idaho public driver education idaho law requires motorists to operate their vehicles in a careful...

Idaho Public Driver EducationIdaho Public Driver Education

• Idaho law requires motorists to operate their vehicles in a careful and prudent manner without endangering the life, limb, property or other rights of people entitled to use the highways

• A driver’s view to the front and sides of the vehicle cannot be blocked by anything loaded in or on the vehicle

Introduction

• Drivers must be aware of who is sharing the road with them– the amount of traffic – the type of traffic

(trucks, motorcyclists, buses, animals, etc.)

Introduction, continued…

Photo courtesy of the AAA Foundation

• In Idaho, pedestrian crashes account for 12% percent of all fatal crashes

• Pedestrian safety is a serious issue• In any collision, the pedestrian loses, regardless of who had the

right of way

PEDESTRIANS

Photos courtesy of the AAA Foundation

• Crossing at an intersection or crosswalk• Crossing, walking, or standing in the road• Working on, or pushing a vehicle in the road• Playing or darting into the road

Risky Behavior

PEDESTRIANS

• Left-turning vehicles are more often involved in pedestrian accidents than right-turning vehicles, partly because drivers do not search thoroughly, and are not able to see pedestrians to the left.

PEDESTRIANS

In this traffic scene, who has the right of way?


• Know when pedestrians have the right of way

• Expect pedestrians anytime, anywhere

• Know that pedestrians can be very hard to see, especially in bad weather or at night

Good Habits for Sharing the Road with Pedestrians

Stop for pedestrians crossing the street, even if they are not in a marked crosswalk

• Stop well back so that drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop

• Be aware that cars stopped in the street may be stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross, do not pass if there is any doubt


• Pedestrians may not look for or see traffic

• Expect unpredictable actions • When watching for a “gap” in

traffic to make a turn, a pedestrian may have moved into the intended path of travel

• In locations where children are active—expect children to dart into the street at any time


• Stop for anyone crossing the street on foot

• Watch for walkers, joggers, and runners

• Avoid using the horn• Watch for seniors or people

in wheelchairs at intersections

• Stop for a pedestrian with a white cane or guide dog


• We are all pedestrians and as pedestrians, we have a responsibility to use the streets safely

• Be predictable• Use sidewalks where provided, where

no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing road traffic

• Make it easy for drivers to see pedestrians

• Expect that drivers will not be watching for pedestrians

Good Habits as a Pedestrian

Is this pedestrian using good habits while crossing the street?

• Two-and three-wheeled modes of transportation are more difficult to see in the traffic mix

• Like car drivers, these users have certain rights and always have the same responsibility for operating their choice of transportation with care and safety

Sharing the Road With Two and Three-Wheeled Riders

Photo courtesy of the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Governor's Traffic Safety Committee and the New York Bicycling Coalition

• Bicycles are operated by riders of all ages who are responsible for knowing the rules of the road

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists


• Many riders are young and may not know or understand the rules of the road

• Children will ride their bicycles on sidewalks and in the road


• Bicycles can be used for recreation or as a mode of transportation to school or work

• Many jurisdictions have bicycle lanes for the exclusive use of bicyclists

• Even though required by law, bicycles may not have a headlight or reflectors, seeing them at night can be difficult



• On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users

• Drivers must yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle

• Bicyclists are required to travel in the same direction as vehicles



• Just as the wind produced by a passing tractor-trailer can pull a car off course, so too can a passing vehicle cause a cyclist to swerve out of control

• When following bicyclists, give them plenty of room and be prepared to stop quickly


This vehicle is illegally parked in a marked bicycle lane

Photos courtesy of the AAA Foundation

• After parking and before opening vehicle doors, first check for bicyclists


• Experienced bicyclists can ride 20-25 mph and may be closer than you think



When passing a bicycle rider leave at least three feet of passing space


Graphic courtesy of the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Governor's Traffic Safety Committee New York Bicycling Coalition


When turning left and a bicyclist is entering the intersection from the opposite direction, wait for the bicyclist to pass before making the turn

Graphic courtesy of the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles Governor's Traffic Safety Committee New York Bicycling Coalition

Bicyclists Responsibilities

Predict the possible hazards that these irresponsible young bicyclists may not see

Idaho Bicycle Laws

In Idaho a bicyclist does not need to come to a complete stop at stop signs. They must, however, yield the right of way to vehicles in or already at the intersection, then proceed with caution.

Bicyclists may also proceed through a red light after stopping and yielding the right of way to vehicles already in the intersection.

• Mopeds are classified as a vehicle that has both a motor and pedals.

• Mopeds have either a gasoline engine under 50cc or an electric engine that does not exceed 30 mph.

Sharing the Road with Mopeds

Moped riders have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users

• Idaho requires a driver’s license but NOT a motorcycle endorsement to operate a moped.

• They are typically restricted from high-speed roadways• Use the same good sharing the road driving habits

when sharing the road with mopeds

Sharing the Road with Mopeds

• “Scooter” is a term that is no longer accurate.

• If a “scooter” is street legal and not a moped, it is considered a motorcycle.

• Scooters with a 200cc engine can reach 60 mph.

• The tires are smaller than a motorcycle’s.• They typically weigh less than most

motorcycles.• “Scooters” are fuel-efficient—getting up to

100 mpg!

Sharing the Road with Scooters


• With their step through style, “scooters” are considered easier to ride than other motorcycles.

• People of all ages ride “scooters”—from teenagers to grandparents.

• Many do not get rider training and may not know how to handle these machines safely.

Sharing the Road with Scooters

Should scooter riders be required to wear a helmet?


All motorized toys are not legal to be ridden on public roads.

• When motorcycles and other vehicles collide it is not always the rider’s fault; drivers often violate the riders right of way or don’t see the small machines before it’s too late.

• Almost half of fatal motorcycle crashes involve an impaired rider.

• Half of all motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle crashes.

• 68% of Idaho riders killed in a crash are 40 years old or older.

Sharing the Road with Motorcycles


• The visual problem is compounded by a variety of visual limitations confronting drivers.

• Automobiles have obstructions and blind spots that can obscure or hide a motorcycle and rider—such as door pillars, passengers’ heads, and areas not visible in the mirrors.


A vehicle corner post can hide a car, motorcyclist or a pedestrian

Blind Spots

Remember how large blind spots are?

Cars and trucks can be almost “invisible” to a driver – so motorcycles may be there but not be seen in any of your mirrors!

• Other conditions affecting the vehicle—such as precipitation, glare, and cargo—can further impair a driver’s view and obscure motorcyclists.

• Objects and environmental factors beyond the vehicle, including other vehicles, roadside objects, and light patterns can make it more difficult for drivers to identify motorcyclists in traffic.


Photo courtesy of “People’s Daily Online.

• Distractions such as passengers, eating, smoking, reading, shaving, applying make-up, and managing audio systems, continue to be a problem and new distractions are being introduced all the time.

• A minor distraction in the car can be deadly to a motorcyclist you are sharing the road with.



• Making a left turn • A motorcyclist is riding in other

drivers’ blind spots• There are hazardous road conditions

such as potholes, wet leaves, railroad tracks, painted lines when wet

• Other obstructions may force a motorcyclist to take an unexpected action

• Sport utility vehicles, delivery vans, and large trucks have an obstructed line of sight that blocks motorcyclists from the driver’s view

Drivers are more likely to be involved in an collision with a motorcycle when:

Should motorcyclist be required to wear bright gear?


• Drivers can improve safety by understanding the conditions that can affect where and how motorcyclists ride.

• Motorcycles may be forced from their position on the road by strong winds or a rough road surface.

• Turn signals are not self-canceling on most motorcycles and the rider may forget to cancel them.

• Weather can cause the surface to have less traction and the rider may need to ride in different lane positions to gain best traction.

Understanding Motorcyclists’ Unique Challenges


• Passengers can distract the rider.• If the rider is not wearing warm

protective gear during colder temperatures, the rider can be affected by hypothermia and be less aware of surroundings.

• If the rider does not have a helmet, the eyes can be affected by wind and debris.

• Watch for clues, such as operators or passengers turning their heads to look.

Understanding Motorcyclists’ Unique Challenges


Skateboards, Rollerblades, etc.

Expect the unexpected

A fun way to get around, but unpredictable for drivers.

As a driver, keep an eye out and protect them.

• Vehicles of different sizes and power handle differently

• Large trucks and recreational vehicles require lots of power to accelerate to highway speeds and require longer stopping distance

• The size and weight of trucks and other large vehicles limit their maneuverability and create large blind spots for their drivers

Sharing the Road with Trucks

• Drivers must be aware of these differences and how to share the road with trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and other large vehicles

• Large vehicles create air turbulence

• To minimize turbulence impact stay in lane position three and hold the steering wheel firmly

• Be prepared to make steering corrections



Generally speaking, the bigger the vehicles are: • The bigger their blind spots• The more room they need to

maneuver• The longer it takes them to stop• The longer it takes to pass them• The more likely you're going

to be the loser in a collision


• Drivers are at a serious disadvantage if involved in a crash with a larger vehicle

• Studies have shown that the passenger car driver is at fault in 70 percent of the fatal crashes involving passenger cars and large trucks


Source: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCAA)

• Of all two-vehicle crashes between large trucks and passenger vehicles, 35 percent occur in the blind spots that exist on all four sides of commercial vehicle

• These blind spots are known as the "No Zone" • From 1992 through 2001, more than 50,000 people were

killed in crashes involving large commercial trucks, approximately 40,000 were passengers in other vehicles

• In collisions between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks, the occupants of passenger vehicles are 15 times more likely to be killed than truck occupants

• In 2010 there were 158 large truck single trailer crashes in Idaho and 8 fatalities.



Source: Idaho Department of Transportation

• Know and use safe driving strategies when sharing the road with large commercial vehicles

• Large trucks have much greater stopping distance than passenger vehicles• Trucks need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars do• Most fully-loaded 18 wheelers weigh as much as 80,000 pounds


50 yards

80,000 pounds 55 mph

At 55 mph this truck would need the length of a football field to stop

• More than 60 percent of fatal truck crashes involve impacts with the front of a truck

• Safe driving strategy: Wait until you can see the whole front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front of it, never, ever cut in quickly in front of a truck


• Once in front of a truck, do not slow down• Backing up - When a truck is backing up, it sometimes must

temporarily block the street to maneuver its trailer accurately• Never pass close behind a truck that is preparing to back up or is

in the process of backing up• Remember, most trailers are eight-feet wide and can completely

hide objects that suddenly come between the truck and a loading area


• Large trucks have large blind spots in front of, behind, and on both sides of the vehicle--the larger the truck, the larger the blind spots--a car virtually disappears from the view of the driver

• Most drivers may not realize that large commercial trucks do not have an inside rearview mirror

• Truck drivers rely solely on their side view mirrors which cause the large blind spots on both sides of the vehicle—nighttime adds to the visibility problem

Trucks NO-ZONES

No Zone

No Zone

No Zone

No Zone

Right side has the largest blind spot

3rd largest blind spot

• Never underestimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer

• A large tractor-trailer often appears to be traveling at a slower speed because of its large size

• Many car versus large truck collisions take place at intersections because the car driver did not realize how close the truck was or how quickly it was traveling


Bus Lanes

• Bus lanes are intended to save time for bus riders by enabling them to bypass the areas of heaviest traffic congestion such as a business district.

• Bus lanes are identified by the HOV diamond and usually the words “Bus Only”.

• Use of the bus lane is restricted to buses only!

• Construction vehicles are typically very large, and when loaded, very heavy.

• Acceleration and braking takes more time.• The heavy vehicle will have a longer stopping

distance.• The blind areas around the vehicle can be large

and restrictive.• Construction workers may be busy using the

heavy vehicle for construction, and may not be able to give traffic 100% of his attention.

• Use reduced risk driving skills when sharing the roadway with construction vehicles.

Construction Vehicles


• Recreational motor homes can be 40 feet long, not including a tow vehicle!

• It may also be pulling a boat or trailer.

• Visibility is a major problem—this vehicle can block the following driver’s line-of-sight—increase following distance to improve line-of-sight

Recreational Vehicles


School Busses

Traffic behind the bus always has to stop

With two or more lanes going both directions, opposing

traffic does not have to

stop

Towed Vehicles

• Vehicles can be seen towing a variety of trailers: conventional travel trailers, including folding trailers, fifth-wheel trailers, motorcycle, boat, and cargo trailers

• Watch for trailers swaying in high winds, particularly side winds, or when passing approaching larger vehicles—increase following distance

When traveling uphill, leave a larger following distance from the vehicle towing a trailer—expect the trailer to reduce speed during the uphill climb

• Check that the trailer load is securely fastened—if not, increase space away from the trailer

• When mobile homes are being transported, they are often preceded and followed by vehicles that carry a “Wide Load” sign

• Pilot cars help warn motorists of oversized loads and/or slow moving vehicles

• Take extra precautions when you see oversized vehicles

Oversized Vehicles


Idaho’s enhanced fine for violation of work zone law is two times the fine cost

Nationally, in 2002, there were 1,181 work zone fatalities; this figure represents 2.8 percent of all roadway fatalities for that year• Four out of every five work zone fatalities were motorists• There is one work zone fatality every seven hours (three a day)• There is one work zone injury every 15

minutes (143 a day )

Work Zone Statistics

Everyone — if you walk, drive, or bicycle through work zones• Engineers are responsible for safe work zone design and work

operation• Drivers and pedestrians have the responsibility to always be

alert and obey the traffic • Police and the courts have the responsibility to make sure that

the traffic and work zone laws are enforced. • Public safety agencies have the responsibility of responding to

and securing crash locations and enforcing traffic laws

Who is responsible for work zone safety?

• Orange signs alert you to construction and maintenance areas ahead

• Barricades, vertical panels, drums, and cones alert drivers

Work Zone Safety Signs

• WORKERS AHEAD: posted far enough ahead to give drivers time to adjust speed for any unusual conditions

• FLAG PERSON: Warns that there is a flag person ahead


• WORK AREAS: Traffic cones, drums and barricades mark a path to follow in a construction area


• WARNING LIGHTS AND FLASHING ARROWS: used day and night to give advance warning and directional information to drivers



http://www.lni.wa.gov/cgi-bin/imagemap/WISHA/ollearn/flaggers/_derived/sld005.htm.map

1. EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED 2. SLOW DOWN! 3. DON'T TAILGATE 4. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AND THEIR EQUIPMENT5. PAY ATTENTION TO THE SIGNS 6. OBEY ROAD CREW FLAGGERS 7. STAY ALERT AND MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS 8. KEEP UP WITH THE TRAFFIC FLOW9. SCHEDULE ENOUGH TIME TO DRIVE SAFELY AND CHECK

RADIO, TV AND WEB SITES FOR TRAFFIC INFORMATION 10. BE PATIENT AND STAY CALM

Work Zone Safety—10 Tips

• Snowplows travel slowly, usually 25-30 mph• When driving behind one, resist the temptation to pass, road

conditions could be much worse in front of the plow• Snowplow drivers need to concentrate on their task and the road

conditions in front of them, so they may not spot a vehicle trying to pass

Snowplows


• Some snowplows are equipped with a "wing plow," an eight foot extension off the right side of the truck that allows the operator to clear snow from the driving lane and shoulder at the same time

• The wing plows are hard to see, so never, never pass a snowplow on the right

• Plows are not just removing snow, they also spread sand or deicer on the road

• Leave enough room between the plow and your vehicle to avoid being peppered with grit or sprayed with de-icer

Snowplows


• Never pass a funeral procession. • Funeral processions can be a few cars or

vehicles covering a mile or more.• Police officers need unhindered lanes to

speed by the procession to block off side streets or guide the cars through dangerous intersections.

• Even though it is the law to yield the right of way, it is also a sign of respect for the deceased and their family.

• Pull over to the curb and wait for the procession to pass before continuing on.

• The car in the front and the car in the back should have their hazard lights flashing.

Funeral Processions

• The most common farm vehicle accident occurs when a slow-moving vehicle makes a left turn after the motorist behind begins to pass.

• Recognize and respect the slow-moving vehicle emblem – the triangular fluorescent orange emblem bordered in red--slow down as if approaching a stoplight.

• Don't assume that a slow-moving vehicle pulling to the right side of the road is going to turn right or is going to let a driver pass.

Slow-Moving Farm Vehicles


• Slow down when a slow-moving vehicle's flashing turn signal is seen.

• Be patient--it's not easy for the operator to move aside to let others pass, especially when road shoulders are questionable.

• Don't pull out in front of a slow-moving farm vehicle, then stop or slow down rapidly.

• Farm equipment cannot stop or slow down as quickly as an automobile.

Slow-Moving Farm Vehicles


• When encountering horse-drawn vehicles, adjust speed.

• The horse-drawn vehicle should display a slow-moving vehicle emblem on the rear.

• Pass with caution--while passing, do not use the horn and do not rev the engine, it could scare the horse and cause an accident.

Horse-Drawn Vehicles

Any vehicle designed to travel slower than 25 mph must display the sign.

Emergency Vehicles

• The sound of a siren, air horn, and strobe lights alert the public

• There are different types of emergency vehicles encountered on the roadways: Police Ambulance Fire Incident Response Vehicle Helicopters (Life Flight)

• An emergency is happening at that very moment that may include fires (structure, vehicle, land), medical emergencies, vehicle crashes with injuries, rescues, hazardous materials incidents or trauma.

• Sometimes drivers don’t notice the emergency vehicle because they are not paying attention—such as the car sound system is turned up so loud the sirens can’t be heard.

Emergency Vehicles

• The size, length and weight of fire engines greatly increases their stopping distance.

• The driver of an emergency vehicle may disregard regulations that apply to the general public, such as the direction of travel, turns, and parking.

Emergency Vehicles

• Drivers must immediately drive as close as possible to the right edge of the roadway!

• On one-way streets, drivers should pull to the right or left–whichever is the nearest curb

• If it is impractical to stop on the right side of the roadway, clear a path and stop and stay stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

Emergency Vehicles Have the Right of Way

• Do NOT block intersections, driveways, or other roadways.

• Follow the instructions of the emergency staff

(police, fire, flagger, etc.).• Do NOT stop at the scene of an emergency

unless you are asked to do so.• Don't slow down to see what’s going on.

Emergency Vehicles Have the Right of Way

Idaho Law prohibits:• The operator of a vehicle other than one on

official business to follow a fire vehicle traveling in response to a fire call closer than 500 feet or drive into or stop the vehicle within 500 feet of where the fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire call.

• driving over fire hoses or any other emergency equipment.

Emergency Vehicles—Fire Trucks

REMEMBER!

While you may just be traveling to a friend’s house, work, or school, there are vehicles on the road that are chasing criminals, rushing to the scene of a crime or collision, or doing other important business that requires your cooperation!

The Bottom Line

• It is your responsibility – your duty – to share the road with others.

• Regardless of what the law is – yield to pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles. They will never win in a collision with a motor vehicle.

Moving violation ticket penalties are often double in construction and school zones!

idaho public driver education idaho law requires motorists to operate their vehicles in a careful...

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