According to the NHTSA, speeding causes one-third of all fatal crashes, killing about 1,000 people each

month at an economic cost of more than $29 billion each year — including $4 billion in healthcare costs.
Speed effects our vehicle in ways that prevent our vehicle from keeping us protected.
Speed will increase the risk in your driving environment in at least 5 ways:

Reduction of reaction time

Increase in stopping distance
Decrease in field of vision
Less control
Heightens force of impact in event of collision

Arizona basic speed limit maximums:

Area :Rural Freeways and Interstate Highways (as posted) - Maximum Speed Limit: 75MPH
Urban Freeways and Interstate Highways (as posted) - Maximum Speed Limit: 65MPH
Residential and Business Districts -Maximum Speed Limit:25MPH
Approaching and Inside of School Zones -Maximum Speed Limit:15MPH
Alleys and Blind Intersections - Maximum Speed Limit:15 MPH

The following list provides times when driver may deem it necessary to reduce speed:
Upon approaching or attempting to cross another roadway
Upon approaching or passing a stopped emergency vehicle with its emergency lights flashing
Upon approaching a flag person, barricades, flare, or reflector on the road
When travelling on a narrow or winding roadway
Upon approaching a curve or hilltop
Upon approaching or attempting to cross a railroad crossing
When any type of road hazard exists, such as a pedestrian, bad weather or other highway
conditions.
When special speed limits and "no passing" signs may be posted on bridges
Red - A red light means "stop". Stop before entering the crosswalk or intersection. You may turn
right unless prohibited by law. You may also turn left if both streets are one way unless
prohibited by law. You must yield to all pedestrians and other traffic lawfully using the
intersection. DO NOT turn if there is a sign posted for "NO TURN ON RED".
Red Arrow - A red arrow means "STOP" until the green signal or arrow appears. A turn may not
be made against a red arrow.
Flashing Red - A flashing red signal light means exactly the same as a stop sign, namely,
STOP! After stopping, proceed when safe, observing the right-of-way rules.
Yellow - A yellow signal light warns you that the red signal is about to appear. The yellow light
means Prepare to stop. When you see the yellow light, you should prepare to stop. If you can’t
stop, look for vehicles that may enter the intersection when the light changes.
Yellow Arrow - A yellow arrow means the "PROTECTED" turning time period is ending. Be
prepared to obey the next signal, which could be the green or red light or the red arrow.
Flashing Yellow - A flashing yellow signal light warns you to be careful. Slow down and
proceed only with caution
Green - A green light means "GO" but first you must let other vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians
remaining in the intersection when your signal changes to green get through before you move
ahead. Make the left turn only if you have enough space to complete the turn before any
oncoming vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian becomes a hazard. Do not enter an intersection, even
when the light is green, unless there is enough space to completely cross before the light turns
red. If heavy traffic causes you to block traffic, you can be cited.

Green Arrow - A green arrow means "GO", but first you must yield to any vehicle, bicycle or
pedestrian still in the intersection. The green arrow pointing right or left allows you to make a
"PROTECTED" turn; oncoming vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians are stopped by a red light as
long as the green arrow is lighted
Proper adherence to traffic signs can help to make you a better driver. They help you in
the following ways:

They WARN of hazards ahead that would otherwise be difficult to see.

They GUIDE drivers to their destination by identifying the route.
They INFORM of local regulations and practices.
They REGULATE the speed and movement of traffic.
Different Colors on Traffic Signs specify Different Meanings:

Red - Prohibits and commands

White - Regulates
Yellow - Warns
Orange - Warns and controls construction zones
Green - Guides and informs
Blue- Services for motorists
Brown =-Historic, culture, or recreation sites

The SHAPE OF A TRAFFIC SIGN can also be an indicator regarding further traffic
instruction.

The shape of a traffic sign can give you as much information about the meaning of a sign
as the sign’s color or wording. When visibility is poor, such as in heavy rain, dust storms,
or fog, you may be able to make out only the shape of a particular sign.
Octagon - Exclusively for Stop signs
Triangle - Exclusively for Yield signs
Diamond -Exclusively to warn of possible hazard
Rectangle - Generally for guide signs.
Pentagon- School advance and school crossing.
Cross buck - Railroad crossing.
Round - Railroad crossing and advance warning signs.

In addition to shape and color, road signs use specific phrases and symbols to further indicate
what type of instruction they are trying to provide. The table below provides a brief description of
major road signs that are used as traffic control devices in Arizona.

Type of Sign (symbol or phrase)

Meaning

Do Not Enter
This sign keeps you from entering a road or freeway, and you are approaching from the wrong
direction

Wrong Way

You have entered a lane of oncoming traffic and are going the wrong way.

No Left/Right Turn

You are not permitted to turn either direction

No U-Turn

You are not permitted to make a U-turn

No Parking

You are not permitted to park (unless time is posted permitting you to do so in these hours)

Speed Limit

Indicates the maximum speed limit. You may not exceed that speed on the road

Do Not Pass

Marks the beginning of a no passing zone.

One Way

The traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow

Keep Right

There is a traffic island, median, or obstruction ahead.

Lane Use Control Signs

They are used where turning movement is required or where turning movement is permitted
from a specific lane.

No Turning During the Red Light

You must wait for the signal to turn green.

Reduced Speed Ahead

This sign warns that a slower speed limit sign is posted ahead. Start reducing your speed.

Warning Signs

Warning signs alert you to possible hazards ahead. You are responsible to recognize them and
react correctly. Most warning signs are yellow. Signs warning of pedestrian and bicycle
crossings and school zones may also be fluorescent yellow green in color.

School Zone

School signs are pentagon-shaped warning signs. You are near a school. Look out for children,
and be ready to stop.

School Crossing

Watch for children and pedestrians crossing the road at any time. Be prepared to stop. Obey
signals from crossing guards.
Pedestrian Crossing Ahead

Be alert for people crossing.

No Passing Zone

This sign is on the left side of a two-way highway. It warns of the beginning of a no passing
zone.

Slow Moving Vehicle Emblem

Vehicles that travel on the highway at speeds of 25 miles per hour or less, such as farm
equipment or horse drawn equipment‚¬ must display this sign when using the public highway.
Adjust your speed or position when you see this sign

Cross Road

A four-way intersection is ahead. Prepare to yield.

Side Road

Traffic is coming from your right. Watch for vehicles entering the roadway.

T-Intersection Ahead

The road you are on ends. Prepare to turn right or left. Yield to cross traffic.

Y-Intersection Ahead

The road ahead splits into two different directions. Be prepared for traffic crossing in your path,
and prepare to turn in one direction or the other
Curve

The road curves in the direction indicated.

Two-Way Traffic Ahead

You are leaving a one-way roadway and entering a two-way roadway. Stay to the right.

Divided Highway Begins

The roadway is dividing. Stay to the right.

Divided Highway Ends

The divided roadway ends ahead. Two-way traffic will no longer be divided by a center island.

Traffic Signal Ahead

There is a traffic light at the next intersection.

Chevron

A sharp change in direction in the road is ahead. Beware.

Slippery Road

The road surface is slippery when it is wet.

Steep Hill
The road ahead goes down a steep hill. This is a warning for all vehicles. Check your brakes
before going down the hill.

Lane Ends

Merge. Two lanes of traffic will become one. If you are in the right lane, yield to traffic in the left
lane. Yield to traffic in the left lane as you merge left.

Merging Traffic

Traffic from another road is entering the one you are on. Drivers in the right lane must merge left
when space opens. Drivers on the left lane should allow other vehicles to merge.

Added Lane

A lane is being added to the roadway. Traffic will enter, but merging is not necessary.

Construction Signs

Orange signs with black letters are used in construction and work zones. Slow down when you
see an orange sign. These signs warn drivers of restricted lanes of traffic, detours, and other
road work hazards. Drums, cones, tubes, flashing arrows, or orange and white striped barriers
are used to keep traffic out of a construction area or areas where it is dangerous to drive.

You may also see a person holding an orange sign or flag who will be giving directions in work
zones. Always follow their directions. Stop if they direct you to do so. This sign indicates a flag
person ahead. Drive cautiously. Reduced speeds are often posted in roadwork zones. Motorists
who violate the posted speed limit in work zones pay double the normal fine.

As a driver, you may have noticed painted curbs in different areas, and while you
subconsciously followed the instruction of the curb’s indicated color, you may have never
realized that painted curbs are also another form of traffic control. A successful defensive driver
knows the importance of familiarizing themselves with all the types of traffic devices. Color
markings (like curbs and signs) are placed where federal, state and local ordinances require
special parking for disabled and other persons. Colored curbs mainly limit the length of time you
can park in a designated area.

A painted curb means that you must follow special rules to park there. The colors on curbs
mean:

White

You may stop only long enough to pick up or drop off passengers or mail. (Usually at airport
passenger terminals)

Green

You may park for a limited time. The time is usually shown on a sign next to the green zone or
painted on the curb.

Yellow

You may stop here only long enough to load or unload passengers or freight-no longer than
posted. Drivers of noncommercial vehicles are usually required to stay with their vehicle.

Red

No stopping, standing, or parking. (A bus may stop at a red zone marked for buses.)

Blue

This indicates parking for the disabled only. You must have a disabled person parking placard
(window sign) or disabled person or disabled veteran license plates
Avoid Passing in the Following Areas:
When there is another vehicle coming toward you from the opposite direction and there is not
enough room to safely pass
When you are within 200 feet of a tunnel, underpass, or railroad crossing
Within 100 feet of an intersection
On a curve or hill in areas where you cannot see clearly the road ahead
Where there is a “No Passing” sign posted
Where there is a solid yellow line on your side of the center line.
t’s important to return to the right side of the road before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming
vehicle when you are passing another vehicle.
Passing Lanes
Avoid driving off the paved or main traveled part of the road or on the shoulder to pass. A white
line painted on the road surface marks the edge of the main traveled portion of the road. If you
want to pass another vehicle or a bicycle going in your direction, always pass on the left.
Passing on the right is dangerous.

Only in certain situation is it legal to pass on the right. For example, you can pass on the right if
an open highway is clearly marked for two or more lanes of vehicles moving in your direction of
travel. You can also pass on the right if the driver of another vehicle is turning left. If a driver is
signaling to turn left, never pass the driver on the left. However, be cautious when passing
someone who is turning because sometimes drivers use the wrong turn signal.

Don’t honk when you are passing especially if you are passing on the right. Because the norm is
to pass on the left, the driver may think you are on the left and pull over to the right and into your
lane.

If you need to move into another lane, move only after you finished the turn you want to make.
Be sure traffic is clear before switching lanes.
Using a Roundabout

Roundabouts are becoming much more common in the United States because they offer a safer
and more efficient traffic flow than a standard intersection can do. By allowing traffic to only
move one-way in a counter-clockwise manner, there are fewer conflict points. Traffic flows much
more smoothly. Crash statistics show that roundabouts reduce fatal crashes by about 90
percent, reduce injury crashes by roughly 75 percent, and reduce overall crashes by 35 percent
when compared to other type of intersection control.
When driving in a roundabout, the same general rules apply as when driving through a
standard type intersection. Follow these steps to safely drive in a roundabout:

Slow down and obey traffic signs.

Yield to any bicyclists or pedestrians.
Yield to traffic coming from your left that are already in the roundabout.
Enter the roundabout when there is a large enough gap in traffic.
Keep your speed low throughout the roundabout.
As you are approaching your exit, use your right turn signal.
Yield to any bicyclists or pedestrians as you exit the roundabout.
Driving a Roundabout with Two or More Lanes
If a roundabout has more than one lane, choose the proper lane before you enter. As you
approach the roundabout entrance, it is very important that you observe the signs, arrows, and
pavement markings to determine which lane to use before you enter. On the side of the road,
you can find black and white signs with arrows that will show you the correct lane in which to
drive.
Generally, if you want to make a left turn, you should be in the left lane, and if you want to make
a right turn, you should be in the right lane. If you want to go straight, observe the signs and
arrows, and choose the correct lane.

Emergency Vehicles in a Roundabout

When driving in a roundabout, yield to emergency vehicles. If you haven’t yet entered the
roundabout, pull over and allow the emergency vehicle to pass you. If you are already in the
roundabout, continue to your exit and then pull over allowing the emergency vehicle to pass
you. Avoid stopping in the roundabout.
Large Vehicles in a Roundabout

Large vehicles will typically need more space to maneuver in a roundabout. All drivers should be
cautious and avoid driving directly next to or passing a large truck while approaching and driving
through a roundabout.
Pedestrians in a Roundabout

When you cross a roundabout, first check for traffic coming from your left. Once you cross the
road and are safely to the middle island, check traffic coming from your right before you proceed
to the opposite side.
Drivers are required to yield to any pedestrian crossing in a roundabout. However, it is your
responsibility to make sure it is safe to cross, and drivers can see you and are aware of your
presence before proceeding to cross.
An intersection is any place where one line of traffic meets another. Intersections
include:
Cross streets and side streets
Freeway entrances
There are two main types of intersections:
Controlled - A controlled intersection is where it is controlled by a sign, (stop or yield sign), a
signal light, (red, yellow, green, flashing or arrow lights) or can be directed by an officer.
Uncontrolled - An uncontrolled intersection is where there is no official method of directing the
flow of traffic. When you are approaching an uncontrolled intersection and cannot see cross
traffic, at least 100 ft in either direction, you must slow down to at least 15 miles an hour, check
for cross traffic, and proceed with caution if it is clear.
The green light only allows you to proceed if it is safe to do so. You must have two
conditions present at the intersection in order to cross an intersection safely:

A.) The light must be green.

B.) The intersection has to be clear and safe before crossing

Flashing red lights at a railroad crossing means stop. Stop at least 15 feet from the
tracks when:

A person or signal warns that a train is coming

You see a train coming
You hear the horn or bell of a train nearby
Here are some other helpful tips about how to safely pass through railroad crossings:

Never drive around lowered gates--It’s illegal and deadly. If you suspect a signal is
malfunctioning, call your local law enforcement agency or the railroad, or dial 911.
Never race a train to the crossing--Even if you tie, you lose.
Do not get trapped on a crossing. Only proceed through a crossing if you are sure you can
cross the entire track.
Get out of your vehicle if it stalls on a crossing and call your local law enforcement agency for
assistance.
Watch out for a second train when crossing multiple tracks.
Expect a train on the track at any time. Trains do not follow set schedules.
Be aware that trains cannot stop quickly. When the engineer can see you, it is already too late
to avoid a collision.
E xmples of Left-Turns:
Left turn from a two-way street - Start the turn at the left-hand edge of the lane closest to the
middle of the street. You must use a left turn lane if there is one. Complete the turn, if safe, in
either lane of the cross street (shown by arrows.) Use the center left turn lane if there is one.

Left turn from a two-way street onto a one-way street -Start the turn from the far left-hand
portion of your side of the road. You may turn into any lane that is safely open.

Left turn from a one-way street onto a two-way street - Start the turn from the far-left lane. Turn
into either of the lanes that is safely open, as shown by the arrows.

Left turn from a one-way street onto a one-way street

Examples of Right-Turns:

Right turn from a one-way street into a one-way street - After starting your turn in the far-right
lane, you may use any lane open to traffic, if safe to do so. Sometimes signs or pavement
markings will let you turn right from a lane next to the far-right lane.

Turn at a "T" intersection from a one-way onto a two-way street - Through traffic has the right-of-
way. You may turn either right or left from the center lane. Watch for vehicles and bicycles inside
your turn

Turning on Red -At the intersections, you may turn right after stopping for a red light if you are in
the correct turn lane and your path is clear and no sign telling you otherwise.
Below are some rules to help you when turning at a street corner.

Left turn: Get close to the center divider line or into the left turn lane (if there is one). When
turning left, don't turn too soon and "cut the corner" of the lane belonging to cars coming toward
you.
Right turn: If you are turning right, get close to the right edge of the road (watch for bicycles or
motorcycles between your car and the curb). On a right turn don't turn wide. Stay in the right
lane until you have finished your turn.

U-Turns are also a change of direction.

When you make a U- Turn, turn your vehicle around so that you are driving in the opposite
direction from the one in which you were traveling. Signal and then make the turn only from the
left lane on your side of the road.

You may make a U-Turn in a residential district:

If no vehicle approaching you is closer than 200 feet

Whenever a traffic sign or signal protects you from vehicles which are close.

At a T intersection, you may make a U-Turn on a green light or green arrow unless a “no U-
Turn” sign is posted.

Now that we are familiar with the basics of legal U-Turns, we should examine instances of U-
turns that would be considered illegal and fineable.

You may not make a U-turn unless you can do so without causing problems for other traffic.
You may not make a U-turn on Interstate freeways.
You may not make a U-turn near the top of a hill or on curves where you cannot clearly see 200
feet in each direction
You may not make a U-turn when the vehicle may hit you
You may not make a U-turn if there is a NO U-TURN signs are posted where U-turns are not
allowed.
You may not make a U-turn on a one-way street
You may not make a U-turn in front of a fire station.
You may not make a U-turn in a business district, except at intersections or through openings in
a dividing section.

When you decide to change lanes or turn onto a roadway going in another direction, you must
let other drivers know what you plan to do.

Signaling with an approved signal device is the best way to inform other motorists of what you
plan to do.

All signals are to be given at least 100 feet before making the actual move to turn. Keep
signaling until you are ready to make the turn. Stop signaling when you have completed the turn
or lane change. On the freeway, it is best to signal at least 5 seconds before changing lanes.

You Must Always Signal whenever you are going to:

Change lanes.
Make a turn.
Pull away from a parking space which is parallel to the curb.
Slow down or stop.

It is often necessary to change lanes to prepare for turns, merge with other traffic, or move
around slower vehicles or other barriers ahead of you. Lane changing can be dangerous and
must be done with caution.

Never move from one lane to another until you can do so safely. Watch for safe clearance to the
side, behind, and ahead of your vehicle so you can move into the lane without interfering with
other traffic.

When changing lanes, make a quick turn of your head in the direction you are moving and
check your blind spot. If you rely only on your mirrors, you may not see other vehicles alongside
your car.
Always signal your lane change in advance to warn other traffic. Remember that a signal does
not grant you the right to change lanes. Wait until it is safe to do so. When you decide to change
lanes or turn onto a roadway going in another direction, you must let other drivers know what
you plan to do.

Signaling with an approved signal device is the best way to inform other motorists of what you
plan to do. All signals are to be given at least 100 feet before making the actual move to turn.
Keep signaling until you are ready to actually make the turn. Stop signaling when you have
completed the turn or lane change. On the freeway, it is best to signal at least 5 seconds before
changing lanes. After passing another car, you should not pull back right in front of it until you
can see the front of it in your rear- view mirror.

To be sure a lane is clear before moving into it, you should:

Look in the rear view mirror

Look in the left side mirror
Use your mirrors, turn your head, and look in the lane you want to enter

If you enter the blind spot of another vehicle, you should drop back slightly or accelerate to get
out of the blind spot.

Start the turn from the far-left lane. Watch for pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists between
your vehicle and the curb because they can legally use the left turn lane for their left turns. Turn
into any lane that is safely

1:At an intersection a yellow arrow means:

A. Stop and proceed carefully
B. The "PROTECTED" turning time period is ending (Correct!)
C. Same as the green light
D. None of the Above
2:What of the following conditions must be present at an intersection in order to cross an
intersection safely?
A. The light must be green
B. The intersection has to be clear and safe before crossing
C. Both A & B (Correct!)
D. A green arrow only
3:You should use your signals at least ____ feet before turning.
A. 50 feet
B. 100 feet (Correct!)
C. 150 feet
D. 200 feet
Yielding and Right-of-Way

Yielding laws and right-of-way laws are put in place to help traffic flow more smoothly and keep
the roads safer. They are based on common sense and courtesy. Violation of these laws is one
of the major causes of traffic crashes. Some of the right-of-way and yielding laws include the
following:

Drivers shall stop to yield the right-of-way to the pedestrian where traffic control signals are not
in place or in operation, when a pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk, or an intersection with no
marked crosswalk
Drivers shall slow down and stop if necessary to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and cross
traffic where there is a yield sign facing the driver
All traffic must stop and yield the right-of-way when a blind person carrying a white cane or
using a guide dog enters an intersection
The driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right at an intersection
where all drivers are required to stop. These kinds of intersections are controlled by 4-way stop
signs or flashing red traffic lights.
The driver of the vehicle on the left should yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right when
two vehicles on different roadways approach an intersection not controlled by a traffic signal or
traffic sign at the same time.
A complete stop is required when you are at a STOP sign.
A. True (Correct!)
B. False
2:YEILD signs require drivers to give right-of-way to oncoming traffic.
A. True (Correct!)
B. False
3:What is the shape of a YEILD sign?
A. Circle
B. Triangle
C. Upside-down Triangle (Correct!)
D. Square

Keep in mind the following tips when driving in a roundabout:

Yield to vehicles in the roundabout. They have the right-of-way.

Watch out for large trucks. Do not try to pass them in the roundabout.
Proceed with caution in the roundabout when you see an emergency vehicle. If possible, exit or
pull over to the right.
Pedestrians should use the crosswalks provided and use caution when near a roundabout.
Bicyclists should be aware of traffic rules. Walk your bike or use the crosswalks provided.

Roundabouts are designed for speeds of 15-20 miles per hour.

A. True (Correct!)
B. False
2:The law requires vehicles to come to a complete stop at any School Crossing when the
crosswalk is occupied by any person.
A. True (Correct!)
B. False
3:What shape of traffic control device indicates a school crossing sign?
A. Triangle
B. Upside-Down Triangle
C. Pentagon (Correct!)
D. Upside-Down Pentagon

Drivers should always provide pedestrians with the right-of-way.

A. True (Correct!)
B. False
2:It is completely safe to walk or jog on freeways or toll roads.
A. True
B. False (Correct!)
3:As a pedestrian, you must not suddenly leave a curb or other safe places and walk or run into
the path of a vehicle that is close enough to be a danger to you.
A. True (Correct!)
B. False

Vehicle Maintenance:
Certain things on your vehicle are equipped for your safety and the safety of other on the road.
It’s important to make sure these items are always in proper working condition before you drive
your vehicle.

Headlights: Your vehicle is equipped with both high beam and low beam headlights. The high
beams are typically for use in dark areas when there is no oncoming traffic. The low beam lights
are used all other times from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before the sun rises.
Taillights: These lights allow other drivers to see you when they drive behind you in the dark.
The taillights turn on automatically when you turn on your headlights.
Brake Lights: These lights are designed to inform drivers behind you that you are slowing
down, and it will signal them to adjust their speed accordingly.
Backup Lights: These provide extra light to help the driver see better behind the vehicle while
in reverse.
Turn Signals: These are designed to let other drivers near you know that you will be slowing
down to make either a left or right turn soon. By signaling, it gives the other drivers advanced
warning to adjust their speed and direction accordingly.
Emergency Flashers: The flashers on your vehicle let other drivers know that you are having
problems with your vehicle. Emergency flashers make your vehicle more visible and will help
provide enough time for other drivers to adjust their speed and direction if necessary.
Horn, Headlights, and Emergency Signal Use

Headlights

Use your headlights in the following situations:

When it is dark, raining, snowing, foggy, or cloudy

On cold mornings when the windows of other drivers may be icy or foggy
Any time you have trouble seeing other vehicles. Other drivers may have trouble seeing you, as
well.
On mountain roads or small country roads – This will help other drivers see you better, and your
headlights may help prevent a head-on crash.

Under certain circumstances, you may have to flash your lights to get the attention of another
driver who are not able to see you.

Emergency Signals

If your vehicle breaks down on the road, be sure other drivers are able to see you. Oftentimes,
collisions happen because a driver didn’t see a stalled car until it was too late. Use the following
rules if you are having trouble and have to stop.

Pull off the road away from traffic if possible.

If you are not able to get all the way off the road, try to stop where you are visible to other
drivers.
Avoid stopping just over a hill or around a curve.
Use your emergency flashers to indicate a hazard or crash is ahead. You should also use your
flashers if you are not moving. If your vehicle is not equipped with flashers, you can use your
turn signals instead.
Lift the hood to signal an emergency if it is safe to do so.
Try to give other drivers plenty of warning. Place emergency flares or triangles 200 to 300 feet
behind the car if you have them. However, be very careful when using flares as they might
cause a fire, especially near flammable liquids.
If you don’t have emergency flares or cones, follow the rules listed above as best you can and
remain in your vehicle until help arrives.
Stay off the road and be careful of your safety. Don’t change a tire if it requires you to stand in a
traffic lane.
Signaling When Changing Directions

Even if you don’t see any vehicles around you, use your signal.
Use your signal to make other drivers aware of your plan to turn or change lanes. Watch for
other driver’s signals, as well.
Signal anytime you pull away from or towards a curb.
Signal before you change lanes or make a turn. Use the signals on your car or, if your vehicle is
not equipped with them, use arm signals. On sunny days, turn signal lights may be more difficult
to see, so use arm signals as well as signal lights to make sure other drivers see you.
Even though you signal, don’t assume the space you want to move into is clear. Look over your
shoulder to check your blind spot before moving lanes.
Signal during the last 100 feet before you turn. When driving on the freeway, signal at least five
seconds before you change lanes.
Signal anytime you change directions even if you don’t see any cars around you. You may not
be aware of all the cars around you, and you may get hit.
If you are planning to turn after an intersection, wait until you are in the intersection or past it to
signal. If you signal too early, another driver may think you are turning at the intersection and
pull into your path.
If you are planning to turn at an intersection that is close to a business driveway, be very careful.
Drivers leaving that business may assume you are turning into the driveway and pull out right in
front of you. In this situation, it is best to signal after the driveway but before the intersection.
Make sure you turn your signal off after turning if it hasn’t clicked off by itself.
Signal when you slow down or stop suddenly.
Unless it is necessary for safety or to obey the law, never stop on the road blocking traffic.
Warn other drivers behind you if you can see a collision ahead. You may need to stop quickly,
so turn on your emergency flashers or tap your brake pedal quickly as a warning. You can also
use the hand signal for slowing or stopping.
When you slow down, start braking early. Signal to the cars behind you.

Horn

The horn on your vehicle can be a live saving device when used properly. Unfortunately,
however, most people seem to go to one extreme or the other when it comes to using the horn.
Either drivers never use their horn even in dangerous situations, or they overuse them and honk
when other drivers make mistakes or don’t move quickly enough.
The main purpose of the horn is to warn other drivers or pedestrians of possible danger of which
they may not be aware. Drivers should use their horns with discretion. For example, if another
vehicle is backing up slowly and you think they may not be aware of your presence behind
them, one or two polite taps on the horn are sufficient. On the other hand, if another vehicle is
moving into your lane and a crash seems imminent, you should use a long, loud blast to make
sure the driver takes immediate corrective action to avoid a dangerous situation.

Your vehicle must be equipped with a horn that is capable of being heard at a distance of at
least 200 feet. However, some sound devices are prohibited. You cannot have a siren on your
vehicle unless it is an authorized emergency vehicle. Also, you are not allowed to have a horn
that, in the view of a peace officer, emits a sound that is unreasonably loud or harsh, such as an
air horn. This also applies to sound amplification systems, such a stereo system. The system
may not be turned up so loud that it can be heard more than 50 feet from the vehicle. Keep in
mind that fifty feet is not very far, so if an officer two lanes over hears your stereo while stopped
at a light, he may cite you.

Horn Maintenance

Often times, drivers use their horns so infrequently that they are dismayed to find that it doesn’t
work when they do need to use it in an emergency. Every once in a while, give your horn a tap
to ensure it is in proper working order. Since it is required equipment on your vehicle, you can
be cited if it doesn’t work. You could be charged with responsibility for a crash if your horn
doesn’t work, and it can be proven that the crash may have been prevented had your horn been
in working condition.

Horns or Warning Devices

Every vehicle is required to be equipped with a horn in good working order, one that is capable
of being heard from a distance of at least 200 feet. It should not, however, emit any unusually
harsh or loud noise and is generally understood to prohibit the use of air horns.

Adjusting Your Seat and Mirrors

Always adjust your mirrors, seat, and safety belt prior to starting your vehicle. If you try to adjust
anything or make any changes while driving, you could have a collision.

Be sure your seat is high enough to see the road. If you are still too low, use a seat cushion.
Make sure you do this before you put on your safety belt and before you start driving.

Adjust your mirrors, both side and rear view, before you start driving. A lot of vehicles are
equipped with a day/night mirror, and you should learn how to use it properly. The night setting
will reduce the headlight glare from cars behind you and can help you see better.

Keeping Windows and Mirrors Clear

Always keep your windows clean, which includes your windshield, rear windows, and side
windows. Keep them clean both inside and outside. The windows should be free from cracks
because they can reflect light and make it more difficult to see out. Also, be sure to clear any
frost, ice, or dew from the windows before you begin to drive. You should make sure your
windshield wipers are in good condition, as well. If they are not, it can decrease visibility
drastically during rainy weather. This will create a hazardous situation.