                          SUBMITTED BY 
 
                        KENNETH P. SOBEL 
                      SAFETY ADMINISTRATOR 
                       CITY OF LOS ANGELES 
                 (213)485-4691  FAX(213)485-8765 
_________________________________________________________________ 
 
 
           SAFE DRIVING PROCEDURES OUTLINE 
 
 
                   DRIVING FACTORS 
 
 
I.      MECHANICAL ASPECTS OF DRIVING 
 
        A.      Safe driving consists of about: 
                 
                         5% safe vehicle 
                        95% safe driver 
 
                1.      You can normally expect City vehicles to be in good mechanical condition, however, you should run a basic vehicle check on every vehicle before you drive it. 
 
        B.      Check vehicle condition prior to operation. 
 
                1.      Check headlights and tail lights. 
 
                2.      Check turn indicators right and left, front and rear. 
 
                3.      Check brakes. 
 
                        a.      If brake pedal travels more than 1 1/2" on first depression vehicle should be sent in for repairs.  Check with your supervisor for proper procedures. 
 
                        b.      You should check brakes for pull to the right or left 
 
                        c.      Check parking brakes. 
 
                4.      Check for excessive steering wheel play.  More than one/eighth turn should be considered unsafe. 
 
                5.      Check instrument panel with the engine running. 
 
                        a.      Oil light 
 
                        b.      Generator/Alternator 
 
                        c.      Water temperature, etc. 
 
                        d.      Brake light 
 
                6.      Sound horn. 
 
                7.      Check windshield, windows and mirror. 
 
                8.      Windshield wipers. 
 
                9.      Check fuel level. 
 
                10.     Check safety belts. 
 
                11.     Check for flares/reflectors. 
 
                12.     Check seat adjustment. 
 
                13.     Check tires for wear and pressure (32 to 35 lbs.). 
 
        C.      If you find any serious defects as a result of your inspection, don't operate the vehicle. 
 
 
II.     PHYSICAL ASPECTS OF DRIVING 
 
        A.      Good physical condition is a prerequisite to safe driving. 
 
                1.      A physically fit person is generally: 
 
                        a.      more alert. 
 
                        b.      has greater dexterity. 
 
                        c.      has greater resistance to illness or injury. 
 
                        d.      these physical qualities are all assets in being a good, safe driver. 
 
                2.      Such things as eyesight, heart, blood pressure and hearing should be checked periodically. 
 
                3.      It is important to get enough rest before driving.  Being tired adversely affects eyesight, reflexes and coordination. 
 
                4.      Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or other drug cannot be tolerated. 
 
 
III.    EMOTIONAL MATURITY AND GOOD ATTITUDE 
 
        A.      Driving is a reflection of one's emotional maturity. 
 
                1.      The emotionally mature person is generally a better driver. 
 
                2.      When operating a motor vehicle good driver emphasizes: 
 
                        a.      responsibility and courtesy. 
 
                        b.      foresight. 
 
                        c.      controlled attention. 
 
                        d.      good judgement. 
 
                3.      Immature people are generally poor drivers because they are unable to control their emotions. 
 
                        a.      They allow their frustrations to turn to anger, thus creating a hazard. 
 
                        b.      The human factor causes 95% of traffic accidents.  Accidents are caused by: 
 
                                1)      Poor seeing habits - 35% 
 
                                2)      Driving under the influence - 20% 
 
                                3)      Poor Attitude - 15% 
 
                                4)      Lack of control - 11% 
 
                                5)      Lack of knowledge - 8% 
 
                                6)      Poor physical condition - 6% 
 
                                7)      Mechanical Failure - only 5%  
 
 
     SAFETY AT INTERSECTIONS AND DRIVING LANES 
 
 
I.      INTERSECTIONS 
 
        A.      Many severe traffic accidents occur at intersections. 
 
                1.      Reduce your speed, with foot off the throttle and over the brake.  This reduces your reaction time. 
 
                2.      Always be ready to take evasive action. 
 
                3.      A green light does not guarantee safe passage through an intersection. 
 
                        a.      Reduce speed through the intersection to allow time for evasive action should a hazard arise. 
 
                        b.      Be extremely careful at blind intersections. 
 
                4.      Upon entering an intersection, look left first and then look right. 
 
                5.      Never assume that you have the right of way. 
 
                        a.      Be alert for the unexpected. 
 
                        b.      Even if you have the right of way, be in a position to avoid contributing to a traffic accident. 
 
 
II.     CORRECT LANES 
 
        A.      The inside lane (the number one lane) is the most dangerous lane. 
 
                1.      It has the highest ratio of fatal traffic accidents. 
 
                2.      A minor distraction can cause either car to cross over painted lane markers. 
 
                3.      The opposing car is only a few inches away. 
 
                4.      People making left turns cross into the left lane first. 
 
        B.      When preparing to make a left turn, have your turn indicator on and keep your wheels straight. 
 
                1.      If you get rear-ended you will not be pushed into on-coming traffic causing a head-on traffic accident. 
 
                2.      When traffic is clear, make your turn. 
 
 
III.    PASSING 
 
        Although very common, this maneuver presents a great number of problems.  By passing other vehicles you leave yourself open for a variety of different types of accidents.  When passing on the left it may be a head on collision or a sideswipe.  When passing on the right it may be a run off the roadway type of traffic accident.  Some conditions to evaluate before passing are the speed and acceleration of your vehicle and the speed and distance of the oncoming vehicle. 
 
 
IV.     BEING PASSED 
 
        There are some people who get emotionally upset when another vehicle passes them.  When another vehicle attempts to pass, make it easy and less dangerous for both of you.  Move over as far to the right as possible and slow down if necessary. 
 
        If cars are constantly passing you on the right, it may be possible that your speed is too slow for the flow of traffic.  Problems can be created by slow drivers in the left lanes.  Traffic backs up and other drivers become impatient and may make unsafe passes.  California requires that drivers stay in the right lane if cars are passing them on the right. 
 
 
V.      FOLLOWING AT A SAFE DISTANCE 
 
        Following too closely is one of the highest causes of accidents, both on surface streets and freeways.  It is generally caused by a combination of congested traffic and too high a speed for existing conditions.  Some reasons why following too close is such a hazard are: 
 
        A.      Limited visibility. 
 
                1.      if possible, don't stay behind vehicles that you are unable to see over or through, such as trucks and buses.  This limits your reaction and braking distance to just a few feet and causes you to depend on the other driver's reactions. 
 
                2.      Stopping distance.  This is a very touchy subject with most people.  With very few exceptions, drivers have the idea that they can stop faster than is physically possible. 
 
                3.      Reaction distance. 
 
                        The average reaction time is 3/4 second.  To change the time factor to distance in feet, take the first digit of your speedometer, which is reading 60 mph and add it to the total reading which is now 66.  This is the approximate distance traveled in feet, in 3/4 of a second.  Add braking distance of 180 feet and you have a total stopping distance of 246 feet. 
 
                4.      Safe following distances. 
 
                        a.      When following another vehicle, allow a minimum interval of one car length for every ten miles per hour of speed (60 mph - 6 car lengths). 
 
                        b.      When driving, project your vision several vehicles ahead so that possible conflicts can be anticipated and the proper defensive driving tactics employed. 
 
 
VI.     SAFETY BELTS 
 
        A.      The driver and all passengers of vehicles must wear safety belts at all times the vehicle is in operation. 
 
        B.      One of the most important pre-operational inspections that can be made is a safety belt check.  The areas of attention that should be given to the safety belt. 
 
                1.      The buckle and tip of the belt. 
 
                2.      Is the belt properly secured to the vehicle? 
 
                3.      Are all the belts clean and easily available? 
 
        C.      In head-on crashes, many drivers involved in collisions have escaped death and serious injury because seat belts were being used: 
 
                1.      A severe type of accident because of the increased impact caused by the sudden stop. 
 
                2.      Because vehicles usually collide somewhat off center which causes one or both vehicles to spin. 
 
                        a.      The centrifugal force of the spin hurls the occupants from the vehicle. 
 
                        b.      Here is where safety belts are most valuable and where the most lives are saved. 
 
 
VII.    HOW TO PREVENT BACKING ACCIDENTS 
 
        A.      Unsafe starting and backing accidents account for many accidents. 
 
        B.      In most instances, these collisions could have been averted with the use of proper backing techniques. 
 
        C.      The most effective means of preventing backing accidents is:  Don't back unless absolutely necessary. 
 
        D.      When possible, plan your stops and parking so that backing is unnecessary.  Park so that you drive forward when pulling out. 
 
        E.      Before backing, make sure there are no obstacles in the direction of travel. 
 
        F.      To prevent backing accidents: 
 
                1.      Safe parking procedure. 
 
                        a.      On level ground. 
 
                                1)      Put the gear shift in the PARK position. 
 
                                2)      Set parking brake. 
 
                        b.      On grades. 
 
                                1)      Cramp the wheel so that tire tread touches the curb. 
 
                                2)      Put the gear shift in the PARK position. 
 
                                3)      Runaway vehicles cause many deaths and injuries each year. 
 
                2.      Entering and exiting the vehicle. 
 
                        The street side is more dangerous when entering and leaving the vehicle.  Always check to the rear before opening the door.  It is a Vehicle Code violation if you open the door on the traffic side of the vehicle and impede or interfere with traffic.  Always exercise caution when exiting on the traffic side of your vehicle. 
 
                3.      Avoid the parking space nearest the corner. 
 
                        a.      Possibility of backing into a pedestrian in crosswalk. 
 
                        b.      Possibility of backing into another vehicle making a right turn. 
 
                4.      Parallel parking is safer than diagonal parking. 
 
                        a.      Fewer blind spots. 
 
                        b.      You can see the line of traffic. 
 
                5.      Diagonal parking to the left is safer than to the right.  You can see the line of traffic better. 
 
                6.      A safe method of backing is to: 
 
                        a.      Check for hazards. 
 
                        b.      If necessary, get out and take good look. 
 
                        c.      Back slowly and in stages.  If in doubt while backing, stop, get out and look. 
 
 
 
 
     DRIVING UNDER ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS 
 
 
I.      General 
 
        A.      It is important that your vehicle is in the best possible condition. 
 
                1.      Windshield wipers and blades. 
 
                2.      Heater and defroster unit working effectively.  Crack the rear windows one inch. 
 
                3.      Lights:  Headlights and turning indicators. 
 
                4.      Brakes. 
 
                5.      Tires. 
 
 
II.     Visibility is seriously restricted under foggy conditions and objects may appear distorted. 
 
        A.      Reduce your speed so the stopping distance does not exceed the one-half the distance you can see. Your speed should never be so great that you do not have stopping or swerving distance.  Leave yourself a way out. 
 
        B       Lights should be turned on low beam. 
 
                1.      Assists you to see. 
 
                2.      Assists other drivers in seeing you. 
 
                3.      Never use your parking lights in lieu of headlights. 
 
        C.      Test your ability to recognize roadside markers and signs; know where you are. 
 
 
III.    Rain 
 
        A.      In addition to restricted visibility, be alert for: 
 
                1.      Wet and slippery pavement. 
 
                2.      Washed out and soft shoulders. 
 
                3.      The possibility of slides and rocks on the 
                                pavement. 
 
                4.      Possibility of tire hydroplaning. 
 
        B.      Slow down.  Do not drive beyond the limits of your visibility. 
 
        C.      Most hazardous driving conditions are experienced when driving in the first rain after a dry spell.  The pavement is most slippery because dust, leaves and oil drippings have not been washed from the road's surface. 
 
        D.      A tightly closed vehicle results in steaming up of the windows inside the vehicle. 
 
                1.      A slightly open window tends to overcome this situation. 
 
                2.      Stop and wipe off the accumulated condensation inside the windows in order to improve your visibility. 
 
                3.      Remember, the other driver's visibility and car control are similarly reduced. 
 
        E.      Turn on your lights in bad weather in daytime as well as night.  This assists other drivers in seeing you. 
 
        F.      Check your brakes periodically when driving in wet weather. 
 
                1.      Apply the brake for a short distance.  This will cause friction of the shoes on the drum or rotor, thus drying the brakes. 
 
                2.      Avoid large puddles of water.  If you can't, slightly apply your brakes while going through the standing water. 
 
 
IV.     Avoid skidding. 
 
        A.      Don't lock the brakes. 
 
                1.      Wheels steer by rolling friction only. 
 
                2.      Locked brakes will cause a skid. 
 
                3.      Apply steady pressure for maximum braking. 
 
        B.      When going into a turn: 
 
                1.      Enter slower than maximum speed for the turn. 
 
                2.      Brake prior to turn. 
 
                3.      Smooth and steady throttle use. 
 
                4.      Avoid over-acceleration. 
 
                5.      Maintain traction. 
 
        C.      When stopping, be aware of unusual braking action (spongy pedal, grabbing, loss of braking efficiency). 
 
        D.      Tire pressure should be increased to decrease the possibility of hydroplaning. 
 
 
IV.     Recovering from a skid. 
 
        A.      Turn the wheels in the direction of the skid to the degree of the skid. 
 
                1.      Don't over correct; the secondary skid can be more serious. 
 
                2.      Hold the skid. 
 
                3.      Maintain controlled throttle.  Over acceleration will cause vehicle to spin out. 
 
        B.      When you feel traction, steer back to the center of your lane. 
 
 
V.      The best method to follow to avoid becoming stuck in mud, sand or slush is to avoid it!  If you must negotiate such hazards: 
 
        A.      Keep moving, proceed slowly. 
 
        B.      If you have to stop, pick a high and dry spot. 
 
        C.      In sand, before parking, 
 
                1.      Roll ahead and back-up to pack it. 
 
                2.      Avoid spinning your wheels. 
 
        D.      if you become stuck. 
 
                1.      Rock the vehicle with your front wheels straight. 
 
                2.      Avoid spinning your wheels. 
 
 
VI      Night Driving 
      
        A.      Turn on your lights when light first begins to fade, especially under all adverse conditions. 
 
        B.      Adjust your speed to lighting conditions. 
 
        C.      Night driving should automatically increase your alertness. 
 
        D.      Rules governing the use of high and low beams: 
 
                1.      When meeting another vehicle you must dim your high beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle.  
 
                2.      When overtaking and passing another vehicle, you must dim your high beams at 300 feet when overtaking. 
 
 
88-166-KPS 
Rev. 2 (9-88)