Helpful Driving Information

STAYING IN DRIVING LINE

It is very important to pay attention to your lane position. A new driver should learn to keep the vehicle in the center of the driving lane and away from the edges.
The blue line on the picture represents an imaginary driving line in the middle of the lane. While driving straight ahead you will normally stay on this driving line unless other factors affect the position of your car.

STAYING IN DRIVING LINE

Sometimes, you will use different lane positions to make adjustments for potential problems and create more space between your car and dangerous situations. There are three lane positions that a driver can choose without changing lanes. These are illustrated in the graphic and explained in the next slide.

STAYING IN DRIVING LINE

Position number 1 is in the middle of the lane and will be used for most driving situations.
Positions 2 and 3 are placements to the left and the right when restrictions to your path or view exist—without having to move out of the lane of travel.

REFERENCE POINTS

Drivers can't see the actual position of the car in relation to the roadway because the drivers view of the road is blocked by the dashboard and hood of the car. Good reference points help you overcome vision problems you encounter.
To know the vehicle location (e.g., if the vehicle is aligned with the other vehicle when parking) a driver can align some part of the vehicle with the roadway.

REFERENCE POINTS

Reference points are visual guides to help you judge your distance when parking or turning. From your viewpoint behind the steering wheel, reference points help you to see the exact location of the wheels, both front and back bumpers, and also the side of the car when parking or turning.

REFERENCE POINTS

From the drivers seat, choose a reference point to be a visual mark of a specific place on your car that you can relate to some part of the roadway.
The purpose in choosing these visual reference points is to know where your car is actually located on the road.

REFERENCE POINTS

When parking next to a curb on the right, the center-hood ornament or the center of the hood works as a good reference point to tell where the right tires are located.
When the line of the curb appears to intersect the center of the hood, your car’s right tires will be positioned about 3-6 inches away from the curb.

REFERENCE POINTS

When you want to know how far forward you can pull into a parking space or where to stop at an intersection, you will need to determine where the front of your car ends, i.e., where your car’s front limitation is.
You would drive forward until the curb or line ahead appeared to intersect under the passenger's side mirror. This is when the front of your car will be even with the curb line ahead.

TASKS FOR GETTING READY TO DRIVE

Before getting into a car, look behind and in front of it. There are blind spots once you are behind the wheel. Be aware of them and always check your blind spots before moving. There may be children or other objects (e.g., bottles, cans, bicycles) which you cannot see from the drivers seat.
Make sure all windows are clean and there is nothing blocking your vision.

TASKS FOR GETTING READY TO DRIVE

• Check to see that passengers are all safely inside and doors are fully closed.
  
• Lock doors and place key in ignition.
  

TASKS FOR GETTING READY TO DRIVE

• Adjust the seat for comfort, in addition to positioning yourself within reach of all the pedals and controls (adjust for steering wheel reach and hand position).
• Adjust the seat so you have a good visual of your path of travel.
  

TASKS FOR GETTING READY TO DRIVE

Adjust the rearview and side view mirrors. Always adjust mirrors after adjusting your seat.

TASKS FOR GETTING READY TO DRIVE

• Adjust your seat belt and shoulder harness to ensure that they are firm and comfortable. The seat belts should be worn low and snug on the hips and tight across the shoulder.
• Head restraint position should be adjusted to maximize rear and side protection
  

TASKS FOR GETTING READY TO DRIVE

Before you start your vehicle, you should adjust all the ventilation controls (e.g., vents, windows, air conditioner) to provide fresh air and maintain a comfortable temperature during the drive. Fresh air helps reduce the effects of any exhaust gas that may get into the vehicle.