IDAHO PUBLIC DRIVER EDUCATION

• Vehicle Malfunctions• Driver Errors• Roadway Hazards• Collisions

1. VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONS

Sometimes even the best maintained vehicle will malfunction.

The best way to be prepared for a possible malfunction is: Prevention through good vehicle maintenance. Detecting symptoms or malfunctions yourself. Knowing how to take corrective actions when needed.

A car is an expensive purchase and should be treated with care.

A car that runs well is safer to operate.

Handling an emergency requires the driver to be securely fastened in the driver’s seat – BUCKLE UP!

Maintain a good posture while driving.

Keep both hands in a balanced position on the wheel.

DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS

Engine Pressure

Engine Coolant Temperature

Vehicle Charging System (battery)

DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS

•When the key is first turned on, all the warning lights should illuminate.

•Once the engine starts, they should go off.

•If any of them stay on, it needs attention.

TIRE BLOWOUTS

• The term “blowout” refers to a bursting tire following by rapid loss of air pressure.

• Tires take about 1/4th of second to deflate.

• What a driver does following a blowout can be the difference between a simple inconvenience and a serious incident.

BLOWOUTS, CONTINUED…

• Driving with one hand is a bad habit that, during a blowout, can cause the wheel to be jerked free from your control.

• Tires blowout due to a cut, over inflation, or overloading the vehicle.

FIRST, WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO:

1. DO NOT STEP ON THE BRAKE!

It may be instinct, but braking after a blowout can throw the vehicle out of control.

2. DO NOT QUICKLY RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR!

This shifts the vehicle’s weight from the rear to the front and can throw the vehicle out of control.

FRONT OR REAR BLOWOUT?

A rear tire blowout will cause the vehicle to squat low in the back and fishtail.

A front tire blowout will cause the vehicle to pull abruptly in the direction of the blown tire. This can result in a head-on collision or an off-road crash!

REDUCED-RISK BEHAVIORS

• At the first sign of trouble, firmly grasp the steering wheel.• Gradually release the accelerator.• Look and steer towards a safe place to pull off the road.• Gradually pull off the road, away from traffic.• Once stopped, turn on hazard lights.• Do not drive on the flat tire, if possible.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF THE ACCELERATOR STICKS?

1. Shift to neutral to remove power from the wheels.

2. Apply the brakes to reduce speed.

3. Lightly tap the accelerator pedal to see if it will release.

4. If that doesn’t work, signal and pull off the road, then shut off the engine.

QUESTION:

Why shouldn’t you turn off the engine while in traffic?You might lock the steering wheel and be unable to steer the vehicle!

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

When this light comes on, it does not require immediate attention, but indicates a system is not operating perfectly.

Ignoring the light for a length of time may cause damage to the vehicle. See a mechanic.

Check that the gas cap is not loose. This can cause the light to turn on.

If the light FLASHES red, drive slowly to a mechanic.

COOLING PROBLEMS

Cooling system failures are one of the main reasons engines breakdown. Other than the actual gauge, a warning light will come on if the

temperature is too hot. It may say TEMP or be a thermometer symbol.

If not attended to, the engine may very well suffer a failure that will permanently damage the engine and cost thousands of dollars to repair or replace.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOUR CAR IS OVERHEATING?

• Turn on the heater! It pulls heat away from the engine.• Pull off the road and let the car idle.• If it still doesn’t cool down, turn the car off.• Make sure the radiator is full of coolant. DO NOT

REMOVE THE RADIATOR CAP WHILE THE ENGINE IS HOT!

• Call for a tow truck and mechanic.

OIL PRESSURE PROBLEMS

•If you see this warning symbol light up it means the engine has lost oil pressure!

•Severe engine damage can occur within seconds!

•Of all the warning lights, this one can be the most serious.

•Checking the engine oil frequently, and having it changed regularly, will usually prevent any problems.

STEERING FAILURE

• On newer cars this is rare.

• The most common occurrence is power-steering failure – when a belt breaks or slips off, the engine dies, or power steering fluid is low. Steering will take much more effort if this happens.

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

• When this light goes on, the electrical system is not getting charged by the alternator.

• If the alternator is not working the battery will slowly die.

• Turn off the radio and other non-essential electric devices in the car (fan, air conditioning, etc.)

• Check your fuses.

• See a mechanic.

LIGHTING PROBLEMS

• Idaho law requires that your headlights and taillights work.

• Check your own exterior lights often from the outside.

• To avoid getting a ticket for a broken light that still works, it is legal to put red or yellow tape over it.

BRAKE FAILURE!

•If the ABS warning light comes on, it indicates a problem with the ABS braking system.

•Make sure the emergency brake wasn’t left on.

•If brakes fail:

•Pump the brakes rapidly.

•Shift into a lower gear

•Apply the emergency brake off and on.

•Pull off the road safely.

VEHICLE FIRE

• Exit the vehicle and call 911.

• Do not ever use water to put the fire out.

• The gas tank could explode, so move far away!

STALLED VEHICLE ON RR TRACKS!

• If no train is coming, attempt to re-start.

• If no train is coming and car won’t re-start, shift to neutral and attempt to push off the tracks.

• If train is coming, run in the direction the train is approaching.

ANSWER: Any flying car parts will have less chance of hitting you.

2. DRIVER ERROR

A car breaking down is one thing, but DRIVER ERROR is a much larger cause of emergencies!

InexperienceLack of attentionPoor decisions

LOSS OF TRACTION

Typically caused by driving too fast for the conditions.

RESPONDING TO LOSS OF TRACTION

• Look and steer towards your target (intended path of travel)

• Release gas and brake to gain rolling traction

• Shift to neutral on slippery surfaces

OFF-ROAD RECOVERY

A common cause of wrecks and fatalities is drifting off the road to the right and over-correcting, then rolling, and being ejected from the vehicle – especially if a seatbelt is not worn!

RESPONDING TO AN OFF-ROAD SITUATION

1. Let off the brake and gas.

2. Straddle the road edge with the car.

3. Firmly grip the wheel.

4. If time allows, quickly check traffic and signal to move back into traffic or onto the road.

5. Barely turn the wheel and gradually move back onto the road.

PREVENTING DRIVER ERROR

• Drive an appropriate speed for the conditions at all times.

• Look ahead and use IPDE.

• Think of other drivers before yourself.

• Drive defensively.

• Control the zones around your vehicle.

3. ROADWAY HAZARDS

Potholes Can be deep Can have sharp edges Can damage tires or cause you to lose control If you must drive through a pothole, do so slowly

Sharp Corners Must be taken at an appropriate speed Reduce speed in adverse weather

DANGEROUS LOADS

Watch for overloaded trucks that might drop all or part of their load!

4. COLLISIONS

• How to avoid collisions

• What to do to if a collision occurs

AVOIDING COLLISIONS

One of your main goals while driving should be to never get in a wreck!

But if a collision seems likely, brake hard. Slower speeds reduce the force of impact. Honk your horn and flash your lights. Prepare to drive completely off of the road if necessary – so look for a soft target.

For a rear-end collision, release brake just before getting hit, then step on brake to prevent rolling forward into traffic.

AFTER A COLLISION

All states require you to follow these 5 steps:1. Stop immediately.2. Aid the injured3. Prevent furtherdamage by directing traffic. 4. Call 911 if necessary (see next slide) 5. Exchange information (name, address,

license plate number, DL#, insurance company)

The Good Samaritan Law protects those who attempt to help others – regardless of the outcome. You can’t be sued!

WHEN TO CALL POLICE

Idaho law requires that you contact the police if:

• Someone is injured.

• Property damage is $1,500 or more.

IF YOU ARE PULLED OVER:

• Immediately pull over and park parallel to the closest curb.

• Stay in the vehicle. Keep both hands on the wheel.

• Do not start looking for documents until the officer asks you to.

• All current insurance, registration and driver’s license should be within easy reach.

CHANGING VISIBILITY AT CHANGING VISIBILITY AT NIGHTNIGHT

The distance you can see ahead is limited.

Headlights provide limited illumination of off-road areas and must be

on after sunset and before sunrise.

Loss of contrast and impaired distance judgment.

Glare from lights of oncoming and following vehicles.

Glare recovery: on-coming cars can temporarily “blind” you.

HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT AND SPEEDHEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT AND SPEED

Beam hits roadway 100 to 150 feet ahead Illuminates area 300 to 500 feet ahead Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect

light beam distance Maximum safe speed 40 to 45 mph based on ability

to stop within lighted area

Visual Line

Properly aligned low beams

HEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT AND SPEEDHEADLIGHT ALIGNMENT AND SPEEDProperly aligned HIGH beams

Visual Line

Beams hit roadway 350 to 500 feet ahead

Illuminate area road 500 to 1800 feet ahead

Load and vehicle height affect light beam distance

Maximum safe speed 65 to 70 mph, based on ability

to stop within lighted area

NIGHTTIME PRECAUTIONARY NIGHTTIME PRECAUTIONARY MEASURESMEASURES Clean windshield inside and out

Reduce daytime speed

Increase following interval

Look to right of oncoming vehicles

Special problem of wind-blown sand/dirt particles

Diffused light gives appearance of halo around headlights

of oncoming vehicle. Clean all lights.

50 to 90 percent loss of headlight

efficiency due to road grime

NIGHTTIME PRECAUTIONARY MEASURESNIGHTTIME PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Turn off interior convenience

lights

Proper use of high/low head-

light beams

Use parking lights only when parked

If stopped beside road, take appropriate safety

measures

Use day/night switch on rear-view mirror, if available.

VISIBILITY LIMITATIONS IN FOGVISIBILITY LIMITATIONS IN FOG

Reduce speed, but do not stop in a travel lane Turn on emergency flashers Look for an exit from the highway If impossible to leave highway:

stop beyond end of guard rail turn off all lights wait for fog to lift

Driving in Heavy Fog

VISIBILITY LIMITATIONS IN FOGVISIBILITY LIMITATIONS IN FOG

Reduce speed Make sure headlights are on low beam to reduce

reflected glare Turn on windshield wipers Turn on defroster or air conditioner

Driving in Drifting Fog

PRECAUTIONS IN BAD WEATHER Turn on windshield wipers

Be alert for vehicles stopped in

roadway

Be prepared for effects of gusting or

strong steady crosswinds

Make steering, acceleration and

braking actions gently and smoothly

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

radio for weather report

If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the far end of guard

rail

Use cell phone or radio to check

conditions

Smoke, ice, and snow require

use of windshield washer

LOW WATER CROSSINGSLOW WATER CROSSINGS Flash Flooding Conditions

Not Specific to Time of Year

Dangerous Condition!

Water can cause vehicle to stop running

2’ of water is enough to cause most vehicle to float

LOW WATER CROSSINGSLOW WATER CROSSINGS Nearly 50% of flash flood fatalities

are vehicle related

Search for flood prone areas:

highway dips

bridges

low areas

Largest and heaviest of vehicles will still float

Only six inches of water may cause loss of control

HOT AND COLD TEMPERATURES

High temperatures of summer Cars can overheat, boil over, and stop running.

Low temperatures of winter Cars may not start and can freeze.

If not addressed…

Impairs your ability to assess conditions

Impairs your ability to respond in a timely manner

Creates conditions of increased risk

May permanently damage vehicle

Additional Demands on Vehicle SystemsAdditional Demands on Vehicle Systems

+32

+120

-40

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Check tires for balance, alignment,

and appropriate type and depth of tread.

- Minimum legal 2/32 of an inch tread depth is inadequate on all

wet surfaces

Tire inflation

- Keep track of cold tire pressure (noted inside driver door)

- Maximum tire pressure indicated on tire sidewalls

Check radiator coolant, hoses, and connections

Cold Weather PrecautionsCold Weather Precautions

Cold Weather ChecksCold Weather Checks Heater, defroster and air

conditioner system

Drive belts for tension and wear

Winterized windshield wiper fluid

Windshield wiper blades

Lights and glass areas are clear and clean

Emergency kit in trunk should include antifreeze, windshield fluid, first aid

kit, flashlight, jumper cables, spare tire, blanket, bottled water, and basic

tools.

Tire inflation needs special attention

Under-inflated tires are subject to heat and pressure buildup

(Especially when driving for extended distances at higher

speeds).

The air conditioner, radiator coolant,

hoses, connections, and drive belts need

special attention Due to the extra load placed on the engine

Due to the extra load placed on the cooling system

Hot Weather ChecksHot Weather Checks

THE KEYS FOR ALL- WEATHER DRIVING

Adjust your speed for the current driving conditions – after all, it’s the law (Basic Speed Law).

Keep your vehicle maintained so you can count on it running safely in all types of weather.