Virginia Department of Education

Module Four
Using a Space
Management System
While Interacting with
Traffic
©2016 1
Virginia Department of Education

Module Four
Using a Space Management System While Interacting with
Traffic

Topic 1 Assessing and Managing Risk

Topic 2 Components of a Space Management System
Topic 3 Using the SEEiT Space Management System
Topic 4 Moving the Vehicle
Topic 5 Turnabouts and Parking

2
©2016
 What is Risk?
Driving Risk is the potential that a
chosen action (e.g., speeding, texting,
etc.,) may lead to an undesirable
outcome.
Choices have Consequences.
Every day an average of SEVEN teenagers
are killed in crashes.

©2016 3
 Minimizing Risk
Remaining alert to your constantly changing
surroundings.
Identifying potential hazards and factors that
jeopardize safety.
Assess your options to evade, avoid, or minimize
risk.
Employ compensatory strategies.

©2016 4
Accepting and Compensating for Risk
There is always risk involved in driving
Risk Acceptance Involves
Knowing potential for errors, hazards, and
limitations.
Knowing what the results and consequences could
be.
Risk Compensation involves
Recognizing potential errors, hazards or limitations
present.
Adjusting speed or lane position to reduce
likelihood of errors.
Using appropriate communication to reduce
likelihood of errors. ©2016 5
 Factors that Increase Risk

Driver Driver’s State Driving

Behaviors of Mind Conditions
• Speeding • Intoxication • Weather Conditions
• Aggressive Driving • Drowsiness/Fatigue • Sharp/Blind Curves
• Inattention • Anger/Road Rage • Left Turns
• Incorrect Seat • Impatience • Weave Lanes
Position • Distraction • Heavy Traffic
• Failure to maintain • Carelessness • Pedestrians
vehicle properly • Inattention • Bicyclists
• Not using seatbelt • Wildlife Crossings
correctly

©2016 6
 What is Risk Assessment?
Drivers must have the ability to:
Identify a potentially dangerous situation.
Prepare to take action to avoid a conflict.
Consider options and the potential consequences
of your actions.

©2016 7
YOUR ACTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES

©2016 8
Consequences of Risk-Taking Behaviors

Young drivers take more risks than

other drivers.
Virginia crash data for 2014
1 crash every 4.36 minutes
2.09 lives lost per day
174 persons injured per day
1 out of 25.39 licensed drivers are
involved in a crash

©2016 9
Risk-Taking Behaviors Cause Crashes
Very often drivers actually
create the high-risk
situations they become
involved in.
Speeding is the number one
cause of crashes in Virginia.
What is the relationship
between speed and force of
impact?
How do speed limits
improve public safety?
©2016 10
Risk-Taking Behaviors Cause Crashes

©2016 11
Adjusting Your Speed in Response to
Risk or Danger
Decelerate Accelerate

©2016 12
Adjusting Your Speed in Response to
Traffic Conditions

Reduce speed and keep pace When merging, enter at

with traffic flow. same speed as traffic.

When using deceleration lane,

do not slow down until you have
moved into lane.

©2016 13
Adjusting Your Speed in Response to
Roadway Conditions
Water on the
Curves
roadway

Slippery roads

©2016 14
Adjusting Your Speed in Response to
Vehicle Balance
Accelerating Braking

Weight shifts to rear Weight shifts to front

Avoid sudden inputs, perform smooth inputs

one at a time to maintain maximum traction.
15
©2016
Adjusting Your Position and/or Direction in Response to
Risk or Danger

Steering is the first response to avoid a

collision, but must maintain vehicle control.

©2016 16
Adjusting Your Position and/or Direction in Response to
Traffic Conditions

Avoid driving next to other Keep space between your

vehicles on multi-lane roads. vehicle and oncoming
vehicles.

Keep extra space between

your vehicle and parked
cars.

17
©2016
Adjusting Your Position and/or Direction in Response to
Roadway Conditions
Curves Water on the roadway

Slippery roads Gravel roads

©2016 18
Adjusting Your Position and/or Direction in Response to
Vehicle Control

Turning

Weight shifts in direction opposite the turn.

Brake smoothly, avoid sudden inputs when
steering, and execute one input at a time.

©2016 19
 Assessing and Managing Risk

According to NHTSA, SPEED is the leading

factor in crashes in the United States.

Nearly 55% of crashes is caused by speeding

drivers.

20
 Assessing and Managing Risk
Failure to Yield Right of Way is the second
leading cause of crashes in Virginia.
Right of way is when a driver or pedestrian is
allowed to proceed first at an intersection,
merging roadway, private driveway, etc.
A driver cannot “take”
right of way - it must
be given by another
driver.

©2016 21
 Assessing and Managing Risk
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is the third
leading cause of crashes in Virginia.
In Virginia, 245 persons were killed in alcohol-
related crashes in 2014.

Why are young drivers who consume alcohol at much

greater risk of being involved in a crash?

©2016 22
 Assessing and Managing Risk
Disregarding a
traffic sign or
signal is the fourth
leading cause of
crashes in Virginia.

©2016 23
 Assessing and Managing Risk
Factors Contributing to Risk
Following too closely is
the fifth leading cause of
crashes in Virginia.
You will not crash if you
have space -- space gives
you time to steer or brake
to avoid a hazard.
Why do young drivers tend
to leave shorter following
distances than older
drivers?
©2016 24
 Assessing and Managing Risk
Other Driver Actions that Contribute to
Crashes:
Improper Turns — Examples of improper turns
would be turning wide and going into the
adjacent lane in a right turn or crossing the
yellow line on left turns.
Unsafe Passing — This involves
illegal passing or passing without
sufficient
clearance, and
Lack of driving experience and
risk-taking behaviors.©2016 25
Condition of the Vehicle
Factors such as worn or
bald tires, poorly
adjusted and/or worn
brakes, broken
headlights, worn
windshield wiper blades,
dirty windshield, etc., are
all risk factors increasing
the possibility of a crash.

©2016 26
 Roads and the Environment
Roadway design and
maintenance
Road designs that restrict
vision, such as intersections,
hills and sharp curves.
Weather conditions, such as
sun glare and shadows, wet
slippery roads.
Road surface that affects
traction, such as water, ice,
snow, gravel, dirt, etc.
©2016 27
 Assessing and Managing Risk
Risk is always present,
but remember
Never risk more than
you can afford to lose.
Do not risk a lot for a
little.
Consider the odds and
your situation.

©2016 28
How Will You Reduce Driving Risks?
1. Communicate
2. Change Speed and/or
3. Change Position

©2016 29
Communicating Your Intentions
Headlights Brake lights
Turn signals
and taillights

Hazard Reverse lights Horn

flasher

©2016 30
Communicating Your Intensions
Signal – use lights or hand
signals to communicate
turning, backing, hazards,
warning, etc.
Flash brake light (slowing,
stopping)
Adjust lane position
(indicates intent to change
lanes, turn, hazard in lane
ahead, etc.)
Tap horn (warn, get
someone’s attention)
Use head lights (to see and
be seen, flash to warn
others)

©2016 31
 Changing Speed
Your options are to maintain, increase or
decrease speed if:
path of travel is open.
path of travel is changing.
path of travel is closing.
path of travel is closed.

©2016 32
Changing Position or Direction
It is quicker to change
position than to stop.
You must know what space is
available to:
move into a different lane
position to gain more space
around your vehicle.
change lanes.
turn onto another street .
brake.

©2016 33
Lane Positions

©2016 34
When Space to the Front is Clear

If object or Search 20 - 30

condition reduces seconds ahead

space, move to the

left or right lane
position.
Search 12 -15 seconds
left and right frontal
areas

HSS, LLC

©2016 35
When More than One Object Adjacent to Path of
Travel Poses a Possible Threat
Determine which
poses the greater
risk.
Take one threat at
a time. SLOW

Decide on change
of speed and/or HSS, LLC

position.
©2016 36
When the Planned Path of Travel is Closed, but
Alternate Paths are Open
Identify alternate
paths of travel.
Maintain area into
which steering is
possible on at least
one side.
HSS, LLC

©2016 37
When the Planned Path of Travel is Closed and
There is No Alternate Path
Check to sides and Vehicles

rear. suddenly
stopping
ahead

Flash brake lights and

apply the brakes.
Attempt to open up Check

space ahead. sides and

rear, flash
brake light
HSS, LLC

©2016 38
When There is No Following Traffic
Provides maximum
level of control to the
rear.
Permits quicker and Permits quicker
more abrupt changes and more abrupt
changes of speed

of speed and/or and/or direction

direction. HSS, LLC

©2016 39
 Assessing and Managing Risk
How Much Risk is Acceptable?
Drivers need visibility, space, and time
to avoid conflicts and perform safe
driving maneuvers.
Good seeing habits and the ability to
manage space on the roadway are
essential ingredients for low-risk
driving.
Developing space management
HABITS will reduce driving risks.
©2016 40
 Reducing Driving Risks
Developing Good Habits and Judgement
Positive and
Negative
Experiences

Practicing
Decision
Good
Making
Procedure
Experiences

Observation Developing
Skills Good Habits

Avoiding
Resistance
Complacency
©2016 41
Safe Driving on the “Habit Level”

Practice safe driving

procedures until little thought
is required to perform with
skill and precision.

Is it true that practice makes

perfect?
No, perfect practice makes
perfect!

©2016 42
 How Do You Become Proficient?

To become proficient at any skill requires you to learn the correct

critical elements or mechanics of that skill and then practice these
skills CORRECTLY.
©2016 43
 Developing Good Habits
Plan ahead and leave early.
Prepare yourself and the vehicle.
Perform smooth gradual starts and stops.
Consistently use reference points to
determine vehicle placement.
Establish visual targets in your path of travel.
Check the rearview mirror when you press the
brake or accelerator pedals.

©2016 44
 More Good Habits!
Prior to moving to the left or right, you check
side view mirrors and mirror blind spots.
You always strive to maintain a three or four-
second following interval from the vehicle in
front of you, and create space to the sides and
rear.
When stopped behind a vehicle, you leave
space to move around a stopped vehicle in the
event of an emergency or rear-end crash.

©2016 45
Do YOU Have These Good Habits?
You visually target to the end of the path of travel.
When approaching a light, you adjust speed to time
your arrival to the green light or stop.
Prior to entering an intersection, you check front,
left, and right zones, and back to the front and left
again.
You reduce stress and enhance safety by being
courteous rather than competitive while driving.
You minimize distractions.

©2016 46
Eye Habits for Vehicle Control
Picture intended path of travel
Look down middle of path
Look far ahead

©2016 47
 Searching Habits for Identification

Search the scene

ahead and to the sides.
Search the road
surface.
Scan the mirrors and
dash.

©2016 48
What is a Space Management System?

Assess, Action Step, Evaluate

A space management system helps drivers
organize information into meaningful
categories so decisions can be made easily
and quickly.
Drivers must evaluate potential risk using the
principles of probability (will it happen?) and
consequence (what will be gained or lost?).
©2016 49
Managing the Space Around Your Vehicle
Drivers must manage all six zones around the
vehicle, and adjust position to maintain a safe
margin of space that provides room to steer
in an emergency.
Right-Front Zone Right-Rear Zone
3 5

Front Zone Rear Zone

1 6

Left-Front Zone Left-Rear Zone

2 4

©2016 50
Open, Closed and Changing Zones
A Zone can be OPEN,
CLOSED or CHANGING.
OPEN — Space where you
can drive without restriction.
CLOSED — Space or area is
not available in the vehicle’s
path of travel.
CHANGING — Open zone
changes to a closed zone or a
closed zone becomes an
open zone.
©2016 51
 Space Management

4 to 8-second range — Immediate Action Required

12 to 15-second range —Allows for Escape Routes
20 to 30 second range to the target area — Safe and open path of travel
52
Decisions Based on Space Management to Reduce the
Level of Risk
Executing Decisions
Change speed while maintaining vehicle balance.
Change position while maintaining vehicle balance
and control.
Risk Reduction
Control the Target Area, Line of Sight and Path of
Travel by:
Changing speed.
Changing position.
Effectively communicating intent to surrounding
drivers.

©2016 53
Open, Closed and Changing Areas of Space

Space
Space without
without Space
Space not
not available
available Space
Space in in which
which level
level
restrictions
restrictions to
to line
line of
of for
for car’s
car’s path
path of
of of
of risk
risk is
is increasing,
increasing,
sight
sight or
or path
path of
of travel
travel travel
travel oror restriction
restriction to
to open
open area
area changing
changing
line
line of
of sight
sight to
to aa closed
closed area
area

©2016 54
 Following Distance
The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle
ahead, which gives you more space between vehicles
in case of an emergency.

©2016 55
 Controlling Space
Drivers have the most control over the space directly
in front of the vehicle.
2-Second - Following Distance is effective at speeds
under 35 mph.
3-Second - Following Distance may provide enough
time for evasive steering maneuver on dry surfaces or
to brake at speeds up to 45 mph.
4-Second - Following Distance provides time to steer
out of a problem on dry surfaces and brake out of a
problem at speeds up to 70 mph.

©2016 56
Determining Following Distance
11 As soon as
rear of vehicle
ahead passes
the work zone
44 sign, count the
22 When the 33
seconds.
front of your car 22 If you reach
33
reaches the sign,
the sign before
stop counting. 11
counting 3 – 4
seconds you are
following too
closely.
©2016 57
Measuring Your Following Distance
Begin counting when rear of the vehicle
ahead passes a fixed object such as this tree,

one-thousand-one one-thousand-
two one-thousand-three, and…

©2016 58
 Measuring Your Following Distance
When you reach the fixed object you
have calculated your following distance.

one-thousand-four

©2016 59
Increase Following Distance When
Visibility is limited
Traction is limited
Number of visual and mental tasks increases
Being tailgated
Restricted line of sight
Restricted path of travel
Carrying a heavy load or pulling a trailer
Learning to drive

©2016 60
 Space Behind
Keep a steady speed.
Signal in advance.
Have more space to
front before
reducing speed or
changing position.

©2016 61
 Stopping Behind Another Vehicle
Why should you stop in a position that you can
see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you?

Driver can see tires

©2016 62
Space Management for Intersections
When the light turns green, does that mean you
can immediately move into the intersection?

©2016 63
Managing the Space to the Rear
Check rearview mirrors:
Regularly
Before and while braking
While stopped in traffic
Before and after making
turns
Before and after a lane
change

How will you control the space

©2016
behind you? 64
Managing the Space to the Sides
Strive to keep one of the side zones open at all
times.
Respond to an oncoming vehicle by slightly adjusting
lane position to increase space between your vehicle
and the oncoming vehicle.
Adjust lane position to increase space between your
vehicle and parked cars, bicyclists, pedestrians, etc.

©2016 65
 Space to the Sides
Try to have one car
width of space to
one side of car at all
times.
Avoid driving next
to other vehicles on
multi-lane roads.

©2016 66
 Develop A Visual Lead
Pick out fixed object well ahead, count until
you reach object.
Number of seconds counted is the number of
seconds you were looking.

©2016 67
Virginia’s Space Management System

SEE iT!
Search
Evaluate
Execute in Time

©2016 68
Process for Managing the Driving Environment

SEEiT Space
Management
System
Search for problems
Evaluate options
Execute decisions
In Time
©2016 69
Using a Space Management System
SEEiT
Search – Search the entire scene for
anything that might cross or
interfere with your path of travel.
Evaluate -- Give meaning to what you
have observed.
Determine an alternate path of travel or
change in vehicle position.
Determine proper speed.
Execute In Time -- Carry out any
alternative action needed to minimize
risk. ©2016 70
 Searching
Look ahead, to the sides and behind the
vehicle.
Intended travel path is the main area of focus.
Searching the roadside gives you additional
traffic clues.
Keep eyes active.

©2016 71
 Searching to the Sides

Make sure roadway users will not cross

your travel path.
Before entering
an intersection,
look to the front,
left and right.

©2016 72
 Search in the SEEiT System
Know when, where and what to look for.
Continuously search far ahead, to the sides, to
the rear.
Search for clues: intersections, brake lights,
warning signs, traffic lights, other vehicles,
pedestrians, animals, parked cars, etc.
Search for changes in front wheels of other
vehicles, movement to the rear, from the side,
etc.

©2016 73
 Search in SEEiT
Search intersections, crosswalks, shopping
centers, parking lots, construction areas and
playgrounds.
When driving in rural areas search for hidden
intersections and driveways, curves, hills and
varying road conditions.
Search for trucks and other oversized
vehicles, as well as slow moving farm vehicles,
motorcycles, bicycles, etc.

©2016 74
 Where to Search
Mirrors

Instrument panel 20 to 30 seconds

ahead

©2016 75
 How to Search
20 – 30 seconds 12 - 15 seconds

Can identify potential Can identify objects that

problems. could require a change in
speed or direction.

©2016 76
 When to Search

Involves timing and direction of the search

pattern.
Requires consciously looking to determine
conditions all around the vehicle before
initiating any maneuver.

©2016 77
 What to Search For
Signs, signals and markings
Roadway characteristics
Motorized vehicles
Non-motorized highway users

©2016 78
 Searching and Time
What are potential conflicts in the example below?
You are the driver of the red car traveling at 55mph.
The motorcyclist is traveling at 50mph.
The blue car is traveling at 60mph.
The search process consists of these three ranges:
4 to 8-second range—Immediate Action Required!
12 to 15-second range— look for Escape Routes
20 to 30 second range—Search for open path of travel

20 to 30 12 to 15 4 to 8
seconds seconds seconds

©2016 79
 Test Your Searching Skills

For the following slides, search only for

traffic controls.

Search from side to side and look in the area

ahead as far as you can see.

©2016 80
Search for Traffic Controls

©2016 81
 What did you see?
There is a railroad crossing ahead?
True or False

You are on a one-way street?

True or False

There is a pedestrian crossing ahead?

True or False
©2016 82
Continue Searching for Traffic Controls

©2016 83
 Questions
Are you permitted to make a
right on red at this intersection?
True or False

The traffic light ahead is green?

True or False

There is a white stop line ahead?

True ©2016
or False 84
What did you see?

©2016 85
Search for Traffic Controls

©2016 86
 Questions
You are approaching a sharp right turn?
True or False

There is a traffic control signal ahead?

True or False

The advisory warning speed is 35

mph?
True or False

©2016 87
What did you see?

©2016 88
Search for Traffic Controls

©2016 89
 Questions

There are two pedestrian crosswalks ahead?

True or False

This is a four-lane street?

True or False

There is a pedestrian entering the crosswalk

ahead?
True or False
90
What did you see?

©2016 91
 Test Your Searching Skills

For the following slides search only

for highway conditions.

Search from side to side and as far

as you can see.

©2016 92
Search for Highway Conditions

©2016 93
 Questions
The shoulder to the left is level with the
roadway?
True and False

You are in an area of limited space?

True and False

You have a good sighting distance ahead?

True and
©2016 False 94
What did you see?

©2016 95
Search for Highway Conditions

©2016 96
 Questions
You are in an area of less traction?
True and False

You have a good sighting distance?

True and False

You are in an area of less space?

True and
©2016
False 97
Searching Skills

©2016 98
Search for Highway Conditions

©2016 99
 Questions
The shoulder is level with the roadway?
True and False

You are approaching a blind curve?

True and False

You have a limited sight distance?

True and False
©2016 100
What did you see?

©2016 101
Search for Highway Conditions

©2016 102
 Questions
Your sight distance is poor?
True and False

You have limited visibility to the sides?

True and False

The shoulder is gravel?

True and False
©2016 103
What did you see?

©2016 104
Search for Highway Conditions

©2016 105
 Questions
There are two construction workers ahead?
True and False

The vehicle ahead is braking?

True and False

There is a construction vehicle ahead?

True and False
©2016 106
Search for Highway Conditions

©2016 107
 Test your Searching Skills

For the following slides search

only for other user clues.

Search from side to side and

look out as far as you can see.

©2016 108
Search for other user clues

©2016 109
 Questions
There is a pedestrian walking along the side
street ahead?
True and False

There is a bicyclist coming towards you?

True and False

There is motorcyclist ahead?

True and False
©2016 110
What did you see?

©2016 111
Search for other user clues

©2016 112
 Questions
The vehicle coming towards you is getting ready
to turn left?
True and False

The vehicle ahead of you is in the middle of your

lane?
True and False

There is a pedestrian on the right side of the

roadway?
True and
©2016
False 113
What did you see?

©2016 114
Search for other user clues

©2016 115
 Questions
The parked vehicle on the right has its brake lights
on?
True and False

There is a pedestrian standing along the right side

of the roadway?
True and False

The vehicle coming towards you is continuing

straight across the intersection? True and False
©2016 116
What did you see?

©2016 117
 Test Your Searching Skills

For the following slides you are

searching for all “hints or potential
risk in the driving scene”.
Search from side to side and as far
as you can see.

©2016 118
Search for all clues

©2016 119
 Questions
The traffic light is turning to green? True
and False

There is a pedestrian crosswalk ahead?

True and False

There is a motorcyclist in your lane? True

and False

©2016 120
What did you see?

©2016 121
Search for all groups

©2016 122
 Questions
You have a good sighting distance?
True and False

There is a car pulling out of a driveway ahead?

True and False

The roadway is level with the shoulder?

True and False

©2016 123
What did you see?

©2016 124
Search for all groups

©2016 125
 Questions
The truck is making a left turn? True
and False

The traffic light is green?

True and False

You have a good sighting distance

ahead and to the sides? True and False

©2016 126
What did you see?

©2016 127
Search for all groups

©2016 128
 Questions
You are on a divided highway?
True and False

The truck is moving into your lane?

True and False

You have a limited sight distance? True and

False

©2016 129
What did you see?

©2016 130
 Evaluate
Gives meaning to
your search.
Identifies where the
possible points of
conflict may
occur.
Determines how the
conflict may affect
you if it does
happen. ©2016 131
 Evaluating Risk in the Driving
Environment
Is the traffic light a stale green light?
Will the zone I’m entering be open or
closed?
What lane position is the safest?
What is the other driver going to do?
Is the driver texting?
Is there more than one way to
manage this risk?
Where will the point of conflict
occur?
©2016 132
Evaluating Risk in the Driving Environment
Where is the escape route?
Will someone run the light?
Will a pedestrian enter the roadway?
Is there sufficient traction available?
Is the driver in the vehicle behind me paying
attention?
Will a door of one of these parked cars
open?
Will a squirrel or deer run onto the road?

©2016 133
Evaluation Space

©2016 134
Using a Space Management System
Execute In Time!

As the lane change occurred you had two

options:
slow down and allow the blue car to proceed into
zone 1
or change your position and move into the open
zone 2
©2016 135
 Execute in Time
• You identified a possible conflict developing between you and the blue car.
• This conflict will happen because the blue car is traveling at 60 mph and is
going faster than the motorcycle which is traveling at 50 mph.
• The blue car may cross into your path of travel to overtake the motorcycle.

How would you handle this situation?

©2016 136
 Execute in Time
Without proper searching and evaluating
(decision making skills) you may execute
the wrong decision…

©2016 137
 Executing
Carrying out your
decision
Determine what you are
going to do and how
you are
going to do it
Adjust your speed, adjust
your position,
communicate your
presence
©2016 138
 Topic 4 – Moving the Vehicle
Making Proper
Adjustments
Moving Straight
Forward
Moving Straight
Backward
Backing and Turning
Entering the Roadway
Pulling to the Curb
©2016 139
Before You Move the Vehicle

Make Proper
Adjustments:
Seat
Steering Wheel
Head Restraints
Mirrors
Safety Belts
©2016 140
 Before You Move the Vehicle
 Start the engine with right foot on brake.
 Check instrument panel.
 Adjust accessories (HVAC/sound system,
etc.)
 Select proper gear.
 Release parking brake.
 Signal.
 Check traffic.

©2016 141
 Moving Straight Forward
With right foot on brake and hands at 8 o’clock
and 4 o’clock.
Place transmission in Drive .
Select a target.
Recheck traffic.
Take foot off brake (do not accelerate).
Straighten wheels if necessary.
Move straight towards target.
Accelerate slowly.
Brake as you approach the target.

©2016 142
 Backing

Opps! Many new driver’s first “fender

bender” is a backing collision!

©2016 143
 Reducing Risk When Backing
The rear “Foot Print” is the area behind the vehicle that
the driver cannot see from the driver’s seat.

The foot print for each of the vehicles below is illustrated

by the “pink” areas.

Why are the foot

prints different
for different
vehicles?

©2016 144
 Reducing Risk When Backing
Do you believe that this driver cannot
see all of these children from the
driver’s seat?

©2016 145
 Moving Straight Backwards
Make proper adjustments.
Start the vehicle with foot on the
brake.
Shift to Reverse.
Assume the “straight backing”
position with
Left hand at 12 o’clock.
Backing

Looking over right shoulder.

©2016 146
 Backing in a Straight Line
Check traffic to front, sides
and rear
Select a target
Gradually release brake
pressure
Backing

Move slowly/Cover the

brake
Accelerate (if needed)
©2016 147
Backing &Turning
Signal direction the rear of vehicle
will turn.
Readjust seating position according
to the direction that you will turn
wheel.
Establish visual target (right/left
side).
Use reference points to determine
when to start turning steering wheel.
Turn the wheel in the direction you
want the back of the vehicle to go.
Monitor front of vehicle “swing”.
©2016 148
 Steps for Entering Roadway
Check
Review pre-drive tasks. Check Left Ahead
Start the vehicle.
Shift to Drive.
Release parking brake.
Check traffic and signal
intention.
Move to first available lane.
Cancel signal. Check
Over
Targeting center lane Position. Shoulder
Accelerate gradually to the Check Mirror
flow of traffic.
©2016 149
 Moving to Curb/Side of Road
Check Ahead
Check traffic.
Signal intentions.
Begin reducing speed.
Visually target destination.
Use reference points to
Check
position vehicle 6-12 inches Over
from curb. Shoulder

Secure the vehicle.

Check Check
Behind Mirror

©2016 150
 Types of Turnabouts
Opps! If you accidently drive by your
destination and do not have the option of
driving around the block, execute a
Two-point turn:
Pull into driveway on right side
Pull into driveway on left side
Three-point turn
U-turn
Midblock
At an intersection
©2016 151
 Turnabouts
Minimize risk by:
Being sure local laws permit a turnabout — look for any
signs prohibiting the maneuver.
Making sure you have at least 500 feet of visibility in each
direction.
Being sure you have enough space and time to complete
the turn safely.
Never making a turnabout near or on hills and curves.
Checking continually for other traffic and pedestrians —
check andNOmonitor all zones around your vehicle.
U
Turns

NO
LEFT
Turns
©2016 152
 Two-Point Turnabouts
Backing into driveway on the right side
Steps
1. Check traffic flow. Signal, and
position yourself 2-3 feet from curb. 1

2. Drive beyond the driveway and stop;

shift to reverse and monitor intended
path.
3. Back slowly, turning steering wheel 2
rapidly to the right as you enter
driveway.
4. Straighten wheels, centering car in 3
driveway, and stop with the wheels
are straight.
5. Signal left and exit driveway when
the way is clear. ©2016 153
 Two-Point Turnabouts
Pulling into driveway on the left side
1. Check traffic flow
Signal and position your vehicle to 3-6 1
inches from center yellow line.
When traffic is clear, drive into the
driveway and stop.
Shift to reverse, monitor intended path.
2. Back slowly, turning steering 2
wheel rapidly to the right as you
exit driveway. 3
Straighten wheels, centering car in
roadway.
3. Shift into Drive - Check traffic
and accelerate to normal speed.
©2016 154
 Three-Point Turnabouts

Three-point turns are also called Y-turns and

are an option when no driveway is available,
traffic is light, you cannot drive around the
block, or the available space prevents a U-turn
– never attempt near hill or curve.
Remember, this is the most dangerous turnabout!
©2016 155
Steps to Make Three-Point Turnabouts

Stop close to the right edge or curb.

Search for a 20- to 30-second gap, signal a left turn.
Move slowly forward while turning the steering wheel rapidly to
the left.
when the front wheels are almost to the curb, stop — Check traffic
left and right.
Shift the vehicle into Reverse and, while slowly backing up, turn
the wheel to the right .
Shift into Drive — Check traffic — Signal your intent and
accelerate to normal speed. ©2016 156
 U-Turn Turnabouts
Mid-Block U-Turn

Make sure local and state law permits this

type of turnabout.
A midblock U-turn requires a wide space.
Use caution - this is a high-risk turnabout.
©2016 157
 U-Turn Turnabouts
U-Turn at an Intersection
When making a U-turn
at an intersection,
begin the U-turn in the
left lane closest the
center line or median.
Complete the turn in
the lane farthest to the
right in the opposite
flow of traffic, and
accelerate to the
appropriate speed.
©2016 158
 Leaving Traffic
1 2 3

Check traffic behind Signal

6
5
Search for place to park

Steer gently towards Apply steady

curb pressure for
Release accelerator, tap brake smooth stop
pedal to warn vehicle behind
©2016 159
 Parking Strategies
Look for a parking space with enough room for
entering and exiting.
Observe and follow all signs, laws, pavement
markings.
Look for vehicles exiting parking spaces.
Avoid spaces at the end of parking lanes where being
hit is more likely.
Avoid spaces near a large vehicle that block your
vision when existing and other people’s ability to see
you.
Avoid spaces with a poorly parked vehicle on either
side.
©2016 160
 No Parking!
Parking is NOT allowed:
Beside another parked vehicle (double parking).
On crosswalks or sidewalks.
In front of driveways.
Next to painted yellow curbs or no parking signs.
In a parking space reserved for disabled persons.
On the hard surface of a road when no curb is
present.

©2016 161
 No Parking!
Within 20 feet of an intersection.
Within 15 feet of the entrance to a
fire, ambulance or rescue squad
station.
Within 500 feet of where fire
trucks or equipment are stopped
answering an alarm.
Within 50 feet of a railroad
crossing.
Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
©2016 162
 Angle Parking
Parking diagonally to the curb
1. Signal intention, position vehicle three to
four feet away from the space (as far as
possible).

2. Move forward until side view mirror

appears to align with the first pavement
line.

3. Visually target the middle of the space

and move slowly turning the wheel
sharply.

4. Once front enters space, gradually begin

unwinding the steering wheel while
monitoring the vehicles parked on either
side.
©2016 163
 Exiting Angle Parking Space
Place foot on brake, signal direction
you are going to back, shift to
Reverse, search path of travel.
Back until your vehicle’s front seat
is even with the back of the space,
and begin turning the steering
wheel in the direction you want the
rear to go.
Remember to monitor the front
bumper on the opposite side of the
direction you are turning.
Back into the closest lane; shift to
Drive and move forward.
©2016 164
Don’t Develop These Bad Habits
Failure to continuously monitor traffic to the rear.
Forgetting to signal.
Parking too close to the stall lines.
Speed too fast for precise maneuvering.
Steering insufficient or moving steering wheel too slowly.
Failure to target center of the parking space.
Not using forward reference point and hitting curb.
Forgetting to straighten wheels at the end.
Parking too close to other vehicles.
Forgetting to set the parking brake.

©2016 165
 Perpendicular Parking - Entering
1. Signal intention and position the
vehicle five to six feet away from the
space.
2. Move forward until the side mirror
appears to align with the first line of
the space.
3. Turn the wheel rapidly in the
direction of the center of the space

target
controlling speed.
4. Steer towards a target in center of
the space and straighten the wheels
5. Position the front bumper three to
six inches from the curb or end of
the space. ©2016 166
 Perpendicular Parking - Exiting
Place foot on brake, signal direction
of turn, shift to Reverse, search area
to the rear/sides.
Back until your side mirror is even
with the bumper of the vehicle
located to the side, begin turning
the steering wheel in the direction
you want to go.
Monitor the rear and your front
bumper on the opposite side of the
direction you are turning.
When the front bumper clears the
back of the vehicle, stop, and shift
to Drive.
©2016 167
Parallel Parking on a Two-Way Street
STEP 1
Select a space that is at least five feet
longer than your vehicle.
Flash your brake lights , put on your
turn signal as you approach the space,
and monitor rear traffic.
Place your vehicle approximately three
feet from the vehicle you want to park
behind, aligning your rear bumper with
the other vehicle's bumper.
Put the vehicle into Reverse and turn
the wheels all the way to the right.

©2016 168
Parallel Parking on a Two-Way Street
STEP 2
Slowly back up until you are
at a 45-degree angle using
your side view mirror, back
until you can see the
headlight closest to the
curb of the vehicle behind
to establish the 45-degree
angle.
Stop.
©2016 169
Parallel Parking on a Two-Way Street
Step 3
Turn the wheels all the
way to the left.
Slowly back up while
monitoring the right
front fender until you are
parallel with and within
12 inches of the curb.
©2016 170
Parallel Parking – Exiting the Space
Back-up as far as you can go without
touching the vehicle behind and
signal.
Turn your wheels all the way to the
left and shift to Drive.
Check traffic and make sure your right
front fender will clear the rear of the
vehicle in front of you.
Turn wheels slowly to the right when
your side view mirror aligns with the
bumper of the vehicle ahead.
Select target in your path of travel
and gently accelerate.
©2016 171
Parking on a Hill - Facing Downhill
Parking with or without a curb Downhill
Position your vehicle 6” from the Parking
curb.
Let the car move slowly forward
while turning the steering wheel
sharply to the right until the right
front tire rests against the curb (if
there is one).
Shift into “P” (Park) if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic
transmission or into REVERSE gear
for a manual transmission.
Engage the parking brake.
©2016 172
 Parking on a Hill – Uphill with No Curb
1. Drive as far off the roadway onto Parking Uphill
the shoulder as possible and with NO Curb
stop.
2. Turn wheels away from traffic.
3. Shift into “P” (Park) automatic
transmission, or into FIRST gear
for a manual transmission.
4. Engage the parking brake.

©2016 173
 Parking Uphill – With a Curb
Position your vehicle 6” from the curb Uphill Parking
and stop. with a Curb

1. Turn your steering wheel away from

curb and let the vehicle move slowly
back until the back of the front tire
touches the curb.
2. Shift into “P” (Park) if your vehicle is
equipped with an automatic
transmission or FIRST with a manual
transmission.
3. Engage the parking brake.
©2016 174
 Parking Lot Strategies
Obey speed limits.
Obey the signs and pavement markings.
Do not drive diagonally across parking lot lane
markings.
Be alert for pedestrians, bicyclists, roller-
bladders and skateboarders.
Avoid tight parking spaces.
Avoid competing for a parking space.

©2016 175
 Parking Garage Strategies
Watch for backup lights
Observe and follow all signs
Stay to the right
Use headlights
Be aware of people in and around the garage

©2016 176
Handicapped Parking
Vehicles displaying this
symbol on their license plate
or in the car on a special
card may park in
handicapped spaces.
Non-handicapped drivers
are prohibited from parking
in handicapped parking
areas and may be fined
($100 +) for violations.

©2016 177
True or False? (Thumbs up or down)

The international handicapped

sign is a white sign with a blue
wheelchair.

©2016 178
Thumbs Down! That is FALSE

The sign is blue with a white

wheelchair.

©2016 179
True or False? (Thumbs up or down?)

A disabled person will be fined

$50 if he/she lets a person who
is not disabled use his/her
parking placard.

©2016 180
 Thumbs Down! That is False!

The fine for a disabled person who

lets a nondisabled person use his
parking permit can be $500, and
he/she can have his/her parking
privileges revoked!

©2016 181
True or False? (Thumbs up or down?)

Fraudulently obtaining a
handicapped placard is a Class 2
Misdemeanor punishable up to 6
months in jail, and a fine of $1,000.

©2016 182
 Thumbs UP! That is TRUE!

If you fraudulently create or obtain a

handicapped placard, you can be
charged with a Class 2 Misdemeanor
which is punishable up to 6 months in
jail, and receive a fine of $1,000!

©2016 183
True or False? (Thumbs up or down?)

The holder of a disabled parking

placard must be a passenger or
driver of the vehicle and must
carry a Disabled Parking Placard
ID card.

©2016 184
 Thumbs UP! That is True!

The person who was issued the

disabled parking placard must be
a passenger or driver in the
vehicle; and, if a police officer
asks, he/she must show the police
officer a Disabled Parking Placard
ID card that matches the placard.

©2016 185
 True or False? (Thumbs up or down?)

If you park in a disabled parking space,

you can receive a $100 to $500 fine.

©2016 186
 Thumbs UP! That is True!

Parking in a disabled parking space is

illegal and expensive - it will cost you
up to $500!

©2016 187
 True or False? (Thumbs up or down?)

The only way to obtain a handicapped

parking placard or license plate is to have a
doctor complete a DMV application form.

©2016 188
 Thumbs UP - That is True!

A doctor must be willing to certify that

you are unable to walk more than 200
yards without assistance.

©2016 189
True or False? (Thumbs up or down?)

Virginia state law empowers civilian

volunteers to write citations (tickets)
for handicapped parking violations.

©2016 190
 That is TRUE

Virginia state law empowers people

who are not law enforcement officers
to write citations (tickets) for
handicapped parking violations!

©2016 191
Please

©2016 192