CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION TO DRIVING

1.1 Driver Education1.2 Driving is a Privilege

1.3 The Highway Transportation System

Question?

Do you think you have the “right” to drive?

Why/Why Not?

1.1 Driver Education

Designed to help unlicensed drivers become familiar with basics

Upon completion, education is not done!

You will not learn everything here

1.1 Driver Education

Components In-class instruction

30 hours of classroom driver’s education Behind-the-Wheel training

6 hours of BTW instruction 50 hours with parents

This is where you learn to drive!

1.2 Driving is a Privilege

Driving is a privilege, not a “right”. –Jesse White

Basic Responsibilities as a Driver

Legal Duties Obey the law

Financial Obligations Pay for accidents

Courtesy to Others Watch other vehicles and pedestrians Don’t disrupt the flow

Protecting your Passengers All passengers wear safety belts

Basic Responsibilities as a Driver

Know your vehicle What your car can/cannot do? Regular maintenance

Being ready to drive Emotional Physical Mental

1.3 The Highway Transportation System (HTS)

Highway Transportation System

People The people who use the HTS by driving, walking,

or riding are called ROADWAY USERS

Vehicles Cars, Trucks, Semi-Trucks, Motorcycles, Farm

Vehicles, Buses, Campers, Etc…..

Roadways Classifications

Conditions Function Free or Pay Toll

HTS

Regulating the HTS Federal, State, Local

Federal – National Highway Safety Act – set of traffic safety guidelines

State and Local Governments - Enforce guidelines

National Guidelines Vehicle Code

Federal and State laws that regulate the HTS

Enforcement Agencies Assure that laws are obeyed

Motor Vehicle Depts Set rules that assure driver and vehicle standards are met

Courts Decides whether drivers are violating laws

Highway Traffic Engineers Plan, Build, and Maintain the complex system of roadways

Breakdowns in the HTS

Drivers create most of the problems Failures in itself

Poorly designed plans Construction

Overall, the United States and Canada have one of the best and most efficient roadway systems in the world.