40 Questions
What should you do if you find an embedded foreign object in your tire?
Have the dealer or maintenance personnel handle the removal
What can happen if the front tire of your vehicle fails?
You may have difficulty steering and feel vibration in the steering wheel
Why is it important to check the exterior of your vehicle?
To guarantee proper vehicle operation
What should you check before driving your vehicle?
All the vehicle fluids at the manufacturer's recommended levels
Why is it important to inspect hoses daily?
All of the above
What should you inspect on the battery?
The water level and signs of exterior damage
What can cause a blowout?
Both a and b
Why is it important to check wires daily?
All of the above
What is a common sign of a grass fire caused by a vehicle parked over a grassy area?
The odor of bitter smoke
What is the first thing you should do if you sense something unusual while driving?
Apply the brake pedal to verify that the brakes work
Which of the following is a technique that can enhance your ability to be a keen observer?
Driving at or below the posted speed limit
What is a temporary factor that can weaken a driver's observation skills?
Stress
What is a medical condition that can impair observation skills?
High blood pressure
What can you feel in your hands, feet, and other parts of the body that provides feedback about the vehicle's handling?
Vibrations
What is a poor driving habit that can have an effect on observation skills and reaction times?
Tailgating
Why is it important to make adjustments to your meal times and lifestyle?
To avoid drowsy driving
What is the primary reason for adjusting your seat position in a vehicle?
To enable correct steering, acceleration, and braking
What is the recommended position for your right hand on the steering wheel?
4 o'clock position
What should you avoid when gripping the steering wheel?
Holding the wheel too tightly
During a right turn, where should your right hand move to?
The 12 o'clock position
What is the purpose of the shuffle steering technique?
To improve vehicle control during turns
During a right turn, what should you do with your left hand as you move your right hand to the 12 o'clock position?
Maintain contact with the steering wheel and slide into the 6 o'clock position
When should you not use the shuffle steering technique?
When driving in reverse
Why is it important to place your hands in the correct position on the steering wheel?
All of the above
What is the primary reason why more than half of all fatal crashes occur during hours of darkness?
Drivers underestimate their reduced visibility and drive at daytime speeds
What is the recommended method for scanning the area behind the vehicle while backing up?
Look through the rear window and scan the area
When driving in reverse, what is the purpose of placing the left hand in the 12 o'clock position?
To facilitate smooth acceleration and steering
What is the recommended speed for backing up a law enforcement vehicle?
Slowly, except in emergency situations
What is the primary benefit of using mirrors when driving in reverse?
To increase visibility behind the vehicle
What is the purpose of turning the upper body to the right when shifting into reverse?
To improve visibility through the rear window
What is the recommended sequence of actions when backing up a law enforcement vehicle?
Press the brake, shift into reverse, turn the upper body, and accelerate
What is the primary goal of Lesson 1: Night and Subdued Light Driving?
To learn techniques for improving vision while driving at night
What was the primary concern of the Supreme Court in the Brower case?
The use of deadly force to apprehend individuals for minor offenses
What was the outcome of the law enforcement pursuit tactics in the Brower case?
Brower struck a stationary truck, resulting in his death
What distinction did the Court draw in the Brower case?
Between the act of pursuing and the act of blocking or seizing a person
What is the significance of the Tennessee v. Garner case in the context of the Brower case?
It informed the Court's opinion on the use of deadly force in the Brower case
What is the implication of law enforcement taking affirmative steps to halt or force a fleeing individual to stop?
The officers' actions become a seizure under the Fourth Amendment
What is the relationship between the violator's and officers' actions in a law enforcement pursuit?
When merely pursuing, officers have no special relationship with the violator
What is the key factor in determining whether a law enforcement vehicle is considered a deadly weapon?
The intention of the officers to use the vehicle as a weapon
What governs the use of a law enforcement vehicle as a weapon?
An agency's use of force policy
Study Notes
Vehicle Safety and Inspection
- Embedded foreign objects can deflate or blow out a tire, and should be removed by a dealer or maintenance personnel.
- Cuts in a tire can cause a blowout and should be inspected and addressed.
- Inspect the rims on the vehicle for dents, cracks, or damage to the bead.
- Check the exterior of the vehicle for any signs of damage or wear.
Under the Hood
- Check the fluid levels of the vehicle, including engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant reservoir, and windshield washer fluid.
- Inspect hoses for dry rot, cracks, holes, bulges, and leaks.
- Check belts for fraying, cuts, cracks, and gouges.
- Check wires for fraying, corrosion, cracked or missing insulation, and exposure.
Vehicle Operation
- If the front tire fails, the vehicle may lose traction, and the driver may have difficulty steering, feel vibration in the steering wheel, and feel the vehicle pulling in the direction of the affected tire.
- If the rear tire fails, the vehicle may also lose traction and pull in an unpredictable direction.
- Check the operational readiness of the vehicle before driving.
Battery Maintenance
- Check the battery for proper operation, including terminal connections, water level (if applicable), and signs of damage to the battery's exterior.
- Be aware of the risk of fire if the vehicle is left running while parked over a grassy area for an extended period.
Observation Skills
- Driving at or below the posted speed limit can help enhance observation skills.
- Making adjustments to meal times and lifestyle can help improve alertness on the job.
- Stress, emotions, fatigue, and frequent shift changes can weaken a driver's observation skills.
- Prescription and over-the-counter drugs and poor driving habits can also impact observation skills and reaction times.
- Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart conditions, or epilepsy can also impair observation skills.
Vehicle Adjustments
- Proper seating and adjustments to the vehicle can help improve vehicle operation and control.
- Hold the steering wheel with a firm yet relaxed grip, with thumbs resting on the rim of the steering wheel.
- Place the right hand in the 4 o'clock position and the left hand in the 8 o'clock position on the steering wheel.
Steering Techniques
- Perform the shuffle steering technique to make a right turn and a left turn.
- To turn right, move the right hand into the 12 o'clock position at the top of the steering wheel and pull the steering wheel down in a smooth motion into a right turn.
- Continue to turn as the hands meet at the 6 o'clock position by gripping with the left hand and loosening the right hand while maintaining contact with the steering wheel with the right hand.
Backing Up
- When backing, press the brake with the right foot while shifting the transmission into reverse.
- Turn the upper body to the right, placing the right arm on the top of the upper portion of the passenger seat.
- Look through the rear window; scan the area behind the vehicle.
- Place the left hand in the 12 o'clock position, and, with upper body turned, release the brake, and slowly accelerate.
- Back the vehicle while steering, using the left hand and a smooth motion.
Night and Subdued Light Driving
- More than half of all fatal crashes occur during hours of darkness.
- Drivers should be aware of their reduced visibility and adjust their speed accordingly.
- The Supreme Court has addressed the issue of deadly force in law enforcement pursuit, and the use of certain pursuit tactics may result in a claim of a constitutional violation as a seizure by deadly force.
- The use of a law enforcement vehicle as a weapon is governed by an agency's use of force policy.
Learn how to identify and handle tire damage, including embedded objects, bulges, cuts, and rim damage, to prevent blowouts and maintain vehicle safety.
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