Section 1.

1 - Types of Texas Driver's permits and driver's licenses

Types of Texas Driver Licenses

Learner License (Instruction Permit) Under 18 Years

A learner license, also known as an instruction permit, allows a student driver to legally
practice driving when accompanied by a licensed driver. Per the laws in the state of Texas;
the licensed driver must be at least 21 years of age with at least one year of driving
experience, must occupy the seat beside the driver, and cannot be intoxicated, asleep, or
engaging in any activity that prevents observation and response to the actions of the
driver.

A learner license will indicate “Learner License” on the front of the card and expire on the
minor’s 18th birthday. A person applying for a learner license must:

 Be at least 15 but no more than 18 years of age

Complete the classroom portion of a driver education course, vision exam, and knowledge
exam and meet all other requirements for a first-time driver license applicant

Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) Form

If you are under 18 years of age and applying for your first Texas driver license, learner
license, or provisional license, you must provide evidence that you:

1. Have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent; or

2. Are a student enrolled in a public, private, or home school and attended school for
at least 80 days in the fall or spring semester preceding the date of application; or
3. Have been enrolled for at least 45 days and are enrolled at the time of application
in a program to prepare individuals to pass the high school equivalency exam.

This information is included on the Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form
issued by your school. Ask school officials to complete and sign the VOE form. The VOE
may not be dated more than 30 days before the date of application for a license during
the school year or more than 90 days during the summer. The VOE must be presented to
the driver license customer service representative (CSR) when applying for, renewing, or
removing permit restrictions from a license.

Hardship License

A hardship license (previously known as Minor Restricted Driver License or MRDL) may be
issued to a minor who establishes the necessity to drive and may have restrictions based
on the qualifying hardship.

An application for a hardship license (DL-77) must be executed by an authorized adult on

behalf of the minor. Both the adult and the minor must sign the form and present it in
person at the driver license office. Only a parent, guardian, or person having custody of a
minor may make application on behalf of a minor. If the minor does not have a parent,
guardian, or custodian then an employer or county judge may apply on behalf of the
minor.

A person applying for a hardship license must:

 Be at least 15 years of age but not more than 18

Complete and pass a driver education course (a driver education course includes both the
classroom and behind the wheel phase), vision, knowledge, and driving exams

Meet all other requirements for a first-time driver license applicant.

For more information, please visit the DPS website

at www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/teenDriver.htm.

Graduated Driver License (GDL)

Numerous studies taken from crash statistics and data show and prove that teenagers
and young adults have the highest crash rates of all drivers, and motor vehicle crashes are
the leading cause of death for U.S. teens.

According to published statistics. Young drivers make up 6.5 percent of the driving
population but are responsible for 13 percent of fatal crashes. To help prevent
unnecessary deaths and help curb those statistics, the State of Texas uses The Graduated
Driver License (GDL) program for teen drivers. This program eases teens into the driving
experience by phasing in driving privileges and minimizing exposure to high-risk
situations.

The GDL program applies to driver license applicants under 18 years of age and has
contributed to a decrease in fatal crashes in recent years. As a part of this program, all
new driver license applicants are required to pass a driving exam conducted at a driver
license office or authorized testing facility.

The GDL program consists of two phases. Phase One applies to learner licenses. Phase
Two applies to provisional licenses. All drivers less than 18 years of age must meet the
licensing requirements for a learner license or provisional license, but they are also
subject to additional requirements, including driver education and the GDL program.

Phase One: This phase requires applicants under 18 years of age to hold a valid learner,
hardship, or combination of learner and hardship license for a minimum of six months
prior to the issuance of a provisional license.

If a minor's license is suspended during Phase One, then the initial six-month period is
extended by the number of days of the suspension because their license is invalid during
the suspension period.

Phase One requirements do not apply to Class M (motorcycle) licenses. Under the GDL
program, there is no minimum time a person must hold a restricted motorcycle or moped
license before applying for a Class M license.
Phase Two: Phase Two restricts the driving privileges of individuals until their 18th
birthday following the issuance of a provisional license. During Phase Two these
individuals may not drive a motor vehicle: With more than one passenger in the vehicle
under the age of 21 who is not a family member

Between midnight and 5:00 a.m. unless the operation of the vehicle is necessary for the
driver to work, to attend or participate in a school-related activity, or due to a medical
emergency.

All drivers who are under 18 years of age are restricted from using a wireless
communication device, including a hands-free device, except in case of an emergency.

Provisional License

A provisional license is a driver license issued to persons 16 to 18 years of age that has the
Phase Two GDL driving restrictions applied. The license will be marked “PROVISIONAL” and
expire on the license holder’s 18th birthday. A person applying for a provisional license
must:

Be at least 16 but not more than 18 years of age

 Complete and pass a driver education course (a driver education course includes
both the classroom and behind the wheel phases), vision, and driving exams
 Have held a valid learner, hardship, or combination of learner and hardship license
for at least six months
 Meet all other requirements for a renewal driver license applicant

Out-of-State License Holders

Applicants who are at least 15 but less than 18 years of age and present a valid out-of-
state instruction permit will be issued a Phase One learner license. Applicants who are at
least 16 but less than 18 years of age and present a valid out-of-state driver license will be
issued a Phase Two provisional license with passenger and time restrictions after
successful completion of the driving exam. Applicants must meet all other requirements
for a first time (original) applicant.

All licenses issued to persons less than 21 years of age will be marked “UNDER 21”.

Driver License Endorsements and Restrictions

Endorsements

Individuals may apply for an endorsement to be placed on their driver license. Depending
on the type of endorsement, an individual may be required to provide additional
information, complete a separate application, or pass a knowledge test specific to the type
of endorsement the individual is seeking.

The types of endorsements an individual can apply for are listed in the chart below:
Endorsemen
Description
t Code

Authorizes the transportation of hazardous material (CDL

H
only)

N Authorizes the operation of a tank vehicle (CDL or CLP only)

Authorizes the operation of a vehicle transporting passengers

P
(CDL or CLP only)

S Authorizes the operation of a school bus (CDL or CLP only)

Authorizes towing two (double) or three (triple) trailers over a

T
specified weight

Authorizes the operation of a combination of hazardous

X
material and tank vehicle (CDL only)

Restrictions

A restriction code may be placed on any type of driver license. This is not meant to
interfere with an individual’s driving but to make the individual a better driver. Individuals
who wish to have a restriction code removed should contact their local driver license
office.

The chart below describes the most common types of restrictions that may be placed on a
driver license:

Restrictio
Description
n Code

A With corrective lenses

A licensed driver 21 years of age or older must be in the front

B
seat

C Daytime driving only

D Speed not to exceed 45 mph

E No manual transmission equipped CMV

F Must hold valid learner license to MM/DD/YY

G TRC 545.424 applies until MM/DD/YY

H Vehicle not to exceed 26,000 lbs. GVWR

I Motorcycle not to exceed 250cc

J Licensed motorcycle operator 21 or over in sight

K Intrastate only

L No air brake equipped CMV

M No Class A passenger vehicle

N No Class A and B passenger vehicle

O No tractor-trailer CMV

P Stated on license

A licensed driver 21 years of age or older (LOFS) must be in the

Q
front seat (vehicle above a Class B)

A licensed driver 21 years of age or older (LOFS) must be in the

R
front seat (vehicle above a Class C)

S Outside rearview mirror or hearing aid

T Automatic transmission

U Applicable prosthetic devices

V Medical variance documents required

W Power steering

X No cargo in CMV tank vehicle

Y Valid Texas vision or limb waiver required

Z No full air brake equipped CMV

P1 For Class M TRC 545.424 until MM/DD/YY

P2 To/from work/school

P3 To/from work

P4 To/from school

To/from work/school or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older

P5
(LOFS) must be in the front seat

To/from work or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older (LOFS)

P6
must be in the front seat

To/from school or a licensed driver 21 years of age or older

P7
(LOFS) must be in the front seat

P8 With telescopic lens

P9 LOFS 21 or over, bus only

P10 LOFS 21 or over, school bus only

P11 Bus not to exceed 26,000 GVWR

P12 Passenger CMVs restricted to Class C only

P13 LOFS 21 or over in vehicle equip with air brake

P14 Operation Class B exempt vehicle authorized

P15 Operation Class A exempt vehicle authorized

P16 If CMV, school buses (interstate)

P17 If CMV, government vehicles (interstate)

P18 If CMV, only transporting personal property (interstate)

P19 If CMV, transporting corpse/sick/injure (interstate)

P20 If CMV, privately transporting passengers (interstate)

P21 If CMV, fire/rescue (interstate)

P22 If CMV, intra-city zone drivers (interstate)

P23 If CMV, custom harvesting (interstate)

P24 If CMV, transporting bees/hives (interstate)

P25 If CMV, use in oil/water well service/drill

P26 If CMV, for operation of mobile crane

P27 HME Expiration Date MM/DD/YY

P28 FRSI CDL valid MM/DD/YY to MM/DD/YY

P29 FRSI CDL MM/DD/YY–MM/DD/YY or exempt B vehicles

P30 FRSI CDL MM/DD/YY–MM/DD/YY or exempt A vehicles

P31 Class C only; no taxi/bus/emergency vehicle

P32 Other

P33 No passengers in CMV bus

P34 No express or highway driving

P35 Restricted to operation of three–wheeled MC

P37 Occ/Essent need DL-no CMV–see court order

P38 Applicable vehicle devices

P39 Ignition Interlock required

P40 Vehicle not to exceed Class C

Impact Texas Teen Drivers (ITTD)

The Impact Texas Teen Drivers program (ITTD) is a free, 2-hour informational video that
shares the dangers of distracted driving along with real life stories of teens that have lost
their lives. This course is for drivers 15-17 years of age that have completed a teen driver
education course

or Parent Taught Driver Education course. Or for drivers 18-24 who completed a teen
driver education course. It is required by the state of Texas.

Learner License (Instruction Permit) 18 to 24 years old

Applicants 18 years of age and older who wish to legally practice driving are issued a Class
C license with the same restrictions as a learner license. The license is generally valid for
six years

.Per the State of Texas regulations and laws, any person applying for a Texas driver
license must:

1. Gather official documents that verify their:

 identity
 Social Security Number
 U.S. citizenship or lawful presence status, and
 Texas residency

2. Complete the application

 Present either:
 Proof of Texas vehicle registration and evidence of financial responsibility
for each vehicle owned by the applicant or
 A statement affirming that the applicant does not own a motor vehicle.
 Apply in person at any driver license office and bring the required documents
and fees.
 Pass Vision Exam
 Pass the knowledge and driving tests, unless exempt.
 Must complete a driver education course if under 25 years of age
  Complete Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) requirements for anyone under 25
years of age who completes a teen driver or an adult driver education
course.
 Complete Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) requirements for anyone over 25
years of age who must complete a driving test.

Impact Texas Young Drivers (ITYD)

The Impact Texas Young Drivers program (ITYD) is a free, 1-hour informational video that
provides educational information on the dangers of distracted driving. The video also
shares real life stories of people and their families who were impacted as a result of
distracted driving. This course is for drivers 18-24 years of age and older that have
completed the adult driver education course and for drivers 25 and over who may or may
not have completed a driver education course.

ITYD Completion Certificate

Anyone taking a driving skills test MUST present their ITTD or ITYD completion certificate
together with any required driver education certificates. All applicants who have
completed the program have 90 days from the date on their ITTD or ITYD certificate to
pass the driving skills exam. If not passed, the course must be taken again.

Classes of Driver Licenses in Texas

Class A, B, C, and M driver licenses are issued to individuals who are exempt or not
required to obtain a commercial driver license (CDL). Most non-commercial driver licenses
issued to persons 18 years of age and older are valid for six years. Some applicants
receive licenses with shorter terms due to restrictions including, but not limited to,
verification of lawful presence, sex offender registration requirements, or being 85 years
of age or older.

Class A Driver License

A Class A driver license permits a person to drive:

1. Any vehicle or combination of vehicles described under a Class B or Class C driver

license; and
2. A vehicle or combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating
(GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of
the vehicle(s) towed is in excess of 10,000 lbs.

In the State of Texas, a Class A driver license does not permit a person to drive a
motorcycle or moped.

Class B Driver License

A Class B driver license permits a person to drive:

  Any vehicle included in Class C;
 A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more
and any such vehicle towing either a vehicle with a GVWR that does not exceed
10,000 lbs. or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.; and
 A bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more, including the driver. A
Class B driver license does not permit a person to drive a motorcycle or moped.

Class C Driver License

A Class C driver license permits a person to drive:

 A single vehicle or combination of vehicles that are not included in Class A or Class
B and
 A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of less than 26,001 lbs.
towing a trailer not to exceed 10,000 lbs.
 GVWR or a farm trailer with a GVWR that does not exceed 20,000 lbs.
 An auto cycle, defined as a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, that is: Designed to
not have more than three wheels on the ground when moving, is Equipped with a
steering wheel and Equipped with seats that do not require the operator to
straddle or sit astride the seat and it is Manufactured and certified to comply with
federal safety requirements for a motorcycle.

A Class C driver license does not permit a person to drive a motorcycle or moped.

Class M Driver License

A Class M driver license permits a person to drive a motorcycle or moped.

Before applying for a Class M license, you must pass a motorcycle operator training
course approved by Texas DPS. Motorcycle training course providers require drivers who
are less than 18 years of age to present proof of completion of the classroom phase of a
driver education course, hold a learner license (issued after completing the classroom
phase of a driver

education course), or hold a valid Class C license prior to enrolling in a motorcycle

operator training course.

Minimum Age for Class M Driver Licenses and Permits:

 Motorcycle: 16 with completion of the classroom phase of a driver education

course (32 hours) and a DPS approved motorcycle operator training course (16
hours).
  Moped: 15 years of age with completion of the classroom phase of a driver
education course (32 hours) and a DPS approved motorcycle operator training
course (16 hours).
 Motor-driven cycle of 250 cc or less: 15 years of age with DPS approval for a
hardship driver license or completion of the classroom phase of a driver education
course (32 hours) and a DPS approved motorcycle operator training course (16
hours).

Section 1.2 - How to Obtain a Texas Driver License

To apply for a Texas driver license, you must comply with the following procedures as
mandated by state law:

 An application for a driver license must be made in person. You can obtain an
application at any driver license office or download an application from the DPS
website at  www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/ApplyforLicense.htm
 All men 18-25 years of age who are U.S. citizens or immigrants are automatically
registered for selective service upon issuance of an ID card or driver license.

You must also provide required original documents and application Information such as:

 Your full name, proof of residential address, mailing address, current county of
residence, place of birth, and date of birth
 Identification documents of a Social security card or other acceptable evidence of a
social security number
 Thumb or index fingerprints
 Physical description
 Answer the medical status and history questions listed on the application.
Individuals with certain medical limitations may have their cases reviewed by the
Medical Advisory Board (MAB) before the license is issued
 Surrender any valid out-of-state driver license
 Provide Proof U.S. citizenship status or lawful presence
 Evidence of Financial Responsibility (Vehicle Insurance)

When applying for an original driver license, you must provide evidence of financial
responsibility or a statement that you do not own a motor vehicle that requires the
maintenance of financial responsibility.
Evidence of financial responsibility must meet at least the minimum amount required by
Texas and cover each motor vehicle the applicant owns that requires maintenance of
financial responsibility.

Updating Vehicle Registration

Per DPS regulations, when a person is surrendering an out-of-state driver license, a new
Texas resident must submit, with a driver license application, evidence that each motor
vehicle owned by the person is currently registered in Texas, or indicate they do not own a
motor vehicle required to be registered. A registration receipt issued by the county tax
assessor- collector of the county in which the new resident resides is satisfactory evidence
that your motor vehicle has been registered in Texas.

Minors Driver License Application

Per DPS regulations, if you are less than 18 years of age, your application must be signed,
under oath, by the parent or guardian with custody. If there is not a guardian, your
employer or county judge may sign the application.

Please note, that the person who signs your application may ask DPS to cancel your
license any time before a minor's 18th birthday. This request must be in writing and sworn
to before an officer authorized to administer oaths.

In addition, the minor applicant and cosigner must acknowledge receipt of information
that explains the zero-tolerance law in Texas.

DPS Knowledge and Driving Exams

If an applicant does not pass the knowledge and driving exams on their first attempt, their
application will be held for 90 days. After 90 days or three failed exams, a new application
and fee payable to DPS will be required.

Note: The knowledge and driving exams are not required for applicants 18 years of age
and older who surrender a valid out-of-state license.

After all applicable exams have been successfully passed, you will be issued a temporary
license, which you may use for 45 days or until you receive your permanent license in the
mail.

In the State of Texas, there are three types of knowledge exams:

 Class C – Knowledge exam for all original applicants

 Class M – Motorcycle road rules for motorcycle. This exam is also required for all
moped license applicants. The exam for all other Class M applicants is waived if
you successfully complete a motorcycle operator training course and present
proof of completion.
 Class A or Class B – Rules exam for operators of Class A and Class B vehicles You
need a grade of 70 percent or better to pass any knowledge exam.
Other Examinations

Vision Exam: Prior to be granted a license, you will have your vision examined at the
driver's license office. Depending on the outcome, you may be required by law to wear
corrective lenses while driving to increase the safety for you and those sharing the road
with you.

The driving exam: This is given only after all other exams are passed and evidence of
financial responsibility is presented or the vehicle is exempt under the Texas Motor
Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act. The type of vehicle used for the driving exam must
match the class of license on the application.

Please note, per DPS regulations, no one less than 18 years of age is exempt from taking
the driving exam.

Section 1.3 - Penalties for Speeding, Traffic Convictions

When you are ticketed, you may earn points against your driving record, which when
accumulated may cause increases in insurance premiums for several years, and the
possibility that your license may be suspended and or revoked by the Texas Department
of Public Safety.

Keeping your Driver's License

Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. If you fail to demonstrate this ability, you will be
issued traffic citations, or even have your license suspended, canceled or revoked by the
State of Texas. 

Driver License Suspensions and Revocations

In the State of Texas, certain convictions will result in the automatic, mandatory
suspension of a driver's license and the person's driving privilege. Those automatic
offenses are:

 Driving while intoxicated (DWI) by use of alcohol or drugs

 Drug offense
 Intoxication manslaughter or intoxication assault
 Failure to stop and render aid
 Causing the death or serious injury of anyone while operating a motor vehicle;
involuntary manslaughter
 Any offense punishable as a felony under the motor vehicle laws of Texas
 Overtaking and passing a school bus (subsequent conviction)
 Boating while intoxicated
 Evading arrest
 Driving while license invalid
 Altered/unlawful use of a driver license
  Displaying or possessing a fictitious or altered driver license or ID card
 Lending a driver license or ID card to someone
 Possessing more than one valid driver license or ID card
 Providing false information or documents when applying for a driver license
 Making, selling, or possessing a document deceptively similar to a driver license or
ID card issued by DPS
 Graffiti
 Fictitious license plate, registration certificate, or safety inspection sticker
 Fraudulent government records
 Racing a motor vehicle on a public highway or street
 Administrative Suspensions and Revocations
 DPS has the authority to suspend or revoke a driver license or privilege of any
driver, after an opportunity for a proper hearing, for

In addition to, for any of the reasons listed below. A reinstatement fee is required for all
discretionary suspensions and revocations:

 Driving while license invalid

 Causing a serious crash while driving a motor vehicle
 Becoming incompetent to drive
 Repeated violations of traffic laws, including:
 Four or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period
or
 Seven or more traffic convictions within any 24-month period
 Failure to complete a drug education program as required upon conviction of a
drug offense
 Failure to provide medical information when requested
 Failure to take or pass a test when requested
 Fleeing or attempting to flee from a law enforcement officer
 Person has committed an offense in another state, which if committed in this state
would be grounds for suspension or revocation
 Fail to stop for a school bus (second conviction)
 Violates a probation order set by a previous hearing

Under 21 Years - Suspension and Revocation

In Texas, if you are under 21 years of age, certain convictions or failure to comply will
result in automatic suspension of the driving privilege. These offenses are not taken lightly
and will result in a person under 21 losing their driving privileges.

Alcoholic Beverage Code Offenses

 Minor in possession
 Attempt to purchase alcohol by a minor
 Purchase of alcohol by a minor
 Consumption of alcohol by a minor

Misrepresentation of age by a minor

 Driving or operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol by a minor

 Failure to complete an alcohol awareness class
 Health and Safety Code Violations
 Failure to complete a tobacco awareness class when required
 Drug offense
 An offense under the Controlled Substance Act
 A felony under Chapter 481 that is not a drug offense
 Family Code Violations
 Delinquent conduct by a minor or juvenile
 Truancy

Furthermore, The State of Texas grants DPS the authority to suspend or revoke the license
or driving privilege of a minor after a proper hearing, for:

1. Failure to appear or default in payment of a fine for a traffic or a non-traffic violation

2. A juvenile court orders

 Failure to pay a fine or juvenile contempt, and

 Two or more traffic convictions occurring separately within any 12-month period
for a driver who has a provisional driver license
 Administrative License Revocation (ALR)
 The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) law provides an administrative
penalty for driving while intoxicated. A $125 rein- statement fee is required for all
ALR suspensions.

DPS is also authorized to suspend a license or driving privilege:

3. For individuals who are over 21 years of age who fail a breath or blood test (the blood
alcohol content indicates a level of 0.08 or more)

 Of any person who refuses to submit to a breath or blood test, or

 For individuals who are under 21 years of age for any detectable amount of alcohol

Driver License Cancellations

Even if you are ticketed in other states and have your license suspended or revoked in a
different state, it will impact your Texas Driving privilege. The State of Texas grants DPS
the authority to cancel the driver license or ID card for anyone that does not meet certain
qualifications. Such as:

 Suspension and revocation action from another state

 Parental authorization withdrawn (for individuals who are under 18 years of age)
 Failure to give the required information on the application for the license or ID
card
 Person was not entitled to the license or ID card
 Incomplete driver education
 Voluntary surrender for medical or insurance purposes
 False statement on an application for a license or ID card

In addition to, a Court-Ordered Suspension, revocation or cancellation resulting from:

 Delinquent child support

 Requirement for an ignition interlock device
(see www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/IgnitionInterlock.htm  for more information)
 Failure to repay any overpayment of food stamps or financial assistance
 Mentally incapacitated
 Chemically dependent
 Failure to renew their license annually as required (classified sex offender)

Zero Tolerance Law

Texas's Zero Tolerance law provides penalties for minors who commit non-driving alcohol
related offenses. A minor may not purchase, attempt to purchase, falsely state he/she is
21 years of age or older, or present a document indicating he/she is 21 years of age or
older to a person engaged in selling or serving alcoholic beverages. A minor may not
consume, or possess

an alcoholic beverage. There are severe penalties for violating the Zero Tolerance Law
repeatedly.
Ending of Driver Responsibility Program

Governor Greg Abbott recently signed House Bill 2048 ending the loathed Driver

Responsibility Program (DRP). The DRP, which was enacted by the 78th Texas Legislature,
required Texans who were convicted of certain traffic offenses on or after September 1,
2003, to pay an annual surcharge on top of criminal penalties and court fines in order to
maintain their driver's licenses.  House Bill 2048 went into effect on Sunday, September 1,
2019.

Section 1.4 - Driver Responsibilities (Knowledge of driving laws and procedures)

Every driver has responsibilities he/she must obey. Every driver is required to know the
driving laws in their state and anywhere they are driving. Ignorance of the law is not an
excuse.

By knowing the rules for driving, you are less likely to get into an accident. Every driver
must take necessary precautions to prevent collisions and accidents from happening. You
must learn to be a defensive driver. A defensive driver is always aware of his/her
surroundings and will take the necessary measures to prevent collisions and injuries.

Most accidents are caused by human driving error. A driver can reduce the chances of a
collision and accidents by practicing defensive driving strategies and being alert.

Drivers have a responsibility for being a part of the solution to traffic safety. Taking
preventative measures will reduce the number of collisions and the corresponding loss of
property and lives. Look for at least one thing that you can do differently that will lower
the risk in your driving environment. You should always be alert and never think the other
motorist will not make a driving error.

Always be prepared by learning what to do in any situation when you have to act fast.
Drivers should expect the unexpected and try not to panic.

Evaluate the Traffic Environment

SAFE is an acronym for a defensive driving strategy designed for collision and accident
avoidance:

 See and evaluate

 Anticipate potential hazards
 Find an escape route and
 Execute the necessary evasive actions

The SAFE collision avoidance strategy consists of four simple phrases, and when
memorized and consistently practiced, these keys will help you to avoid collisions and
accidents.

Section 1.5 - Speed limits

Driving too fast for Conditions

Speed is the culprit in millions of car collisions. Drivers are convicted of speeding more
than any other offense.

Speed increases the impact of a car collision exponentially. This means that if you double
the speed of a car, the force of the impact is four times higher. When you triple the speed,
the impact is nine times as great.

Posted Speed limits are a number that indicates the fastest

speed you may drive under good conditions. Every driver is responsible for adjusting his
or her driving speed in response to weather, traffic, or road conditions. For example, if it’s
raining to the point that visibility is restricted, you must drive more slowly than the posted
speed limit. The simplest rule of thumb is that you always want to drive at a speed that
allows you to have complete control of your vehicle.

Driving Too Slow

Driving Too Slowly is Also against the Law

In Texas, it is the law to maintain a safe speed that allows you to drive with the flow of
traffic and within the speed limit. However, if you are driving so slowly that you prevent or
impede other vehicles moving at normal, safe speeds, you can be issued a ticket.

Minimum Speed Law

In Texas, minimum and max speeds may be posted on roadways, interstates, and or
other public roads. It is the responsibility to always follow the basic speed law of not
driving faster than what safe for the conditions and within any is posted speed
signs. It is also the responsibility of the driver to obey any minimum speed
laws. On interstates, the minimum speed limit is 40 Mph.

Speed Limits in Texas

Texas "Standard" Speed Limits

Observe and obey the posted speed signs as there may be frequent changes from area to
area along the selected roads or highways. Per the 2016 Texas Driver Handbook, the
speed limits for particular types of roadways in Texas are:
The above chart reflects what the speed limit usually is for each corresponding roadway.
Always be on the lookout for posted speed limits and drive accordingly and drive safe for
conditions present. Drivers should follow posted speed limits and not assume because
the area appears to be a particular urban, business, residential or highway area that the
speed is the standard or expected speed zone as Drivers must also be aware that cities
and counties have the authority to change, adjust posted speed limits within their
localities.

Section 1.6 Texas Safety Responsibility Law

Chapter 601 in Title 7 of the Texas Transportation Code is known as the Texas Motor
Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, and is also referred to as the Texas Safety Responsibility
Law. The reason the Texas Safety Responsibility Law was enacted was to promote safe
driving and to require drivers to accept financial responsibility for any harm to people or
damage to property that they cause while driving. Also, it is illegal to operate a motor
vehicle in Texas unless you have at least the minimum state-mandated insurance
coverage for that vehicle.

What Is the Texas Safety Responsibility Law?

The Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act also outlines the process for submitting claims
for damages to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) when a person is involved in
a motor vehicle accident. The requirements involved in this act can often be confusing for
many people.

5 Basic Prerequisites Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act

According to the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act, DPS will assist any person who
suffers injuries in a crash caused by a driver who fails to establish financial responsibility
for their vehicle. People who have been injured in crashes caused by drivers without proof
of valid automobile insurance policies will typically have to make sure they satisfy five
basic prerequisites:

The claim must be filed within one year and 10 months of the accident.

The accident must have occurred on a public highway.

A Texas crash report must have been filed and the report needs to indicate that the
negligent driver did not have liability insurance or any other acceptable form of financial
responsibility.

The crash report must clearly indicate that the injured victim was not at fault for the
accident.

The damages incurred must total at least $1,000.

When an accident victim is able to satisfy these requirements, they can submit a claim to
DPS.

DPS Form SR-106

In addition to the claim filed with DPS, a victim will also need to submit specific documents
to the Safety Responsibility Bureau at DPS. The items submitted to the Safety
Responsibility Bureau will include a check for a $7 file search fee, a copy of the Texas crash
report relating to the incident, and bills or other documents proving damages suffered.

A DPS form SR-106 can also be filed to ask for information about both drivers involved in
the accident, but the following dozen sections on the form are intended to convey the
other party’s compliance (or non-compliance) with the Safety Responsibility Law:

The date that the driver’s license suspension becomes effective if the proof of certified
mailing of the notice of suspension was received.

The date the driving and registration privileges were suspended.

An indication that the accident involved a driver who did not hold a driver’s license or own
a vehicle registered in Texas, more than one driver contributed to the accident, the crash
occurred at an uncontrolled intersection, or no tickets or factors were indicated in the
crash report.

The form of compliance that has been filed.

Suspension action not being taken because a notice of suspension was returned by post
office.

Liability insurance coverage has not been reported.

Sufficient evidence has been received indicating that damages (medical bills and property
damage) sustained in the crash are at least $1,000 or there is a reasonable probability of a
judgment being rendered against the uninsured party.

Liability insurance was reported with a named provider and policy number.

An administrative hearing has been requested or an appeal is on file.

No action can be pursued in a case more than one year and 10 months old unless there is
a judgment.

It will be necessary for the agency investigating the accident to submit a corrected report.

The case is still pending and an SR-106 will have to be resubmitted in 60 days with another
$7 file search fee.

An SR-106 form is not required for DPS to pursue recovery against the uninsured driver
but is instead used to provide status updates on the case.

Notice of Suspension Letter

According to state law, if a vehicle is involved in an accident and DPS expects the driver
will be found liable, then DPS may suspend or revoke the driver’s license and vehicle
registration.
DPS is also required to notify the individual of a suspension or license revocation by
personal service, first-class mail, or email if the person has provided an email address to
DPS and has elected to receive the notice electronically.

The notice needs to state that the driver’s license and registration will be suspended
unless they can prove that this subchapter does not apply to the person, and the person
has previously provided this information to DPS, or there is no reason to believe that they
will be found liable. The notice must also state that the person is entitled to a hearing.

DPS cannot suspend a driver’s license, vehicle registration, or nonresident’s operating

privileges pending the outcome of a hearing and any appeal.

Section 2.1 - Human Choices behind the Wheel

When you drive, you should be doing just that and nothing else. Your focus and attention
should be on operating the vehicle safely and defensively so you are not the cause of any
accidents around you and so you can avoid road hazards and accidents from other
drivers, roadway issues and or sudden environmental changes.

Do not let things happening inside the vehicle distract you from maintaining your focus on
the road and driving safely and defensively. A motor vehicle is not the place for multi-
tasking, so you should not be doing things like brushing your hair or applying makeup or
penciling their eyebrows or brushing their teeth or eating an elaborate meal behind the
wheel (yes, there are people who actually do these things)!

Remember, the choices you make behind the wheel can be life changing and not in a
positive way.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
the United States “lost 35,092 people in crashes on U.S. roadways during 2015, an
increase from 32,744 in 2014.”

Per the NHTSA figures, 2015 had 2,348 more fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in 2015
than in 2014—a 7.2-percent increase. That increase is the largest percentage increase in
nearly 50 years.

Fatalities increased from 2014 to 2015 in almost all segments of the population—
passenger vehicle occupants, passengers of large trucks, pedestrians, pedal cyclists,
motorcyclists, alcohol- impaired driving fatalities, male/female, daytime/nighttime per the
NHTSA statistics. Alcohol-

impaired-driving fatalities increased by 3.2 percent from 2014 to 2015, accounting for 29
percent of 2015’s overall motor vehicle fatalities.

(For additional information see

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812318)
 The best way to
reduce and end traffic accidents and motor vehicle fatalities is to educate all drivers in the
United States and locally in Texas about the serious dangers of driving under the influence
of alcohol or drugs, the dangers of driving unrestrained (not practicing simple safety
measures as buckling up your seatbelt) and how reckless, careless, or distracted driving
poses significant threats including fatalities (death) and serious injury.

The figure above from the NHTSA shows the percentage increase in fatalities in several
types of human choice crash situations, with a gray bar showing the overall increase in
fatalities to serve as comparison.

 Fatalities in distraction affected crashes increased from 3,197 to 3,477 (280), or 8.8
percent.
 Unrestrained passenger vehicle occupant fatalities increased by 4.9 percent, from
9,410 to 9,874.
 The number of fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol impaired driver increased
by 3.2 percent, from 9,943 to 10,265.
 Fatalities in speeding-related crashes increased by 3 percent, from 9,283 to 9,557.

In Texas, based on reportable crashes from Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3)
data for 2015, the following statistics are true:

On Texas Roadways

 1 Person was Killed every 2 hours and 29 minutes

  1 person was injured every 2 minutes and 8 seconds
 1 reportable crash occurred every 61 seconds

*The Fatality Rate on Texas Roadways for 2015 was 1.43 deaths per hundred million
vehicle miles traveled. *

The Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Reports (CR-3) also show that in 2015, there were 13,616
serious injury crashes in Texas, with 17,011 people sustaining serious injury.

Overall, traffic crash rates statewide in Texas for 2018 per the CR-3 Reports are:
For additional statistics and information on Texas crash facts, please see
http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2015/01.pdf

Remember! Driving drunk or buzzed, driving without wearing a seat belt or even being a
passenger in a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt, driving careless or reckless are serious
safety issues and problems in the United States and in Texas. The facts and statistics of
how such behavior lead to serious injury and fatalities on America’s roadways and in
Texas are sobering and a powerfully persuasive argument against such irresponsible,
reckless and negligent behavior. Drive defensively; drive safely, for your life and others.

Section 2.2 - The Defensive Driver

Defensive driving is defined as "driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the
conditions around you and the actions of others." It is a form of training for motor vehicle
operators that goes beyond mastery of the rules of the road and the basic mechanics of
driving. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of collision by anticipating dangerous situations.
This can be achieved through adherence to a variety of general rules, as well as the
practice of specific driving techniques.

A defensive driver is a driver who is alert to potentially dangerous situations and is aware
of conditions around them at all times. These drivers understand and follow the rules of
the road and are watchful for those who do not follow them. As a defensive driver you
must adjust your driving to allow for problems with your vehicle, the type of road surface,
poor weather, heavy traffic, poor lighting, and your own physical, mental, and emotional
state. You must always think about what might happen and never assume that everything
will be all right. As you drive, you will constantly be making defensive driving decisions.

Driving Safely

The most common causes of collisions are:

 Driver distractions.
 Unsafe speeds.
 Driving on the wrong side of the road.
 Improper turns.
 Violating the right-of-way rules.
 Backing Up
 Violating stop signals and signs.

Most collisions or driving accidents can be traced back to a traffic violation such as: going
over the speed limit; failing to stop at a stop sign; driving through a red light. Breaking the
law not only results in expensive traffic tickets, but it is also very dangerous. It is important
for every driver to follow the law and to develop good driving habits.

Prevent and reduce traffic law violations

Every driver has responsibilities he/she must obey. Every driver is required to know the
law. By knowing the rules for driving, you are less likely to get into an accident. Every
driver must take necessary precautions to prevent collisions from happening. You must
learn to be a defensive driver. A defensive driver is always aware of his/her surroundings
and will take the necessary measures to prevent collisions and injuries.

The Five leading causes of motor vehicle crashes in Texas as identified by the
Department of Public Safety (DPS)

 Unsafe Speed (Speeding)

 Failure to Yield
 Driving under the Influence of Alcohol
 Following too closely (tailgating; Rubbernecking)
 Disregarding “Stop” and “Go” Signals (Running red lights and stop signs)

The leading causes of motor vehicle crashes in Texas can be easily prevented by
simply:

 Slowing down; Follow the posted speed signs and speed limits and drive to
conditions
 Be a courteous (Friendly) driver; Yield to other drivers
 Never, ever drink and drive; don’t Drink and Drive – It just not worth it!
 Maintain a safe following distance; Do not tailgate or rubberneck
 Never forget to signal and communicate with other motorists
 Completely stop at red lights and stop signs
 Look both ways before entering an intersection
 Be an alert, defensive driver
 Keep your eyes on the road
 Never use your cell phone
 Ignore aggressive drivers; be the better person!
 Always follow the rules of the road

When you are practicing safe driving skills, and making sure that you are always paying
attention to your own driving and that of others around you, you are doing much to save
yourself from ending up in traffic accidents. Be sensible when you are behind the wheel,
and you will be safe when you arrive at your destination.
Section 2.3 Collisions

Four Major Contributing Factors Causing Collisions

The vast majority of collisions can be contributed to four factors: Vehicle Equipment
Failure, Roadway Design, Road Environment, and Driver’s Behavior. Human behavior
contributes partially or entirely for over 90% of collisions. Examples of these human
factors include driver behavior, visual and auditory awareness, decision-making ability,
and reaction speed. We will go into more detail about the four factors below.

Vehicle Equipment Failure: Tires, brakes and steering/suspension are some of the most
common points of failure on a vehicle. It is important to regularly inspect your vehicle and
to schedule regular maintenance and tune-ups as needed. Keeping your vehicle in top-
notch shape can prevent equipment failures.

The most common causes of collisions are:

 Driver distractions.
 Unsafe speeds.
 Driving on the wrong side of the road.
 Improper turns.
 Violating the right-of-way rules.
 Violating stop signals and signs.

Roadway Design:

Roadway design can contribute to a collision; however, roadway design is rarely the cause
of a collision. It is the job of civil engineers, local governments, state and federal
governments, and law enforcement agencies to design and create roads that are safe for
driving. Some factors that are taken into consideration when designing roadways include
the location; traffic flow; traffic control devices, such as traffic light signals, speed limit
signs, yield and stop signs, school and pedestrian crossings, turning lanes, and traffic
circles or roundabouts. There are also roadway identification signs

Damage and/or Loss of Vehicle

The repair costs for a vehicle can be very expensive and even overwhelming, depending
on the extent of the damages. Repairing a vehicle is a time-consuming process. Minor
repairs can take up to 48 hours to fix, while major repairs can take up to a month. While
your vehicle is being repaired, it may be necessary for you to rent a vehicle. Depending on
your insurance company, you may be required to do this at your own expense.

You should note that your vehicle will forever carry an objectionable salvaged title, and
you will see the value of your vehicle depreciate. If the damages have caused a complete
loss of your vehicle, then there is the expense and time involved in purchasing another
vehicle.

Injury or Death to You and/or Others

In 2010, NHTSA reported a total of 32,885 traffic fatalities resulting from the estimated
5,419,000 police-reported motor vehicle traffic crashes; 2,239,000 people were injured;
and 3,847,000 crashes involved property damage only. An average of 90 people died each
day in motor vehicle crashes in 2010—one every 16 minutes.

Increased Insurance Rates

Collisions and traffic violations will impact your insurance rates. If you have been in a
collision or have moving traffic violations/points on your driving record, you will most
likely be viewed as a high-risk driver and be charged higher insurance premiums.

Financial Impact/Legal Actions

Costs of collisions are not limited to vehicle damage and increased insurance premiums,
but can include possible medical expenses and loss of earnings if you are unable to work
due to an

injury. There may be violation fines, lawyers’ fees, court fees, license suspension fees and
traffic school fees.

Impact on Quality of Life

The quality of your life will be negatively impacted from a collision, especially if you are
injured or have injured another person. You may have to arrange your schedule around
vehicle repairs or the replacement of your vehicle, and you may need to make alternate
driving arrangements to meet your transportation needs.

Prevent and reduce involvement in traffic collisions

Most collisions can be traced back to a traffic violation such as: going over the speed limit;
failing to stop at a stop sign; driving through a red light. Breaking the law not only results
in expensive traffic tickets, but it is also very dangerous. It is important for every driver to
follow the law and to develop good driving habits.

Prevent and reduce traffic law violations

Every driver has responsibilities he/she must obey. Every driver is required to know the
law. By knowing the rules for driving, you are less likely to get into an accident. Every
driver must take necessary precautions to prevent collisions from happening. You must
learn to be a defensive driver. A defensive driver is always aware of his/her surroundings
and will take the necessary measures to prevent collisions and injuries.

Most collisions are caused by human driving error. A driver can reduce the chances of a
collision by practicing defensive driving strategies. All drivers need to take responsibility
for being a part of the solution to traffic safety. Taking preventative measures will reduce
the number of collisions and the corresponding loss of property and lives. Look for at
least one

thing that you can do differently that will lower the risk in your driving environment. You
should always be alert and never think the other motorist will not make a driving error.

Always be prepared by learning what to do in any situation when you have to act fast.
Drivers should expect the unexpected. Try not to panic.

Most of us are technically good drivers. However, familiarity leads to

complacency, complacency leads to carelessness and carelessness leads to mistakes

(collisions).

Evaluate the Traffic Environment

SAFE is an acronym for a defensive driving strategy designed for collision avoidance:

 See and evaluate

 Anticipate potential hazards
 Find an escape route and
 Execute the necessary evasive actions

The SAFE collision avoidance strategy consists of four simple phrases, and when
memorized and consistently practiced, these keys will help you to avoid collisions.

Aiding the Injured

In the event you are involved in a crash that injures another person, consider the
information below:

1. When calling a doctor or ambulance, ensure you take notice of your surroundings
and state the location of the crash clearly and correctly.
2. Do not assume people are not injured simply because they say they are not. Send
for skilled help as quickly as possible. Unskilled handling can do more harm than
good.
3. Do not move or lift the victim(s) unless it is absolutely necessary. If a victim must
be moved, get help and try not to change the position in which the victim was
found.
 4. Stop serious bleeding with thick cloth pads, as clean as possible, apply with
pressure by hand or by bandaging.
5. Keep the victim(s) comfortable. If it is hot, cool the victim(s) and provide shade as
much as possible. If it is cool, cover the victim with blankets or coats if necessary
and if available.

Texas Good Samaritan Law

While some states’ laws only dictate when an individual may act as a Good Samaritan,
other states also have laws protecting Good Samaritans from negligence claims if they act
in good faith. The Texas Good Samaritan Act covers both. The law states:

“A person who in good faith administers emergency care at the scene of an emergency or
in a hospital is not liable in civil damages for an act performed during the emergency
unless the act is willfully or wantonly negligent.”

It’s vital for people who act as Good Samaritans to understand that this law only protects
them if they act in good faith, or solely out of concern for another human being’s safety
and not for reward or any other motivation. The Texas Good Samaritan Act clearly states
the law does not protect individuals who seek payment for the emergency aid they render
to others, people present during an emergency situation who were there for business
purposes or to sell a service, or “an admitting physician or treating physician associated by
the admitting physician of a patient bringing a health-care liability claim.”

Section 3.1 - Reckless and Aggressive Driving

Reckless and aggressive driving is the operation of a motor vehicle with a willful or wanton
disregard for the safety of persons or property and is considered a major moving traffic
violation. It is typically classified as a more serious, criminal traffic offense than careless driving
or improper driving, and is often punishable by steep fines, imprisonment, and/or driver's
license suspension or revocation, even for first offenses/offenders. In Texas, reckless driving is
one of several traffic offenses that most often, carry criminal penalties instead of fines and
citations.
Reckless driving can include, but is not limited to, driving under the influence, driving at very
high speed, drag racing on the highway or other public streets, weaving in and out of traffic at
an extremely high rate of speed, running red lights, and or fleeing law enforcement in a vehicle.
The penalties in Texas for failing to stop when singled by a marked law enforcement vehicle or
a properly uniformed law enforcement officer with badge displayed are very steep! If you don’t
stop when signaled, you have can be charged with fleeing or attempting to elude, under the
state of Texas transportation code.
Careless Driving
Careless driving may be considered a “lesser” offense in terms of possible criminal
punishment, and/or fines, but it is still something we need to address and avoid in order to
maintain safe roads and save lives. Careless driving may also result in
assessment/accumulation of points on your driving record. Too many points assessed your
record can also result in driver's license suspension or revocation. Careless driving can
include, but is not limited to, speeding, running a red light/stop sign, improper turns, following
too closely (also known as Tailgating), and many other moving violations. Driving carelessly
endangers you and everyone around you.
Careless driving is driving in a way that endangers or is likely to endanger the safety of any
person, including yourself and your passengers or property. Driving this way can have
devastating consequences.
Remember! Reckless, aggressive or even careless driving are very dangerous, unsafe driver
habits that should be avoided at all costs. Unsafe habits like these result in accidents, serious
injury and even deaths!
Section 3.2 - Avoiding Aggressive Driving
Avoiding Aggressive Driving

Road rage is
aggressive or angry behavior by a driver of an automobile or other motor vehicle. Such
behavior might include rude gestures, verbal insults, deliberately driving in an unsafe or
threatening manner, or making threats. Road rage can lead to altercations, assaults, and
collisions, resulting in injuries and even deaths.
Road rage happens when one driver reacts angrily to another driver. Angry drivers may lash
out by deliberately braking suddenly, pulling close to another vehicle, or taking more violent
steps, such as coercing a driver to pull over to "settle" the dispute.
Aggressive driving occurs when a driver becomes angry or irritated and, consequently, fails to
follow the rules of the road. Each year, road rage or aggressive driving causes hundreds of
deaths and injuries to drivers across the United States. Many of these deaths happen
unnecessarily and are preventable.
Legal Terminology: Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as,
"When individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other
persons or property." Aggressive driving has also been defined as, "The operation of a motor
vehicle involving three or more moving violations as part of a single continuous sequence of
driving acts, which is likely to endanger any person or property."
Road rage is a criminal offense and is, "An assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous
weapon by the operator or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s)
of another motor vehicle, or is caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway."
Roadway congestion is a factor that tends to exacerbate aggressive driving behaviors.
Congestion often causes drivers to become frustrated, which, unfortunately, leads to a more
aggressive, high-risk driving style. Aggressive drivers create a less than safe atmosphere for
everyone on the road.
Examples of different types of aggressive drivers include: the road racer, the tailgater, the
frequent lane changer, and the red-light runner.
Aggressive drivers create an unsafe driving environment through their inconsiderate, self-
centered driving habits. Drivers often commit multiple violations, including following too closely,
changing lanes in an erratic or unsafe manner, signaling lane changes improperly, driving over
the posted speed limit, and failing to obey traffic control devices. Because of these driving
behaviors, hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars of property damage
occur each year, and these behaviors contribute to the growing problem of hazardous traffic
conditions and those criminal acts related to aggressive driving.
In their aggressive state of mind, these drivers may not be thinking about the human beings
who occupy the other vehicles around them, or that the drivers in the other vehicles could
possibly be their friends, neighbors, co-workers, or family members. It is time that aggressive
drivers start putting a face on the drivers in the vehicles next to them, and realize they are not
alone on the roadway. The ones they hurt may be themselves or loved ones.
Common Behaviors of Road Rage:

 Speeding
 Tailgating
 Cutting others off
 Weaving in and out of traffic
 Blocking access to a lane
 Beeping the horn or flashing headlights
 Rude gestures
 Shouting
 Deliberately hitting another person's vehicle
 Firearms
 Pursuing another vehicle out of revenge
 Pacing another vehicle to slow them down

Road rage can begin before an individual gets behind the wheel. These aggressive drivers
may have had a stressful day and traffic only makes it worse. They may be looking for
someone onto whom they can unleash their anger. Do not let that person be you. If you
encounter an aggressive driver, safely and courteously get out of their way.
Be Aware
Focus on your driving as well as on the other drivers on the road. Do not let devices or the
environment inside your vehicle distract you. Make sure you remember the basic rules of
driving. Be sure to signal when you turn or decide to change lanes, keep up with the traffic and
keep a close eye on the vehicle in front of you, but look ahead, to the sides, and to the rear as
well.
Even when you follow the rules of the road and are courteous to others, an aggressive driver
may get triggered and decide to strike out. If it does come down to a direct conflict with another
driver, at least you know that you were obeying the rules of the road. Be aware of your own
driving habits first and how others might perceive them.
Never Do the Following:

 Express frustration. Taking out your frustrations on your fellow motorists can lead to
violence or a crash.
 Fail to pay attention when driving. Reading, eating, drinking or talking on the phone can
be a major cause of roadway crashes.
 Tailgate. This is a major cause of crashes that can result in serious deaths or injuries.
 Make frequent lane changes. If you whip in and out of lanes to advance ahead, you
can be a danger to other motorists.
 Run red lights. Do not enter an intersection on a yellow light. Remember flashing red
lights should be treated as a stop sign.
 Speed. Going faster than the posted speed limit, being a “road racer” and going too
fast for conditions are some examples of speeding.

Music
The music playing in your vehicle can affect your mood and your driving behavior. You should
understand how music affects you. Turn off the music if it makes better sense for you.
Diplomacy and Courtesy
If you see someone trying to enter traffic, be courteous and allow them to do so if it is safe for
both of you. If you are the one trying to change lanes in bumper-to-bumper traffic, signal to the
driver next to you and "ask" if you can move in.
As a responsible driver, as well as for your own safety, you should correct unsafe/bad driving
habits that are likely to infuriate or antagonize other road users. Keep your cool in traffic. Give
other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Detach yourself from problems. Avoid all conflicts.
Recognize the absurdity of traffic disputes. Would you rather be “right”, or would you rather be
alive?
When Confronted by Aggressive Drivers:

 Make every attempt to get out of their way.

 Put away your pride for the sake of safety. Do not challenge them by speeding up or
attempting to “hold-your-own” in your travel lane.
  Avoid eye contact with an angry driver. To some people, eye contact is the same as a
challenge. If someone is determined to act out his or her frustrations, even a friendly
smile can be misinterpreted.
 Give an angry driver plenty of space. If you make a driving error (even accidentally), it
is possible the other driver may try and pick a fight with you. Put as much distance
between your vehicle and the other vehicles as you can.
 Ignore gestures and refuse to return them.
 Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle
description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
 If you have a cell phone, and can do it safely, call 911.
 If you are pursued by another driver, do not go home. Precede to a police station or
location where there will be witnesses or where you can get help.

Remember to always wear your seatbelt; it will hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in
case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, and it will protect you in a crash.

Tips on Avoiding Road Rage

To avoid aggressive driving and road rage situations:

 Do not cut off other drivers. When you merge, make sure you have enough room and
always signal before you merge.
 Do not drive slowly in the left (fast) lane. Avoid using the fast lane except for the brief
time it takes to pass another driver. Driving slowly in the fast lane frustrates other
drivers.
 Do not tailgate. Many drivers get angry when they are followed too closely. Always
keep the appropriate following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
 Do not signal gestures to other drivers. Keep your hands on the steering wheel. Making
obscene gestures to other drivers may provoke an aggressive driver.
 Use your horn for emergencies only. Even a polite tap of your horn may be enough to
provoke another driver.
Keep Your Own Emotions in Check
Your emotions can have a great effect on your driving. You cannot drive well if you are worried,
excited, afraid, angry, or depressed. Emotions are hard to control. Here are a few tips:

 If you are angry or excited, give yourself time to cool off. Do not drive until you have
control of your emotions. If you are worried or depressed about something, try to take
your mind off it. Try listening to some music.
 If you are an impatient person, plan on allowing for delays by allotting extra time to
reach your destination. This will tend to keep you from speeding or driving recklessly,
which could result in a collision or traffic ticket.
 Learn not to become upset when other drivers make a mistake or take advantage of
you in certain driving situations. Getting mad can only cause you to make similar
mistakes.
 If you are angry or upset with another person or driver, never vent your feelings
through the use of your vehicle.

When driving, it is best to be calm and remain calm.

Tips:

 Concentrate. Do not allow yourself to become distracted by talking on your cellular

phone, eating, drinking or putting on makeup.
 Relax. Tune the radio to your favorite relaxing music. Music can calm your nerves and
help you to enjoy your time in the vehicle. However, turn off the music if it distracts you
from driving safely.
 Drive the posted speed limit. Fewer crashes occur when vehicles are travelling at or
about the same speed.
 Identify alternate routes. Try mapping out an alternate route. Even if it looks longer
on paper, you may find it is less congested.
 Avoid Becoming an Aggressive Driver
Keep your emotions in check and focus on your own driving. Do not take your frustrations out
on other drivers. Yelling, gesturing, honking the horn and pounding on your steering wheel will
not get you to your destination any quicker. Traffic congestion is a problem almost everywhere
and can occur at any time. Plan ahead and allow time for delays.
How to Avoid Danger
Be a cautious and considerate driver. Avoid creating a situation that may provoke another
driver. Do not tailgate or flash your lights at another driver. If you are in the left lane and
another driver wants to pass, move over and let the vehicle by.
If another driver is attempting to provoke you, do not react. Do not be tempted to speed up,
brake or swerve suddenly. This could cause a crash or make other drivers think you are
confronting them. Instead, stay calm and remain focused on your driving to complete your
journey safely. Always remember that safety is your number one concern.
Section 3.3 - Internal and External Factors and Distractions
The vast majority of collisions can be contributed to four factors: Vehicle Equipment Failure,
Roadway Design, Road Environment, and Driver’s Behavior. Human behavior contributes
partially or entirely for over 90% of collisions. Examples of these human factors include driver
behavior, visual and auditory awareness, decision-making ability, and reaction speed. We will
go into more detail about the four factors below.
Your behavior as a driver is considered to be the primary contributing factor in most collisions.
Statistics and factual evidence have shown most collisions are caused by excessive speed,
distracted and aggressive driving behavior, drowsy driving, inexperienced drivers, and driving
under the influence of alcohol.
Driving Distractions
In 2017, the Texas Legislature passed a statewide ban on using a wireless communications
device for electronic messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Texting, as well as reading or
writing email, is prohibited while driving in Texas.
Cell Phone Prohibitions

 Drivers cannot send or receive electronic messages in Texas.

 Drivers with learner's permits are prohibited from using handheld cell phones in the first
six months of driving.
 Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless communications
devices.
 School bus operators are prohibited from using cell phones while driving if children are
present.
 In school zones, all drivers are prohibited from texting and using handheld devices
while driving.
 Local restrictions: Drivers should become familiar with any ordinances in effect in their
local areas. Drivers should contact their local municipality to determine if there are
additional laws governing the use of cell phones.

The state of Texas does have laws regarding prohibitions of cell phone/wireless
communication devices in certain types of situations or for certain kinds of drivers. Those are:

 Drivers with learner's permits are prohibited from using handheld cell phones in the first
six months of driving.
 Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless communications
devices.
  School bus operators are prohibited from using cell phones while driving if children are
present.
 In school zones, all drivers are prohibited from texting and using handheld devices
while driving.
 Local Restrictions. There are more than 90 cities in Texas that have in place one or
more of the three types of cell phone / wireless communication devices ordinances.

Remember, it is your responsibility as a safe, knowledge driver to know any and all particular
traffic laws and ordinances in the areas you live, travel or pass through. Ignorance of the law or
local ordinances is not an excuse and can cost lives.
When you drive, distractions are everywhere, not just in your
vehicle. https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/driverdistractions.pdf   

At a
typical intersection, you are surrounded by other drivers that are distracted or not paying
attention.

 31% of drivers talk on the phone.

 81% listen to the radio.
 31% listen to a CD player.
 Up to 88% of drivers eat or drink.
 27% have children passengers and 19% of those drivers are transporting kids in the
backseat.
 46% apply makeup, comb their hair, and look in the mirror.

Driver distraction is characterized as any activity that takes a driver's attention away from
driving.
 Outside of the vehicle there are more
distractions than inside. External distractions could include:

 Other drivers
 Crashes
 Road signs and billboards
 Unpredictable things, such as animals, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles.

to the unexpected events that you will encounter.

Distractions inside the vehicle could include:

 Music
 Navigation systems
 Talking
 Wireless devices
 Drinking and eating
 Your passengers

*Reading road maps, signs, and looking for street addresses are also visual distractions
It is important to remember that any distraction has the potential to cause or contribute to a
crash.
Inattention is a general lack of focus on the task of driving. Inattention is generally caused by
intense mental concentration on highly emotional issues, such as relationships, health
problems, family events, and money issues. It is also associated with daydreaming when your
mind just wanders away from driving onto another subject.
When these problems consume your thoughts, it's hard to focus on driving. If you are
experiencing a highly emotional event in your life, assess your capability to remain focused
behind the wheel. Clear your mind so you are able to react quickly
Inattention and distractions are dangerous because they take YOUR MIND off of driving.
Inattention is a general lack of focus on the task of driving. Stay focused on the task of driving
because in one split second an unexpected event can occur, and you have to be ready to see
it and react quickly! Most distractions are outside of the vehicle, and you cannot control them,
but you CAN control the urge to look and stare. Do not take your eyes off the road.
Safe driving requires personal responsibility to use sound judgment, reflexes, experience, and
common sense—every time you are behind the wheel of a vehicle. Another important element
of safe driving is courtesy. Be courteous at all times! Always remember that your safety and the
safety of others are more important than proving a point, winning an argument, or expressing
your emotions through your driving.
Section 3.4 - Alcohol and other drugs
MEDICATIONS
 For many of us, medications and their herbal
substitutes can be lifesavers. Modern medicine is truly miraculous, as nowadays there is
virtually a pill for every ailment under the sun. Most of us can enjoy a fairly pain-free existence
because of this; however, we must note that medications may severely impact our driving
ability. Under the Texas DWI statue (Penal Code Sec. 49.01) Intoxicated means
“not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of
alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of
those substances, or any other substance into the body’.
A driver can be considered legally intoxicated even if they never took an illegal drug or
consumed any alcoholic beverages as a
result of side effects that medications produce, prescription or even over the counter types of
medications. Side effects can range from mild to severe, and combining medications may have
unintended consequences not listed on any one bottle or jar. What’s more, we may experience
a bad reaction that is unique to
us, one that we were not even warned about. Another important thing to remember with
medications is that even if you are taking them on a regular basis for chronic conditions, you
are still susceptible to their side effects, and the tolerance you think you’ve built up may be an
illusion.
Mixing medications with alcohol can have severely negative effects on driving safety. Note that
many OTC meds already contain alcohol, which is used as a solvent to dissolve solid
ingredients; therefore, mixing these with prescription medications can wreak havoc.
Some common side effects of over-the-counter and prescription drugs include drowsiness,
slower reflexes and reaction times, disorientation and cloudy thinking, and allergies such as
rashes or hives. These can all greatly hinder safety on the road, and may lead to collisions.
Below is a list of common medications, both prescribed and OTC, and their known side effects:

 Cough medication: Drowsiness; lack of focus

 Pain relievers: Impaired reaction time; impaired depth perception; dizziness; poor
judgment; blurry vision; irritability
 Sedatives: Drowsiness; poor judgment; blurry vision; poor coordination
 Stimulants: Irritability; exaggerated alertness; disorientation
 Depressants: Impaired judgment; drowsiness; dulled reaction time; poor concentration
  Antihistamines: Drowsiness; disorientation; blurry vision; dizziness
 Antihypertensives: Drowsiness; blurry vision; dizziness
 Hypoglycemics: Drowsiness; lack of focus
 Cardiac glycosides: Weakness in muscles; blurry vision
 Diuretics: Weakness in muscles; disorientations; fainting; dizziness

Make sure you are educated in depth about your medications, even the most benign herbal
ones. Read labels and instructions carefully, and perform research on the internet. Never take
medication prescribed for a friend or family member. Speak with your doctor and pharmacist
about possible side effects and how they might affect your driving. It common to be taking
several different medications at once, but you must know how they interact with each other and
your body. If you feel unsure about a medication, it’s better to avoid driving until you are certain
it’s safe to do so.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is a powerful drug that acts as a depressant, affecting the central nervous system, the
body and the brain. In small doses, it may allow the drinker to feel relaxed, more social and
less inhibited, while in higher doses, alcohol distorts vision, speech, motor functioning,
judgment and can
produce tremors and drowsiness. For these reasons, it is extremely dangerous to drive while
under the influence of alcohol, as it greatly increases the risk of collision, injury and death.
Remember: OTC and Prescription Medication Can Lead to DUI/DWII Charges
While you may not immediately realize that over-the-counter and prescription medications can
lead to a DUI/DWI charges, it’s important to note that you can be pulled over and convicted for
driving under the influence of these everyday substances.
Other DRUGS
MARIJUANA
Post falls into the category of depressants. These drugs can initially result in euphoria,
relaxation and a general feeling of being “high”, however
they have serious consequences for the safety of a motor vehicle driver. Motor control,
reflexes, coordination, balance and reaction times are slowed, judgment is compromised, and
the driver may suffer from a false sense of confidence. While it may not compare to driving
drunk, driving while intoxicated by marijuana is still dangerous because on the onset of
drowsiness and cloudy thinking.
STIMULANTS
Stimulants such as meth, cocaine or amphetamines cause a person to be impulsive, impatient,
aggressive or even hostile. Good judgment, healthy decision-making and rational thinking are
disabled. The central nervous system is excited by these drugs, leading to false feelings of
invincibility and powerfulness. The appetite is suppressed and the individual may become
overly talkative, overly cheerful, or on the flip side, they may become violent. Addiction can set
it quickly with stimulants, accompanied by high tolerance and increasing
dependence. Instead of the risk of drowsiness, drivers under the influence of stimulants may
feel unusually alert and overconfident. They may also experience panic attacks, paranoia,
anxiety, delusions or hallucinations. It is easy to see how dangerous it is to step foot inside a
car when intoxicated by stimulants. If alcohol is added to any of these drugs, the risk of
collision becomes almost a certainty.
NARCOTICS
Drugs such as heroin, opium and morphine are highly addictive and fall under the substance
umbrella known as narcotics. Initially they produce soothing, euphoric feelings, but these are
soon followed by a cycle of withdrawal, drowsiness and even comas. Because these drugs are
depressants, when combined with alcohol, also a depressant, the drowsiness effect is
compounded, resulting in strikingly high risk of collision and/or death behind the wheel.
Persons driving under the influence of narcotics may suffer from degraded psychomotor
activity, slow pulse, disorientation and confusion, loss of consciousness, and impaired vision.
HALLUCINOGENS
Drugs such as LSD, magic mushrooms (shrooms), peyote and PCP are classed as
hallucinogens. Their results are unpredictable, and therefore quite dangerous to anyone
attempting to operate a motor vehicle. The user has a “trip”, or series of hallucinations, that can
range from pleasurable and funny to dark and terrifying. There is a
sense of invincibility coupled with a distortion of sensory perceptions. Physical effects include
tremors, increase in heart rate and blood pressure, dilated pupils, raised body temperature,
and insomnia. Vision, hearing, reaction time, depth perception, and speed perception are all
severely compromised. Mood swings and panic attacks may also occur, leading to increasingly
poor decision-making. If a driver suffers from an LSD-related flashback (replay of previous
hallucinations) while on the road, the results can be fatal, as loss of control is inevitable.
Needless to say, driving under the influence of hallucinogens is extremely dangerous.
Section 3.5 - Knowing When Not to Drive
A responsible driver knows when he/she is not physically and/or psychologically able to drive.
The most important thing to consider before getting behind the wheel is your safety and the
safety of others on the road. It is critical to be physically and mentally ready and also be
prepared for any outside conditions that could affect your ability to drive safely.
 Personal Concerns
Sleepiness and Fatigue
Fatigue is a general term commonly used to describe the experience of being “sleepy,” “tired,”
“drowsy,” or “exhausted.”
Driving while you are sleepy can cost you your life. Most people are aware of the dangers of
driving while intoxicated but don’t realize that driving while drowsy can be just as fatal. Like
alcohol and drugs, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, impairs judgment
and increases your risk of crashing.
While it is nearly impossible to determine with certainty the cause of a fatal crash where
drowsy driving is involved, there are numerous clues present at a crash scene that can tell
investigators that the person fell asleep at the wheel. For example, drowsy driving collisions
typically involve only one vehicle where the driver is alone and the injuries tend to be serious or
fatal. Additionally, skid marks or evidence of other evasive maneuvers are usually absent from
the drowsy driving crash scene.
Sleepiness or Fatigue Causes the Following:

 Impaired reaction time, vision and judgment

 Problems with processing information and short-term memory
 Decreased performance and awareness
 Increased moodiness and aggressive behaviors

Warning Signs
When you are feeling sleepy, your eyelids will droop and your head can start to nod. Yawning
can become almost constant and your vision can become blurry. You will begin to lose focus
on the road and you may find it difficult to concentrate. You should never ignore any of these
signs. If you are driving, you should pull over until conditions permit you to drive safely.
Section 4.1 – Traffic Signs, Road Markings, Other
There are traffic rules that say where, when and how fast you can drive. These rules help to
keep traffic moving safely. Rules of the road include traffic controls, lane controls, right- of-way
laws, and parking rules. Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, where you are, how to
get where you are going, and where services are located. The shape and color of these signs
give clues to the type of information they provide.
Traffic controls include traffic signals, traffic signs and pavement markings. Traffic control also
can be provided by law enforcement, highway personnel or school crossing guards. You must
obey directions from these persons.
Traffic Signs
Standard Colors

Red
Stop, yield or do what is shown on the sign.
 

Green
Direction. These signs indicate where a place is, or how far a place is from where you are.
 

Blue
Services for travelers. These signs direct you to places such as rest areas, tourist sites,
hospitals, hotels, gas stations, eating places, campgrounds or picnic areas.
 

Yellow
General warning.
 

Fluorescent Yellow-Green
Pedestrian, bicycle and school warning signs. The new color for these signs is much easier to
see in low light and foggy/rainy weather.
 
 White
These signs include information regarding enforceable laws and ordinances.
 

Orange
Road work, temporary traffic control, and maintenance warnings. Be sure to watch for workers
on the road.
 

Brown
Recreation and cultural points of interest. These signs point out historical sites, parks or recre-
ational areas.
Standard Shapes

 
Octagon - Stop
Come to a full stop at an intersection controlled by this sign. Stop at the marked stop line or before entering the cro
vehicles or pedestrians pass if they are in your path.

Equilateral triangle
Yield the right of way. Slow down and let vehicles crossing your path go by. If necessary, stop before going ahead
they have crossed the roadway, then proceed.
  
Pennant
This sign will be on the left-hand side of the road or highway. It warns you of a no passing zone.

 
Diamond
Warning. These signs alert you to special road hazards. Words or pictures on the sign will show you why you need
Rectangle
Regulatory or guide. Vertical signs indicate what you should or should not do. Horizontal signs give directions or in

Pentagon
School crossing. Signs mark school areas and school crossings. The color of this sign may also be yellow.

Crossbuck
Railroad crossing signs are placed at each crossing. A number sign under the crossbucks shows how many sets o

Circle
Railroad crossing ahead. These signs give you early warning of railroad crossings.

Warning Signs
These signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and most are diamond-shaped. These
signs warn you to slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary; a special situation or
hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs are shown below.
 

Intersection/Crossroad Merge Left

There is another road ahead that crosses the road you Two lanes of traffic will soon become one lane of traffic.
are on. Watch carefully for cross traffic in your path. Right- lane traffic must yield when merging.
 Signal Ahead Farm Machinery
These signs are used on roads with higher speeds. Be Farm equipment may be crossing the road. Be ready to sl
ready for an intersection and a stop light. down for slow-moving equipment.

Merging Traffic Pedestrian Crossing

If you are on the main road and see this sign, be Watch out for people who might walk or run in front of you
prepared for other vehicles blending into your lane. vehicle.

Two-Way Traffic
Keep to the right because you are leaving a one-way
road and entering a two-way road. Deer Crossing
There may be deer trying to cross the roadway in the area
Slow down and watch carefully.

Divided Highway Begins Hill

You are getting close to the place where two-way traffic This sign is a warning to all vehicles that the road ahead
will be divided by a center strip. goes down a hill.You should check your brakes before
going down the hill.
 Divided Highway Ends T-Intersection Ahead
Two-way traffic will no longer be divided by a center The road you are on does not go straight ahead. Prepare
strip. Watch out for oncoming vehicles. turn right or left.

School Bus Stop Ahead

School Crossing
Watch for children. Be prepared to stop. You are
nearing an area where a stopped school bus will pick Watch for children Reduce speed. Obey crossing guard
up or discharge Passengers.  signals Look out for children playing. The color of this sign
may also be yellow

Regulation Signs
These signs give you information about rules for traffic
direction, lane use, turning, speed, parking and other special situations.

Some regulation signs have a

red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These
indicate you cannot do something; for ex- ample, no left turn, no right turn, or no U-turn.
Speed Limit Signs
These signs indicate the maximum or minimum safe speed that is allowed. The maximum
limits are for ideal conditions and you must reduce your speed when conditions require it, such
as when the roadway is slip- pery (during rain) or it is difficult to see clearly down the road
(during fog). Some high speed
roads have minimum speed limits. If this minimum speed is too fast for you, then you should
use another route.
 
 
 
Lane Control Signs

These signs mark where you can go and where you can
turn, and often
use an arrow symbol. The signs are along the road or hanging over the road. Sometimes
arrows may be painted on the road.
 
Passing Signs

These signs mark where it may be safe to pass

another vehicle and where you cannot. Passing areas are based on how far you can see
ahead. They consider unseen hazards such as intersections, driveways and other
places a vehicle may enter the roadway. The signs indicate where you may pass, or the
beginning and ending of a passing zone, or where you may not pass. Where passing is
allowed, you may do so only if it is safe.
 
Stop Sign

A stop sign is red, with white letters, and has eight sides. It means you must come to a full
stop. You must wait until crossing vehicles and pedestrians have cleared. You must stop at the
stop line if one is present. If necessary, you may then pull forward to the stop sign or the edge
of the intersection and then proceed when it is safe to do so. 
 
Yield Sign
A yield sign is shaped like a downward pointing triangle. It is red and white with red letters. It
means you must slow down and yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection you are
crossing or roadway you are entering. 
 
Keep Right

The road ahead is divided. Stay on the right side of the island or barrier.
 
 
 
 
Wrong Way

You made a wrong turn and have entered a lane of oncoming traffic. Get out the safest and
quickest way possible
 
 
 
One Way

Traffic moves only in the direction of the arrow.

 
Do Not Enter Sign

A square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red circle means you cannot
enter. You will see this sign at roadway openings you are not to enter and when traffic is one
way against you. You will see them at exit ramps, in crossovers on divided roadways, and at
numerous locations on one-way roads.
Slow-Moving Vehicle Sign

A reflective orange triangle on the rear of a vehicle means it is traveling 35 mph

or less. You may see this sign on road work equipment, farm vehicles, or horse-drawn wagons
or carriages. It shows up as a solid orange triangle by day and a hollow red triangle at night.
Guide Signs
 
 These signs are square or
rectangular shaped, and are green or brown with white lettering. They show directions and
distance to various locations, or areas such as cities, airports, state lines; or to special areas
such as national parks, historical areas or museums.
Service Signs

These signs are square or rectangular shaped, and are blue with white letters or symbols.
They show the location of various services; such as rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds or
hospitals.
 
 
 
Railroad Crossings

 Motorists must use extra caution at railroad crossings. Trains cannot stop quickly.
 Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Even if it is a tie, you will be the loser.
 It is not wise to shift gears when crossing railroad tracks; you might stall.
 Never stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks.

Advance warning signs and pavement markings indicate railroad tracks cross the road

ahead. Be prepared to stop before you get to the tracks if a train is approaching the crossing.
Pavement markings are a large “X” with the letters “RR” on the road. These marks are not
used at all crossings. 
 
 
 
Railroad/highway/side road intersection

Crossbuck signs have been put at many public railroad crossings. This sign means look both
ways, listen for and yield to trains. A number sign under the crossbuck indicates there is more
than one set of tracks following the sign.
 
Flashing light signals may be used with crossbucks. Stop when the lights are flashing. Do not
cross until you can do it safely. If there is more than one track, be careful to watch for trains
from either the same or opposite direction.
 
Gates are used with flashing lights at some crossings. Stop when the lights start to flash before
the gate goes down. Remain stopped until the gates go up and the lights stop flashing. Never
drive around the gates. It is dangerous and against the law.
 
Railroad gates and warning lights are to alert you that a train is in the area. You may
collide with a train if you go onto the tracks
 
 
 
Required Stops

All school buses and vehicles carrying passengers for hire,

and all vehicles required to be placarded for hazardous materials, must stop within 15 to 50
feet of railroad tracks before crossing. If a police officer or highway traffic signal directs
highway traffic to proceed, you do not
have to stop. You also do not have to stop if the crossing is marked with an “EXEMPT” sign.
Road Work Zones
These traffic control devices and signs are used to mark construction, maintenance, survey
and utility work zones. These help direct drivers and pedestrians safely through the work area
while keeping it safe for workers on the highway. Stay alert and drive cautiously as fines may
double in work area zones.

The most commonly used traffic control devices are

signs, barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones, tubular markers, flashing arrow panels and
flaggers. Most signs in work areas are diamond-shaped, although a few signs are rectangular.
Orange is the basic color of these signs and warning devices. These signs and traffic control
devices are reflectorized to attract your attention at night.
Slanting stripes on a panel or barricade tell you on which side to pass. Stripes sloping down to
the right mean pass on the right. Stripes sloping down to the left mean pass on the left.
You may encounter road work zones throughout the year which can be a danger to motorists
and road workers alike due to careless or inattentive drivers. In work zones, remember these
tips:

 Adjust your speed to the traffic conditions. 

 Obey all instructions provided by signs, traffic signals and flaggers. 
 Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. 
 Always “Expect the unexpected in ‘The Work Zone.’”

Flashing Arrow Panels

Large flashing arrow panels may be used in work

areas to direct driv- ers into certain traffic lanes. These panels also alert you that part of the
roadway is closed to traffic.
 
 
 
Flaggers

People with stop/slow paddles help control traffic in work

zones. Follow their instructions. They should be wearing lime green or orange vests, shirts or
jackets. They will normally use stop/slow signs. Red flags may be used occasionally.
 
 Channelizing Devices
Barricades, vertical panels, drums, cones and tubular markers are the most commonly used
devices to alert drivers of unusual or potentially dangerous conditions in highway and street
work areas, and to guide drivers safely through the work zone. Flashing lights are used to alert

motorists of a hazard. 
 
 
Pavement Markings and Other Lane Controls
Pavement markings help direct and regulate traffic, just like highway signs. You will find them
alone or used with signs and traffic signals. White lines separate traffic moving in the same
direction. Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite

directions.  On two-way roads

you will see a solid yellow line with a broken line beside it in some places. Passing is not
allowed on the side with the solid yellow line. Vehicles on the side with the broken line may
pass when the way is clear. At intersections, special arrow markings or heavy white lines give
you directions or mark off pedestrian crosswalks.
 
 
Crosswalks, Stop Lines and Directional Arrow Markings

When required to stop because of a sign or signal, you must

stop before your vehicle reaches the stop line, or a crosswalk if there is one. Crosswalks define
the area where pedestrians are to cross the roadway. You must yield to pedes- trians in or
about to enter a crosswalk. Not all cross- walks are marked. Be alert for pedestrians when
cross- ing intersections that do not have defined crosswalks. Special arrow markings may be
present.
 
 
Reversible Lanes

Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times and in the
opposite direction at other times. These lanes are usually marked by double-dashed yellow
lines. Before you start driving in them, check to see which lanes you can use at that time.
There may be signs posted by the side of the road or overhead. Sometimes special lights are
used. A green arrow means you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means you may not. A
flashing yellow “X” means the lane is only for turning. A steady yellow “X” means that the use
of the lane is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.
 
Shared Center Lane

These center lanes are reserved for making left turns (or U-turns when they are permitted) but
can be used by vehicles traveling in both directions. On the pavement, left-turn arrows for
traffic in one direction alternate with left-hand arrows for traffic coming from the other direction.
These lanes are marked on each side by a solid yellow and dashed yellow lines.
General Lane Use

 Do not back a vehicle in a travel lane. It is unsafe to do so. Drivers do not expect a
vehicle to be backing towards them and may not realize it until it is too late. If you miss
your turn or exit, do not back up on the travel lane or shoulder. Continue to travel to the
next exit or crossroad. 
 Do not stop in travel lanes for any reason (confusion, breakdown, letting out a
passenger). Keep moving until you can safely pull off the road. 
 On a road with three or more lanes traveling in the same direction, stay in the right lane
except to pass. If there is a lot of entering traffic, then use the center travel lane. 
 Unless instructed to do so by a traffic control device or a flagger, never drive on the
shoulder of the road. 
 On multi-lane roads, the left-most lane is intended to be used to pass slower vehicles.
If you pass on the right, the other driver may have difficulty seeing you and might
suddenly change lanes in front of you. Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved
or not. Other drivers will never expect you to be there and may pull off the road without
looking. 
  Where there are no signs or lane markings to control turning, you should turn from the
lane that is closest to the direction you want to go, and turn into the lane closest to the
one you came from.
 When making turns, go from one lane to the other as directly as possible without
crossing lane lines or interfering with traffic. Once you have completed your turn, you
can change to another lane if you need to.

Reserved Lanes
On various roadways one or more lanes may be reserved for special vehicles. Reserved lanes
are marked by signs stating that the lane is reserved for special use, and often have a white
diamond posted at the side of the road and/or painted on the road surface. Do not travel in one
of these lanes unless operating that type of vehicle.
(Left) This sign means the lane is for bus and car pool use only.

(Right) This sign means the lane is re- served for bicyclists.

 
 
 
 
 
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes are reserved for car pools and vehicles with more than
one person in them. Signs say how many people must be in the vehicle as well as the days
and hours to which it applies. For ex- ample, “HOV 4” means there must be at least four
people in the vehicle.
 
 
When to Yield the Right-of-Way
Where vehicles or pedestrians are likely to meet one another and there are no signs or signals
to regulate traf fic, there are rules that say who must yield the right-of-way. These rules tell
drivers who goes first and who must wait in different traffic situations. The law says who
must yield the right-of-way; it does not give anyone the right-of-way. You must do everything
you can to prevent striking a pedestrian or another vehicle, regardless of the
circumstances. Be alert for bicyclists. While bicyclists and motorists must share the rights and
responsibilities of using public streets and roads, motorists should realize bicycle riders are
very vulnerable in crashes. Therefore, motor vehicle drivers should use good defensive driving
skills to avoid collisions with bicyclists.
Intersections

 You must yield when you want to make a right turn after stopping at a red light, but
before the light turns green. However, turns on red must be permitted at that
intersection.
 Drivers crossing a sidewalk entering or exiting a drive- way, alley, or parking lot must
yield to pedestrians. It is illegal to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it.
 Pedestrians using a guide dog or carrying a white cane have absolute right-of-way. Do
not use your horn as it could confuse or frighten the pedestrian who is blind.
 Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming cars that are going straight ahead.
 You should watch out for bicyclists. Be ready to yield the right-of-way, even at times the
bicyclists should yield to you. They have no defense against a car or truck, so it is your
responsibility as a driver to watch out for them.
 At an intersection where there is no stop sign or traffic signal, drivers must yield to
vehicles coming from the right.
 At a four-way stop, the driver reaching the intersection first gets to go first (after coming
to a complete stop).
  Drivers entering a road from a driveway, alley or road side must yield to vehicles
already on the main road.
 You must yield or stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, and at unmarked
crosswalks at intersections.
 You should yield to other vehicles when approaching the triangular shaped “yield”
signs.

Overtaking Vehicles
Drivers overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direc- tion must yield to that vehicle and
allow the vehicle full use of the lane.
Emergency Vehicles

You must yield the right-of-way to a police vehicle, fire

engine, ambulance or other emergency vehicle using a siren or air horn, and a red or blue
flashing light. Pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, when
you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction. Fol low any instruc
tions given over the emergency vehicle’s loud- speaker. If you are in an intersec- tion, drive
through the intersection before you pull over. However, if you are on a street or highway
separated by a median strip and the emergency vehicle is on the other side, you do not have
to stop. You must stay at least 500 feet behind any emergency vehicle using lights and sirens
on its way to an emergency.
 
 
Persons who are Blind
If you approach a person walking with a white cane or a white cane tipped with red, you must
stop and take whatever ac- tion is necessary to prevent injury to that person. The same applies
to a person being led by a guide dog which is wearing a harness and walking by or in front of
the person
 
 
Yielding Situations
(red car shown here must yield to approaching vehicle)
 
 
 
 
 
   Car in intersection                     Car on right

 
 
 
 
  
Oncoming traffic                       At yield sign
School Buses
When you meet an oncoming school bus displaying flashing amber lights, you must slow down
to no more than 20 mph and be prepared to stop. If the red lights are flashing or if the stop arm
is out, you must come to a complete stop at least 15 feet from the bus. You must remain
stopped as long as the red lights flash or the stop arm is out. The only exception to this is
where you are approaching the bus from the opposite direction on a road with at least two
lanes in each direction. When overtaking a school bus, you may not pass when red or amber
warning lights are flashing.
After a school bus has stopped to let students off, watch for children on the side of the road.
 
 
 
 
 
If the red lights are flashing or if the stop arm is out, you must come to a complete stop at least
15 feet from the bus and remain stopped as long as the red lights flash or the stop arm is out.
Parking
Drivers are responsible for making sure their vehicles do not become a hazard after they have
been parked. Whenever you park your car, follow these guidelines.

 Park far enough from any travel lane to avoid interfering with traffic.
 Make sure your car is visible to drivers approaching from either direction.
 Park in a designated area, if possible.
 Always set your parking brake when you park. Leave the vehicle in gear if it has a
manual transmission, or in “park” if it has an automatic transmission.
 Check traffic before you open the door. Get out of the vehicle on the curb side if you
can. If you have to use the street side, check traffic before you get out. Shut the door
as soon as you can after getting out.
 Never leave the ignition keys in a parked car. Lock the doors whenever you leave your
vehicle if it will be out of your sight at any time.
 If you must park on a roadway, park your vehicle as far away from traffic as possible. If
there is a curb, park as close to it as you can.
 When you park headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb or roadside so
the vehicle will roll away from traffic if it moves.
 If you are headed uphill, turn your front wheels away from the curb. Then let the car roll
back slightly until the right front tire hits the curb. If you are parking uphill and there is
no curb, turn your front wheels toward the side of the road. That way, the vehicle will
roll away from traffic if it moves.
 
 
 
 
 
   Down hill               Up hill with curb         Up hill without curb (with or without curb)
Parking Is Not Allowed
There are many areas where you cannot park. Check for signs that may prohibit or limit
parking. Some parking restric- tions are indicated by colored curb markings. Do not park:

 on a crosswalk;
 in front of a public or private driveway;
 on any bridge outside city limits or in highway tunnels;
 alongside another stopped or parked car (double parking);
 closer than five feet from a fire hydrant;
 closer than 10 feet from a stop sign;
 closer than 20 feet from a fire station entrance;
 closer than 50 feet from a hotel or theater entrance;
 closer than 50 feet from a railroad crossing;
 closer than eight feet parallel to a railroad crossing; 
 in “NO PARKING ZONES” which are usually marked with signs or yellow painted
curbs;
 in an intersection; or
 on a sidewalk.

Parallel Parking
  Signal and stop with the rear
bumper of your vehicle even with the rear bum- per of the vehicle in front of the place
you want to park. The two vehicles should be about one to two feet apart.

 
 
 
 
  Turning your steering wheel to the
right, back slowly aiming the back of your car towards the front of the car behind you.

 
 
 
 
  As the front of your car clears the
back of the car in front of you, turn your wheels sharply to the left and continue backing
slowly until the back of your car almost touches the car be- hind you.

 
 
 
 

 Straighten your wheels and pull for- ward to center the car in the parking space. Your
car should be no more than 18 inches from the curb. Put the transmission in park if
your car has an automatic transmission and set the brake. Turn off theengine. (It is
against the law to leave keys in a running, unattended vehicle.)

 
To park by the left-hand curb on a one-way street, follow the same directions but reverse right
and left in the instructions.
If your car has a manual transmission, leave it in low gear when parked and headed uphill.
Leave it in reverse when parked and headed downhill. This will help prevent an ac- cident if
your emergency or parking brake fails.
To leave a parallel parking space, signal your move. Watch for traffic and turn your steering
wheel towards the open lane, easing your way into traffic.
If you park on a road outside city limits, you must make sure you are completely off the
pavement. In all cases, police are authorized to remove illegally parked vehicles.
Approaching Stationary Emergency or Maintenance Vehicles
When approaching a stationary vehicle such as a police car, tow truck, utility or maintenance
vehicle that is parked alongside the road and displaying flashing lights, you are required to
make a lane change. You must make the lane change only if it is safe to do so according to
road and traffic conditions.
If a lane change is not possible, prohibited by law, or unsafe, you must slow down to a
reasonable and proper speed for the existing conditions and be prepared to stop
Section 4.2 Traffic Flow and Traffic Signals
Traffic flow on roads consists of road users including pedestrians, vehicles, streetcars, buses
and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using the public way for purposes of
travel. Traffic laws are the laws which govern traffic and regulate vehicles, while rules of the
road are both the laws and the informal rules that may have developed over time to facilitate
the orderly and timely flow of traffic. Organized traffic generally has well-established priorities,
lanes, right-of-way, and traffic control at intersections.
Usually, traffic flow is controlled by signs and traffic signals on majority of Texas roads,
however in some cases, road workers, law enforcement officers and/or any other emergency
personal may control the traffic flow as well.
In section 4.1, we learnt how to follow instructions of a flagger on the road. In other cases, such
as near a school, there maybe other personnel who will control the flow of the traffic. In an
invent of an accident or to manage traffic better, police officers also can manually direct the
flow of the traffic. It is your responsibility to follow the instructions of the flagger on the road.
In this section we will go over active traffic systems such as traffic lights. Traffic lights are
devices placed along, beside, or above a highway, roadway, or other areas to regulate the flow
of traffic, including motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
Traffic lights control the flow of traffic, but you should not assume that every driver is obeying
the lights. All drivers must obey the traffic lights in addition to maintaining an awareness of the
surrounding area and other drivers on the road. Make sure to scan the intersection in all
directions, even if the light is green. Always wait for pedestrians, bikes and other vehicles to
clear your path, even if you have the right-of-way.
The most common type of traffic light has three lights, although you will occasionally see other
designs. The position of the three colored lights is red on top, yellow in the middle, and green
at the bottom. The lights will go from green to yellow, yellow to red, and red to green.
One thing to note before we continue: All stops must be a complete stop behind the limit
line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection.
Red Lights:
 Solid Red – A red signal light means "STOP." You can make a ri
a red light after you stop and yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and v
enough to be a hazard. Make the right turn only when it is safe. D
"NO TURN ON RED" sign is posted.

Treat a flashing red light as you would a stop sign. Come to a

stop, obey the right-of-way of other drivers, and when it is safe to
may proceed.

A red arrow light means stop and do not make the turn in the arro
until the green arrow or green signal allows for the turn.

Yellow Lights
 Solid Yellow – A solid yellow light indicates that the light will soo
red. If you are approaching a yellow light, slow down and stop be
the intersection, if you can do so safely. A yellow light is not an in
to speed up. If you are in the middle of an intersection with a yello
proceed with caution.
A flashing yellow light is a warning to slow down and to be especi
may not necessarily have to stop at these lights, but make sure to
all directions before proceeding.

Green Lights

Solid Green – Give the right-of-way to any vehicle, bicyclist, or p

intersection. A green light means, “GO.” If you are turning left, ma
only if you have enough space to complete the turn before creatin
any oncoming vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian. Do not enter the in
you cannot get completely across before the light turns red. If you
intersection, you can be cited.
Green Arrow – A green arrow means “GO.” You must turn in the
arrow is pointing after you yield to any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedes
intersection. The green arrow allows you to make a “protected” tu
vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians are stopped by a red light as
green arrow is lighted.
Traffic Signal Blackout – The traffic signal light is not working. P
cautiously as if the intersection is controlled by "STOP" signs in a

Pedestrian Signals
 The WALK signal is a lighted image, not limited to, a walking pers
indicates it is legal for pedestrians to cross. Pedestrians may hav
button to active the walk signal.

The DO NOT WALK signal is a lighted image, not limited to, a rai

Flashing "Don’t Walk" or Flashing "Raised Hand" signal light m

start crossing the street because the traffic signal is about to chan
signal light starts flashing after you have already started to cross,
the street as quickly as possible.
Countdown signals indicate how many seconds remain for cros
signals allow pedestrians the flexibility to speed up if the crossing
to expire. Some signals may provide a beeping or chirping soun
message. These signals are designed to help blind or visually im
pedestrians cross the street. At many traffic signals, you need to
pedestrian button to activate the "Walk" or "Walking Person" si
there are no pedestrian signals, obey the traffic signal lights.

 
Remember this key information about traffic signals with these simple illustrations:       
 Red
Come to a complete stop at the stop line or before entering the intersection.
Yellow
Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely. If you cannot stop  safely, proceed through the intersection wit
a yellow light shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles.
Green
Go, but only when the intersection is clear. You must yield to vehicles and pedestrians in the intersection. When th
intersection.
Yellow Arrow
Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely. If you cannot stop safely, proceed only in the direction of the ar
Green Arrow
Drive only in the direction of the arrow. Yield the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians already in the inters
 

Flashing Red
Treat it the same as a stop sign.
Flashing Yellow
Proceed with caution. Yield to vehicles and pedestrians, and proceed when it is safe.
Left-Turn Signal Head.
 
The new left-turn sial head has four signals.

Steady Red Arrow
Drivers turning left must stop and wait.
Steady Yellow Arrow
The left-turn signal is about to turn red. Do not enter the intersection if you can stop safely. Complete your left turn
Flashing Yellow Arrow
Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians; then turn left Proceeding with caution. Oncoming traffic has a green ligh
Steady Green Arrow
Drivers can proceed with the left turn. Oncoming traffic must stop. Do not go straight.

Section 4.3 – Pedestrians

Crosswalks
Crosswalks for pedestrians are situated at every intersection where streets and sidewalks meet
at approximate right angles. Most crosswalks are located at corners, but some can be in the
middle of the block. Even if there are no markings on the ground, such as white or yellow lines
representing a crosswalk, you must still obey crosswalk rules.
Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway within any marked
crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk. Slow down and stop your vehicle when
approaching pedestrians who are crossing.
Whenever any vehicle has stopped at a marked crosswalk or any unmarked crosswalk at an
intersection to let a pedestrian cross, the driver of a vehicle behind the stopped vehicle must
also stop and not pass. Every vehicle on the road must yield the right-of-way and stop for
pedestrians.
Pedestrians are responsible for their own safety. Pedestrians should not suddenly leave a curb
or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle so as to create an immediate
hazard. It is better for pedestrians to cross in groups, as groups are more easily seen than a
single person. Although pedestrians have the right-of-way, it is the duty of a pedestrian to not
delay traffic for longer than necessary when crossing the street.
Some crosswalks have lights that signal pedestrians are crossing. As a responsible driver, you
must always look for pedestrians, even if the lights are not on. In addition, even though you
have a green light to make a turn, pedestrians also have a green light to cross the street.
Whether or not the pedestrian communicates with you about his/her intent to cross the street,
you must always yield the right-of-way and let the pedestrian cross before making your turn.

Stopping for Pedestrians

Do not drive past the crosswalk when stopping for pedestrians. Your vehicle must stay behind
crosswalk lines and/or markings. Your vehicle must not obstruct foot traffic and the pedestrians
should not have to walk around your vehicle within the boundaries of a crosswalk.

 If there are no crosswalk lines or markings, you must stop at the entrance to the
intersecting roadway.
 If another vehicle ahead of you is stopped at a crosswalk, you must stop behind that
vehicle.
 If a pedestrian is walking on the sidewalk, and is walking past your driveway, you must
yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian.

Right-of-Way for Bicycles

Each year, many people are killed and even more are injured in bicycle collisions. Some
bicycle- related collisions are connected to the cyclist’s behavior, while others are due to the
motorist’s lack of attention.
Bicycle riders on public roads have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, and must
follow the same rules and regulations. As a driver of a vehicle, you must look carefully for
cyclists before turning left or right, merging into bicycle lanes, and opening doors next to
moving traffic. Respect the right-of-way of cyclists because they are entitled to share the road
with you.

Section 4.4 - Sharing the Road

What you Should Know as a Pedestrian
Pedestrians (Pedestrian-Related Traffic Laws/Traffic Safety)
A pedestrian is a person traveling on foot, whether walking or running. The term pedestrian
can also be used for those traveling by way of bicycles, roller-skates, skateboards, scooters,
and wheelchairs.
Pedestrians have a duty to preserve personal safety. No pedestrian may leave a curb or other
place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle so as to constitute an immediate
hazard. This is true even though the pedestrian is at a crosswalk. No pedestrian may
unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk. The law states
that a driver must take care for the safety of a pedestrian, but if the driver cannot stop in time,
the law will not help.
What you Should Know as a Driver
Drivers (Yielding to Pedestrians, Bicycles, and Motorcycles)
Right-of-Way at Crosswalks
Avoid turning your vehicle into a deadly weapon. You should always be on the lookout for
pedestrians, whether or not they have the right-of-way. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in the
following situations:

1. Uncontrolled Intersections: If the pedestrian has entered the crosswalk at an

uncontrolled intersection (no traffic signs or signals), you the driver must give him/her
the right-of-way.
2. Controlled Intersections: If the pedestrian has a “WALK” signal, or, if no pedestrian
control signals exist, at a green light, you should always give the pedestrian the right-
of-way. If the light changes after the pedestrian has already entered the crosswalk, you
should still give the pedestrian the right-of-way.

When a blind person carrying a white cane or using a guide dog enters an intersection, all
traffic must stop and yield to him/her.
When two vehicles on different roadways approach an intersection not controlled by a traffic
sign or signal at about the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left should yield to the
vehicle on the right.
At an intersection where all drivers are required to stop, the driver on the left must yield to the
driver on the right. These are intersections controlled by four-way stop signs or flashing red
traffic lights.
Child Safety / Child Endangerment
Checking Around Vehicle
It is always best to look all the way around your vehicle before you get in and once again
before you put it in gear. Many vehicles are equipped with detection devices like backup
cameras or warning sounds, but they cannot take the place of you actively walking around your
vehicle to make sure your children are safely out of the way. Vehicle technology should always
be used in conjunction with your vigilance. It is important to teach children not to play in or
around vehicles and to supervise children carefully.
Back over
Many children are seriously injured or killed in back over incidents. A back over incident
normally occurs when a vehicle coming out of a driveway or parking space backs over an
unattended child because the driver did not see him or her.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every year thousands of
children are hurt or die because a driver backing up did not see them. These incidents typically
occur in residential driveways or parking lots.
Additional Information:

 The predominant age of victims is one years old (12-23 months)

 Over 60% of backing up incidents involved a larger size vehicle (truck, van, SUV)
 Tragically, in over 70% of these incidents, a parent or close relative is behind the wheel

Back overs can be a consequence of a child following a parent into the driveway and standing
behind their vehicle without their parent’s knowledge. Back overs can happen in any vehicle
because all vehicles have blind zones. A blind zone is the area behind a vehicle you cannot
see from the driver’s seat. The danger tends to increase with larger vehicles. It is always best
to look carefully behind the vehicle before you get in and again before you put it in gear to back
up. Remember to back up slowly, and pay attention to your mirrors.
Front overs
Each year, thousands of children are seriously injured or die because a driver moving forward
very slowly did not see them. Many of these incidents take place in residential driveways or
parking lots and are referred to as “front overs.”  A front over is the opposite of a back over.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s January 2009 report (DOT HS 811 085)
states that ‘other’ (not a back over) non-occupant non-traffic crashes are responsible for 393
deaths and 20,000 injuries per year.
Trucks
Large Trucks and Service Vehicles
According to the NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis, the percentage of large
vehicles including single-unit trucks and semi-trucks (18 wheelers) weighing more than 10,000
pounds involved in fatal crashes in 2010 increased 6% from 2009. 

In general, the bigger and heavier the vehicle, the longer it takes to accelerate and stop. Larger
vehicles are also less maneuverable than smaller vehicles. 

Drivers of large vehicles sit up high and have an excellent view of the road ahead; however,
the size of their vehicle limits their vision to the rear and to the sides. 
A large blind spot exists on the left (and several hundred feet directly behind the trailer). The
entire right side of these vehicles also presents an equally dangerous blind spot.
Driving Behind Trucks
When traveling behind large trucks, increase your following distance. If you follow too closely,
the large truck will obstruct your view of the road ahead. If you are in traffic following too
closely, the truck driver cannot see you. Slow down and re-position your vehicle so you have a
better view of the road ahead, and you can see the side mirrors on the truck. 

Trucks that are loaded usually travel very slowly uphill and have a tendency to increase speed
traveling downhill. If you are in front of a truck that is traveling downhill, change lanes, out of
the truck's path. If you are traveling behind a truck going uphill, pass it only when it is safe to
do so. If you cannot pass, adjust speed, and prepare to drive the same speed the truck is
going. Even if it is very slow, be patient. You have no other safe choice. Do not follow too
closely behind a truck going uphill. Mechanical failures could cause the truck to roll back and
collide with your vehicle. 

When following, passing, or while being passed by a truck in wet weather, be cautious of the
tire spray. As you pass or are being passed, turn your wipers to high, anticipate the spray,
maintain a straight path in your lane until you regain visibility.
Bicycles
Bike lanes are indicated by a solid white line approximately four feet from the curb. On the
road, bike lanes will have markings (e.g. an image of a bike or cyclist) or wording (e.g. “BIKE
LANE”) to indicate its use.
These lanes are for cyclists, not for motor vehicles. Do not drive in the bike lane to pass traffic.
You are only allowed to drive in a bike lane within 200 feet of making a right turn, or preparing
to turn in or out of a driveway or parking lot.
Scan carefully for bicycles and mopeds before proceeding through an intersection, giving them
the same consideration, you would any other vehicle.

 Bicycles are often overlooked by motorists.

 It is not always easy to judge the speed or distance of a bicycle.
 Crashes with wrong-way bicyclists frequently occur when a motorist wants to turn right
onto a main road and is only looking left for approaching traffic. Be sure to look right
and check for wrong-way bicyclists on the road or sidewalk before proceeding.
 On residential streets, especially those with parked cars, travel at or below the speed
limit.
 If you are following a bicyclist and need to make a right turn, slow down and remain
behind the cyclist until you are able to turn.
 Cyclists often travel at surprisingly fast speeds. If you need to make a left turn, yield to
oncoming bicyclists unless you are absolutely sure you can make the turn before the
cyclist reaches the intersection.
  Bicyclists change speed and lane position when encountering bad road conditions,
such as manhole covers, diagonal railroad tracks, drain grates, road debris, or in strong
winds. Be ready to react.
 When you are passing, give bicycles and mopeds a full lane width. Do not squeeze
past these road users. The bicycle is generally a slower moving vehicle and this may
require you to slow down. Wait for a clear stretch of road before passing a cyclist in a
lane too narrow to share.
 Check for passing bicyclists before opening your car door into a traffic lane or bicycle
lane.
 A bicycle lane is a portion of a roadway designated by striping to be used by bicycles.
You may cross a bicycle lane when turning or when entering or leaving the roadway.
You must yield to bicyclists in a bicycle lane

Motorcycles
Motorcycles can be difficult to spot on the road. All motorcycles are required to have their
headlight on at all times; however, it is important for you to anticipate their presence on the
road.
Tips:

 Check for motorcycles by looking around and by using your mirrors any time you
change lanes or enter a busy street.
 It is best practice to use a 4-second following distance when driving behind a
motorcycle. This will give you more time to react in case something happens.
 Allow motorcycles to take up the full width of a lane.

Texas DPS Driver’s Handbook provides excellent safety tips for motorcycle riders:

1. The law requires you to wear a helmet. Wearing a safety-certified helmet can prevent
serious head injuries or death.
2. Be sure your motorcycle is in safe condition and has all the equipment required by law.
3. Make sure motorists see you. Wear bright colored clothes and stay out of a vehicle’s
blind spots. Use proper lights and reflectors when riding after dark.
4. Make sure you signal before you slow down, change lanes or turn. Before merging,
changing lanes, or turning, scan behind and in front to ensure that it is safe to make
this maneuver. Do so in plenty of time and in cooperation with other drivers who will be
affected by your move. If it is not safe, continue on a straight course and scan
repeatedly. Only move once it is safe.
 5. Be careful when passing to the left of a parked or moving vehicle. You should leave 3
to 4 feet of clearance to avoid suddenly opened car doors or to allow for a vehicle to
swerve.
6. Be extra careful at intersections. Do not assume your right-of-way when there is a
vehicle approaching. Be aware that motor vehicle drivers may not see you approaching
the intersection, or may believe that you are moving at a slower speed than you are.
7. Keep a steady line and be predictable as a courtesy to other traffic and to increase
your personal safety.

Section 4.5 - Planning a Trip Ahead and Handling Hazardous Conditions

Planning Travel Time and Route of Travel
One wonderful thing about be able to drive a car is the ability to take trips with it. You can take
a trip in one day, leaving and returning all in the same day, or take a long trip in which a few
days pass between your departure and arrival time occur. In any case, both day trips and long
trips are fun and easy to do in a car, as long as you're prepared adequately. This chapter will
help you prepare you for such situations.
Effects of Fatigue on Driving Performance
One thing to watch for while driving on a long trip is fatigue. It is easy to get fatigued while
driving long distances as you are vulnerable to the sun’s rays and getting dehydrated easily.
Be prepared and watch for a few symptoms if going through fatigue. Such symptoms include:

 Slowed reaction time

 Irritability, anger and/or rash decision-making
 Loss of attention and concentration
 Dream states:  States of mind that include blurred sense of time and distance

Because you may experience some or all of these symptoms, don’t be afraid to tell your driving
buddy, or whoever is driving with you in the car that you need to take a rest, or even have them
drive instead of you. Take breaks between distances at a rest stop or gas station. Drink water
and stay hydrated, as it is also easy to get dehydrated on longer trips. Once taking a break at a
rest stop, go outside and get fresh air and energize yourself. Or, if you are getting fatigued
while driving at night, stop at a motel or hotel and stay the night and get a night’s worth of
sleep before heading back on the road the next morning.
General Considerations in Planning a Long Trip
Some things to consider before taking a longer road trip is to assess your physical health
limitations. This can range from physical injuries, bodily conditions, or even mental changes
and illnesses. Some questions to consider when thinking and assessing your health
boundaries for driving and possible physical limitations are:  Am I taking medications that are
taking a while to get used to? Am I fully used to my medications to the point where I am a safe
driver? Do I have any injuries that limit my range of motion for operating a vehicle? Do I need
to make periodic stops for either taking medication or resting due to a physical or mental
condition? These and more are all important questions to consider before taking to the road for
a long trip.
For instance, certain medical conditions require special dietary needs. You may need a special
diet to sustain good health while having a certain medical condition. For instance, you may be
intolerant to milk or gluetin. Therefore, it may be key for you to pack lunches and or snacks in
the car ahead of time that do not include any of those ingredients that you may be allergic to.
Or, you may want to map out any restaurants along the way that you know will accommodate
your dietary needs.
Also, if you take medications you will need to bring an adequate amount of medication
available to you for the duration of your entire trip. As you will most likely be traveling outside of
the usual area from which you receive health care, receiving health care in a new and foreign
area might be more complicated and difficult to get to immediately for your regular
medications. So, plan ahead and bring enough medicine for your whole trip. This might require
getting more medicine from your doctor of pharmacy before the trip even begins.
Keep track of the time you take your medication. You could be traveling in different time zones
and, therefore, the time on you clock could change from area to area. Instead, you might want
to keep a timer for every time you need to take your medications to help you stay on track with
them. Or be mindful when watching the clock for when you need to take your medications if
you don’t have a timer available to you.
Before heading out on the road for a long trip, try to be mindful and familiar with the side
effects of your medication before your trip. Do they make you dizzy past a certain hour? Do
you feel sleepy immediately after taking your medications? Do they make you have cramps at
certain times of the day? These can all affect your driving performance, which happens to
many of us. It’s okay to accommodate your driving schedule and to take stops if these side
effects interfere with your driving. Taking breaks at a rest stop, or stop at a hotel if you are in
need of more time to sleep, rest, or re-energize yourself after going through some of your
medication’s side effects.
Weather conditions for Time of Year and Area
When traveling, it is always good to check the weather before hand for the area and time of
year that you are traveling to. Be familiar with any adverse weather conditions, too, and know
how to safely maneuver during those times. In the case of adverse weather conditions, but
sure to have additional, necessary equipment available when needed. Also, consider
postponing your trip if the anticipated adverse weather conditions are particularly severe.
Type of Vehicle and Condition
Before your trip, have your vehicle serviced by a mechanic. Before your use your vehicle for
the trip, be sure to become familiar with it. Perhaps even take it for a practice run out on the
local roads. Have safety equipment checked before the trip for your car. Also, plan on taking
emergency spare parts if traveling in unpopulated areas or in adverse weather.
Long Trips in Unfamiliar Areas
Sometimes you will drive in places you have never been to before. These cities, towns, and
locations will be new and somewhat foreign. Therefore, before you traverse into these new
territories, obtain up-to-date maps to help plan your route. Be familiar with alternative routes in
case your primary routes are closed or inaccessible. Also try to avoid using a route with
potentially hazardous terrain.
Furthermore, attempt to become familiar with the condition and maintenance of the roadways
on your route. And select routes that may be longer, but present fewer hazards and unfamiliar
traffic congestion.
Check anticipated weather conditions and plan to have appropriate safety equipment with you.
Also, attempt to become familiar with intrastate traffic laws and restrictions in the areas you are
driving in.
General Factors for Avoiding Fatigue on Long Trips

 Set realistic goals for daily mileage

 Determine the time of day you want to travel to avoid congested traffic conditions
 Avoid driving from dusk to dawn
 Do not take stimulants to stay awake
 Make room reservations in advance to avoid rushing
 Get a good night’s sleep before starting out
 Eat lightly but regularly
 Take periodic rest stops
 Share the driving whenever possible

PLANNING FOR DAILY TRIPS

Daily trips are a different type of road trip altogether. These day trips occur in shorter distances
and can begin and end all in one day’s worth. Still plan accordingly for such a trip and schedule
out the driving with a buddy if need be.
General Considerations for Daily Driving
Make sure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate driving aids for physical limitations. Take
your medications as directed and at specific intervals. Avoid driving from dusk to dawn and do
not drive if you are not feeling well.
Avoid “Road Rage,” which is extreme anger at other drivers while on the road.

o Don't let others control your emotions

o Don't act out of frustrations through your vehicle
o Anticipate rude or angry drivers
o “Road Rage” is up by 50% since 1990
o Men and women experience road rage equally

Another thing to consider is the use of cell phones in the car while driving. It is a good rule of
thumb to use your cell phones sparingly while in the car, unless you are using it for its GPS
purpose. Texting and driving is illegal at all times. But here are some tips for using your cell
phone on a day trip and in your car:

o Know how to work your phone

 o Have the phone within easy reach
o End the call if experiencing hazardous conditions
o Hands-free operation is required

Road Conditions
As for the road conditions and anticipating them for your day trip, choose familiar routes that
use freeways over using busy city streets that can easily get congested. Also, while planning
your route for your day trip, avoid poorly maintained or unmarked roadways. Use alternate
roadways that are paved smoothly and are clearly marked with signs and signals. Also, try to
avoid congested areas, as it will save you time and energy to avoid them and travel on less
congested streets and roadways.
Traffic Conditions
Traffic conditions change throughout the day. The most obvious times when traffic becomes
particularly congested as opposed to mostly clear is the different between Commute hours (or
“Rush Hour”) vs. Non-Commute hours. Commute hours are the times of day and night when
there is particularly more traffic on the roads and freeways due to drivers traveling to and from
work. They can depend upon the locale you are around but are typically as early as 6 a.m. to
10 a.m. in the mornings as being the most busy and congested times on the road, and as late
as 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., about the time many drivers are leaving work to go back to their homes.
Therefore, when taking the Commute hours vs. the Non-Commute hours in mind, choose the
time of day appropriate to start and end your day trip in order to avoid congested and
unfamiliar conditions
Weather Conditions
Also take note of the weather conditions for that day of travel for your day trip. Is it particularly
cloudy? Is it rainy? Are there adverse weather conditions, which could change your driving
performance? Therefore, do not drive in unfamiliar or adverse weather conditions. Try to drive
during weather conditions that are easier and more favorable instead.
 Highway Hypnosis
To prevent highway hypnosis on the road, Meehan suggests taking a break every 90 minutes
or so, or -- if you're lucky enough to be driving with someone else -- switch drivers. Listening to
the radio isn't enough to prevent this daze, and can even contribute to it, he cautioned. And
always get at least six hours of sleep the night before a long trip, he said.
The University of Kansas Transportation Center published guide for rural transit drivers to
avoid driver fatigue. In addition to Meehan's tips, it suggests keeping the vehicle cool and
maintaining good posture to stay alert.
Section 5.1 - Lane Changes
It is often necessary to change lanes to prepare for turns, merge with other traffic, or move
around slower vehicles or other barriers on the road. Changing lanes can be dangerous and
must be done with caution.
Do not move from one lane to another until you can do so safely. Be sure to watch for safe
clearance to the side, behind, and ahead of your vehicle so you can move into the lane without
interfering with other traffic.
When changing lanes, make a quick turn of your head in the direction you are moving and
check your "blind spots.” If you rely only on your mirrors, you may not see other vehicles along
the side your vehicle. Drivers who fail to check these areas by looking over their shoulders are
at risk of causing a collision.
Avoiding Lane Changes Near Intersections
You should be particularly careful at intersections. Drivers approaching from a side road or
already stopped at a stop sign may not always be looking right or left for other traffic as you
approach.
Do not change lanes while you are driving through an intersection or approaching an
intersection. Wait until you pass through the intersection to change lanes. There is already
enough danger at intersections without the added threat of vehicles changing lanes. Wait until
you are past the light before changing lanes. You can get cited for an unsafe lane change if
you cause an accident (or even a near-accident) while changing lanes in the middle of an
intersection.
Intersections
An intersection is any place where one line of traffic meets another. It includes:

 Cross streets and side streets

 Freeway entrances

Rules When Approaching an Intersection:

 Look both ways

 Look to the left first, since vehicles coming from the left are closer to you
 Look to the right

Take one more look to the left before you pull out, just in case there is someone you did not
see the first time.
Do not rely on traffic signals. Some drivers do not obey traffic signals. At an intersection, look
left and right, even if other traffic has a red light or a stop sign. A drunk or reckless driver may
not stop. While entering an intersection, look left, right, and ahead for approaching traffic.
Make sure you have a good view. Make sure you can see before crossing an intersection. If a
building or a row of parked cars blocks your view of a cross street, you should edge forward
slowly until you can see.
Duration of Signal
Any signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet
traveled by the vehicle before turning.
Always signal your lane change in advance to warn other drivers. Remember, a signal does
not grant you the right to change lanes; you must wait until it is safe to do so. After passing
another vehicle, you should not pull in front of it until you can see the front of the vehicle in
your rearview mirror.
Divided or Marked Laned Roadways
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in
one direction, a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and
shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
Change lanes only when it is safe to do so. Change only one lane at a time. Before changing
lanes, signal, look in all your mirrors, and:

 Check traffic behind and beside you. Be sure no one is near the left or right rear
corners of your vehicle. These are your “blind spots.” To see your blind spots, you have
to turn your head and look, but do so quickly. Do not take your eyes off of the road
ahead of you for more than an instant. The vehicle in front of you could stop suddenly
while you are checking over your shoulder.
 Glance over your left or right shoulder and in your rearview mirrors to make sure the
lane you want is clear and no other vehicle is preparing to pass you.
 Look for all vehicles including motorcyclists and bicycle traffic in your blind spot.
 Whenever possible, maintain your speed when changing lanes. A driver who frequently
speeds up or slows down creates a dangerous situation for all drivers on the road.
 Try to help those drivers who check only their mirrors when they change lanes. One
way to do that is to avoid driving in their blind spots. If you enter the blind spot of
another vehicle, you should drop back slightly or accelerate to get out of the blind spot.
If you cannot see the driver through his mirrors there is a good chance the driver
cannot see you.

Remember to avoid Improper and unsafe Vehicle Positioning when driving!

Proper vehicle positioning is important for safe driving. This includes:

 Awareness of other drivers' blind spots -- other cars may not see you and can change
lanes into you.
 Avoidance of side-by-side driving without escape options. Keep a space cushion to the
side of your car so vehicles will not try to change lanes and pull into your car or crowd
into your lane.
 Keeping up with the flow of traffic (at a legal speed) and leaving room for cars to enter
on the freeway.
 Avoiding unsafe or dangerous situations altogether.

Section 5.2 - Passing & How to Pass Safely

Passing, more than any other maneuver, requires cooperation between all those on the road.
Good judgment is a requirement of the passing driver in order to properly assess the situation.
Hasty decisions are not safe or accurate. You must understand the relationship between
highway speeds and the amount of time needed to pass safely in traffic.
In order to pass safely at highway speeds of 50-55 mph, you will need a 10-12 second gap in
traffic. At 55 mph, you will travel over 800 feet in 10-12 seconds. Other vehicles will also travel
800 feet, which means you will need over 1,600 feet to pass safely.
It is very difficult to see and judge the speed of a vehicle that is 1,600 feet away from you.
Vehicles will not seem to be moving as fast as they truly are. A vehicle that is far away can
actually appear to be standing still for a moment. Deciding the best course of action quickly is
essential when passing. If you are being passed, you need be able to take evasive action to
avoid being involved in a collision.
On freeways, divided highways and one-way roads, you may pass on the right or the left by
simply changing lanes safely and moving by the other vehicle. You should not exceed the
speed limit or drive off the paved or main traveled part of the road in order to pass.
The most hazardous driving maneuver can be passing on a two-way road. Passing is only
authorized on a two-way road when it can be done in complete safety. You must decide
whether it makes sense to pass in relation to the existing road, traffic and weather conditions.
Speed must be taken into account when deciding to pass. The speed limit, the speed of the
vehicle(s) ahead, and your speed are all critical factors in your decision to pass or not. Other
factors to be considered are whether or not passing is permitted, your line of sight, and the
situation.
The first step in assessing a passing situation is to recognize that the passing maneuver will
require at least several seconds to complete. The oncoming vehicle is approaching, and in the
time, it takes you to pass, it will cover the same distance. Make sure that this vehicle is more
than double that distance from you. A large gap needs to be present for you to re-enter your
lane. Be prepared to brake and re-enter the lane without passing if you see that you cannot
pass safely. Do not pass in poor traction conditions unless there is an extraordinarily long
space available to complete the maneuver in a safe manner.
One of the most common mistakes drivers make when trying to pass is to drive right up to the
vehicle ahead, reduce speed and then try to pass. In this situation you have lost your minimum
following distance and any speed differential, and your line of sight is obstructed. The proper
method is to pass without slowing as you approach. This will allow you to pass safely and
quickly. There are three steps in passing: Assess the situation; prepare to pass; and execute
the maneuver.

Assessi
ng the Situation:
  Is passing permitted, safe and legal?
 Check the situation ahead (oncoming vehicles, signs, pavement lines, gap to re-enter,
intersections, off road vehicles, left and right sides of the roadway)
 Check the mirrors
 Check the left blind spot

Preparing to Pass:

 Turn on the left turn signal

 Indicate your intent to the driver ahead
 Accelerate to obtain a speed advantage, within the legal speed limit, if you had reduced
speed
 Recheck the situation ahead
 Recheck the mirrors
 Recheck the blind spot

Executing the Passing Maneuver:

 Aim and steer into the passing lane

 Check the situation ahead
 Check the vehicle you are passing
 Firmly maintain speed
 Check the rear-view mirror (see both front tires of the vehicle you passed)
 Activate the right turn signal
 Check the right blind spot
 Look and steer into the right lane without reducing speed
 Center vehicle and turn off the signal
 Ease off the accelerator (make sure you have a safe space behind)
 Never pass more than one vehicle at a time

Yellow lines on the pavement dividing the traffic authorize passing when there is a broken line
(dash-like) or when there is a double line and the line closest to you is broken (dash-like).
Passing maneuvers should be performed on the left.
On a two-way highway with only one lane of traffic in each direction, drivers should not attempt
to pass under the following conditions:

 Driver is approaching a grade, curve or bend in the highway where the view ahead is
obstructed. If the driver attempts to pass, chances of a collision increase significantly.
  View is obstructed within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct or tunnel. Do not pass in this
situation. You will not be able to see what is coming your way.
 If the driver is within 100 feet of or within a railroad crossing or intersection.

A solid line painted on the pavement prohibits passing, whether a single line or, in the case of
a double line, the line closest to you applies to your vehicle. There may also be a "No Passing"
sign posted on the left of the roadway. Passing is always prohibited when the maneuver
cannot be performed safely. On freeways, divided highways and one-way roads, these
prohibitions, other than the solid line and the need to proceed safely, do not apply.
You must cooperate when another vehicle wants to pass. Your safety depends on it. The
things you need to do when your vehicle is being passed include:

 Refrain from increasing speed

 Check for an “out” to the right, and be aware of the traffic situation ahead and behind
 Be prepared to adjust speed (yield) to assist the passing driver’s re-entry

As a driver, it is your responsibility to maintain safety for yourself and others on the road. If the
driver of the passing vehicle suddenly decides not to pass because of oncoming traffic,
accelerate to help him re-enter the lane behind you. If he continues to complete the pass,
apply the brakes to create a gap for the vehicle to re-enter the lane in front of you. Be prepared
to steer towards your “out” (that you had chosen) should the need arise.
Passing Other Vehicles
In this section, we will focus on how to legally and safely drive past problem areas and other
vehicles on the road.
Special Situations

 Do not drive onto the left side of a two-lane highway to pass another vehicle under the
following conditions:
 When approaching or upon the crest of a grade or a curve in the highway where your
view is obstructed within such distance as to create a hazard in the event another
vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
 When your view is obstructed upon approaching within 100 feet of any bridge, viaduct,
or tunnel.
 When approaching within 100 feet of or when traversing any railroad grade crossing or
any intersection.
 Do not assume that a Class A or Class B vehicle knows where you are on the road
when you are in their blind spots. If you need to pass a vehicle such as a large trailer
truck, bus, tractor-trailer, or any other Class A or Class B vehicle do not linger for too
long next to it when passing. Be sure you also understand your speed and the amount
of space available before safely maneuvering to pass. If you miss an exit, do not cut off
 vehicles mentioned previously. Instead take the next exit to be safe. It is also important
not to follow too closely behind these vehicles, as they need more space to stop, turn
and accelerate.

Dangerous Passing Situations

Long line of vehicles ahead
If there is a long line of vehicles ahead of you, but you see that the lane to your left is open, be
extra cautious. You may have the urge to enter the open lane, but a faster approaching vehicle
could suddenly appear. This may cause a collision. Often, it is safer to stay exactly where you
are. Shaving off a few seconds from your commute is not worth the additional risk.
Intention to stop and turn
It is a best practice not to pass another vehicle on the road in order to make an exit off of the
freeway. You may be tempted to speed up and overtake a slower vehicle to make your exit,
but do not do so. Instead, stay behind the slower vehicle until you reach your exit. This case
applies to city driving as well. Maneuvering around vehicles so that you get to your stop or turn
more quickly is dangerous. It is recommended that you stay in your current lane, slow down,
and signal, rather than charging ahead.
Vehicle ahead is at or near speed limit
Let’s say the vehicle in front of you is near or at the speed limit, and you would like to safely
pass the motorist. You should not increase your speed to pass because you will be driving
over the speed limit at the risk of getting involved in a collision.
Sight/distance ahead is limited
You must avoid passing if you do not have sufficient clearance to pass safely. If you do not
have visibility to see obstacles ahead or oncoming traffic, do not attempt to pass another
vehicle.
Only pass when you can do so without interfering with approaching traffic from the opposite
direction.
Unable to pass before reaching “No Passing Zone”
Without visibility, it is not safe to pass a vehicle on a two-lane highway. Often there are several
single lane roads marked by double solid yellow lines. Such areas are called “No Passing
Zones.” It is dangerous to pass in these zones, because your safety diminishes significantly.
Right of way, including the concept that no driver can claim the right of way and what to do
when traffic signals malfunction.
Never assume the other driver knows that you have the right-of-way.  Texas law only
discusses who must yield and under what conditions, but drivers make mistakes. When there
is confusion about the right-of-way, do your best to communicate your intentions.
Exiting the Freeway
There are usually three parts to a freeway exit: a deceleration lane for slowing down that leads
drivers out of the main flow of traffic, an exit ramp and an intersection with a stop sign, yield
sign or traffic light.
When leaving the freeway, signal that you want to move into the deceleration lane, but do not
slow down. When you are in the lane, reduce your speed gradually to the speed shown for the
exit ramp.
Check your speedometer to make sure you are going slowly enough. You may not realize how
fast you are going because you are used to the high speed of the freeway. Losing your ability
to judge your speed accurately is sometimes called speed adaptation or delocalization. It is a
special danger when leaving a freeway.

Section 5.3 - Avoid Driving in the Blind Spots of Other Vehicles

The “blind spot” is the area beside you or near the rear corners of your vehicle. A blind spot is
where the driver loses sight of other vehicles. Remember, you cannot see these spots in the
mirrors. Although mirrors are useful, you should remember they do not give you an all-around
view of the outside of your vehicle. You need to turn your head and look over your shoulder to
see vehicles in your blind spots.
Additional blind spots can be created by glaring lights, dirty windshields, vehicles parked too
closely to an intersection, bushes and /or buildings. Sometimes you can hear a vehicle but
cannot see it, especially if it is in your blind spot. Understanding the location and scope of each
blind spot or "no zone" can help you avoid them. The location of blind spots is dependent on
each make and model of vehicle, the driver, and the position in which the driver sits. Do not
drive in the blind spots of other drivers or where it is more difficult for others to see you. You
cannot
always be sure other drivers will see you, but you can avoid putting your vehicle where they
cannot see it.
Big trucks have trouble seeing you if you get too close. They cannot see vehicles too close
behind them or in front of them. They also have trouble seeing vehicles alongside them.
Passenger vehicle drivers falsely assume that a trucker can see the road better because they
are higher off the road; this is false. While truckers do have a better forward view and bigger
mirrors, they still have greater blind spots. Your vehicle can get lost in those blind spots. These
areas are called the “no zone.” Stay out of the “no zone.” Stay at least 200 feet behind big
trucks and do not stay in the area alongside a truck. They will not be able to see your vehicle
there. If you pass a big truck, wait until you can see both of its headlights in your rearview
mirror before you pull back in. Truckers driving big trucks cannot see things closer than 20 feet
in front of them. This area is part of the “no zone.” If you stay in those blind spots, you block the
trucker's ability to take evasive action to avoid a dangerous situation.
If you cannot see the truck driver in his or her side mirror, the truck driver cannot see you. Tips:

 Try to avoid driving on either side slightly to the rear of another vehicle. Either speed up
or drop back, but do not remain in another driver’s blind spot.
 When passing another vehicle, pass through the other driver’s blind spot as quickly as
you can. The longer you stay there, the longer you are in danger.
 Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before
entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Remember that motorcyclists
are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller
size.
Be Prepared to Take Evasive Action
Be ready for other drivers and the errors they may make. You need to be consistently paying
attention. The only way that you are able to avoid problems once you have good information is
to have an escape route. Maintaining space around your vehicle is imperative.
Think and plan ahead. You need to have somewhere to go to avoid the driving errors of other
drivers. Driving errors can include the following:

 Not paying attention and veering into your lane

 Losing traction from driving too fast or bad roads
 Drivers who are unaware of your presence
 Inexperienced drivers who make a bad decision or just are not efficient
 Tailgaters
 Someone who does not yield
 Running red lights and stop signs
 Impaired drivers making mistakes

Section 5.4 - Right-of-Way

It is important to respect the right-of-way of other drivers and others, especially pedestrians,
motorcycle riders, and bicycle riders. Never assume the other driver or other road user knows
that you may have the right-of-way. Texas law only discusses who must yield and under what
conditions, but drivers can often make mistakes. When there is confusion about the right-of-
way, do your best to communicate your intentions. Learning to yield your right-of-way helps to
prevent collisions.
When to Give Up Your Right-of-Way
Right-of-way rules, together with courtesy and common sense, help to promote traffic
safety. Never assume other drivers will give you the right-of-way. Yield your right-of-way
when it helps to prevent collisions. Respecting the right-of-way of others is not limited to
situations such as yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, or watching carefully to ensure the
right-of-way of bicyclists and motorcyclists. Motorists must respect the right-of-way of others by
not violating traffic laws, such as failing to stop at a stop sign or traffic light, speeding, making
unsafe lane changes, or illegal turns. Statistics show that right-of-way violations cause a high
percentage of injury collisions in Texas.

 If a person cuts you off or goes first in an intersection, even illegally, do not try to
correct that person's behavior. Let his or her vehicle go first.
 If a person seems distracted or agitated in a way that makes him or her unaware of the
surroundings, give that person the right of way.
 If you're trying to move into the slow lane on a freeway, you will sometimes encounter a
person passing you on the right. It is always safer to pass on the left to ensure a
 smooth flow of traffic. However, if a person passes you on the right on the freeway, by
all means give that person the right of way.
 You must yield the right-of-way to any police vehicle, fire engine, ambulance, or other
emergency vehicle using a siren and red lights.

Yield Right-of-Way
Traffic Signs and Signals
At intersections controlled by traffic signs and signals, drivers must obey them and follow the
sign and signal for the lane of traffic they are in.
Malfunctioning Traffic Signals
When traffic signals are not working properly, you must treat the intersection like a four-way
stop. In such cases, the right-of-way is yielded to whichever vehicle arrives first at the stop
sign.
Intersections not controlled by Signs, Signals, Multi-lanes, or pavement
According to the Texas DMV handbook: When approaching this type of intersection, yield the
right-of-way to any vehicle that has entered or is approaching the intersection on your right. If
the road to your right is clear or if the approaching vehicles are far enough from the
intersection to make your crossing safe, you may proceed.
Since there are not any traffic controls at this intersection, make sure there are no approaching
vehicles from the left. You may legally have the right-of-way but be sure the other driver yields
to you before you proceed.
Single or Two-Lane Road Intersecting a Multi-Lane Road
Per the Texas DMV Driver’s handbook: If you are driving on a single or two lane road that
intersects with a divided road or road with three (3) or more lane road lanes, you must yield the
right-of-way to vehicles traveling on the divided or three (3) or more lane road
Unpaved Road Intersecting a Paved Road
Per the Texas DMV Driver’s handbook: If you are driving on an unpaved road that intersects
with a paved road, you must yield the right-of-way to vehicles traveling on the paved road.
Yielding Right-of-way when Turning
Turning Left: When a driver plans to make a left turn, they should always yield the right-of-
way to any vehicle coming straight through from the other lane’s direction that they are
crossing. A driver should never make a left turn unless safe to do so.
Private Roads and Driveways
Per the Texas DMV handbook: When entering or crossing a road, street, or highway from a
private road, alley, building, or driveway, you must stop prior to the sidewalk and yield right-of-
way to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.
At T-Intersections
At T-intersections, a driver approaching the intersection of a through street traveling from a
street that ends at the intersection must stop and yield the right-of-way to any vehicles on the
through street.
Remember these tips!
At an intersection without STOP or YIELD signs, you should slow down and be ready to stop.
You should always yield to vehicles already in the intersection or just entering it. Also yield to
the vehicles on your right if they have reached the intersection at the same time as your
vehicle.
When there are STOP signs at all corners, stop first, then follow the rules as stated previously.
When you turn left, give the right-of-way to all vehicles on the same road coming from the
opposite direction close enough to be dangerous. Turn only when you can see that it is safe.
On divided highways, or highways with several lanes, watch out for vehicles coming in any
lane you must cross.
Whenever you have parked off the road, before you enter the road again, you must signal and
yield to traffic.
Yield Sign
The shape of a yield sign is an upside down triangle. Slow down, stop if necessary, and give
the right-of-way to other traffic and pedestrians. In contrast, a stop sign requires each driver to
stop completely before proceeding, even if no other traffic is present.
A driver at a yield sign shall give way to the oncoming traffic. This may mean a driver may have
to stop at a yield sign until it is safe to proceed.
If you are the driver who must yield in a collision, most likely you are at fault. If a traffic officer
sees you force another driver to slow down or change course when you are supposed to yield
to traffic, you are guilty of a violation and can be fined for “Failure to Yield.”
If you see a driver failing to yield to you when you have the right-of-way, you should yield, even
though the other driver is wrong. Do not risk a collision.
Parking Lots
Parking lots have two main kinds of lanes: thoroughfares and feeder lanes. A thoroughfare is a
lane that exits to a street. A feeder lane is the smaller lanes inside a parking lot.
If you're driving on a thoroughfare, which is typically the longer and wider lanes in a lot, you
have the right of way.
In the majority of the time, parking lots do not often have stop signs to direct traffic, but if you're
coming out of a feeder lane, which is typically the ones that lead cars to their parking spots,
you must yield to cars on the thoroughfare.
Remember! Any vehicle that is currently backing out of a parking space must yield to those
driving through the lane. So always be sure to check for traffic before backing up and be ready
to stop if necessary.
In Parking lots, it is also very important to note that pedestrians always have the right of way in
a parking lot.
 Cr
osswalks
Every intersection where streets with sidewalks meet "at about right angles" has a crosswalk
for pedestrians to cross the street, even though there may be no painted lines. The crosswalk
is that part of the pavement where the sidewalk lines would extend across the street. It is often
marked with white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines may be painted at school crossings.
Most crosswalks are at corners. Sometimes they are in the middle of the block. Before turning
a corner, watch for pedestrians who are about to cross the street. Remember, if you have a
green light, the light is also green for them. Some crosswalks, especially in residential areas,
are not marked.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. If you stop in a crosswalk, you put a
pedestrian in danger. Those pedestrians often have to go into the traffic lanes to avoid being
hit by you because you have violated their right-of-way.
Entry onto Freeway
The driver of any vehicle about to enter a freeway must yield the right-of-way to all traffic.
Follow the rules below for safe entry onto a freeway:

 Signal your intent to merge onto the freeway; Signal a few seconds before you make
your move.
 Enter without disrupting other drivers.
 Match your speed to the speed of traffic.
  Never stop completely before entering the freeway, unless in an emergency situation or
under special conditions (e.g. traffic lights).

Any time you merge with other traffic, you need to leave a gap of four-seconds, meaning a two-
second spacing behind and two-second spacing in front of your vehicle - This is the “two-
second rule.” Having sufficient spacing between vehicles allows you time adjust to changing
speeds and road conditions. When it is safe, allow for a spacing of three seconds - This is the
“three-second rule.”
While driving on a freeway, sometimes it is a good idea for you to move into a farther left lane
to avoid dealing with traffic merging onto the highway. Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of
the driver entering the freeway to only merge onto the freeway when it is safe to do so.

More on Right-of-Way Laws

At inoperative traffic lights, divers must stop and apply the same rules as at a four-way stop
intersection.
At a yield sign, drivers must yield to vehicles close enough to constitute a hazard and proceed
only when it is reasonably safe to do so.
Drivers turning left (U-turn, private property) must yield to any oncoming vehicles close enough
to constitute a hazard.

Law enforcement and emergency vehicles

Response to Emergency Vehicles
The most common emergency vehicles are police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks.
Vehicles used by lifeguards and state-owned vehicles used for towing and repairing other
vehicles or repairing damaged lighting or other equipment are also emergency vehicles.
For emergency vehicles, every second counts in what could be a life or death matter.
When you see an emergency vehicle with red lights flashing and hear a warning siren, all
traffic in either direction should immediately move to the edge of the road, or as near as
possible. Be sure to find a place where it is safe to briefly stop. Do not stop unless you are on
the right edge of the road, as you will just slow the progress of the vehicle. Do not stop in the
middle of an intersection. Wait until you are safely through the intersection before pulling over.
If you are unable to pull over to the right side of the road, slow down and make a clear path for
the emergency vehicle.
You may resume driving once the emergency vehicle has passed, but check the roadway first.
You must stay a minimum of 500 feet away from a responding emergency vehicle when
flashing red lights are on. Do not drive to emergency scenes or attempt to park on the street or
in a
location that interferes with the arrival or departure of an emergency vehicle. You can be cited
and even arrested if you interfere with the work of emergency personnel.
Tips:
Take specific precautionary actions on the freeway when passing a stopped emergency
vehicle with activated warning lights. If practical and not prohibited by the law, make a lane
change  into an available lane not immediately adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle,
tow truck, or Department of Transportation vehicle, with due regard for safety and traffic
conditions.
When you are accommodating an emergency vehicle on any roadway, you must slow down to
a speed that is 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. In the event that the speed limit
is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
It is very unsafe to follow an emergency vehicle closely after it has passed. Drivers can be
cited for following within 500 feet of such a vehicle. Always give emergency vehicles as much
room as possible.
Avoid driving into or parking in the same block where a fire truck is responding to an alarm.
Never park where you will interfere with an ambulance driving to or from the scene of an
emergency.
 S
chool Bus  
When a school bus comes to a complete stop, it uses different lights to indicate its maneuver.
When a school bus approaches a stop, it will initially flash amber warning lights. While it slows
to a stop, it will flash red warning lights. Once the bus comes to a complete stop, it will display
a red stop sign and flashing red lights. In the State of Texas, it is illegal to pass a School Bus
when the bus is displaying the red stop sign and flashing red lights on an undivided roadway. It
is illegal to pass the Stopped School bus even on 2 - lane or 3 lanes with a turn lane roadways.
All vehicles behind or in front of the School Bus must come to a complete stop and wait until
the bus removes the stop sign or the School Bus driver signals.
Drivers are not required to stop when you are moving in the opposite direction of the School
Bus on a divided highway or roadway (roadways separated by an intervening space or
physical barrier). *If a highway is divided only by a left-turning lane, the roadways are not
considered separated, and drivers must stop for school buses.* (TRANSP § 545.066)
Remember, when you approach a school bus on any roadway, it may need to stop, so be
prepared to do so. When you see the flashing red lights, stop before reaching the bus zone.
Wait for the bus to unload or load and resume driving only after the bus driver turns off the red
flashing lights. If you get caught behind a school bus that makes frequent stops, be patient and
never pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing. Drivers can be fined for disobeying
the rules of the road involving school buses. Failure to stop for a school bus will result in fines
and citations. Passing a school bus on the side where children enter and exit while the school
bus is displaying a stop signal will result in increased fines. In Texas, drivers who pass school
buses illegally face fines up to $1,250 for the first offense. Drivers, who are convicted of this
offense more than once, face
possible 
driver’s license suspension for up to six months. The state of Texas does not allow citations
issued for illegally passing a school bus to be dismissed through completing a defensive
driving safety course.
For increased safety, make it standard practice to always scan the area around the bus for
children or other pedestrian around school buses before the bus stops and after it departs.
Resume driving slowly, only after you are sure your path is clear of pedestrians
Railroad Crossings

 Motorists must use extra caution at railroad crossings. Trains cannot stop quickly.
 Never try to beat a train across the tracks. Even if it is a tie, you will be the loser.
 It is not wise to shift gears when crossing railroad tracks; you might stall.
 Never stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks.

Advance warning signs and pavement markings indicate railroad tracks cross the road

ahead. Be prepared to stop before you get to the tracks if a train is approaching the crossing.
Pavement markings are a large “X” with the letters “RR” on the road. These marks are not
used at all crossings.
Railroad Crossings
Signs and markings on the road will let you know that a railroad crossing is ahead. Use caution
when approaching a railroad crossing, even if there is no indication that a train is about to
pass. Only cross railroad tracks at designated areas and only when it is safe to do so. Look in
both directions as you approach the tracks and listen for trains.
Never go under gates that are in the process of lowering or around gates that have been
lowered, even if you do not see a train.
The speed limit is 15 mph when you come within 100 feet of a railroad crossing and you
cannot see the tracks for 400 feet in both directions. You may drive faster than 15 mph if the
crossing is controlled by gates, a warning signal, or a flag man.
Stop at least 15 feet, but not more than 50 feet, from the nearest track in the following
situations:

 When crossing devices are active

 When you see a train coming
 When you hear a whistle, horn, or bell of an approaching train
 When a person warns you a train is coming

Flashing red lights indicate you must stop and wait. Do not proceed over the crossing until the
red lights stop flashing, even if the gate rises. If the gates are lowered and you do not see a
train approaching, call the posted railroad emergency toll-free number or call the local
authorities. Be prepared to give a detailed description of your location.
Violating Right-Of-Way Rules
Right-of-way rules help people drive safely. These rules go along with courtesy and common
sense. Bicycle, moped riders, and pedestrians must follow these rules too.
Do not insist on taking the right-of-way. If another driver does not yield to you when he or she
should, let the other driver go first. However, do not always insist on others going ahead of
you. If another vehicle expects you to take your legal turn, you may delay traffic by stopping or
slowing unnecessarily for another vehicle to go ahead of you.
Texas Penalties for Failure to Yield Right-of-Way
In the State of Texas, per the Texas DMV; failure to yield right-of-way can lead to a traffic fine
of
$500 up to $2,000!
And any driver who causes serious bodily injury to another in a failure to yield right of way can
expect a fine of $1,000 up to $4,000.
Avoid steep fines by simply paying attention to who has the right-of-way and yield it. If in doubt,
Yield the right-of-way!

Section 5.5 – Turns

Protected and Unprotected Right Turns
In a protected right turn situation, a special turn light, green arrow, delayed light or traffic officer
directs you to proceed. Protected right turns are less common than protected left turns. Most
drivers think that right turns are less dangerous because they are not required to cross
oncoming traffic. However, three possible conflicts might occur: road users (pedestrians)
crossing in your path; a rear-end collision with a vehicle; or oncoming vehicles turning left at
the same time.
Watch for Hazards during Turns
Watch for any hazards (vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists) or special situations (controlled lanes,
signals) as you approach your turning point. Activate your turn signal in advance and check
traffic to the rear. Tap the brake pedal and then apply the brake to reduce speed. Be ready to
stop prior to turning. Even if the way is clear, recheck the mirrors and blind spots. Proceed to
turn only if the maneuver can be performed safely.
Position Your Vehicle for Turns
Prior to making a left turn, you must position your vehicle in the lane farthest to the left that you
are permitted to use. Generally, a lane change must be made one-half block prior to the turn.
To make a right turn, you must first position your vehicle in the lane closet to the right side of
the roadway. If you are not in the correct lane, you will need to change lanes prior to the turn.
Blocked View for Turning
When your view is blocked, you are allowed to inch forward slowly after stopping. Vehicles
approaching may honk to communicate with you, so be aware of the situation. Continue to inch
forward until you can see clearly before making the turn.
Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street: After starting your turn in the far-
right lane, you may use any lane open to traffic, if safe. Sometimes signs or pavement
markings will let you turn right from a lane next to the far-right lane.
Turn at a "T" intersection from a one-way onto a two-way street: Through-traffic has the
right-of-way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane. Watch for vehicles and
bicycles inside your turn.
Turning on Red
At the intersections, you may turn right after stopping for a red light if you are in the correct turn
lane and your path is clear and with no sign telling you otherwise.
You may make a left turn at certain intersections after stopping for a red light. This is allowed if
you are driving on a one-way road and turning left onto another one-way road where traffic
moves from right to left, and your path is clear.
Tips:

 Stop before entering crosswalk area or intersection.

 Yield to all traffic and pedestrians.
 You may not turn on red lights at intersections where NO TURN ON RED signs are
posted.

U-turns
You may not make a U-turn unless you can do so without causing problems for other traffic. U-
turns are very risky maneuvers. When making a U-turn, scan for hazards. Check for signs that
prohibit U-turns and position your vehicle properly to complete the turn. You must start the U-
turn from the left-most legal lane; use the left turn lane if one is available. Direct your vehicle
into the closest lane possible.
How to make a Left Turn
Protected Left Turns:
In a protected left turn situation, a special left turn light, a green arrow, an advanced (or
delayed) green light, or a traffic officer, controls the other traffic and directs you to proceed.
However, even in this situation, you may not have the right-of-way. Protected left turns do not
clear you of responsibility; you must still check for hazards (cyclists, pedestrians, etc.). Any
road user already in the intersection has the right-of-way. The law also states that you may not
proceed until it is safe to do so.
Unprotected Left Turns:
Unprotected left turns can be made at any uncontrolled intersection or when a controlled
intersection does not have a special turn light. When a special turn light ends, if you are still
permitted to turn, the maneuver then becomes an unprotected turn.
Left Turns
Left turn from a two-way street: Start the turn at the left-hand edge of the lane closest to the
middle of the street. You must use a left turn lane if there is one. Complete the turn, if safe, in
either lane of the cross street. Always watch for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists
between your vehicle and the curb because they can legally use the left turn lane for their left
turns.
Left turn from a two-way street into a one-way street: Start the turn from the far left-hand
portion of your side of the road. You may turn into any lane that is safely open.
Left turn from a one-way street into a two-way street: Start the turn from the far left-hand
portion of your side of the road. You may turn into any lane that is safely open.
Left turn from a one-way street into a one-way street: Start the turn from the far-left lane.
Turn into any lane that is safely open.

Section 5.6 - Backing Up Safely

In general, backing up poses a danger because it is difficult to see what is behind your vehicle.
If you are going to back up, it is a good habit to walk around the vehicle to ensure that nothing
and no one is behind it. Before backing up, look to the front, sides, and rear. Do not depend on
your mirrors. Continue looking out the rear window of your vehicle while backing up. While
backing into the proper traffic lane, do so slowly and with as little movement as possible.
If you are backing in a straight line or at an angle to the right, turn your body and head to the
right, but check the left frequently for anything that could be coming from that direction. If you
are backing at an angle to the left, turn your body and head to the left and be sure to check the
right periodically. Pay extra attention to your surroundings when backing up. Your front end will
swing wide as you turn; be sure there are no objects in its path. Avoid backing into a blind area
without a guide or someone to assist you. Your passengers can help you as guides to avoid
collisions.
Vehicles are not designed to spend much time in reverse gear. The steering behavior of a
vehicle is "off" when backing up. It operates counter to your intuition and can surprise you
merely because things happen in ways you do not anticipate. Going forward, rear wheels
always follow turned front wheels. But, in reverse, the front wheels head in the opposite
direction from the rear wheels. Bumpers can arc more widely than expected. Because of this,
the dynamics of controlling your vehicle in reverse are challenging.
Rearview mirrors are designed for vehicles going forward and are surprisingly difficult to use
when backing up a vehicle. The combination of a mirrored image and the reversed responses
of backing up can be especially confusing. You should not depend solely your rearview mirror
when backing up.
Speed Control When Backing Up
Backing up should be done slowly because of the need to check all around your vehicle
continuously, as well as the response time needed for steering. Before backing up your
vehicle, position yourself properly. If driving an automatic transmission vehicle, ease up on the
brake pedal to begin reversing slowly. Maintain break pressure as needed to control your
speed. A slight pressure on the accelerator may be needed on grades. Standard or manual
transmission vehicles will require clutch control to maintain speed.
Follow These Rules When Backing Up:

 Check the rear of the vehicle before you get in. Children, pets and other objects are
difficult to see from the driver's seat.
 Turn and look over your right shoulder when backing up. Do not depend solely on
looking out a side window or the rearview mirror.
 Always back up slowly to avoid collisions. If you have to back up around a corner, go
slowly and turn the steering wheel in the direction that you want the rear of the vehicle
to go. In areas that are constricted, such as parking lots, try to avoid the need to back
up, which is always preferable, by finding parking places that do not require you to
back out of them

Section 5.7 - Driving / Following Too Closely

Many drivers do not maintain a safe following distance and are not able to see as far ahead as
they should because the vehicle ahead blocks their view.
Tailgating is the practice of driving on a road too close to the vehicle in front, at a distance
where a collision is possible. Most rear-end collisions are caused by tailgating. In many
jurisdictions, this action is illegal and punishable by a fine.
The more space you allow between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, the more time you will
have to see a hazard, and stop or avoid that hazard. A driver should always keep a safe
distance from other vehicles on the road so that he/she has plenty of time to react to
emergencies.
There should be adequate space between a motorist’s vehicle and others on all sides. You
should stay in the middle of the lane and make sure there is enough room ahead to stop or
pass safely.
Lengthen your following distance accordingly. Consider the following factors:

 Your speed
 The road conditions (friction/traction)
  The weather conditions (visibility)
 The density of traffic

1)Stopping Distance
Braking distances increase significantly with changes in speed. Other factors to consider are
hills/grades, road conditions, and the mechanical conditions of the brakes and the tires. Adapt
your speed and brake according to the driving environment. Realize that other drivers are also
affected; signal your intentions earlier than usual in these situations. Practicing safe following
distances will allow you to stop a vehicle safely and smoothly in the event the vehicle in front
suddenly stops
Stopping Distance = Perception Distance + Reaction Distance + Braking Distance.
Braking or stopping distance refers to the distance a vehicle will travel from the point when its
brakes are fully applied to when it comes to a complete stop. It is primarily affected by the
original speed of the vehicle and the coefficient of friction between the tires and the road
surface. The graph illustrated below demonstrates the distance users think it might take to stop
a vehicle vs. the actual distance it takes for a car to complete to complete stop traveling at the
respective speed.
2)Space Cushion
Sudden stops and sudden lane changes can be recipes for disaster.
On a six-lane highway with three lanes in each direction, you are in a very unsafe position if
you are directly behind another vehicle in the center lane and there are vehicles next to you in
the two adjacent lanes. In this situation, you have no space cushion. You have no place to go if
you cannot brake in time. Your escape is blocked. You have not left yourself an “out.” You are
not in control in this situation.
What happens if the vehicle on your left or right suddenly moves toward your lane because the
other driver does not look carefully? Think about the vehicle positions a driver is least likely to
notice: It is the sides – especially slightly to the rear. These are the "blind spots,” as mentioned
previously. The right side is worse than the left. Unless the driver’s mirrors are adjusted
perfectly or the driver turns his/her head, the driver will not notice vehicles to their right or left
and slightly to their back. If the driver suddenly changes lanes, you must watch out if you are
one of the adjacent drivers. When you have a space cushion, you have already avoided this
accident.
If you must pass, you do not want to linger next to another vehicle. You should quickly
maneuver to its front as soon as possible. Do not follow too closely, especially if you cannot
move to the right or left if the vehicle in front of you slows suddenly.
On multi-lane highways, vehicles may sometimes seem to travel clustered together. Avoid the
cluster of vehicles. Stay back from the group. If you want to pass, quickly maneuver ahead of
the vehicles when it is safe to do so, without going so fast that you get a ticket in the process.
Try your best to place your vehicle where your safety is not determined by other drivers. You
want to be in control. This means you need to leave room for travel if danger appears. When
driving, this is called looking for "space cushions," places where you can go in order to avoid
collisions. Always leave yourself an out.
Three Second Rule
When another driver makes a mistake, you need time to react. You can give yourself this time
by keeping enough space between your vehicle and the vehicles around you.
In ideal circumstances, the appropriate minimum interval between your vehicle and the one
you are following is 3 seconds. Good drivers keep a safe following distance so they can see
ahead. The more space you allow between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead, the more time
you will have to see hazards down the road. You will have more time to stop or to avoid a
hazard.
Keep enough space between your
vehicle and the vehicle ahead so that you will have "a bigger picture" of what lies down the
road and steering away from hazards will be easier. You should travel in the center of the lane
instead of hugging one side or the other.
Following too closely can cause a rear-end collision. To avoid this, use the "3-second" rule.
When the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a sign, count, "One-thousand-
one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three." This takes about three seconds. If you pass the
same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.
Second Plus Rule
Since most people have trouble judging distances, using the 3-second plus rule to determine a
safe following distance may be easier to use. It is useful at any speed. Choose some fixed
object ahead of the vehicle in front. The object may be a sign or a tree. Under the 3-second
plus rule, the time interval should be increased to four or more seconds. This longer time
interval should leave you extra space and following distance. Make sure the object you choose
as your fixed spot does not distract attention from your driving.
Allow a 3-second plus cushion when:

 Being crowded by a tailgater: Allow extra room ahead, do not brake suddenly. Slow
down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent being hit from behind by the
tailgater.
 Driving on slippery roads.
 The driver behind you wants to pass: Allow room in front of your vehicle so the driver
will have space to move in front of you.
 Towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load. (The extra weight makes it harder to stop.)
 Following large vehicles that block your view ahead. (The extra space allows you to
see around the vehicle.)
 You see a bus, school bus, or a placarded vehicle at a railroad crossing. (These
vehicles must stop at railroad crossings, so slow down early and allow plenty of room.)
 Merging onto a freeway.

Note: If you follow too closely and another driver “cuts” in front of you, just take your foot off
the accelerator. This gives you space between your vehicle and the other driver, without
having to slam on your brakes or swerve into another lane.
Section 5.8 - Sudden Stops
Sudden stops and sudden lane changes can be recipes for disaster.
On a six-lane highway with three lanes in each direction, you are in a very unsafe position if
you are directly behind another vehicle in the center lane and there are vehicles next to you in
the two adjacent lanes. In this situation, you have no space cushion. You have no place to go if
you cannot brake in time. Your escape is blocked. You have not left yourself an “out.” You are
not in control in this situation.
What happens if the vehicle on your left or right suddenly moves toward your lane because the
other driver does not look carefully? Think about the vehicle positions a driver is least likely to
notice: It is the sides – especially slightly to the rear. These are the "blind spots,” as mentioned
previously. The right side is worse than the left. Unless the driver’s mirrors are adjusted
perfectly or the driver turns his/her head, the driver will not notice vehicles to their right or left
and slightly to their back. If the driver suddenly changes lanes, you must watch out if you are
one of the adjacent drivers. When you have a space cushion, you have already avoided this
accident.
If you must pass, you do not want to linger next to another vehicle. You should quickly
maneuver to its front as soon as possible. Do not follow too closely, especially if you cannot
move to the right or left if the vehicle in front of you slows suddenly.
On multi-lane highways, vehicles may sometimes seem to travel clustered together. Avoid the
cluster of vehicles. Stay back from the group. If you want to pass, quickly maneuver ahead of
the vehicles when it is safe to do so, without going so fast that you get a ticket in the process.
Try your best to place your vehicle where your safety is not determined by other drivers. You
want to be in control. This means you need to leave room for travel if danger appears. When
driving, this is called looking for "space cushions," places where you can go in order to avoid
collisions. Always leave yourself an out.
If you believe a collision may happen, do not panic. Many drivers panic and fail to act
appropriately. They will often do something that will not help reduce the chance of the collision.
A driver has three tools to use to avoid collisions: stopping quickly, turning quickly and
speeding up.
Stopping Quickly
Many newer vehicles have ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems). Be sure to read your vehicle
owner's manual to understand how the ABS works in your vehicle.
The ABS system will allow you to stop without skidding. In general, if you need to stop quickly:
Stopping Quickly With ABS: Press on the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing
on it. You may feel the brake pedal pulsing and hear the ABS system when the ABS is
working. Do not let up on the brake pedal. The ABS system will only work with the brake pedal
pushed down.
Stopping Quickly Without ABS: You can cause the vehicle to skid if you brake too hard. Apply
the brakes as hard as you can without locking them. If the brakes lock up, you will feel the
vehicle start to skid. Ease off the brake pedal until the vehicle stops skidding.
Turning Quickly
In some cases, you can turn the vehicle quicker than you can stop it. If you see that you will not
stop in time to avoid a collision, turn away from it. Make sure you have a good grip with both
hands on the steering wheel. Once you have turned, be ready to keep the vehicle under
control. Some drivers steer away from one collision only to end up in another. It is generally
better to run off the road than to crash head-on into another vehicle. Always steer in the
direction you want the vehicle to go.
Turning Quickly With ABS: You can turn your vehicle while braking without skidding. This is
helpful if you must turn and stop or slow down.
Turning Quickly Without ABS: You must use a different procedure to turn quickly. You also
step on the brake pedal, but then you let up and turn the steering wheel. Braking will slow the
vehicle some, and it puts more weight on the front tires and this allows for a quicker turn. Do
not lock up the front wheels while braking or turn so sharply that the vehicle can only plow
ahead.
Speeding Up
Sometimes it is best to speed up to avoid a collision. This may happen when another vehicle is
about to hit you from the side or from behind and there is room ahead of you to get out of the
danger. Be sure to slow down once the danger has passed.
Running Off the Road
You can be in serious danger if one of your front wheels runs off the pavement. If you should
run off the road because of inattention or in the case you are forced off the road by another
driver, you need to know how to safely get back on the pavement. The wrong reaction could
result in a head-on or run-off-the-road crash.
Here is what you should do:

1. Do not panic and do not brake hard.

2. Get a firm grip on the steering wheel.
3. Slowly reduce speed and keep your vehicle on a straight course.
4. When you have slowed down and have steering control, check traffic behind you.
When it is safe to do so, turn the front wheels enough to safely get you back on the
road and into traffic. Do not over-steer or you might go across the road into opposing
traffic or shoot across the road into the opposite ditch.

Curves
You need to slow down before you enter a curve. On curves to the left, stay to the right in the
middle of your lane. Check lane position of approaching vehicles. On right curves, keep to the
right edge of the road and be alert for bicyclists, pedestrians or other slow-moving vehicles
hidden around the curve. As you come out of a curve, increase your speed gradually.
Protecting Yourself
You may not always be able to avoid a collision. If nothing works, try to keep the injury from
being too serious:

 If you are hit from the rear, be ready to apply your brakes so you will not be pushed into
another vehicle. Brace yourself between the steering wheel and the back of the seat.
  If you are hit from the side, brace yourself with the steering wheel to keep from being
thrown against the side of the vehicle. Get ready to steer quickly so that if you spin
around, you can try to control the vehicle.
 If you are hit from the front, keep both hands on the steering wheel so you can maintain
control of your vehicle. The desired hand positions on the steering wheel are 8 and 4
o’clock and 9 and 3 o’clock. To reduce and prevent hand and arm injuries, you should
place your hands on the lower part of the steering wheel at 8 and 4 o’clock, this will
keep your hands and arms out of the main impact area of the airbag. If you are not
wearing a shoulder strap, throw yourself across the seat so you will not hit the steering
column or windshield.

Section 5.9 - Controlled and Uncontrolled Intersections

Controlled and uncontrolled intersections can be defined as a traditional and nontraditional
intersections. A traditional intersection also known as controlled intersection have traffic lights
and other signs, however a nontraditional intersection does not have signs or traffic lights. In
this section we will go little bit more in depth on both of this types of intersections
Controlled intersections have traffic lights, yield signs or stop signs to control traffic.
At intersections with a four-way stop, the right-of-way is yielded to whichever vehicle arrives
first at the stop sign. However, it may not always be clear to all drivers involved which vehicle
arrived first. If uncertain or if multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the right of way is
yielded to the vehicle to the right. If you arrive at an intersection at the same time as another
vehicle to the left of you, you have the right-of-way. However, even if you are the first to arrive,
do not assume that other drivers will give you the right-of-way. If they decide to go, let them.
Remember, a good defensive driver is one that acts accordingly in an unsafe situation.
Uncontrolled or unmarked intersections have no signs or traffic lights. Similarly to controlled
intersections, when in doubt or if multiple vehicles arrive at the same time, the right of way is
yielded to the vehicle to the right.
Do not assume that all vehicles will stop at a stop sign or at a red traffic light. You should
always look in all directions and make sure it is safe to proceed, even if there are no other
vehicles present at the intersection, and even if you have the right-of-way.
Blind intersections are ones in which you cannot see the intersecting road for 100 feet in either
direction. It is important to slow down and proceed with caution when you approach a blind
intersection. The speed limit is 15 mph for these intersections.
Other vehicles will always have the right-of-way if you are making an uncontrolled (not
governed by a traffic light) left turn across oncoming traffic. Obey all traffic signals and turn left
only when you will not impede the flow of oncoming traffic.
Section - 6.1 Perceptual Skills Needed for Driving
Driving requires certain skills in order to assure that all road users are safe. More than the
ability to handle the wheels, you, as a driver, should have the sensibilities in order to adjust to
changing traffic situations.
While on the road, you should be sensitive as to how other drivers conduct themselves- what
they signal, what they do, and what they do not do. Aside from this, you should also be able to
read street signs and watch out for pedestrians along the way.
Perceptual skills make it possible for you to do all of these at once.
Your perceptual skills keep you sensitive of what happens in the immediate vicinity. In spite of
your busy surrounding, your perceptual skills keep all your senses most especially your eyes
and your ears fixed on all the right things and places. By doing so, you become able to judge
accordingly and proceed on your journey with the corresponding caution.

 Sensation refers to your ability to take in what you see, hear, smell, and feel in your
immediate surroundings. This is the step where you identify the emergence of signs
around you, say seeing the traffic lights go yellow and other drivers begin to slow down.
 Meanwhile, perception comes shortly after when you recognize what these signs
mean. Based on your knowledge and training, you easily understand that the flashing
yellow light and slowing down of cars mean you should prepare to come to a complete
stop too.
 Reactions come last in the chain of events. This f you fail to determine what the signs
mean; you may cue a wrong reaction or you may opt not to react at all. In the given
situation, upon your recognition of the signs, you immediately decide to decrease your
driving speed just like what other drivers do.

These principles are the very basis of the perceptual skills, which helps in your sensory
interpretation that forms your quick judgment on what do in certain situations.
Two main factors affect your ability to sense, perceive, and react: your concentration and your
environment. While you can improve your concentration through well-being, you almost have
no control over the environment.
What you can only do is adjust, which explains why you need to stay alert and focused
while driving.

Section 6.2 - Visual interpretations

More than 90% of car accidents are caused by human errors. The “I looked but I didn’t see”
may sound familiar to you as it was the explanation majority of the drivers have given. This is
one of the reasons why road signs and traffic markings use visually noticeable colors.
The colors yellow, red, green, orange, black and white, brown, and even blue are used
universally. These colors contrast the gray pavement and aid your eyes to not just look but
also to see. Among other reasons considered is the error on vigilance.
The driver looked and the driver saw, but interpreted the scene erroneously.
Visual interpretations when driving are two things: first, what the driver sees around him or her
passively, so it is what the eyes receive, and the second is how the driver understands and
processes the things his or her eyes receive. This active process may be biased and distorted
by other cognitive processes such as memory, experience, expectations, etc. that the driver
imposes. This way of understanding perception as a complex process emphasizes the
importance of perceiving the driver as an active information processor. It is also essential to
highlight how brains are adaptive and functional when it comes to using perception and
attention systems in an everyday situation, such as driving.
Good vision is key to being able to stop your vehicle in time to avoid a collision.
Central vision is used to discern detail, identify, and/or recognize what is being seen.
Visual acuity is the finest detail that may be perceived. Visual acuity is important for reading
road signs and identifying hazards.
Vision plays a key role in the steps by which you detect and avoid a hazardous situation. It
includes:

 The transmission of a visual image to your brain

 A comparison between a visual image with learned rules and experiences
 The decision to take an action
 The transmission through your nervous system of commands to your hands and feet to
turn the steering wheel, applies brakes, accelerate or decelerate, use the horn, etc.

Section 6.3 – Hearing

Motorists and pedestrians can hear sounds from vehicles around them to help them determine
where other vehicles are. The sense of hearing also helps drivers sense if the vehicle is still in
its optimal function. If the tires squeal the driver can slow down and stop to check the tires and
change them when necessary. Old tires are dangerous on wet pavements or icy roads. The
sense of hearing is very important most especially in an emergency situation. Drivers can get
out of the way sooner or stop ahead in the presence of emergency vehicles, their locations and
directions. Drivers are alerted when they hear car horn blowing. That is why headphones are
highly discouraged and car stereos must not be too loud that it impedes drivers to use their
hearing senses.

Section 6.4 – Touch

This is the sense that many drivers think does not play a vital part when driving. Sense of touch
is important, though. Do you feel where your feet are when you are behind the wheels? Do
your feet touch the brake pedal properly? Do your hands know which button to operate to
signal other motorists? Do you feel comfortable enough on the driver seat so you can drive
without distractions? Since your visual senses need to be constantly vigilant on the road, your
sense of touch (hands and feet) assists you with the knobs and steering wheels, the brakes,
and etc. Especially when you drive at night, you can’t leave your eyes from the road for more
than 5 seconds. So, if you need to operate on something inside the car like turning on the
headlights, using left/right signals/hazard lights, or if you drive a stick you use your right hand
when changing gear, your sense of touch comes to the rescue!

Section 6.5 – Smell

Sense of smell tells drivers when there is trouble with the vehicle. The smell of hot oil can warn
of possible engine trouble. The distinct odor of hot brakes can let a driver know of the danger
of overheated brakes. Electrical shorting can give off an aroma that can mean the difference
between calling for a tow truck and calling the fire department. When in doubt, have unusual
odors checked by an auto mechanic before they can lead to costly repairs, overheating,
crashes or fires.

Section 6.6 - Reaction Abilities (Simple and Complex)

Five Reaction Abilities Required for Drivers:

 Search
 Identify
 Predict
 Decide
 Execute

Safe driving cannot be accomplished if one or more of these abilities are missing. These
abilities relate to a driver’s perception, judgment, and motor function.
A good method to remembering and utilizing those abilities is remembering this simple phrase:
SIPDE
When Identifying and Responding to Hazards
SEARCH/IDENTIFY:
Senses such as vision and hearing, and body position, increase a person’s ability to detect
hazards in a pattern of traffic.
PREDICT:
Effective drivers predict what other drivers might do to cause them problems.
DECIDE:
The ability to make good decisions in critical situations can be vitally important to safe driving.
A driver must decide what action to take if the potential hazard becomes an actual hazard. This
ability relates to the driver’s judgment.
EXECUTE:
Having the ability to execute a driving maneuver to avoid a hazard is the difference between
crashing and not crashing, between life and death. This ability relates to the driver’s motor
functions.
After you have decided the most appropriate action to take, you must have the strength,
reflexes, and physical ability to carry out the action and maneuver the vehicle safely out of
danger.
Reaction time in response to a potential traffic hazard is the time required from the point of
initial detection of hazard in a driver’s point of view, through different stages of evaluation and
decision making, to the time that vehicle control components are actuated, which includes the
time necessary to move hands and feet to the appropriate vehicle controls such as movement
of the foot to the brake pedal. While perception delay is the interval between the time that a
hazard is reasonably available to be seen and when it is actually seen and fully understood.
Simple reactions and simple reaction time are the most common kind in driving because the
stimulus is expected and the driver has already decided and practiced what he will do when
the stimulus appears. It is a matter of habit. The changing of a red light to yellow in a driver’s
visual field and the typical reaction of the driver to it is an example of a simple reaction.
Complex reaction and complex reaction time are slower than simple reactions. How long the
reaction takes depends how complex the stimulus is, how many choices there are for reaction,
and how often the driver has been in a similar situation. That is why drivers must be cautious
when driving in an unfamiliar terrain and follow speed limit all the time.

Section 6.7 - Judging speed and distance

This involves common sense and a good sense of judgment, of course.
These are something too many drivers have not developed (for beginner drivers) or have not
taken advantage of. They are important and they tell us to do the thing or choose the right
distance while driving.
Common sense tells us to focus on our driving and not allow ourselves to be distracted by
mobile calls, conversations, or even daydreams. A good sense of judgment tells us that driving
can be fatal and requires our full attention.
This important sense tells us it is stupid to race on the streets or to drive impaired. This vital
sense makes us aware that you are driving too close. It tells us to slow down in less than ideal
conditions and not to drive beyond the speed limit in unfamiliar situations. This one sense is
developed over many years and should never be taken for granted.
Smart and safe driving is related to the use of all these senses when on the road and in
response to driving hazards. Therefore, it involves the essential elements of initial and full
awareness of specific objects (i.e. other vehicles, pedestrians, and other road incidents) in the
visual field, decision or indecision concerning appropriate reaction, and the time required for
physical reaction or bodily senses reaction to operate vehicle controls.

Section 6.8 – Special Driving Considerations and Environments

As a driver, you may experience many different types of driving situations and environments
like going from City driving, to Freeway or Expressway driving to driving on rural or unpaved
roads. By being informed of possible factors and or demands of certain driving environments
beforehand, you will be better prepared for that type of driving environment or situation.
A) Demands of Freeway Driving
Driving on multi-lane freeways and expressways can be an efficient and fast way to travel.
Expressways are designed for safe driving at high speeds. Traffic travels in one direction in two
or more lanes, and you can be passed on either side of your vehicle.
Freeways have fewer collisions than highways because they are well maintained and their
overall design provides drivers with a good view of the road ahead.
Although they are convenient and allow drivers to get to their destination quickly, high rates of
speed, congestion, and entering/exiting increase the risk of a crash. In 2009, almost 7,000 fatal
crashes occurred on multi-lane roadways and expressways with three or more lanes (NHTSA).
Plan Your Route in Advance
Knowing the best route to take, when to take it and the road conditions that may be present
makes a big difference in the risk you will experience. When planning to take a trip, whether it
is short or long, if possible, plan your driving when traffic is less of a threat. For example, you
may choose to take a longer route to avoid a congested roadway. As a result, you will be under
less stress and encounter fewer hazards.
When planning your trips, allow enough time for things that may occur unexpectedly. You will
be able to make better decisions, experience less stress and make your trip much more safe
and enjoyable. Give yourself plenty of time to deal with unexpected problems such as slow
drivers, traffic jams or bad weather.

Follow Traffic guide Signs

Brown, green or blue colored signs are for guidance and information. These signs inform the
driver of services, recreation areas, and destination information. Generally, brown signs are
used to label recreational or historical sites. Green signs are used as guide signs, mileposts,
street name signs, and as a message color on permissive regulation and parking signs. Blue
signs are used for traveler services information signs: rest areas, gas, food, and lodging.
Familiarize Yourself
It is the duty of a driver to always look a good distance ahead and to think several steps in
advance. It is important to know when to start accelerating your vehicle to ensure a smooth
transition into an open lane without disrupting traffic behind you. For instance, the on-ramp
offers time for acceleration to match the speed of traffic.
In an emergency situation, you may have to pull over onto the freeway shoulder. If possible, it
is ideal to get off the freeway and to pull over into a rest stop or gas station. Should you re-
enter the freeway from the shoulder, be patient and wait until you have sufficient clearance in
the lane for you to enter. Accelerate quickly so that you do not impede the flow of traffic.
Entry onto Freeway
The driver of any vehicle about to enter a freeway must yield the right-of-way to all traffic.
Follow the rules below for safe entry onto a freeway:

 Signal your intent to merge onto the freeway; Signal a few seconds before you make
your move.
 Enter without disrupting other drivers.
 Match your speed to the speed of traffic.
 Never stop completely before entering the freeway, unless in an emergency situation or
under special conditions (e.g. traffic lights).

Any time you merge with other traffic, you need to leave a gap of four-seconds, meaning a two-
second spacing behind and two-second spacing in front of your vehicle - This is the “two-
second rule.” Having sufficient spacing between vehicles allows you time adjust to changing
speeds and road conditions. When it is safe, allow for a spacing of three seconds - This is the
“three-second rule.”
While driving on a freeway, sometimes it is a good idea for you to move into a farther left lane
to avoid dealing with traffic merging onto the highway. Nonetheless, it is the responsibility of
the driver entering the freeway to only merge onto the freeway when it is safe to do so.
Choosing Lanes of Travel
Lane Position
After you have entered the freeway, select the lane you want to drive in based on the traffic
flow, road conditions, and how far you have to travel to your exit.
Right lanes are used to enter and exit freeway and are often moving slower than the left lane.
Sometimes entrance and exit ramps are located in the left lanes.
Freeway Carpool Lanes

Carpool lanes encourage people to conserve fuel and reduce traffic by sharing vehicles.
Carpool lanes, also known as high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOV), are dedicated freeway
lanes that are restricted to vehicles occupied by a required number of passengers. These
lanes typically require two and sometimes three occupants, including the driver. Usually, a
carpool lane is the far-left lane, and distinguished by a diamond and/or words like, but not
limited to, CARPOOL, CARPOOL LANE, and CARPOOLS ONLY.
Emergency response vehicles, motorcycles, mass transit, or low emission and hybrid vehicles
that are clearly and identifiably marked are exempted, and are allowed to use Carpool lanes.
Vehicles towing trailers must not use the carpool lane even if the vehicle meets the occupant
requirement.
Freeway Lane Changes
 Changing Lanes
Signal your intentions before you change lanes. Do not anticipate other drivers will open a gap
for you if one does not exist - check your mirrors and blind spot before maneuvering. Use low
hand steering to avoid over steering.
Change lanes only when it is clear. Be courteous - if another driver drops back and creates
space to let you in, communicate your "thanks" with a slight wave.
Extend courtesy to other drivers who are trying to enter your path - create space for them to
enter by slowing down, speeding up, or changing lanes.
Passing and Being Passed
Passing on freeways is dangerous because of the high speed and potential for traffic conflicts.
Typically, passing is conducted on the left. Passing on the right is permitted if slower traffic
occupies the left lane.
Select a lane that allows others to pass you on the left. If you are being passed on the right,
those drivers are hard for you to see and they are communicating that you are going too slowly
for the lane you are in. Maneuver to the right as soon as it is safe.
When passing, search and identify vehicles that might conflict with your maneuverer. Signal.
Check your mirrors. When it is clear, enter the passing lane smoothly. As your maneuverer,
position your vehicle with adequate space between your vehicle and the one you are passing.
If you are going to return to the original lane, wait until you can see the front end of the vehicle
you passed in your rear-view mirror.
As you are being passed, position your vehicle so there is adequate space to the side you are
being passed on. Keep your speed steady or slightly decelerate to assist the passer.
Making A Safe Lane change
It is often necessary to change lanes to prepare for turns, merge with other traffic, or move
around slower vehicles or other barriers on the road. Changing lanes can be dangerous and
must be done with caution.
Do not move from one lane to another until you can do so safely. Be sure to watch for safe
clearance to the side, behind, and ahead of your vehicle so you can move into the lane without
interfering with other traffic.
When changing lanes, make a quick turn of your head in the direction you are moving and
check your "blind spots.” If you rely only on your mirrors, you may not see other vehicles along
the side your vehicle. Drivers who fail to check these areas by looking over their shoulders are
at risk of causing a collision.
Always signal your lane change in advance to warn other drivers. Remember, a signal does
not grant you the right to change lanes - you must wait until it is safe to do so. After passing
another vehicle, you should not pull in front of it until you can see the front of the vehicle in
your rearview mirror.
Change lanes only when it is safe to do so. Change only one lane at a time. Before changing
lanes, signal, look in all your mirrors, and:

 Check traffic behind and beside you. Be sure no one is near the left or right rear
corners of your vehicle. These are your “blind spots.” To see your blind spots, you have
to turn your head and look, but do so quickly. Do not take your eyes off of the road
ahead of you for more than an instant. The vehicle in front of you could stop suddenly
while you are checking over your shoulder.
 Glance over your left or right shoulder and your rearview mirrors to make sure the lane
you want is clear and no other vehicle is preparing to pass you.
 Look for all vehicles including motorcyclists, and bicycle traffic in your blind spot.
 Make sure there is enough room for your vehicle in the next lane and make sure the
lane is clear and signal your movement.
 Drive defensively by making sure your lane change can be completed safely. Be aware
of the movements of all vehicles around you.
 Whenever possible, maintain your speed when changing lanes. A driver who frequently
speeds up or slows down creates a dangerous situation for all drivers on the road.
 Try to help those drivers who check only their mirrors when they change lanes. One
way to do that is to avoid driving in their blind spots. If you enter the blind spot of
another vehicle, you should drop back slightly or accelerate to get out of the blind spot.
If you cannot see the driver through his mirrors there is a good chance the driver
cannot see you.

Make sure your view is clear at all times. It is always the responsibility of the driver to make
safe lane changes.
Spacing and Scanning
Freeway driving demands quick reaction time and the ability to search a great distance ahead
because higher speeds require a longer visual lead. Use visual search techniques to scan at
least 30 seconds down the road.
Following Distance
If you find yourself in a "pack" of vehicles traveling close together, drop back or move ahead by
adjusting speed and space.
Maintain a 3-4 second following distance. If the road is slippery or wet, increase the distance to
6-8 seconds.
Establish the interval by locating a large object such as a sign or overpass ahead. Watch the
vehicle in front of you as it passes by or under the object. From that point, count the seconds it
takes for your vehicle to pass the same object. When you are traveling the speed that it takes
to count to four, you are traveling four seconds behind and have created a 4-second following
distance. This is a safe gap to have between vehicles traveling the expressway - it provides
time to react to an emergency under ideal conditions. Increase your following distance to 4-5
seconds if you have limited visibility, intersecting traffic, or a stationary object in the road.
Avoid trucks and large vehicles' "no-zones." Recognize the blind spots of other vehicles and
travel through them quickly to limit exposure time.
Sharing the Road with Oversize and Overweight Vehicles
Oversize and overweight vehicles such as Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and may
need up to 100 yards to stop. Here are some tips to help keep you safe when you drive near
trucks:

 Maintain a safe following distance. When the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed
object, you should be able to count at least two seconds before you pass the same
object.
 Don't squeeze between trucks and the curb. Trucks make wide right turns, and the
driver may not see you.
 When passing a truck, don't move back into your lane until you can see both truck
headlights in your rearview mirror.
 Be aware of a truck's blind spots: up to 20 feet in front of the tractor, anywhere along
the sides of the trailer and up to 200 feet behind the trailer.
 Never cross behind a truck that is backing up.

Exiting the Freeway

There are usually three parts to a freeway exit: a deceleration lane for slowing down that leads
drivers out of the main flow of traffic, an exit ramp and an intersection with a stop sign, yield
sign or traffic light. When leaving the freeway, signal that you want to move into the
deceleration lane, but do not slow down. When you are in the lane, reduce your speed
gradually to the speed shown for the exit ramp.
Check your speedometer to make sure you are going slowly enough. You may not realize how
fast you are going because you are used to the high speed of the freeway. Losing your ability
to judge your speed accurately is sometimes called speed adaptation or delocalization. It is a
special danger when leaving a freeway.
How to Manage Vehicle Breakdown
All breakdowns are not created equal. Knowing how to handle a car breakdown is half the
battle (the other half, getting your car fixed, comes later). Here we explain how to stay safe in 8
easy steps — especially when your car breaks down in a not-so-convenient location.
The procedure for what do in the event of a vehicle breakdown has a lot to do with where the
vehicle is being driven at the time it sputters to a stop. Metropolitan-area freeways and rural
highways each bring different problems and require markedly different solutions to a vehicle
breakdown.
Regardless of the setting, however, it’s important to remember to use the vehicle’s hazard
lights and pull onto the shoulder (if it can be done safely to avoid becoming a road hazard to
other drivers) to get out of the way of other passing vehicles flying by at high speeds.
Once the driver has cleared the road and is safely on the shoulder, he or she can make the
vehicle more visible by turning on the vehicle’s dome light and leaving the headlights on, in
addition to the vehicle hazard lights. All vehicles should be equipped with an emergency kit.
Put reflective triangles behind the vehicle if it can be done safely.
The National Safety Council recommends the following:

 Do not try to flag down other vehicles, i.e., don’t solicit the help of passing motorists.
 Raise the vehicle’s hood and tie something white to the radio antenna or hang it out the
window so police officers or tow truck operators will know help is needed.
 Don’t stand behind or next to the vehicle.

It is recommended to only exit the vehicle if it’s a residential or rural/low traffic area. In high-
trafficked metropolitan areas, stay in the car until assistance can be rendered by a tow truck
driver or law enforcement personnel. Exiting or standing around a stranded vehicle greatly
increases the risk of injury or death. Staying safe is much more important than staying on
schedule.
The first few minutes after a breakdown
Your first steps after a breakdown depend on where and when it happens. A quiet residential
street is one thing — a busy highway during rush hour is quite another. But either way, your
safety and the safety of your passengers always come first. These 8 steps can help:

1. Turn on your hazard lights: This warns other drivers that something's wrong. Keep your
hazards on until the car's safely towed.
2. Pull over (if the car's still moving): In an ideal situation, you'll want to aim for the right
shoulder of the road. If you find yourself on a road that doesn't have a safe place to pull
into, put on your turn signal and try to get into the right-hand lane as quickly as
possible. Pulling into the left-hand shoulder is a last resort. If you're driving on
residential streets, try to pull into a free parking spot or parking lot if one's nearby.
3. Turn your wheel away from the road and put the emergency brake on: This prevents
your car from rolling if you're stuck on any kind of hill
4. Triple-check before getting out of the car: Make absolutely sure the coast is clear
before attempting to get out of your car, especially on a busy highway. Trust your gut
 here — if you feel you'd be safer in the car, go with your instincts and stay inside with
your seat belt on. If you made it to the right-hand side of the road, get out through the
passenger-side door. And if your engine's smoking or you see flames, get out of
Dodge.
5. Call for help: If you have a roadside assistance provider, give them a call. If you don't,
call for a tow truck or call 9-1-1 if you need further assistance.
6. Set up your flares or triangles if you have them: You want to put both flares behind your
car (one near your vehicle, usually about 10 feet behind it, and the other one further
away, so long as it's safe). The California DMV suggests placing them 200–300 feet
behind your disabled car.
7. Pop your hood: A popped hood is the universal sign of a breakdown. Once you're
safely out of the car, pop your hood to let other drivers know what's happened.
8. Wait for help: Don't try to fix your car by yourself

B) Road Conditions
Rain / Standing Water
When rain first starts falling, the water mixes with dirt, dust, sand and oil on the road surface,
creating an extremely slippery substance. The first 20 minutes of a rain shower is the most
dangerous time to be driving. When traction is poor, accelerate gradually and steer with
smooth, precise movements. On wet roads, reduce your speed by 5-10 mph.
Allow plenty of travel time for driving in wet weather. Be alert for common driver mistakes
caused by weather.
Standing Water
Take extra precautions if you're forced to drive through water. If no alternate route exists and
you have no other reasonable alternative but to drive through standing water.

 Do your best to estimate the depth of the water (if other cars are driving through, take
note of how deep the water is).
 Drive slowly and steadily through the water.
 Avoid driving in water that downed electrical or power lines have fallen in — electric
current passes through water easily.
 Watch for items traveling downstream — they can trap or crush you if you're in their
path.
 If you have driven through water up to the wheel rims or higher, test your brakes on a
clear patch of road at low speed. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they
should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while
maintaining speed with your right foot.
 Stay off the telephone unless you must report severe injuries.
  If your vehicle stalls in the deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to
safety. Keep in mind that restarting may cause irreparable damage to the engine.
 If you can't restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, immediately
abandon it for higher ground. Try to open the door or roll down the window to get out of
the vehicle. If you are unable to get out safely, call 911 or get the attention of a
passerby or someone standing on higher ground so that they may call for help.

Snow / Ice
The most dangerous conditions can occur when temperatures are hovering around freezing,
when snow begins to turn to watery slush. The combination of snow and water creates an
extremely slippery surface on the roads. If you must drive in windy conditions, and it is
snowing, be cautious of snow drifts that make it difficult to pass and see. If the snow is melting
just before the sun goes down, the temperature will likely drop at night, turning melted snow
into ice.
Tips:

 If you encounter packed snow, reduce your speed by half.

 If you are traveling on ice, reduce your speed to 10-15 mph.

Black Ice
Black ice, sometimes called clear ice, refers to a thin coating of glaze ice on a surface,
especially on roads. The ice itself is not black, but virtually transparent, allowing the often black
road below to be seen through it. The typically low levels of noticeable ice pellets, snow, or
sleet surrounding black ice means that areas of the ice are often practically invisible to drivers
or people stepping on it. There is, thus, a risk of skidding and subsequent accident due to the
unexpected loss of traction.
Tips to stay safe while driving on black ice:

1. Do not hit the brakes, instead keep your steering wheel steady.
2. Lift your foot off the accelerator.
3. Do not overcorrect your steering if you feel your car sliding.

Fog
It is not safe to drive in fog. You should wait until the fog clears before driving. If you need to
drive, take time to plan accordingly to the weather. Only use your low beam lights. Increase
your following distance, and use your wipers and defroster for the best vision. It is a good idea
to turn off the music in order to listen for traffic that you cannot see.
If you are on the road, consider pulling over. When you are completely off the road, turn your
headlights off so drivers do not mistake you for a moving vehicle.
High Winds
During windy conditions, drive slowly, and try not to drive next to vehicles in other lanes. Strong
winds can push other vehicles into your lane. Pay extra attention to elevated vehicles, like
trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, and drivers who are towing trailers, because these
vehicles are more susceptible to high winds, which can cause these vehicles to drift into your
lane. If you are the one driving a trailer, gradually apply the brakes to keep the trailer from
swaying. If conditions get worst, pull over and wait it out.
Dust
When a sand/dust storm strikes, it usually clears within a few minutes. This can be a terrifying
experience. If you happen to be driving, do not stop on the road because cars behind you may
not see you. If they do not see you, they may not be able to come to a safe stop. Follow the
same techniques as if you were driving in foggy conditions. “If you are on the road, consider
pulling over. When you are completely off the road, turn your headlights off so drivers do not
mistake you for a moving vehicle.”
Curves
Maintaining control of the vehicle’s speed is critical to passing safely through a curve. These
are guidelines to follow when driving on a curvy road:

  If you see a road sign warning of a curve ahead, begin to reduce your speed as
soon as you see it.
 Obey the speed limit posted on the warning sign.
 Whenever possible, try not to brake in the curve. Braking moves the weight of your
vehicle sideways, which can increase the risk of a tire blowout or even a rollover.
 Don’t speed up again until the curve is behind you and there’s a straight path ahead of
your vehicle.

Enter the curve SLOWER than the posted speed if:

 If there are weather or other conditions adversely affecting the surface traction
 It’s a blind curve.
 Your vehicle is tall and has a higher center of gravity.

Trucks and SUVs have a higher center of gravity, which means a higher risk of rollover. The
center of gravity can also be moved up if you pack cargo above the baseboard. For vehicles
with a higher center of gravity, it is necessary to drive more slowly, especially when driving on
a curved road. 

You should always be prepared to drive slowly downhill at the other end of the curve if it’s a
road with which you’re not familiar. Never speed up downhill because the increased pull of
gravity combined with increased speed makes it far too easy to lose control of your vehicle.
C) Nighttime Driving
Driving at night is innately dangerous. The struggle in insufficient light, decreased visibility, and
drunk driving are just some of the dangers brought about by nighttime.
Based on the statistics published by the National Safety Council (NSC), death rates due to
vehicular accidents are three times more probable at night than the rest of the day.
Good thing there are actions a driver can do to minimize risks brought about by driving at
sundown. Here are some of the threats nighttime driving pose and what measures a driver can
do to heighten safety:
Weakened Visibility
Without sunlight, seeing and looking at things become more difficult. Road signs, other road
users, and even roaming wildlife become harder to notice, which can lead to accidents if not
handled by drivers properly. Ageing is a common factor that contributes to poor eyesight,
which affects a considerable portion of drivers.
With weakened visibility, drivers find it hard to focus and assess distances between the car and
other things found in the surrounding. What drivers can do during nighttime is to decrease
driving speed, pay more attention to the objects around, and distance the car in a way that is
manageable and adjustable. 
Night Blindness
Medically known as nyctalopia, night blindness is a condition that causes some people to have
a much harder time to see at night compared to others. In some cases, people with nyctalopia
cannot really see anything even in just poor light. Some symptoms of night blindness are the
following:

 Difficulty in seeing in poor light or at night

 Problems in seeing through peripheral vision
 Blurriness in central vision

Drivers with this condition can do is, to have a check up with an ophthalmologist or eye doctor
as soon as possible. Only a specialist can assess and verify if there an individual has
conditions that might lead to nyctalopia. The doctor may be able to prescribe possible courses
of action to improve the condition
Drunk Drivers on the Road
The night also heightens the possibility of drinking under the influence of alcohol. As
discussed, DUI significantly increase occurrences of road accidents. According to NC, these
accidents tend to happen more on weekend nights compared to the rest of the week.
Keeping an eye out for what is happening on the road can help drivers avoid involvement in
accidents. Driving defensively and using signals can help too.
Road Construction Activities
Construction typically happens at night, which also causes accidents among road users. Given
that construction workers are more vulnerable than vehicles, drivers have the responsibility to
drive safely.
Paying attention to upcoming construction zones is the first step drivers should do. The second
one is to stop or slow down when driving through these zones.
Other Safety Tips for Nighttime Driving
Drivers should not let the seemingly peaceful night give them a sense of security. These tips
can help drivers minimize the risks even further:
Lights and Signals
  All signal lights must be checked prior to driving
 Lights must be turned on as early as twilight time (and even as late as dawn break) to
increase your visibility in other drivers
 As much as lights help during nighttime, high beams can blind others that can hurt
other drivers’ vision
 Interior lights can cause glare on the windshield at nighttime so these should be
dimmed as much as possible
 Prevent nighttime glare by not looking straightly on headlights
 Properly wipe and clean the windshield interior to lessen nighttime glare even further
 Use the vehicle’s low beams when driving in a foggy environment
 Always look out for signals given by other drivers

Speed and Distance

 Keeping an eye on driving speed and maintaining it a slow pace also help
 Avoid quick overtakes and turns at all times
 Allow more distance between you and other vehicles

Other Measures

 In case of car failure, make sure to pull off the road immediately
 Turn on the emergency lights when applicable
 Conduct regular maintenance of the vehicle
 Pull of the road in case of eye fatigue
 Never drive when sleepy
 Never drink and drive

D) Winter Survival Kit

With an adverse weather such as winter, drivers need to take an extra precaution while on the
road. Aside from defensive driving, drivers also need to keep something that can be called a
winter survival kit, which should contain the following:

 Boots, Gloves, and Warm Clothes: Must be worn by drivers during winter to make
themselves more comfortable
 Extra Jacket and Blankets: Can be used when temperature drops even further, which
can make drivers uncomfortable
 Ice Scraper/ Snow Brush: Can help in management of snow build-up in different parts
of the vehicle
 Flashlight: Useful in winter nights, which are dimmer than usual night
  Batteries: Extremely handy in times when the flashlight and even cellular phones lack
power
 Tool Kit: This collection of tools can render many uses in times of different needs
 Shovel: Can be used in times of extreme snow build-up

Aside from these, other emergency items can be included in the kit such as:

 Road Flares: Additional signals that can be used for poor visibility brought about by
snow
 Signal Device: This can amplify the signals received by cellular phones
 Cellphone Charger: Can be handy most especially in times of need and the power of
cellular phones are out
 Jumper Cables:
 Tire Chains
 Full Tank of Gas: Extremely helpful in times of long distance travel
 First Aid Kit: Even without the adverse weather, this must be in available in vehicles
 Water and Snack: This and first aid kit typically come together for maximum
preparation
 Music and Games: Can be useful in passing time when stuck somewhere while waiting
for help to arrive

More than just bringing these things, drivers can also do the following measures to maximize
their preparations for the winter weather:

 Car battery, radiators, lights, brakes, heater, defroster, wipers, tires, and others must
be checked up and replaced if need be way ahead of the winter. Take note that before
and during winter storms are the busiest season to mechanics and tire shops.
 Maintain fuel more than half the tank to be ensured that the vehicle has enough to
cover distances in spite of adverse weather.
 Keep the radio on to receive traffic coverage and crucial emergency messages.

F) Emergencies
Desperate times do not always call for desperate measures. Emergency driving can be
practiced and prepared for way ahead of the accident itself. This cannot be stressed enough.
Many drivers do not even think about sharpening their emergency driving skills. Little do they
realize that it is the only thing that can save them from injuries and even death.
Three of the most essential abilities…
…that drivers must practice for emergency driving are looking, steering, and braking.
Looking
For the first one, the principle is simple– the driver should look on where the vehicle must go
and then do the best to steer there. Doing otherwise, say looking at the car the driver is trying
to avoid, is counterintuitive and will probably end up in a bad way.
Steering
Aside from looking, there are far greater measures a driver should do in times of emergency,
one of which is steering. Steering requires practice that the driver must do ideally with a driving
instructor. The difficulty in steering lies in the driver’s lack of knowledge whether the wheels are
straight or not, which can be resolved through thorough practices.
What sets emergency steering apart from the usual steering is that the amount of time and
effort needed to make the steer that can save a life. Conventionally,  the “10 and 2” position is
the best steering position. The driver must be able to twist the wheel without moving the hands.
Given this position, the driver will know that the front wheels are straight.
There are three movements involved in steering around an object: steer, counter-steer, and
straighten out. The first two allow the vehicle to go in the direction it must go and turn to the
other way. With the third one, the vehicle recovers and the wheels become straight again,
which should be done before another steer happens. Timing has a crucial role in doing these
three in times of emergency and good steering can only be achieved by continuous practice.
When the driver is down to the choice whether to brake or to steer, the driver should choose
the latter. Keep in mind that steering in little distance is more possible to accomplish than
braking in the same circumstance.
However, it is also possible for the driver to combine the two, which is considered the best
method in driving in times of an emergency. The method calls for brake first, slow down, and
regain control before making the decision where to go. Bear in mind that you should only do
one thing at a time so again, timing is crucial.
Braking
Braking needs time to be executed properly. For emergency brakes, the driver should make
sure that the wheels are straight or else, the vehicle might spin away from control.
Total brake failure is considered a very rare occurrence. In the last three decades,
manufactured vehicles have always used the two-circuit hydraulic brake system. This makes
braking possible in spite of malfunction of one of the two braking system. In fact, it allows the
car to still have braking power even if the pedal is already on the floor.
In case of power brake failure, however, the driver must use the power assistance for braking
and steering that can help reduce the force required to operate through the controls. In case
the engine stalls, the vehicle will no longer have power assistance so the driver must give
tremendous amount of force to the brake or the steering wheel in order to maintain control of
the vehicle. After control is regained, the driver should shift to neutral and restart the engine
first. Only then should the driver shirt the level to drive.
Brake Failure
Brakes maintain control of your vehicle during a smooth reduction of speed, an emergency
stop or while trying to avoid a collision. Vehicles must be equipped with two braking systems: a
dual hydraulic brake system (usually called service brakes, or just the brakes) and a
mechanical brake system (parking or emergency brake). Service brakes apply braking action
on the four wheels; the parking brake only activates the rear.
Both the service brake and parking brake must be separately applied. If the two systems are
connected in any way, they must be so constructed that failure of any one part, except failure
in the drums, brake shoes, or other mechanical parts of the wheel brake assemblies, must not
leave the motor vehicle without operative brakes.
Use of the Parking Brake
A parking brake should be used when you are parking your vehicle. Some common
misconceptions about the parking brake (emergency brake) is that you only need to use it
when parking on a hill, if your vehicle has a standard/manual transmission, or during an
emergency. These are incorrect. It does not matter if your vehicle is a manual or automatic, or
if the terrain is hilly or flat; you should engage your parking brake every time you park.
Sometimes drivers forget to disengage the parking brake before driving. Driving while the
parking brake is engaged can cause damage to the emergency brake cable and the service
brakes.
To prevent rollback on a hill when driving a manual transmission vehicle, use the emergency
brake (parking brake) while stopped and then let it out when you release the clutch. Make sure
no one is behind you if you are not used to using the parking brake in this manner.
If you experience brake failure while driving, pulling the emergency brake lever quickly will
cause the vehicle to lockup, skid, or fishtail, resulting in loss of control. If you have service
brake failure and you engage the emergency brake steadily, the vehicle should come to a long,
controlled stop.
If your brakes fail, it is an emergency situation that requires quick and decisive actions. Follow
these procedures:

 Shift to a lower gear to decrease the speed of the vehicle.

 Pump the brake pedal in an attempt to restore pressure to the brake system. If
pressure is restored, stop pumping.
 If this technique does not restore your brakes, use the parking brake to aid in slowing
and stopping the vehicle. Be careful; applying the parking brake too abruptly may lock
the rear wheels and put the vehicle in a skid. To prevent this, use your thumb on the
release button, or pull the brake release as you alternately apply and release pressure
using the parking brake.
 If necessary, steer towards something soft (sand or pea gravel) or into a clear area off
the roadway.
 If a collision is unavoidable, steer to sideswipe rather than colliding head-on; this will
reduce the force of impact.

If you detect that your brakes are beginning to fade or do not seem as effective after prolonged
use, pull off the road, park, and let the brakes cool. If you drive through water the brakes may
become wet, slippery, and ineffective. To dry the brakes off, apply your brakes gently as you
accelerate - this will create friction and dry them off. Increase your speed and test the brake
stopping power. If necessary, repeat the procedure.
Brake Maintenance:
Be sure to have your brakes maintained regularly. Your brake system is made up of several
components, including brake lines, master cylinder, slave cylinders, brake pads, rotors,
calipers and drums. All of these need regular maintenance to ensure that the vehicle’s brake
system will function properly on the road. If your pads are worn, have them replaced as soon
as possible. Check your brake fluid level frequently.

 Tire Blowout
  Skids
 Oncoming Cars / Wrong Side of the Road
 Steering Wheel Locks
 Car Stalls / Breakdown
 Accelerator Sticks
 Fan Belt Sticks or Breaks

Steering Problems
Power steering failure is much more common than total steering failure.
The steering wheel will suddenly become very difficult to turn when the power steering fails. If
your power steering fails, grip the steering wheel firmly and turn it with more force. Keep your
eyes on the road, select a place to exit traffic, signal, and when it is safe to do so, steer off the
road out of traffic and stop. Do not drive the vehicle again until you have a mechanic fix the
problem.
Total steering failure happens very rarely. However, if the steering or suspension system does
fail, your ability to steer the vehicle is lost. If you experience total steering failure, bring the
vehicle to a stop as quickly and safely as possible.

 Downshift to a lower gear.

 Lift your foot off the accelerator. Use the parking brake to slow and stop the vehicle.
Hold the parking brake release button down as you operate the handle to keep the rear
wheels from locking and sending the vehicle into a skid. Do not use the foot brake
because it might cause the vehicle to pull sharply to one side.
 Headlight Failure
 Hood Latch Failure
 Stuck TiresSoft Shoulders
 Bad Pavement
 Drop-Offs
 Stuck in Deep Water
 Stalling on Railroad Tracks

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

 
Make an appointment with your dealer or mechanic for a vehicle inspection or check-up a few
days before setting off on your trip. It is important to have the required maintenance and tune-
ups done for your vehicle(s). Speak with an auto specialist about scheduled maintenance.
The typical maintenance and tune-up for a vehicle can include an oil change, tire rotation, new
brakes and suspension and a mechanical assessment. Even a small problem such as a worn
windshield wiper, out-of-balance tire or improper wheel alignment can severely compromise
safety.
A maintenance package should include checking the following items:

 Engine oil
 Transmission fluid
 Engine coolant
 Battery
 Air filter
 Lights and mirrors
 Windshield wipers
 Tires
 Steering, suspension and drive train components
 Spare tire, wheel wrench and the jack

It is important to read and understand your vehicle's owner's manual. Do not forget to keep it in
your glove box on your trip. The owner's manual contains a lot of useful information from how
to tow a trailer to how to change the flat tire and where the jack is located. If you need to top up
engine oil or other fluids during a trip, you can find the fluid capacity specifications as well as
recommended fluid types in your owner's manual. It also contains instructions how to jump-
start the vehicle if the battery dies, what to do if the engine overheats, how to change a
headlight bulb and much more. If you do not have an owner's manual, many auto
manufacturers offer a digital download of the owner's manual. You can always order the
printed version from your local dealer.
Aside from keeping your car maintained, it is also good idea to keep in mind about the
consequences of Carbon Monoxide (CO). CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn
fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces.
CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.
What causes carbon monoxide poisoning from vehicles?

 Operating a vehicle with a defective exhaust system.

 Operating a vehicle with a defective emission system or poorly tuned engine.
 Driving a vehicle with the trunk lid or rear tailgate open.
 Driving a vehicle with holes in the car body.
 Allowing children to ride under a topper on a pick-up truck.
 Warming up a vehicle in a garage, even with the outside garage door open.
 Operating vehicles in a garage, carwash, or any enclosed building.
  How to avoid CO poisoning from your car or truck
 Have a mechanic check the exhaust system of your car or truck every year. A small
leak in the exhaust system can lead to a buildup of CO inside the car.
 Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house even with the
garage door open. Always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when
you run a car or truck inside.
 If you drive a car or SUV with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate open the vents or
windows to make sure air is moving through. If only the tailgate is open CO from the
exhaust will be pulled into the car or SUV.

Increase Your Vehicle’s Visibility

Daytime Running Lights
Many daytime collisions happen because drivers do not see the other vehicle. Daytime running
lights are a feature on many new vehicles and may make the vehicle more visible in the
daytime. These lights are designed to automatically turn on when the vehicle is started.
On Freeways/Highways
Improper lane changes on the freeways are one of the most frequent causes of serious
accidents. This is also true for two-lane roads, where vehicles going the other direction are
frequently passing slower vehicles. Turn on your headlights to increase your vehicle’s visibility
to other drivers.
You may want to use your headlights in nearly all driving situations, as this helps other drivers
notice you. Rain, fog and twilight are also situations that require headlights.
Some drivers delay turning on vehicle lights in the evening as long as possible. Twilight is the
time many accidents occur. Be among the last to turn off vehicle lights in the morning and
among the first to turn them on in the evening. It is safer to drive with your lights on all the time.
If another driver does not seem to have noticed you, and it looks as if he/she might hit you,
blinking your headlights may help avoid a collision. In addition, moving your right foot off the
accelerator to be ready to brake will speed reaction time, if your best reaction is not rushing
ahead to avoid collision.
The horn is nearly useless in most driving situations, as other drivers are usually too far away
to hear you or their music systems are too loud.
Most rear end collisions can be prevented or made less serious.
City Driving
Urban or city roadways have large populations, high traffic flow, many road controls, and a
large amount of visual stimulation. With congestion and traffic jams, speeds tend to be lower,
but there is quite a bit more sensory input that you have to pay attention to.
Since we get most of our driving information from what we see, the busy urban environment
can induce visual overload.
In addition, all of the visual information requires more driving decisions.
This module is about the unique characteristics of the urban environment and how to manage
your risk when you drive in the city. Topics include:
  Visual Issues
 Plan Your Drive
 Congestion
 One-way Streets
 Urban Pedestrian Issues

Visual Issues Limited Vision

Urban driving often involves limited visibility. Limited visibility or line-of-sight often eliminates
advance warning of traffic obstacles. High buildings, delivery trucks, and other large vehicles
can restrict your field-of-view. Bicyclists and pedestrians are everywhere and can also block
your line-of- sight.
Carefully scan for signals and signs. Signals are often located at the side of the road. Signs are
posted everywhere, and they are not all traffic related.
If you want to pass in the city, never pass more than one vehicle at a time because often your
field of vision is diminished.
Visual Overload
In the city, there is a lot going on. It is an overcrowded environment filled with an abundance of
vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, billboards, and other visual distractions. More visual
information means more decisions. Do not drive impaired or fatigued. Be mentally alert and
manage your distractions. Do not let the bustle of city life take your mind off the task of driving.
Plan Your Drive
You should carefully plan your route every time you drive; however, this becomes even more
important in the city. Keep the following tips in mind:

 Think about the time of day you are planning to travel and select a time frame that has
the least amount of traffic.
 Carry a map with you and plan an alternative route in case you encounter construction
or road closures.
 Be sure your vehicle is in proper working order and is filled with gas.
 Leave early because potential detours and heavy traffic can cause delay.
 Plan where you will park. Urban parking is more difficult to navigate to and locate. Also
be sure you have money to pay for parking fees.
 If you will be traveling on toll roads, watch for signs and have money available within
easy reach so you will not be distracted while navigating the toll area.
 Travel when the weather is good and you have plenty of daylight.
 Decide whether it is better to use through streets or travel on side streets. Side streets
may help you avoid traffic, but they may not be as safe and they may increase your
travel time because of traffic control lights.
 Consider whether it is better to use one-way or two-way streets on your route.
Congestion
Perhaps the most irritating part of driving in the city is all the traffic that you must share the
road with. Plan for traffic jams and delays around rush hour, but also anticipate that congestion
will occur for other, unexpected reasons. If you find yourself in heavy traffic demonstrate
patience and courtesy. Becoming angry or aggressive will not get you to your destination any
sooner.
Covering the Brake
In all this congestion, you must be prepared to stop or slow suddenly – cover the brake. Your
foot will be in position for a sudden stop. Be careful not to actually rest your foot on the brake.
This technique is beneficial in the following circumstances:

 When you are driving next to parked vehicles

 When you see the brake lights of other vehicles
 And when you approach signal lights

Vehicle Position
As a general rule when driving in the city, choose a lane that is not congested or at least less
congested than the other lanes. Do not dart in and out of traffic as you make your way to this
lane. That practice is a dangerous one. Instead, stay in the lane you have chosen until you
need to turn, pass another vehicle, or avoid a hazard. Be sure to plan a lane change well
enough in advance so you avoid blocking multiple lanes. Search well ahead and position your
vehicle in the proper lane well ahead of a required turn.
The position of your vehicle is important. Remember to:

 Keep up with traffic speed but be sure to drive within legal limits
 Avoid another driver's blind spots
 Avoid letting another driver drive in your blind spot
 Avoid side-by-side driving
 Avoid driving in groups

If traffic is heavy and moving slowly, do not enter an intersection until you can travel through it
without stopping. Never get caught in the middle of an intersection when the cross-traffic light
turns green. If your vehicle blocks traffic, it could trigger road rage; avoid this situation at all
costs. Also, when stopping at an intersection, leave space in front of your vehicle for an “out” if
you need it.
One-way Streets
Another unique feature of the city traffic environment is driving on one-way streets. Watch for
signs identifying a street as one-way. For example, you may see signs that say ONE WAY, DO
NOT ENTER, WRONG WAY, NO LEFT TURN, or
NO RIGHT TURN. Other clues that indicate a street is a one- way street include the following:

 Parking is allowed on only one side of the street

 All vehicles are pointing in the same direction
  Yellow lines are absent

Begin preparing to enter a one-way street at least one block before you reach it, and turn into
the first available lane that
is heading in the proper direction. Drive slowly since one-way streets may turn into two-way
streets.
You may also encounter hazards, such as drivers who have gone the wrong way down the
one- way street. If you discover that you or another driver are traveling the wrong way on a
one-way street, slow, steer out of the way, and sound your horn. Flash your headlights if there
is time.
Do not panic!
Choose the lane with the fewest hazards. The middle lane is often the best choice. If there are
only two lanes, drive in the right-hand lane or select the one that is farthest from any parked
cars.
When exiting a one-way street, carefully check the signs to be sure you are turning onto the
correct street. If you are making a right turn, use the right lane. If you are making a left turn,
use the left lane. If you are going straight, use the center lane if it is available. Check signs to
determine if you are turning onto another one-way street or onto a two-way street
Urban Pedestrian Issues
In the city, drivers need to make a continuous search for pedestrians because there is a high
pedestrian population, they are usually in a hurry and they are hard to see.
There is a higher concentration of pedestrians in urban environments because buses and other
transit systems such as trains and subways shuttle people into the city in large groups. In
addition, the drivers that enter urban areas to go to work become pedestrians after parking and
exiting their vehicle.
Pedestrians are often in a hurry and will dart and dash between parked cars. Several
pedestrians may exit a commercial bus all at once. Your line-of-sight may be blocked so scan
low for hidden pedestrians. Check for shadows under other vehicles.
Two-way, Rural/Country Roadways
Two-way roadways with a posted speed limit of 55 mph are typical in rural, country areas.
These roads may have dangerous hills, curves and intersections.
There are fewer vehicles, yet drivers travel at very high speeds. Rural roads have many
unique, high-risk characteristics. In 2009, over 58% of all fatal crashes occurred on two-lane,
undivided roadways.
These roads are dangerous because you are driving at high speeds often with only a lane
marking that separates you from oncoming traffic. Typically, there are fewer traffic controls.
Most rural intersections are only controlled by stop signs. Occasionally, busy two-lane rural
intersections are controlled by signals.
Rural or country driving involves unique characteristics and risk factors:

 Fewer intersections (many hidden or uncontrolled)

 Undivided, two-lane roads with oncoming traffic
  Limited shoulders and guardrails
 Wild animals
 Horse-drawn carriages, farm equipment, and other slow-moving vehicles
 Fewer vehicles, less traffic
 Drivers tend to travel at higher speeds with lower seat belt use
 Limited access to advanced medical care (in the event of injuries related to a crash, the
average time to reach an emergency care facility in a rural area is 53 minutes versus
37 minutes in an urban area)

Another risk associated with rural driving is boredom. When driving in the country, keep your
mind focused on the task of driving. If you get bored, practice various "what-if" driving
scenarios.
Road Conditions
Rural roads can be made of various materials and have many different surfaces, each with
different and often low-traction conditions. Surfaces can include concrete, asphalt, brick,
gravel, crushed stone, and dirt. Each of these surfaces affects traction quite differently. Rural
roads can also be covered with water, wet leaves, or mud. Also, the surface might be rough,
irregular (ruts) or have unexpected potholes or falling rocks.
Some other characteristics of rural roads include narrow lane widths and poor lighting.
Shoulders are typically small, sloped, or non-existent. This limits escape routes which are also
difficult to navigate because of roadside trees, ditches, and steep embankments.
When driving on rural roadways, surface and road conditions can change quickly with little
warning. Be extra alert and watch for warning signs that communicate changes in road
conditions. Because there are few intersections, they often appear when you do not expect
them. Watch for indications that other traffic might be entering your travel path.
Speed
Posted speed limits on rural roads are often higher than in urban areas; however, the older
rural roads were originally designed and built for vehicles traveling at slower speeds.
When you travel at higher speeds on these roads remember you will need a longer stopping
distance. Your vehicle is more difficult to control and in the event of a collision the risk of you
being injured is significantly higher.
Adjust your speed to road and weather conditions. Listen to the sounds of your tires on the
surface. If the road sounds rough or you experience difficulty with traction, slow down and be
prepared to adjust your steering. Sudden changes in traction can occur when transitioning from
a paved road to a dirt road and may result in a loss of control. Use low-hand steering and keep
both hands on the wheel at all times.
Watch for signs that warn you of an approaching intersection or curve. Do not depend on signs
being there to warn you of all the hazards you will encounter.
Do not drive faster than the posted speed limit or suggested warning sign.
Two-way Roadways Roadside Hazards
Rural hazards include hidden intersections, roadside businesses, slow-moving vehicles,
oncoming traffic, pedestrians in the road or near the roadside, and animals in your path.
Rural intersections are typically marked with signs and have no signals. Watch for approaching
warning signs. When you see an approaching warning sign, it might be your only visual
indication that the road is about to change. Be ready to respond quickly to what these signs are
communicating to you.
Drivers on rural roads will encounter "T" intersections, where side roads join a main road at a
right angle. These intersections are dangerous because drivers traveling at high
speed sometimes have difficulty seeing vehicles as they enter the road ahead. Vehicles that
enter the through roadway enter very slowly and need time to accelerate to the posted speed
limit. When a vehicle enters the roadway from a "T" intersection ahead of you, slow down until
you are able to judge the required speed and space requirements needed to avoid a collision.
Drivers will also be faced with "Y" intersections, where roadways intersect at unusual angles.
"Y" intersections can be confusing, and are usually an intersection of a minor and major road.
As you approach a "Y" intersection, watch for slow-moving vehicles as they enter the through
road. If you are not sure which road is the through road, slow down and look for directional
signs. Also, drivers entering a "Y" intersection must have more flexible neck muscles to enable
them to turn their heads further to scan for intersecting traffic.
Roadside traffic can enter your path quickly. When you see vehicles about to enter the road,
slow down because they may enter your path. You might encounter a vehicle stopped in front
of you, waiting to turn left. Do not leave the road and drive around it on the shoulder. Be
patient. Communicate to traffic approaching from behind that they will need to slow and stop by
tapping on your brakes.
Slow-moving vehicles such as farm equipment might be blocking your path. Overtake these
vehicles only if you have time and space to make a safe maneuver. If it is not safe, back off
and wait; drivers of these vehicles frequently will pull over to allow backed-up traffic to pass.
Exercise courtesy and patience.
On rural roads, oncoming traffic might be difficult to see and the speed of these approaching
vehicles might be hard to assess. Always travel with your headlights on so you can be seen.
On narrow roadways, oncoming traffic might be driving in a portion of your lane. If you see this
situation ahead, slow down and try not to meet the oncoming vehicle at a point where there is
no shoulder. Extend courtesy and pull your vehicle over to the right edge of the roadway and
gesture for the other driver to go through.
Pedestrians without sidewalks and animals on the side of the road also present potential
problems. Search the road as far ahead as possible and watch for these hazards. Avoid quick
steering movements at high speeds. Slow when you see a pedestrian and yield the right-of-
way. Look far ahead so that you have time to react and avoid these hazards.
Driving on Hills and Mountains
Before traveling on hills and mountains, prepare your vehicle's brakes and tires for extreme
road conditions.
These roads are built to follow the contour of the terrain resulting in sharp curves and very
steep grades. Because of these grades and curves, drivers must travel at various speeds.
Some mountain roads have curves so sharp that the roadway actually bends back in the
opposite direction - this is called a switchback curve.
Also, if you are being tailgated, or there is a long line of vehicles behind you, watch for turnouts
and passing lanes. Pull over if you are being pressured by aggressive drivers behind you.
Before leaving on your drive through the mountains, know what you are heading into. Have
plenty of gas and make sure that your medications and emergency kit are with you. Avoid
traveling in this terrain at night or in bad weather. Weather in the mountains can change very
quickly. Tune in a local radio station to check on changing mountain weather and road
conditions. In some mountainous regions a particular radio station is identified as the one to
tune to for this type of information; the frequency will be displayed on informational signs along
the roadway.
Road conditions are also subject to change in areas where there is falling rock and in high
elevations where there is snow.
Height and Altitude's Effects on Passengers and the Driver
Before driving in the mountains, remember to think about how the altitude, motion, and
potential vertigo might affect you and your passengers.
Is anyone afraid of heights? If so, have them sit away from the edge of the roadway. When
they look out they will be seeing the road instead of the distance below.
Is anyone prone to motion sickness? Even though your safety belt holds you in position as you
drive, the motion of going back and forth and up and down will pull and move you and your
passengers around in their seats.
Be aware that at very high elevations, above 5,000 feet, there is substantially less oxygen
available and you can become tired very quickly. The lack of oxygen at high elevations can
also cause shortness of breath, headache, nosebleeds, and an increase in your heart rate.
Altitude's Effects on the Vehicle
The air is thinner at high altitudes and the change in oxygen levels may affect your vehicle
performance. Altitude affects climbing power and you might experience slow acceleration.
Because liquids boil and evaporate easier, your engine may overheat. If your temperature light
comes on, pull over and let the engine cool off. Turn on the heater to help circulate hot air
away from the engine. When you shut off the overheated engine, gasoline can vaporize in the
fuel line (this is called "vapor lock"). Allow your engine to cool off and then try to restart it.
If you plan to drive in the mountains frequently, have a mechanic adjust your engine for
maximum performance in high altitude conditions. This will prevent a condition that will keep
your engine from starting until it cools down.
Curved Roadways
As you go into a curve, you can feel centripetal force pulling you toward the outside of the
curve. If you are going left, it will pull you to the outside edge of the roadway. If you are going
right, centripetal force will pull your vehicle to the center of the road, or possibly into an
oncoming traffic lane.
Curved roadways vary by the degree of the curve and the slope of the roadway. To maintain
traction on a flat road, drive slowly through the curve.
A crowned roadway is higher in the center for water drainage. A left curve on a crowned road
that is not banked is very dangerous and should be approached with reduced speed.
The surface condition can also vary and affect how you need to adjust your speed or position.
Watch for advance warning signs that communicate a curve and the suggested speed. These
speeds are designated for ideal conditions. Adjust your speed so you enter the curve no faster
than the sign indicates. Enter the curve slower than the posted speed if there is reduced
traction or visibility. Look ahead for oncoming vehicles entering the curve too fast. Be prepared
for an oncoming vehicle to take the curve wide - plan to reposition your vehicle or visualize an
escape route. You may be forced to take evasive action. After passing the sharpest point
(apex) in the curve, accelerate gently. Stay to the right of your lane while driving through the
curve.
When you are through the curve, accelerate to a safe speed. Enter a curve slower than the
posted speed if:

 Your vehicle is tall, has a high center of gravity, or if it has substantial weight loaded
high
 Road conditions are slippery or if surface traction is less than ideal
 You are entering a blind curve that you cannot see around

Blind Curves
If you are traveling where there are tight curves that you cannot see around, stay to the right
and tap your horn before entering the “blind” curve. Tapping on the horn warns traffic ahead
that you are about to enter the curve. This is important when sharing the road with vehicles
such as RVs that need to make wide turns to maneuver around tight curves. In this situation,
be sure your audio system is off so you can hear other drivers if they signal to you with their
horns. Be prepared to stop and yield the right-of-way to other vehicles that are using your lane
as they maneuver through a blind curve. You may not pass another vehicle when approaching
the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where your view is obstructed so that it
creates a hazard if another vehicle might approach from the opposite direction.
Two-way Roadways
Passing is one of the most dangerous maneuverers drivers perform. Did you know that there
are more than 4,100 head- on crashes every year? In 2009, over 58% of all fatal crashes
occurred on two-lane, undivided roadways. Make the decision to pass only if it is legal, safe,
and beneficial.
Most roads have pavement lane markings that indicate whether you may or may not pass.

 It is illegal to pass when there is a solid line on your side of the road.
 Passing is permitted if there is a broken line on your side of the road and there are no
oncoming vehicles in the passing lane.

Passing another vehicle on a two-lane roadway requires you to quickly make critical time,
space, and visibility decisions. Judging the speed of other vehicles accurately is one of the
most difficult skills in driving.
You probably know that it takes more than five to seven seconds to pass another car even if it
is traveling slowly. You will need about 10 to 15 seconds to pass another car traveling 30 mph.
Did you know that at highway speeds, traveling at 60 mph, you will need about 20 seconds to
pass another car traveling 50 mph? During that time, you will travel almost 1,800 feet, the
length of six football fields! It is critical that you make sure no vehicles are approaching in the
oncoming traffic lane and you have enough space to pass safely.
When oncoming traffic is present you will need twice as much space. In the situation above
you will need about 3,600 feet of clear space - a little over two-thirds of a mile! Many head-on,
passing crashes occur because drivers fail to see and accurately judge the speed and distance
of approaching vehicles. When you see oncoming vehicles getting closer, it is too close for you
to start the pass. Check driveways and side roads ahead to make sure no traffic will be
entering the roadway.
Passing and Being Passed on Two-Way Roadways
In the interest of self-preservation, you must judge if you have enough room to pass when you
approach large vehicles, hills and curves, intersections, and restricted lanes. Passing larger
vehicles requires more time and space. At highway speeds of 60 mph you will need an
additional five to seven seconds to pass a large vehicle such as a tractor-trailer truck or bus
traveling 50 mph. During the 25 to 27 seconds needed to complete the pass safely you will
travel 2,250 feet to 2,450 feet. And remember, if oncoming traffic is also traveling 60 mph, you
will need almost one mile of clear space in the opposing lane.

 Hills and curves: When your vision is limited by a hill or curve, assume that an
oncoming vehicle is just out of sight and do not pass! Hills and curves have just as
much potential danger as oncoming vehicles. If you are within one-third of a mile of a
hill or curve, do not start the pass.
 Intersections: Do not pass within 100 feet of any location where other vehicles or
pedestrians can enter or cross the road. These locations include intersections, railroad
crossings, and entrances to shopping centers. While you are passing, your view of
pedestrians, vehicles, or trains is blocked by the vehicle you are passing.
 Lane restrictions: Check ahead for road conditions and traffic that could prevent you
from passing safely. Pedestrians, cyclists, a patch of ice, broken pavement, or debris in
the road could reduce or eliminate your passing safety margin. Most states prohibit
passing on bridges, in tunnels, or where traffic is limited to one lane in each direction. It
is also illegal to exceed the speed limit even when passing another vehicle.

Do not begin the passing maneuverer unless you are certain there is enough space ahead to
return to your lane. Never assume you have enough space to pass several vehicles at once
and do not rely on other drivers to make space for you to return. Before you return to your
original travel lane, make sure you leave at least one second of space between yourself and
the vehicle you passed. To accomplish this, make sure you see the entire front end of the
vehicle you passed in your rear-view mirror.
Before passing, assess the real benefits of performing the maneuverer. Is it worth the effort
and risk?
Being Passed
The driver doing the passing has the majority of responsibility for passing safely. If you are the
driver being passed, you also have certain responsibilities.
Regularly glance in your mirror to ensure you are aware that another vehicle is passing. Do not
rely on the other driver to communicate the maneuverer by tapping the horn or flashing the
headlights.
Position your vehicle in the right side of your lane to help the other driver get a better view
ahead and allow them more space when passing. Determine if the passing driver is having
difficulty completing the pass safely. If so, help the other driver by slowing down. It is illegal to
speed up while being passed.
Sometimes the passing driver decides not to pass and drops back. If this happens, accelerate
slightly to open up space behind you.
When traveling on rural roadways at higher speeds, remember you will need a longer stopping
distance. Increase your following distance - make sure you have plenty of room to stop
between you and any vehicle ahead.
Many head-on, passing crashes occur because drivers fail to see and accurately judge the
speed and distance of approaching vehicles. When you see oncoming vehicles getting closer,
it is too close for you to start the pass. Always be sure there is safe space to return.

Section 7.1 – Seatbelts

Texas state law requires that all drivers and passengers in a motor vehicle must be secured by
a working seat belt. Failure to comply with the law can result in fines and court costs of up to
$200 for each citation. Not only is it Texas law to buckle up, it is also the easiest way to help
prevent serious injury or death should you be involved in an accident or collision. Simply put,
using a seat belt can save your life!
Texas law also requires children of certain ages, weights and heights to be restrained by a
federally approved child passenger restraint system, booster seat or safety belt when
transported in any motor vehicle other than a public carrier for hire or school bus.
Of all the safety equipment in your vehicle, the safety belt is the one most likely to save your
life. A properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt must be worn by the driver and all the
passengers. Per the law in the state of Texas, all front seat occupants inside a motor vehicle
must be properly restrained by a seat belt. Any passenger under 18 years old must be also
properly restrained in a seat belt and or appropriate child safety chair or seat, and or seat belt,
regardless of where they are seated inside the motor vehicle. Texas law also mandates that a
child or infant needing a rear-facing child safety seat must be placed securely in the rear seat
of a motor vehicle.
The safety belt must be in good working condition. You and your passengers must wear a
safety belt while the vehicle is moving. If not, you or your passenger(s) (age 18 or older) may
be given a traffic ticket.
Seatbelt Use
When a vehicle is involved in a collision, three impacts occur in rapid succession: the vehicle
collides with an object; occupants collide with the vehicle interior; interior organs collide with
the body cavity.
In a crash, your vehicle stops, but your body keeps on traveling at the same speed your
vehicle was traveling until you hit the dashboard or windshield. At 30 mph, this is like hitting the
ground from the top of a
three-story building. A side impact could push you back and forth across the seat. Belts and
straps keep you in a better position to control the vehicle.
Seatbelts prevent you from being thrown from the vehicle or across the vehicle into the
windshield. Most importantly, your seatbelt keeps you behind the steering wheel so that you
can control the vehicle. Controlling the vehicle
may include steering around objects such as other vehicles and pedestrians. This can mean
the difference between life and death. Safety belts are life belts, and when worn properly, they
can keep you from:

 Being thrown from your vehicle. (Your chances of being killed are five times greater if
you are thrown from your vehicle.)
 Hitting the dashboard too hard.

You are more likely to survive a crash if you use lap and shoulder belts together. If you are not
buckled up, it is possible for you to be killed in a crash when traveling at a speed as low as 12
mph. If the seatbelt is buckled correctly, your chance of being injured by the seatbelt in a crash
is remote. Even a few bruises are better than suffering a crippling injury or death from not
wearing a seatbelt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that some
6,000 lives could be saved every year if all vehicle occupants used seatbelts.(http://www-
nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/esv/esv18/cd/files/18esv-000500.pdf)
Buckle up every time you get in your vehicle.

 Do it to protect yourself and others.

 Do it to avoid a serious dent in your wallet — a ticket could be costly. Seat Belts
Save Lives
 FACT: Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect
yourself in a crash.
 FACT: Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by almost
half.

Riding in Open Beds

A person commits an offense if the person operates an open-bed pickup truck or an open
flatbed truck or draws an open flatbed trailer when a child younger than 18 years of age is
occupying the bed of the truck or trailer. An offense under this section is a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine of not less than $25 or more than $200.
Head rests, including proper positioning and adjustment
Child restraints
Adjust your seat so that you are high enough to see the road and use a seat cushion if needed.
Adjust the headrest up or down until the center of the headrest meets the center of the back of
your head or higher.
Proper adjustment will help prevent whiplash in a collision. Do this before putting on your
safety belt.
Child restraints
According to NHTSA, car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in a
crash, yet car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. That's why it's so
important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car.
Follow these important steps to choose the right seat, install it correctly, and keep your child
safe.
How to find the right seat for your child?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=u7HV8TnG6wI
Every operator of a motor vehicle driven on Texas roads must provide for the protection of any
child, 8 years of age or younger regardless of their weight or height, by using a crash-tested,
federally approved car seat.
"Securing your child in a correctly installed child safety seat is one of the most important things
you can do to protect your child's life every day," according to the National Highway
Traffic  Safety Administration.
Since parents are often confused about the difference between child restraint laws (which
differ in many states) and the recommendations of national experts regarding child safety
seats, safety advocates want to ensure that parents and caregivers are aware of the Car
Seats  for Children Guidelines. The Car Seat Finder is an easy-to-use tool that lets you find the
right car seat to fit your child.
Child Passenger Safety Information
Following information is provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety:

 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued recommendations in their

November 2018 publication, Pediatrics, addressing best practice when transporting
children. This is not a change in Texas statute; however, parents and caregivers are
strongly encouraged to follow the new AAP Guidelines (PDF) when transporting
children.
 Child Vehicular Heatstroke Deaths: Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of non-
crash-related fatalities among children. Vehicle heatstroke occurs when a child is left in
a hot vehicle, allowing for the child's temperature to rise in a quick and deadly manner.
In 2017, there were 43 children in the U.S. killed by vehicular heatstroke. For more
information on how these deaths can be prevented, visit one of the following sites:
o   National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
o   Safe Kids
o   San Francisco State University Department of Geosciences

Child Passenger Recommendations

2018 Child Passenger Safety National Best Practice Recommendations

Rear- Rear-facing infant or rear-facing convertible safety seat as long as possible, up to the rear-
Phase
Facing facing height or weight limit of the seat. Properly install according to instructions in owner's
1
Seats manual, rear-facing in the back seat.

When children outgrow the rear-facing safety seat (minimum 2+ years), they should ride in a
Forward- forward-facing safety seat as long as possible, up to the upper height or weight limit of the
Phase
facing harnesses. Usually 4+ years old. Properly installed forward-facing in the back
2
Seats seat. NEVER turn forward-facing before child meets all: AGE/HEIGHT/WEIGHT
requirements set by safety seat manufacturer for forward-facing.
 After age 4 and 40+ pounds and behavior maturity*, children can ride in a booster seat with
the adult lap and shoulder belt until the adult safety belt will fit them properly (usually when
Phase Booster the child is 10 – 12 years old).
3 Seats MUST have a lap/shoulder belt to use a booster seat.

*Behavior maturity required according to booster seat owner's manual

Once children outgrow their booster seat (usually at 10 – 12 years old) they can use the
Phase Adult adult lap/shoulder safety belt if it fits them properly according to the vehicle manufacturer's
4 Safety Belt instructions. Lap portion low over the hips/tops of thighs and shoulder belt crosses the
center of the shoulder and center of the chest.

Children are better protected the longer they can stay in each phase. Keep children in each seat up to
the maximum age/weight/height limits before moving to the next phase. ALL children younger than age 13
years should ride properly restrained in the back seat.

Seatbelt Entanglement
The majority of seatbelts have a locking mechanism that is activated when the seat belt is
pulled all the way out from the retractor. This feature is designed for child seat installation. In
instances when the locking feature activates, the child may not be able to free him or herself.
This can happen if you do not properly restrain your child – for example, if you let the child lie
down or sleep on the vehicle seat, instead of being properly restrained. Older children who are
no longer in a child restraint system can become entangled by pulling a seatbelt all the way out
of the retractor, or by playing with an unused seatbelt.

Air Bags
pushed back from the dashboard as far as possible.
Air bags are automatic restraint systems. Front seat driver air bags are stored in the hub of the
steering wheel, and front seat passenger air bags are located inside the dashboard area. You
should adjust the seat taking the airbag into account and try to have at least 10 inches of
space between you and the steering wheel. Make sure the front passenger seat is
Infants less than one year old and/or weighing less than 20 pounds do not have strong enough
neck muscles to survive a frontal crash if facing forward. In such a crash, the head would snap
forward and cause serious neck and spinal cord injury. Therefore, infants must be in a rear-
facing child restraint device installed at a 45-degree angle to spread the force of the crash
across the whole body, to support the infant’s head, and maintain an open airway. This rear-
facing safety seat must not be installed in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air
bag! The deploying air bag would crush the safety seat and seriously injure or kill the infant. A
rear seat is the safest spot in any vehicle.
Short drivers, especially older short drivers, are a particular risk with currently configured
automobiles. For these drivers, it is especially difficult, if not impossible, to get sufficient
separation between them and the air bag. However, specific adjustments may make a
difference.

 First, the proper use of the primary restraint system, safety belts, is absolutely
essential.
 Second, move the seat as far back as possible, and adjust seat cushion height and
seat back angle if the seat has that capability, to find the optimum position and still
reach the necessary controls. This may entail a complete change in the driver’s driving
position, but could provide the necessary separation.
 Third, if the steering column is adjustable, position the column so that the bag will be
aimed directly at the driver’s chest. This will keep the bag from hitting the head directly
(and perhaps snapping the neck) or hitting the driver so low that the upper body goes
over the top and still contacts internal vehicle parts.
 Fourth, approved adaptive devices which could provide the necessary separation,
ranging from basic pedal extenders to full hand control systems, are available. SHORT
DRIVERS MUST MAKE SPECIAL ADAPTATIONS!
General importance of vehicle safety maintenance (including the dangers of carbon
monoxide poisoning).
Make an appointment with your dealer or mechanic for a vehicle inspection or check-up a few
days before setting off on your trip. It
is important to have the required maintenance and tune-ups done for your vehicle(s). Speak
with an auto specialist about scheduled maintenance.
The typical maintenance and tune-up for a vehicle can include an oil change, tire rotation, new
brakes and suspension and a mechanical assessment. Even a small problem such as a worn
windshield wiper, out-
of-balance tire or improper wheel alignment can severely compromise safety. A maintenance
package should include checking the following items:

 Engine oil
 Transmission fluid
 Engine coolant
 Battery
 Air filter
 Lights and mirrors
 Windshield wipers
 Tires
 Steering, suspension and drive train components
  Spare tire, wheel wrench and the jack

It is important to read and understand your vehicle's owner's manual. Do not forget to keep it in
your glove box on your trip. The owner's manual contains a lot of useful information from how
to tow a trailer to how to change the flat tire and where the jack is located. If you need to top up
engine oil or other fluids during a trip, you can find the fluid capacity specifications as well as
recommended fluid types in your owner's manual. It also contains instructions how to jump-
start the vehicle if the battery dies, what to do if the engine overheats, how to change a
headlight bulb and much more. If you do not have an owner's manual, many auto
manufacturers offer a digital download of the owner's manual. You can always order the
printed version from your local dealer.
Aside from keeping your car maintained, it is also good idea to keep in mind about the
consequences of Carbon Monoxide (CO). CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn
fuel in cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, gas ranges, or furnaces.
CO can build up indoors and poison people and animals who breathe it.

What causes carbon monoxide poisoning from vehicles?

 Operating a vehicle with a defective exhaust system.

 Operating a vehicle with a defective emission system or poorly tuned engine.
  Driving a vehicle with the trunk lid or rear tailgate open.
 Driving a vehicle with holes in the car body.
 Allowing children to ride under a topper on a pick-up truck.
 Warming up a vehicle in a garage, even with the outside garage door open.
 Operating vehicles in a garage, carwash, or any enclosed building.

How to avoid CO poisoning from your car or truck

 Have a mechanic check the exhaust system of your car or truck every year. A small
leak in the exhaust system can lead to a buildup of CO inside the car.
 Never run your car or truck inside a garage that is attached to a house even with the
garage door open. Always open the door to a detached garage to let in fresh air when
you run a car or truck inside.

If you drive a car or SUV with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate open the vents or windows
to make sure air is moving through. If only the tailgate is open CO from the exhaust will be
pulled into the car or SUV.

Section 7.2 - Vehicle control

As a new resident to Texas, newcomers have 30 days from the time they move here to register
their vehicle in the state. To learn how, you can read the 'Apply to be Texan booklet' from the
Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.  To stay up-to-date on any changes, you can also check
out www.TXDMV.com.
To register your vehicle in Texas, here are the steps:
1. Have your vehicle inspected. Simply take your vehicle to a certified Texas Department of
Public Safety inspection station (Many mechanic shops, oil change locations and service
stations are certified by the Texas Department of Public Safety as inspection stations).  Your
are required to have your insurance card with you at the time of inspection.
In Texas, you must show proof that you have insurance coverage for a minimum of $30,000
per injured person, up to a total of $60,000 for everyone injured in an accident, and $25,000 for
property damage.
2. Next, it's time to get your vehicle registration sticker and license plates. To do this, you must
visit your local county tax-assessor collector office. You will need that insurance card, the
inspection papers, and proof you own the vehicle, such as the registration or title from your
previous state. You can also show a current foreign/military ownership document or foreign
evidence of ownership.
You need to fill out and bring a form to the county tax office. You are not required to title your
vehicle in Texas. If you wish to title your vehicle in Texas and have the title, complete Form
130-U. If you do not possess the title because it has a lien, you need to complete Form VTR-
272. 
The base registration fee in Texas is $50.75 plus $1 for TexasSure, the electronic insurance
verification program, and $1 for improvements to the registration and titling computer system.
So, total state registration is $52.75 but counties may add other fees to this cost. As a new
resident, you also will pay sales tax-related fees required by the state's Comptroller of Public
Accounts. Sales tax fees on a vehicle can be $90 or the difference between your previous
state's sales tax and the Texas sales tax. 
While at the county tax assessor-collector's office, you may ask to sign you up for eReminder.
You will receive an email when it's time to renew, and in most counties you can renew your
registration online. 
Note: Active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces and non-resident, full-time
students attending a Texas college or university are not required to register or title their
vehicles in Texas.
3. As a reminder, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles  DOES NOT ISSUE DRIVER
LICENSES. However, as a new resident you are required to obtain your Texas driver license
from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving here.
Vehicle Inspection
Per Texas state law, any motor vehicles registered in the State of Texas are required to
receive an annual inspection. All vehicle inspections include a comprehensive safety
inspection to ensure basic road worthiness.  Any vehicle registered in a county classified by
Federal EPA as being in nonattainment status (17) are required to have an emissions test in
addition to the safety inspection.
The cost of the annual inspection is determined by the county of registration and the type of
inspection that is required.
Gasoline powered vehicles 2 through 24 years old are required to have an emission
inspection. If you are in a county that requires an emission test and your vehicle is newer than
2 years or older than 24 years, you are still required to have a safety inspection.
During the annual inspection, evidence of Financial Responsibility insurance is checked. In
addition, all these must be present or installed and fully functional/operational in order to pass
the annual safety inspection.

1. Horn
2. Mirror
3. Steering
4. Brakes (system)
5. Tires
6. Wheel Assembly
7. Exhaust System
8. Tail Lamp
9. Stop Lamp
10. License Plate Lamp
11. Rear Red Reflector
12. Head Lamp
13. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
Tires
Every motor vehicle registered in the state of Texas and operated on the streets and highways
in the state and required to be inspected shall be equipped with tires in proper and safe
condition. The law requires that the tires on your vehicle must be in good, safe condition.
During the annual safety inspection, tires will be inspected visually and the tread measured
with a tread depth gauge calibrated in 32nds of an inch if the tire does not have tread wear
indicators.
No tire will be considered to be in safe operating condition unless it meets the visual and tread
depth requirements set forth in the state regulations.
An inspection of the vehicle's spare tire is not required. All tires must appear to be properly
inflated - even though a gauge check is not required.
The tread depth requirement of the state regulations applies to both tires of each set of dual
wheels. All other inspection requirements also apply to both tires in each set of dual wheels.
Dragster tires or racing slicks without sufficient tread or which have had all tread removed are
not acceptable.
THE STATE WILL INSPECT THE TIRES AND REJECT THEM FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1. Tires with any localized worn spot that exposes the ply or cord through the tread.
2. Tires that have tread or sidewall cracks, cuts, or snags (as measured on the outside of
the tire) in excess of one inch in any direction and deep enough to expose the body
cords.
3. Tires which have any visible bumps, bulges, or knots apparently related to tread or
sidewall separation or partial failure of the tire structure, including bead area.
4. Tires which have been re-grooved or re-cut below the original groove depth, except
special (re- groovable) tires which have extra under tread rubber for this purpose
(commercial vehicles only) and are identified as such.
5. Any dual wheel assembly where the side of one tire is in contact with the other. (Any
dual tires that contact each other.)
6. Tires that are marked "Not for Highway Use," "Farm Use Only," "For Racing Purposes
Only," or with other use restrictions that would indicate the tire is not meant for highway
use. This includes temporary spares, inflatable, or small high-pressure spares.
7. Tires which has been repaired temporarily by the use of blowout patches and boots.
Nail hole plugs or patches are not cause for rejection.
8. Tires without tread wear indicators worn so that less than 2/32 (1/16) of an inch of tread
design depth remains when measured (with a tread depth gauge) at the lowest points
in any two adjacent major grooves in the center or middle of the tire.
9. Tire with tread wear indicators worn so that the tread wear indicators contact the road
in any two adjacent major grooves in the center or middle of the tire.
Spare Tire:
You should know how to properly replace a flat tire with the spare. Changing a tire is not a
difficult procedure; however, it can be very difficult to learn in times of crisis, especially at night.
You will find complete instructions for changing a tire in your owner's manual or inside the trunk
of your vehicle.
General importance of vehicle safety maintenance
Make an appointment with your dealer or mechanic for a vehicle inspection or check-up a few
days before setting off on your trip. It is
important to have the required maintenance and tune-ups done for your vehicle(s). Speak with
an auto specialist about scheduled maintenance.
The typical maintenance and tune-up for a vehicle can include an oil change, tire rotation, new
brakes and suspension and a mechanical assessment. Even a small problem such as a worn
windshield wiper, out-of-balance tire or improper wheel alignment can severely compromise
safety.
A maintenance package should include checking the following items:

 Engine oil
 Transmission fluid
 Engine coolant
 Battery
 Air filter
 Lights and mirrors
 Windshield wipers
 Tires
 Steering, suspension and drive train components
 Spare tire, wheel wrench and the jack

It is important to read and understand your vehicle's owner's manual. Do not forget to keep it in
your glove box on your trip. The owner's manual contains a lot of useful information from how
to tow a trailer to how to change the flat tire and where the jack is located. If you need to top up
engine oil or other fluids during a trip, you can find the fluid capacity specifications as well as
recommended fluid types in your owner's manual. It also contains instructions how to jump-
start
Engine/Motor Oil:
Engine oil is used to lubricate moving parts of various internal combustion engines; it also
cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing, and cools the engine by carrying heat away from
the moving parts. Always check the vehicle’s manual or consult a specialist if you have any
difficulty.
Brake Fluid Levels:
Sufficient brake fluid levels are essential for safe operation and braking.
Power Steering Fluid:
Without power steering, the vehicle would be difficult to steer. Check the power steering fluid in
the vehicle and make sure it is sufficient and in good condition.
Windshield Wiper Fluid:
Windshield wiper fluid keeps the vehicle’s windshield free of dust, dirt, debris and bugs. Check
the windshield wiper fluid monthly to maintain visibility on the road.
Coolant/Antifreeze:
Coolant protects the radiator and other engine parts from corrosion and rust. It also transfers
waste heat away from the engine. Regular changing of coolant is a vital to keeping your
vehicle running smoothly. Coolant can corrode the inside of the radiator if not changed or
flushed with regular maintenance.
Transmission Fluid Levels:
Automatic transmission vehicles use automatic transmission fluid. Stick shift vehicles use gear
oil. You may need to add transmission fluid if your automatic transmission is slow to shift or if
your standard transmission is difficult to stick shift.
Note: Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles, or as instructed by your owner’s manual.
Belts:
Replace belts and hoses that are worn, cracked, glazed or frayed.
Replace the timing belt according to your scheduled service for your vehicle. This belt is a
rubber belt and is not easily observable. If this belt breaks, the vehicle’s engine will not work. If
the timing belt must be replaced, it may be a good idea to replace the water pump at the same
time, since the water pump depends on the timing belt.

Section 7.3 - Crash protection

When a vehicle is involved in a collision, three impacts occur in rapid succession: the vehicle
collides with an object; occupants collide with the vehicle interior; interior organs collide with
the body cavity.
In a crash, your vehicle stops, but your body keeps on traveling at the same speed your
vehicle was traveling until you hit the dashboard or windshield. At 30 mph, this is like hitting the
ground from the top of a three-story building. A side impact could push you back and forth
across the seat. Belts and straps keep you in a better position to control the vehicle.
Safety belts are life belts, and when worn properly, they can keep you from:

 Being thrown from your vehicle. (Your chances of being killed are five times greater if
you are thrown from your vehicle.)
 Hitting the dashboard too hard.

You are more likely to survive a crash if you use lap and shoulder belts together. If you are not
buckled up, it is possible for you to be killed in a crash when traveling at a speed as low as 12
mph. If the seatbelt is buckled correctly, your chance of being injured by the seatbelt in a crash
is remote. Even a few bruises are better than suffering a crippling injury or death from not
wearing a seatbelt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that some
6,000 lives could be saved every year if all vehicle occupants used seatbelts.
(https://nces.ed.gov/FCSM/pdf/2003FCSM_Glassbrenner.pdf)
Buckle up every time you get in your vehicle.

 Do it to protect yourself and others.

 Do it to avoid a serious dent in your wallet — a ticket could be costly.

Section 7.4 - Operational principles (active and passive)

Child Safety Locks
Child safety locks are built into the rear doors of most vehicles to prevent rear seat passengers
from opening the doors both during transit and while the vehicle is stationary. Safety locks
provide the vehicle driver with a simple, safe and secure method of preventing passengers
from accidently exiting from the vehicle. The lock is typically engaged by a small switch on the
edge of the door that is only accessible when the door is open. Some vehicles implement the
locking mechanism as a rotary device that must be engaged with the vehicle key; this design
prevents passengers from accidentally disabling the lock as they enter the vehicle. In both
designs the lock is completely inaccessible, especially to the passenger, when the door is
closed. When the child lock is engaged, the interior handle is rendered useless.
Seatbelts
Of all the safety equipment in your vehicle, the safety belt is the one most likely to save your
life.
Turn Signals
Using turn signals lessens the chance of crashes. Turn signals attract the attention of other
drivers. However, signaling right when you turn or change lanes is not safe (or legal)
driving. Turn on your turn signals well in advance before making turns or lane changes.
You should use your turn signals before you change lanes, turn right or left, merge into traffic,
or park.

 Get into the habit of signaling every time you change direction. Signal even when you
do not see anyone else around. It is easy to miss someone who needs to know what
you are doing.
 Signal as early as you can. Try to signal at least 100 feet before you make your move.
If there are other streets, driveways, or entrances between you and where you want to
turn, wait until you have passed them to signal.
 If another vehicle is about to enter the street between you and here you plan to turn,
wait until you have passed it to signal your turn.
 After you have made a turn or lane change, make sure your turn signal is off. After
small turns, the signal may not turn off by itself. Turn it off if it has not clicked off by
itself. If you do not, other drivers might think you plan to turn again
Horns
Headlights let you to see at night, but they also help other people see you. You should always
turn on your headlights whenever you have trouble seeing others. Remember, if you have
trouble seeing other people, they are having trouble seeing you.
Use Your Horn
People cannot see you unless they are looking your way. Your horn can get their attention.
Use it whenever it will help prevent an accident. If there is no immediate danger, a light tap on
the horn should be all you need.
Do NOT Use the Horn:

 To encourage someone to drive faster or get out of the way

 To scold another driver for an error 
 To greet a friend
 Around pedestrians who are blind

Use your horn for emergencies only. Even a polite tap of your horn may be enough to provoke
another driver.
Vehicle Lights
The purpose of vehicle lighting is to help the driver see and to make sure the vehicle can be
seen by others. It also allows the driver to communicate with other road users. All required
lighting equipment on a vehicle should be maintained and in good working order at all times.
Headlights
Drivers must activate their headlights during times of darkness or inclement weather, or both.
The following list details the requirements for the use of headlights:

 You must turn on your headlights from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before
sunrise.
 You must turn on your headlights when conditions prevent you from clearly seeing a
person or another motor vehicle on the highway from a distance of 1000 feet.
 You must turn on your headlights in inclement weather conditions requiring the
continuous use of windshield wipers such as rain, mist, snow, fog or other precipitation.
Make sure you are able to see and be seen. If you drive in rain or snow, you may have
to stop sometimes to wipe mud or snow off your windshield, headlights, and taillights.

A motor vehicle other than a motorcycle being operated during darkness, inclement weather,
or both is required to have at least two lighted headlamps. The headlights must be located
directly above or in advance of the front axle of the vehicle. Headlights must not exceed a
height of 54 inches or be less than 22 inches.
Taillights
Taillights better enable drivers and other road users to see your vehicle. They also maximize
your ability to be seen, day or night. Taillights help you communicate your intentions to others.
When you turn on your headlights, your taillights also come on. During darkness, every motor
vehicle, other than a motorcycle, must display at least two lighted red taillights mounted on the
rear that are visible from within 1,000 feet to the rear. Motorcycles are required to have only
one taillight.
Backup or Reverse Lights
Located on the back of the vehicle next to the brake lights, backup lights are white and usually
smaller than the brake and turn signal lights. They turn on automatically when you put the
vehicle into reverse. Most trucks and some vehicles have a warning or beeping noise that
sounds as the light illuminates to give extra warning that the vehicle is backing up.
Brake Lights
Every vehicle must be equipped with one or more stop lights (brake lights) on the rear of the
vehicle. Brake lights are there to give other drivers advanced warning that you will be slowing
down or stopping and will signal them to adjust their speed accordingly. The brake lights are
activated when you apply the brake pedal. Brake lights must be visible from a distance of 300
feet to the rear both during the day and at nighttime.
Instrument Panel Indicators
A vehicle’s instrument panel gauges indicate engine temperature, fuel and oil levels and other
important information. Light indicators such as the “CHECK ENGINE” light can warn you about
potential problems with your vehicle. Read your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with all
the gauges and light indicators. Your manual will also indicate which gauge readings are
considered “normal” and which ones signal an emergency situation.
Windows and Mirrors
As a driver, your vision helps you to acquire 90% of the information that you need to drive
safely. It is essential to be able to see in front and to the rear, as well as all around your
vehicle. You should always adjust your mirrors and seats properly before driving.
Windows/Windshield:
It is important to keep your windshield, rear windows, and side windows clean inside and out.
All vehicle windows should be free from cracks, which can reflect light and reduce visibility. Be
sure to clear ice, frost, or dew from all windows before driving. Make sure you have sufficient
window washing fluid. Check the wiper blades for wear and tear. Your windshield wipers must
be in good condition or it can decrease visibility drastically during rainy weather, which creates
a hazardous situation. Replace your wiper blades if cracked, torn or not wiping properly. It is
good practice to replace wipers blades annually.
Drivers with sun-sensitive skin can use removable sun screens on their vehicle’s side windows
during daylight travel if they have a letter from their physician.
Mirrors:
Every motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, must have two rear view mirrors. One mirror must
be affixed to the left-hand side of the vehicle. The other mirror may be mounted in the interior
or on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
Mirrors should be located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of 200
feet to the rear. Any motor vehicle so constructed or loaded as to obstruct the driver’s view to
the rear and any motor vehicle towing a vehicle when the towed vehicle or load thereon
obstructs the driver’s view to the rear, must have a rear view mirror mounted on both the left-
hand and right-hand sides of the vehicle.
Driver’s Seat
You should always adjust the seat, mirrors, and the safety belt before driving. You run the risk
of having a collision if you try to adjust them while you drive.
Adjust your seat so that you are high enough to see the road and use a seat cushion if needed.
Adjust the headrest up or down until the center of the headrest meets the center of the back of
your head or higher. Proper adjustment will help prevent whiplash in a collision. Do this before
putting on your safety belt.
Air Bags
Air bags are automatic restraint systems. Front seat driver air bags are stored in the hub of the
steering wheel, and front seat passenger air bags are located inside the dashboard area. You
should adjust the seat taking the airbag into account and try to have at least 10 inches of
space between you and the steering wheel. Make sure the front passenger seat is pushed
back from the dashboard as far as possible.
Helmets and other protective equipment
Texas Helmet Law
All riders under the age of 21 are required to wear a helmet when operating a motorcycle.
Riders over 21 may ride without a helmet only if they have completed a safety course or are
covered by an applicable insurance plan.
If you ride a motorcycle, be sure to wear proper protective clothing at all times, including a
helmet. It could save your life.
Road conditions that are minor annoyances and inconveniences to automobile drivers can
pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Potholes, debris, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces,
pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement can cause motorcyclists to
change speed or direction suddenly. You should be aware of the effect of these conditions and
drive with attention and care.
Motorcycle Rider Safety Tips

 Wear a helmet and other protective gear.

 Turn on your headlights and ride defensively.
 Avoid the center of the lane where debris and oil build up.
 Ride at a safe speed, and never ride if you've been drinking.
 Take a course to learn or reinforce safe riding techniques.

Bicycles:
A bicycle is still considered a vehicle even though it is not motorized. As such, riding a bicycle
comes with the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of a car or any other motor vehicle.
This means you need to cooperate with bicyclists as you would other car drivers. As a car
driver, it’s important to pay attention to bicyclists, and remember that they are not restricted to
only driving in designated bike lanes. Bicyclists need to make turns and change lanes, which
they do by signaling with their hands.
Give bicyclists plenty of room, especially in adverse weather. Any contact with a car can mean
serious injuries for the cyclist. It takes very little for a cyclist to accidentally veer into traffic. It’s
always better to give them as much room as possible.
Bicycle Rider Safety Tips

 Wear a helmet and other protective gear.

 Use bike lights and reflectors when riding and bike defensively.
 Follow all vehicle laws and regulations for safe riding on public streets/roads
 Ride at a safe speed, and never ride if you've been drinking.
 Take a course to learn or reinforce safe riding, biking techniques.

Dangers involved in locking or leaving children in vehicles unattended

Leaving Children Unattended in Vehicles
Under Texas state law, a parent or adult responsible for the child can face class C
misdemeanor charges for willfully and intentionally leaving any child 7 years or younger
unattended or with another child under 14 in a vehicle for more than 5 minutes. Children are by
nature curious and love to explore their surroundings. If you leave children unattended, in or
near a vehicle, it will not be long before they are playing in it. There is significant risk to a
child’s health and safety when left unattended in a vehicle by a parent or responsible, capable
adult.
Never leave children alone in vehicles. Children can:

 Die of heat stroke because temperatures can reach deadly levels in minutes.
 Be strangled by power windows, retracting seatbelts, sunroofs, or accessories.
 Knock the vehicle into gear, setting it in motion.
 Be backed over when the vehicle backs up.
 Become trapped in the trunk of the vehicle.
 Become a victim of a crime or worse

Roughly 150 children die each year due to a family member leaving them in a vehicle
unattended.
The most common factors causing children to be forgotten in vehicles include changes in
normal routines, lack of sleep, stress, fatigue, distractions and hormone changes. You should
be extra careful if you are experiencing any of these factors. Forgetting your child in a vehicle
can happen to you, your spouse/partner, or caregiver who helps with your children. This
tragedy can happen to anyone, but it is one that can be avoided. Get in the habit of always
opening the back door of your vehicle every time you reach your destination to make sure no
child has been left behind.
Heatstroke
Children and animals have been known to die in very short periods of time when left in an
unattended vehicle. Even temperatures as low as 60 degrees can be hot inside a vehicle.
Children’s body heat rises faster than adults’. Leaving a window partially open may not lower
the temperature enough to make it safe inside a vehicle. In just 10 minutes, a vehicle’s
temperature can rise 20 degrees higher than the outside temperature. 10 more minutes results
in 10 more degrees. A vehicle can be 110 degrees in less than 20 minutes when the outside
temperature is 80 degrees. The dashboard can reach temperatures as hot as 200 degrees on
hot days.
Releasing the Brake/Shifting to Neutral/Vehicle Rollaway
A vehicle may be shifted "out of park" even if the vehicle's engine is off and the driver's foot is
not on the brake. If you leave a child alone in the vehicle, whether the engine is running or not,
it may not take long for a child to unintentionally set your vehicle in motion.
Tips:

 Keep the vehicle locked when unattended.

 Never leave keys in the vehicle or in the ignition.
 Engage the emergency brake when parked.

Power Windows
Children can seriously injure themselves with power windows. Children are injured when a
window closes on their finger, wrist or hand. Some have been strangled by power windows.
Seatbelt Entanglement
The majority of seatbelts have a locking mechanism that is activated when the seat belt is
pulled all the way out from the retractor. This feature is designed for child seat installation. In
instances when the locking feature activates, the child may not be able to free him or herself.
This can happen if you do not properly restrain your child – for example, if you let the child lie
down or sleep on the vehicle seat, instead of being properly restrained. Older children who are
no longer in a child restraint system can become entangled by pulling a seatbelt all the way out
of the retractor, or by playing with an unused seatbelt.
Trunk Entrapment
As mentioned previously, children are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings.
Hide and seek can turn deadly if they get trapped in the trunk, where temperatures can rise in
a short amount of time, resulting in heatstroke or asphyxiation.
Tips:

 Teach your children not to play with vehicle buttons or switches. If available, activate
the power window lock switch so that your children cannot play with the windows.
 Properly restrain your children in car/booster seats or seatbelts to prevent them from
accidentally activating power windows and sunroofs. Children must be restrained in a
DOT approved child seat until they are 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches in height.
 Look and make sure your child’s hands, feet and head are clear of windows before
raising the windows.
 Teach children that seatbelts are not toys. Be aware that some seatbelts have a
retractor that locks if pulled all the way out.
  Buckle unused seatbelts. Pull the seatbelt out all the way to the end without yanking.
Then, feed the excess webbing back into the retractor.
 Teach children that vehicle trunks are for cargo, not for playing. If you must transport
cargo inside the vehicle, be sure to secure the cargo as far away as possible from
children, as it could fall on them.
 Check the trunk right away if your child is missing.
 Lock your vehicle doors and trunk and be sure keys and remote entry devices are out
of sight and reach of children.
 Keep the rear fold-down seats closed/locked to keep your children from climbing into
the trunk from inside the vehicle.

Transporting Cargo and Materials

To prevent cargo or loose materials from falling or spilling from a car, truck, trailer, etc. onto the
road and causing a crash or damage to the roads, drivers must comply with certain state
requirements.
A vehicle must be equipped and maintained to prevent loose material from escaping by
blowing or spilling and a vehicle bed must:

1. Not have a hole, crack, or other opening through which loose material can escape
2. Be enclosed by side panels and on the front by a panel or the vehicle cab
3. Be enclosed by a securely closed tailgate or panel on the rear to prevent spillage
4. Cover the load securely at the front and back of the load, unless completely enclosed
in a compartment or the load does not blow or spill over the load carrying compartment.

No person shall load or transport any loose material on or over the public highways, such as
dirt, sand, gravel, wood chips, or other material (except agricultural products in their natural
state), capable of blowing or spilling from a vehicle unless:

1. The bed carrying the load is completely enclosed on both sides and on the front and
rear by a tailgate, board or panel; and all must be so constructed as to prevent the
escape of any part of the load by blowing or spilling; and
2. The top of the load is covered with a canvas, tarpaulin, or other covering firmly secured
to the front and back to prevent the escape of the load because of blowing or spilling.
This requirement does not apply to:
 Any load-carrying compartment that completely encloses the load; or
 The transporting of any load of loose materials not blowing or spilling over the
top of the load-carrying, compartment.

Safety Chains
Safety chains are required when certain types of vehicles are towing trailers in order to prevent
the trailer from breaking loose and causing a serious crash. A person may not drive a
passenger car or light truck while towing a trailer, semi-trailer, or house trailer on a public
highway in Texas unless safety chains are attached from a trailer, semi-trailer, or house trailer
to the towing vehicle.
The types of safety chains and the manner of attachment must be approved by DPS. The
requirements of this law do not apply to a passenger car or light truck towing a trailer or semi-
trailer used for agricultural purposes or to any trailer or semi-trailer or house trailer operated in
compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
Towing
When one vehicle is towing another, the drawbar, chain, rope, cable, or other connection must:

1. Not be longer than 15 feet from one vehicle to another

2. Be strong enough to pull all weight drawn
3. Attach a white flag not less than 12 inches square
4. Not tow more than three vehicles attached to it by mounting the front wheels of trailing
vehicles on the bed of another vehicle and leaving only the rear wheels in contact with
the roadway

This limit does not apply to trailers transporting poles, pipe, machinery, or other structures that
cannot be easily dismembered.

Section 8.1 - The Dangers of Alcohol and Driving

Under Texas law, a person commits the misdemeanor crime of public intoxication, also known
as a PI, if they appear in a public place while intoxicated to a degree that they may endanger
themselves or another person. Public intoxication is considered a Class C misdemeanor and
punishable by up to a fine of $500. However, for many people, a large fine is not the most
serious consequence of a public intoxication case; it is the possibility of a permanent criminal
record.
Texas DWI Laws
Driving Under the Influence - Minors
Section 106.041 of the Alcoholic Beverage Code makes it illegal for a minor to operate a motor
vehicle in a public place while having any detectable amount of alcohol in the minor’s system.
Driving under the influence is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500, an
alcohol awareness course, community service, and driver’s license suspension.
Driving While Intoxicated
Section 49.04 of the Penal Code states that a person commits an offense if the person is
intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle in a public place. DWI is a Class B misdemeanor,
with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.
Driving While Intoxicated with an Open Container
Section 49.04 of the Penal Code also states that driving while intoxicated while the driver had
an open container of alcohol in the person's immediate possession is a Class B misdemeanor,
with a minimum term of confinement of six days.
Driving While Intoxicated with a Child Passenger
Section 49.045 of the Penal Code states that driving while intoxicated while the vehicle being is
occupied by a passenger who is younger than 15 years of age is a state jail felony.
Definition of Intoxication
Section 49.01(2)(a) of the Penal Code defines intoxication as "not having the normal use of
mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a
drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other
substance into the body; OR (b) having an alcohol concentration of .08 or more."
Open Container Law (Possession of Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle)
Section 49.031 of the Penal Code says that a person commits an offense if the person
knowingly possesses an open container in a passenger area of a motor vehicle that is located
on a public highway, regardless of whether the vehicle is being operated or is stopped or
parked. An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to
$500.
It is an exception if at the time of the offense the person was a passenger in:
the passenger area of a motor vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the
transportation of persons for compensation, including a bus, taxicab, or limousine; or
the living quarters of a motorized house coach or motorized house trailer, including a self-
contained camper, a motor home, or a recreational vehicle.
Definitions

 "Open container" means a bottle, can, or other receptacle that contains any amount of
alcoholic beverage and that is open, that has been opened, that has a broken seal, or
the contents of which are partially removed.
 "Passenger area of a motor vehicle" means the area of a motor vehicle designed for
the seating of the operator and passengers of the vehicle. The term does not include:
 a glove compartment or similar storage container that is locked;
 the trunk of a vehicle; or
 the area behind the last upright seat of the vehicle, if the vehicle does not have a trunk.
 "Public highway" means the entire width between and immediately adjacent to the
boundary lines of any public road, street, highway, interstate, or other publicly
maintained way if any part is open for public use for the purpose of motor vehicle
travel. The term includes the right-of-way of a public highway.
 Physiolo
gical effects
Alcohol is a powerful drug that acts as a depressant, affecting the central nervous system, the
body and the brain. In small doses, it may allow the drinker
to feel relaxed, more social and less inhibited, while in higher doses, alcohol distorts vision,
speech, motor functioning, and judgment. Alcohol can also produce tremors and drowsiness.
For these reasons, it is extremely dangerous to drive while under the influence of alcohol, as it
greatly increases the risk of collision, injury and death.
What is BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration)?
Simply stated, BAC represents the level of alcohol in the bloodstream. It is expressed as a
percentage, measured as the weight of alcohol per unit of blood volume. To illustrate, a BAC of
0.10% indicates 1 part alcohol per 1000 parts blood. In Texas, 0.08% is the limit, over which a
person is considered unsafe to drive. For those drivers under 21, the limit is 0.02%. These
numbers only represent legal restrictions, however. They do not accurately assess whether a
person is fit to be on the road. Even with a much lower BAC, a driver’s vision, motor functions
and reaction times may be adversely affected and threaten safety. (Texas Penal Code §49.01)
BAC is dependent on the following factors:

 Amount of time in which drinks are consumed

 Amount of time elapsed since last drink
 Gender
 Body weight
 The amount of food in the stomach

For reference, the following charts reveal the approximate BAC in two drinkers, one
male and one female, after one hour. (Women’s BAC will rise faster than men’s because their
bodies contain less water.)
Approximate Blood Alcohol Percentage in One Hour for a Male

Approximate Blood Alcohol Percentage in One Hour for a Female

 Subtract .01
5 for each hour after drinking.
One drink is based on 1.5 oz. of 80 proof liquor (40%), 12 oz. beer (4.5%), or 5 oz. wine (12%).
Note: The figures are averages and may vary based on the amount of food in your stomach.
You might be wondering if the type of alcohol you drink affects how drunk you can
get. Consider that a 12-ounce glass of beer contains .6 ounces of undiluted alcohol; a 5-ounce
glass of 12% wine also contains .6 ounces of alcohol. So does a 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof
hard liquor. Alcohol is alcohol, period.
Some drinkers may be tempted to associate being drunk with stumbling, slurring words or a
loss of dexterity. However, the highest percentage of alcohol-related injuries and fatalities
comes from failures in reasoning, decision-making and judgment
Below you can see some of the effects of alcohol at varying BAC levels:

BAC Level Consequences

0.00% This is the only level at which safe driving can be guaranteed.

0.01-0.03% Impairment begins to occur in light to moderate drinkers; vision is slightly

affected; concentration begins to wane; inhibitions reduced;
  reasoning and judgment slightly affected.

Mild feelings of euphoria; flushed skin; motor skills such as steering and
0.04-0.07% braking affected; vision is more blurry; memory and concentration affected;
reaction time slowed; hearing distorted.

Mood swings; rational thinking disabled; coordination compromised;

Over 0.08% numbness in extremities; impairment of vision, hearing, concentration and
decision-making continues, with more intense results.

0.12-0.15% Severe impairment of motor skills, vision and judgment; vomiting.

0.16% High risk of collision.

0.25-0.35% Loss of consciousness.

0.35-0.45% Fatality.
 How is alcohol
metabolized?
Alcohol is metabolized by the body in four separate phases: Absorption; distribution; digestion;
and elimination. When we first take a swig of alcohol, it’s absorbed into the stomach and small
intestines. From there it quickly enters the bloodstream, traveling to the brain, the liver and the
heart within minutes. Nearly all of the alcohol is broken down in the liver, and the rest excreted
through urine, sweat and the skin.
How does alcohol affect the liver?
The liver’s job is to neutralize toxins, but it can only work so quickly,
Metabolizing about 1 oz. of liquor an hour. The liver is also responsible for metabolizing
proteins, filtering blood, breaking down fats, maintaining blood clotting functions and
processing damaged cells, important processes that are interrupted and delayed when the
organ must deal with the consumption of alcohol. With chronic alcohol abuse, the liver can no
longer keep up and this can lead to serious illness and eventually death for the drinker.

How does alcohol affect the stomach?

Alcohol may cause damage to the stomach’s lining, leading to inflammation or gastritis. Ulcers
can also result from excess drinking. Alcohol can trigger diarrhea or constipation. Pancreatitis,
an ailment that prevents effective digestion function, may occur as a consequence of regular
intoxication.
How does alcohol affect vision?
When intoxicated, a driver may experience tunnel vision, a grave reduction in peripheral vision
of around 30% at just 0.05% BAC. Night vision is also impaired by as much as 50%. The ability
to focus the eye declines and sensitivity to bright light is increased due to eye muscles
relaxing.
With each drink, speed and distance perception weakens. Hand-eye coordination also suffers,
slowing reaction time to hazards on the road. Even with a BAC as low as 0.02%, it becomes
more difficult to coordinate the eyes, feet and hands as a cohesive unit. As a result of these
changes in vision, the risk of collision is greatly increased.

Section 8.2 - Psychological effects

How does alcohol affect the brain?

Alcohol travels to the brain via the bloodstream. There it affects different regions of the brain,
causing a variety of reactions that compromise driving ability. The cerebral cortex, which
controls information processing from the senses, is depressed, leading to slower reactions and
cloudy thinking. The medulla is also affected, which controls auto functions like consciousness,
breathing and temperature regulation, leading to drowsiness. Alcohol depresses areas of the
pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, removing inhibitions on hormone release and sexual
arousal. Balance is concentrated in the cerebellum, which when affected by alcohol, causes a
person to stumble or keel over.
Brain function allows us to make rational decisions and judgments, control our emotions, and
are in charge of our motor functions. When a person drinks too much, all these abilities are
sacrificed. Worse, once the brain is intoxicated, it cannot make the decision to call a cab or ask
a friend to drive. Bad judgment sets in, which may include showing off by speeding, passing in
the wrong lane, misjudging following distances and taking curves too quickly.

Section 8.3 - Legal Aspects

In the State of Texas, a driver is legally intoxicated and may be arrested and charged with
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a .08 BAC (blood or breath alcohol concentration).
However, a driver is also intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of
BAC.
In Texas, whether or not you're the driver or the passenger, you can be fined up to $500 for
having an open alcohol container in a vehicle.
Alcohol and the Law
DUI/DWI is typically determined through measurement of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of
the driver under question. A breath test or a urine test can measure a driver’s BAL. Police
officers have the right to check a driver’s DUI/DWI and ask for the driver’s compliance. Non-
compliance can be a basis for other sanctions. In Texas, if you refuse a BAC test your driver's
license is automatically suspended for 180 days (6 months).
In Texas, a DWI is defined as driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of:

 0.08% or more.
 0.04% or more in a commercial vehicle.
 0.02% or more, if you are a minor.

Fines and Penalties

BAC and DWI
All 50 states consider 0.08% as DUI, which is against the state laws. The same rule applies
with the state of Texas. Here are the levels considered punishable by law:

 0.08% or higher BAC for all drivers

 0.04% or higher BAC for drivers of a commercial vehicle
 0.02% or higher BAC for minors

Remember that non-compliance to BAC tests can lead to a one (1) year suspension of driver’s
license. Also note that officers or even the judge can charge drivers with a DWI in spite of BAC
lower than the limits stated above.
Penalties for DWI in Texas

Costs of a First DUI

Towing/impound charges $350

Lawyers' fees $3,500

Fines $1,000

Court fees $450

Cost recovery $350

Drug and alcohol evaluation $750

Alcohol education program $500

Loss of time at work $1,200

Insurance premium increase $4,500

License reinstatement $125

TOTAL COST OVER $12,000

*These figures represent averages, and the costs are on the

rise. You might pay a lot more!

First Offense DWI in Texas can result in:

 A fine of up to $2,000
 Three days to 180 days in jail
 Loss of driver license up to a year
 Annual fee of $1,000 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license

Second Offense*

 A fine of up to $4,000
 One month to a year in jail
 Loss of driver license up to two years
 Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500 or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license

Third Offense*
·     A $10,000 fine

 Two to 10 years in prison

 Loss of driver license up to two years
 Annual fee of $1,000, $1,500, or $2,000 for three years to retain driver license

*After two or more DWI convictions in five years, you must install at your expense, a

special ignition switch (IID) that prevents your vehicle from being operated if you've
been drinking.
Administrative License Revocation (ALR)
The Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Program is a civil administrative process
requiring the Department to suspend and/or disqualify your driver license if you are arrested for
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) or Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) when you:
Refuse to take or fail to complete a blood or breath test, or Provide a blood or breath test that
registers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more while driving a non-commercial
motor vehicle, or
Provide a blood or breath test that registers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or
more while driving a commercial motor vehicle.
The suspension of your driving privilege under the ALR program is unrelated to the criminal
court proceedings for DWI or BWI. Additional information can be found in Texas Transportation
Code Chapters 524 and 724. More information on this law can be found
here: https://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/alr.htm
Implied Consent Laws for Minors
A minor arrested for an offense committed while operating a motor vehicle or watercraft with
ANY detectable amount of alcohol in their system automatically consents to the taking of one
or more specimens by breath or blood. The specimens are analyzed to determine the alcohol
concentration or the presence of a controlled substance, drug, or dangerous drug in the
minor’s body.
A minor whose specimen confirms the operation of a motor vehicle in a public place with ANY
detectable amount of alcohol in their system will have their driver license suspended for:

 60 days for the first offense,

 120 days for the second offense, and
 180 days for the third and subsequent offenses.

The minor may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge to contest if the officer
had probable cause to stop and arrest the minor or if there was detectable alcohol or controlled
substance in the minor’s body.
Suspensions for Minors Refusing to Provide a Specimen
Refusal to provide a specimen results in a driver license suspension. If the minor refuses the
test, the minor may be placed in jail and held until bond is posted or until appearance before a
magistrate or Juvenile Court Judge. The driver license is suspended (or privilege denied if
unlicensed) for:

 180 days - 1st Refusal

 2 years - 2nd or subsequent Refusal

DWI with a Child Passenger

You can be charged with child endangerment for driving while intoxicated if you're carrying
passengers younger than 15 years old. DWI with a child passenger is punishable by:

 A fine of up to $10,000
  Up to two years in a state jail
 Loss of your driver license for 180 days  

Ignition Interlock in Texas

An interlock device can be required by the court to be installed in the vehicle of the convicted
driver. This device records the breath BAC level of the driver before driving. Installation of this
device comes with a fee and an occasional maintenance fee.
Examples of Field Sobriety Tests
The moment an officer signals a driver to pull over, the driver should do so immediately.
Officers can pull drivers over if there are obvious signs of impaired driving. On the roadside,
the officers will tell the reason for the pull over and the driver must respond to the inquiries of
the officer.
If the officer notice signs of DUI such as slurred speech, watery eyes, and confession of
drinking, the officer will probably ask the driver to take a sobriety test. Some of the common
sobriety tests administered by Texas police officers are:

 Horizontal & vertical gaze test

 Backward counting
 Forward & backward recitation of alphabet 
 Walking and turning
 One-leg stand

Afterwards, the officer will then rely the result to the driver. In case of determination of negative
result in the sobriety tests, the officer may ask the driver to undergo BAC tests.
If the driver is found to have a BAC higher than the allowable level, corresponding penalties
can be executed by the officer.
Statistics
Drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs are at risk of injury, death, damage to
property, legal costs, and increased insurance premiums, loss of driving privileges, fines, and
incarceration. It is imperative that you make safe, legal and low-risk choices in the future about
alcohol or drug use.
Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

 Alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes cost more than an estimated $37 billion
annually.
 In 2012, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol- impaired driving crashes - one every
51 minutes.

Safe driving requires sound judgment, reasoning and concentration. Drivers need to be
focused, see clearly, interpret the situation, and react quickly. Once in the brain, alcohol affects
these critical skills; judgment, reasoning, and concentration are all impaired.
Alcohol works quickly to distort depth perception. It relaxes eye muscles and affects focus and
peripheral vision.
Alcohol-impaired drivers are less able to interpret what they see. They make errors in judging
speed, have trouble interpreting shapes, and lack muscle coordination.
As Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases, the area of the brain that controls muscular
movements begins to slow down - the brain takes longer to process information and react.
Muscular reactions become slow; steering and braking movements become uncoordinated.
No matter how good a driver is, alcohol slows reaction times and impairs judgment when
driving.
The following lists the common effects of alcohol on the body, depending on the blood alcohol
concentration (BAC). However, tolerance varies considerably between individuals, as does
individual response to a given dosage; the effects of alcohol differ widely between people.
Hence, BAC percentages are just estimates used for illustrative purposes.
Euphoria (BAC = 0.03% to 0.12%)

 Overall improvement in mood and possible euphoria

 Increased self-confidence
 Increased sociability
 Decreased anxiety
 Shortened attention span
 Flushed appearance
 Impaired judgment
 Impaired fine muscle coordination

Stupor (BAC = 0.25% to 0.40%)

 Severe ataxia
 Lapses in and out of consciousness
 Unconsciousness
 Anterograde amnesia
 Vomiting (death may occur due to inhalation of vomit (pulmonary aspiration) while
unconscious)
 Respiratory depression (potentially life- threatening)
 Decreased heart rate (usually results in coldness

Lethargy (BAC = 0.09% to 0.25%)

 Sedation
 Impaired memory and comprehension
 Delayed reactions
 Ataxia; balance difficulty; unbalanced walk
 Blurred vision; other senses may be impaired

Confusion (BAC = 0.18% to 0.30%)

 Profound confusion
  Impaired senses
 Analgesia
 Increased ataxia; impaired speech; staggering
 Dizziness often associated with nausea ("the spins")
 Vomiting (emesis)and/or numbness of the limbs)
 Urinary incontinence

Coma (BAC = 0.35% to 0.80%)

 Unconsciousness (coma)
 Depressed reflexes (i.e., pupils do not respond appropriately to changes in light)
 Marked and life-threatening respiratory depression
 Markedly decreased heart rate
 Most deaths from alcohol poisoning are caused by dosage levels in this range.

Ways to Sober Up
BAC is the concentration of alcohol in the blood and is used to measure a driver’s level of
impairment. The amount of alcohol in the body is calculated as the grams of alcohol in the
bloodstream per 100 milliliters of blood, or the grams of alcohol in the breath per 210 milliliters
of breath.
Some myths about drinking alcohol may lead you to believe that taking cold showers, drinking
black coffee, or exercising will sober a person up. This is not true. It takes about an hour for the
body to get rid of one drink, which is 1.5 ounces of 80 proof liquor (40% alcohol), a 5-ounce
glass of 12% wine, or 12 ounces of 5% beer.
The only way to sober up is to stop consuming alcohol and wait for time to rid the body of it.

Section 8.4 - Synergistic Effect

Alcohol is a drug. If you combine it with another drug, whether illicit, OTC or prescription, you
are playing with fire.The synergistic effect refers to the raised level of potency of each drug
when taken at the same time. For instance, taking 1 sleeping pill with 1 alcoholic drink is like
taking 2 sleeping pills with 2 alcoholic drinks.
There is a multiplying effect. Each drug compounds the effects of the other one. For this
reason, it is especially dangerous to drive while under the influence of two or more drugs.
Mixing medications with alcohol can have severely negative effects on driving safety. Note that
many OTC meds already contain alcohol, which is used as a solvent to dissolve solid
ingredients; therefore mixing these with prescription medications can wreak havoc.
Some common side effects of over-the-counter and prescription drugs include drowsiness,
slower reflexes and reaction times, disorientation and cloudy thinking, and allergies such as
rashes or hives. These can all greatly hinder safety on the road, and may lead to collisions.
Below is a list of common medications, both prescribed and OTC, and their known side effects:
  Cough medication: Drowsiness; lack of focus
 Pain relievers: Impaired reaction time; impaired depth perception; dizziness; poor
judgment; blurry vision; irritability
 Sedatives: Drowsiness; poor judgment; blurry vision; poor coordination
 Stimulants: Irritability; exaggerated alertness; disorientation
 Depressants: Impaired judgment; drowsiness; dulled reaction time; poor concentration
 Antihistamines: Drowsiness; disorientation; blurry vision; dizziness
 Antihypertensives: Drowsiness; blurry vision; dizziness
 Hypoglycemics: Drowsiness; lack of focus
 Cardiac glycosides: Weakness in muscles; blurry vision
 Diuretics: Weakness in muscles; disorientations; fainting; dizziness

Make sure you are educated in depth about your medications, even the most benign herbal
ones. Read labels and instructions carefully, and perform research on the internet. Never take
medication prescribed for a friend or family member. Speak with your doctor and pharmacist
about possible side effects and how they might affect your driving. It common to be taking
several different medications at once, but you must know how they interact with each other and
your body. If you feel unsure about a medication, it’s better to avoid driving until you are certain
it’s safe to do so.

Section 8.5 Countermeasures

Designated Driver Program

One way to avoid driving under the influence is to have a designated driver with you.
The Designated Driver Program is an anti-DUI effort that works. The goal of the program is to
encourage one individual to abstain from consuming alcohol before an outing so that he/she
can be responsible for transporting the other members of the group safely. Many licensed
eating and drinking establishments participate in the program by providing complimentary
nonalcoholic beverages or other incentives.
Taxi’s and Cabs
No matter what you think the taxi or cab fare will cost, it will be worth it in terms of safety to you
and those around you. And of course, the fare will be incomparably cheaper than the financial
and emotional costs associated with being convicted of a DUI/DWI.
Ride-sharing Services
Newer alternatives to Taxi’s and Cabs are ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
Customers use the Uber or Lyft app on their smartphones to select what kind of ride they want
and enter their pickup address, and are connected to a driver in their area. The app displays a
photo of the driver and the car’s license plate number and model, along with the total cost of
the ride for the customer. The customer pays for the ride via their smartphone app. No cash is
involved.
Section 9.1 - SB 30 - Community Safety Act

Section 9.2 - Saving 10,000 Lives