Notes Chapter 9 – Driving in Cities and Towns
Complex traffic situations
Two factors can make driving in towns and cities difficult:
The number of hazards you meet.\
The rate of which you meet them.
Using the IPDE Process
Make effective use of the IPDE process.
Identify – be more aggressive in using visual skills
Predict – since there are more hazards, be prepared to predict possible
points of conflict
Decide – always be ready to reduce speed and change vehicle position
Execute – be prepared to use car controls in an instant
Following others
2-Second following distance
A 2-second following distance is considered safe for normal driving
conditions. Increase your following distance to 3 or more seconds in adverse
conditions or if you need more time to complete the IPDE process.
Being Followed
You are in a high-risk situation when someone is tailgating (following too closely)
Too manage a tailgater:
Increase your following distance to 3 or more seconds
Move slightly to the right to give the tailgater a better view
Signal early for turns, stops, and lane changes
Look at least one city block ahead to identify hazards when driving in a town or
city.
Cover the brake in tight driving situations. (Take your foot off the accelerator and
hold it over the brake pedal so that you are ready to stop quickly if needed)
Use these clues to identify a one-way street: ONE WAY signs posted at
intersections: cars and signs all face the same direction; lane lines are white.