DMV 6: Driving Behaviors [part1]

Driving Behaviors

1) Good Driving Practices

1- Starting

1. Check owner’s manual for proper startup instructions.
2. Parking brake must be on before starting.
3. Manual transmission: Ensure it's not in gear; some vehicles require the clutch to be depressed.
4. Automatic transmission: Shift must be in "Park" before starting.

2- Accelerating

1. Gradual and smooth acceleration to avoid wheel spin, especially on slippery surfaces.
2. Manual transmission: Practice clutch and accelerator control to prevent over-acceleration or stalling. between gears.

تسارع تدريجي وسلس لتجنب دوران العجلات، خاصة على الأسطح الزلقة.

1. ناقل الحركة اليدوي: تدرب على التحكم في القابض ودواسة الوقود لمنع الإفراط في التسارع أو التوقف. بين التروس.

3- Steering

• Keep both hands on the wheel:
• Left hand between 8-10 o’clock
• Right hand between 2-4 o’clock
• Hand-over-Hand Steering: Used for sharp turns. Hands cross over each other for better control.
• Push/Pull Steering: Hands stay on the wheel without crossing, pushing and pulling for smooth turns.

1. Hand-over-Hand

When turning sharp corners, turn the steering wheel using the “hand-over-hand” technique. When you complete a turn, straighten out the steering wheel by hand. Letting it slip through your fingers could be dangerous.

2. Push/Pull

When need to make a turn. In the Push/Pull method a driver’s knuckles should be facing outward as the hands are holding the steering wheel firmly on the outside rim. Push one hand to the 12 o’clock position letting the wheel slide through the other hand. Bring that hand to the 1 or 11 o’clock position and then pull down. The other hand slides back to the original starting position. Continue as necessary until the process is complete. If this is done correctly, the two hands will never cross and will remain on the wheel at all times.

4- Scanning

Look Ahead (12-Second Rule)

Scan 12 seconds ahead to spot hazards early.

• City driving → Look 1 block ahead

In urban areas with traffic lights, intersections, and pedestrians, try to scan at least one city block ahead of you. This helps you see upcoming stops, turns, or hazards like people crossing the street or cars suddenly stopping.

• Highway driving → Look 4 blocks ahead (¼ mile)

On highways, where traffic moves faster, you need to look much farther ahead—about four city blocks or a quarter of a mile. This helps you spot slowdowns, lane changes, or road hazards early, so you can adjust smoothly instead of braking suddenly.

Helps avoid last-minute braking or swerving, saves fuel, and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

✅ Look to the Sides

Check intersections, railroad crossings, and lane changes for pedestrians, bikes, and vehicles.

✅ Look Behind

Check mirrors often, especially when:

Traffic is heavy

Changing lanes

Slowing down

Backing up

Going down hills

Helps spot tailgaters or fast-approaching vehicles so you can react in time.

💡 Scanning = Safer driving, fewer sudden stops, better traffic flow!

Here is how to figure how far ahead you are looking:

1. Find a non-moving object (a sign, a telephone pole, etc.) near the road about as far ahead as you are looking.

2. Start counting “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand,” etc. until you reach the object.

3. The number of seconds you have counted is the number of seconds ahead that you were looking.

You can be a safer driver by looking well ahead. By doing so, you can avoid the need to stop or turn quickly. The least amount of times you have to stop or turn quickly, the less likely you are to run into someone or have someone run into you.

4- Intersections

Definition: 

Any place where traffic merges or crosses (cross streets, driveways, parking lots).

Before entering:

• Look left & right for traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians.
• If stopped, check left & right again before moving.
• Ensure the path is clear before crossing.

• Turning Left:

1. Yield to oncoming traffic & bicycles (they have the right-of-way).
2. Check for vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians in your path before turning.

• Turning Right:

1. Ensure no traffic from the left or oncoming vehicles turning into your path.
2. Check for pedestrians before turning.
3. Do not turn right after passing a bicycle.
4. Right on red is allowed unless a sign prohibits it.

Extra Caution:

1. Do not rely on traffic signals—some drivers may run red lights.
2. "Blocking the box" (gridlock) is illegal—only enter if there’s room ahead.
3. Look to the sides in busy areas (shopping centers, schools, construction zon

During heavy traffic, drivers are prohibited from entering any intersection unless there is sufficient space on the opposite side of the intersection to accommodate their vehicle without obstructing the passage of other vehicles or pedestrians. This is commonly known as “blocking the box” or causing “gridlock.”

2) Work Zones

1. Definition & Risks:

1. Work zones involve roadwork, lane closures, detours, and moving equipment (e.g., sweepers, line-painting trucks, heavy machinery).
2. They can be short-term or long-term and happen year-round (most common in summer).
3. Dangerous for drivers & workers → 40,000 injuries per year in U.S. work zones.
4. Agencies aim to improve safety devices & change driver behavior to reduce crashes.

2. Identifying Work Zones:

1. Look for orange signs with black letters/symbols (always on right side, or both sides on divided highways).
2. Watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles, or workers in bright vests.
3. Speed limit reductions are clearly posted; if no signs, follow the normal speed limit.
4. Work Zone Fines & Penalties (Connecticut):
5. Fines up to $1,000 for:

3. Speeding

1. Disobeying traffic control devices
2. Using an improper lane
3. Endangering a highway worker
4. Distracted driving fines are doubled for using a hand-held phone/electronic device in a work zone.
5. Penalties may include points on a driver’s license and driver retraining.

Safe Driving in Work Zones:

✅ Slow down and obey posted speed limits.

✅ Follow instructions on signs and from flaggers.

✅ Stay alert—traffic patterns can change daily.

✅ Increase following distance—don’t tailgate.

✅ Merge early when approaching lane closures.

✅ Adjust your lane position away from workers/equipment when possible.

✅ Expect delays—plan ahead & leave early.

✅ Stay focused—avoid distractions (phones, makeup, music, etc.).

⚠ At night, use extreme caution—even if no workers are visible.

⚠ Mobile work zones (e.g., line painting, mowing) mean workers may not be immediately visible. Follow signs until you see "End Road Work."

2) Sharing the Road with Others

1- Vulnerable Users

1. Connecticut has a Vulnerable User’s Law which provides for higher penalties for drivers who fail to exercise reasonable care and cause the serious injury or death of a vulnerable user. 

2. Vulnerable users include pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, a person riding or driving an animal, highway workers, garbage trucks, tank vehicles, vehicles authorized by the

US Government to carry mail and express delivery carriers. 

3. Drivers must allow for 3 feet of distance when passing.

4. Vulnerable users are at greater risk of serious injury or death than vehicle occupants in a crash. Because of this greater vulnerability, drivers need to exercise special care around these roadway users.

1- Pedestrians

1. Drivers must recognize the special safety needs of pedestrians. Drivers should be especially alert for children, the elderly, and disabled pedestrians. They are the most frequent victims in auto pedestrian collisions. Elderly and disabled pedestrians may have poor vision and hearing and may move slowly. Generally, pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. 

2. There is a crosswalk at every intersection, even if it is not marked by painted lines. To determine where an unmarked crosswalk is, imagine that the sidewalk or shoulder at the corner extends across the road and meets the sidewalk or shoulder on the other side. 

3. Drivers must slow or stop your vehicle and grant the right-of-way for a pedestrian crossing at a crosswalk (marked or unmarked) when the pedestrian is within any portion of the crosswalk This includes when the pedestrian:

• Steps to the curb at the entrance to the crosswalk and indicates intent to cross the road by raising his or her hand and arm toward oncoming traffic; or

• Indicates intent to cross the road by moving into the crosswalk’s entrance any body part or any extension of a body part, including a wheelchair, cane, walking stick, crutch, bicycle, electric bicycle, stroller, carriage, cart, or leashed or harnessed dog.

2- Children at Play and School Zones:

1. Children are often the least predictable pedestrians and the most difficult to see. Take

extra care to look out for children, especially near schools, bus stops, playgrounds, parks and ice cream trucks. Always be extra watchful when backing in or out of a driveway. Children may run behind or be playing behind your vehicle. Be particularly alert at all times for children and pedestrians in a school zone.

2. Follow the signs or flashing lights that warn you that you are approaching a school or a school crossing. School hours are not the only time children are present. You must obey the slower posted speed limit in school zones or be subject to fines. Stop and yield to students who are crossing or if a crossing guard signals you to do so.

3- White Canes and Guide Dogs

 

1. Blind or partially blind pedestrians may carry a white cane or use the assistance of a guide

dog. You must give the right-of-way to a pedestrian with a guide dog or who is carrying a white cane, with or without a colored tip. Stop and stay stopped if the person is attempting to cross or is in the process of crossing the road. At regulated intersections, remain stopped until the pedestrian is out of the road, even if you have a green light.

4- Emergency Vehicles

1. You must yield the right-of-way to police vehicles, fire engines, ambulances or other emergency vehicles using sirens, air horns or red or blue flashing lights. 

2. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching from any direction you must

pull over to the right edge of the road, or as near to the right as possible, and stop your vehicle. You must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a state or local police officer or a firefighter.

5. “Move Over Law”

When any vehicle is pulled over on any part of a highway or road, drivers must:

• SLOW DOWN (below the posted speed limit) and...

• Move their vehicle over one lane whenever it is safe to do so

2- Bicyclists

1. Bicyclists are considered vehicles when used on roadways. They are expected to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. As a motorist, you should know that a bicyclist has the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as you. You should expect to see bicyclists on the road, driving with traffic. You should not be surprised to see a bicyclist using the left lane when turning. 

2. When a lane is too narrow for cars and bikes to drive side-by-side, the bicyclist will “take the travel lane” which means driving in or near the center of the lane.

3. Respect for each other will aid in the smooth flow of traffic. Bicyclists may not be easily seen in traffic. You must be alert for bicyclists and be extra careful when approaching them. Just as motorists have different levels of skill; bicyclists also have varying levels of skills. A skillful bicyclist rides predictably and holds a steady line. An unskilled bicyclist may swerve unpredictably, ignore traffic signs and signals, and ride without a light at night. If you see an unskilled bicyclist, be ready for

any sudden movements.

As a bicyclist:

• You are to follow the rules of the road and you are required to ride on the right side of the roadway. You are to ride as far to the right as you deem safe. Bicyclists may ride in the left hand edge of a right turn lane if they are proceeding straight.

• You must obey all traffic signs and signals and use hand signals to let others know what you plan to do.

• You are required to yield to pedestrians.

• You are required to wear a helmet if you are under 16 years of age. If you are 16 years of age or older you should consider wearing a helmet as a safety precaution. All bicyclists should wear brightly colored clothing, use required lights and reflectors, and keep your bicycle in good repair.

As a driver:

1. You must yield to bicyclists at all times.

2. Fines are doubled for failure to yield right-of-way to a bicyclist.

3. When approaching or passing a bicyclist slow down and pass only when you are able to give a minimum of 3 feet distance between your vehicle and the bicycle. Be aware of the width of your vehicle and any load or trailer that you are hauling.

4. Be careful after you have passed a bicyclist. Do not slow down or stop quickly or turn right immediately. A motor vehicle’s brakes are more powerful than a bicycle’s and you could cause a crash.

5. Do not sound your horn close to bicyclists, unless you have good cause to warn the bicyclist. 6. Sounding your horn to alert your presence may startle them and cause them to steer into your path and crash. There may be a good reason for the bicyclist to be riding in the travel lane, such as roadway hazards not visible to motorists.

6. Never turn sharply in front of a bicyclist and do not force a bicyclist off the road.

7. Although bicyclists are required to ride in the direction of traffic, you should look for them riding anywhere on the road way.

8. You may pass slow moving vehicles, including bicyclists, in a no passing zone if you can make the maneuver safely.

9. Cooperate with bicyclists. They are required to use hand signals as shown, when turning and stopping.

10. Consider a bicyclist’s speed when you pass. If you are about to make a right turn, you must not pass a bicyclist immediately before the turn. To avoid a collision, you should slow down and let the cyclist clear the intersection before making your turn.

11. Do not stop, park or drive on a designated bicycle path or lane unless you are entering or leaving an alley or driveway, performing official duties, directed by a police officer, or an emergency situation exists. You must yield to bicycles in the bicycle lane. You may turn across a bicycle lane but may not drive in the bicycle lane when approaching a turn.

12. When parked on the street, check to the sides and rear for bicyclists before you open your vehicle door.

3- Motorcycles

Motorcycles = Vehicles → They have the same rights and responsibilities as cars.

Lane Use →

1. Motorcycles can use a full lane, and two motorcycles may share a lane.
2. Do not pass a motorcycle in the same lane.

Visibility & Blind Spots →

1. Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see.
2. Always check blind spots and mirrors before changing lanes or turning.

Left-Turn Risk →

1. 40% of crashes happen when a car turns left in front of a motorcycle.
2. Always look carefully before making left turns.

Turn Signals →

1. Motorcycle turn signals may not cancel automatically.
2. Wait until the motorcycle actually turns before assuming their direction.

Following Distance →

1. Keep at least 3-4 seconds behind motorcycles (more in wet conditions).
2. Motorcycles stop faster than cars—tailgating is dangerous!

Road Hazards →

1. Small hazards (potholes, gravel, wet pavement) are deadly for motorcycles.
2. Be ready for sudden speed or lane changes.

Headlights → Dim your high beams when approaching a motorcycle.

Passing & Being Passed →

When a motorcycle is passing you, hold your speed and lane position.

Never speed up to interfere with their pass.

4- Slow Moving Vehicles

Types of Slow Vehicles →

Large trucks, small underpowered cars → Lose speed on hills and take longer to accelerate.

Farm tractors, horse-drawn vehicles, and maintenance vehicles → Usually travel 25 mph or less and have an orange triangle decal.

• Passing Slow Vehicles →

You may pass slow-moving vehicles in a no-passing zone (even over a double yellow line) if it is safe.

• Speed & Stopping Distance →

Use the "Four-Second Sight-Distance Rule" to ensure you are driving at a safe speed:

Pick a stationary object ahead (sign, pole, etc.).

Count “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand, four-one-thousand.”

If you reach it before finishing counting → You’re driving too fast for visibility.

Key Safety Tip → Drive at a speed where you can always safely stop.

5- Ice Cream Trucks

• Stopping Requirement → Stop at least 10 feet from the front or back of an ice cream truck with flashing lights and stop arms extended.

Proceeding After Stopping → You may pass at a reasonable speed (max 5 mph) and must yield to pedestrians crossing.

Exceptions → No need to stop if the truck is in another lane separated by a safety island or physical barrier.

6- Horses

1. Horseback riders are subject to, and protected by, the rules of the road. They also must ride single file near the right curb or road edge, or on a usable right shoulder, lane or path. When you approach a horse on a public highway, you must reduce your speed (or stop, if necessary) to avoid striking, endangering or frightening a horse.

2. The law requires you to exercise due care when approaching a horse being ridden or led along a road. 3. You must drive at a reasonable speed, and at a reasonable distance away from the horse. It is illegal to sound your horn or cause loud or unusual noises when approaching or passing a horse.