Driving Environments

Rural Driving The speed limit on rural roads when not posted is 35

mph. Many rural roads are two-lane, two-way roadways. Curves may be sharper and hills may be steeper than

on many city streets. These roads can be made of concrete, asphalt,

gravel, or dirt surfaces. These roads may or may not have a shoulder.

Usually rural roads are poorly lit or not lit at all. Some rural roads may have drainage ditches

alongside of them.

Rural Road

Hazards On Rural Roads Higher speed, fewer controls Slow moving vehicles Sight obstructions Animals and objects

A Deer In The Headlights

Distance Rules on Rural Roads Keeping an adequate following distance is the

easier and most simple way to avoid an accident. The space in front of the vehicle is the easiest

space to control. To control this space use the two-second rule for

following distance. The two-second rule is for good road and

weather conditions. When conditions are not ideal increase the

following distance to three to five seconds.

Urban Streets Are usually covered with people and traffic. Expect to encounter pedestrians anywhere

and everywhere. Never assume pedestrians will see you or that

they are going to obey traffic rules and signals. Expect the unexpected at all times and places. This is a great example of the “Predict” aspect

of the S.I.P.D.E. process.

Urban Street

Slow Or Irregular Traffic Flow On Urban Streets Cars stopping next to parked cars. Park cars pulling into traffic. Road work or construction. Disabled vehicle. Accident. Special events (ex. crawfish boil, concert) Pedestrians Any object that restricts traffic flow.

Traffic Jam

Sight Obstructions On Urban Streets

Parked or double parked vehicles Buses Trucks Vans Smog / pollution Buildings

When Driving In The City Scan on to two blocks ahead. Check traffic in all directions. Keep alert to tail lights in front of you. Expect pedestrians to enter the roadway. Be alert for emergency vehicles. Always be ready to stop. Be aware of entrances and exits. Drive with low-beam headlights. Give yourself extra time. Use the S.I.P.D.E. process to help identify risks.

Proper Lane Placement In An Urban Setting Keep as wide a margin of space as possible

between your car and parked cars. Avoid driving side by side with other cars on

multiple lane streets. Keep as much space as you can between

your car and vehicles in the on-coming lanes. Before entering an intersection, make sure

there are no cars or people blocking your intended path of travel.

Limited & Controlled Access Highways Permits driving long distances without interruption,

with minimum fatigue and maximum safety. There are not stops and no cross traffic. Allows vehicles to enter and exit only at specific places. They include freeways, interstates, parkways, turnpikes,

expressways, and other multi-lane highways. Entrances and exits may be miles apart. Interchanges are points where drivers can enter or

leave the expressway or connect with another highway.

Limited & Controlled Access Highway