Reference Points

In this section we will learn about the following:

• What are Reference Points?
• How to utilize reference points to position the front, sides, corners and rear of the vehicle within given distances of a fixed location.
• How reference points are utilized to perform vehicle maneuvers and manage vehicle operating space, line of sight, path of travel, lane placement, right-of-way, following interval, vehicle speed, and communication.

Reference Points

Knowing a vehicle’s position on the road is important in helping drivers execute safe and consistent maneuvers. Risk increases when a driver misjudges or fails to determine their vehicle’s position on the road. Estimating a vehicle’s position on the road can be tricky for any driver, so imagine the struggle that a novice driver faces when attempting to park, change lanes, execute a turn or back-up.

The use of reference points, which are visual guides, help drivers determine the position of their vehicle, as it relates to the road. Drivers should note that reference points will vary based on vehicle type and size, as well as a driver’s height and seating position.

Reference Points

Some vehicles are equipped with exterior cameras that activate at slower speeds (when backing, parking, etc…) to assist a driver in determining their position on the road, however, it is never a good idea to rely solely on vehicle cameras. Drivers should use targeting skills and identify a part of the vehicle (center of the hood, left/right side-view mirror, etc...), to establish reference points.

Reference Points Help Drivers:

• Execute Safe Turns
• Stop Before a Stop Line
• Maintain a Safe Lane Position
• Parking (Parallel, Angle, Perpendicular, Along a Curb, etc…)
• Backing

Standard Reference Points

Lane Positions

• Lane Position 1

• Lane Position 2

• Lane Position 3

Front Limitations

To position your vehicle, 3-6 inches from the stop-

line in front of your bumper, stop when your line of sight runs under the side view mirror to the front curb.

Front Limitations

You will need to know where the front bumper of your car is when you are:

• At intersections
• At a stopped position
• When parking
• At a crosswalk

Front Limitations

When you look at the curb line, and it appears to line up with the side view mirrors

Rear Limitations

Left

• When you look back over your left shoulder, the curb or line appears to be in the middle of the left window.

Right

• When you look back over your right shoulder, the curb or line appears to be near the rear window corner.

Rear Limitations: How They are Used

Left

• When backing to know where your rear bumper is.

Right

• When backing around a corner, it's the pivot point for turning, such as backing into a perpendicular parking space

Side Reference Points: Left Side

When you look at the curb, pavement line, or edge of the road, it appears to line up about one foot in from the left edge of the hood.

Side Reference Points: Left Side

Used for...

• Lane Position 2
• Preparing for a left turn
• Determining position for parking on the left side of a one-way street (3-6 inches from the curb)

Side Reference Points: Right Side

Your vehicle is 3-6 inches away from the curb, pavement line, or edge of the road when the line appears near the center of the hood.

Side Reference Points: Right Side

To Position Vehicle Three Feet Away

• When you look at the curb, pavement, or edge of the road, it appears to line up with the middle of the right-half of the hood.

Side Reference Points: Right Side

Three Feet Away Used

• To position for a right turn
• In Lane Position 1

“A” Pillar

• The first or forward most, vehicle roof support pillar
• Located on both sides of the front windshield
• Also known as "windshield pillar" or "A-post”

“B” Pillar

• The second, vehicle roof support pillar
• Located in the middle of the vehicle (between the front & rear windows)

“C” Pillar

• The third or rear, vehicle roof support pillar
• On station wagons, this pillar separates the rear doors and quarter panel glass

Front Turning Point

• The front turning point is located where the “A” pillar joins the fender on the vehicle.
• The edge of the intersection will appear in this location when targeting the center of the path of travel.

Rear Turning Point

• The rear turning point is located where the “C” pillar joins the top of the door to the right rear or in the middle of the left rear window.
• It allows the driver to steer efficiently around a corner and to start the parallel park maneuver.