Good Driving Practices

Scanning

When driving, we gather 90 percent of the information about the road and our surroundings through our eyes. Scanning means looking at the entire scene for anything that might come into your path. As you scan the road, avoid a fixed stare. Keep your eyes moving and learn to read the road. Look ahead, to the sides and behind you.

Scan ahead and to the sides. Looking ahead will help you see things early and will allow you more time to react. Expert drivers try to focus their eyes 10 to 15 seconds ahead. In the city, that equals approximately one block. Avoid staring at the middle of the road, however. Scan from side to side, checking for directional signs, cars or people that might be in the road by the time you reach them.

Watch for clues in the road. Look for exhaust smoke, brake or back-up lights and turned wheels on vehicles. Clues like these indicate that the vehicles may pull into your path. Watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and other slow moving vehicles that may be in the road ahead.

When driving in rural areas, watch for hidden intersections and driveways, curves, hills and different road conditions. Watch for other vehicles, especially trucks, oversize and slow-moving farm vehicles and bicycles.

Check from left to right before entering an intersection. Whenever you reach a place in the road where other cars, people or animals may cross your path, look to both sides to be sure that the way is clear. These include intersections, crosswalks, shopping centers, construction areas and playgrounds. At any intersection, look to the left first, since cars coming from the left will be closer to you. Then look to the right and take one more quick look to the left before you drive through.

Look behind. Use your rear-view mirror to check the traffic behind you frequently, about every 10 seconds. This will alert you if someone is moving up too quickly or tailgating you. Check the traffic behind you when changing lanes, backing up, slowing down quickly or driving down a long, steep hill. But, don't take your eyes off the road for more than an instant.

Blind spots are danger areas which cannot be seen in the mirrors on either or both sides of the vehicles.

Quickly turn your head to check for other vehicles in your blind spots before making any sideways movement, such as changing lanes or passing another vehicle.

Avoid driving in some-one else’s blind spot. This can be just as dangerous as not checking your own. Speed up or drop back; but, don’t stay in the other driver’s blind spot.
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Sharing the Road

Drivers of passenger vehicles share the road with many other users: pedestrians, bicyclists, moped and motorcycle riders, trucks and buses, recreational vehicles and other passenger vehicles of all shapes and sizes. It is your responsibility to adjust your driving to avoid other drivers’ mistakes and assure everyone’s safety.

Pedestrians:

Generally, there are three types of pedestrians most often involved in accidents: children, the elderly and adults under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

• Be careful around schools, playgrounds and in residential areas where small children may be playing or crossing the street.
• Look out for the elderly, who may have poor vision and hearing. Remember that they and people with disabilities will move slowly. Be aware of blind pedestrians crossing the street. Blind pedestrians usually carry a white cane or use a guide dog.
• Be especially aware of pedestrians when making a right or left turn on red. They have the right-of-way. Allow pedestrians to completely cross the street before beginning your turn.
• Be alert for pedestrians at all times. Slow down and be prepared to stop. Always yield the right-of-way.

Bicyclists:

Bicycles are considered vehicles and have the same rights-of-way as motor vehicles. Bicyclists are also expected to obey the same traffic rules and regulations as vehicle drivers; however, many are children who may not know or obey the rules. Slow down when you approach bicyclists. Give them plenty of room when passing and be prepared to stop suddenly. Look for bicycles on all public roads except where prohibited by a sign.

It is a violation of the law to operate electric power assistive mobility devices, electrically powered toy vehicles, bicycles and electric power assisted bicycles on any interstate highway. The only exception is if the operation is limited to bicycle or pedestrian facilities that meet federal and state safety regulations that are separated from the roadway and automobile traffic.

Mopeds:

Under Virginia law, a moped is a bicycle-like device with pedals and a helper motor. The motor cannot be rated at more than two horsepower or enable the moped to travel more than 30 MPH. It is a violation of the law to operate a moped faster than 35 miles per hour on an interstate highway. In addition, any person who operates a moped faster than 35 miles per hour is considered to be operating a motorcycle, which requires that the driver hold a valid driver's license with a motorcycle classification or a driver's license restricted to operating motorcycles only. Moped riders must be at least 16 years old and must obey all rules of the road. Moped riders must carry some form of identification that includes name, address and date of birth.

As a driver, treat moped riders with the same care given to any other vehicle driver.

Although you do not need a driver’s license to operate a moped, you may not operate a moped if you have been declared a habitual offender and your license is suspended or revoked for driving while intoxicated.

When overtaking a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, you must be at least two feet to the left of the vehicle when you pass. You must also pass at a reasonable speed.

Motorcycles:

Approximately half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve automobiles. Most of these crashes are caused by the motorist’s failure to see a motorcycle in traffic.

• Look for motorcyclists. In more than half of all crashes involving motorcycles and automobiles, the other driver didn’t see the motorcycle until it was too late. Motorists are conditioned to look for four-wheeled vehicles; but they don’t expect to see two-wheeled vehicles. A motorcycle’s small size also makes it difficult to see.
• Check your blind spots. A motorcycle’s small size allows it to slip into your blind spot easily. Always check for motorcycles before you pull out, change lanes, turn, back up or proceed through an intersection.
• Never tailgate a motorcycle (or any other vehicle). Allow yourself plenty of braking distance by adding an extra second to the three-second rule. In inclement weather, double this distance.
• Anticipate the motorcyclist’s movements. Although a motorcycle occupies only four feet of the lane, the rider will use the entire lane as traffic situations and road conditions change. A slight change or debris on the road surface can be a major obstacle for a motorcyclist. Expect the motorcycle to make sudden moves within the lane. Never drive in the motorcyclist's lane.
• Yield to motorcycles. The small size of a motorcycle can cause you to misjudge the motorcycle’s speed and distance. Before pulling out into traffic, check twice for motorcycles and use extra caution before you pull out in front of one.

Low Speed Vehicles:

These electrically powered four-wheel vehicles have a maximum speed ranging from 21 to 25 MPH. Low speed vehicles may be operated on public highways with speed limits of 35 MPH or less by licensed drivers or learner’s permit holders accompanied by a licensed driver.

Low speed vehicles must comply with all federal safety standards and must meet Virginia’s requirements for passenger vehicle registration and insurance coverage. Golf carts are not classified as low speed vehicles.
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Trucks, Tractor-Trailers and RVs

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!

• Side No-Zones: Trucks, tractortrailers, buses and RVs have big No-Zones on both sides which are dangerous because these vehicles must make wide turns. 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.
• Rear No-Zone: Trucks, tractortrailers, 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.
• 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!
• 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.
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Maintaining a Space Cushion

Space around your vehicle gives you time to react in emergencies and avoid a collision. Create a space cushion around your vehicle by staying in the middle of your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead of your vehicle and behind it for other vehicles to pass or stop safely.

• Help the driver behind you maintain a safe following distance by maintaining a steady speed. Use a hand signal or tap your brakes to let the driver behind you know in advance when you plan to slow down or stop.
• If the driver behind you is following too closely, do not brake suddenly. If possible, move over to another lane. Or, when the way ahead is clear, flash your brake lights and slow down. This should encourage the tailgater to pass you.
• In city traffic, increase the amount of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.
• Avoid driving in another driver's blind spot. If you can’t see the inside rearview mirror of the car ahead, he probably can’t see you.
• Once you've established a space cushion, if a vehicle cuts into the space ahead of you, just slow down and re-establish a safe following distance.
• Increase your following distance when driving behind a large vehicle that blocks your vision. You should also increase your following distance when driving in bad weather, heavy traffic or when exiting an expressway. Increase your following distance if you are following a motorcycle or being tailgated.

If you are traveling slower than the traffic around you on a multi-lane highway, drive in the right-hand lane.
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Changing Lanes

Before changing lanes, check your side and rearview mirrors for traffic approaching you from behind. Then, give a turn signal to communicate your intention to change lanes. Check for other drivers who also may be moving into the same lane. Just before you begin moving into the other lane, quickly glance over your shoulder and check for any vehicles that may be in your blind spot.

Whether you are changing lanes, passing, entering or exiting an expressway, always use your turn signals and check traffic to the rear and sides. When driving on a multi-lane highway, stay in the right-hand lane if you are driving slower than the traffic around you.

When passing another vehicle:

• Check the traffic ahead of you, behind you and in your blind spot before you attempt to pass. Signal and then accelerate to pass. Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.
• It is against the law to exceed the speed limit as you pass.
• Complete the pass before you reach a No Passing zone. If you're still in the left lane when you reach the zone, you're breaking the law.
• You may pass on the right if the vehicle you are passing has signaled and is making a left turn. Be cautious because the vehicle you are passing may be blocking your view or blocking the view of other drivers. You may not pass on the right if you must drive off the pavement or main portion of the roadway to get around the other vehicle.
• When approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device, pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle and at a reasonable speed.

When being passed,

• don't speed up. Maintain a steady speed or slow down.

Passing is prohibited:

• on hills, curves, at intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction;
• off the pavement or shoulder of the road;
• when a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers on a public road (unless a physical barrier or unpaved median separates traffic going in either direction) or on a private road; and,
• whenever a solid line marks the left side of your lane.
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Backing

The most common mistake that drivers make when backing is failing to look both ways behind them. Mirrors do not give you a full view. To see as much as possible, turn your body and head to the right and look out through the rear window. Back up slowly and check for pedestrians and approaching traffic by glancing quickly to either side.
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Visibility

On a dry road, with good tires and brakes, it takes about 265 feet for a passenger vehicle traveling at 55 MPH to stop. If you can’t see that far ahead, then you cannot drive safely at that speed. Adjust your speed for hills, curves, intersections or anywhere that visibility may be limited. In other words, slow down.

Night driving is especially dangerous. Under normal conditions, your headlights let you see only about 350 feet ahead.

You will also need to adjust your speed when driving in the rain, fog or snow. If you cannot see more than 100 feet ahead, you cannot drive safely at any speed. Consider getting off the road until the weather breaks.
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Hazardous Conditions

Driving becomes hazardous when visibility is reduced or when the road surface is covered with rain, snow or ice. Reducing your speed should be your first response to decreased visibility and dangerous road conditions. Increase your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance from three seconds to six seconds (refer to Maintaining a Space Cushion for more information). Turn on your headlights.

Night Driving:

At sunset, as soon as light begins to fade, turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise. In inclement weather such as rain, fog and snow, you must use your headlights whenever you use your wipers.

Use low beams when driving in cities and towns, except on streets where there is no lighting. Switch to low beams whenever you meet oncoming traffic to avoid blinding the other driver. When following, use low beams whenever you are within 200 feet of the vehicle ahead.

Use high-beam headlights on highways when no other vehicle is approaching within 500 feet. If the high beams of an oncoming car are not dimmed, avoid looking directly at the bright lights. Glance toward the side of the road, then look quickly ahead to determine the other vehicle’s position. Keep doing this until you have passed the other vehicle. Even though the other driver does not dim his headlights, do not retaliate by turning on your high-beam headlights.

Fog

Fog reflects light and can reflect your own headlights back into your eyes. Use low beam headlights only and look for road edge markings to guide you. Even light fog reduces visibility and your ability to judge distances, so slow down.

Rain

Driving in heavy rain can be as hazardous as driving in fog, especially if the wind is blowing. Other vehicles to the rear and in blind spot areas are especially difficult to see through rain-spattered windows.

Use your low-beam headlights to see and be seen. Wait a short time after the rain begins before using your windshield wipers because the blades may smear.

Be extra careful during the first half hour after rain begins. Grime and oil on the road surface mix with water to make the road slippery.

Snow

Before you start driving, remove snow and ice from your entire car, including the roof, hood and rear of the vehicle. Be sure to clear all your windows, side view mirrors and front and rear lights of snow or ice so you can see and communicate with other drivers.

Equip your car with all-weather snow tires or chains to help prevent skidding and reduce stopping distance.

Slow down before stopping or turning. Driving on packed snow is similar to driving on ice. When you brake, apply the brakes gently.

On slippery surfaces, you have the most traction and control when the front tires are rolling. Therefore, your vehicle will respond more effectively to steering than braking.

Watch for ice on bridges and in shady areas. Bridges freeze before other road surfaces.

How many feet does that equal?
Sometimes it’s difficult to judge distance. Here are a few comparisons to help you.

• 100 feet roughly equals the length of two tractor-trailers parked one behind the other.
• 250 feet roughly equals the height of a 25-story building.
• 350 feet is slightly longer than the playing area of a football field.

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