Vehicle Control

Vehicle Direction / Speed RequirementsSteering Wheel Control

Hand position on steering wheel• Holding top or upper half of wheel (excessive steering and

air bag injury risk)

• Hands located on lower half of wheel (relaxed, balanced

control)

Steering techniques• Hand-to-hand steering (Push/Pull/Slide)• Hand-over-hand steering (top third of wheel)• Evasive steering (ABS wheel limitation)• One-hand steering

- To reach controls

- At top when backing straight

- At bottom when backing a trailer

T – 2.31

Topic 4 Lesson 2

Targeting and Visual Requirements

T – 2.32

Topic 5 Lesson 1

Visual Functions- Focus Vision (Focal/Foveal)- Central Vision (Limited Fringe Area)- Peripheral Vision (Side)

Vision Goals- Maintaining an open line of sight- Searching skills- Targeting line of sight, path of travel- Referencing vehicle to path of travel- Using visual references and turning targets

- Forward visual turning points- Rear visual turning points

Determining Vehicle Operating Space

Markers represent edge of sightlines

Outline of pavement area around the car the driver cannot see from the driver’s seat

Rectangles are the tire patches and asterisks represent the vehicle’s forward and rear

turning axis

T – 2.33

Topic 5 Lesson 1

* *

Forward

Rear

Traditional Mirror Views and Blind Spots

Notice the large blind zone areas and the overlap between the side and rear mirrors when using traditional mirror settings.

T – 2.34

Topic 5 Lesson 1

Rear view mirror ( )

Left side view mirror

Right side view mirror

Left mirror blind zone

Right mirror blind zone

Mirror Blind Spot and Glare Elimination (BGE)

BGE LEFT SIDE MIRROR VIEW

BGE RIGHT SIDE MIRROR VIEW

REAR MIRROR VIEW

Reference: Blindzone & Glare Elimination (BGE) Mirror Settings (G. Platzer, 1996)

Adjusting the side mirror setting 15 degree outward (BGE) allows you to see the lanes to the sides and does not overlap as much with the area you can already see in your rear

view mirror

T – 2.35

Topic 5 Lesson 1

•Peripheral Vision Area

Peripheral Vision Area

Standard Referencing Points

Referencing Points:

• Provide visual cues to establish vehicle position.

• Relate part of the vehicle to some part of the roadway.

• Allow the driver to determine proper placement within a lane.

• Allow for reduced-risk lane positions.

T – 2.36

Topic 5 Lesson 2

RIGHT Reference

Points

LEFT Reference Points

6 inches from line or median

3 feet from line or median

6 inches from line or curb

3 feet from line or curb

Front LimitationFr

ont

Lim

itatio

n

• AT INTERSECTIONS• IN A STOPPING POSITION• PARKING

You will need to know where the front end of your vehicle is when you are:

T – 2.37

Topic 5 Lesson 2

STOP LINE

Front Limitation

Where are your visual reference points to determine FRONT LIMITATION ?

T – 2.38

Topic 5 Lesson 2

Front Limitation Reference Points

• To stop 3-6 inches from the line in front of your bumper, stop when your line of sight runs under the side view mirror reference point to the line in front of your vehicle.

• Maintain a normal driving position when targeting your reference point and do not lean forward or sideways.

T – 2.39

Topic 5 Lesson 2

Reference Point

Line of sight

Reference point

Rear Limitation

• BACKING

• PARKING

You need to know where the rear of your vehicle is when you are:

T – 2.40

Topic 5 Lesson 2

Rear Limitation

T – 2.41

Topic 5 Lesson 2

Where are your visual reference points for REAR LIMITATION ?

Rear Limitation

To align the rear bumper three to six inches from a line or curb, you need to stop when the line or curb appears near the middle of the rear right window when looking over the right shoulder.

T – 2.42

Topic 5 Lesson 2

Reference point

Reference point

Right Side Limitation

T – 2.43

Topic 5 Lesson 2

Establishing reference points for right side limitation will allow you to:

• know where the curb or line is on the right side of the street

• park parallel 3-6 inches away from a line or curb

• establish lane position 33-6 inches

Line of sight

Reference point

Reference point

Right Side Limitation

T – 2.44

Topic 5 Lesson 2

The right side limitation reference point to position your vehicle 3-6 inches from the curb or line is the middle of your vehicle’s hood.

3-6 inches

Line of Sight Reference point

The reference point for 3 feet from the curb or line is the right 1/4 section of the hood.

3 feet

Reference point

Line of Sight

Left Side Limitation

• determine position when parking on the left side of a one-way street (3-6 inches from the curb or line)

• determine lane position 2

T – 2.45

Topic 5 Lesson 2

3-6 INCHES

Establishing reference points for left side limitation allows the driver to:

Left Side Limitation

Your left side limitation reference point is about one foot from the left front corner of your car (it may be the seam between your left fender and the hood of your vehicle) to the curb.

T – 2.46

Topic 5 Lesson 2

3-6 INCHES

Reference Point

Line of Sight

Reference Point

Angle Parking

5 Feet

To angle park, place your vehicle 5 feet from the right side, target the middle of the parking space, and use the right front turning point to initiate steering towards the middle of space.

5 feet

T – 2.47

Topic 5 Lesson 2

Lane Position # 1

• VEHICLE IS CENTERED IN THE LANE

• CAR IS 3 FEET AWAY FROM THE LINES ON YOUR RIGHT AND LEFT SIDES

T – 2.48

Topic 5 Lesson 3

3 FEET

3 FEET

Lane Position ONE( LP 1 )

Lane Position # 1

Lane Position ONE

(LP 1)

T – 2.49

Topic 5 Lesson 3

3 FEET

3 FEET

• Your left side reference point runs through the driver’s side left fender to the line on the left side of the vehicle.

• Your right side reference point runs through the center of passenger’s side right half of the hood to the line on the right side of the vehicle.

Note: Lane position #1 is the lane position used most often.

Lane Position # 2

• VEHICLE IS 3-6 INCHES AWAY FROM LINE TO THE LEFT

T – 2.50

Topic 5 Lesson 3

3-6 INCHES

Lane Position TWO( LP 2 )

Lane Position # 2

Your lane position #2 reference point is about 1 foot from left side (it may be the crease between the left fender and hood of the vehicle) to the curb.

T – 2.51

Topic 5 Lesson 3

Lane Position TWO(LP 2)

3-6 INCHES

6 FEET

Lane Position # 3

CAR IS POSITIONED 3-6 INCHES AWAY FROM EDGE OR LINE TO THE RIGHT

T – 2.52

Topic 5 Lesson 3

3-6 INCHES

Lane Position THREE( LP 3 )

Lane Position # 3

Your lane position #3 reference point is through the center of your hood to the right edge of the roadway.

T – 2.53

Topic 5 Lesson 3

Lane Position THREE

(LP 3)

3-6 INCHES

6 FEETReference point

Line of Sight

Lane Positions

LP 1

Position 2 is near the lane line to your left and is used when there is a restriction to your path of travel or your line of sight and you cannot move to the adjacent lane.

T – 2.54

Topic 5 Lesson 3

Moving from Lane Position ONE to TWO

LP 2

OBSTACLE

Lane Positions

Position 3 is near the lane line to your right and is used when there is a restriction to your path of travel or line of sight and you cannot move out of the lane.

T – 2.55

Topic 5 Lesson 3

Moving from Lane Position ONE to THREE

LP 1LP 3

OBSTACLE

Possible Lane Positions

The width of the lane allows drivers to make lane position adjustments to minimize risk and create more space between their car and problem situations.

T – 2.56

Topic 5 Lesson 3

Lane Positions – 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

LP 3

LP 2

LP 4

LP 5

LP 1

OBSTACLE

Basic Maneuvering Tasks:

Low Risk Environment

Topic 1 -- Basic Maneuvers

Topic 2 -- Vision and Perception

Topic 3 -- Controlling Risk Using a Space Management System

Topic 4 -- Developing Good Driving Habits

Module Three Transparencies

Virginia Department of Education

Provided in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles

1. Place Foot Firmly on Service Brake

2. Select Proper Gear

- Overdrive, Drive, or Reverse3. Perform Traffic Checks

- Forward, Rear, and Sides4. Apply Proper Signal

- Communicate Intentions

T – 3.1

Entering Roadway TasksTopic 1 Lesson 1

5. Release Parking Brake

6. Select Gap in Traffic Flow

7. Move to Lane

- Target Lane Position #1

- Release Service Brake

- Accelerate Gradually

- Steer to Center of Lane

Entering Roadway Tasks

T – 3.2

Topic 1 Lesson 1

3 feetLane Position #1CENTER OF LANE

3 feet

Traffic Checks Front/Rear/Sides Proper Signal

Target Ahead

Check Visual Reference

- for 6” from Curb Side Mirror and/or Blind Area Check

T – 3.3

Moving to Curb/Side of RoadTopic 1 Lesson 2

Moving to Curb/Side of Road

Adjust Speed Using Controlled Braking

Use Gradual Steering - Make Adjustments to Align

Visual Reference Points Re-check Traffic

Cancel Signal Indicator

T – 3.4

Topic 1 Lesson 2

• Proper Seating and Hand Positions

• Adjust Restraints if Necessary

• Check Traffic to Front, Sides and Rear

• Place Foot on the Brake

• Shift to Reverse

T – 3.5

Topic 1 Lesson 3

Back

ing

Backing

• Signal if Backing Right or Left

• Release Parking Brake

• Readjust Seat Position

• Right Side/Left Side

• Straight (Right Side)

• Visually Target Position

• Maintain Reference Points

T – 3.6

BackingTopic 1 Lesson 3

Back

ing

• Control Rear Movement Gradually Release Brake Pressure

• Move as Slowly as Possible

• Accelerate Gradually

• Cover the Brake when Needed

• Steer in the Direction You Want to Go Using Reference Points to Establish Position

Backing

T – 3.7

Topic 1 Lesson 3

Back

ing

• Gaining Visual Information

- Focus Vision (Focal/Foveal)

- Central Vision (Limited Fringe Area)

- Peripheral Vision• Maintaining an Open Line of Sight

• Developing Searching Skills

Vision and Perception Requirements

T – 3.8

Topic 2 Lesson 1

Note: 90% of the driving task is visual!

Vision and Perception Requirements

• Targeting, Line of Sight, Path of Travel

• Referencing Vehicle to Path of Travel

• Using Visual References

• Using Turning Points to Start the Turning Process

- Forward visual turning points

- Rear visual turning points

T – 3.9

Topic 2 Lesson 1

Driver’s Useful Vision Areas

Gathering Useful Visual Information

Focus Vision Area (Focal) Includes 3 to 5 degrees of useful

information that is used when:TargetingEstablishing a Visual LeadReading Signs and Interpreting Signals

T – 3.10

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Driver’s Useful Vision Areas

Referencing Vehicle Position to Roadway

Viewing Path of Travel

Viewing Line of Sight to Target Area

T – 3.11

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Gathering Useful Visual Information

Central Vision Area (Inner Fringe)

30 to 36 degrees of useful information that includes:

Driver’s Useful Vision Areas

Gathering Useful Visual Information

T – 3.12

Topic 2 Lesson 2

Peripheral Vision

Peripheral Vision

Peripheral Vision (Outer Fringe Area)• 175-180 degrees of useful information that detects:

• Motion Changes• Color Changes

Capacity of Visual Fields

Focus Vision

Central Vision

Peripheral Vision

Peripheral Vision

Motion and Color Changes

Focus Vision (Focal/Foveal)

Visual Lead, Targeting, Signs, Signals

Central Vision (Limited Fringe Area)

Referencing, Path of Travel, Sightlines

Visual Fields in Operation

T – 3.13

Topic 2 Lesson 3

Visual Fields in Operation

Path of TravelTarget

Standard Visual Target and Reference Fields for Lane Position 1

When focus vision is on the selected target in the center of the path of travel, the central or inner fringe vision allows the driver to visually place the vehicle in a specific location within the lane.

T – 3.14

Topic 2 Lesson 3

Line of Sight/Path of Travel

Line of Sight Limitations or Restrictions

When line of sight is restricted or blocked, adjust speed until visual lead, target area, and the line of sight are restored.

T – 3.15

Topic 2 Lesson 3

Target

Effect of Speed on Vision and Steering

As speed increases:

• central vision narrows and blurs

• peripheral vision decreases

• changes in steering will cause exaggerated vehicle

movements

VISUAL FIELDS NARROW

T – 3.16

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Effect of Speed on Vision

• allow more time to gather information;

• lengthen total visual field, giving more time for adequate response; and

• place more space between other users and your vehicle so sudden steering changes are held to a minimum.

As speed increases, look farther ahead of your vehicle to increase line of sight (LOS) and search your path of travel (POT) to:

T – 3.17

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Determining Following IntervalsFixed Object or Shadow

One Thousand One

One Thousand Two

One Thousand Three

One Thousand Four

T – 3.18

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Time, Speed, and DistanceTopic 2 Lesson 4

T – 3.19

Vehicle Ft./Sec.Speed Travel

Following Interval2 Sec. 3 Sec. 4 Sec.

1/2 sec 3/4 sec TotalSteer Brake BrakeDist. Dist. Dist.

30 mph 44 f/s 88 ft. 132 ft. 176 ft. 22 ft. 33 ft. 80 ft.

40 mph 58 f/s 116 ft. 174 ft. 232 ft. 29 ft. 44 ft. 125 ft.

50 mph 74 f/s 148 ft. 222 ft. 296 ft. 37 ft. 56 ft. 190 ft.

60 mph 88 f/s 176 ft. 264 ft. 352 ft. 44 ft. 66 ft. 275 ft.

70 mph 104 f/s 208 ft. 312 ft. 416 ft. 52 ft. 78 ft. 385 ft.

Time, Speed and Distance on Dry Pavement

Formula for approximate feet per second traveled:

Speed + ½ speed = FPS traveled

Following Intervals

• 2 Seconds… Allows driver time to steer out of problem areas at all listed speeds on a dry surface and stop before problem areas at speeds under 35 mph.

• 3 Seconds… Allows driver time to steer out of problem areas at all listed speeds on dry surface and stop before problem areas at speeds to 45 mph.

• 4 Seconds… Allows driver to steer out of problem areas at speeds up to 65 mph on dry surface and stop before problem areas at speeds to the legal limit of 65 mph.

T – 3.20

Topic 2 Lesson 4

Most factory equipped passenger car tires are not designed to steer out of problem areas at speeds beyond 75 mph. At such speeds, speed rated tires are required due to increased tire heat and reduced traction caused by excessive sidewall flexion--especially on curves or when turning.

Space Management System

• S earch• E valuate• E xecute• i n• T ime

Topic 2 Lesson 4

T-3.20a

Good Drivers Develop a Space Management System