Virginia Department of EducationVirginia Department of EducationSection TwoSection Two

Preparing to Operate a VehiclePreparing to Operate a Vehicle

1. People

2. Pets

3. Broken glass

4. Direction front tires are turned

5. Fluid leaks (p. 351)

6. Weather7. Directions8. Tires (p. 166)

Improper inflation has destroyed this tire

In the picture to the right, you can see that tire tread can be checked by using a quarter. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, then you don’t have enough tread.

(p. 167)

1. Increases fuel efficiency 2. Saves money on gas 3. Reduces pollution emissions 4. Makes tires last longer5. Safer ride 6. Smoother ride

• Key in Hand - Unlock doorsKey in Hand - Unlock doors• Store personal items in trunk Store personal items in trunk ((why?why?))• Control door swingControl door swing• Enter vehicleEnter vehicle• Check passengers for safe entryCheck passengers for safe entry• Lock doorsLock doors• Insert key into ignitionInsert key into ignition

APPROACH– ENTERING THE VEHICLE

APPROACH– ENTERING THE VEHICLEHow should a driver approach when:

Parked in a Parking Lot?- Approach from the rear to observe

people or objects near the car.

- Approach Driver’s door with key in hand

Parked at a curb?- Approach from the front to

monitor oncoming traffic.

- Approach driver’s door with key in hand

- Open door only far and long enough to allow you to get into the vehicle.

Check around the outside of the vehicle for:

•broken glass (windows, lights, etc.),

• body damage,

•condition of tires,

•fluid leaks,

•direction of front tires,

•debris on the ground that could interfere with movement

•Check for small children or pets near vehicle.

So…to RECAP:APPROACH – Before Entering the Vehicle

• DISTRACTIONS:Sliding books/book bags when stoppingFood & beveragesLoud music

• ATTRACTIONS:VISIBLE VALUABLES in the car may attract a thief.

CD’s, purses, iPods

IV. Pre-Driving Checks and Procedures Personal Items

Adjusting the Vehicle for You

• Correct position minimizes head and neck injuries• The head restraint should make contact with the

back of your head…• Adjust head restraint level with ears

• Not more than 4 inches from head

A head restraint that’s too low or too far back will not protect your head and neck in

a crash. The four images below illustrate a typical impact.

Adjusting the Vehicle for You

www.consumerreports.org

Driver’s SeatDriver’s Seat• Adjust seat back for driver’s visual Adjust seat back for driver’s visual

needs and vehicle controlneeds and vehicle control

Must have a clear viewMust have a clear view

• Adjust so driver’s heel can pivot Adjust so driver’s heel can pivot smoothly between foot pedalssmoothly between foot pedals

Must be able to Must be able to reach pedalsreach pedals

• Adjust to allow at least Adjust to allow at least 10”10” between between driver’s chest and the steering wheeldriver’s chest and the steering wheel

Steering wheel should Steering wheel should aim at chest aim at chest NOT head/neckNOT head/neck

Place hands on steering wheel at some balance of Place hands on steering wheel at some balance of

9 & 3 and 8 & 49 & 3 and 8 & 4

Adjusting the Vehicle for You

10 inches

• Tilt or adjustable steering wheels are usually standard equipment in many vehicles

• They enable different-sized drivers to reposition the steering wheel for comfort and safety while allowing the instrument panel to be visible at all times

Adjusting the Vehicle for You

Adjustable Steering Wheel

• Place back/shoulders against the back of the seat Place back/shoulders against the back of the seat

• Slightly bend kneesSlightly bend knees

• Rest right heel on floorboard between brake and acceleratorRest right heel on floorboard between brake and accelerator

• Sit high enough so top of steering wheel is between Sit high enough so top of steering wheel is between shoulders and chinshoulders and chin

• Use secured seat cushion if needed to raise seating heightUse secured seat cushion if needed to raise seating height

• Rest left foot on “dead pedal” Rest left foot on “dead pedal”

Adjusting the Vehicle for You (cont.)

• Located on floorboard on Located on floorboard on the left side of driver’s the left side of driver’s compartmentcompartment

• Used to maintain driver Used to maintain driver balance and stabilitybalance and stability

• Keeps left foot away from Keeps left foot away from brake and accelerator brake and accelerator pedalspedals

Adjusting the Vehicle for YouAdjusting the Vehicle for You

Dead PedalDead Pedal