Choose Safety for Life.

Driver Improvement
Training Program
 Why Choose Safety for Life?
• Each year traffic crashes kill more people
Crashes are no in Maryland than homicides.

“accident.” • Over 90% of total crashes are preventable

incidents caused by driver error.

You hold the key • This is the leading cause of death for
people ages 4 to 34 nationally.
to their • You can prevent these tragedies by making
prevention. the right choices on the road.

Your
responsibility.
YOUR CHOICE.
Choose Safety for Life…
• Choose Safety for Life
includes 5 major messages:
Buckle up.
Slow down – speeding kills.
Always driver sober.
Focus.
Everyone share the road.
• If everyone did these five
things every time they drive,
walk, or cycle, virtually all
crash fatalities could be
prevented.
• The mission is to reduce
injuries and fatalities and
move Maryland closer to its
ultimate goal of ZERO crash
fatalities.
• Reduce the costs associated of
traffic crashes.
 Driver Error
The majority of serious vehicle related crashes
are caused by:

• Driver Inattention
• Speeding
• Following Too Closely, and
• Failure To Yield

DRIVER ERROR is Note: Driver Inattention is responsible for as many

responsible in over 90% of all accidents as all of the other three causes combined!
vehicle accidents!

This means that nearly all

highway accidents are
preventable.
 Ready? Get set…
Pre-Operation Safety Check
Make all the necessary adjustments ...

Before you set out, make sure the driver's seat, steering
wheel (if adjustable), seat belts, head restraints and rear and
side-view mirrors are positioned for maximum comfort,
control and visibility.

Smart Driving Check your map in advance and, if you’re going to listen to
music, select your favorite radio station before you take off
Performing a so you never have to take your eyes off the road.
vehicle pre-
operation safety
check is every Adjust your mirrors so that you get the widest view possible.
driver’s This is particularly important on multi-lane highways where
responsibility. you may have to keep tabs on lanes on both sides.
Make sure your
vehicle is properly
maintained, check Many drivers do not turn their outside mirrors out far
fluid levels and enough and simply duplicate the same scene in all three
make sure tires are mirrors.
properly inflated.
 Make sure your vehicle
is properly maintained
Tires - Everything Rides On Them
In general, when a tire’s tread has been worn down to 1/16th of an
inch, it is not safe and should be replaced.
• Tires have built-in tread wear indicators, raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom
of the tread grooves. When they appear "even" with the outside of the tread, it's time for tire
replacement.
• Another method of checking tire tread involves the use of a penny. Place the penny upside
down within the tread. If the top of Lincoln's head is visible, replace the tire.

• A radial tire can lose much of its air pressure and still appear to be fully inflated.
Operating a vehicle with under-inflated tires can result in tire failure, such as blowouts,
with the potential for loss of control of the vehicle. Under-inflated tires also shorten tire
life and increase fuel consumption.
• Tires should be inflated according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. These
can be found in the owner's manual or on a placard, which is often located in the glove
compartment or on the driver's doorjamb.
• Use a tire pressure gauge to determine proper inflation.
 Buckle up
FACTS:
• Every 13 minutes, someone is killed in a traffic crash.
• Three of five people killed in vehicle crashes would have survived their injuries had they been wearing
their seat belts.
• Seat belts save an estimated 9,500 lives in the United States each year.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
 Buckle up

The driver in the previous slide amazingly

walked away from the collision. He was
extremely lucky.

If you are ejected from a

vehicle your chances of
Smart Driving
survival are slim.
In a crash at 30 mph, Always wear your seat belt, and wear it
if unrestrained, you correctly. When putting it on, make sure
will be thrown that the lower lap portion of the belt is snug
forward with a force around your hipbones (not your stomach)
up to 60 times your because strong hipbones can much better
bodyweight. withstand the force of a collision.
 Slow down – speeding kills

Good Advice -- Reduce Your Speed.

The faster you drive …

Smart Driving … the less reaction time you have to brake,

#1 - Don't speed! - Driving … the more distance you need to stop,
at a higher than reasonable
speed increases your risk in … the harder it is to control your vehicle,
two ways: it cuts your
reaction time and results in … the harder your impact in an accident, and
more "stored" energy that
must be dissipated in any … the greater the chance of serious bodily injury
collision. or being killed in an accident.
#2 - Leave early, plan to
arrive 10 minutes before the
appointed time. Speeding
does not increase your ability
to arrive on time, rather it
only increases your chances
of not arriving at all.
 Following Distance
The Two Second Rule
Since the greatest risk of a collision is in front of you, at
minimum use the Two Second Rule for establishing a safe
following distance. The two second following distance works if
you have to stop suddenly because the driver ahead brakes to a
stop.
To stay at least two seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you:
• Choose a fixed road mark, such as a road sign;
• Start to count as the vehicle ahead of you passes the road sign;
• You should not reach the object before you count to one-
thousand-two. If you do, you are following too close.
 Following Distance

The speed of your vehicle affects the distance required to

stop it. Stopping distance is determined by three factors:
Perception Distance - This is the length a vehicle travels from the
time you see a hazard until your brain recognizes it. For an alert
driver, this is approximately ¾ of a second.

Reaction Distance - This is the length a vehicle travels in the time it

takes your brain to tell the foot to move from the gas pedal to the
brake pedal and apply pressure. This takes approximately ¾ of a
second.
Braking Distance - This is the length it takes to stop a vehicle once
the brakes are applied.
Note that heavy trucks equipped with air brakes have an additional
factor involved in braking distance – brake lag. More on brake lag in
the Heavy Truck Operation section.

Be warned that at highway speeds, a two second following distance

will NOT give you enough time to stop if the road ahead is suddenly
blocked by a collision or a vehicle stopped across your lane.
Slow down in School Zones and
Around School Buses
Be extra careful around school buses:
• On undivided roadways, traffic in both
directions is required to stop for a
school bus stopped with its alternating
red lights flashing.
• In Maryland, and most other states,
opposing traffic on a divided highway
does not have to stop for a stopped
school bus.
• In Maryland you are required to stop at
least twenty feet away from the bus.
• Wait a few extra seconds after the bus
is gone to make sure there are no
children present.

Approximately forty
percent of all traffic
crashes occur at
intersections.
Failure to yield the
right-of-way is not just a
breach of driver etiquette,
it's breaking the law and it’s
one of America's most
common driver errors.
Yield
When Approaching an Intersection …
• Cover the Brake - Covering the brake (with your foot
hovering directly over the brake pedal) can cut up to three-
fourths of a second off your reaction time to stop if needed.
• Observe Yield Signs and Yellow Lights - Slow down to
assess the intersection before deciding to stop or proceed
through.
• Delay Acceleration - When stopped at an intersection,
make sure it is clear before you accelerate. If you are the
first vehicle in line, scan left, right, straight ahead, and then
left again before accelerating. If there is a vehicle ahead of
you, count two seconds after you see it begin to move before
accelerating.
• Use the “Rule of Thirds” - In the first third of the block,
accelerate to a safe and legal speed. In the second third of
the block, maintain speed; signal if making a turn and get
into the proper lane. In the final third of the block, cover the
brake.
 Speeding is an ingredient
of aggressive driving
Don’t let stress and frustrations turn you into
an aggressive driver – driving should not
become a competition. If you feel the urge to
drive aggressively, try these tips:

•Allow more travel time to get to your destination. It reduces stress dramatically.
•Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs. Never run yellow lights.
•Let other drivers merge with you.
•Obey posted speed limits.
•Don’t ever follow other drivers too closely.
•Resist temptation to teach someone “a lesson.”
•Concentrate on driving, not on cell phones, stereo, passengers or other distractions.
•Remember that you can’t control traffic, but you can control yourself, your driving,
and your emotions.
 Aggressive Driving

Characteristics of Aggressive Drivers:

• Speeding
• Following too closely/tailgating
• Running red lights and Stop signs
• Changing lanes without signaling, cutting off vehicles
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Passing on the shoulder of the road • Slamming on brakes in front of
a tailgater
• Making rude gestures and
shouting
• Repeatedly honking the horn
or flashing of headlights

If you encounter an angry or aggressive driver:
Smart Driving
If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash,
stop a safe distance from the crash scene.
When the police arrive, report the driving
behavior you witnessed.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Don't react to gestures and don't return
them.
• Do not underestimate the other driver’s
potential for aggression.
• Get out of the way – do not engage an
aggressive driver in any way.
• If a driver is too close, safely move out
of the way and let the vehicle pass.
Aggressive Driving
• “FIDO” - Forget it and drive on.
• Keep enough space between you and
the vehicle in front of you to pull out
from behind it if necessary.
• Keep your doors locked and your
windows up.
• Report aggressive drivers to the
appropriate authorities by providing a
vehicle description, license number,
location, and if possible direction of
travel. Dial #77
 Aggressive Driving

Anyone convicted of aggressive driving will accrue five

points on their driving record. The aggressive driving law
According to the passed by the Maryland Legislature during the 2001
American Automobile session takes aim at these drivers who operate motor
Association (AAA), vehicles without the necessary degree of caution.
drivers rate aggressive
driving as the biggest The law defines aggressive driving as a combination of
highway danger today in three or more offenses, committed during a single period
the Maryland, Virginia of driving, which include: running a red light, overtaking
and Washington DC areas.
and passing vehicles unsafely, passing on the right,
following too closely, failing to yield the right of way, and
exceeding the speed limit.

Smart Driving
Think Ahead - Expect other
drivers to make mistakes and
think about what you would do
if a mistake does happen. For
example, do not assume that a
vehicle coming to a Stop sign is
going to stop. Be ready to react
if it does not stop.
Always Drive Sober
Alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes kill someone
every 30 minutes and injure someone every two
minutes (NHTSA).
Alcohol is a factor in about 40 percent of the more
than 40,000 deaths that occur each year in vehicle
crashes.
Drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and
cocaine) have been identified as factors in 18% of
deaths among motor vehicle drivers. Other drugs
are generally used in combination with alcohol
(NHTSA).
Every year, 1.5 million people are arrested for
driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
 Always Drive Sober
In addition to affecting
your reaction time alcohol
and other drugs can:

- Affect your ability to

Maryland is Tough on Drunk Drivers control the vehicle.
If a driver is pulled over and has a blood - Increase aggressive
alcohol concentration of .07 or higher, he or
she will be arrested for drunk driving. behavior.
The .07 level can translate into just a drink or
two depending on one’s height and weight. - Hinder your judgment
Also, in Maryland, there is zero tolerance for process.
drivers under the age of 21. They are not
allowed to operate a motor vehicle with any - Affect your vision.
alcohol in their system. In contrast, the legal
limit for commercial truck drivers is .04.

Smart Driving
Look Down the Road!
This means keep your eyes up and looking
down the road. Many drivers focus on the
road only 5 or 8 seconds ahead.
You should be looking about 15-20 seconds
ahead of your vehicle, farther if you can.
This gives you the time to recognize and
avoid most potential hazards before they
become a problem. You'll see lane
restrictions or construction areas, traffic
congestion, truck entrances, mishaps, etc.
Focus
Driver inattention is one of the main
causes of accidents, injuries and
deaths.
If a driver looks down for just one
second while driving 65 mph, their
vehicle has traveled almost 100 feet!
Playing with the radio, dialing a
mobile phone, trying to eat some fast-
food can all be dangerous practices.
Do not allow yourself to be distracted
while driving. Stay focused on the task
at hand - driving.
 Focus
DRIVER FATIGUE IS A KILLER
 If possible, don't drive alone. Passengers can take
turns driving and also serve as conversation partners
to keep you awake.
 Try not to drive when you would normally be Smart Driving
asleep (early mornings and late nights). Stay Rested - Drivers who
 On long trips, plan to stay somewhere overnight. are sleepy or fatigued
demonstrate the same
 The glare of lights, both on your dashboard and impaired judgment and
outside your car, increases the danger of highway decreased reaction times
hypnosis. as drunk drivers.
•Turn the radio volume up, and switch stations frequently, but avoid soft, sleep-inducing
music.
• Adjust your car's environment so that it helps keep you awake and alert. Keep the
temperature cool.
• Don’t use cruise control - keep your body involved with the driving.
• Drive with good posture - with your head up and shoulders back.
 Stay Alert in Work Zones
Maryland continually works to enhance its world class transportation
network by improving safety and mobility. That's why you're likely to
encounter a number of roadway work zones while driving throughout the
State. These work zones may be a result of construction, maintenance, or
utility work along major and secondary roadways.

Work zones are a temporary inconvenience, but they are necessary to

develop improved and safer roads for everyone.

Unexpected Conditions - Motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians may

encounter a variety of work zone conditions, such as:

• New traffic patterns • Pavement drop-offs

• Narrow lanes • Reduced sight distance
• Lane shifts • Detours
• Lane closures • Slow moving equipment

Remember that not all roadway work zones are large construction projects.
Some projects may be smaller, moving work zones such as pothole repair,
mowing, surveying or utility work.
Driving In Work Zones

Stay Alert - Make safety

your first priority.
Watch Your Speed - Across the nation, nearly 1,100 people die and more than
Obey posted speed limits. 40,000 people are injured annually as a result of motor
Expect the Unexpected - vehicle crashes in work zones. Speeding, inattentive
driving, and aggressive driving habits in merge areas are
Work zone conditions
the primary causes of work zone crashes.
change constantly - be
ready to react. In any work zone, expect the unexpected!
Minimize Distractions - Normal speed limits are reduced, traffic lanes may
Avoid using cell phones, change and work vehicles may suddenly enter or leave
the road. Orange diamond-shaped warning signs are
changing radio stations
usually posted in advance of any construction. You may
and reaching for objects. also see workers with flags or signs. Flaggers have the
same authority as a regulatory sign, and you can be cited
for disobeying their commands.

Smart Driving
#1 - Be courteous, even
when other drivers are not.
Don't assume the other driver
is out to antagonize you; he
or she may just be in a hurry,
too.
#2 – Set an example through
safe, courteous driving.
Everyone Share the Road
Sharing the road means …
… being courteous, following traffic laws and looking
out for others – pedestrians, motorcyclists, large trucks
and bicyclists.
… driving defensively - committing no driving errors
and making all reasonable allowances for the lack of
skill or improper driving practices of other drivers.
… driving to compensate for unusual weather, road,
and traffic conditions, and is not involved in a crash
because of by the unsafe actions of pedestrians and
other drivers.
… remaining alert to crash-inducing situations,
recognizes the need for preventive action in advance
and takes the necessary precautions to prevent a crash.
… knowing when it is necessary to slow down, stop, or
yield right-of-way to avoid involvement.
 Sharing the road with pedestrians
•Always be prepared to stop when you approach an
intersection and look out for pedestrian traffic.
•Be alert when turning corners.
It's the Law in Maryland •If the car in front of you stops at a corner, be prepared for
Stop for Pedestrians. the possibility of pedestrians crossing.
In Maryland, it’s the law •Give older adults plenty of time to cross the street.
that all vehicles must stop •Elderly pedestrians may not be able to cross quickly or hear
at crosswalks for any
pedestrian. Always you approaching.
prepare to stop when you •Follow all posted speed limits. When children are present
approach an intersection
and look out for pedestrian near schools, the speed limit is usually lower than that of
traffic. surrounding roadways. In residential areas, be alert for
Crosswalks exist at all children who may be playing near the street. Children often
intersections, even if not dart out from between parked cars or shrubbery.
marked.
•Even if you have the right of way, is it worth someone’s
life? Please yield to pedestrians.

In Maryland, approximately 100 pedestrians are killed

each year. Pedestrian injuries can be prevented. Take
care to be a defensive pedestrian and an alert driver.
 Pedestrian Safety
Maryland Pedestrian Safety Laws
Failure to stop for pedestrians at intersections without
traffic signals and at mid-block crossings: Penalty $70
and one point. If the violation contributes to a crash,
you can be fined up to $500 and receive three points
and/or two months in jail.
Failure to stop for pedestrians at intersections with
traffic signals: Penalty $80 and one point. If violation
contributes to a crash, you can receive three points.
Drivers who fail to stop for a school bus with flashing
lights activated can be fined $1,000.
Police officers who issue the citations no longer have
to appear in court when a driver challenges the fines.
Remember every time you step out of your vehicle, you
become a pedestrian too!
 Share the road with bicyclists
Bicyclists Are Vehicle Operators
Bicycles are treated as vehicles in Maryland. Motorists must
yield to cyclists in situations in which they would yield to other
vehicles.
A cyclist must ride on the shoulder or bike lane if present. If
there is no shoulder or bike lane, a cyclist must use the right side
of the road riding with traffic unless turning left or passing a
slower vehicle.
Do not attempt to share the lane with bicyclists. If the lane is too
Smart Driving narrow to safely pass a cyclist, reduce your speed and follow the
Give bicyclists wide bicycle at a safe distance. Wait for a safe opportunity to pass,
berth, they sometimes allowing adequate clearance (about three feet from the side of
need to maneuver your vehicle) and return to your lane when you can clearly see
around potholes, the cyclist in your rear-view mirror.
opening car doors, and
other obstacles. Share the road and do not use your horn. The cyclist can usually
hear an approaching vehicle and loud noises can startle the
cyclist and may cause a crash.

Smart Driving
Stay Clear of Trucks
Never, drive beside a large
truck for long periods of time.
Wind turbulence around a truck
can push you off the road or
pull you into the truck.
When a tire blows on an
eighteen wheeler at high speed,
it creates a force similar to an
explosion and has caused very
serious injury and even death to
the occupants of adjacent
vehicles.
Share the road with large trucks
Sharing the Road with Trucks
A recent survey examined crashes involving passenger
vehicles (including cars, pickups, minivans and SUVs)
and commercial trucks. The survey estimates some
5,000 deaths and 140,000 injuries in the U.S. can be
attributed to dangerous driving near commercial trucks
and tractor-trailers.
In most fatal crashes involving commercial trucks and
passenger vehicles, the passenger vehicle is at fault.
Listed below are five driving behaviors that were factors
in most of the fatal crashes:
• Failing to stay in the lane or running off the road;
• Failing to yield the right of way;
• Driving too fast for conditions or above the speed
limit;
• Failing to obey signs and signals; and
• Driver inattention.
 Know the “No Zone”
Understanding some of the challenges and
limitations involved in maneuvering commercial
vehicles such as heavy trucks, busses and cargo vans
will help you share the road safely.
Blind Spots “The No Zone” - Truck and bus
drivers have huge blind spots, and sometimes must
react quickly to hazards in front of them by
switching lanes. Keep your distance so the truck
driver can see you in the rear or side mirrors. Avoid
traveling in the “The No Zone” for any length of
time … if you can't see the truck driver's face in the
side mirror, he or she can't see you.
Passing - If you cut in front of a truck too soon after
passing and then slow down, you force the truck
driver to quickly brake and gear down. This can be
very dangerous when a truck is hauling a heavy
load, making them unable to stop quickly. Be sure
you can see the headlights of the truck before re-
entering the lane. Use your turn signals and, once
you have passed, maintain your speed.

Smart Driving
Right Hand Turns
When you see a truck driver
trying to make a right hand turn
NEVER go to the right because
the driver CANNOT see you!
Driving around large larges
Wide Turns - To safely negotiate right turns, trucks
may swing wide to the left before turning right.
Stay well behind. Do not squeeze between the truck
and the right curb. The truck has the right of way in
this situation.
Never cut in front of a truck - Because it takes
them twice as long to stop, truck drivers try to leave
extra room behind the car they’re following. They
cannot slow down or stop as fast as cars.
Roll Back - On an incline a truck may roll back as
the driver takes his foot off the brake to accelerate.
Leave plenty of room when coming to a stop
behind a truck.
 Using Your Signals

In addition to speeding, the non-use of turn signals is

one of the most frequent improper driving habits seen
on our highways.
• The non-use of turn signals when making a turn is
against the law.

It's the Law in Maryland • Turn signals are an important safety alert to other
drivers that you are changing lanes or turning.
Full Stop Before
a Turn on Red. • It’s important to use turn signals immediately
Unless there is a sign before you want to turn and make certain they are
prohibiting it, Maryland law
allows drivers to turn right canceled promptly after your turn.
only after stopping for a red
light. Drivers may also turn • Be safe and show off your manners …
left from a one-way street onto … Use Your Turn Signals!
another one-way street if there
is no sign that says “No Turn
on Red”.
 Young Drivers

YOUNG DRIVERS

• One in five teenage drivers has a crash in their first

year of driving.
The fatality rate for
teenage drivers is
about four times as • Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of
high as the rate for death for 4 to 34 year-olds.
drivers 25 to 69 years
of age. • For the teenage driver, the presence of one
passenger increase the risk of a fatal crash by 86
percent, compared to driving alone. With three
passengers, the fatal crash risk triples.

Smart Driving
Wear your seat belt! Without a
doubt, seat belts are the most
significant safety device ever
invented.
Young Drivers
Common High Risk factors associated with teen
drivers include:
Driving at night. Most fatal crashes among teens
occur after 9 p.m.
Poor seat belt use. Teens use seat belts less frequently
than adults, significantly increasing risk of injury and
death.
Driving with multiple passengers. Among teen
drivers, multiple passengers can dramatically increase
the risk of crashes.
Driving under the influence. Even small amounts of
drugs or alcohol can impair judgment and skills.
 Older drivers

Older Drivers The effects of aging can affect the safe driving abilities of some older
adults. Per mile driven, the fatality rate for drivers 85 years and older is nine times higher
than the rate for drivers 25 to 69 years old.
The excess crash rate of older drivers results from impairments in the following functions
that are important for driving:
Vision is the primary sense utilized in driving. Adequate visual acuity and field of
vision are important for safe driving, but tend to decline with age.
Hearing is also a very important primary sense utilized in driving. Hearing loss includes
the inability to hear high-pitched sounds. Uncorrected hearing loss leads to inattentive
driving.
Cognition - Driving requires a variety of high-level cognitive skills, including memory, visual
processing, attention, and executive skills. Certain medical conditions and medications that are
common in the older population have a large impact on cognition.
Motor function - Motor abilities such as muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility are necessary for
operating vehicle controls and turning to view traffic.
 Hazardous Driving Conditions
It's the Law in Maryland
Turn on Lights in the Rain
Maryland law requires all
drivers to turn on their
headlights whenever they are
using their windshield wipers.
Rain, Snow and Ice
Remember that roads are extra slippery at the start of a
rain shower because oil has risen to the road’s surface
and has not yet had a chance to wash away.
Heavy rains will cause more problems because your tires
can begin to hydroplane like water skis. In this case, the
key to keeping your tires in contact with the road is to
simply slow down.
There is an old saying - "If the roads are wet, drive like
it's snowing. If the roads are snow-covered, drive like
they're icy. If the roads are icy, then don't drive.”
 Reacting to Inclement Weather
An important skill to learn in snow and ice is the controlled
slide. If your vehicle begins to slide, take the following
steps to regain control:
1. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal.
2. If you have anti-lock brakes, apply them firmly. The
ABS system prevents the wheels from locking, enabling
you to steer around obstacles. Otherwise, avoid using
brakes, pumping them gently only if you are about to hit
something.
Smart Driving
3. Steer the car into the direction of the skid to straighten
When driving in cold, out the vehicle, then steer in the direction you wish to go.
but sunny weather, icy
patches tend to linger If your vehicle ever goes into a spin, there are two hard and
in areas shaded by fast rules you should follow:
trees and on bridges.
#1 - Do not try to accelerate out of the spin.
Watch out for them. #2 - Do not hold the brake pedal down.
Know what to do in rain, snow and ice

Stopping Times
- In the rain add at least 50% more stopping distance than
under normal conditions.
- On snow covered roads allow at least twice the distance.
- On icy roads allow at least three times the stopping
distance.
Have a pre-winter vehicle inspection performed - checking
your vehicle’s antifreeze, oil, battery, defroster, heater, wiper
blades, lights, washer fluid and tires.
Check tires to be sure there is adequate tread and check air
pressure to ensure proper inflation. Use radials or chains
during snow emergencies.
It’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit on hand, including:
a flashlight, blanket, bag of sand or salt, extra washer fluid, a
windshield scraper, jumper cables, tire chains or traction
mats, food and water. Also, maintain at least a half a tank of
gas at all times during the winter season.
 Foggy conditions

The best advice we can give to drivers confronted with

thick fog is to get off the road as soon as possible. If you
can't or won't pull off the road, we offer the following
advice:
• Keep your minimum safety gap to two seconds in ideal
conditions; with the decreased visibility fog causes, this
interval should be increased substantially, three to four
times.
• Slow down. Most fog-related traffic fatalities occur
because someone was driving too fast and couldn't stop in
time to avoid a collision.
• Make sure that you can be seen. Turn on your fog lights,
and use low beams. High beams direct light up into the fog
making it difficult for you to see. Low beams direct light
down onto the road and help other drivers to see you.

Smart Driving
Slow down and leave wider spaces
between you and other drivers
when you encounter bad weather,
glare, narrow/twisting roads and
low light conditions.
Inclement Weather
• If you leave the road, be sure to pull off
completely. Turn off your driving lights and
turn on your four-way emergency flashers so
others know you're there, but won't think you
are driving on the road.
• Always use your defroster and windshield
wipers to keep the windows clear.
• Keep an eye on your speedometer and
maintain a slow, constant speed.
• Remember that other drivers have a limited
sight distance and that fog can leave roadways
slick. Signal early, and when you use your
brakes, use them gently.
 Nighttime driving

Beware of the Dark

Although there is much less traffic, more than half of all
crashes occur after dark. The most dangerous time is between
9:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. on weekends. One explanation is that
there are three times as many alcohol-related crashes at night.
But the fact remains, drivers simply can't see as well at night,
particularly older drivers. When the sun sets, remember to:

• Slow down. Reduce your speed at night to compensate for

low visibility, and never over-drive your headlights.

• Dim your high beams. In most states it is illegal to use

high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. High
beams can blind the other driver, particularly older drivers,
who take up to eight times as long to recover from glare as a
teenager. Be considerate; dim your high beams to oncoming
traffic, as well as vehicles you approach from the rear.
 Nighttime Driving

• Divert your eyes. When you meet high beams

head on, don't stare into them. Look to the right edge
of the road. Safety experts recommend that you not
flick your high beams to warn the other driver,
although this is common practice. Never, however,
should you get even by leaving your own high beams
on. This only increases the chances of an accident.

• Focus driving lights. Many sporty models today

have an extra set of driving or fog lights. Although
they can aid drivers in the fog or on certain dark
country lanes, these lights should be used sparingly
in well-lighted urban areas, and they should be kept
focused on the road, not shining up in the trees or
into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
 Vision

Having your vision checked regularly is very important.

MVA requires a minimum of 20-40 in order to pass the eye
exam for a driver’s license or renewal.
Routine eye exams are necessary not only to assess your
visual acuity, but also to determine if you may have a
degenerative eye condition that may be affecting your
driving performance.
Examples of degenerative eye conditions:
Smart Driving Glaucoma - Gradual loss of visual function beginning in
Keep your eyes moving. periphery areas associated with increased ocular pressure
Notice what is happening Cataracts - Opacity or clouding of the crystalline lens
on the sides of the road
and check behind you Macular Degeneration - Loss of vision in the central
through your mirrors (macular) vision area due to neurological damage
every 6-8 seconds.
 Medical Conditions

Medical Conditions
It’s estimated that more than one out of four Americans has some form of
serious medical/mental condition that could impact driving performance.
• Depression • Anxiety
• Diabetes • Heart Disease
• High Blood Pressure • Epilepsy
• Bipolar Disorder • Drug & Alcohol Addictions

Although we hope the majority of drivers are taking appropriate measures

to control their medical conditions, it’s a certainty that there are others
that do not. Be aware, alert and on-guard for erratic and/or dangerous
driver habits. It could be due to an uncontrolled medical or mental
condition.
 Navigating the Road
When traveling in unfamiliar territory, interstate numbers
give you valuable clues to your location and direction.

One or two-digit even-numbered interstates are always east-

west routes. The numbers increase from south (I-10) to
north (I-80).

Odd numbered one or two-digit interstates are north-south

routes. Their numbers increase from the west coast (I-5) to
the east coast (I-95).

Mile markers show the number of miles from where the

route entered the state in which you are traveling. Their
numbers increase as you travel east or north, and decrease
as you go west or south.

Most states, including Maryland, link Interstate highway

exit numbers to highway mile markers. For example, Exit
40 may be at or very close to mile marker 40.00.
 Pavement Markings and Passing
Pavement Markings
The two colors used most frequently for pavement markings
are white and yellow. White lines separate traffic traveling in
the same direction and mark the right edge of roadways and
ramps.
Yellow lines generally separate traffic traveling in opposite
directions and mark the left edge of divided highways and
ramps. If you ever see a yellow line on your right, you're
Smart Driving going the wrong way!
When you merge,
make sure you have The Rules of Passing
plenty of room. Always
use your turn signal to A. Double solid yellow centerlines means no passing is
show your intentions allowed in either direction.
before making a move. B. A single dashed yellow centerline means you are allowed
If someone cuts you to pass if it is safe to do so.
off, slow down and
give them room to C. A combination of solid and dashed yellow centerlines has
merge into your lane. two meanings: If the dashed line is in your lane, you can
pass. If the solid line is in your lane, you can't pass.

When stopping at a stop
sign, spell S-T-O-P to
yourself before proceeding.
Always turn your head to
look left, then right, straight
ahead, then left again before
proceeding.
Traffic Control Signage
Traffic control devices are the primary means of regulating,
warning, and guiding traffic on our streets and highways.
Signs, signals and markings are roadway communications
to drivers. Pay attention to all signs as they provide a “road
map” for possible hazards ahead.
The shapes and colors of signs are standardized to give the
motoring public an indication as to what the sign says.
Recognizing signs by their shape and color before you are
close enough to clearly read it will put you in more control
on any road.
Generally, warning signs are diamond-shaped, such as the
lane added or merge signs. Signs that are colored blue carry
information to highway users.
A new color is being used for the pedestrian, bicycle and
school crossing signs. It's called florescent yellow green,
and it will convey the same message as yellow warning
signs.
Traffic Control Signage

Although most highway exits are on the

right, some exits are on the left. Dangerous
situations can be avoided by noticing the
yellow left exit panel at the bottom of the
highway sign.
Also, look for the small green exit number
panel at the top of the sign. If it's on the left
side of the sign, your exit is also on the left
side of the road.
Both signs and markings have the function
of regulating, warning, guiding and/or
channeling traffic. Signs are of various
shapes and colors, and it is necessary to
become familiar with them.
Traffic Control Signage

Red is exclusively for Stop and Yield signs,

Do Not Enter, Wrong Way, and No Parking
signs.

Black on white is used for speed limit, route

markers, regulatory, and bridge/weight signs.

Yellow denotes warning or caution for existing

or potentially hazardous conditions on or
adjacent to a highway or street.

Orange is used for construction or maintenance

operations alerting traffic of obstructions or
restrictions to normal traffic flow.
Traffic Control Signage

Fluorescent Yellow-Green is now approved for

pedestrian, bicycle, and school crossing
warning signs. (In Maryland this color is used
mostly for school crossing warning signs.)

Brown is used as background color for

guide and information signs related to
points of recreational or cultural interest.

Green is for guide signs and mileposts, and

as a message color on permissive regulation
and parking signs.

Blue denotes information signs related to

motorist services, including handicap,
police services, and rest areas.
 Conclusion

Congratulations, you’re almost finished!

Smart Driving
Match your speed to the We hope you enjoyed the training, and learned
driving conditions. something you may not have known along the
way.
Be ready for other
drivers’ mistakes. There’s a significant amount of traffic on our
Always look for possible roadways today and too many people are in a
escape routes. great big hurry. If not cautious, it’s easily
possible to get involved in a serious situation
on our highways.
From the information you’ve received through
this training, and by making sure to use mature
discipline while driving, it is hoped that you
will continue to be safe while driving. Your
family and friends are counting on you being
around and driving defensively.
Thank you for your attention and your time.
…