2024 Facts for Drivers PDF

policies, and procedures on speed management, such as knowing and following posted or applicable speed limits as well as recognizing and adjusting to conditions that require a driver to alter their speed. Progress has been made, but there is room for additional improvement. The same 2022 ATRI study...

policies, and procedures on speed management, such as knowing and following posted or applicable speed limits as well as recognizing and adjusting to conditions that require a driver to alter their speed. Progress has been made, but there is room for additional improvement. The same 2022 ATRI study found the percentage of drivers with a speeding violation had increased 8.1% since 2018. Congestion, work or school zones, pedestrians, time of day, road conditions, and weather must be taken into consideration when determining appropriate speed. Note that the speed of a vehicle which encounters sideslip due to excessive speed (in a curve) can be determined by studying the yawmark (the mark left from a sliding tire). Stopping Distance Having adequate brakes and the ability to stop in the required distance is imperative to driving safe. Stopping distance changes depending on the type of vehicle and its speed; the vehicle's size, height, and weight; type of loads; how well the load is secured; tire type, size, pressure, and tread wear; type of brakes; and driver's alertness. Drivers must also consider weather, road conditions, surfaces, and elevation of road surfaces. Regulations finalized by NHTSA in 2013 require that standard tractors driving at 60 mph must come to a complete stop within 250 feet, while vehicles with more axles and heavier loads are allowed up to 310 feet. The CDL Driver's Manual recommends that if a CMY driver is driving below 40 mph, the driver should leave at least one second for every 10 feet of vehicle length. For a typical straight truck or tractor/2?8 ft. trailer unit, this results in 4 seconds between the CMV and the vehicle ahead. For speeds over 40 mph, the CMV driver should leave one additional second, and for each additional ten feet of vehicle length, one more second. To estimate following distance in seconds, pick a marker on the side of the road ahead of the vehicle in front of you. Once the vehicle passes that marker, count the number of seconds until you pass that same marker. If it 1s less