Driving Under Normal Conditions

Equipment Operator Basic - Beginning construction equipment operators manual
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CORRECTING A SKID If a vehicle SKIDS, steer in the direction of the skid to regain control. Sometimes light pressure on the accelerator may help bring the vehicle under control. Do NOT apply brakes, because this may lock the wheels. Brakes, when used, should be applied lightly and released quickly if skidding begins. The way to correct for skidding is shown in figure 5-1. DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS Normal driving conditions are conditions encountered on a day-to-day basis that may cause mishaps. Be aware of these conditions and drive in a defensive driving mode at all times. TURNING Some mishaps are caused by drivers who do not make turns correctly. To make a turn safely, follow these guidelines: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Never make last minute turns. Be aware of what is going on around you. Check your mirrors (rear view and sides). When planning to make a turn at an intersection, move into the correct turning lane prior to approaching the intersection. For a right turn, the correct lane is the one next to the right edge of the roadway. Should you be on a two-lane road with traffic in both directions, a left-hand turn should be approached from the right half of the roadway nearest the center line. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn. Make your turn at a safe speed. 6. 7. Stay in the proper lane when turning. Vehicles coming from the opposite direction have the right-of-way. Finish your turn in the proper lane. (See fig. 5-2.) PASSING When overtaking and passing other vehicles on the road, observe the common rules of passing. Use extreme caution whenever passing a vehicle, because the view immediately beyond the other vehicle is blocked on that side. The greater the speed of the vehicle ahead, the more road space and time is required to overtake and pass the vehicle. The following are restrictions for overtaking and passing: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Do not pass to the right of another vehicle, except on multiple-lane, divided highways (more than two lanes of traffic moving in one direction) and only then if passing is per- mitted; use extreme caution in such instances. Do not pass at an intersection or railroad crossing. Do not pass on a hill or curve, except on multiple-lane, divided highways. Do not pass a vehicle signaling to turn or to move into your lane of traffic, or one that has started to overtake and pass another vehicle. Do not pass if the center line of the road is solid on your side. Do not pass if the highway is divided by two solid lines. Do not pass if the single center line is solid. Figure 5-1.-Correcting a skid. 5-2

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