Providing Excellence in Regulatory Compliance Management Systems
Table of Contents BACKING PROBLEMS...- 3 - BACKING TECHNIQUES...- 4 - CONSTRUCTION WORK ZONES...- 6 - COURTESY AND SAFE DRIVING...- 8 - DEFENSIVE DRIVING...- 9 - DISTRACTED & DOZING...- 10 - DRIVE DEFENSIVELY...- 12 - DRIVING EMERGENCIES...- 14 - EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICES...- 16 - FATIGUE CAN BE FATAL...- 17 - FIGHTING DRIVER FATIGUE...- 19 - FLASHING YELLOW...- 20 - THE INTERSECTION PROBLEM...- 21 - KEEPING YOUR SEAT BELTS SAFE...- 23 - LAW AND CONDITION DICTATE TOP SPEED...- 24 - PEDESTRIAN CROSSING...- 25 - PREVENT VEHICLE FIRES...- 27 - RIGHT AND LEFT TURNS...- 28 - THE RIGHT-OF-WAY...- 30 - ROADS AND WEATHER...- 31 - SAFE DRIVING ON SUPERHIGHWAYS...- 33 - SCHOOL BUS SAFETY...- 35 - SEAT BELTS...- 36 - SEEING WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT...- 38 - TAKE SAFETY WITH YOU ON VACATION...- 39 - TO BE SEEN IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY...- 40 - TRAFFIC JACKKNIFING...- 42 - TRAFFIC SIGNS...- 43 - TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS...- 44 - TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE...- 46 - VACATION TIME...- 47 - VEHICLE FIRES!...- 49 - VEHICLE MAINTENANCE...- 50 - WINTER DRIVING...SKIDS......- 51 - WINTERIZING...- 53 - - 2 -
BACKING PROBLEMS While backing is to be avoided whenever possible, every driver must make some backups on nearly every trip. The first thing is that all backing must be done slowly. Before reversing, get a clear view of the spot into which you must back. Back in as long as you can see the backing path clearly in the rearview mirrors. If the place is strange, or if there is any question about clearances, a good driver will get out of the vehicle and survey the place to be backed into. (Note any obstructions, low-hanging wires or signs, or fire escapes. Clearances must be wide enough and high enough.) The expert will drive as close as possible before starting to backup, make the turn on the driver's side, if possible, so that you can see the back of the vehicle swinging into position. At all times be sure to watch clearances on both sides through his rearview mirrors. When within a few feet of your stop, lean out and look directly behind the vehicle until the backup is completed. Drivers may use another person to direct their backing maneuver. Standing at the rear where the guide can be seen either directly, or through mirrors by the driver, the guide gives positive signals for steering, slowing and stopping. Approach every backing maneuver with caution and a soft touch on the gas pedal. Too much speed in backing can ruin a driver's day. Good drivers who must go into a dead-end alley or driveway where there's no turnaround usually will back in from the street, so as to avoid the necessity of backing out into traffic. If necessary to back into the street, they will get someone to flag down traffic or to signal when the way is clear. Drivers in residential neighborhoods should never start backing out of a parking space without first walking around to make sure there's nothing in the way. There have been too many cases of children stopping to play behind a parked vehicle, only to be crushed when a driver backed up without looking. Such obstacles as children, tricycles, boxes and the like cannot be seen through the rearview mirrors. Expert drivers agree that backing is a slow, tedious and sometimes dangerous operation and they try to avoid it whenever possible. When backing cannot be avoided, be in control of the vehicle, even in reverse motion. Always take it slow and easy. - 3 -
BACKING TECHNIQUES Poor backing can result in damage to costly equipment and buildings, and can cause serious injury and death. Backing accidents are almost always preventable if the driver is properly trained and prudent. Drivers should avoid backing whenever possible, or pick spots that reduce backing to a minimum. This is a knack that can be learned. Park defensively by choosing your parking spot as prudently as you can, not too close to a corner or driveway, not too close to a road or construction site, and not where your vehicle will block or crowd other vehicles. Park in the direction traffic is moving, and center your vehicle in the parking space. If parked on an incline, turn front wheels to wedge into the curb on the downhill side. Rather than park at the curb, a driver making residential deliveries may sometimes pull into a private driveway to park for the errand. This can be dangerous. Before backing out, make a walk around inspection to be certain no children are playing behind. When in an alley that does not permit drive-through or turnaround, back into the alley (unless prohibited by local ordinance). This will allow you to see the traffic picture as you drive out. If you have to back out, ask someone to act as your guide and signal when it's all clear. The driver who practices defensive parking will never take any situation for granted, but will observe and judge each parking requirement on its own. Even though backing into a particular parking spot a dozen times, look and evaluate the same spot each time to be sure of clearances and to make certain no new obstacles are in the way. When backing up, it's not only the rear that's in reverse. Learn exactly how the rear end responds to every little twist of the steering wheel when backing by practice and more practice. Be acutely aware of that big blind spot when backing. Even rear-view mirrors can't see around the obstruction. The only way for the driver to know for sure is to get out and look. Learn the exact clearances on either side, what steering is needed and the exact distance to your stopping point. Every driver must know exactly what is going on around them at all times. This includes backing up a vehicle and must be done slowly. - 4 -
Even after a walk-around inspection, it is often advisable to have someone watch and signal for change of direction and for slowing and stopping. The signals to be given by the helper should be hand signals, not shouted directions. Signals should be uniform for all drivers and spotters. - 5 -