CHAPTER 5 RULES OF THE ROAD

Operators of Navy vehicles are expected to practice "courtesy on the road" at all times toward other drivers as well as toward pedestrians. Courtesy distinguishes the efficient and safe driver from a poor driver. The driver who practices courtesy on the road is helping prevent mishaps with other vehicles and injuries to pedestrians. Road courtesies are part of the basic "rules of the road" that include procedures for driving under normal, hazardous, and special conditions.

Any information in this chapter is not to be construed as nullifying or superseding regulations or laws of another country, state, or municipal authority. For more information, see your license examiner or the Navy Driver's Handbook, NAVFAC MO-403; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Pocketbook, ORS-7A; and local instructions.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING

You have probably seen many examples of discourtesy on the road. Common traits often displayed by discourteous drivers include the following:

impatience, road hogging, and excessive speed. A person with such characteristics may be knowledgeable about driving, but it takes more than knowledge when SAFETY is a concern. To achieve a good safety record, you must be a "defensive driver" at all times.

A defensive driver makes allowance for lack of skill and experience by other drivers and also learns to recognize mishap-producing situations far enough in advance to avoid them. The defensive driver yields to other drivers and yields the right-of-way, rather than risk a mishap. Defensive drivers understand their responsibilities and show proper respect for driving regulations and the rights of others.

As a professional Equipment Operator (EO), you should demonstrate a businesslike and courteous attitude, alert posture, and skilled performance when behind the wheel. You should handle the vehicle controls easily and smoothly and always be aware of the position of your vehicle in relation to other traffic. If you keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and obey the traffic control signals of the individual directing traffic, you will not have to abuse the brakes on your vehicle. You should always keep your vehicle in the proper lane, signal right and left turns in advance, and rarely have to make sudden stops.

AVOIDING REAR-END COLLISIONS

Most of the areas you will work in are considered industrial. In these areas, traffic is heavy most of the time. The size of the vehicles, combined with congestion of traffic, results in frequent rear-end collisions. Here are some precautions you can take to avoid rear-ending someone:

. Be sure you have enough room to stop at traffic control points.

. Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you at stops so that you can see their brake lights and taillights.

. Watch the movement of vehicles that are two and three vehicles ahead of you.

Precautions you can take to avoid someone rearending you are as follows:

l Ensure your brake and turn signals work properly.

l Use your mirrors and be alert to what is happening behind you.

l Do not stop suddenly if ^{you can avoid it.}

l _{Signal well in advance} for stops, lane changes, and turns.

l Drive with the flow of traffic. Driving too slow can be as dangerous as driving too fast.

SPEED LIMITS

Speed is the cause of many mishaps. To avoid being fined or involved in an mishap, obey the speed limits.

NOTE: Speed limits indicate how fast you may drive under good conditions. Several statutes are in the law books covering speed limits; however, you are responsible for adjusting your speed to weather and road conditions.

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. Never make last minute turns.

2. Be aware of what is going on around you. Check your mirrors (rear view and sides).

3. 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.

4. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn.

5. Make your turn at a safe speed.

6. Stay in the proper lane when turning. Vehicles coming from the opposite direction have the right-of-way.

7. 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. 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 permitted; use extreme caution in such instances.

2. Do not pass at an intersection or railroad crossing.

3. Do not pass on a hill or curve, except on multiple-lane, divided highways.

4. 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.

5. Do not pass if the center line of the road is solid on your side.

6. Do not pass if the highway is divided by two solid lines.

7. Do not pass if the single center line is solid.

Figure 5-1.-Correcting a skid.

Figure 5-2.-Proper turning.

PARKING

When parking in the parking lane on a street, you should move as faraway from traffic as possible. Where there is a curb, pull close to it; you must not park more than 1 foot away. Always park on the right side of the roadway, unless it is a one-way street.

Make sure your vehicle cannot roll. Set the parking brake, and shift to park with an automatic transmission or reverse with a manual transmission. Turn the front wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling into the street. (See fig. 5-3.) Before you exit your vehicle, look over your shoulder to the rear to make sure the way is clear.