Chapter 1

Chapter 1You Are The Driver1

The goal of this chapter is to introduce students to the skills, responsibilities, and license requirements needed to navigate the Highway Transportation System (HTS).What are some regulations that are meant to keep drivers and pedestrians safe on the road?What are some car features that are meant to keep drivers and passengers safe in a car?Questions to consider

RiskThe chance of injuring people or causing damage to property.Highway Transportation SystemA system designed to move people and cargo from one place to another.Roadway UsersPeople who use the HTS by walking, driving, or riding. Anyone on or near the HTS is a roadway user.

Define The Following Words

People Drunk/DruggedFatiguedTalking/Texting on Cell PhoneEating/Drinking in CarMake-up/Hair/ShavingAdjusting RadioTalking/Dealing with passengersReadingVehiclePoor BrakesPoor Tire Condition (Bald, poor inflation, etc.)Cracked windshieldLights out (Headlights, Tail lights, turn signals)Poor wipersPoor suspension/shock absorbersPoor steeringRisk FactorsRoadway/EnvironmentDirt/Gravel SurfaceCurveHillsBumpsPotholesSnow, Rain, Sleet, Ice, FogNightBright SunlightAnimalsConstructionHard to see intersection

Regulated by:FederalStateLocal

ANDThe drivers on the roadWhat are some examples of:Federal Regulations?State Regulations?Local Regulations?Regulating the HTSGovernments & Police Agencies

Federal Regulations are determined mainly by two laws passed at the National Level: the National Highway Safety Act and the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

National Highway Safety Act federal government created guidelines for motor vehicle safety programs. Require states to set up vehicle registration, drivers licensing, traffic courts, and roadway maintenance programs to receive federal funds for the state.

National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act requires automakers to install certain safety features before a car can be sold in the United States. (Ex. Seatbelts)

Federal Regulations Ex. Speed Limit

State Regulation ex. Graduated Drivers Licensing Programs

Local Ex. School zones, curfew6Driving task consists of three parts:Mental SkillsSocial SkillsPhysical SkillsTo perform with low risk you must develop habits for:Using knowledge and visual skillsJudging speed, time, and distanceAnticipating conditions and vehicle responseYour Driving Task

Mental Skills Using judgment and reasoning while monitoring the roadway to make decisions on how to handle a situation.

Social Skills getting along with others, controlling emotions in stressful situations, being a courteous driver, etc.

Physical Skills Actual act of directing the car where you want it to go. Just like any other physical skill it must be practiced to improve.7I IdentifyP PredictD DecideE - Execute

IPDE ProcessIdentify means to find important information in the current driving situation.

Predict when and where possible points of conflict may develop; where are you going to get into trouble.

Decide choose how you are going to avoid the conflict (adjust speed, lane position, communicate, or a combination).

Execute carry out actions to avoid the conflict.8System for managing the space around your vehicle.

Zone Control System9Legal ResponsibilitiesFollow and be aware of the laws.Ignorance is not an excuse.Financial ResponsibilitiesOperating CostsFixed CostsCrash CostsEnvironmental ResponsibilitiesBuy and maintain fuel-efficient vehicleUse fuel-efficient driving habitsUse car pools and public transportation when availableRecycle used materials properlySupport policies that encourage energy-efficient drivingResponsibilities to OthersResponsible for your passengers, the people around you, and their propertyYour Driving ResponsibilitiesOperating Costs Costs associated with daily use of a vehicle (ex. Fuel, oil, tires)

Fixed Costs Costs that do not change based on the number of miles you drive (Ex. Purchase price, license and registration fees, insurance)

Crash Costs Costs associated with a traffic collision that damages property or injures people. Costs our nation billions of dollars each year in property damage, time away from work, and medical fees. Auto insurance is designed to cover most of these costs.10Requires young drivers to progress through a series of licensing stages.Illinois uses three stages:Permit phaseIntermediate licenseFull licenseWhat are some restrictions for you under the permit phase?What are some restrictions for you under the Intermediate license?Do you have any restrictions that still apply to you as a driver when you reach the full license?Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL)Learners permit stage consists of a minimum amount of time of supervised driving with a licensed adult.

Intermediate license stage consists of one year of collision-free, violation-free restricted driving.

Full privilege license stage where you have a full, unrestricted license. Obtained by completing the first two stages successfully.

Permit/Intermediate PhaseParental consent necessary to obtain permitMust be enrolled in approved driver education course and must pass vision and knowledge tests Permit is valid for two years and must be held for a minimum of nine months before a license is granted Practice driving must be supervised by parent or adult age 21 or older January 1, 2012 All occupants, regardless of age, must wear seat belts. Until then all occupants under the age of 19 must wear seat belts.No cell phone usage of any kind under the age of 19 while driving.Number of passengers limited to one in front seat for the first year of licensure10 p.m. curfew Sunday-Thursday; 11:00 Friday and Saturday (local curfews may differ) Legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is .00SanctionsLimit of one court supervision for serious offenses, parent must attend court with student to have supervision grantedUnlicensed individuals convicted of a serious moving violation must continue to drive on a learner's permit for six months before obtaining license Not eligible for a restricted driving permit or a judicial driving permit Individuals age 15 and under caught driving without a permit ineligible to obtain license until age 18

11You can become an organ donor by:Filling out the back of your drivers licenseRegistering with the DMV when you get your license (simple yes or no question)Make your wishes known to your family

Organ Donor Program

12When you get your drivers license, you agree that if you are stopped for cause and charged with drinking and driving, you consent to having a police officer give you a test for the presence of alcohol. If you refuse to take the test you lose your license

Implied Consent LawWhat does the height of the bars measure?Which of the two age groups have the highest number of fatal crashes per one million miles driven?Suggest some reasons why 40-59 year old drivers have fewer fatal crashes.The young drivers on this graph have a high fatality rate per million miles driven. What are some of the biggest factors young drivers have that contributed to these fatal crashes?If you were to coach new drivers, what skills would you encourage them to master to avoid fatal crashes?

Analyzing Data (see p. 14 for questions)For Your QuizStudents should be able to:Explain how the HTS is regulated. (remember there are 4 parts).List and explain the 3 parts of the driving task.Explain how collisions cost the nation billions of dollars.List and explain the three stages of a graduated driver license program.