Geared to Go A Workbook for Coaching New Drivers

8Highway driving safetyStay Safe – Other VehiclesMove over to the right side of your lane and slow down when being passed by larger vehicles.As the new driver gains confidence and becomes more familiar with highway driving and practice sessionsbecome longer, use the following information and hints for safer driving.• Maintain the speed of the flow of traffic as much as possible, without exceeding the postedspeed limit.• Avoid getting caught between groups of vehicles driving close together.• Do not tailgate other vehicles (follow too closely). Maintain, at a minimum, a two-second followingdistance during normal conditions.• Stay out of the left lane unless passing. Left lanes are designed for faster traffic and for passing. InAlberta, signs are posted on highways reminding slower traffic to stay right. On a three-lane highwaywhere there are several entrances and exits, stay in the centre lane because it presents the fewestconflicts. However, a new driver who may be driving slower than the speed limit should stay in theright lane.• Maintain good visual lead-time, looking about 25 to 30 seconds ahead of the vehicle. This helps thedriver to take action sooner and make better driving decisions when spotting hazards ahead.• Keep searching for clues in traffic of possible conflicts. Do not stare at any one object for any length oftime. Seeing a conflict sooner will give more time to react to it safely.• Avoid driving in another driver’s blindspot. Speed up or slow down into a position where the vehiclecan be seen. This is also important with tractor-trailers and trucks whose drivers can see behind onlythrough their side view mirrors.• Use the rear view mirror often to keep track of activity behind the vehicle. It is recommended rearview mirror checks be done every 15 to 20 seconds when driving on a highway.• Be alert for the brake lights of vehicles in front. This could be an early sign of trouble. If spotted earlyenough, the warning will provide plenty of lead-time for a controlled stop.Stay Safe – Blind SpotsAlways be aware of large vehicle’s blind spots. If you cannot see the driver in the driver’s side viewmirror, the driver cannot see you.School bus safetyDrivers must slow down and prepare to stop when a school bus is preparing to stop. At this time thealternating amber flashing lights are on.• Drive with added care and caution when approaching a school bus. Children may run out or appearalmost anywhere near the bus or from across the road.• Stop about 20 metres from the bus whether behind it or coming toward it, when the school bus isstopped and the red alternating lights are flashing. The only time stopping is not required is whenapproaching the stopped school bus from the front on a highway physically divided by a median.• Remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing. If the bus is stopped to allow children off, remainstopped until the children have reached a safe place away from traffic.70