CLASS NINE

SHARING THE ROAD WITH TRUCKS AND LARGE VEHICLES,
MOTOR CYCLES, BICYCLES AND PEDESTRIANS

• To reduce the chance of a crash with a large tractor-trailer, the so-called “18 wheeler” motorist must be familiar with a truck’s physical capabilities and common maneuvers.

 

• According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 71 percent of fatal crashes involving two or more vehicles – in which one is a truck – are caused by the other vehicle, usually a car.

BRAKING

• Tractor trailers take longer to stop than a car traveling at the same speed.
• The average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can stop in about 130-140 feet, less than half the length of a football field.

 

• A fully-loaded tractor-trailer may take more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop, or one-third more than the length of a football field

TURNING

• The driver of a tractor-trailer must often swing out to the left as the first step in making a right turn. 
• When following a tractor-trailer, observe its turn signals before trying to pass.

 

• If it appears to be starting a left turn, wait a moment to check and see which way the driver is going to turn before passing on the right

A TRUCKER’S BLIND SPOTS

• Many motorists falsely assume that truckers can see the road better because they sit twice as high as the driver of a car. 

 

• While truckers do enjoy a better forward view and have bigger mirrors, they still have serious blind spot in top which a car can disappear from view.

• A trucker can see up to 20 feet in front of the cab, up to 20 feet on both side of the tractor trailer, and up to 200 feet in the rear.
•  Motorists lingering in blind spots on the sides or at the rear of large trucks hamper the truckers’ ability to take evasive action to avoid dangerous situations, thus increasing the possibility of a crash.

 

• An excellent rule of thumb for motorists sharing the road with a tractor-trailer is “if you can’t see the truck driver in his side mirror, he can’t see you.”
• Trucks have longer stopping and accelerating distances, wider turning area, and weigh more.

 

• On multi-lane highways tractor-trailers stay in the center lane to help the flow of local traffic on and off the highway.
• Staying in the middle lane also increases a truck driver’s option if he or she has to switch lanes in order to avoid a dangerous situation or a crash.

No Zone - 18 Wheeler's Blind Spot

• List of common mistakes motorists must avoid when driving around trucks:
• Cutting off a truck in traffic or on the highway to reach your exit or turn
• Don’t linger alongside a truck when passing
• Following too close or tailgating
• Never under estimate the size and speed of an approaching tractor-trailer

 

SIZE AND WEIGHT REGULATIONS

• It is illegal to move any vehicle which exceeds the legal size, and weight limits on any highway, except with a special permit.

 

• Width – No vehicle shall have a total outside width, including load, of more than 8 ½ feet.  One exception to that rule is farm tractor. Their width may not exceed 9 feet.

 

• Height – No vehicle shall exceed a height of 14 feet, including any load that may be carried.

 

• Length – No single vehicle, except for fire-fighting equipment, shall exceed an overall length of 45 feet, including the front and rear bumpers.

 

• All other combinations of vehicles, with or without a load, such as motor home pulling a boat may not exceed a total length of 65 feet.

 

Loads Projecting to the Sides

• No train of vehicles or single vehicle shall carry a load extending beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of the vehicle nor extending more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side of the vehicle
• Posting of Registered Gross Laden Weight – The Utah Tax Commission requires that every vehicle registered for 16,001 pounds or more have the weight for which it is registered displayed upon both the left and right sides of the vehicle. 

 

• The information must be in letters not less than two inches high and placed in a location that is easily seen.
• Equipment – What are the equipment required for ALL motor vehicles in Utah

 

• Headlights
• Tail and stop lights
• Turn signals
• Parking lights
• License plate light
• Reflectors
• Clearance lights
• Side mark lights
• Flags and lights for extending loads
• Red and blue lights visible from the front
• Slow-moving vehicle emblem
• Brakes
• Parking brake
• Horn
• Windshield
• Windshield wipers
• Sirens, whistles, and bells – only emergency vehicles
• Safety chain or cables
• Pollution control devices
• Mud flaps or guards
• Flares, reflectors, electric lights, and flags (trucks and buses)
• Fire extinguisher

 

• What are the three rules for towing another vehicle?
• The draw-bar or other connections between any towed vehicles may not exceed 15 feet in length from one vehicle to the other.
• When a connection consists of a chain, rope, or cable, there shall be a red flag or other signal attached to the connecting device.  The flag shall be no smaller than 12 inches square (one foot square)
• No person shall operate a train of vehicles when any trailer or other vehicle being towed whips or swerves dangerously or unreasonably from side to side

 

• Placement of Warning Devices – Warning devices must be displayed any time your vehicle is at least 80 inches wide or 30 feet long, and is disabled or stopped along the road for more than ten minutes. 
• What are the two steps for placing warning devices in emergency situations?

 

• Immediately place a flare, lighted fuse, electric lantern, or emergency reflector to the side of the vehicle – in the direction of the nearest oncoming traffic.
• Next, place flares, electric lights, or reflectors 100 feet to the front and rear of the vehicle.  Also place a warning device on the traffic side of, and not less than 10 feet from, the rear of your vehicle
• On a one-way street, the rear flag should be placed 200 feet to the rear.
• Warning devices need not be displayed if there is sufficient light to reveal persons or vehicles from 1,000 feet
• If your vehicle breaks down within 500 feet of a curve, hilltop, or something else that obstructs a clear view, the warning device in that direction shall be placed far enough away to give ample warning to approaching motorists.
• The warning device may not be placed more than 500 feet away from the vehicle nor closer than 100 feet to the vehicle.
• All warning devices must be placed in the center of the lane in which your vehicle is stopped.  If your vehicle is entirely off the road, place the devices on the shoulder of the road as close as possible to the road surface.

 

• What are the safe ways to use Flares and Fusees?
• Keeping the lighted end well away from your face and eyes.  Fusees, especially, can cause bad burns
• Not attaching any flare or fuse to your vehicle.  Not only is this a very dangerous action, but it is also illegal
• Keeping the burning flares or fusees away from fuel leakages and spills

 

This video shows you how to effectively light a road flare in order to
keep you and your family safe during road side emergencies  

 

• What must Convoys, Caravans, and Motorcades do?

Answer:  If you are part of a convoy, caravan, or motorcade, you must allow sufficient space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you for an overtaking vehicle to pass you and safely occupy that space.
                                                       

• TIRE FIRES – What are the things you can do to decrease the chance of tire fire
• Check tires and brakes frequently for unusual heat
• Never drive for an extended period of time on a soft or flat tire or with a brake that is dragging.  These situations can result in heat buildup and cause a tire fire.
• Never ignore a tire that is hot.  Either stay with the vehicle until the tire is cool or change it.
• Remember to always release your parking brake before moving the vehicle
• Remain alert for potential problems from:
• Brakes that are dragging or overheated
• Leaking oil seals that may splash oil on a hot tire
• Dual tires that are partially deflated.  When these conditions exist, your odds for a fire are very high.

 

• What actions should you take if a tire fire occurs?
• A large supply of water is probably the best remedy for a tire fire.  If possible, get to a fire station or assistance
• Fire extinguishers are usually not very effective for this type of fire.  Shoveling dirt on the tire can sometimes retard the fire enough for you to get the tire off
• If you cannot get the tire off, try driving until the tire burns off the rim or until you reach a good source of water.  This alternative is certainly better than just waiting.  If you just sit and wait, your vehicle will probably burn up
• As a last resort, drop your trailer by doing that, you will at least save one of the units.

 

PT Cruiser Engine on Fire - Tire Explodes

 

 

 

• What are general tips for dealing with vehicle fires?
• Do not waste the contents of your fire extinguisher.  The contents are limited, so take careful aim and make every burst count
• Fight fires with the wind at your back.  If you are using an extinguisher, your efforts will be more effective and you will avoid having poisonous or caustic gases blown into your face.
• Be familiar with different types of fires. For example, fighting a gasoline or oil fire with water will only spread the fire.

 

 
Car Fire Training Video

 

• Clearances – List three necessary precautions you must take when driving a larger vehicles as regards to height, width, and length of vehicles
• Knowing the dimensions of your vehicle.  Squeezing through a tight place is risky.  In those instances in which your clearance is less than six inches, be safe and slow down.  Hazards such as rough roads might cause you to bounce into a low ceiling or swerve into a close wall
• Being aware that some bridges and tunnels are not made for a car and a truck to pass through at the same time.  If you have any doubts, let the other vehicle go through first.
• Keeping an eye out for fire escapes, low hanging trees limbs, and filing station canopies. 

 

• What are the things that can happen to your brake in freezing weather?
• They may be completely ineffective for several hundred feet, then suddenly grab as the friction dries out the brakes.
• All moving parts can freeze solid resulting in the complete loss of brakes
• The brakes may not release once they are applied

How do you prevent brake problem from occurring in freezing weather?

Answer:  To help prevent problems from occurring, lightly touch your
brakes occasionally.

 

What are safety tips for backing a large vehicle?

• When backing, use a guide if possible
• Even with a guide, you should get out of your vehicle and look the area over before you begin to back.
• Never back an RV or any large vehicle into traffic

 

MOTORCYCLES

• What does SEE means in reference to Motorcyclist?
• SEE is a simple system used to heighten awareness of potential problems while on the roadway.
• S – stands for Search for factor in the area
• E – stands for Evaluate the potential risks and options
• E – stands for Execute with control and precision
• What does sharing the road demands from all users?
• Attitude plays an important part in creating a safe highway environment
• Sharing the roadway requires cooperation from both motorist and motorcyclist
• Sharing the road requires common sense, courtesy, obeying the law
• What is the mean by which motorcycle can be made visible in traffic?

 

Answer:  Turning on the headlights during the daytime will make a motorcycle more visible in traffic

• Motorcycles are hard to see and move quicker
• Where do most motorcycle accidents take place?  Intersections
• How much room should you give a motorcycle
• When passing him  -  full lane
• When following him    -  4 to 5 seconds
• Motorcycle  can stop and accelerate faster than cars
• Why do motorcycle change lane position so much in traffic?  They are smaller
• In the event of an accident, the car driver is usually at fault for the accident
• The motorcycle rider must be sure he is visible to the car

BICYCLES

• Bicycle riders have the same right and responsibilities as a car driver does
• They must obey the same laws as the car driver
• A bike can legally move to the left to avoid problem
• A bike is hard to see because of its size
• What could be hazardous for a bike?  Snow, rain, ice and sand
• Bicyclist must signal their intentions
• What are the five (5) tips for safety given in the Utah Driver Handbook?
• Obey signs and signals
• Ride against traffic
• Use hand signals
• Ride in straight line
• What is the distance required by law for motorist when passing a bicyclist

Answer:  three (3) feet

• Children on bicycles can create some special problems because?
• They cannot see things out of the corner of their eyes as adult can
• They have trouble judging the speed and distance of oncoming cars
• They lack sense of danger
• Their actions are unpredictable
• In sharing the road with bicyclists, motorist should take the following precautions:
• Do not drive in a bicycle lane except when making a turn
• When changing lanes or making turns, check for bicyclists in your blind spot
• You must yield to bicycles in a bicycle lane or on a sidewalk prior to turning across the lane or sidewalk
• At intersections, you must yield to bicycle riders on the road, the same as for other types of vehicles
• Do not crowd bicyclists.  When the lane is too narrow to pass a cyclist safely, wait until the next lane is clear and give the bicycle all the rights of any other slow moving vehicle
• Pass a bicycle in the same manner you would a car.
• Dim your headlights within 500 feet when approaching or overtaking bicyclist at night.
• If parked at a curb, do not open a door on the traffic side of your vehicle without looking for other vehicles, including bicycles
• Do not honk or yell at a bicyclist except in an emergency.  The loud noise could startle the bicycle rider and cause him/her to fall off the bike.
• Be especially careful around children riding bicycles
• Be aware that riders cannot always hear approaching vehicles.  Passing closely and rapidly can startle bicycle riders
• Over 39,000 bicyclists are killed or injured in the United States every year.  Bicyclists have the same right on the road as cars.  Be cautious and courteous when you approach someone on a bicycle.

 

 

 
Share The Road with Bicycles

PEDESTRIANS

• Pedestrians have the right of way when they are in a marked or unmarked crosswalk or intersections
• You must yield to any person using a white cane
• Every intersection has a crosswalk
• A person carrying a white cane is legally blind
• 60% of pedestrian fatalities occur between 6 pm and 6 am
• 5% of pedestrians struck at 20 mph will die, and 40% struck at 30 mph will die.
• What problems do senior citizens have as pedestrians in traffic, list 3

 

• They move slow
• Some are hard of hearing
• Some have bad eye sight

 

SAFETY BELTS

• Motor vehicle crashes are the major cause of death and injury to individuals up to the age of 24.
• Your chances of being killed are 23 times greater if you are thrown from a car.  Safety belts help keep you in the car
• Four out of five crashes occur at speeds under 40 mph
• Three out of four crashes resulting in death are within 25 miles of home.  Not using a safety belt because you are just going to the store is a poor excuse and dangerous
• Less than half of one percent of all injury-producing collisions involves fire or submersion.
• Drivers wearing safety belts have more control over their vehicles in emergency situations and are more likely to avoid a crash
• In Utah, approximately two out of three motor vehicle deaths would not happen if safety belts were worn.
• Persons not complying with the safety belt law may be required to pay a fine
• You may be stopped and cited if anyone under 19 years is unrestrained in your car
• Occupants of the vehicle 19 years and older may be cited for a seat belt violation if stopped for some other reason.

Car Safety Belt 0:42 minutes  

CHILD SAFETY SEATS

• Approximately 1400 Utah children under the age of five are injured and 15 to 20 are killed each year in motor vehicles crashes
• One out of every 57 children born in Utah will be seriously injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash before age five, unless he or she is using a car safety seat or safety belt.
• Unfortunately, only about 44% of the children in Utah regularly ride in a safety seat.
• These facts constitute a major public health concern for the State of Utah.
• Compliance with child passenger safety laws decreases the number of deaths and injuries to young children
• Children under age EIGHT (8) must be properly restrained in an approved car safety seat
• The driver must provide for the protection of each person of EIGHT (8) years of age up to 16 years of age by using an appropriate child restraint device or a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt
• Authorized emergency vehicles, mopeds, vehicles not equipped with safety belts by the manufacturer, motorcycles, school buses and vehicles that provide transportation for hire are exempt from this law
• Car safety seats must be dynamically crash tested in order to be approved.
• Safety seat manufactured after January 1, 1981, according to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) are the safest seats available.
• A child who is under EIGHT (8) years of age and is 57 inches tall or taller is exempt from the requirement to be in a child restraint device and shall use a properly adjusted and fastened safety belt.

Child Safety Seat 2:56 minutes  

AIR BAGS

 

• An air bag comes out of the dash at 200 mph, faster than the blink of an eye
• It is a “Class B” misdemeanor if you remove, fails to have repaired, or modify your vehicle’s air bag passive restraint system with the intention of rendering the air bag inoperable.
• Air bag related injuries can be prevented by following these critical safety points:
• Children 12 and under should ride buckled up in a rear seat
• Infants should NEVER ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag
• Small children should ride in a rear seat in child safety seats approved for their age and size
• Everyone should buckle up with both lap and shoulder belts on every trip
• Driver and front seat passengers should be moved as far back as practical

 
Airbag Safety 1:55 minutes

 

CLASS NINE END OF CLASS TEST

 

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