Vehicle Operating and Control Tasks

Objectives

In this section we will learn about the following:

• Vehicle Operation and Tasks Utilized to: Accelerate, Decelerate, Steer (straight, right, and left), Move Forward, Back, Turn (left and right), Perform Lateral & Turnabout Maneuvers, Stop & Park
• Multi-Task Performances
• The Need to Utilize Multi-task Performances to Perform Vehicle Operation & Control task
• Countermeasures to Compensate for Multi-task Performances Limitation (divided attention)
• The Importance of Countermeasures for Multi-task Performances Limitation (divided attention), has on Interaction with Vulnerable Roadway Users

Multitasking between your vehicle control devices and the driving task can be tricky and dangerous. Knowing and understanding the location and function of vehicle control devices, should help a young driver minimize errors when the need to multitask arises.

For example, if a novice driver’s attention is divided between the radio or shifting gears (manual transmission) and the driving task for too long, the chances of a driving error increases. Operating a vehicle control device should be brief and efficient. It should only take the driver’s attention off the driving task for an instant.

Vehicle Operations: Accelerate

In order for a vehicle to accelerate (increase speed) a driver must press the accelerator foot pedal. This is the control device that regulates the flow of fuel to the engine and the speed of the vehicle. A driver can increase or decrease vehicle speed and stabilize a vehicle by pressing down on the accelerator pedal or removing their foot from it.

To position the right foot correctly, place the heel on the floor in front of the accelerator pedal in such a manner that primarily the toe area makes contact with the pedal.

This position allows the foot to pivot more freely between the accelerator and the brake. The toes are best used to make fine adjustments to pedal pressure. The driver should depress the accelerator using gradually, increasing pressure to reach the desired speed. The driver should then hold the accelerator in position to maintain that speed.

Vehicle Operations: Decelerate

Decelerate means slow down.

A driver should decrease the pressure on the accelerator to gradually decrease their vehicle’s speed or remove their foot from the accelerator and use the brake pedal to slow down.

In order to steer a vehicle safely, efficiently and correctly, a driver must keep both hands on the steering wheel and at the proper position to maximize vehicle control.

It is recommended that you position your hands at 9 and 3 on the steering wheel. This hand position, allows the driver maximum vehicle control and places the driver's arms to the side of the airbag and not in front of it.

Hands should be placed on the rim of the steering wheel, not on the cross bar. Be sure the thumbs are on top of the steering wheel and not hooked around the wheel. If you hit the curb or pothole, the steering wheel could pull away from your hands unless you have a good solid grip.

When making turns, there are different steering methods that may be used. Read through the following slides to learn about the different techniques.

Hand-to-Hand

Hand-to-Hand or “pull-push-slide” is the preferred method because both hands are usually even with each other and they never leave the wheel, unlike the hand-over-hand method (next slide). This method works well for highway driving, where minimal steering input is required.

When Turning Left or Right:

• One hand pushes up on the steering wheel while the other hand slides to the top and then pulls the wheel down, repeating the action until the turn is complete.
• By sliding, the driver maintains readiness on the wheel.
• The wheel should slip through the fingers to straighten when coming out of a turn; however, both hands are always on the wheel and ready to make adjustments as necessary.
• If turning through a slight curve, both hands may retain their original grip on the wheel, making only slight hand adjustments as necessary to maintain path of travel.

Hand-to-Hand Turning Technique

Watch this video to see the hand-to-hand (pull-push-slide) turning technique in action.

Hand-Over-Hand

The driver reaches across the steering wheel to grasp the opposite side and pulls the wheel over the top, repeating as needed. When using this method, quick movements of the hands are needed to begin the turn, and smooth slow movements are needed when returning the wheel to straight.

This method is used primarily when sight may be limited, such as maneuvering into a parking space in a congested shopping center. This method does expose a driver to some risk of injury to arms, hands, and/or face if the airbag inflates during a crash.

When turning left or right:

• One hand holds the wheel and pushes the wheel up, over, and down.
• The other hand releases the wheel and crosses across the forearm to grasp the wheel on the far side.
• The second hand then pulls the side of the wheel up, over the top, and down.

These movements continue as long as necessary to turn the wheel as much as needed.

Hand-over-Hand Turning Technique

Watch this video to see the hand-over-hand turning technique demonstrated.

One-Handed Steering

The use of one hand to steer is only recommended when backing maneuvers do not require full turns or when the driver must operate safety or control devices. It is recommended that you position your left hand at the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel and your right arm and hand on the front passenger seat (close to the head rest).

One-Handed Steering

Watch this video to see the proper one-handed steering technique used when backing.

Limited Evasive Steering

Evasive steering maneuvers may be necessary to avoid a hazard on the road or an animal darting out in front of a vehicle. However, they must be done with caution. In order to maximize vehicle control, a driver must maintain control of their steering wheel and efficiently manage their steering, so to avoid sudden movements and loss of vehicle control.

A quick turn will cause a shift in the weight of the center of mass to the left or right side of the vehicle, regardless of speed. Speed of travel and steering input have a direct affect on the level (increase) of weight transferred to the front corner, opposite the direction of the turn. with a reduction in weight to the rear, particularly on the side in the direction of the turn.

When an error occurs at high speeds, the quickness and amount of steering input needed to make a lane change increases. Unless controlled by a smooth and rapid steering effort, the additional sudden steering input, coupled with the speed of travel, is capable of generating sufficient weight transfer to cause a loss of directional control.

Crash statistics indicate driver error involving incorrect steering inputs are the main reason for off-road crashes.

Evasive Steering:

• In an evasive action, limited steering input of no more than 180 degrees must be quick and smooth with limited return steering to maintain vehicle balance.
• At higher speeds, the driver may control brake prior to initiating the steering action to transfer weight to the front wheels but must come off the brake or trail brake while steering for avoidance. As the speed increases, less steering input is needed to move the vehicle to the left or right.
• If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, stay with the brake while performing the limited steering inputs.
• The initial steering input moves the front of the car while the second input to the touch of arms moves the rear of the vehicle. It is critical to move the wheel back to the neutral position to stabilize the vehicle within the lane.

Modern vehicle technology is rapidly changing the demands of driver steering inputs. More efficient steering techniques in modern motor vehicles include: steering wheel size, correct hand position, limited evasive steering, one-hand steering and hand-over-hand steering.

Preparing to Move Forward:

• Place your hands at the 9 & 3 position
• Scan the road ahead, behind and to the sides for traffic and pedestrians
• Press the brake pedal firmly down, with the heel on the floor
• Shift the vehicle into (D) drive (foot is still on the brake pedal)
• Release the parking brake (foot is still on the brake pedal)
• Check all mirrors and blind spots again
• Wait for traffic and/or pedestrians to clear, before proceeding
• When it's safe to move forward, remove the right foot from the brake pedal and shift it over to the accelerator pedal
• Gently press the accelerator until it generates enough power to move
• Continue to carefully press down on the accelerator until the desired speed is reached

A driver must always be aware of their surroundings and maintain complete control of their vehicle (steering and speed) when moving in reverse (R).

Moving backwards (in reverse) can be disorienting for many drivers, making it difficult to maintain vehicle control. Mirrors do not provide an adequate view of the area behind and around the vehicle, limiting a driver's ability to see any potential hazards. The rear window of the vehicle should always be clear of items to improve a driver’s visibility when moving in reverse.

For optimal vehicle control and balance, be sure to shift your body slightly to the right and look over your right shoulder and through your rear windshield. This shift in position will not only help the driver have better control of their vehicle, but it will also allow for a clearer line of sight by minimizing blind spots.

When performing backing maneuvers, do so at slow speeds.

Tips for When Driving in Reverse

• Scan the road ahead, behind and to the sides for traffic and pedestrians
• Press the brake pedal firmly down, with the heel on the floor
• Shift the vehicle to (R) for reverse (foot still on the brake)
• Place the left hand at the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel
• Place the right hand on the front passenger seat (near the head rest)
• Turn the head and check for hazards through the back window
• Check behind the vehicle and wait for traffic and/or pedestrians to clear, before proceeding
• When safe, remove the right foot from the brake pedal and shift it over to the accelerator
• Use the accelerator and brake as needed to control speed
• Look back, over your right shoulder until the backing maneuver is complete

Executing a Right Turn

Watch this video to see how to properly execute a right turn.

Executing a Left Turn

Watch this video to see how to properly execute a left turn.

Tips for Completing Lateral Maneuvers

• Scan the road ahead, to sides and behind your vehicle
• Check your mirrors and blind spots
• Make sure the roadway is clear and determine if the maneuver can be made safely
• Use your Turn Signal
• Adjust your speed accordingly
• Move into the Desired Lane (maintain your speed)
• Cancel your Turn Signal
• Adjust your Speed as Necessary in the New Lane of Travel

Changing Lanes

Watch this video to see a proper lane change demonstration.

2-point turnabout

Carefully and slowly pulls into a driveway and then back out to go in the other direction. Be sure to signal, check your mirrors & blind-spots and proceed with caution.

Here’s an example of what NOT to do!

Read the next slide to see how to properly execute a 2-point turn.

2-point turn

Watch this video to see how to properly execute a 2-point turn.

Three (3) Point Turn

Watch this video to see how to execute a three point turn.

U-turn

This turn requires the driver to perform a 180 degree turn to reverse direction. The maneuver looks like the letter “U”. Be sure that the U-Turn is NOT prohibited.

Stopping and parking a vehicle requires the use of multiple driving skills; i.e. awareness of vehicle operating space, braking, steering and speed control.

Stopping and parking are low-risk maneuvers that will help a beginning driver become more confident in their ability and more familiar with a vehicle’s operating space, size and control. It is recommended that these low-risk tasks take place in a low-traffic area, such as an empty parking lot.

These low-risk maneuvers should be practiced often and at low speeds.

Perpendicular Parking

Perpendicular Parking places a vehicle at a 90-degree angle to the curb.

• Use your turn signal and position the vehicle 5 to 6 feet away from the space
• Move forward slowly and carefully until the driver's body is aligned with the first line of the space
• Turn the wheel sharply while, but maintain speed control
• Locate the middle of the space and straighten the wheels.
• Stop when the front bumper is 3 to 6 inches from the curb or end of the space.

This type of parking can be tricky. It is important for the driver to maintain speed control and not swing wide when executing this maneuver….practice, practice, practice!

Perpendicular Parking

Watch this video to see perpendicular parking demonstrated.

Exiting a Perpendicular Parking Space

Parking lots are chaotic!! This maneuver can be really tough to execute, and not necessarily physically, but more so from an execution standpoint. There are inattentive shoppers with carts, pedestrians, children darting out behind your car, folks entering and exiting their vehicles and other vehicles entering and exiting parking spaces...You must be super aware of your surroundings and proceed with extreme caution when exiting a parking spot, in particular one in a mall or shopping center.

Exiting after Perpendicular Parking

Watch this video to see how to properly exit a perpendicular parking space.

Angle Parking

Angle parking places the vehicle diagonally to the curb at about 30 degrees.

• Use turn signal and position the vehicle 3 to 4 feet away from the space.
• Slowly move forward until the steering wheel is aligned with the first pavement line.
• Locate the middle of the space and turn the wheel sharply.
• Steer towards the center of the space to straighten the wheels.
• Stop when the front bumper is 3 to 6 inches from the curb or end of the space.

Angle Parking

Watch this video to see angle parking demonstrated.

Exiting Angle Parking Space

• Press brake pedal, use turn signal, place gear in reverse, and scan the area to the rear.
• Shift into (R) reverse until the vehicle's front seat is even with the bumper of the vehicle located on the turning side
• Begin turning the steering wheel in the direction you want the rear of the vehicle to go
• Remember to watch the front bumper on the opposite side of the direction you are turning so you don't hit any vehicle parked on that side
• When the front bumper clears the back of the parking space, stop, and shift to (D) drive and proceed with caution

Parallel Parking

Watch this video to see how to properly execute parallel parking.

Exiting After Parallel Parking

Watch this video to see how to properly exit a parallel parking space.

Exiting Parallel Parking Space

• Signal left
• Shift into (R) reverse
• Place your left hand at the 12 o’clock position
• Look over your right shoulder before backing
• Back slowly until close to the rear vehicle
• Turn the steering wheel all the way to the left
• Look over your left shoulder to check your blind spot
• Once safe, shift into (D) drive and slowly move forward until your vehicle clears the vehicle in front of you

If necessary, backup and move forward again until the vehicle clears the vehicle in front.

Physically Disabled Parking Space

This space is reserved for vehicles carrying a person whose mobility is significantly impaired by age, illness, disability or infirmity. Use of these parking spaces is only allowed with use of disabled parking permit, also known as a handicapped permit or disabled placard displayed upon parking.

Multitasking between your vehicle control devices and driving task can be tricky and dangerous. Knowing and understanding the location and function of vehicle control devices, should help a young driver minimize errors when the need to multitask arises. For example, if a novice driver’s attention is divided between the radio and the driving task for too long, the chances of a driving error increase. Operating a vehicle control device should be brief and efficient. It should only take the driver’s attention off the driving task for an instant.

It is important that a driver learn to reach, without looking, to activate the signal lever, gear shift, headlights, windshield wipers, etc...

Multi-Task Performances Time Management

Drivers must learn to safely divide their attention between multi-task performances. Visual and mental attention should be focused on the path of travel as much as possible. A driver should not take their eyes off the path of travel for more than ½ second at a time and should learn to activate their vehicle’s signal lever, gear shift, headlights, windshield wipers without looking.

There is an increased risk of a crash when the driver's attention is divided, so unnecessary distractions such as texting, talking on a cell phone, tweeting, snapchatting or adjusting the car radio minimize a driver’s attention on the driving task and may result in a crash.

Novice drivers often feel the need to look at everything around their vehicle, which in theory is correct. However, if they spend too much time or not enough time on a specific part of the road or object, the result could be a crash. A driver must learn to scan the road around quickly and efficiently.

Countermeasures for Multi-task Performances

Pre-start tasks are designed to reduce the multi-task performances and limit the need to divide attention while driving. If these tasks are completed before getting on the road, more attention may be focused on the driving task.

Reducing vehicle speed will allow the driver to reduce risk by allowing more time and space to complete divided attention tasks. If more time is needed to complete the multi-task performance while driving, a driver should use more than one look, then return visual and mental attention back to the path of travel between looks. If a driver does not perform multi-task performances effectively, deadly consequences may result.

David Teater, senior director of Transportation Initiatives at the National Safety Council, talks about “The Myth Behind Multi-tasking.”

The Myth Behind Multi-tasking — National Safety Council

Watch David Teater, senior director of Transportation Initiatives at the National Safety Council, discuss the myth behind multi-tasking.