Monday, March 10, 2008

Intersections / Crossings

  1. When approaching a four-way or a three-way stop, the vehicle which was
    there first, may proceed first when it is safe to do so.
  2. When approaching a traffic circle, vehicles already in the circle, and
    vehicles approaching from the right, have the right of way.
  3. You must obey traffic lights and traffic signals, unless instructed otherwise
    by a traffic officer.
  4. Always come to a complete stop where there is a stop sign.
  5. Always yield to pedestrians at or near a pedestrian crossing.
  6. Only enter an intersection or crossing when it is safe to do so.

Licence2Drive Learners Package

Monday, March 3, 2008

Teach your Teen to drive : Part 2

ASSIST YOUR NEW DRIVER TO OBSERVE

OBSERVING
Aim to have your teen look far ahead at all times while driving. Driving in town requires observation up to one block ahead. The skill to look frequently in both the inside and outside mirrors and look over their shoulder prior to turning or changing lanes will help them observe behind and the road ahead.

WHAT ROLE DO YOU PLAY?
To improve your drivers’ observation skills, ask them to inform you as soon as they become aware of something, for e.g. a traffic light, intersection, or stop sign. You can ask the driver to point out areas where their vision might be restricted as well, for e.g. the crest of a hill and blind intersections. If you ask the driver whether there is a vehicle behind them, you can better understand whether they are attentive of what is happening behind the vehicle. You could also question your teen to see if they know the speed which they are traveling at without them looking at the instrument panel first.

GENERAL PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
A sign that your inexperienced driver is not scanning to the sides or checking the mirrors and instruments enough is when they stare straight ahead for a long time. When they drive through intersections without slowing down can in addition mean that they have not been observing properly. Wandering in the lane is another sign that they may not be paying attention.
Encourage your new driver to not become fascinated by the road, but to be ready to react to everything in the driving path or anything that could cross or end up in that path. Also try to encourage your teen to look beyond the vehicle ahead and notice brake lights in any lane as a sign that traffic is slowing and, thus, they may have to slow down as well.
Teach your new driver to watch for things such as exhaust, front wheels turned toward the road, a driver behind the wheel, turn signals, and brake lights as a sign that a parked vehicle may pull out suddenly.

IMPORTANT LESSON
Recap with your new driver that they must observe all sides of the vehicle—front, rear, left, and right and the instrument panel as well, to have all the information necessary to ensure the making of good decisions.

WHERE TO PRACTICE?
The best places to start to practice observing on all sides of the vehicle are Quiet residential streets. Make sure your teen looks out for special hazards for e.g. vehicles pulling out of driveways, children playing, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Intersections require scanning from left to right. Looking all around the vehicle is critical as your teen moves on to heavier traffic and higher-speed roads.