Mod 2

Driver Preparation Procedures

Vehicle & Operating Control Devices

Vehicle Balance

BGE Settings/Footprint

Reference Points/Lane Positions

Pre-DrivePre-Drive TasksTasks

Check around the outsideCheck around the outside of the vehicle for broken glass (windows, lights,etc.), body damage, condition of tires, fluid leaks, direction of front tires, or debris on the ground that could interfere with movement.

Check forCheck for small children or pets near vehicle.

Pre-DrivePre-Drive TasksTasks

• Sliding books or book bags on seats when slowing or stopping will distract the driver.

• Food or beverages also distract the driver from the driving task.

• Valuables visible in the car may attract a thief.

When parked at the When parked at the curbcurb• Approach vehicle from the front to monitor

oncoming traffic.• Approach driver’s door with key in hand.

When parked in When parked in parking lotparking lot• Approach vehicle from the rear to observe people

or objects near the car.• Approach driver’s door with key in hand.

Store personal items in trunk of vehicleStore personal items in trunk of vehicle

Seating in driver’s seat

• Driver should sit 10-12 inches from the wheel

• Hand position should be at 8 & 4 for hand to hand steering

• Two hands for good control

• Head restraint – middle of the back of the head

Rear-View Mirror

T – 4.21

Traditional and Contemporary (BGE) Mirror Setting

Rear-View Mirror SettingRear-View Mirror Setting

Rear Mirror View

Right Side Mirror View

Left Side Mirror View

BGE settings --15 degrees out (S.V.)

200 ft behind

Starting Tasks (1-12)

2 Adjust mirrors 1 Adjust seat

4 Chk parking brake 6 Key in ignition

7 Gear in “P” or “N” 3 Adjust seat belt

5 Foot on brake 9 Check alert lights

8 Turn key “ON” 10 Start engine

12 Chk warning lights 11 Set accessories

Securing TasksSecuring Tasks

Stop in a legal, safe parking spaceStop in a legal, safe parking space

Park an appropriate distance from a fire hydrant, intersection, RR crossing, loading zone, etc.

Keep foot on service brake.

Set Parking BrakeSet Parking BrakeRecommended in most new vehicle owner’s manuals to protect transaxle and constant velocity joints.

Place gear selector in (P)ark.Place gear selector in (P)ark.Or place in recommended gear (Reverse or First gear) for

manual shift transmission.

Turn off any vehicle accessoriesTurn off any vehicle accessoriesCheck that all systems are functioning and ready to use next

time.

Under the Hood ChecksUnder the Hood Checks

3

811

10

9

1

2

6

7 4

5

1. Engine Coolant Reservoir

2. Windshield Washer Fluid

Reservoir

3. Engine Oil Filler Cap

4. Transmission Fluid

Dipstick (Automatic

Transmission)

5. Engine Oil Dipstick

6. Brake Fluid Reservoir

7. Clutch Fluid Reservoir

(Manual Transmission)

8. Battery

9. Power Steering Fluid

Reservoir

10. Drive Belts

11. Air Filter Assembly

T – 2.4

Tires• Tire pressure

– Check recommendation in owner’s manual

• Tread wear, damage, or bars showing

• Cuffing (uneven wear on inside or outside tread areas)

• Bald spots• Cuts, stones, metal

fragments, or other damage

Vehicle Safety, Vehicle Safety, Communication Devices Communication Devices & Accessories& Accessories

• Headlights, tail lights, and turn signals

• Emergency lights and markers• Emergency kit• Windshield wiper blades,

operation, and washer fluid• HVAC• Safety warning lamps (brake,

ABS, air bag, safety belts)

Weekly Self-ChecksTopic 1 Lesson 2

Under the Hood ChecksUnder the Hood Checks

Self-CheckSelf-Check

Check every 1-2 MonthsCheck every 1-2 Months

• All interior and exterior lights• Engine oil level, brake fluid level, and

engine coolant level• Lap/shoulder belts and seat latches for

wear and smooth function

Check Twice Per YearCheck Twice Per Year

• Air pressure in spare tire• Power steering fluid level• Parking brake for proper operation• Hinges, latches, door weather strips, and

outside locks (check and lubricate)• Body and door drain holes (check and

clean)• Cooling system coolant strength• Battery connections (clean if necessary)• Transmission fluid level

Professional ServiceProfessional Service

Every 3,000 - 5,000 Miles

• Oil change/filter replacement• Tire rotation/balance

Every 15,000 Miles

• Automatic transmission fluid level• Brake pads/shoes/rotors/drums, brake lines,

hoses, and parking brake system• Engine cooling system• Steering linkage, suspension and, if

equipped, drive shaft and ball joints• Cabin air filter replacement, if equipped

Every 30,000 Miles

• Exhaust system and heat shield• Engine air filter and fuel filter replacement• Accessory drive belts• Automatic transmission/transaxle service, if

equipped

T – 2.4b

Alert/Warning Symbols and ControlsAlert/Warning Symbols and Controls

THEFT

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

N.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

L.

K.

M.

O.

P.

Q.

R.

S.

T – 2.11

Air Bag On/Off Switch

Air Bag Functioning

Antilock Brake System Functioning

Theft-Deterrent System Activation

12 Volt Extension Outlet

Battery/Alternator Warning Light

Brake Warning Light

Safety Alert Symbol

Vent and Air Flow Control

Door Locks

Low Oil Pressure Warning Light

Temperature Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder

Fog Lamps

Drive Wheel Selector

Emergency Flashers

Fuse / Fuse Box

Fuel Indicator

Turn Signal Wipers Stalk

Alert/Warning Symbols and ControlsAlert/Warning Symbols and Controls

T.

U.

V.

W.

X.

GG.

Y.

Z.

AA.

BB.

CC.

EE.

DD.

FF.

HH.

II.

JJ.

KK.

LL.

MM.

O/DOFF

ETSETSOFFOFF

T – 2.12

Horn

Hood Release

Headlights/High Beam Indicator

Lighter Indicator

Interior Light Adjustment

Fan Speed Indicator

Adjust Left/Right Side Mirror

Parking Lamp Indicator

Overdrive On/Off Indicator

Exterior Lights

Steering Wheel Height Adjustment

Cruise Control Device

Rear Defroster Indicator

Power Window Controls Left/Right Signal Indicator

Electronic Traction Control System

Trunk Release

Windshield Washer

Windshield Wipers

Front Windshield Defroster

Location and description for all instruments and features can be found in Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual

• Speedometer Speedometer (mph-km/h)(mph-km/h)

• OdometerOdometer

• Trip OdometerTrip Odometer

• Gear IndicatorGear Indicator

T – 2.14

Control, Information, Comfort, and Safety DevicesControl, Information, Comfort, and Safety Devices

Center Instrument ClusterCenter Instrument Cluster

How do you know the anti-lock brakes, air bags & traction control

are working properly?

• The lights come on & go off. The system has been checked & is working properly.

How do you know if lights are high beam or low beam?

• The blue indicator light will be illuminated when the high beams are on.

What’s the function?

• Alternator – electrical system

• Oil – engine lubricating system

• Temperature – engine operating system

• Brakes – braking system

Operating Vehicle Control Devices

Brake Pedal Used to stabilize, decrease,

and increase speed.The driver can:

- cover the brake;- trail brake;- control squeeze

brake;- threshold brake;- lock the brakes;- apply ABS;- jab (stab) brake; or- lift off the brake.

Accelerator Pedal Used to stabilize, increase,

and decrease speed.

The driver can:

– cover the accelerator;

– use progressive acceleration;

– use thrust acceleration; or

– lift off the accelerator.

T-2.19

Operating Vehicle Control DevicesOperating Vehicle Control Devices

T – 2.20

Gear Selector LeverGear Selector Lever

• Transmission Type and Location

• Overdrive and Drive gear use

Parking BrakeParking Brake• Owner’s Manual suggests

engaging parking brake before placing in Park.

Cruise / Speed Control –Cruise / Speed Control – Why and Why and HowHow• To maintain a constant speed.

• Never use in stop-and-go traffic or on slick surfaces.

Ignition Switch -Ignition Switch - Location and FunctionsLocation and Functions

Back to right?

• Turn the wheel to the…

• RIGHT

• Turn the wheel the way you want back up!

Gear shift selector

P

R

N

D

L1

L2

PARK – vehicle will not move

REVERSE – vehicle will move backwards

NEUTRAL - No pulling power but tires will roll

DRIVE – Forward in most situations

LOW 1 – More power for hills or uneven terrain

LOW 2 – Max power for steep hills or heavy loads

Vehicle Balance (Roll, Pitch, and Yaw)Vehicle Balance (Roll, Pitch, and Yaw)

– Roll: vehicle’s weight shifts from side to side

– Pitch: vehicle’s weight shifts forward or backward

– Yaw: vehicle’s rear tire weight shifts to one side

– Note: These weight transfers occur when the amount of

weight or force pulling on each tire changes

– Optimum balance is achieved at rest with no movement

– Suspension and tire pressure also affect vehicle balance

Vehicle Movement on Crowned or Banked Roadway Vehicle Movement on Crowned or Banked Roadway

– Can create dramatic changes to vehicle balance due to

suspension and weight shifts

Controlling Vehicle BalanceControlling Vehicle Balance

Changing Vehicle Load from Side to Side (Roll)Changing Vehicle Load from Side to Side (Roll)

• Steering Wheel Movements

• Brake Application and Steering Combinations

• Slope of pavement

Controlling Vehicle BalanceControlling Vehicle Balance

SeatingSeating

• Driver position/balance and safety belt/pedal use

T – 2.26

Vehicle Direction / Speed RequirementsVehicle Direction / Speed Requirements

Vehicle ControlVehicle Control

• Releasing the accelerator

• Controlled braking (Squeeze on)

• Threshold braking

• Trail braking (Squeeze off)

T – 2.27

Topic 4 Lesson 2

Changing Vehicle Load from Front to Rear (Pitch)Changing Vehicle Load from Front to Rear (Pitch)• Light accelerator pressure

• Releasing the brake

• Progressive accelerator pressure

• Thrust accelerator pressure

Changing Vehicle Load from Rear to Front (Pitch)Changing Vehicle Load from Rear to Front (Pitch)

Vehicle ControlVehicle Control

Weight Shifts Change Vehicle Balanced

DROPS

Front

LIFTS

Rear

T – 2.28

Accelerating, braking, or steering shifts the vehicle’s weight from tire to tire and affects vehicle balance and control.

Vehicle Direction / Speed RequirementsVehicle Direction / Speed Requirements

Vehicle ControlVehicle Control

• Sudden braking and steering

• Sudden or excessive acceleration and steering

• Sudden or excessive steering

• Road tilted to right

• Traction loss to right rear may cause yaw motion

T – 2.29

• Sudden braking and steering

• Sudden or excessive acceleration and steering

• Sudden or excessive steering

• Road tilted to left

• Traction loss to left rear may cause yaw motion

Changing Vehicle Load from Changing Vehicle Load from Right to Left (Roll)Right to Left (Roll)

Changing Vehicle Balance from Left to Right (Roll)Changing Vehicle Balance from Left to Right (Roll)

Balanced seating position

• Steering wheel – 10-12 in from driver chest

• Backrest of driver seat – 90 degrees

• Left foot – on the “dead pedal”

• Right foot – on the floor

• Hands – 8 & 4

Max lock to lock steering?

• 2 1/2 – 3 turns

• In most modern vehicles

• Due to power steering

Why use hand to hand steering?

• Better control

• Smaller weight transfers

• Hard to oversteer

• It’s how you will be tested!

Braking

• Cover the brake – foot over brake but no pressure on the brake

• Controlled brake – slow vehicle & maintain balance

• Threshold brake – just short of locking up

• Trail brake – used to maintain speed & balance. Often used at end of controlled or threshold braking.

CorneringCornering

InertiaInertiaActual PathActual Path

Intended PathIntended Path

Vehicle ControlVehicle Control

When cornering, tires tend to flex.

If the tires are underinflated, the contact with the rim may be lost. AIR LOSS WILL OCCUR.

RIM

Tires turning left

Excessive tire flexion increases tire heat and may result in a blowout.

Apex

Driver’s Useful Vision AreasDriver’s Useful Vision Areas

Gathering Useful Visual Gathering Useful Visual InformationInformation

Focus Vision Area (Focal)

Includes 3 to 5 degrees of useful Includes 3 to 5 degrees of useful information that is used when:information that is used when:

TargetingTargetingEstablishing a Visual LeadEstablishing a Visual LeadReading Signs and Interpreting SignalsReading Signs and Interpreting Signals

Driver’s Useful Vision AreasDriver’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 Gathering Useful Visual InformationInformation

Central Vision Area (Inner Fringe)30 to 36 degrees of useful information that includes:

Driver’s Useful Vision AreasDriver’s Useful Vision Areas

Gathering Useful Visual InformationGathering Useful Visual Information

T – 3.12

Peripheral Vision

Peripheral Vision

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

•Motion Changes

•Color Changes

Traditional Mirror Views and Blind SpotsTraditional Mirror Views and Blind Spots

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

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

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

area you can already see in your rear view mirrorarea you can already see in your rear view mirror

•Peripheral Vision Area

Peripheral Vision Area

Determining Vehicle Operating SpaceDetermining Vehicle Operating Space

Markers represent edge of Markers represent edge of sightlinessightlines

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

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

forward and rear turning axisforward and rear turning axis * *

Forward

Rear

Referencing Referencing Points: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 Side

view mirrors windows

Hood

**Parking, turning, lane position, stopping

Front LimitationFront Limitation

Where are your visual reference points to Where are your visual reference points to

determine determine FRONT LIMITATION FRONT LIMITATION ??

Front Limitation Reference PointsFront Limitation Reference Points

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

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

Reference Point

Line of sight

Reference point

Rear LimitationRear Limitation

• BACKING BACKING

• PARKINGPARKING

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

Rear LimitationRear Limitation

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

Reference point

Reference point

Right Side LimitationRight Side Limitation

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

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

3-6 INCHES

Reference Point

Line of Sight

Reference Point

Lane Position # 1Lane Position # 1

• VEHICLE IS CENTERED IN THE LANEVEHICLE IS CENTERED IN THE LANE

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

3 FEET

3 FEET

Lane Lane Position Position

ONEONE( LP ( LP 1 1 ))

Lane Position # 1Lane Position # 1

Lane Lane Position Position

ONEONE

(LP(LP 1 1))

3 FEET

3 FEET

• Your left side Your left side reference pointreference point runs through the driver’s runs through the driver’s

side left fender to the line on the left side of the vehicle. side left fender to the line on the left side of the vehicle.

• Your right side Your right side reference pointreference point runs through the center of runs through the center of

passenger’s side right half of the hood to the line on the passenger’s side right half of the hood to the line on the

right side of the vehicle.right side of the vehicle.

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

Lane Position # 2Lane Position # 2

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

3-6 INCHES

Lane Lane Position Position

TWOTWO( LP ( LP 2 2 ))

Lane Position # 2Lane Position # 2

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

Lane Lane Position Position

TWOTWO

(LP(LP 2 2))

3-6 INCHES

6 FEET

Lane Position # 3Lane Position # 3

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

THE RIGHTTHE RIGHT

3-6 INCHES

Lane Lane Position Position THREETHREE( LP ( LP 3 3 ))

Lane Position # 3Lane Position # 3

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

T – 2.53

Lane Lane Position Position THREETHREE

(LP(LP 3 3))

3-6 INCHES

6 FEETReference point

Line of Sight

Possible Lane PositionsPossible Lane Positions

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

Lane Positions – Lane Positions – 1, 2, 3, 4, and 51, 2, 3, 4, and 5

LP 3

LP 2

LP 5

LP 1

OBSTACLEOBSTACLE

LP 4