Driving Skills Chapter 5

Escape Path

• Defined as a route available to avoid potential conflict situations.

Orderly Visual Search Pattern

• Involves consistently searching vital areas in a pre-determined sequence for safer driving.

Zones

• Six distinct areas surrounding a vehicle that influence driving experience and safety.

Path of Travel

• The expected area that will be occupied by the vehicle during travel.

Open Zone

• A lane or space that allows for unobstructed driving, providing clear visibility and travel path.

Space Cushion

• The area around the vehicle that is clear of hazards, restrictions, and conflicts, promoting a safer driving environment.

Field of Vision

• Encompasses all areas visible to the driver while focusing straight ahead.

Closed Zone

• A space that is obstructed, reducing visibility and hindering the path of travel.

Compromise Space

• A strategy of providing increased space to greater hazards, ensuring safety.

Minimize a Hazard

• A technique to lessen risk by increasing the distance from a potential danger.

Traction

• The frictional force between tire surfaces and the road, critical for effective vehicle control.

Selective Seeing

• The ability to focus on essential clues related to hazards or restrictions in the driving environment.

Target Area

• Refers to a segment far ahead along the driving path, including adjacent areas on either side.

12-15 Second Range

• The optimal distance for drivers to observe potential changes in the driving environment or path.

Peripheral Vision

• The surrounding area in one’s field of vision beyond central focal points.

4-6 Second Range

• The immediate searching range used for fine-tuning vehicle control and path direction.

Separate Hazards

• The process of recognizing and managing hazards one at a time through a structured search pattern.

Scanning

• Adjusting vehicular speed to handle individual hazards sequentially and maintain control.

Central Vision

• The focal area of vision that enables clear and sharp observation.

Line of Sight

• The measurable distance visible ahead in the path of travel, essential for safe driving.