REHABILITATION TRAINING
ACCREDITATION
DRIVING SCHOOLS
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MANDATORY PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS' TRAINING MANUAL
WHO IS A DRIVER?
QUALITIES OR CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD DRIVER?
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A GOOD DRIVER:
1. Responsibility to self
2. Responsibility to the Vehicle
3. Responsibility to the Environment
4. Responsibility to the Government
CATEGORIES OF DRIVERS
I. Private Drivers
II. Professional Drivers
A. Corporate Drivers
B. Commercial Drivers
C. Security Vehicle Drivers
D. Emergency Vehicle Drivers'
DOCUMENTS EXPECTED FROM A DRIVER
Personal documents which include:
A. DRIVER'S LICENCE
CLASSES OF DRIVERS' LICENCE
1. Class A: Motor cycle
2. Class B: Motor Vehicle of less than 3 tonnes gross weight other than Motorcycle, Taxi, Stage Carriage or Omnibus.
3. Class D: Motor Vehicle other than Motorcycle, Taxi stage carriage or Omnibus but excluding articulated vehicle or vehicle drawing a trailer.
4. Class E: Motor Vehicle other than Motorcycle or articulated vehicle.
5. Class F: Agricultural machines & Tractors
6. Class G: Articulated Vehicles
7. Class H: Earth moving vehicles
8. Class J: Special-Physically Handicapped persons
B. LASDRI Recertification Card
C. Vehicle Licence
D. Roadworthiness Certificate
E. Hackney Permit
F. Vehicle Insurance Certificate
ROAD SIGNS/PAVEMENT MARKINGS
1. What are Road Signs?
2. Characteristics of Road Signs
A. Shape
B. Colour
C. Message
3. Types of Road Signs and Shapes
i. Regulatory Signs
iii. Informative Signs
PAVEMENT MARKINGS
TYPES OF MARKINGS
1. Solid Continuous line
2. Broken Line
3. Zebra Crossing
4. Dedicated Line
5. Edge Line
SIGNAL ON THE ROAD
1. Hand Signal
2. Traffic light signal; subdivided into:
* Red
* Amber/Yellow
* Green
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CAUSES OF ROAD ACCIDENTS
1. HUMAN FACTOR
Mainly caused by the driver/passenger
A. Carelessness
B. Fatigue
C. Overconfidence
D. Divided attention/concentration
E. Driving under the influence of alcohol
F. Over speeding
G. Non-competence of the driver
H. Failure to obey traffic signs/regulations
2. MECHANICAL FACTOR
Lack of proper maintenance of the vehicle
3. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTOR
A. Bad roads
B. Bad weather
TAILGATING DRIVING
UNDERSTANDING THE 2-SECONDS RULE
Tailgating means you’re not keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
So what is the two seconds rule? The two-second rule is a rule of thumb by which a driver may maintain a safe trailing distance at any speed. The rule is that a driver should ideally stay at least two seconds behind any vehicle that is directly in front of his or her vehicle.
The two-second rule is a rule of thumb by which a driver may maintain a safe trailing distance. Here is the way to calculate the two second rule. As you drive along, allow the car in front of you to go past a fixed point, for example, a tree. When the car’s tail lights line up with the object you’ve chosen, you’ll need to count up to two seconds. If your car passes the fixed point before you finish counting, you are too close, and you’ll need to increase the distance between you and the car in front.
The 4 Types Of Tailgaters
In general, there are four types of tailgaters you should know and avoid not be one of them.
Type 1: The Aggressive Tailgater
Their purpose in most cases is to intimidate the driver in front of them; to either speed up or move out of the way. Since they are aware of the dangers of tailgating, they may try to stay ready for sudden braking in front of them and pay close attention to their driving while tailgating.
Knowing what they are doing does not mean they will not face the potentially dangerous situation. They tailgate so often and recklessly, that they will eventually end up crashing. So do not be this type of tailgater, otherwise you will deeply regret what you did.
Type 2: The Too Distracted To Care
Tailgaters in this case might not seem like a threat at first, but other drivers should pay attention to. Even though they may be aware of the dangers of tailgating, they are just too distracted to care, so they do not think about the risks which can happen. As a driver, you should pay attention to driving first, look forward, check the situation, maintain the safe distance are what you should do.
Even though they may be aware of the dangers of tailgating, they are just too distracted to care, so they do not think about the risks which can happen.
Type 3: The Ignorant Tailgater
One of the other tailgaters which is also popular on the street is an ignorant tailgater who is not really aware of the reason why tailgating is bad, risky and dangerous. The first reason behind can be the lack of driving experience. A new driver usually does not know what is called tailgating and how bad it is. The second reason is not learning how to drive safely to avoid this practice. So the ignorant tailgater is the one that sooner or later will end up causing an accident. And if the accident happens, they may not realize their fault or be confused about why the accident happened in innocent.
Type 4: The Complacent Tailgater
The last type of tailgating which you should know is the complacent tailgater. These types of tailgaters know that tailgating is dangerous and should not be done on the street. They were studying about tailgating but they are too confident since they have never faced it before. Moreover, they assume that tailgating can cause serious accidents somewhere by someone, not by them. That’s why they start tailgating and won’t stop it.
If you realize you are one of these types of tailgaters, stop tailgating by all means.
Accidents can happen anywhere on the street and do not contribute any damage to you and other people.
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Pre-Trip Inspections
Car trouble is no fun. When car trouble happens to a large vehicle, your aggravation and expense can be doubled. Whether your vehicle is a commercial truck, delivery van or family recreation vehicle, take time for a pre-trip inspection to assure a trouble-free—and safe—trip.
Before you get in your vehicle, take a walk completely around it, checking all sides as well as the ground underneath.
Check under the hood. Finally, inspect the condition of the interior.
Follow this checklist:
The open road offers enough surprises without adding unexpected vehicle problems. Your pre-trip inspection is your best guarantee that your trip won’t be interrupted by the unpleasant surprise of a breakdown.
Tires and Wheels.
Correct air pressure.
Tire free of wear, high and low spots, damage.
Rims free of damage.
All lugs present and tight.
Properly matched tires.
Lights.
Turn on lights—use low beams.
Check high beams, left and right turn signals, break lights, and parking lights.
Brakes.
Parking brake: apply parking brake with vehicle moving
slowly. Vehicle should stop.
Service brake:
push brake pedal firmly with vehicle going about 5 miles per
hour. Vehicle should stop with no pulling to one side or delayed stopping action.
Test steering with vehicle moving.
Steering should be smooth and consistent with
no play in the steering wheel.
Emergency Equipment
Flags, jack, flares or other warning devices, flashlight, fire extinguisher, wheel blocks, etc. Check to see that supplies are in good working order.
Spare tire properly inflated.
Inside of Vehicle
Check mirrors, windshield wipers, panel gauges, horn.
Adjust seat for comfort.
Adjust side mirrors.
Make sure cargo is properly
secured.
Under Hood
Fluid levels: oil, water, brake fluid, window fluid, battery
fluid.
Condition of belts.
Look for loose or frayed belts.
Hoses:
Check for loose or disconnected hoses.
Check under vehicle for leaking fluids.
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Road safety tips
1.Brake before the bend, not in it
When roads are wet and slippery allow more time to brake. Speed limit is a guide not a target
2. Drive at a speed that won't affect your decision-making ability, this maybe well below the speed limit.
3. Drive cautiously at all times. You may know a road like the back of your hand, but you don't know when there's an obstruction.
Even if you're familiar with the road,never take it for granted as conditions can be different every time.
4. Always ensure that you can stop safely within the distance you can see to be clear.
If you get stuck behind a slow moving vehicle, be patient, Dips in roads,bends and other junctions joining your road often hide oncoming vehicles, so unless it's absolutely essential, don't overtake.
6. Drive slow and wide when passing more vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians Ignore your mobile phone, and other distractions, focus on the road.
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Tyre fall off?
Any number of issues could loosen a tire, causing it to fall off while you are driving. Most of these incidents occur because of some kind of fastening failure. This could be because the lug nuts worked their way off, your wheel has broken lugs, or because the wheel studs themselves broke.
At Newsome Melton, our defective tire lawsuit lawyers understand what causes a tire to fall off while driving. If your tire fell off and caused a car wreck, we may be able to help you pursue compensation. Call 888-221-5316 today for a free consultation.
*Causes*
In addition to loose or broken lug nuts, there are other ways a tire could fall off while you are driving.
Broken Axles
When an axle breaks, it can fly off and take the entire wheel and tire assembly with it.
Hub Separations
If the bearing fails, or there is a problem with the axle/spindle nut and the hub comes loose, the hub and wheel can fly off.
In some cases, a tire service company, mechanic or auto dealer may cause or contribute to wheel separation incidents. If this happened to you and we can prove it, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills, vehicle repair or replacement, and other damages.
*Solution*
When a fastening failure causes a lost wheel crash, it usually occurs within weeks of a service that required removing and replacing the tire. This could include:
1. Major body repairs
2. Getting new tires
3. Check your tyre rotation
4. Have multi-point inspection of your vehicle.
Automakers have specific standards for the torque that a technician should apply to each lug nut to ensure it holds the tire in place but is not at risk of breaking. When most modern tire shop techs or mechanics remove and replace wheel nuts, they use an air wrench instead of a hand-powered torque wrench. This can involve several issues, including:
- Using a poorly calibrated air wrench;
- Using a previously used air wrench that was not reset to the proper torque; or
- Cross threading, leading to cracked or broken studs or nuts.
Your mechanic or tire technician should recommend using a hand-powered torque wrench to ensure your wheel nuts are tight after a few days’ driving following service. This ensures they will not work themselves loose and helps to avoid this type of problem. When service technicians fail to tighten lugs adequately, you may discover the issue early and avoid a crash.
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Managing Driving Fatigue To Reduce Road Crashes
Fatigue
The consequence of cumulative sleep debts, caused by extended mental and bodily activities
Signs
1. Micro sleep
2. Drowsy
3. Tiredness
Reasons For Drivers Fatigue
1. Strenuous activity
2. Sleeping disorders
3. Alcohol abus
4. Medication
5. Exhaustion
6. Dietary deficiencies
7. Depression
8. Diabetes
9. Anaemia
10. Thyroid problems
The three sure solutions to fatigue is what?
*Answer*
REST, REST and REST...
CRASH IN COLLISIONS
In a single car crash, there are 3 collisions which take place.
Collision no.1: Metal hits metal
Here the car collides with an object and comes to a stop. Based on the nature of the collision, and the speed and size of the involved vehicle, it can come in many forms. The kinetic energy of the car dissipates by breaking the car’s structure, the object that comes into contact, and the rest is transmitted onto the occupants.
Collision no.2: Body hits metal
This is felt directly when the occupant collides with an object inside the car like a steering wheel or dashboard. When a car is mobile, the occupants inside are moving at the same velocity as that of the car. When the car suddenly stops, unless some restraining mechanisms are in place, the occupants continue their motion until they hit an object. This is in accordance with Newton's 2nd law of motion, an object in motion remains in motion until acted upon by an external force.
Collision no.3: Body hits body:
Here, the internal organs bump into the inner lining of the body cavities or bump against each other. Our internal organs are housed inside cavities, whose walls are made of bones, muscles, and skin. Similar to the occupants inside the car being subjected to kinetic forces, the organs inside the body experience the same. When the occupant hits an object inside and comes to a stop, the internal organs are still moving along with the original velocity, bumping into each other. This can cause a variety of damages.
PARK, REVERSE, NEUTRAL AND DRIVE
P, R, N, D.
Have you ever wondered what those enigmatic letters on your automatic transmission gear lever really mean? P, N, R, D, D1, D2, L, S, M, O/D – they may seem like a cryptic code, but fear not!
In this article, we will unravel the secrets behind these abbreviations and take you on a thrilling journey through the fascinating world of automatic transmission gear shifting. Buckle up and get ready to explore the hidden meanings behind each letter, revealing how they unlock different driving modes and unleash the true potential of your vehicle. Prepare to be amazed as we demystify the language of gears and ignite your curiosity about the inner workings of your trusty automatic transmission.
P (Park):
- Park mode is used when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is turned off.
- It locks the transmission, preventing the wheels from turning and securing the vehicle in place.
- Always engage Park mode when parking the vehicle and make sure to apply the parking brake as an additional safety measure.
- To shift into Park mode, fully stop the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and shift the gear lever to the "P" position.
N (Neutral):
- Neutral mode disengages the transmission from the engine, allowing the wheels to spin freely without transmitting power.
- It is used when the vehicle needs to be moved or pushed manually, or during certain maintenance procedures.
- Never shift into Neutral while the vehicle is in motion, as it will result in a loss of control.
- To shift into Neutral, fully stop the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and shift the gear lever to the "N" position.
R (Reverse):
- Reverse mode enables the vehicle to move backward.
- It engages a specific set of gears in the transmission that allows power to be transmitted in the opposite direction.
- Always check your surroundings and use the rearview mirrors when reversing to ensure safety.
- To shift into Reverse, fully stop the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and shift the gear lever to the "R" position.
D (Drive):
- Drive mode is the default driving mode for normal everyday driving.
- It enables the transmission to shift automatically through a range of gears based on the vehicle's speed and load.
- Suitable for most driving conditions, including city driving and highway cruising.
- To shift into Drive, fully stop the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and shift the gear lever to the "D" position.
L (Low gear):
- Low gear mode is primarily used for driving in situations that require more power and torque.
- It provides higher engine RPM (revolutions per minute) and lower gear ratios to deliver more power to the wheels.
- Useful when going up steep hills, towing heavy loads, or descending long slopes.
- To engage Low gear, shift the gear lever to the "L" or "Low" position.
D1, D2 (Drive 1, Drive 2):
- D1 and D2 are lower gear options within the Drive mode.
- They limit the transmission's ability to upshift, keeping the vehicle in lower gears for more power and engine braking.
- Useful when driving in hilly areas, towing moderate loads, or when extra power is needed.
- To shift into D1 or D2, fully stop the vehicle, press the brake pedal, and shift the gear lever to the corresponding position (D1 for a lower gear than D2).
B (Engine braking):
- Engine braking mode enhances the braking effect of the vehicle by utilizing the engine's resistance to slow down the vehicle.
- It is particularly useful when descending steep hills to maintain control and reduce strain on the brakes.
- When in B mode, the transmission downshifts automatically to increase engine braking effect.
- To activate Engine braking, shift the gear lever to the "B" position if available, or use the manual mode (if your transmission has it) to select a lower gear.
S (Sequential or Sport mode):
- Sequential or Sport mode allows manual control over gear selection in an automatic transmission.
- It enables the driver to upshift or downshift gears using paddle shifters or the gear lever.
- Used for a more engaging driving experience or when precise control over gear selection is desired.
- To activate Sequential or Sport mode, typically, you shift the gear lever to "S" or "Sport" position.
M (Manual mode):
- Manual mode is similar to Sequential or Sport mode and allows manual gear selection in an automatic transmission.
- It provides the driver with full control over gear changes, usually using paddle shifters or the gear lever.
- Suitable for drivers who prefer the control and involvement of manual gear shifting but still want the convenience of an automatic transmission.
- To engage Manual mode, typically, you shift the gear lever to the "M" or "Manual" position.
O/D (Overdrive):
- Overdrive mode is an additional gear ratio in the transmission that allows the engine to run at lower RPMs during highway cruising.
- It improves fuel efficiency and reduces engine wear and noise.
- The Overdrive mode is usually engaged by default in Drive (D), and you may have a separate button or switch to toggle Overdrive on/off.
- To activate or deactivate Overdrive, refer to the vehicle's specific controls, such as a button or switch labeled "O/D" or "Overdrive."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of Sport mode in an automatic transmission?
A: Sport mode is designed to provide a more aggressive driving experience. It allows the engine to rev higher and enables quicker acceleration. It is suitable for situations where you want a sportier feel, such as when driving on winding roads or overtaking on the highway.
When should I use Low gear in an automatic transmission?
A: Low gear mode is primarily used for driving in situations that require more power and torque. It provides higher engine RPM and lower gear ratios to deliver more power to the wheels. It is useful when going up steep hills, towing heavy loads, or descending long slopes.
How does Sequential or Sport mode differ from the default driving mode?
A: Sequential or Sport mode allows manual control over gear selection in an automatic transmission. It enables the driver to upshift or downshift gears using paddle shifters or the gear lever. It is used for a more engaging driving experience or when precise control over gear selection is desired.
What is the purpose of Overdrive in an automatic transmission?
A: Overdrive mode is an additional gear ratio in the transmission that allows the engine to run at lower RPMs during highway cruising. It improves fuel efficiency and reduces engine wear and noise. Overdrive mode is usually engaged by default in Drive (D), and you may have a separate button or switch to toggle Overdrive on/off.
TAILGATING ACCIDENT
Tailgating Accident Injuries
Rear-end collisions caused by tailgating can lead to serious health complications, including:
• Spinal cord injuries. These are the most debilitating injuries caused by vehicle accidents. Collision forces can result in vertebrae fracture or compression, leading to spinal cord damage. These injuries often cause paralysis, requiring extensive physical therapy.
• Traumatic brain injuries. When the violent force of a rear-end collision causes the brain to impact the skull, there’s often bruising (hematoma) or bleeding (hemorrhage) of the brain. This builds up pressure in the skull, leading to brain malfunctions and life-threatening loss of control over breathing and heart rate.
OVERLOADING
Do Overloaded Vehicles Contribute to Car Accidents?
Vehicles have weight limits because an excess load can seriously impinge on performance and cause the following issues:
• Steering Difficulty: Overloaded vehicles are unstable and challenging to control. Since the cargo is typically in the back of the vehicle, it causes the front wheels to touch the road surface under less weight resulting in a loss in traction and steering control. In extreme cases, the front wheels may, at times, even lift off the road surface.
• Increased Chance of Mechanical Failures: A primary cause of mechanical failures, such as transmission failure, tire blowouts, and suspension failures, is overloaded vehicles
• High Rollover Risk: Heavy cargo puts a vehicle at an increased risk of a rollover accident when there is sudden braking, speeding, or over-steering, especially if the cargo isn’t evenly distributed.
• Increases Brake Time: The excessive weight increases the amount of time a vehicle needs to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Risks to Other Drivers
Operating an overloaded vehicle not only puts its driver and passengers in danger but also other road users. Aside from the increased chance of the overloaded vehicle crashing into them, it may also cause:
• Debris on the Road: The equipment used to secure cargo may not be designed to hold weight beyond a specific capacity. When a vehicle is overloaded, the equipment may fail and cause cargo to spill onto the roadway, which may hit another vehicle or cause an accident when a driver attempts to avoid it.
• Damage to the Roads: An overloaded vehicle can cause serious damage to road surfaces, which can lead to potholes and cracks, making it dangerous for other drivers.
• Insurance Claims: Overloaded vehicles will not be legible for insurance claims and compensations under any circumstance in the event of a crash. Drivers, passengers, and anyone else involved in an accident with an overloaded vehicle will not be compensated.
*HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS*
*When Should High Beam Headlights Be Used?*
1. Low visibility in urban areas You may find yourself driving on a dark city street, on an unfamiliar road, or in a construction zone. It’s unnerving to realize that you’re unable to see the road ahead. When your vision is impaired, slow down. If there are no other vehicles nearby, turn on your high beams. Your high beams will also protect pedestrians and bicyclists who may be on the side of the road or crossing in front of you. In urban areas, state law typically requires you to dim high beams within 300 to 1000 feet of approaching vehicles. You must also dim them within 200 to 300 feet of vehicles you’re following, especially at stop signs and traffic lights.
2. Interstate highways Visibility on some interstate highways or their on- and off-ramps may be poor. There may be long stretches of road that are only illuminated by your headlights. In those low-visibility conditions, use your high-beam headlights to increase your viewing range. However, dim your high beams when you’re near other vehicles, even on divided highways. Check with your local DMV for the exact distance your state requires. When you’re approaching another vehicle from behind on an interstate highway or at a toll plaza or rest area, always dim your high beams to avoid blinding the driver.
3. Rural areas and country roads with few streetlights On rural roads and open highways, street lighting may be sparse, which can make driving more treacherous after dark. Your high-beam headlights will let you see farther down the road. In rural areas, high beams also help you avoid hitting animals, bicyclists, or pedestrians taking a late-evening stroll. While country roads may appear deserted, be prepared to quickly dim your high beams for approaching traffic or when you approach another vehicle from behind. By dimming your high beams, you’ll be protecting other drivers.
Good morning!
Safe Journey
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