering inputs to less than 1/8 of a turn of Limit steering inputs to less than 1/8 of a turn of the wheel the wheel

• Use even less input when the edge of road is highUse even less input when the edge of road is high

• Target the center of the adjacent lane to avoid a Target the center of the adjacent lane to avoid a “Slingshot” maneuver into oncoming traffic “Slingshot” maneuver into oncoming traffic