Driver’s Education

Chapter 8

Sharing the Roadway

Sharing Roadway with Motorcycles

2,000 cyclist fatalities occur each year.

Injuries result primarily from the exposed position of the rider.

Motorcycles have little or no protection when a conflict occurs.

As a driver of a larger vehicle it is your responsibility to protect motorcyclists.

Where to Look for Motorcycles

Because motorcycles are smaller and driven in many different lane positions, it may be hard for a driver to see a motorcycle.

Where to Look for Motorcycles

Vehicle turning left in front of motorcycle.

Vehicle turning right at intersection.

Motorcyclist in blind spot. Tailgating Motorcycle Motorcycle passing

vehicle on the right or left. Watch for motorcycles if

you must stop or slow suddenly.

Motorcyclist Can Lack Experience

Predict judgment and control errors due to inexperience and lack of skill.

Riders who have rented or borrowed a motorcycle might not have enough practice to develop sound judgment and control.

Other riders may not have received proper riding instruction.

Handling Trait of Motorcycles

Motorcyclist lean when making turns, watch shoulders to anticipate turns.

Cyclist have difficulty handling the cycle in strong wind, on rough roads, and slippery roads.

Make the Motorcyclist Aware of You When following a motorcycle,

do not assume the cyclist is aware of your presence.

Protect equipment may muffle the sounds of traffic.

The small size of mirrors and handlebar vibration may make it hard to see behind.

Keep extra following distance if you think a motorcyclist is unaware of your presence.

Braking on a Motorcycle

A person who is driving a car only need to step on the brake pedal to stop.

Motorcyclist must operate separate brakes for front and rear brakes.

The front brake supplies most of the power for stopping.

If either brake is applied to heard it can lock and cause loss of control.

Special Riding Problems

Motorcyclist can be hit by pebbles or dirt thrown from vehicle ahead.

Puddle may hide a pothole that can throw a motorcyclist out of control.

As rain mixes with oil and dirt on the roadway, traction is greatly reduced.

Decreased visibility in rain. Motorcycle tires may get

caught in the grooves on a roadway.

Protective Motorcycle Equipment

Helmet – head gear worn to reduce or prevent head injuries. Helmets are required by law.

Eye-Protection – goggles or face shield.

Heavy Boots or shoes Full-length pants Full fingered gloves.

Riding in Groups

Cyclist should not ride side by side, they should ride in the offset position.

Motorcyclist in groups should be single file as they approach, enter, and complete turns

Motorcycles should not ride between lanes of moving traffic.

Riding at Night

It is far more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to judge the speed and position of a motorcycle at night.

By putting reflective tape on helmets, clothing, and having reflector of the motorcycle.

Bicycles, Mopeds, and Motor Scooters

Bicycles and low-powered, two-wheel vehicles continue to be popular for transportation, recreation, and business. Bicycles use no gasoline, create no pollution, and provide exercise for the rider.

Users of smaller two-wheeled vehicles have the same responsibilities as other drivers.

However, drivers of larger vehicles, with their greater protection, must accept the major responsibility for avoiding conflict.

Bicyclists’ Responsibilities

Wear a helmet Know and follow the laws

regarding roadway riding Obey all signs and

signals Wear light-colored

clothing Do not wear earphones Keep bicycle in safe

operating condition

Moped and Motor Scooters

Moped – a two wheeled vehicle that can be driven with either motor or pedals.

Motor Scooter – also low-powered two wheeled vehicle. Similar to moped, but no pedals and not shifting gears.

Most states require an operator’s license.

Restricted from high-speed roads

Responsibilities of Moped and Motor Scooter Drivers

Wear a helmet Wear protective clothing Have headlight on at all

times Position vehicle in lane so

you can be seen by others

Keep extra space cushion between yourself and others

Pedestrians

Many pedestrians who do not drive may not be fully aware of traffic laws and signals.

Children and older people are more at risk.

Other adult pedestrians may just be careless.

Alleys and Driveways

Make two stops when driving from an alley.

First stop before the sidewalk and look for pedestrians.

Second stop before the street and look for traffic.

Residential Areas

Many residential areas are used by children as play areas.

Joggers should yield to moving traffic but do not expect this to happen.

Parking Lots

Parking lots present a high-risk area for drivers, riders, and pedestrians.

Obey parking lot speed limits. Do not drive diagonally across parking-lot lines. Be alert for pedestrians, bicyclist, roller-bladers, and

skateboarders. Avoid tight parking spaces. Position your vehicle properly in parking space. Continually scan in all directions when backing in a

parking lot. Watch out for other who may not see you.

Special Purpose Vehicles

These can be large vehicles that may decrease your line of sight or completely block your view. Allow these vehicles extra following distance.

Examples: Recreational Vehicles, Snow Plow Trucks, Farm Equipment

School Buses

Do not pass or closely approach school bus with flashing red lights.

State law required that motorist stop 25 feet away from school bus.

Can pass at 10 mph if road is divided by a median or if in front of a school.

Amber lights on bus warn that bus is stopping.

Frozen Dessert Trucks

Yield to the right of way to any person who is crossing the street to or from the vehicle.

-Never drive past the vehicle at a speed faster than 15 M.P.H.

Emergency Vehicles

Always yield to emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights, and stay back at least 300 ft.

Pull over to the right as far as possible and come to a stop if it is safe.

If in heavy traffic move with the other drivers and make as much room as possible.

Sharing the Road with Trucks

Tractor Trailers – A truck that has a powerful tractor that pulls a separate trailer.

Commonly called an eighteen wheeler. These trucks help transport nearly everything

we eat, wear, and use in our daily lives. Even though most truck drivers practice a high

degree of safe driving behaviors, they can suffer from fatigue or loss of sleep because of tight scheduling and driving over long periods of time.

Trucks Making Right Turns

Most people assume if you are moving to the left you are making a left turn.

However, trucks may need to “swing out” as the first step to making a right turn.

Always check turn signals before you try to pass a truck.

Following Large Trucks

Drivers of truck have an excellent view of the roadway, However, their view to the sides and rear are restricted by the size of their rig.

Stay out of the no-zone of a large truck.

No-zones – blinds spots where truck driver can not see other vehicles on the road.

Passing Large Trucks

Passing is more easily done at stop sign or at traffic signal.

Do no slow when passing, maintain or increase speed.

After you can see the whole front end of the truck in your rearview mirror you know it is safe to move back into the right lane.

Passing a large truck in rain or snow will greatly decrease you visibility and traction.

Trucks, Tractor Trailers, & Buses

A motorist should always use caution when driving alongside trucks.

Must know limitations: visibility, required stopping distance and maneuverability.

When passing a large truck or bus, it is important to remember that there are several no zones (blind spots) in which the motorist cannot see other vehicles.

In addition, during bad weather, a truck can take as much as 25 percent longer to stop.