DMV 6: Driving Behaviors

Driving Behaviors

1) Good Driving Practices

1- Starting

Check the vehicle owner’s manual for how to best start the vehicle. Make sure the parking brake is on before you start the vehicle. If the vehicle has a manual transmission, it must not be in gear. In some vehicles, the clutch must be depressed. For a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, you must put the shift selector in “park.”

2- Accelerating

Accelerate gradually and smoothly. Trying to start too fast can cause the drive wheels to spin, particularly on slippery surfaces, and cause the vehicle to slide. With a manual-shift vehicle, practice using the clutch and accelerator so that the engine does not over accelerate or stall when shifting between gears.

3- Steering

Both hands should be placed on opposite sides of the steering wheel (i.e., left hand between 8 and 10 o’clock and right hand between 2 and 4 o’clock). This position is comfortable; on high-speed roads it allows you to make turns without taking your hands from the wheel.

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

1. You must look ahead, to the sides, and behind your vehicle. Scanning helps you to see problems ahead; vehicles and people that may be in the road by the time you reach them, signs warning you of problems ahead, and signs giving you directions. 

2. Look Ahead In order to avoid last minute braking or turning, you should look well down the road. By looking well ahead and being ready to stop or change lanes if needed, you can drive more safely, save on fuel, help keep traffic moving at a steady pace, and allow yourself time to better see around your vehicle and along the road.

3. Looking well down the road will also help you to steer more straightly with less weaving. Safer drivers tend to look at least 12 seconds ahead of their vehicles. This is the distance that your vehicle will travel in 12 seconds. In the city, 12 seconds is about 1 block. When you drive in city traffic, you should try to look at least one block ahead. On the highway, 12 seconds is about 4 city blocks (or a quarter of a mile). 

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

 1. Intersections are any place where traffic merges or crosses. Before you enter an intersection, look both left and right for approaching vehicles, bicycles, and/or crossing pedestrians. When stopped, look both left and right just before you start moving. Look across the intersection before you start to move to make sure that the path is clear all the way through the intersection and that you will not block it if you have to stop.

2. Before you turn left across traffic, look for a safe opening in the traffic. Remember, oncoming traffic, including bicycles, always has the right-of-way.\

3. Look to the street onto which you are turning to make sure that no body is in your path then look one more time in the direction of oncoming traffic before you turn.

4. Before turning right, make sure that there is no traffic approaching from your left and no oncoming traffic turning into your path. 

5. Do not turn immediately after passing a bicycle. 

6. You may turn right at a red light after stopping, unless it is prohibited by a traffic sign.

7. If you are stopped and your view of a cross street is blocked, edge forward slowly until you can see. When you move forward slowly, crossing drivers can see the front of your vehicle before you can see them. This gives them a chance to slow down and warn you if necessary.

8. 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. Many work zones involve lane closures and detours.

2. The work zone can be long or short term and can exist at anytime of the year, but most commonly in the summer.

3. Work zones on U.S. highways have become increasingly dangerous places for both workers and drivers. Approximately 40,000 people per year are injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones. 

4. All temporary signs in work zones have an orange background and black letters or symbols. These signs will be found on the right side of the road, or on both left and right sides when the

roadway is a divided highway. The signs tell you what to do and how soon you will encounter the work zone. Most work zones also have signs alerting you to reductions in the speed limit through the work zone. 

5. In Connecticut, anyone convicted of speeding, disobeying traffic control devices, using an improper lane or endangering a highway worker within a work zone could face fines of up to $1,000, can be assessed points against his or her driver’s license and may be required to complete the driver retraining program. In addition, distracted driving fines are doubled for anyone convicted of illegally using a hand-held cellphone or mobile electronic device while driving in a work zone.

following safety tips for driving in work zones:

• Slow down, obey posted speed limits and be alert to conditions around you. Workers could be present.

• Follow the instructions on the work zone warning signs and those given by flaggers.

• Do not become oblivious to work zone signs when the work is long term or widespread.

• Be aware that traffic patterns in work zones can change daily including lane shifts or alternating lane closures.

• Use extreme caution when driving through a work zone at night whether workers are present or not.

• Watch the traffic around you and be prepared to react to what the traffic is doing. Check for tail and brake lights of vehicles ahead of you for indications of what is happening on the road ahead. Be ready to respond quickly.

• Merge as soon as possible. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at first notice of an approaching work zone.

• Adjust your lane position away from the side where workers and equipment are located when possible.

• Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment and workers. Increase your following distance. Do not tailgate.

• Some work zones, such as line painting, road patching and mowing are mobile. Just because you do not see the workers immediately after you see the warning sign does not mean they are not out there. Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says “End Road Work.”

• Concentrate when driving through work zones. Pay attention to your surroundings and do not become distracted from cell phones, changing the radio station or applying make-up.

• When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.

• Expect delays, plan for them and leave early to reach your destination on time.

• Calm down. Work zones are not there to inconvenience you. They are there to improve the roads for everyone.

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

Motorcyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. However, it is more difficult to see them and it is more difficult to determine what they will do.

1. Do not pass a motorcycle in the same lane. The motorcycle needs space to react to other traffic.

2. Motorcycles are small and, therefore, more difficult to see. Their size also allows them to duck easily into your blind spot. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots by turning your head and looking before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

3. Approximately one-half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle. Nearly 40 percent were caused by the other vehicle turning left in front of the motorcyclist.

4. Do not assume a motorcycle is turning when you see its turn signal flashing. Motorcycle turn signals may not self cancel and the motorcyclist may have forgotten to turn them off. Do not pull out in front of a motorcycle until you see that it is actually beginning to turn.

5. Always increase your following distance when road or weather conditions are bad, in areas of poor illumination, and in unfamiliar areas. When following a motorcyclist, allow for a 3 to 4 second following distance or more in wet conditions. Motorcycles can stop quickly and following too closely endangers your life and that of the motorcyclist. 

6. Always dim your headlights when approaching a motorcycle. Because of their vulnerability, the blinding effect of your high beams can be far more dangerous to them than to drivers of motor vehicles.

7. When a motorcycle is passing your vehicle, you should maintain your lane position and speed. Allow the motorcyclist to complete the maneuver and assume proper lane position as quickly as possible. Never speed up or interfere with their ability to pass safely

4- Slow Moving Vehicles

1. Some vehicles cannot travel very fast or have trouble keeping up with the speed of traffic. If you spot these vehicles early, you have time to change lanes or slow down safely. Slowing suddenly can cause a crash.

2. Watch for large trucks and small underpowered cars on steep grades or when they are entering traffic. They canlose speed on long or steep hills, and it takes longer for these vehicles to get up to speed when they enter traffic.

3. Drivers are required to yield the right of way to a bus traveling in the same direction when the bus appropriately signals.

4. Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles and roadway maintenance vehicles usually go 25 mph or less. These vehicles should have a slow-moving decal (an orange triangle) on the back.

5. State law permits passing of slow moving traffic, and pedestrians, parked or standing vehicles, animals, bicycles, mopeds and scooters in no passing zones. You may cross over a double yellow line in these instances; however, you must make sure you can see far enough ahead to enable you to safely pass before attempting this passing maneuver.

6. Drive at a speed where you can always safely stop. To tell if you are driving too fast for conditions, use the “4 second sight-distance rule.” Pick out a stationary object as far ahead as you can clearly see (e.g. a sign or a telephone pole). Start counting “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand, four-one-thousand.” If you reach the object before you finish saying “four-one-thousand,” you need to slow down. You are going too fast for your sight-distance. You must not drive faster than the distance you can see. If you do, you are not safe and could

injure or kill yourself or others.

5- Ice Cream Trucks

1. The state law requires drivers when approaching or overtaking an ice cream truck displaying flashing lights and extending its stop signal arm and crossing arm, to stop their vehicles at least 10 feet from the front or back of the truck.

2. After stopping, you may proceed past the truck at a reasonable speed, up to 5 mph, and must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian crossing the road to or from the truck. 

3. Drivers are not required to stop and proceed in this manner when approaching or overtaking an ice cream truck that 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.

2) Sharing the Road with Trucks

Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and RV’s

1- No-Zone (blind spots)

Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and recreational vehicles (RVs)— including motor homes, campers and travel trailers—are longer, higher and wider than other vehicles. They accelerate slowly and require greater stopping and turning distances. Plus, there are danger areas around these vehicles where crashes are more likely to occur. These areas are called No Zones. No-Zones on the side,front and rear also include blind spots where your car disappears from the driver’s view.

Learning the No-Zones can save your life!

1. Side No-Zones: These No-Zones or blind spots are much larger than your car’s blind

spots. If you can’t see the driver’s face in his side view mirror, then he can’t see you.

2. Rear No-Zone: Trucks, tractor-trailers, buses and RVs have huge No-Zones directly behind them. The driver can’t see your car behind his vehicle and you can’t see what’s happening in traffic ahead of his vehicle. If the truck, bus or RV brakes or stops suddenly, you have no place to go and could crash into the vehicle’s rear-end. Always maintain a safe following distance.

3. Front No-Zone: You could get rear-ended by a truck, bus or RV if you cut in front too soon after passing the vehicle. If you cut in front and then suddenly slow down, truck, bus and RV drivers are forced to slam on their brakes. These vehicles need nearly twice the time and room to stop as cars. 

A truck and its tow vehicle may be as long as 65 feet and it may take you more than half a mile of clear road to pass. When passing, look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front. And then, don’t slow down!

4. Wide Turns: Trucks, buses and RVs sometimes need to swing wide to the left or right in order to safely make a turn. They can’t see the cars directly behind or beside them. In fact, their blind spots may stretch up to 20 feet in front of the cab and approximately 200 feet behind the truck. Trying to squeeze between a truck, bus or RV and the curb, or

another vehicle is an invitation to disaster

5. Pass only where it is safe – never where you will have to complete your pass in a no-passing zone.

stay 4 seconds away! & always give them enough space for saftey reasons. 

3) Maintaining a Space Cushion

1. The more you have, the safer it can be

2. When you enter into traffic, try to enter at the same speed that traffic is moving. 

3. Any time you want to merge with other traffic, you need an opening of about 4 seconds.  You need a foursecond opening whenever you change lanes or enter a roadway and when your lane merges with another travel lane.

4. Vehicles moving in the same direction at the same speed cannot hit one another. Crashes, involving two or more vehicles, often happen when drivers go faster or slower than other vehicles on the road.

5. If the road you are traveling has exit ramps, do not slow down until you move onto the exit ramp. 

1. “three-second” rule:

• Watch for when the rear of the vehicle ahead passes a sign, pole, or any other stationary point.

• Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot – “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.”

• You are following too closely if you pass the mark before you finish counting.

• If so, drop back and then count again at another spot to check the new following distance.

• Repeat until you are following no closer than “three seconds.”

2. “four-second” rule:

• Slippery Roads Because you need more distance to stop your vehicle on slippery roads, you must leave more space in front of you. If the vehicle ahead suddenly stops, you will need the extra distance to stop safely.

• The Driver Behind You Wants to Pass Slow down to allow room in front of your vehicle. Slowing will also allow the pass to be completed sooner.

• Following Motorcycles If the motorcycle should fall, you need extra distance to avoid the rider. The chances of a fall are greatest on wet and icy roads, gravel roads, and metal surfaces such as bridges, gratings and streetcar or

railroad tracks.

• Following Drivers Who Cannot See You The drivers of trucks, buses, vans, or vehicles pulling campers or trailers may not be able to see you when you are directly behind them. They could stop suddenly without knowing you are there. Large vehicles also block your view of the road ahead. Falling back allows you more room to see ahead.

• You are Being Followed Closely If you are being followed closely, pull to the right and allow the vehicle behind you

to pass.

• Pulling a Trailer The extra weight increases your stopping distance.

• Low Visibility When it is hard for you to see ahead because of darkness or bad weather, you need to increase your following distance.

• Following Emergency Vehicles Police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks need more room to operate.

• Railroad Crossings Leave extra room for vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings, including transit buses,

school buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials.

• Stopped on a Hill or Incline Leave extra space when stopped on a hill or incline. The vehicle ahead may roll back when it starts up.

3. Being Tailgated 

Every now and then, you may find yourself being followed closely or “tailgated” by another driver. If

you are being followed too closely and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is clear, then reduce speed slowly. This will encourage the tailgater to drive around you. Never slow down quickly to discourage a tailgater. It increases your risk of being hit from behind.

4. Split the difference

between two hazards. For example, steer a middle course between oncoming and parked

vehicles. However, if one is more dangerous than the other, leave a little more space on the dangerous side. If the oncoming vehicle is a tractor-trailer, leave a little more room on the side that the truck will pass. When possible, take potential hazards one at a time. For example, if you are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching, slow down and let the vehicle pass first so that you can give extra room to the bicycle. You must allow at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and the bicycle when passing a bicycle.

5. Trouble Spots

Wherever people or traffic gathers, your room to maneuver is limited. You need to lower your speed to have time to react in a crowded space. Here are some of the places or situations where you may need to slow down:

• Shopping centers, parking lots and downtown areas These are busy areas with vehicles and people stopping,

starting, and moving in different directions.

• Rush Hours Rush hours often have heavy traffic and drivers that always seem to be in a hurry.

• Narrow bridges and tunnels Vehicles approaching each other are closer together.

• Toll plazas Vehicles are changing lanes, preparing to stop, and then speeding up again when they leave the plaza.

The number of lanes could change both before and after the plaza.

• Schools, playgrounds and residential streets There are often children in these areas. Always be alert for children

crossing the street or running or riding into the street without looking.

• Railroad crossings

4) Changing Lanes

1. When there are no signs or markings to control the use of lanes, there are rules that indicate which lane is to be used. Remember that you must allow 3 feet between your vehicle and a bicycle when passing a bicycle. These rules cover general driving, passing, and turning. 

2. Whenever you want to change lanes, you must check that there are no vehicles in your way in

the lane you want to enter. This means you must check for traffic to the side of and behind your vehicle before you change lanes. Changing lanes includes: moving from one lane to another, merging onto a roadway from an entrance ramp, and entering the roadway from the curb or shoulder. When changing lanes:

 1. Look in your rear-view and side mirrors 

Make sure there are no vehicles in the lane you want to enter. Make sure that nobody is about to pass you.

2. Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move 

Be sure no one is near the rear corners of your vehicle. These areas are called “blind spots” because you cannot see them through your mirrors. You must turn your head and look to see vehicles in your blind spot.

3. Check quickly 

Do not take your eyes off the road ahead for more than an instant. Traffic ahead of you could stop

suddenly while you are checking traffic to the sides, the rear, or over your shoulder. Also, use your mirrors to check traffic while you are preparing to change lanes, merge or pull onto the roadway. This way, you can keep an eye on vehicles ahead of you at the same time. Check over your shoulder for traffic in your blind spot just before you change lanes. Look several times if you need to so as not to look for too long a period at any one time. You must keep track of what traffic is doing in front of you and in the lane you are entering.

4. Check the far lane 

Be sure to check the far lane (if there is one), as someone in that lane may be planning to move

into the same lane that you want to enter.

5. Take one lane at a time 

If you want to change several lanes, take them one at a time. Like going up or down stairs

one-step at a time, it is safest and easiest to merge one lane at a time. It is very difficult to determine that all of the lanes are free and safe to cross. If you wait until all of the lanes are clear, you can tie up traffic and even cause a crash.