NCDMV CDL Handbook

Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System

than for those who do not. Sending or receiving text takes your eyes from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, you would travel 371 feet, or the length of an entire football field – without looking at the roadway .

Secure commitment from other occupants to behave responsibly and to support the driver in reducing distractions.

2.9.7 – Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers

You need to be able to recognize other drivers who are engaged in any form of driving distraction. Not recognizing other distracted drivers can prevent you from perceiving or reacting correctly in time to prevent a crash. Watch for: Vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or within their own lane. Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds. Drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food, cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects. Drivers who appear to be involved in conversations with their passengers. Give a distracted driver plenty of room and maintain your safe following distance. Be very careful when passing a driver who seems to be distracted. The other driver may not be aware of your presence, and they may drift in front of you. Aggressive driving and road rage is not a new problem. However, in today’s world, where heavy and slow-moving traffic and tight schedules are the norm, more and more drivers are taking out their anger and frustration in their vehicles. Crowded roads leave little room for error, leading to suspicion and hostility among drivers and encouraging them to take personally the mistakes of other drivers. Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others (i.e. changing lanes frequently and abruptly without notice).. Road rage is operating a motor vehicle with the intent of doing harm to others or physically assaulting a driver or their vehicle. 2.10 – Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage 2.10.1 – What Is It?

2.9.6 – Don’t Drive Distracted

Your goal should be to eliminate all in-vehicle distractions before driving begins. Accomplishing this goal can be done by: Assessing all potential in-vehicle distractions before driving Developing a preventative plan to reduce/eliminate possible distractions Expecting distractions to occur Discussing possible scenarios before getting behind the wheel Based on the assessment of potential distractions, you can formulate a preventative plan to reduce/eliminate possible distractions. If drivers react a half-second slower because of distractions, crashes double. Some tips to follow so you won’t become distracted: If you must use a mobile phone, make sure it is within close proximity, that it is operable while you are restrained, use an earpiece or the speaker phone function, use voice-activated dialing; or use the hands-free feature. Drivers are not in compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free function. Do not type or read a text message on a mobile device while driving. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s features and equipment, before you get behind the wheel. Adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors to your preferences prior to driving. Pre-program radio stations and pre-load your favorite CDs. Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects and secure cargo. Review maps, program the GPS and plan your route before you begin driving. Don’t attempt to read or write while you drive. Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive. Leave early to allow yourself time to stop to eat. Don’t engage in complex or emotionally intense conversations with other occupants. Turn off all communication devices.

2.10.2 – Don’t Be an Aggressive Driver

How you feel before you even start your vehicle has a lot to do with how stress will affect you while driving.

Section 2 – Driving Safely

Page 2-23

Version: July 2017