Driver's Ed: Safeway Driving Classes Flashcards

Seat Adjustments

• Left foot should rest on the dead pedal; right heel on the floor for smooth brake and gas pedal transition.
• Steering wheel height should align with shoulder height, adjusting seat or wheel as necessary.
• Arm should extend towards 12 o'clock on the wheel, impacting wrist level.

Mirrors

• Rearview mirror should frame the entire back window, including top, bottom, and sides.
• Side-view mirrors should be positioned to eliminate visibility of the vehicle's side from the normal driving position.
• For left mirror adjustment, lean against the driver's side door; for the right, lean towards the center.

Inside Compartment

• Loose objects in a vehicle can become dangerous projectiles in accidents or sudden stops.
• Small objects can obstruct accelerator or brake pedals, posing a serious safety risk.
• Distractions from loose objects can detract from focusing on driving.

Lock Doors

• Always lock doors for security and to maintain structural integrity during a collision.
• Fully raise or lower windows; partially opened windows can pose risks.

Engage Seat Belt

• Ensure everyone in the vehicle is buckled up before moving.
• Being ejected from a vehicle significantly increases injury or fatality chances.
• Seat belts are critical for passenger safety.

Reference Points: FRONT Parking

• Right side mirror should align with the curb just above it for accurate positioning.
• Left side mirror is less critical but also should aim for visibility above the curb.

Reference Points: REAR Parking

• Align the bottom center of the rear side windows with the desired line or curb while reversing.

Reference Points: RIGHT Parking

• Position the right curb in line with the bottom center of the windshield when maneuvering.

Reference Points: LEFT Parking

• Align the left curb with the bottom right corner of the inspection sticker during leftward maneuvers.

Targeting

• Aim for a target location 15 to 20 seconds ahead for all directional maneuvers and parking.
• For parallel parking, target an area straight ahead to assist in aligning the vehicle.
• Maintain a consistent target when another vehicle is passing.

Void Area

• Defined as the area that remains unseen due to obstructions caused by the vehicle structure.

Signaling Turns

• Signal at least 100 feet before making a turn for proper communication to other drivers.

Purpose of Reference Points

• Reference points assist in accurately positioning the vehicle during stops.

Eliminating Blind Spots

• Proper mirror adjustments can significantly reduce or eliminate blind spots.

Headlight Usage

• Use headlights in poor visibility conditions and within 30 minutes before dusk or after dawn.

S.A.F.E. Acronym

• S: Space
• A: Aim
• F: Find
• E: Eyes

S.M.O.G. Acronym

• S: Signal
• M: Mirror Inside
• O: Outside Mirror
• G: Go

Correcting Skids

• Target in the direction you want to go, releasing brake and gas, then steer towards the target to regain control.

Entering a Freeway

• Activate left signal, accelerate on the entrance ramp, use mirrors to check traffic, verify blind spots, and merge safely.

Exiting a Freeway

• Put on the right signal and slow down appropriately before exiting the freeway.