Rural Areas Chapter 10 Flashcards

Rural Roadways

• Generally feature wide open spaces but may be narrow.
• Can have paved or gravel surfaces; may or may not include shoulders.
• Conditions are variable and can change unexpectedly.

Safe Speed Considerations

• Safe speed should account for traffic volume, weather conditions, terrain like hills or curves, intersections, and the width of roads.

Traffic Controls on Rural Roads

• Serve to inform drivers of upcoming hazards, major intersections, and unusual driving conditions.
• Help regulate traffic flow in constricted spaces.

IPDE Process

• Stands for Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.
• Essential for anticipating and responding to driving situations effectively, especially in rural areas.

Using the IPDE Process in Rural Driving

• Maintain a visual lead of 12-15 seconds to react in time.
• Adjust speed to ensure vehicle control when braking or steering.

Handling Curves

• Assess surrounding zones before entering a curve to anticipate oncoming vehicles and open pathways.
• Slow down before sharp curves and accelerate gently upon exiting.

Situations Requiring Increased Following Distance

• Tailgating, steep slopes, and while following large vehicles or trailers need increased following distance.
• Especially important in wet or icy conditions.

Entering Multilane Rural Highways

• Check all zones before turning onto a highway.
• For left turns, larger gaps are necessary; accelerate to match prevailing speed upon entry.

Passing Another Vehicle

• Ensure passing is worth, legal, and safe.
• Maintain a distance of three seconds behind the vehicle being overtaken.

Steps for Passing on Two-Lane Roads

• Prepare with adequate following distance, signal intentions, and check blind spots before smoothly changing lanes.
• Accelerate safely and drive away from the vehicle once passed, ensuring not to exceed speed limits.

When Not to Pass

• Avoid passing near railroad crossings, on bridges, curves with restricted visibility, or in adverse weather conditions.
• Only attempt to pass one vehicle at a time in congested scenarios.

Passing Slow Moving Vehicles

• Identify slow-moving vehicles promptly.
• Keep a safe following distance and remain vigilant for oncoming traffic.

Dealing with Animals on Roadways

• Evaluate zones for potential animal crossings.
• Ensure sufficient space to slow down or stop effectively if an animal appears.

Separating Hazards When Meeting Traffic

• Adjust speed to manage hazards one at a time for safer navigation.
• Select locations with more space when meeting oncoming traffic.

Mountain Driving Precautions

• Accelerate slowly uphill and use brakes or downshift when descending.
• Watch for weather changes and altitude effects on vehicle performance and driver alertness.

Desert Driving Precautions

• Protect against heat effects by wearing sunglasses, taking breaks, and carrying ample water.
• Monitor vehicle maintenance closely, especially tire pressure and engine service requirements.

Speed Regulations

• Posted speed limits indicate maximum speeds under optimal conditions.

Signage and Traffic Controls

• Traffic controls provide necessary alerts and information regarding approaching situations.
• Solid yellow lines signify no passing zones; divisive roadways separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions.

Additional Definitions

• Flash floods are sudden water surges from heavy rain.
• Runaway vehicle ramps on mountain roads offer escape routes for vehicles with brake failures.
• Advisory speed signs indicate safe speeds for curves.
• Pull-out areas provide additional lanes for slower vehicles on mountain roads.
• Medians separate opposing lanes, while slow-moving vehicles are those unable to reach highway speeds.
• Switchbacks refer to sharp turns bending in the opposite direction.