Learn to Drive Smart Driver's Guide PDF

Learn to drive smart Your guide to driving safely What to take to the driver licensing office For the knowledge test you need: primary and secondary identification (see inside of back cover) a custodial parent or legal guardian if you are under 19 the fees for the knowledge test and learne...

Learn to drive smart Your guide to driving safely What to take to the driver licensing office For the knowledge test you need: primary and secondary identification (see inside of back cover) a custodial parent or legal guardian if you are under 19 the fees for the knowledge test and learner’s licence. Make sure you arrive at the office at least one hour before closing to take your knowledge test. For the road tests you need: your current licence primary and secondary identification a safe vehicle, with registration and insurance papers (make sure that the insurance coverage permits you to drive the vehicle) a licensed driver that meets supervisor requirements (if you don't pass your road test, you will be issued a learner's licence that only permits you to drive while supervised) the fees for the road test and photo licence glasses or contact lenses, if you require them to drive for a Class 7 road test, your Declaration of Completion if you have successfully completed an ICBC-approved driver training course. Notes: A  ll road tests are by appointment only. You must book ahead. See chapter 10 for more information and telephone numbers for booking road tests.  If you can't keep your road test appointment, you need to notify ICBC. A fee is charged if you do not show up for your scheduled road test and do not provide either 48 hours notice or a valid reason for not attending. Knowledge and road test fees vary depending on which tests you will be taking. The fees are listed on icbc.com. To learn more about getting your driver’s licence, read chapter 9, your licence. Study + Practice = Success Prepare for your tests! If you do not qualify on any knowledge test, pre-trip or road test you will need to wait before another attempt can be made. Retest wait periods Failed Knowledge Class 5–8 attempt test road tests 1st 7 days 14 days 2nd 7 days 30 days 3 + rd 7 days 60 days learn to drive smart your guide to driving safely  Visit icbc.com to: view and download this and other driver licensing guides and manuals take the online practice knowledge test or download our free app learn more about driver and vehicle licensing in B.C. get information on our products, services and news. © 2020 Insurance Corporation of British Columbia All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Applications for ICBC’s written consent should be made to ICBC, 151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, B.C., V7M 3H9. This publication was formerly titled RoadSense for Drivers. Statement of Limitation ICBC has prepared Learn to drive smart: your guide to driving safely to assist individuals studying for a Class 5, 7 or 7L British Columbia driver’s licence. Learn to drive smart is not intended to take the place of professional training and ICBC does not make any representation or warranty that any individual who studies Learn to drive smart will be successful in obtaining the desired licence. ICBC is not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of Learn to drive smart. Throughout this guide, references are made to acts and regulations that govern driving in British Columbia. This guide reflects the law in British Columbia as set out in these acts and regulations as of December, 2012. These references are written in plain language to help you understand their impact on individual drivers. In the event of a difference between the material included in Learn to drive smart and any of these acts or regulations, the acts and regulations shall apply.  contents Using this guide........................................................................... 1 New drivers................................................................................. 1 Experienced drivers..................................................................... 1 Getting the most from this guide................................................ 1 Organization................................................................................... 2 Design features............................................................................... 3 Developing your smart driving skills Chapter 1 You in the driver’s seat................................................................ 5 Be a thinking driver..................................................................... 5 Be fit to drive.............................................................................. 6 Make good decisions.................................................................. 6 Keep learning................................................................................. 7 Plan your driving............................................................................. 8 Predict the scene............................................................................ 8 Think for yourself............................................................................ 9 Take responsibility..................................................................... 10 You, the driver.............................................................................. 10 Your passengers........................................................................... 11 Other road users........................................................................... 12 Chapter 2 You and your vehicle................................................................. 13 Adjust for safety........................................................................ 13 Seat............................................................................................... 13 Head restraints............................................................................. 13 Seatbelts....................................................................................... 14 Safety restraints for children......................................................... 15 Stage 1 — rear-facing............................................................. 15 Stage 2 — forward-facing with tether..................................... 15 Stage 3 — booster seat.......................................................... 15 Stage 4 — seatbelt only.......................................................... 16 Airbags......................................................................................... 16 Mirrors........................................................................................... 17 Hand controls............................................................................ 17 Steering wheel.............................................................................. 18 Ignition switch............................................................................... 18 Gearshift lever.............................................................................. 18 i  Comparing automatic and standard transmissions..................... 19 Parking brake................................................................................ 19 Turn signal lever............................................................................ 19 Lights............................................................................................ 20 Hazard light switch....................................................................... 20 Cruise control............................................................................... 20 Wipers and washer control........................................................... 20 Horn.............................................................................................. 20 Heater, defroster and air conditioning controls........................... 21 Foot pedals............................................................................... 21 Accelerator................................................................................... 21 Brake............................................................................................. 21 Anti-lock brakes....................................................................... 22 Clutch........................................................................................... 22 Control panel............................................................................. 22 The control panel......................................................................... 23 Pre-trip check............................................................................ 24 Periodic check........................................................................... 24 Checklist....................................................................................... 24 Tire tips......................................................................................... 25 Prepare for winter driving............................................................. 26 Driving and the environment.................................................... 26 Chapter 3 Signs, signals and road markings.............................................. 29 Signs.......................................................................................... 29 Regulatory signs........................................................................... 30 School, playground and crosswalk signs...................................... 31 Lane use signs.............................................................................. 31 Turn control signs......................................................................... 32 Parking signs................................................................................. 32 Reserved lane signs...................................................................... 32 Warning signs............................................................................... 33 Object markers............................................................................. 34 Construction signs........................................................................ 35 Information and destination signs................................................ 35 Railway signs................................................................................. 36 Signals....................................................................................... 36 Lane control signals...................................................................... 36 Traffic lights................................................................................... 37 ii  Road markings........................................................................... 38 Yellow lines................................................................................... 38 White lines.................................................................................... 39 Reserved lane markings............................................................... 40 Other markings............................................................................. 40 Chapter 4 Rules of the road....................................................................... 41 Understanding intersections..................................................... 41 Signalling...................................................................................... 41 Types of intersections................................................................... 41 Controlled intersections.......................................................... 41 Uncontrolled intersections...................................................... 41 Stopping at intersections............................................................. 42 Right-of-way at intersections........................................................ 43 Intersections controlled by traffic lights.................................. 43 Left-turn signals....................................................................... 44 Intersections controlled by stop signs.................................... 45 Intersections controlled by yield signs.................................... 46 Traffic circles and roundabouts............................................... 46 Traffic circles............................................................................ 46 Roundabouts........................................................................... 47 Entering a roadway................................................................. 48 Using lanes correctly................................................................. 49 Which lane should you use?......................................................... 49 Lane tracking................................................................................ 49 Right turns............................................................................... 49 Left turns................................................................................. 50 Turning lanes................................................................................ 51 Multiple turning lanes............................................................. 51 Two-way left-turn lanes........................................................... 51 Turns in the middle of a block................................................. 52 U-turns..................................................................................... 52 Reserved lanes.............................................................................. 52 High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes...................................... 52 Bus lanes................................................................................. 53 Bicycle lanes............................................................................ 53 Pulling into a lane......................................................................... 53 Passing.......................................................................................... 54 Passing lanes........................................................................... 54 Merging........................................................................................ 55 iii  Highway or freeway entrances and exits...................................... 55 Entrance.................................................................................. 55 Exit........................................................................................... 56 Cul-de-sacs................................................................................... 57 Turning around............................................................................. 57 Parking tips and rules................................................................ 58 Chapter 5 See-think-do.............................................................................. 59 See............................................................................................. 59 Observation.................................................................................. 59 Observing ahead..................................................................... 60 Observing behind................................................................... 61 Observing at intersections...................................................... 62 Hazard perception........................................................................ 63 Space conflicts........................................................................ 64 Surprises.................................................................................. 64 Vision blocks............................................................................ 65 Poor road conditions............................................................... 65 Think.......................................................................................... 66 Assess the risk............................................................................... 66 Choose a solution......................................................................... 67 Do.............................................................................................. 68 Speed control............................................................................... 68 Appropriate speeds................................................................ 69 Steady speeds......................................................................... 69 Physics and driving.................................................................. 69 Handling curves...................................................................... 71 Gear use.................................................................................. 71 Steering........................................................................................ 71 Controlling the wheel.............................................................. 72 Keeping good road position................................................... 72 Space margins.............................................................................. 72 Stopping.................................................................................. 72 Space in front — the two-second rule.................................... 73 Space behind.......................................................................... 74 Space beside........................................................................... 74 Lane position........................................................................... 74 Choosing a safe gap............................................................... 75 Communication............................................................................ 76 Turn signals.............................................................................. 76 Lights....................................................................................... 77 iv  Horn......................................................................................... 78 Eye contact.............................................................................. 78 Body language........................................................................ 78 Vehicle language..................................................................... 78 Using see-think-do..................................................................... 79 Applying your smart driving skills Chapter 6 Sharing the road........................................................................ 81 Sharing the road safely.............................................................. 81 See................................................................................................ 82 Think............................................................................................. 82 Do................................................................................................. 82 How to share the road.................................................................. 82 Pedestrians................................................................................ 83 Cyclists....................................................................................... 85 Motorcycle riders...................................................................... 88 Passenger vehicles.................................................................... 89 Large vehicles............................................................................ 90 School buses.............................................................................. 92 Public transit buses.................................................................... 93 Emergency vehicles................................................................... 93 Stopped vehicles with flashing lights........................................ 94 Construction zones.................................................................... 95 Trains......................................................................................... 96 Horses........................................................................................ 98 Chapter 7 Personal strategies.................................................................... 99 Fitness to drive.......................................................................... 99 Seeing and hearing...................................................................... 99 Assessing your health................................................................. 100 Staying awake............................................................................. 100 Keeping focused........................................................................ 101 Cellphones and other devices.............................................. 101 Dangerous emotions............................................................... 102 Impairment.............................................................................. 103 Facts about alcohol.................................................................... 103 Facts about drugs....................................................................... 105 Drugs and driving.................................................................. 105 Medications........................................................................... 105 Illegal drugs........................................................................... 106 Cannabis................................................................................ 106 v  Drugs and alcohol................................................................. 106 Taking risks.............................................................................. 106 Peer pressure.......................................................................... 107 Unsafe passengers................................................................... 108 Unsafe drivers.......................................................................... 109 Aggression on the road........................................................... 110 Preventing aggression................................................................ 111 Organ Donor Registry............................................................. 113 How to register........................................................................... 113 Chapter 8 Emergency strategies.............................................................. 115 Preparing for emergencies...................................................... 115 Emergency driving strategies.................................................. 115 Emergency braking.................................................................... 115 Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)............................................ 116 Skid control................................................................................. 117 Steps to handle a skid........................................................... 117 Environmental hazards............................................................ 118 Loss of visibility........................................................................... 118 Glare and shadows................................................................ 119 Loss of traction........................................................................... 120 Rain........................................................................................ 120 Deep water............................................................................ 121 Ice and snow......................................................................... 121 Stranded or snowbound............................................................. 123 Turbulence.................................................................................. 124 Night hazards.......................................................................... 124 Using the headlights................................................................... 124 Overdriving the headlights......................................................... 125 Vehicle breakdowns................................................................ 126 Tire blowout................................................................................ 126 Brake failure................................................................................ 126 Engine problems........................................................................ 127 Headlight failure......................................................................... 128 Hood flying up............................................................................ 128 Gas pedal sticking...................................................................... 128 Animals on the road................................................................ 129 Collision avoidance.................................................................. 130 At the scene of a crash............................................................ 132 You arrive at the scene of a crash............................................... 132 vi  You are involved in a crash......................................................... 132 Legal responsibilities............................................................. 132 Suggestions........................................................................... 133 References and resources Chapter 9 Your licence............................................................................. 135 Learning to drive..................................................................... 135 Choosing your supervisor........................................................... 135 Professional training................................................................... 135 The Graduated Licensing Program.......................................... 136 Getting your learner’s licence (Class 7L).................................. 137 What you need to take to the driver licensing office................. 137 The knowledge test.................................................................... 137 Take the practice test online................................................. 137 Vision and medical screening..................................................... 138 Learner stage driving restrictions............................................... 138 Getting your novice licence (Class 7)....................................... 139 The Class 7 road test.................................................................. 139 Novice stage driving restrictions................................................ 140 Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) penalties..................... 141 Getting your Class 5 licence.................................................... 141 The Class 5 road test.................................................................. 141 Taking a road test.................................................................... 143 How to book a test..................................................................... 143 When you come for your road test, bring with you................... 144 Choosing a driving school....................................................... 146 ICBC-approved driver education courses.................................. 147 New B.C. residents.................................................................. 147 Re-examinations...................................................................... 148 Keeping your licence up-to-date............................................. 149 Summary of licence classes..................................................... 150 Air brakes.............................................................................. 151 Restrictions, conditions and endorsements.......................... 151 Recreational trailers............................................................... 151 Responsibilities and penalties................................................. 151 Driver’s licence............................................................................ 151 Identity theft and driver licence fraud........................................ 152 Protecting you from fraud.......................................................... 152 Insuring your vehicle................................................................... 153 Outstanding fines and debts...................................................... 154 vii  Penalties for unsafe driving........................................................ 154 Driver Improvement Program............................................... 155 Penalties for impaired driving.................................................... 155 Criminal Code penalties............................................................. 156 Graduated Licensing Program.............................................. 156 Other costs of impaired driving............................................ 156 Vehicle impoundment................................................................ 157 Driving in other locations........................................................ 157 Being a life-long learner.......................................................... 158 More information.................................................................... 159 Chapter 10 Licensing information.............................................................. 159 Booking road tests.................................................................. 159 More information.................................................................... 159 Website addresses.................................................................. 160 Internet.................................................................................... 160 Index........................................................................................ 161 About the knowledge test...................................................... 168 About your road test............................................................... 169 Examiners’ tips........................................................................ 170 Identification (ID)..................................................................... 171 viii using this guide This guide is designed for: new drivers experienced drivers who are: – new to British Columbia – taking a re-examination – brushing up their driving skills. It contains the basic information you need to know to help you drive safely. It will also help you prepare for the knowledge test and the Class 7 and Class 5 road tests. For your convenience you can also download the online version of this manual or get the app at icbc.com. New drivers New drivers are at higher risk of getting in a crash. This guide provides driving strategies to help keep you safe. When you get a Class 7L licence, you’ll be given a copy of Tuning up for drivers. It is a step-by-step guide that helps you practise your driving skills. Use this guide together with Tuning up for drivers to learn or review safe driving strategies. Experienced drivers Use this guide to review B.C.’s driving rules and regulations if you have been licensed to drive in another jurisdiction, if you are taking a re-examination, or if you want to brush up on your skills. This guide also provides information about safe driving practices. Use it along with Tuning up for drivers to help you prepare for your road tests. Getting the most from this guide This guide is divided into 10 chapters. Depending on what you need to know, and whether you are a new or experienced driver, you may decide to read and study all of it, or just parts of it. 1  Organization Each of the 10 chapters provides you with useful information that will help you become a safe, competent driver. The chapters are organized in a way that will help you first learn the basics (developing your smart driving skills) and then apply what you’ve learned (applying your smart driving skills). This guide is designed to help you quickly find the information you need. Check the table of contents and index for a complete listing of topics. Chapters 1 to 5: developing your smart driving skills The first five chapters of this guide cover the basics and are designed to help you develop your smart driving skills. They provide important information for driving that will help keep you and others safe on the road. Chapter 1, you in the driver’s seat, presents some of the common choices that every driver makes. Chapter 2, you and your vehicle, gives an overview of how your vehicle works and how to keep it running well. Chapter 3, signs, signals and road markings, provides information about the signs, signals and road markings you’ll see while driving. Chapter 4, rules of the road, talks about the rules you need to know to drive safely. Chapter 5, see-think-do, teaches you a driving strategy that will help you become competent and avoid problems on the road. Chapters 6 to 8: applying your smart driving skills Chapters 6 through 8 will help you apply the basic information from the first five chapters. Chapter 6, sharing the road, shows you how to safely share the road with all road users. Chapter 7, personal strategies, gives you pointers on how to overcome negative influences that may affect your driving. Chapter 8, emergency strategies, describes challenging driving conditions and gives strategies on how to deal with them. 2 Chapters 9 and 10: references and resources The final two chapters tell you how to get and keep your driver’s licence, and where you can find additional information. These chapters are for your reference only. You will not be tested on this material. Chapter 9, your licence, outlines the steps you need to take to get your driver’s licence. Chapter 10, need to know more?, lists places to go for more information. Design features This guide is designed to be easy to use. Different kinds of information appear in different locations on the page. Understanding the type of information you’ll find in each location will help you use this guide most effectively. Here are two sample pages with items you’ll find displayed in the sidebar on the left side of the page. developing your smart driving skills four-way stops — when there are stop signs at all corners: driving tip The first vehicle to arrive at the intersection and come to a complete stop should go first. chapter 5 — see-think-do If there is any doubt about who has the right-of-way, If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the one on the or if there is any chance of right should go first. a crash, it’s always better to yield the right-of-way to If two vehicles are facing each other and have arrived at You are using the tools of speed control — the accelerator and the other person. the intersection at about the same time, the one making a crash fact the brake. If you drive a vehicle with a standard transmission, left turn should yield to the one going straight through. you’ll also use the gears to help you control your speed. Good In B.C. in 2007: speed control means maintaining appropriate and steady Speed was a factor in speeds based on the driving conditions. Intersections controlled by yield signs about 38 per cent of all reported fatal collisions. A yield sign means that you must let the traffic on the through Appropriate speeds 4,942 people were road have the right-of-way. You may enter the intersection without injured and 167 died stopping if there are no pedestrians, cyclists or vehicles on the in collisions involving Speeding is risky, but the safest speed isn’t always the slowest through road. But you must slow down (and stop if necessary) and speed. speed. If you drive much slower than surrounding traffic, other wait for a safe gap if there is traffic on the through road. drivers might get frustrated and try to pass you. Source: B.C. Traffic Collision Statistics, 2007 Aim for a speed that’s appropriate for the conditions in which Traffic circles and roundabouts you are driving. The posted speed is the maximum for ideal These are found in some areas to help traffic get through an conditions only. Choose a slower speed if the conditions are intersection safely without necessarily stopping the flow of the not ideal — for instance, if the roads are slippery or visibility traffic. is limited. Unless a sign tells you otherwise, speed limits are: Traffic circles 50 km/h within cities and towns Traffic circles are mostly found in residential neighbourhoods. 80 km/h outside cities and towns When you’re using a traffic circle: 20 km/h is the maximum speed limit in a lane or alleyway Slow down as you approach the circle. within municipalities unless otherwise posted. driving tip Obey any posted traffic control signs, such as “Yield” or “Stop” signs. If there are no traffic control signs, treat it as an Driving at a steady speed Steady speeds uncontrolled intersection. saves fuel. Suddenly changing your speed or To keep a steady speed, use your brake and accelerator Yield to any traffic in the traffic circle. If another vehicle arrives driving over the speed smoothly. Driving up to a stop sign quickly and then hitting the at the traffic circle at the same time as you do, yield to the limit will increase your fuel brake isn’t good for your passengers or your vehicle. It can also vehicle on your right. consumption. cause the driver behind to crash into the rear of your vehicle. Go around the traffic circle to the right (that is, in a counter- To keep your driving speed smooth and steady, you need clockwise direction). to anticipate. When you see a stop sign, start to slow down. Scan for hazards ahead, and use your brakes to gradually slow your vehicle. Prepare yourself when you see a hazard ahead. Take your foot off the You must turn right to enter accelerator and cover 1. Cover brake here a traffic circle and right the brake by resting your 2. Apply brake here again to leave it. Yield to foot lightly on the brake vehicles that are already in pedal without activating the traffic circle. If another the brake. Your vehicle will vehicle arrives at the traffic slow slightly and you will 3. Able to stop here circle at the same time as be able to respond more If brake is not covered the car won’t stop you do, yield to the vehicle quickly if you must stop. before the crosswalk on your right. 46 Physics and driving You need to pay attention to the laws of physics when you drive: Traction — this is the grip your tires have on the road. 69 Sidebar Main column 3  Main column Most of the information for each chapter is found in the main column on the right side of each page. This main column also includes: pictures to help illustrate certain points or ideas scenarios called put yourself in the driver’s seat, which allow you to think about what you would do if you were faced with a particular driving situation strategies to help you handle everyday and emergency driving situations. Sidebar in this chapter You will find the following information along the left side of the page: crash fact in this chapter — lists at the beginning of each chapter that let you know what’s included in the chapter driving tip crash fact — facts and statistics about crashes driving tip — practical hints that will help you keep safe on the road warning! warning — important safety information think about think about — questions that invite you to think about your driving choices fast fact — important facts on related topics. fast fact 4  1 you in the driver’s seat Driving gives you the freedom to get around — but it also in this chapter involves certain risks. When you’re in the driver’s seat, you need to focus on the task of driving, make good driving decisions Be a thinking driver and look out for the safety of others. This chapter will help you Be fit to drive think about the choices you can make as a driver to help keep yourself and others safe. Make good decisions –– keep learning –– plan your driving Be a thinking driver –– predict the scene –– think for yourself You in the driver’s seat – part 1 Take responsibility –– you, the driver You’ve had your driver’s licence for eight months now, –– your passengers and you’ve become a pretty good driver. This morning –– other road users you need to take the car in by 9 a.m. for an oil change, and then pick up a friend who lives in the country. You both need to be back in town by noon. You’re not sure if you have enough time. As you were leaving the house, you had an argument with your roommate. Now you’re feeling angry and pressed for time. You have to make many choices as a driver. You have to choose the best route to get to your destination, and decide how much time you need to get there. You have to make decisions about the safety of your passengers, especially if you’re caught in a dangerous situation. You have to decide how much risk to take. And you need to make sure you can focus on driving before you get behind the wheel. A thinking driver puts safety first. Smart driving is about making choices that help keep you and others safe. The choices you make determine what kind of driver you will be. A thinking driver chooses to: be fit to drive make good decisions take responsibility. 5 developing your smart driving skills Be fit to drive You in the driver’s seat – part 2 It usually takes you 25 minutes to drive across town to the garage. When you leave home, it’s 8:45 a.m. To make matters worse, the traffic is heavy, slowing you down even more. You find yourself swearing under your breath. And you are getting angrier about what your roommate said. You feel so frustrated that you notice you’re having trouble concentrating on your driving. What choice would you make? Focus on your driving? or Focus on the argument? You need to be in good shape to drive — alert and able to focus. Feeling angry or frustrated can cloud your judgment and slow down your reaction time. You also need to avoid driving if you have an injury or illness that makes it hard for you to think clearly or quickly. Never drive when you are overtired. Even if you don’t fall asleep, it’s hard to respond quickly when you feel tired. A driver who is impaired by drugs or alcohol is one of the worst driving hazards. This is because drugs and alcohol cause mental confusion and slow reaction times. Impaired drivers are much more likely to cause crashes that lead to serious injury or death. Make good decisions You have to make quick and accurate decisions when you drive. Will you be tempted to run a yellow light because you are in a hurry? Will you take your eyes off the road, to send a text message while driving? Will you take a chance and drive after you’ve been drinking? Being a safe driver requires learning, planning, predicting and thinking for yourself. 6  chapter 1 — you in the driver’s seat Keep learning You in the driver’s seat – part 3 As you’re driving, you spot a playground sign. You know you have to slow down, but you can’t remember when the playground speed limits are in effect. The sign doesn’t say. Is the playground speed limit in effect today as you are driving through the playground? You can’t remember for certain. What choice would you make next time? Playground zones: Signs are easy. 30 km/h limit is I’ll know what they mean in effect every day when I see them. from dawn to dusk. Take the time to learn or Not worry about it? the rules of the road? You’re reading this guide to learn about driving. This is the first step in becoming a good driver. You’ll also spend time practising your driving skills, and may even take professional driver training to enhance your learning. But it’s important to keep on learning even after you have your licence. It will take time for you to gain driving experience. You’ll continually learn how to handle new driving situations and conditions and will need to keep informed about changing vehicle technology. You’ll also need to learn about changes that are made to the rules and regulations of the road. Your skills as a driver will also change. As you gain experience, your skills will increase, but you may become overconfident and too automatic in your driving. Health problems could affect your ability to drive safely. Throughout your driving years, it’s important for you to be honest with yourself about your skills and your readiness to drive. Remember that driver education courses are available for beginning and experienced drivers. Choose one that is right for you (see chapter 9 — your licence). 7 developing your smart driving skills Plan your driving You in the driver’s seat – part 4 Now you’re definitely going to be late. You start worrying about missing your appointment for the oil change and being late to pick up your friend. You think about going faster. What choice would you make? Keep to the speed limit Take a chance and or and plan your time speed? better in the future? Part of good driving is planning ahead. This means planning enough time to get to your destination and knowing the shortest and safest route. It may mean equipping your vehicle for winter driving conditions. Can you think of other driving plans you may need to make? Predict the scene You in the driver’s seat – part 5 You’re driving too fast, and you forget to watch the traffic lights at the next intersection. Suddenly you find yourself coming up to the intersection and the light has already turned yellow. What choice would you make next time? Should I STOP or GO? That light could change soon. think about What would you do if a child Predict the scene suddenly ran in front of your or Respond in a hurry? well ahead? car? Could you stop in time? 8  chapter 1 — you in the driver’s seat As a driver, you need to be aware of cues in the driving environment: signs, signals and road markings. Paying attention to these cues helps you predict what could happen so you’re prepared to respond. It’s also important to predict what other road users — pedestrians, other drivers, motorcycle riders and cyclists — might do. You can predict what might happen by carefully observing the driving scene around you. Being aware of what others around you are doing will help you to make better driving choices. Think for yourself You in the driver’s seat – part 6 There’s one more intersection before the garage. You have to turn left and there is no advance green arrow. You’ve sat through this light at other times because the traffic is always heavy here. You become more frustrated as you wait to turn. Cars are lined up behind you with their left-turn signals flashing. The driver behind is starting to honk at you. You see a space but hesitate because you’re not sure if the gap is big enough for you to make your turn. What choice would you make? think about What will you do when people honk their horn at you? What will you do if someone is tailgating you? Will you be tempted to speed just because other Wait until you feel or Turn just to please drivers around you are going faster then the speed limit? there’s a safe gap? other drivers? Another part of making good choices is knowing yourself and understanding the influences that shape your driving. Influences from other drivers — at times you will feel pressure from other drivers, and you’ll have to decide what to do. Will you base your driving decisions on safety or will you allow other drivers to pressure you into doing something that might be unsafe? 9 developing your smart driving skills Influences from the media — think of the images of cars and driving in ads and movies. Do these images generally promote safe driving? Influences from peers — other people can influence your driving. Your friends may pressure you to drive faster or to race away from stoplights. You may think it will impress them if you turn up the volume on your car stereo system. Take responsibility Becoming licensed to drive means you are taking on new responsibilities to yourself, your passengers and other road users. You, the driver You in the driver’s seat – part 7 You’ve been to the garage and now you’re on your way to your friend’s place. You’re relieved because it seems you have enough time after all. Then you notice a large truck ahead that’s going pretty slowly. You hate passing trucks, especially on a narrow road like this one. What choice would you make? Slow down and stay Try to pass the truck even or though you don’t feel behind the truck? comfortable doing so? It’s important to know and accept the limits of your driving abilities and your vehicle. You also need to take responsibility for developing your driving skills and ensuring your own safety. 10  chapter 1 — you in the driver’s seat Your passengers crash fact You in the driver’s seat – part 8 One out of every four You greet your friend as he climbs into the car. You’re people killed in car happy to see him, but you’re surprised when he doesn’t crashes were not wearing put on his seatbelt. a seatbelt. Source: Police Traffic What choice would you make? Accident System (Jan 31, 2016). Don’t forget your seatbelt. Don’t say anything Ask him to buckle up? or because you’re worried about offending him? You’re responsible for the safety of your passengers. Make sure they are all wearing seatbelts. Children need special care and attention. Are they properly restrained with the right safety devices for their size? Remember, when you speed or take a chance at an intersection, you are putting your passengers as well as yourself in danger. Smoking It’s illegal to smoke in any motor vehicle when there are any passengers under 16 years old. Children travelling in cars are especially vulnerable to second-hand smoke. These harmful effects are heightened in small enclosed places such as motor vehicles and can have immediate and serious, long- lasting health consequences. 11 developing your smart driving skills Other road users You in the driver’s seat – part 9 You and your friend are almost back in town. As you approach an intersection, you notice a skateboarder heading along the sidewalk but near to a crosswalk. What choice would you make? Be cautious and slow or Take a chance and down? keep going? You share the roadway with cars, trucks, trains, motorcyclists and cyclists. Pedestrians need to cross your driving path. Ambulances need you to move to the side of the road so they can respond to life-threatening situations. You never know when an animal may dart into your path. Use the information in this guide and in Tuning up for drivers to help you make responsible driving choices — choices that can help prevent many dangerous situations. 12  2 you and your vehicle In chapter 1, you in the driver’s seat, you learned how in this chapter important it is to make good choices when driving. It’s also important to learn how your vehicle operates. Mastering the Adjust for safety controls is one of the first steps to safe driving. Hand controls Foot pedals Control panel Adjust for safety Pre-trip check To drive safely, you need to be able to comfortably reach your Periodic check vehicle’s controls and see clearly around you. Before you start the engine, always adjust your seat, head restraint and mirrors. Driving and the Never adjust your seat or the steering wheel while the vehicle environment is moving. Seat crash fact Your seat should be upright and in a position where you can: Each year on average, just push the small of your back into the seat over 70 per cent of people injured in collisions report sit upright, never with a reclined seat a soft tissue injury such as whiplash. Many also had with your right foot, reach the floor behind the brake pedal other injuries. A study of and still have a slight bend in your leg seven Canadian provinces found that 53 per cent of turn the steering wheel and keep your arms slightly bent the drivers observed have head restraints that are so reach all the controls inadequately adjusted that keep your left foot comfortably on the space to the left of the they would not protect the occupant from injury in a brake pedal or clutch pedal. rear-end collision. You should also be at least 25 cm (10 in) away from the driver’s Source: MSN: Autos: airbag. Head Restraints: Saving Your Neck Head restraints Head restraints can help prevent soft tissue injuries such as whiplash. Whiplash is an injury to the neck, head and or shoulders after being subjected to a snapping motion. Adjust your head restraint so the top is at least level with the top of your head. Position your head restraint as close to the back of your head as possible. It may be necessary to adjust your seat back position to do this. Closer head restraints can be twice as effective in preventing injuries than if they’re set too far back. If you are in a Make sure your crash and your head restraint is head restraint adjusted to the is not properly height that is right adjusted, this can for you. be the result. 13 developing your smart driving skills Seatbelts There are two good reasons to wear your seatbelt: Wearing your seatbelt significantly reduces your chance of serious injury or death in a crash. It’s the law in B.C. — you can be fined for not wearing your seatbelt. It’s also your responsibility as a driver to make sure that all Adjust your seatbelt so passengers are properly secured that it fits snugly over your with seatbelts or child restraint chest and low over your hips. Do not wear the systems. shoulder strap under your Even at low speeds, a crash forces arm or behind your back or with a reclined seat a pressure of hundreds of kilograms because putting this belt against your body. If you are over the wrong part of the wearing a seatbelt, especially one body could cause serious with a lap belt and a shoulder strap, internal injuries if you are you’re much less likely to be injured, in a collision. Pregnant women should make sure knocked unconscious or ejected. the lap belt is snug and Even if your vehicle catches fire or below the baby. ends up in water, you have a better chance of getting out quickly if you stay conscious. If your vehicle rolls over or if you’re ejected, it’s likely you’ll be seriously injured or killed. Wearing your seatbelt can help prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle. Wearing your seatbelt also helps keep you in control of your vehicle by supporting you behind the steering wheel. When your car stops suddenly, your body will continue to move forward at the same speed the car was travelling. Without a seatbelt, your body will not stop until you hit the dashboard, windshield or something outside of the car. The lap belt holds you down, and the shoulder belt holds you back. Wearing a seatbelt causes you to stop when your vehicle stops. Buckle up even on short trips, since most injuries and deaths occur close to home. 14  chapter 2 — you and your vehicle Safety restraints for children Every year in B.C., an average of 1,300 children under age nine crash fact are injured and three are killed in motor vehicle crashes. Every time a child travels as a passenger in a motor vehicle, they are at A correctly used child risk of being involved in a collision. safety seat reduces the risk of fatality by The correct use of a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 71 per cent and the (CMVSS) — approved child safety seat will ensure a child is risk of serious injury by properly restrained and significantly reduce their risk of serious 67 per cent. It’s your responsibility as the injury or death in the event of a crash. It’s your responsibility as driver to make sure that the driver to make sure that all your passengers are properly children are seated in secured with seatbelts or child-restraint systems. the appropriate child safety seat and you may be ticketed and fined for stage 1 — rear-facing failing to do so. From birth until at least one year old and 9 kg (20 lbs). Place in back seat. Position centre-rear. Rear-facing as long as possible. NOT on front seat with an active airbag. stage 2 — forward-facing with tether Must be over one year old and over 9 kg (20 lbs). Up to at least 18 kg (40 lbs). Place in back seat. May remain rear-facing if allowed by manufacturer’s weight limits. Always use with a tether strap. stage 3 — booster seat Booster seats ensure proper seatbelt fit. They raise the child to correctly position the adult seatbelt across the bony structures of the chest and pelvis. It’s safest if a child remains in a booster seat until they reach 145 cm (4’9”). Must be over 18 kg (40 lbs). Required until at least nine years old or 145 cm (4’9”), whichever comes first. Place in back seat. Booster is used with a lap/shoulder seatbelt. Position lap belt low over hip bones and shoulder belt over shoulder and in front of chest. Do not use a booster seat with only a lap belt. 15 developing your smart driving skills stage 4 — seatbelt only It’s recommended you keep children in the back seat until 12 years of age. The lap belt should fit low over the pelvic bones. Shoulder belt should fit over the shoulder and snug across the chest. Never put the shoulder belt under the arm or behind the back. This could cause serious injury in the event of a crash. Keep the seat in an upright position, not reclined. Seatbelts were designed for upright seating. A deeply reclined seat can cause a passenger to slide out from under the seatbelt in the event of a crash. Note: It’s okay to exceed the legal requirements if in accordance with the manufacturers’ maximum height/weight specifications for a seat. For more information on child restraints call the Child Seat Information line toll-free at 1-877-247-5551 or online at www.childseatinfo.ca. warning! Airbags All new vehicles are equipped with airbags. They have been Do not place rear-facing shown to reduce injuries and fatalities in collisions. Airbags infant or child restraint work by inflating and then deflating to reduce the shock of a systems in a passenger collision. And they do this very quickly — in less than a blink of seat equipped with an active frontal airbag. an eye, an airbag inflates, and then begins to deflate again. Children in these seats could be killed or seriously Airbags can be mounted in front of and beside the driver and injured if the airbag front seat passenger. If your vehicle is equipped with airbags, inflates. you should position your seat so you’re at least 25 cm (10 in) from the steering wheel. This allows room for the airbag to inflate and protects you from further injury. Consult your owner’s manual for safety precautions. In a few instances, you may need to deactivate an airbag. You must contact Transport Canada to do this. For more information, call Transport Canada at 1-800-333-0371. Airbags do not replace seatbelts. Always use your seatbelt even if your vehicle is equipped with airbags. Check your owner’s manual for instructions about the airbags in your vehicle. 16  chapter 2 — you and your vehicle Mirrors warning! Make sure you can see all around your vehicle when driving: Some cars have convex mirrors. They provide a Adjust the rear-view mirror so you can see as much as wider field of view but possible behind you. make things look smaller Adjust your side-view mirrors to reduce the blind spots as and farther away than they actually are. Check much as possible. (Blind spots are the areas beside the to see how accurate your vehicle that you cannot see in the mirrors.) Usually this means vehicle’s mirrors are. that only a slight part of the side of your vehicle is visible. See chapter 5, see-think-do, for more information about blind spots. Most cars have three mirrors to help you see what’s going on around your vehicle. Some cars do not have an outside mirror on the passenger side. Hand controls Now that your vehicle is adjusted to fit you, think about all the controls that your hands operate. Get to know how each operates before you try to drive. Even when you are an experienced driver, you will need to get used to these controls each time you drive a different vehicle. Make sure you know how to operate all the controls in each vehicle you drive. You may need to check the owner’s manual. 17 developing your smart driving skills Steering wheel The steering wheel controls the direction of the vehicle by turning the front wheels. If your steering wheel is adjustable, make sure it’s in the right position for you before you begin to drive. Ignition switch Get to know all the positions of the ignition switch in your vehicle. They may include: Lock — steering is locked and ignition is off warning! Off — ignition is off but the steering is not locked Don’t turn your vehicle’s Acc — ignition is off but some electrical components may be ignition switch to the used (for example, radio) “lock” position while it is still in motion. This can On — ignition is on cause the steering to Start — turn to this position to start the engine, then release lock if you try to turn the switch so that it returns to the On position. steering wheel and you could lose control. Gearshift lever The gearshift lever lets you control the vehicle’s transmission. There are two types of transmissions: automatic and standard. Both control the connection between the engine and the wheels. An automatic transmission automatically chooses the most efficient gear. In a vehicle with a standard transmission, the driver chooses the best gear. Using the best gear keeps the engine from stalling and allows it to operate as efficiently as possible for fuel economy. A standard transmission is always used with a clutch. The gearshift is mounted on the floor or on the steering column. Standard transmissions are built in three-, four-, five- or six-speed models. Check your owner’s manual when learning to use your vehicle’s gearshift. 18  chapter 2 — you and your vehicle Comparing automatic and standard transmissions Gear Automatic* Standard* P – Park Use when starting the vehicle and when parked. Locks the transmission. R – Reverse Use when backing up. Turns on Use when backing up. Turns on reverse reverse (white) lights. (white) lights. N – Neutral If vehicle stalls while moving, use Use when vehicle is stopped or when to restart the engine. starting the engine. D – Drive Use for normal forward driving. 1 – First gear Use when pulling heavy loads The lowest gear. Use it from a stopped or when going up or down very position to speeds of 10 – 15 km/h. Use steep hills. when pulling heavy loads or when going up or down very steep hills. 2 – Second gear Use when pulling heavy loads Use from speeds of 15 – 30 km/h, for hills or when going up or down very and when driving on snow or ice. steep hills. 3 – Third gear Use for speeds between 30 – 60 km/h. 4 – Fourth gear Use for highway speeds on 4-speed models. 5 – Fifth gear Use for highway cruising on 5-speed models. 6 – Sixth gear Use for highway cruising on 6-speed models. O – Overdrive Use at speeds of over 40 km/h to save fuel. * The speed guidelines are approximate and will depend on your vehicle. Parking brake This brake keeps the vehicle from moving when it’s parked. Depending on your vehicle, you may have a foot or hand- operated brake. Make sure you fully apply the parking brake when parking and fully release it before moving. The parking brake is sometimes called an emergency brake because it can be used to slow the vehicle if the foot brake fails. See chapter 8, emergency strategies, for more information on these situations. Turn signal lever This lever turns the left- and right-turn signals on and off. You use your turn signals to communicate to other road users that you want to change direction or position. 19 developing your smart driving skills Lights driving tip The first position of the light switch controls the tail lights, Drive with the low beam parking lights and side-marker lights, as well as the dashboard headlights on during the and licence plate lights. The second position controls day if your car does not the headlights. have automatic daytime running lights. Your vehicle will have another switch position or separate switch that controls the two brightness settings of the headlights — low beam and high beam. Use the high beam setting only on unlit roads at night when there aren’t any vehicles approaching driving tip or in front of you. Daytime running lights Use the parking lights when you are stopped and want to make do not activate the tail sure your vehicle is visible. Don’t use these lights when your lights. Do not use them vehicle is moving — put the headlights on instead. for nighttime driving or for low visibility conditions. Vehicles made after 1991 have automatic daytime running lights (DRL), a safety feature that makes your vehicle easier for other drivers to see during daylight hours. Daytime running lights do not activate the tail lights. Do not use them for nighttime driving or for low visibility conditions. Use the low or high beam lights. Hazard light switch The hazard light switch activates both turn signals at the same time. These flashing lights tell other road users to be careful near your vehicle because you may have stopped for an emergency. Cruise control Cruise control lets you pre-set a speed that will stay the same. Use it only under ideal highway driving conditions. Never use the cruise control feature: on wet, slippery, snowy or icy surfaces in urban traffic when you are tired on winding roads. Wipers and washer control Practise finding the different wiper speed settings. Make sure you know how to turn on the windshield washer. The wipers should always be in top working condition to give you a clear view during rainy and snowy weather conditions. Horn Your horn is an important way to communicate warnings to other road users. Be sure to use it wisely. 20  chapter 2 — you and your vehicle Heater, defroster and air conditioning controls The panel of levers that control the defroster, incoming air and air conditioning are located within easy reach of the driver. Check your owner’s manual to see how they work. Practise with them so you can easily turn on the defroster without looking at the controls. Foot pedals You will operate two or three controls with your feet, depending on whether your vehicle has an automatic or a standard transmission. Use your right foot to operate the brake and gas pedals, and your left foot to operate the clutch. Practise doing this until you can find each pedal easily. This will help you react quickly in an emergency. Accelerator The accelerator controls the amount of fuel going to the engine. The more fuel the engine gets, the faster the vehicle will go. You need to practise putting the right amount of pressure on the pedal so you keep control over the speed and acceleration of your vehicle. Always operate the accelerator with your right foot. Brake The brake pedal is located to the left of the accelerator and is used to slow down and stop the vehicle. Always use your right foot to operate the brake. You need to learn to apply the right amount of pressure on the brake so that you can stop the vehicle smoothly and precisely. Be familiar with the braking system of your vehicle. Power brakes need less pressure than standard brakes. 21 developing your smart driving skills Anti-lock brakes warning! Most vehicles have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Look for Always wear shoes when an indicator light on the dash. This electronic system keeps the driving so you have good wheels from locking. contact with the brake and the accelerator. Avoid Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems also have regular driving in shoes that have braking systems. The anti-lock braking system is activated only high heels or platform when you press heavily on the brake pedal — for example, soles. during an emergency stop. Read your owner’s manual for more information about your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system and how to use it properly. Also see chapter 8, emergency strategies, for more information on ABS braking. If your ABS indicator light stays on after you start the vehicle, the system may be malfunctioning. Take the vehicle in for repair. Clutch In a vehicle with a standard transmission, pressing the clutch pedal disconnects the engine from the transmission so you can shift gears. You use your left foot to press the pedal when changing gears. Do not keep the clutch pedal pressed part-way down (“ride the clutch”) when the vehicle is moving because this causes unnecessary wear. When you begin moving after a stop, releas