This document provides information on processing information for moderate risk driving environments. It discusses topics including processing information, intersections, curves and hills, and passing. It provides guidance on visual searches, positioning the vehicle, understanding lane markings, limited lines of sight, and determining the time and space needed for passing. The overall focus is on the visual and cognitive skills needed to safely navigate roads with intersections, curves, hills and other vehicles.
1. Information Processing:Information Processing:
Moderate Risk Driving EnvironmentModerate Risk Driving Environment
Topic 1 --Topic 1 -- Processing InformationProcessing Information
Topic 2 --Topic 2 -- Intersections, Curves, and HillsIntersections, Curves, and Hills
Topic 3 --Topic 3 -- PassingPassing
Module Five TransparenciesModule Five Transparencies
VirginiaVirginia Department of EducationDepartment of Education
Provided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor VehiclesProvided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles
2. Processing InformationProcessing Information
T – 5.1
Topic 1 Lesson 1
Basic Requirements for DrivingBasic Requirements for Driving
VISIBILITY... SPACE... TIME... SPACE... TRACTIONVISIBILITY... SPACE... TIME... SPACE... TRACTION
DRIVER REQUIREMENTS
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
TO MANEUVERTO MANEUVER
SAFELYSAFELY
DriversDrivers need visibility,need visibility,
space, and timespace, and time
ANDAND
VehiclesVehicles require time,require time,
space, and tractionspace, and traction
3. Processing InformationProcessing Information
T – 5.2
Topic 1 Lesson 1
• SEARCHSEARCH for objects orfor objects or
conditions;conditions;
• EVALUTEEVALUTE the path ahead forthe path ahead for
alternate paths of travel; andalternate paths of travel; and
• EXECUTEEXECUTE any neededany needed
adjustments in speed oradjustments in speed or
positionposition in Timein Time
Visibility is critical to theVisibility is critical to the SEEiTSEEiT
Space Management SystemSpace Management System
More detailed information on SEEiT system may beMore detailed information on SEEiT system may be
reviewed in Module 4.reviewed in Module 4.
The driver must:The driver must:
4. Field of VisionField of Vision
T – 5.3
Topic 1 Lesson 2
90 percent of driving decisions are based90 percent of driving decisions are based
on information gathered with the eyes.on information gathered with the eyes.
Area a Driver Can See While Looking Straight AheadArea a Driver Can See While Looking Straight Ahead
PeripheralPeripheral
VisionVision
Central VisionCentral Vision
Focus VisionFocus Vision
Motion & ColorMotion & Color
ChangesChanges
TargetingTargeting
(Reading Signs)(Reading Signs)
Viewing Path of TravelViewing Path of Travel
5. Search PracticesSearch Practices
Topic 1 Lesson 2Topic 1 Lesson 2
Where to searchWhere to search involves identifyinginvolves identifying
objects or conditions that increase yourobjects or conditions that increase your
level of risk and adjusting your speed orlevel of risk and adjusting your speed or
vehicle position in time to minimizevehicle position in time to minimize
these risksthese risks..
When to searchWhen to search involves systematicallyinvolves systematically
scanning the driving environment. Thescanning the driving environment. The
defensive driver constantly monitors thedefensive driver constantly monitors the
conditions around the vehicle, especiallyconditions around the vehicle, especially
before initiating any maneuverbefore initiating any maneuver
How to searchHow to search involves looking in ainvolves looking in a
pattern that goes from 20 – 30 secondspattern that goes from 20 – 30 seconds
ahead of the vehicle to the dashboard, asahead of the vehicle to the dashboard, as
well as to the left, right, and to the rear ofwell as to the left, right, and to the rear of
the vehicle.the vehicle.
T – 5.4T – 5.4
6. SearchingSearching
Position of VehiclePosition of Vehicle
Speed of VehicleSpeed of Vehicle
T – 5.5
Topic 1 Lesson 2
Looking for Clues from Other DriversLooking for Clues from Other Drivers
Actions of the DriverActions of the Driver
DistractionsDistractions
•Cell PhoneCell Phone
•PassengersPassengers
LostLost
ImpairedImpaired
Vehicle SignalsVehicle Signals
•TurningTurning
•BackingBacking
•Hazard LightsHazard Lights
•Hand SignalsHand Signals
HeadlightsHeadlights
HornHorn
Brake LightsBrake Lights
7. Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual Searches
Topic 1 Lesson 2
T – 5.6
Search far ahead to identify potential conflictsSearch far ahead to identify potential conflicts
• Objects in Path of Travel
• Limitations to Line of Sight
20- to 30-Second Search Area20- to 30-Second Search Area
TargetTarget
AreaArea
20- to20- to
30-sec.30-sec.
12- to12- to
15-sec.15-sec.
4- to 8-4- to 8-
sec.sec.
8. Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual Searches
Topic 1 Lesson 2
T – 5.6a
Search for Closed or Changing Path of Travel
Identify an Alternate Path of Travel or a Safe Stopping Zone
Evaluate Open Zones to the Sides and Rear
12- to 15-Second Search Area12- to 15-Second Search Area
20- to20- to
30-sec.30-sec.
12- to12- to
15-sec.15-sec.
4- to 8-4- to 8-
sec.sec.
9. Managing Visual SearchesManaging Visual Searches
4- to 8-Second Search Area4- to 8-Second Search Area
• Immediate Path of Travel
• Direct Response Area
• Stopping Zone and Following Interval
T – 5.7
Topic 1 Lesson 2
20- to20- to
30-sec.30-sec.
12- to12- to
15-sec.15-sec.
4- to4- to
8-sec.8-sec.
10. Determining Following IntervalsDetermining Following Intervals
Two secondTwo second following intervalfollowing interval at speeds less than 35 mph
•allows the driver time to steer out of problem areas on dry surfaces
•designed for use if there is an alternate path of travel
T – 5.8
Topic 1 Lesson 2
Four secondFour second following interval at speeds up to 65 mphfollowing interval at speeds up to 65 mph
•allows the driver time to steer out of problem areas on dry surfacesallows the driver time to steer out of problem areas on dry surfaces
•allows the driver time to stop before problem areas on dry surfacesallows the driver time to stop before problem areas on dry surfaces
Alternate Path of TravelAlternate Path of Travel
13. Processing TRAFFIC CONTROL DevicesProcessing TRAFFIC CONTROL Devices
SignsSigns
•Regulatory
•Warning
•Guide
•RR
SignalsSignals
•Stop/Go
•Lane Usage
•Flashing
T – 5.11
Topic 1 Lesson 3
InterchangesInterchanges
RoadwayRoadway
MarkingsMarkings
•Passing
•Traffic Flow
•Crosswalks
UnmarkedUnmarked
IntersectionsIntersections
SensorySensory
Input to theInput to the
BrainBrain
14. Motor VehiclesMotor Vehicles
Road HandlingRoad Handling
CharacteristicsCharacteristics
TypeType
•AutomobileAutomobile
•SUVSUV
•CamperCamper
•Pick-upPick-up
•Motor HomeMotor Home
•MotorcycleMotorcycle
•Farm MachinesFarm Machines
•Tractor-TrailerTractor-Trailer
T – 5.12
Topic 1 Lesson 3
Drivers mustDrivers must
understand theunderstand the
handlinghandling
characteristics ofcharacteristics of
other motor vehiclesother motor vehicles
sharing the roadway.sharing the roadway.
15. Non-MotorizedNon-Motorized Users…Users…
• KIND AND SIZE
• NUMBERS
• AGE OF RIDER
• ACTIVITY
• RIDER ABILITY
In-Line Skates,
Skateboards
Pedestrians
Bicycles
T – 5.13
Topic 1 Lesson 3
present special processing challengespresent special processing challenges
Animals
16. Positioning the VehiclePositioning the Vehicle
Topic 1 Lesson 4Topic 1 Lesson 4
T – 5.14T – 5.14
Vehicle Placement is Critical for EstablishingVehicle Placement is Critical for Establishing
a Good Visual Fielda Good Visual Field
Controlling Space to the FrontControlling Space to the Front
Lane PositionLane Position
Staggered StopsStaggered Stops
17. Maintaining Space/Visibility to the FrontMaintaining Space/Visibility to the Front
T – 5.14a
Topic 1 Lesson 4
Three ways to control space in front of the vehicle:Three ways to control space in front of the vehicle:
1.1. Time your Arrival –Time your Arrival – adjust speed early to avoidadjust speed early to avoid
unnecessary braking, stops, and to conserve fuelunnecessary braking, stops, and to conserve fuel
2.2. Forward Placement at an Intersection –Forward Placement at an Intersection – maintain amaintain a
position that allows you to monitor the intersectionposition that allows you to monitor the intersection
3.3. Following Interval --Following Interval -- control space while in motioncontrol space while in motion
to establish a space cushion and open line of sightto establish a space cushion and open line of sight
18. Lane PositionLane Position
Create Space and Improve Visibility by AdjustingCreate Space and Improve Visibility by Adjusting
the Position of the Vehicle in the Lanethe Position of the Vehicle in the Lane
Lane Positions –Lane Positions – 1, 2, 3, 4, and 51, 2, 3, 4, and 5
T – 5.15
Within LaneWithin Lane PositionsPositions Straddle Lane PositionsStraddle Lane Positions
Topic 1 Lesson 4
LP 3
LP 2
LP 4
LP 5
LP 1
19. Staggered StopsStaggered Stops
StopStop your vehicleyour vehicle
(RED car)(RED car) behindbehind
the white stop barthe white stop bar
SelectSelect LaneLane
Position 3 toPosition 3 to
give the truckgive the truck
as much spaceas much space
as possibleas possible
T – 5.16
Topic 1 Lesson 4
Improving Visibility and Creating SpaceImproving Visibility and Creating Space
for a Truck Making a Left Turnfor a Truck Making a Left Turn
20. Intersection Search PatternsIntersection Search Patterns
Topic 2 Lesson 1
T – 5.17
Step 1 (Search)
Step 2 (Evaluate)
Step 3 (Execute)
Intersection Approach:Intersection Approach:
Identify intersection
Identify controls
Check rear areas
Search for intersection problems
Scan path of travel 1st
Scan all other areas
Look for closed or changing
frontal areas
Adjust speed
Maintain lane position
Stop behind crosswalk, or
Proceed through open space area
iinn TTimeime
22. Special Lane Markings
Topic 2 Lesson 1Topic 2 Lesson 1
T – 5.18aT – 5.18a
Shared Left Turn LaneShared Left Turn Lane
Drivers traveling in eitherDrivers traveling in either
direction may use thisdirection may use this
lane for making left turns.lane for making left turns.
Drivers may not travelDrivers may not travel
further than 150 feet infurther than 150 feet in
this shared lane.this shared lane.
Driver may use the sharedDriver may use the shared
left turn lane to enter aleft turn lane to enter a
street from a driveway.street from a driveway.
Reversible LanesReversible Lanes
Traffic in these lanes moves inTraffic in these lanes moves in
one direction during certainone direction during certain
periods of the day and in theperiods of the day and in the
opposite direction duringopposite direction during
other times of the day.other times of the day.
Often found in areas with aOften found in areas with a
large volume of traffic cominglarge volume of traffic coming
in a city during the morningin a city during the morning
hours and going out duringhours and going out during
the afternoon hours.the afternoon hours.
23. Limited Line of Sight Through CurvesLimited Line of Sight Through Curves
T – 5.19
Topic 2 Lesson 2
24. LOS/POT CurvesLOS/POT Curves
T – 5.20
Topic 2 Lesson 2
Entering a Curve to the Right
• Determine Line of Sight / Path of Travel
• LP2 provides the best visibility
• Check traffic to the rear
Path of Travel
Line of Sight
Begin in Lane
Position 2
Lane Position 3
Apex Point
Exiting the Curve
• Adjust speed and
position for best
visibility and space
cushion
Moving Through the Curve
• Determine target area
• LP3 provides best space
cushion
Exit in
Lane
Position 1
25. LOS/POT Curves
T – 5.21
Topic 2 Lesson 2
Begin in Lane
Position 3
Lane Position
2 Apex Point
Exit in
Lane
Position 1
Path of Travel
Line of Sight
Entering a Curve to the LeftEntering a Curve to the Left
•Determine Line of Sight/Path of TravelDetermine Line of Sight/Path of Travel
•LP 3 provides the best visibilityLP 3 provides the best visibility
•Check traffic to the rearCheck traffic to the rear
Moving Through the CurveMoving Through the Curve
•Determine target areaDetermine target area
•Determine ApexDetermine Apex
Exiting the CurveExiting the Curve
Adjust speed andAdjust speed and
position for bestposition for best
visibility and spacevisibility and space
cushioncushion
26. Line of Sight Over HillLine of Sight Over Hill
Determine the BestDetermine the Best
Line of Sight andLine of Sight and
Path of TravelPath of Travel
Lane position 3Lane position 3
provides the bestprovides the best
space cushionspace cushion
Line of Sight isLine of Sight is
Restricted Up andRestricted Up and
Down HillDown Hill
T – 5.22
Topic 2 Lesson 2
27. Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space Needs
T – 5.23
Topic 3 Lesson 1
To pass another vehicle safelyTo pass another vehicle safely
you must:you must:
• identify a safe and legal passingidentify a safe and legal passing
zone;zone;
• judge the time and space needed tojudge the time and space needed to
pass;pass;
• judge the relative speed andjudge the relative speed and
distance of other vehicles; anddistance of other vehicles; and
• apply proper passing skills andapply proper passing skills and
complete the maneuver safely.complete the maneuver safely.
28. Identifying a Safe and Legal Passing ZoneIdentifying a Safe and Legal Passing Zone
Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space Needs
Topic 3 Lesson 1
T – 5.23a
2. the timetime you will need to pass safely
3.3. thethe spacespace you will need to safely pass the other vehicle
Before you pass, you must determine:Before you pass, you must determine:
TRAVEL TIME = SPACE
Formula – Speed + ½ speed = feet per second (fps) traveled
60 mph -- 60 + 30 = 90 fps
1.1. if you are in a legal passing zoneif you are in a legal passing zone
• broken line = pass withbroken line = pass with
cautioncaution
• solid line = no passingsolid line = no passing
• list other areas where passinglist other areas where passing
is prohibitedis prohibited
29. Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space Needs
T – 5.24
Topic 3 Lesson 1
2 Second Space 60
fps X 2 = 120 ft.
Total distance traveled: 13 sec. X 60 fps. = 780 ft.
2 sec. following distance = 120 ft.
1 car length = 15 ft.
1 sec. gap = 60 ft
Total additional distance
traveled = 195 ft.
Time needed to pass:
195 ft. /15 ft. = 13 sec.
Total distance traveled:
13 sec. X 60 fps. = 780 ft.
Distance traveled = speed + ½ speed in feet per second
Time to pass = distance traveled to complete pass,
divided by difference in distance traveled per second
by each vehicle
RED car traveling 40 mph = 60 fps
(40 mph X 1.5 fps = 60 fps)
BLUE car traveling 30 mph = 45 fps
(30 mph X 1.5 fps = 45 fps)
60 ft - 45 ft = 15 ft.
Red car is traveling 15 fps faster than Blue car
Judging Time and Space Needed to Pass SafelyJudging Time and Space Needed to Pass Safely
1 car length
= 15 feet
1 Second Space
60 fps x 1 = 60 ft
30. Determining Passing Time/Space NeedsDetermining Passing Time/Space Needs
Topic 3 Lesson 1
T – 5.24a
To estimate the time and distance of an oncoming vehicle, begin counting
when the vehicle is first seen: 1000 and 1; 1000 and 2; etc. Continue the
count until the approaching vehicle is opposite your vehicle.
Practicing this technique will help you develop the ability to judge speed
and distance.
1000 and 20
COUNT ---COUNT --- 1000 and 1 = 1 second1000 and 1 = 1 second
1000 and 2 1000 and 1
Judging the Relative Speed and Distance of Other VehiclesJudging the Relative Speed and Distance of Other Vehicles
31. 13 seconds / 780 ft. 13 seconds / 780 ft.
Space
Cushion
200 ft
TOTAL distance required to pass safely is 1760 ft (30 seconds).
To complete a pass safely you must take ALL factors into accountTo complete a pass safely you must take ALL factors into account
Judging the Relative Speed and Distance of Oncoming VehiclesJudging the Relative Speed and Distance of Oncoming Vehicles
Passing Time/Space Needs —Passing Time/Space Needs — Oncoming VehiclesOncoming Vehicles
Topic 3 Lesson 1
T –5.24 bT –5.24 b
The example below is based on the approaching vehicleThe example below is based on the approaching vehicle
traveling at 40 mph.traveling at 40 mph.
RedRed vehicle will need 780 feet to complete the passvehicle will need 780 feet to complete the pass
BrownBrown vehicle will travel 780 feetvehicle will travel 780 feet
Allows a minimum 200 ft. space cushionAllows a minimum 200 ft. space cushion
32. Passing Considerations —Passing Considerations — Larger VehiclesLarger Vehicles
T – 5.25
Topic 3 Lesson 1
Passing a 90-foot tractor trailerPassing a 90-foot tractor trailer
• Would require an additional 5 secondsWould require an additional 5 seconds
for thefor the RedRed vehiclevehicle
90-foot truck + 15-foot car = 75 feet additional90-foot truck + 15-foot car = 75 feet additional
distance traveled = 5 secondsdistance traveled = 5 seconds
• 18 seconds x 60 fps = 1080 feet18 seconds x 60 fps = 1080 feet
needed byneeded by RedRed vehiclevehicle
If there is an oncoming vehicleIf there is an oncoming vehicle
traveling 40 mph, the total cleartraveling 40 mph, the total clear
distance needed to pass safelydistance needed to pass safely
becomes 1360 feet (23 seconds)becomes 1360 feet (23 seconds)
1080 + 1080 + 200 (space cushion)1080 + 1080 + 200 (space cushion)
DaylightDaylight
Headlight UseHeadlight Use
Enhances SafetyEnhances Safety
• an approaching vehicle without
headlights becomes visible at
about 2,200 to 2,500 feet
• an approaching vehicle with
headlights becomes visible at
distances up to 4500 feet
Passing on Multi-lane
Roadways
• safer than on two lane roadways
• head-on crashes are rare
• will not feel rushed into returning
to the lane
• can safely pass larger vehicles
that require more time and
space to pass
33. Passing ProceduresPassing Procedures
T – 5.26
Topic 3 Lesson 1
2 – 3 Seconds
Prepare to Pass:Prepare to Pass:
• Position vehicle two
to three seconds
behind the vehicle
to be passed.
• Check mirrors, blind
spot and oncoming
traffic.
• Check ahead for
safe passing
distance.
• Signal intention.
Overtake the OngoingOvertake the Ongoing
Vehicle:Vehicle:
• Accelerate into passing
lane.
• Accelerate quickly to a
legal appropriate speed.
• Monitor the path ahead.
• Check the mirror for
following vehicles.
Return to Lane:Return to Lane:
• Check rear-view
mirror for the front
of the vehicle being
passed.
• Signal intention.
• Change lanes and
maintain speed.
• Cancel turn signal.
34. § 46.2-838 — Passing when overtaking a vehicle§ 46.2-838 — Passing when overtaking a vehicle
The driver of any vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least
two feet to the left of the overtaken vehicle and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until
safely clear of such overtaken vehicle.
In approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle or moped, the driver of a motor vehicle shall pass at a
safe distance and at a reasonable speed.
§ 46.2-841 — When overtaking vehicle may pass on right§ 46.2-841 — When overtaking vehicle may pass on right
§ 46.2-839 — Passing bicycle or moped§ 46.2-839 — Passing bicycle or moped
A. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass to the right of another vehicle only:
1. When the overtaken vehicle is making or about to make a left turn, and its driver has given the required
signal
2. On a highway with unobstructed pavement, not occupied by parked vehicles, of sufficient width for two
or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction; or
3. On a one-way street or on any one-way roadway when the roadway is free from obstructions and of
sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles.
B. The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting
such movement in safety. Except where driving on paved shoulders is permitted by lawfully placed signs, no
such movement shall be made by driving on the shoulder of the highway or off the pavement or main traveled
portion of the roadway
T – 5.27
Virginia LawVirginia Law
Topic 3 Lesson 1
§ 46.2-842 — Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle§ 46.2-842 — Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle
Except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way
to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and shall not increase the speed of his vehicle
until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. Any over-width, or slow-moving vehicle shall be removed
from the roadway at the nearest suitable location when necessary to allow traffic to pass.
