Before there were written laws, people had to live by the laws of the jungle. Unfortunately, some people still think those laws apply today.
However, thanks to a few thousand years of civilization, we now live by "man made" laws. And most of the laws pertaining to driving are spelled out for us in no uncertain terms.
Modern civil law was created to help bring order to what otherwise would be chaos in our lives and on our roadways. Just the same, at least one aspect of the jungle law--"survival of the fittest"--still seems to apply: if we obey today's laws of the road, we've got a better than average chance of surviving the driving experience.
Violate these laws, and you've got a good chance of ending up in the county jail...
...the county hospital...
...or the county morgue.
Sure, there are policemen out there to help enforce these laws. But they can't be everywhere at once. So it's up to all safe drivers to voluntarily comply with the laws governing traffic safety.
With that in mind, this segment is devoted to reviewing some of the laws and procedures that can help us get where we're going all in one piece.
PASSING
Just about everything we do out on the road is governed by two types of rules: the rules of law and the rules of safety. Take passing, for example. When deciding to pass another vehicle, there are two things we must be concerned with: (1) is it legal? and, (2) is it safe?
It's illegal to pass:
· on curves and hills (or any other place where vision is limited)
· at intersections and railroad crossings
· within 100 feet of a bridge, tunnel or viaduct
· where passing is prohibited by a solid double line or sign
Passing on the left side of the road is prohibited on roadways with two or more traffic lanes in each direction.
Always keep to the right half of the road, except when passing another vehicle on a two- or three-lane street, or when driving on a one-way street, or when the right half of the road is blocked.
SAFETY RULES WHEN PASSING LEFT OR RIGHT
To safely pass another car, it's essential that we maintain a safe distance between us and the car we're going to pass, as well as any cars behind us, and most importantly, between our car and oncoming vehicles.
Make sure you maintain a three-second cushion between your car and the car you're going to pass. Some drivers start to accelerate while they are still behind the car, reducing their time cushion to one second or less.
Before you start to pass, check your rear-view mirror and glance over your left shoulder to make sure no one is passing you. Signal left and check well ahead for no-passing zones and oncoming cars. Tap your horn if necessary to alert the driver ahead. Be sure you have the time and space to overtake the car ahead and return to the right lane before an approaching car comes within 200 feet of you. Pass on the left and don't return to the right lane until you're safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.
GOOD RULES OF THUMB
· Wait until you can see the car you've passed in your rear view mirror before returning to the right lane
· Be sure you signal before you do
· And don't forget to turn off your signal
One of the toughest distances to estimate is the one between your car and the car in the oncoming lane. It's a good idea to give yourself a half-mile or a thirty second safe-space between your car and the approaching car when driving at 70 mph.
If you would like to see the animation again, right click on the animation and choose "Rewind" from the menu list.
Unfortunately, there is no pat formula for estimating distance. It involves using your perceptive skills to make a calculated guess, then to decide whether you have time to safely pass. If the approaching car doesn't seem to be getting any larger as it moves toward you, you probably have plenty of room to pass safely.
IF YOU HAVE DOUBTS, DO NOT PASS!
If you have any doubt at all about having the time and space to pass, DON'T TRY IT. Be patient and wait for an opportunity that leaves no doubt at all.
COMPENSATING FOR ANOTHER
DRIVER'S ERROR
To compensate for another driver's passing error, there are several things you can do. Let's say that a car is passing another car in the oncoming traffic, and is coming TOWARD YOU IN YOUR LANE. You can change your speed, slowing down to give the other driver time to return to the left side of the road. You can also change direction by moving to the right onto the shoulder and allowing the other car to pass without a collision.
You can also communicate with the other driver by:
· Flashing your lights
· Switching from low to high beam
· Using your turn signals
· Using your brake to illuminate your taillights
· Using emergency flashers or parking lights
· Honking your horn
· Eye contact or hand signals
Remember, safe drivers always anticipate what the other driver is going to do. They always anticipate the worst and have safe driving tactics to avoid a collision. They act before they are forced to react.
PASSING ON THE RIGHT
Passing on the right is allowed only under conditions that permit such movement safely.
Pass on the right:
· When the road is clear of parked cars or other objects and the road is wide enough for two or more lanes in each direction
· When you are on a one-way road
· When the car you are passing is slowed or stopped on the main highway, disabled or preparing to make a left turn
Do not pass on the right by driving off the paved portion of the highway.
WHEN YOU ARE PASSED
When another car attempts to pass you, do not speed up. Make it as safe and as easy as possible for the other car to get around you. Stay in your lane, but move as far right as you safely can.
TURNS
Turning a corner should be a very simple operation. In reality, turning causes a lot of confusion, as well as collisions. 7 STEPS IN MAKING A PROPER TURN
· Make up your mind
· Look before you change lanes
· Move into the proper lane as soon as possible
· Give the proper turn signal at least 100 feet before you turn
· Slow down to a safe speed
· Make the turn correctly
· Finish the turn in the proper lane
There are seven steps in properly making a turn. First, make up your mind before you get to the turning point. Never make a last minute turn.
Second, look behind and to both sides to check for other vehicles before you change lanes.
Third, move into the proper lane as soon as possible. If traffic is too heavy to safely make it into the proper lane within half a block of where you plan to turn, don't attempt to make the turn.
Fourth, give the proper turn signal at least 100 feet before you make your turn. If you're using a hand signal, maintain it until you are close enough to the intersection for others to know what you intend to do. Do not maintain the signal while actually making a turn. You need both hands on the wheel.
Fifth, slow down to a reasonable turning speed. Do not use the brake or clutch while actually turning.
Sixth, make the turn correctly. This will be easy if you are in the proper lane and are proceeding slowly enough at the time you begin to turn. If you are turning left from a one way street, turn from the left lane.
Seventh, if you are turning left onto a one-way street, enter that street in the lane where you will not interfere with traffic already using the street.
To compensate for another driver's turning error:
· Adjust your speed
· Scan the roadway
· Cover your brake
· Be prepared
· Anticipate the worst
· Proceed with caution
To compensate for other driver turning errors, you should adjust your speed, scan the roadway for potential problems so you can take the proper action, cover your brake when approaching intersections, and be prepared to brake suddenly. Always anticipate the worst, and proceed with caution.
Seems pretty basic, doesn't it? Apparently, it's more difficult than it seems. Improper turns account for some pretty serious traffic collisions.
If you would like to see the animation again, right click on the animation and choose "Rewind" from the menu list.
