Module 4
Space Management
Communicating
Situationals
Roadway Conditions
Breaking the
Accident Chain of Events
LINKS : not specific events but the
concept of “LINKS IN THE
ACCIDENT CHAIN OF EVENTS”
How do links work together?
How do we break the chain of
events?
On the Streets
Main Features concerning use of eyes
: Focus Further Ahead (12 seconds)
: Look for potential hazards
: Get the Big Picture
Time is better as a following guide because it
is based on the pace of your car (speed) and
a constant (time)
Maintaining your “safety zone” or space
around your car is the main consideration
when driving in traffic flow
Which car(s) have adequate “safety space” around them?
What could you do to make yourself safer in this situation?
Controlling Front Space Areas
Timing Your Arrival
Look for “gaps” in traffic
Forward Placement
Don’t go into an area that is not open
Speed Control
Adjust your speed so you get there when you are
open to make your turn
Following Time
Give yourself enough space to react to what other
drivers are doing
Bottom-Line
Don’t go where you are not certain it is open
Following and Being Followed
Don’t follow too closely
Reduce Sudden Stops
Adjust Your Speed
Keep your “Safety Bubble”
Being Tailgating
Following too closely
2-4 Seconds Following Time Needed
Limited Sightline
Increased Potential of Collision
Road Rage
Using Your Eyes Effectively
2 types of information your eyes provide
1. Detail
2. Motion/Color
A Driver should concentrate most of his/her
attention on the PATH OF TRAVEL (POT)
Alcohol SLOWS visual perception and
NARROWS visual perception
Using Your Eyes Effectively
5 Options for Speed Control
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Maintain Speed
Accelerate (Increase Speed)
Off Accelerator (Decrease Speed)
Brake (Gradual Decrease Speed)
Brake Hard (Sudden Decrease Speed)
Using Your Eyes Effectively
Scanning/Searching Process
WHEN: All the time (10-15 seconds ahead)
WHERE: Path of Travel/ Line of Sight (POT/LOS)
Areas of Potential Hazard
HOW: Constantly moving eyes
WHAT: See the “Big Picture”
“Aim High – Look Ahead”
Keep Eyes Moving
Identify potential hazards
Search for changing areas
Identify what is the most important issue
Using Your Eyes Effectively
Two Vision Search Areas
1. Central Vision Search Area
» 10-12 second range (POT)
2. Fringe Vision Search Area
» 4 second range (immediate risks)
» Lateral placement
Scanning Skills
AREA 2
Closed/Changing
INTERSECTION APPROACH
•Clear Area 1
•Clear Area 6
•Communications Needed?
•Check Open Areas 2/3
•Check Changing Areas 2/3
•Adjust Speed or Position
AREA 1
AREA 3
Open
Scanning Skills
Aim High: Look Ahead
Keep Eyes Moving
Get the Big Picture
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Travelpath and Sightline
If limited you need to
– Adjust your Speed (slow down)
– Adjust your Direction
Scanning Skills
Curvature Sightlines
Pos.3
CURVATURE or HILL APPROACH
•Establish Travelpath and Sightline
•Adjust Vehicle to Lane Position 3
•Establish Target Area in Travelpath
•Adjust Speed (brake)
•Steer to Travelpath using Sightline
•Trailbrake to Midpoint of Curve
•Adjust Speed and Position on Exit
“On the Streets”
The Main Features in the Use of Eyes
Look Farther Ahead (POT) – 10-12 seconds
Keep Eyes Moving
Get the “BIG PICTURE”
Time is a better following guide
Speed alters your “feel” for distance
Time allows for the speed of your car
Main Considerations when driving in
traffic flow
Keep your SAFETY ZONE around your car
Know your ‘BAIL OUT’ zones (open areas)
Communications
Position of the Car
Signals
Turning
Backing
Hazard
Headlights
Brake Lights
Hand Signals
Horn
Speed of the Car
Mirror Usage
(when to use)
Moving
Changing front space area
Immediately after reducing your speed
Before and after moving your vehicle to either side
Van-type vehicles-outside mirrors minimize the blind areas
Stopping
Check space area 6 before stopping
When foot goes to brake pedal – eyes go to rearview mirror
To control area 1, you must control area 6
Blind Space Areas
Visual checks replaces mirror checks – “HEADCHECK”
Be careful not to turn shoulders when moving eyes
Mirror Usage
Turning
BEFORE MAKING TURNS
– Take actions to control space areas 2/4 or 3/5 before reducing
speeds
– Before moving the vehicle to the side
AFTER MAKING TURNS
– The front areas have to be reassessed
– Recheck the rear space areas
Convex Mirrors
Rounded view gives more mirror space for viewing but can
be difficult for judging distances
You are able to see curb or lane position to car when
stopped
Staggered Stops
Stay behind the
STOP LINE
Diagram 1
1
6
Diagram 2
2
3
Diagram 3
2
1
3
Truck
Diagram 4
2
1
3
Truck
Truck
Diagram 5
1
2
4
Diagram 6
Parked Car 3
1
2
4
Diagram 7
3
Turning
Car
2
5
Diagram 8
Parked Car
3
Truck
4
Proper Use of Left Lanes
Two Lanes
Proper Use of Left Lanes
Three or More Lanes
Roadway Variations
Hills
Shortened Sightlines mean adjustments are needed
Cars tend to change speeds on hills (Up-slows, Down-speeds up)
Move to lane position 3 as you near the crest of a hill
Be aware of slow moving vehicles when going up a hill
Curves
Speed may need to be reduced, especially if sightline is less
Focus on the furthest point forward that is possible (target thru curve)
Inertia means your car will be “pulled” to the outside of the curve
Slow going into curve, if necessary, and “power out” of curve
Gravel
Gravel means LESS TRACTION
Drive slower on gravel, steering may need to be adjusted
Stopping distances will be longer
Brakes need to be applied more lightly/gradually
Try to travel in paths left by earlier cars, not on mound of gravel
Roadway Variations
Narrow Paved Roads
Less room for lane control
Constant attention to lane position needed
Bridges
May frost over quicker than other roads
Often narrower than roadway it serves
DO NOT STOP on the bridge except in cases of emergencies
Tunnels
Reduced visibility is the biggest issue
Remove sunglasses BEFORE entering tunnel; be ready for
“blinding” when coming out of tunnel
Turn on headlights BEFORE entering tunnel
Watch for narrowing of the lane
Surface Irregularities
Steer away from potholes, reducing speed if necessary
If unavoidable, grasp wheel firmly, slow before hitting but come
off brake when going through
Railroad Video Questions
1) What are some excuses many people use for their
irresponsible behavior and lack of caution regarding
crossing railroad tracks?
2) What are the statistics for deaths and injuries resulting from
vehicle-train crashes?
3) Who is responsible for these crashes? How can they be
prevented?
4) How much time is needed to stop a car? A train?
5) What warning signs indicate a highway-rail grade crossing?
Railroad Crossing
* Railroad Crossings are
the site of many crashes
* 2009 – 6000+ incidents
678 deaths
• A train can take
1 mile or more to stop