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Show tEuncB-efo- Page 6 a Wednesday, July 28, 1999 Nephi, Utah (New drivers are likely to make following space to the rear. If a mistake of slowing down bethe vehicle allow following tailgates, fore reaching the deceleration more space to the front. lane.) To exit a freeway, the drivstopIdentify a 4- - to er should identify the approprizone. ping A reasonable driving speed de- ate exit two or three exits in adpends on road, visibility and traf- vance, check following traffic, fic conditions. Timing, like posisignal intentions 34 seconds in need to kiiow how to safely en- a y street. conto is a advance, select the proper lane, tioning, way prevent ter, cross and leave a roadway at Approaching the intersection, flicts with other drivers. You can- enter the speed change lane as intersection. a multiple-lan-e the driver should select a gap streets large enough to allow crossing it not control other drivers, but you soon as possible, enter the exit Choose multiple-lan- e with ramp at the speed posted and and highways with left and right from a full stop without inter- can better manage risk brakcheck traffic ahead and behind signaling, steering, traffic. Make proper turn lanes and phased traffic sig- rupting cross-strewhile proceeding onto the ramp. checks. and mirror ing nals. sure to check for pedestrians, bie Avoid Meeting: Passing on The new driver needs to search cyclists and oncoming and cross Trucks and buses in areas of Roads Safely passing other vefor areas of limited visibility, traffic. e reduced space, such as bridges. hicles on highways is an identify traffic controls, monitor Timing and Positioning in to master. Impaskill Other as motorists apyou important roadway conditions, anticipate Relation to Traffic The driver pedestrians, cyclists and tience, bad timing and poor judgepossible conflicts with other should concentrate on maintain- proach vehicles. ment kill more then 8.000 peodisabled roadway users, check following ing a position in traffic that procollisions every on surfaces Vehicles ple In head-o- n slippery traffic and scan carefully for con- vides a safe following distance such as bridges which maybe icy year. trol devices and objects in or near and allows for an d escape in winter. divided and Include their path of travel. path. Vehicles undivided as well as winds when highways strong When approaching an intersecChoose a familiar area with make e difficult. traveled rural lightly steering tion, the driver should identify moderate traffic so the driver can lesson. Make for the Increase distance this highways following and maintain an escape path for concentrate on positioning and when behind large vehicles, sure the driver uses the vehicle while stopping and timing. The route should include when approaching or at railroad headlights if the vehicle is not e select a lane based on that Path. residential areas and and when tired or up- equipped with daytime running crossings Consideration should be given if rural highways with hills, curves set. lights-.Fo- r practice sessions on interthe driver is crossing the and narrow bridges or culverts. Exon two a lane Driving Freeway roadways, select a section, turning right, left or into Select a practice time when modfor interchanges, driving on section of straight, levcept erate to heavy traffic is expect- a freeway is not much different el, unobstructed highway. ed. Choosing the best place to from on driving any When the new driver spots an meet oncoming vehicles can beThe new oncoming vehicle, ask them to multiple-lan- e highway. gin on streets where parked ve- driver needs to learn to enter, begin counting (one, one e hicles reduce space at the sides. exit and ect.) freeways sand, two, through Be alert to situations in which an Skills needed until the oncoming vehicle is opat interchanges. increase in speed may be better are gap selection, timing and posite your vehicle. Determine if than slowing the driver would have had time speed adjustments. Ask the driver to identify and Choose freeways with moder- to safely pass a vehicle? explain why speeding up or slow- ate traffic, preferably not during If you are moving 40 mph and ing down would be the safer re- rush hour or twilight. The prac- the vehicle you want to pass is sponse to changes in visibility, tice session should include drivtraveling 30 mph, it takes about space or traction. Ask the stu- ing on underpasses, overpasses, 13 seconds to complete the pass. dent to explain their reasons for entrance ramps, exit ramps and At 50 mph and' 40 mph respecselecting a lane and position speed adjustment lanes. tively, it takes about 16 seconds within a lane. blend into to pass. At 60 mph and 50 mph, must Drivers Speed should be adjusted to high-spee- d traffic smoothly.' it takes about 19 seconds. assess information, to avoid driy-in- g .Drivers are These examples assume you required to adjust in a pack, to stay out of blind and position at the en-- ? are driving 10 mph faster than speed spots, to time approach to a traf- trance ramp and in through the vehicle you want to pass. You fic signal, to accommodate (lanes by identifying the desired start your pass two seconds changes in visibility or surface or exit well in advance. . hind the vehicle, and you return conditions, to prepare for or re- Drivers need to check mirrors for to your lane when you can see the cover from a curve and to mainand po- - complete vehicle in your traffic, following signal tain speed when climbing hills sition mirror. appropriately, adjust rear-vieand slowing down at the crest bf Kspeed, check traffic ahead on the If you are traveling at the same a hill. entrance ramp, select a safe gap, ' speed as the vehicle you want to An adequate space margin is and pass, you must accelerate at Jone that provides a driver with signal and adjust speed to the least 15 mph faster than the speed join adjusting merge visibility, time and space to ad- flow of traffic. 'speed of the vehicle y ou are pass- and position in ri- - jj. The just speed of collision a risk ing. greatest sponse to a threatening situa- wn a limited access highway oc-e On highways, a new tion from the front, sides or curs 500 to 1,000 feet before and driver should simulate passing rear. an interchange. The most by employing this counting proIn good weather, maintain a phfter common risks occur from drivers cedure several times. When the 3 to 4 second space margin in who have not positioned them- new driver has deifionslrated the front of the vehicle. . to exit or enter ability to'H&hirately assess, have selves Position the vehicle to main- traffic. correctly To protect yourself, check a relative or friend drive anothtain space equal to at least one traffic well in advance. If it is er vehicle ahead of you at speeds vehicle width on at least one side safe to do so, signal and move one of 30 mph and 50 mph while the of the drivers vehicle. lane left or right away from the new driver practices passing Maintain at least a maneuvers under controlled conexit or entrance ramp. ditions. When being passed, keep to the right, maintain a constant speed or slow down to allow the other driver to pass. t Night Driving, Coping with Fatigue Practice after dark on Vary your speed, posture and seat adjustment. If you have air conditioning, keep the vehicle cool. Be aware of your "down time and schedule a rest stop or nap. How to teach your teen to drive, part 4 AAA Utah recognizes young drivers need practice and experience to understand all of the aspects of operating a vehicle. In this, the last article of the series, more difficult driving challenges are addressed. Developing a sense of timing at intersections or in relation to other vehicles marks a skilled, safe driver. This is especially important when driving on the freeway and passing on a e road. Adverse driving conditions such as darkness, fatigue, and slippery roads account for many crashes. Young drivers need, to know and practice how to handle these conditions, Slippery Surfaces More 20 percent of. reported than crashes involve skidding. While most drivers are cautious on icy d roads, they freor down when slow not do quently to notice fail and driving in rain to lose about are clues they early one-wa- snow-covere- et directional control. When they do begin to skid, many drivers do Two-Lan- not know proper braking or two-lan- two-lan- steering procedures. Practice in snow, rain or icy conditions in a parking lot or lightly traveled roadway. Start at slow speeds 5 mph). Apply brakes and steer gently. When the driver understands these road conditions, increase speed. If you can do so safely, allow the new driver to recognize the point at which they are about to lose directional control. Hydroplaning is the total loss of vehicle control. A vehicle can hydroplane at 35 mph if water on the pavement reaches a depth of only 12 inch. Standing water on the pavement is always a risk (5-1- off-roa- four-lan- e, two-lan- low-bea- m Timing at Intersections Many collisions occur at intersec two-lan- tions because two or more drivers attempt to use the same place at the same time. New drivers one-mi- le factor for hydroplaning. A good indication of standing water is when rain drops bubble as they strike the road surface. For safe- thou-driv- d, , , w , two-lan- . WEEKLY SPECIALS Mow 1200 North Main 623-420- arc 4 anniversary celebrations?" Del. 7 days per week after 4 p.m. In Nephi, Mona or Levan. 2 Large 3 Item Pizzas Meal Mini-Mot- sa SmalM Item Mini-Pizz- a Stix, small drink and a surprise S0)25 " for those age 14 and under Lunch Special Small Salad 12 Order Stix 11 to 3 p.m. only $99 Every Mon & Tuos are Family Nights 14 1-lt- cm Pizza $4.99 Additional toppings 78 aach. Pick-u- p or dine-i- n only after 4 pjn. important Answer by: Glen O. Jenson, Utah anniversary. This day ought to be State University Extension Fam- at least as important as any of ily and Human Development the national and state holidays we celebrate. Do something that Specialist If a marriage was worth cele- is entirely different than other brating originally, then it ought holidays. If you have children at to be worth Hopehome, arrange for childcare and fully, good marriages get better make this day something special with time, so each year should for just you and your spouse. be a celebration of making someDo something that would be a thing that was good and mean- pleasant surprise for your ingful into something that is spouse. Gifts or activities are ofeven better. ten more fun and meaningful if Here are some ideas for anni- given as a surprise, and the unexpected usually makes meanversary celebrations: Visit places of your courtship ingful memories. and early years of marriage. RePlan well in advance for a speturn to the place of your mar- cial trip together. On milestone riage and reminisce over the anniversaries such as your 10th, events of that day. A little nos- 20th, 30th or others, you might talgia can make a very enjoyable want to save extra money for experience. something really special. There Find ways to meaningfully ex- are many places to go and things press yourselves to each other. to do that are not overly expenThese might include written sive if you plan for them. Put together a video or slide messages, physical intimacy, sharing of services or giving gifts tape containing pictures of past that have special significance memories interwoven with mumusic from the era of your mar- sic of events with special meanriage or dining out at a place fre- ing to the two of you. Invite all your children and quented during your courtship or their spouses, if they are marearly years of marriage. Reaffirm your marriage vows. ried, to join with you in a celeGet a copy of the vows or recre- bration of your marriage. ate on a paper the major phrasDon,t go anywhere. Just stay es used at your marriage ceremo- home, but tell everyone you are d them and ask your- unavailable and enjoy a day and ny. self, how are you doing at keep- a night with each other away ing those yows. You might want from the everyday rush of things. to write some new ones that ad- Spend some time remembering dress current feelings and new activities you have done on previous wedding anniversaries. challenges. Direct column topic questions Spend time looking at pictures of events in the past pertaining to: Donna Falkenborg, Utah to your marriage. This includes State University Extension, recounting memories of special 0500 Old Main Hill, Logan UT Re-rea- events or circumstances that 84322-050Phone fax: stand out in your mind as meandonna f?ext.usuedu. ingful and important Arrange not to work on your 0. 3; 435-797-136- 3; email: tys sake, reduce your speed whenever you travel a wet road. In a hard, driving rain, keep your speed - at or below 35 mph. Maintaining control is key in steering and braking situations on slippery surfaces. Look and steer in the direction you want to go, not at objects you want to miss. Avoid sudden moves or Be sure you know whether or not the vehicle is equipped with an anti-locbrake system. Consult the owner manual and follow the braking directions. over-correction- s. k Recovery Maneuvers More than 50 percent ofall vehicle occupant fatalities occur crashes. For in single-vehicl- e drivers under 25, the number increases to over 60 percent. These crashes occur when two or all four wheels drop onto the shoulder of the road. Depending on the speed of travel, condition of the tires and the type of road shoulder, a drop of just two inches can cause The driver to lose Off-Roa- d control. Often1 when this happens, the driver panics and to return to the pavement or locks the brakes. The vehicle then either slingshots across the road, skids into a fixed object or begins to roll. To practice recovery maneuvers, find a lightly trave eled, road with shoulder good country maintenance, clear of obstacles but with occasional edge drops of 4 inches. Begin the lesson by familiar streets or rural highways. selecting a section of roadway Risks include headlight illumi- with pavement and shoulder surnation of road and areas faces at the same height with no to ahead, inability spot parked obstacles. Then gradually work vehicles, pedestrians and other up to more significant edge objects on or beside the roadway, drops. effects of street lights on drivers Recovery Maneuvers: 1. Check for following or onvision, driving through curves and over hills on country roads coming traffic. and glare from oncoming head2. When clear, slow to a speed of 10 mph by lifting your foot lights. Get ready for night driving by from the accelerator. Do not place cleaning windows and lights, lo- it on the brake. 3. Signal. cating headlight, dimmer, emer4. Steer gradually off the road gency flasher and windshield for until the center of the vehicles switches, wiper checking burned-ou- t bulbs and checking hood is in line with the edge of the pavement. headlight alignment. 5. Maintain a speed of 10 mph. ,, Using Headlights: Dim 6. Signal your intention to reheadlights at least 500 feet from oncoming ve- turn to the roadway. over-stee- rs off-roa- d hard-surface- d two-lan- 2-- off-roa- Off-Roa-d high-bea- m hicles. 7. Check for oncoming and folUse parking lights only when lowing traffic. 8. Steer the d wheels parked or standing still. 8 Use emergency warning inches out from the road lights or hazard lights during edge. (This allows the wheels to roll freely.) emergency stops. Adjusting Speed for Night 9. Turn the steering wheel no more than 18 of a turn back toDriving: Increase your following dis- ward the roadway. tance at night. 10. As the front tire Maintains speed that allows touches the edge of the road, turn the steering stopping within the distance illuminated by headlights. wheel 14 turn back in the oppoDrive slower than you would site direction. in daylight during good weath11. Immediately turn the steerer. ing wheel back to the center poThe ability to see in low illu- sition. 12. Cancel signal. mination and recover from glare varies from person to person and Repeat this maneuver at slow decreases with age. People who speeds, gradually increasing the do not see well at night should speed to 30 mph. Once the driver avoid night driving except in feels at ease, reduce the speed to d areas. mph and select an area with With Three Coping edge drops of 2 inches. Practice at Fatigue types of fatigue may affect your speeds no faster than 30 mph and driving lack of rest or sleep, drops no greater than 4 inches. A more detailed explanation of operational fatigue brought on by driving long hours, driving in these driving skills can be found heavy traffic or adverse condi- in AAA's Teaching Your IWo to tions and personal circadian Drive, a video and study guide rhythm or your bodys natural for parents. AAA Utah sent down time. To avoid fatigue: Teaching Your Teens to Drive Take breaks and plan rest kits to the libraries of every high stops every two hours. Exercise school in Utah to enable parents to view the video and study the when you stop. off-roa- 12-1- off-roa-d well-lighte- 10-1- 5 handbook. |
