MODULE TWO

Objectives: Students will learn vehicle control, safety devices, warning, vehicle, and alert symbols; and roadway position and placement

Topics covered:– Driver Preparation Procedures—perform basic vehicle

maintenance checks– Identifying and Operating Vehicle Control Devices—

operate vehicular alert or warning symbol, control device, information device, comfort system, steering, braking, acceleration on vehicle balance

– Standard Vehicle Reference Points—standard vehicle reference points to determine and execute lane placement, stopping position, and turning maneuvers

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Pre-drive Safety Vehicle Orientation

Always carry keys in your hand when approaching vehicle Be alert for other pedestrians and drivers Approach driver’s door from front when parked next to curb

and from rear when parked in a parking lot Check outside of vehicle; check for small children and

objects around the vehicle– Check for obvious fluid leaks (coolant, air condition

condensation, brake, motor oil, transmission fluid Oil Change and tire rotation –every 3,000 to 5,000

miles)—(routine care of vehicle is preventative maintenance as outlined in the owners manual)

– Check tire pressure (checked weekly)—for wear and tear, damage to vehicle glass or body

– Check windshield wiper blades, headlights, tail lights, and turn signals

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Pre-drive Safety Vehicle Orientation (Cont)– Adjust seat, fasten seatbelt and shoulder restraints to fit

snugly across hips and chest When seated properly, chin should be above steering; you

should be at least 10 inches from the steering wheel; sit directly behind steering to allow for access to brake pedal and accelerator, while keeping heel of foot on floorboard

Pedal extensions are available to allow short drivers to maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel

– Adjust head restraints directly above ears to help minimize neck injuries and reduce whiplash

– Adjust mirrors to gain maximum field of vision and sight distance from rear and side view mirrors—helps to eliminate and reduce mirror blind spots The side view mirrors should be adjusted to see the vehicles in

the lanes beside your vehicle The rearview mirror should be adjusted to frame the back

windshield

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Control Devices Cruise control device—allows a driver to select and travel

at a set speed, works at speeds above 25 mph, and should not be used on slipper surfaces

Gears below the drive gear (sometimes labeled D1 or D2) will provide more engine power

Horn—operated by pressing a button on the steering—check the sound to ensure it is operational—never use to horn to show anger. By law, all vehicles must have one!

Steering wheel—controls the direction of the vehicle’s front wheels--always turn in the direction you want the vehicle to move– Driving with the hands in the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock position

reduces excessive steering, helps protect the driver from airbag injures and improves vehicle stability

– One method of determining correct distance from the steering wheel is by extending the arms over the steering wheel until the top of the steering wheel is in line with the wrist joint

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Control Devices Windshield Wipers

Alternator –provides electricity to run the engine and charge the battery

Accessory Power Outlet

Air bag readiness

Seat belt reminder 5

Control Devices Oil pressure indicator

Low fuel

Monitors the anti-lock brake

Rear defroster

High beam indicator

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Vehicle Balance Vehicle balance—refers to the distribution of weight of the

vehicle on the tires as they meet the ground.– Vehicle balance is maintained through precise steering,

smoother acceleration, and controller braking—ideal vehicle balance is reached when car is stationary

– Roll—weight transfer from side to side

– Pitch—weight transfer of vehicle moves forward or backward

– Yaw—vehicle moves left or right– Acceleration results in weight transfer backward; Breaking

results in weight transfer forward 7

Vehicle Balance

Threshold breaking—used to maximize the braking effect of the vehicle—provides maximum traction to the front tires for braking just short of lock up.

Hand over hand steering—useful when maneuvering in a space with limited sightlines, such as perpendicular parking in a congested shopping center– One hand steering is recommended when backing vehicle

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Targeting and Visual Reference Points Field of vision includes:

– Focus (Focal) Vision—used to read and identify distant objects and covers three percent of one’s visual field

– Central (Limited Fringe) Vision—used to judge depth and position – Peripheral Vision—used to judge depth and position

Line of sight is the distance you can see ahead in the direction you are looking

Path of travel—is directed towards the target area—target is a fixed object ahead, located in the center of your path of travel, and 20-30 seconds ahead on an expressway

Target Area—open is a place where you can drive without restriction; closed area—means that there is a restriction within your sight 9

Targeting and Visual Points

When you drive, you should glance frequently as far ahead as possible, check your rearview mirrors, and check your side view mirrors

Blind spots are areas you cannot see in either your mirrors or peripheral vision.

If the front bumper is 3-6 inches from the curb line, the line of sight will extend from the driver through the front window (near the mirror)

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Lane Positions – Learn These!

Lane Position 1— is where the car is centered within the travel lane

Lane Position 2— is where the car is 3-6 inches away from the left line of the travel lane– Position 2 is used when there is a restriction in your path

of travel or line of sight or when you are turning left

Lane Position 3— is where the car is 3-6 inches away from the right line of the travel lane– Position 3 is used when there is a restriction of travel or

your line of sight, or when you are turning right

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