Welcome to the IHoP

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

So that's how you make dubstep? Interesting...

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

[ssh 924]

might as well use ebay, right?

I FUCKING HATE EBAY.

I must come across as a freeloader.

Seriously though, I hate Ebay. Last time I tried selling an item, a scammer "won" the auction, but never paid, and Ebay took their cut from my account.

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

[Adrian_D 520]

So that's how you make dubstep? Interesting...

This dubstep thing never quite got me...

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

[The enD 467]

I'm going to list my rims from my old jetta on CL. Some enkie 16" with yokohama paradas in 205/45r16 around them. 2 would just last the rest of summer, the others would be ok for one more year of teenage boy driving.

What Enkeis?

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

So that's how you make dubstep? Interesting...

This dubstep thing never quite got me...

Wubwubwubwubwub

[///M5 2,833]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!

SIck of being an author. Just got done doing marketings job writing a teezer for the Automotive Testing Expo, an Editorial for the ATE magazine, a company profile and now I GET to start writing a presentation to lead a discussion group at the upcoming North American Finite Element conference which I'll use pieces of at the ATE and Auto Body Congress. Seriously not in my job description and gives me a headache.

At least tomorrow and Monday are vacation!

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

[///M5 2,833]

Had to vent somewhere. Probably should have elsewhere, but alas I feel better so fuck it.

[dem beats 1,223]

I'm going to list my rims from my old jetta on CL. Some enkie 16" with yokohama paradas in 205/45r16 around them. 2 would just last the rest of summer, the others would be ok for one more year of teenage boy driving.

What Enkeis?

5 bolt awesome ones. The are double 5 spoke. Downt mark them anymore.

[dem beats 1,223]

Had to vent somewhere. Probably should have elsewhere, but alas I feel better so fuck it.

SSA is the perfect venue.

[Aaron Clinton 2,372]

Not in the mood to stay late again.

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

When you drive, you get information from most of your senses. You see, hear, smell, and feel the motion of the vehicle - all of this input helps you to be aware of your driving environment, to predict what might happen, and to assess how to react.

This information is processed by your brain and keeps you aware of changing situations. Sensory input helps your brain understand and decide when to accelerate, steer, or brake.

You also need to be in general good health with no injuries or illness that might prevent you from operating your vehicle safely.

Vision is the primary sense used in driving. About 90% of the information required for safe driving relates to vision.

Since 90% of the information required for safe driving relates to vision, the degree of accurate vision is essential. Visual acuity refers to the clarity or clearness of one's vision, a measure of how well a person sees. Visual acuity is a measure of the ability to identify black symbols on a white background at a standardized distance as the size of the symbols is varied. This acuity is dependent upon the retinal focus, the sensitivity of the nervous system elements, and the manner in which the brain interprets the information. The well-known phrase "20-20 vision" refers to the ability to read given letters at a standard length of an eye exam room, specifically the distance from the patient to the acuity chart, which is typically 20 feet.

Good driver vision includes:

Contrast sensitivity

Substantial visual field of view

Glare recovery

Contrast sensitivity is the capacity to sharply see the difference between two similarly colored objects. Often pavement markings are worn and tend to blend into the road. This can affect your ability to locate the lane boundaries and where the edge of the roadway is located. When driving, the inability to see the difference in contrast also affects distance judgment.

An adequate visual field of view means you are able to see objects in the periphery. Horizontal and vertical peripheral vision enables you to see up, down, and to the sides. This ability is necessary for detecting signs, signals, vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, etc., outside of the field of view directly ahead.

Glare recovery refers to the ability to see in the presence of oncoming headlights, at night, or in the presence of sun glare in daytime. Glare introduces stray light into the eye; it also reduces the contrast of important safety targets.

If you suffer from allergies and have watery eyes, consider how that will affect your ability to see clearly before getting behind the wheel.

Scanning to the sides and behind not only requires the ability to focus on the objects in the mirrors but the ability to move the neck and head quickly. A restricted range of motion reduces your ability to effectively scan to the rear and sides of your vehicle to observe blind spots, and can also hinder the timely recognition of conflicts during turning and merging maneuvers at intersections.

Strength and range of motion in the arms are related to the ability to turn the steering wheel and negotiate turns at intersections. Be sure you have enough strength in your arms to control your steering wheel in the event you lose your power steering.

You also do most of your braking and acceleration with your leg muscles.

Your overall physical well-being is essential to operate your vehicle safely. In order to react quickly and operate your vehicle, all of the muscles and parts of your body that move, push, and pull the controls must be responsive and strong enough to safely make these maneuvers. Allow another licensed driver to drive you if you are sick, injured, or have any other substantial physical impairment.

Mental readiness is hard to assess, but train yourself to do it. Be aware of your mental and emotional well-being.

Extreme emotions such as anger, depression, sorrow, and anxiety can affect your ability to stay focused on the driving task. Excitement and happiness can also interfere with your ability to focus on driving.

If for any reason you are mentally incompetent, even as a temporary condition, it is illegal to drive. It is also illegal to drive if any medical limitations may interfere with your ability to drive safely - this is not limited to chronic illness.

Remember, Texas will not issue a license to individuals who have a physical or mental impairment which makes it unsafe for them to drive.

Learn to recognize and assess your limitations before getting behind the wheel. If you determine your risks associated with being physically, mentally, or medically ready to drive are too high, consider alternative transportation choices such as walking, public transportation, or rides from family or friends.

Before getting behind the wheel, it is important to know where you are going and the best route to get there. Drivers can avoid getting lost, wasting gas, and arriving late by knowing the destination and safest route before driving.

Plan your route and departure times to avoid construction, hazards, and heavy traffic. Try to avoid high pedestrian areas and rush hour when other drivers are distracted and in a hurry. It is also a good idea to have an alternative route if you encounter a road closure or heavy congestion.

If you have never driven to your destination, refer to a map and know your directions before getting behind the wheel. Also, leave in plenty of time to allow for delays.

Check the traffic and weather reports before driving. Prepare for wet weather or driving in ice and snow. If weather is extreme, use an alternative route and/or departure time, if available.

Before driving it is important to be aware of any potential problems that you can fix or attend to before getting behind the wheel. Pre-drive checks help you avoid costly repairs, breakdowns, or loss of control that could lead to a crash.

As you approach the vehicle, have your keys in your hand. Be prepared to enter the vehicle without delay - especially if you are in a busy parking lot. If you are parked on the street, next to a curb, approach the vehicle from the front. Don't enter the street with your back to traffic.

Search around your vehicle for obstacles and debris. Look for potholes, rocks, nails, and slippery areas. Look for fluids leaking from the vehicle or for objects that were not there before you parked the vehicle.

Notice the direction your front wheels are turned. To avoid hitting something you may have to adjust the direction as you begin to move your vehicle.

Check your tires for proper inflation.

Ensure your lights and windows are clean and clear.

Check the area for other traffic, pedestrians, small children, or pets running loose. Keep track of those sharing the area around your vehicle. If your vision is obstructed, search around or under those obstacles for things that appear to be in motion.

Your mirrors should also be adjusted before every drive. Adjust your rear-view mirror to ensure you have a full view out of the rear window. Adjust the driver's side mirror by placing your head against the window and adjusting the mirror so you can see the rearmost left corner of the vehicle. Lastly, adjust the passenger's side mirror by positioning your head at the middle of the vehicle and adjusting the mirror so you can see the rearmost right corner of the vehicle.

Do not sit too low or too close to the steering wheel as this will limit your steering ability. Position the seat so that your chest is 10 to 12 inches from the hub of the steering wheel. In this position, if the air bag deploys, you reduce the chance of injury.

If you are short and cannot reach the pedals from this position, check to see if your vehicle has adjustable pedals. If your vehicle is not equipped with this feature, check with your vehicle dealer or local automotive supply retailers to obtain pedal extenders.

Proper seat positioning is now much easier with new technology such as adjustable steering wheels, adjustable steering-wheel columns, and adjustable power seats.

The most comfortable position for your hands depends on your height, arm length, seat height and steering-wheel position. In the past, drivers were taught to place their hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock or 9 and 3 o'clock positions. However, today more flexible positions are encouraged.

With the lower 8 and 4 o'clock hand position, you can smoothly turn the steering wheel nearly 160 degrees in either direction without crossing your arms. When you must turn the wheel more than 160 degrees, a preferred technique is called push/pull or push/pull/feed steering:

One hand pushes the steering wheel up in the direction you want to turn. Meanwhile, the other hand slides up toward 12 o'clock and then pulls down.

The hand you first used to push then slides down to make further adjustments as necessary.

To return to your original path, simply reverse the process or let the wheel slide through the fingers.

Push/pull steering from lower hand positions has at least five major advantages over past hand placement methods:

It is less fatiguing because it allows a more normal position for your arms.

The 8 and 4 o'clock hand position is a lower, more restful position. The driver's arms stay close to the body and allow the body to be in a more upright and stable position.

You are more likely to keep both hands on the steering wheel allowing the muscles of the chest, back and shoulders to do most of the work.

Push/pull steering eliminates hand over hand and crossing the arms while steering. The hand over hand steering requires greater muscle strength.

Injuries to arms, hands, face, and eyes can be reduced or prevented during a collision when a driver-side air bag deploys.

Position the lap belt to fit snugly across your hips and not up on your abdomen. When the belt is fastened, take up any slack by pulling the belt firmly across your lap toward the lap-belt retractor. Use the tension adjuster to change the shoulder belt position and pressure against your chest. The shoulder belt should never be placed behind your back or under your arm.

Passengers should not ride in the front seat with the back of the seat in a reclining position. Your body could slide forward, increasing the chance of both neck and abdominal injuries in the event of a crash.

To get the maximum protection from painful whiplash neck injuries sustained in rear-end collisions, properly adjust the head restraints so they are close to the back of the head and no lower than the middle of the head.

A crash occurs every 30 seconds. Before driving, assume you will be in a crash. Driver readiness lowers your risk. If you determine your driving risks associated with physical, mental, or medical limitations are too high, consider alternative transportation choices.

Know your destination and plan the safest route. Plan an alternate route in the event you have an unexpected detour.

Don't drive where you can't see. Most of the information you process while driving is visual. Before driving be sure you can focus on things near and far away. If you are sick, disabled, or your vision is impaired, have someone else drive.

Position yourself to be able to steer, accelerate, and brake efficiently.

Sit straight behind the wheel with your back against the seat.

Adjust your seat so you can see and easily operate the controls.

Adjust the driver's side mirror so you can see the rearmost left corner of the vehicle.

Put a 10"-12" space between you and the wheel.

Adjust the head restraint so the top of it is even with the top of your ears.

Fasten your safety belt. Tell passengers not to recline in their seats. In the event of a crash, their bodies could slide forward, increasing the chance of injury.

Eliminate unnecessary distractions or diversions. Loose objects become projectiles in a crash. Secure loose objects in the trunk or the cargo net. Secure yourself and your passengers and buckle up.

Many drivers involved in crashes say "it happened so fast," "I didn't see" or "I couldn't stop in time." As a driver, you are often forced to respond quickly to a traffic situation.

To have adequate time and space to avoid obstacles in your path you need to search the traffic environment far ahead of your vehicle. Position yourself with a clear line-of-sight so you can search the traffic environment about 30 seconds ahead. This gives you plenty of time to recognize obstacles ahead and maneuver around or away from potential traffic conflicts.

To help judge how far ahead you need to look for the 30-second visual lead, pick out a fixed object like an overpass well down the road and start counting. If you reach the object before getting to thirty, pick out another object further down the road and try it again until you obtain the 30-second distance.

The location of 30 seconds on the road ahead will vary depending on your speed.

Traveling at 25 mph, 30 seconds ahead is about two and one half blocks.

At 30 mph, 30 seconds ahead is close to two blocks.

With a well developed 30-second scan technique, you pick up visual cues, process information and decide what to do next. This mental process takes time. After you decide what to do, you have already traveled a good distance and now you will still require a "control zone" of about 12-15 seconds ahead to safely execute your maneuver.

This 12-15 second visual-control will give you time to identify a place or places to which you can steer, on or off the road if a potential problem situation develops into a threatening situation. The 12-15 second visual-control zone also gives you time to decide where to go if you cannot steer where you intended. Identification of alternate paths also becomes critical if you are in a situation where you may be struck from the rear.

The following are clues that you are not looking far enough ahead when you drive:

You make frequent, quick stops.

In traffic, you often find yourself boxed in a slow moving lane - this indicates you have not spotted problems ahead well enough in advance to avoid them.

If you drive a high profile vehicle such as an SUV or RV, it is critical to ensure you have clearance above, especially in places such as:

Parking garages

Fast food restaurant drive-up lanes

Service stations with a canopy

Tunnels and toll booths

Residential or rural roads with low-hanging trees

Your own garage

Develop the habit of observing the ground for changes in road traction conditions and for shadows that might indicate hidden hazards, such as children between parked cars. Other benefits of using low scanning techniques include:

Looking at the ground beside a moving vehicle helps you to more accurately judge its speed.

Predicting another vehicle is about to change direction by checking the position of the vehicle's tires.

Locating potholes and sudden changes in road surface conditions that might affect your traction and/or path of travel.

Noticing shadows on the roadway might indicate a hidden vehicle ahead of a truck you want to pass.

When approaching places where others may cross or enter your path, look to the sides to make sure no one will enter your travel path. Conduct your search to the sides by scanning such things as:

Intersections, freeway entrances, driveways, alleys, controlled multi-lane roads, etc.

Crosswalks and roadside areas

Railroad crossings

Parking lots

School zones and residential areas

Before you enter an intersection, search for threatening objects and conditions to the left – vehicles you will encounter first will come from this direction. Look ahead and then to the right. Often drivers fail to see vehicles to the right. Be aware that you are most likely to be hit by a vehicle coming from the right.

Take one last look in both directions before you pull into an intersection in case you missed something the first time. Do not rely solely on traffic signals at an intersection. Look to the left and right even though other drivers have the red light or stop sign. Drivers often fail to stop for stop signs, and in many areas, several vehicles may run red lights during rush hour.

Before crossing an intersection, be sure you have an adequate view. If your line-of-sight is blocked, slowly edge forward until you can see. If other vehicles are blocking your view of another lane, it is best to wait until they move.

As you turn a corner, watch for pedestrians about to cross the street in your path. When a right-turn-on-red is permitted, always yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Whenever there is a lot of activity or there are roadside business entrances along the side of the road, use active scanning to the sides. Be cautious for obstacles when driving in or near:

Shopping centers

Parking lots

Construction zones

Playgrounds, school yards

Busy sidewalks

Residential areas

Approach a railroad crossing with caution. Search and roll your windows down to hear, and be prepared to stop.

Search as you approach a railroad crossing; look both ways even when warning lights are not flashing - the signal may not be working.

If signal and bells are flashing and ringing, do not enter the intersection. Do not try to beat the train. Never stop your vehicle straddling the railroad crossing or between the gates.

When approaching a railroad crossing with more than one track, make sure you have a clear view well down the track in both directions.

Our natural tendency is to concentrate on what is going on ahead of where we are going. However, trouble can come from any direction - check your mirrors whenever you change speed or position.

Standard rear-view and side mirrors do not provide a complete view of everything behind your vehicle, even when properly adjusted.

To adjust the driver's side mirror, place your head against the window and set the mirror so you can just see the rearmost corner of the vehicle. To adjust the passenger's side mirror, position your head at the middle of the vehicle and set the mirror so you can just see the rearmost corner of the vehicle.

When changing lanes, check for traffic behind you, glance in your rearview and side mirrors to make sure no one is preparing to pass you. Also, before you change lanes glance over your shoulders to check the blind areas to be certain no one is near the left- or right-rear corners of your vehicle.

Some drivers may have difficulty looking over their shoulder. If you experience these problems, you can install special mirrors to reduce your blind areas in the following ways:

Replace your regular mirrors with larger ones.

Install large side mirrors, both sides.

Install side mirrors with angled surfaces, which might be helpful in reducing blind areas.

Attach a small convex curved mirror in the corner of a flat mirror. This will help you see blind areas, but will not help gauge distances. By using both mirrors together, you can detect other vehicles with the curved surface and judge how close they are with the standard mirror.

Always check your mirrors:

Before you slow down, stop, or when anything in the lanes ahead suggests a change of speed or position.

When you have to slow or stop quickly.

When you prepare to turn into a side road or driveway, especially if the driveway is just before an intersection.

When maneuvering to pull into a parking space.

When traveling on a long or steep incline.

When you detect an obstacle in your mirrors adjust your speed or position to avoid any conflicts. Remember it is most difficult to manage space behind your vehicle. If there is someone tailgating, position your vehicle as far away as you can from the aggressive driver. Signal and maneuver to the right lane if there is a safe gap in traffic.

Your external lighting system is designed to communicate with other drivers and help you to "see and be seen" by others.

Increase your chances of being "seen" by other drivers by always traveling with your headlights on if your vehicle is not equipped with daytime running lights.

If it is approaching dusk, or if the sky is starting to get dark, turn on your headlights.

On highways, or when there is no opposing traffic, use your high beams whenever possible to illuminate your path. Be sure to turn off your high beams if there is opposing traffic or when you see taillights of vehicles ahead.

Use your low-beam headlights in fog, snow, or rain. The water droplets in rain and the flakes in snow will reflect the light of your high-beam headlights back into your eyes and make an already poor visibility situation even worse.

Remember, the faster you travel, the longer it takes to stop. If you are traveling so fast that you cannot see past the location where you would come to a complete stop, you are "overdriving" your headlights. If you "over-drive" your headlights, and you see an obstacle in your path, you will not be able to stop before you hit that obstacle.

In curves, your headlights are pointing straight ahead, not into the curve. Slow down and try to search into curves beyond the illuminated path to the best of your ability. Reducing your speed will help.

The most important thing you can do to help you see better is to have regular eye examinations and wear corrective lenses if you need them.

Normal eyes are at their peak performance when a person is in their teens. Vision begins to decline around age 15.

If you have not yet experienced any noticeable changes in your vision, be aware that it will happen. Watch for warning signs such as blurry objects far away and difficulty judging distance at night.

Age-related changes in vision include poor vision in dim light, difficulty seeing in glare conditions, and reduced peripheral vision. As they occur, these changes require more time to effectively search the traffic scene.

To help you see better in low-light conditions:

Give your eyes a chance to adjust to darkness, especially after entering the dark from a brightly lit room. Give your eyes at least 30 seconds to adjust to the darkness while your engine is warming up. Keep in mind, it does not have to be pitch black for light levels to be inadequate.

Allow your eyes time to adjust to other low-light conditions such as twilight, fog, or haze.

Use all available light. If you are driving in the city, use low-beam headlights and stick to well-lit streets.

Make sure you get full use of your headlights. If you think your headlamps are not projecting light far enough ahead, have them checked and adjusted if necessary.

Keep headlights clean. Dirty lenses can cut the amount of light your headlights emit by as much as 90%.

Wear sunglasses during the day so your eyes are rested if you have to drive at night.

Do not smoke while you drive. In addition to creating a smoke screen, smoking reduces night vision. It also makes the windshield dirty.

It is just as important to be seen as it is to see. You share the road with many drivers who have declining vision - drivers over 50 years old will experience a rapid decline in eyesight. Be aware that many drivers are age 50 and older, and may not see you clearly even though you can see them.

Do not assume other drivers see you - especially if you make an illegal maneuver such as running a red light. Other drivers are being told to enter the intersection at the same time. Never assume they will see you and stop in time to avoid hitting you.

What you are able to see without obstruction is called your “line-of-sight.” The best condition for visual search is when your line-of-sight around all sides of your vehicle is not obstructed.

Look far down the road at least 30 seconds ahead. When you decide to execute a maneuver, you will need a control zone of approximately 12 to 15 seconds.

Develop the habit of observing the ground for changes in road traction conditions and for shadows that might indicate hidden hazards, such as children between parked cars. This practice will also help you judge the speed of other vehicles.

When changing lanes, check for traffic behind you, glance in your rearview and side mirrors to make sure no one is preparing to pass you. Also, before you change lanes glance over your shoulders to check the blind areas to be certain no one is near the left- or right-rear corners of your vehicle. Install larger side mirrors to reduce this blind spot.

Whenever you have to back your vehicle, check behind it before getting in. Children or small objects are hard to see from the driver's seat. Back up slowly because your vehicle is much harder to control and stop while you are backing.

Low light at night reduces your vision and makes driving difficult and dangerous. Using the night setting on your rear-view mirror may help, but it may hamper your ability to judge the distance of traffic behind you.

At night, when there is no opposing traffic, use your high beams whenever possible to illuminate your path. Be sure to turn off your high beams if there is opposing traffic or when you see taillights of vehicles ahead. If an approaching driver refuses to switch his high beams to low, you should locate the white marker and use it to guide you.

Do not overdrive your headlights - never drive so fast that you do not have time to stop to avoid hitting something just beyond your lights. If you "over-drive" your headlights, and you see an obstacle in your path, you will not be able to stop before you hit that obstacle.

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

Driving requires interaction between your body and mental processes. Drivers routinely drive in mental states that interfere with the ability to perceive risk and react quickly. You are impaired when your ability to operate a vehicle is limited or hampered.

Emotional impairment leads to unpredictable behavior, which increases the risk for everyone in the driving environment.

Emotional impairment factors are hard to manage because they often arise suddenly, without warning. The most common factors that create an emotionally impaired driver include:

• Stress
  
• Anger or rage
  
• Fear, anxiety, or panic accompanied by irrational thoughts
  
• Depression
  
• Grief
  
• Speed addiction
  
• Risk addiction
  
• Habitual disrespect for the law
  
• Negativity that condones hostility on the highway
  
• Denial of one's own driving mistakes
  

Drivers who drive recklessly while experiencing these emotions are characterized as unwilling to exercise self-control because of fear, vengeance, prejudice, or disrespect for others.

Avoiding collisions requires complex decisions and skilled responses. Other drivers depend on you to be rational and predictable.

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

Driving is a dynamic activity that involves high-risk incidents and interaction with thousands of unpredictable drivers. Routine events are mixed with incidents that are not routine such as being cut off, tailgated, or having to follow a very slow moving vehicle.

We enjoy the freedom and independence of driving when and where we please. Many drivers do not react well when that expected freedom is interrupted by restrictions, regulations, congestion, and the unexpected actions of other drivers.

The following is a list of emotional challenges that are common reasons why drivers get angry, hostile, and exhibit aggressive behavior:

• Restriction. In a traffic jam, when drivers cannot get where they are going on time or at the expected speed of travel, anxiety builds up to "escape" the confinement of congested traffic. This anxiety causes drivers to perform aggressive maneuvers to get away from or get ahead of others.
  
• Being confronted with danger. Congested traffic filled with impatient drivers who make unpredictable moves, cause "close calls" and near collisions. Being confronted with dangerous situations increases stress, fear, resentment, and rage.
  
• Regulation. Government regulation, and all of the rules associated with driving, angers some people because they feel like it is an imposition, prompting them to disregard the rules because they do not agree with them or they are just rebellious.
  
• Lack of control over the situation. When drivers have no control over their driving environment and are stuck in traffic, the lack of control over the traffic event is frustrating and often leads to anger vented towards a nearby driver. It is the application of the old adage, "frustration leads to aggression."
  

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property.”

Examples of aggressive driving behavior include:

• Improper passing
  
• Speeding
  
• Improper lane changing
  
• Failure to obey traffic controls
  
• Reckless, careless or inattentive driving
  
• Making illegal turns
  
• Tailgating
  
• Failure to signal lane changes
  
• Shouting, swearing, name calling
  

When you think of an aggressive driver, what image comes to mind?

Aggressive driving has several levels and an assortment of penalties - all of which can be avoided if you can learn how to manage your aggressive tendencies when driving.

Law enforcement agencies categorize observable aggressive driving behavior as:

• Failure to yield the right-of-way
  
• Cutting drivers off when passing
  
• Not allowing someone to pass safely
  
• Incorrectly yielding when entering traffic
  
• Making unsafe U-turns
  
• Not signaling before slowing for a turn
  
• Driving across highway dividers
  
• Passing in no-passing zones
  
• Passing stopped school buses when warning lights are flashing
  
• Speeding in marked construction areas
  
• Throwing an object from the vehicle
  

These behaviors are considered "aggressive" by law enforcement because they demonstrate a disregard for the law.

The aggressive driver typically denies that these crash-causing behaviors are aggressive. But it is clear that drivers who put others in danger by the way they choose to drive are hostile, dangerous and selfish. They want to force others out of their way. These drivers feel justified in dominating others and that's what labels this type of behavior "aggressive driving".

Research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in "Traffic Safety Facts 2009" cited that aggressive drivers injure two to four times more people than drunk drivers.

Road rage is an escalation of emotions generally provoked by aggressive drivers. Road rage is characterized by a driver using their vehicle or some other object to threaten or cause physical harm to another highway user as a result of a traffic incident.

Aggressive drivers are more likely to allow their emotions to take control and participate in road rage. Examples of road rage behavior include:

• Using the vehicle to cut other drivers off or run them over
  
• Chasing other vehicles in pursuit
  
• Throwing objects from the vehicle
  
• Physical fighting
  
• Rude and obscene gestures
  
• Shouting, swearing, name calling
  
• Honking to protest another driver's actions
  
• Shining high-beam headlights in retaliation
  

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety studied incidents of violent aggressive driving committed between 2003 and 2007 and found that 119,475 people were killed in crashes involving potentially aggressive actions. The NHTSA says about 66% of all traffic fatalities annually are caused by aggressive driving behaviors.

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

The laws of nature are physical forces that are with you whenever you drive. These forces include gravity, friction, inertia, kinetic energy, and the force of impact.

These forces' influence will vary depending on vehicle weight, speed, and direction. Operate your vehicle to compensate for these powerful natural forces.

Driving at lower speeds reduces the effects the forces of nature have on your vehicle. The biggest benefit of slowing down to manage gravity, friction, inertia, and kinetic energy is the reduction in the final "killer" force - the force of impact.

The force of impact is the force of an object colliding with another object. Factors that affect the force of impact include the object's weight, speed, and distance traveled after initial contact.

Why is this important? If you hit something with your vehicle, the force of impact is a huge factor relative to the amount of damage incurred by the vehicle and its occupants.

Here is an example of how disastrous the force of impact can be:

If you weigh 100 pounds, are traveling at 30 mph, and hit a stationary object, the force of impact is 3000 pounds (mass multiplied by acceleration).

The force of impact increases if the object you hit is moving toward your vehicle. This is the reason you need to avoid head-on collisions at all costs. Later in the course we will review methods of steering and braking to avoid head-on collisions and reduce the force of impact in emergency situations.

This module is about speed and reducing the devastating effects of physical forces when you drive or are involved in a crash. The topics covered include:

Driving at High Speeds

Stopping Distance

Energy Absorption

Managing Speed

Speed on Curves

Speed influences crashes in five basic ways:

It increases the distance a vehicle travels from the time a driver detects an emergency until the driver reacts.

It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once an emergency is perceived.

Crash severity increases by the square of the speed; for example, when speed increases from 40 to 60 mph, speed goes up 50 percent while the energy released in a crash more than doubles.

Higher crash speeds reduce the ability of vehicles, restraint systems, and roadway hardware such as guardrails, barriers, and impact attenuators to protect occupants.

Traction and maneuverability are reduced.

Driving at high speeds is dangerous, even when you are traveling the speed limit. Take note of how much you "don't see" when you travel at higher speeds.

The kinetic energy of a vehicle is the extra energy it has gained as a result of its motion. The scientific definition is the amount of work that is needed to accelerate a body of a known weight from zero to a given speed. Having gained that kinetic energy during acceleration, the body maintains the kinetic energy unless its speed changes, like when you apply your brakes.

Energy of Motion

If there are two trucks exactly the same size, traveling at the same speed, one is empty and the other is fully loaded, the heavier truck has more energy of motion.

Weight and speed affect your vehicle when you are trying to judge your stopping distance. If your vehicle is loaded with cargo and passengers and is twice as heavy as usual, it will probably take twice as long to stop.

The faster you travel, the more energy of motion your vehicle will have. The energy of motion will change in proportion to the square of its change in speed. What does this mean? If you travel 40 mph, given the same braking power, it will require four times the stopping distance that it would take if you travel 20 mph. If you travel 60 mph, it will require nine times the stopping distance you would need going 20 mph.

Stopping Distance

As a driver, it's important to understand that increased speed increases your stopping distance. Stopping distances involve three factors:

Perception distance - This is the distance your vehicle travels from the time you visually see a hazard with your eyes to the time your brain registers it and triggers a response. The faster you travel, the less information you are able to see and process. Beware of highway hypnosis or daydreaming, as it can dramatically decrease perception distance. This will be discussed in more detail later in the course. Other factors that can decrease perception distance are fatigue, drowsiness, and illness.

Reaction distance - This is the distance traveled from the time your brain issues an instruction to the time your body carries out the instruction. An example of this would be the amount of time it takes to lift your foot and press the brake pedal. Perception and reaction normally require .75 seconds to 1.5 seconds for the average driver.

Braking distance - This will vary depending on the speed at which you are traveling and the conditions of the roadway. The faster you are traveling, the farther it will take for your vehicle to stop. However, there are many factors that can increase perception distance, reaction distance, and braking distance.

As your speed increases you will cover more distance-which will decrease the time it takes you to perceive, react, and brake when necessary. Traction is also critical in judging stopping distance. Adjust your speed to maintain traction. Adverse conditions such as rain, snow, fog, wind, water, and slick roads can all increase the total distance required to come to a stop. Always abide by the posted speed limit and reduce your speed based on your ability to see and the condition of the road. Drive at a speed slow enough for your tires to grip the road if you need to stop.

Energy of motion must be understood when you drive. Reducing your speed will lessen the kinetic energy should a collision occur.

If you drive a newer vehicle, it features vehicle impact and restraint systems designed to absorb energy and help protect you in a crash. The vehicle impact and restraint systems all work together. These systems help reduce injury and provide occupant impact protection.

Your bumpers are designed to give when hard contact is made. Bumpers are equipped with shock absorbers. If you are in a fender bender, the entire system may have to be replaced. Even small bumper crashes are expensive to repair but worth it - you may need that protection again.

In a crash, the vehicle body, front and back is designed to absorb energy - it is engineered to "crumple up." As the crumpling occurs, energy is absorbed.

The passenger cage is designed to not give upon impact; it is designed to protect the occupants. To further protect you and absorb the harmful force of a crash, the passenger cage contains other restraint systems, such as your air bags and safety belts.

The vehicle and the cage are reinforced on all sides - designed to keep it from collapsing inward.

The crumple zone is the portion of the vehicle that is designed to give upon impact.

Your steering column is designed to collapse or give way when your body comes in contact with it.

In addition, newer vehicles have a lot of padding and no sharp edges to protect passengers from injuries.

Manage your speed to blend with the flow of traffic without going over the posted speed limit.

Maintaining a safe gap between vehicles reduces front- and rear-end collision potential. Determine a safe speed to travel based on:

Traffic density and the rate of flow. When you enter a congested traffic area, the space between vehicles is limited. Adjust your speed to open up space to maneuver. If an area is crowded with vehicles, you might be forced to drive at a slow speed.

The design and condition of the roadway. If road traction and surface conditions are less than ideal, reduce your speed to maintain traction.

How far ahead you can see. If you cannot see clearly or around obstacles, reduce your speed in the event you need to make an unexpected evasive maneuver.

Adjust your speed when you encounter slow-moving vehicles. If a vehicle turns right from a stop into your lane, it will take time for that vehicle to accelerate up to the speed of traffic. Slow down or move into the passing lane early to avoid closing in too close behind the slow vehicle.

Select the proper lane for the speed you travel:

When traveling on two lane roadways, the right lane is for slower vehicles and the left lane is for faster traffic.

On three lane highways, the center lane is for through driving, the right lane is for entering and exiting and the left lane is for overtaking.

As you approach a curve, keep in mind that you cannot change the weight of your vehicle or lower its center of gravity. You cannot alter the sharpness of the curve in the road. But you do have control over one critical factor as you go through a curve, and that is your speed.

Managing speed is critical to maneuvering safely through a curve. Follow these guidelines for managing speed through curves:

Watch for clues about how slow you need to go before entering a curve. Look for advance warning signs and begin to reduce your speed as soon as you see the sign.

Do not drive into the curve faster than the speed posted on the warning sign.

Try not to brake in the curve. Braking moves the weight of your vehicle sideways putting a strain on your tires, which could cause a blowout or rollover.

Do not increase your speed until you are through the curve and see a straight path ahead of your vehicle.

Enter the curve SLOWER than the posted speed if:

Road conditions are slippery or if surface traction is less than ideal.

You are entering a blind curve that you cannot see around.

Your vehicle is tall and has substantial weight loaded high.

Taller vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, have a higher center of gravity than most cars, and in turn, a higher risk of rollover. You move the center of gravity up if you pack cargo above the baseboard. If your vehicle has a high center of gravity, you will need to drive at reduced speeds, especially when entering and maneuvering through curves.

Drive slowly through curves and as you approach the top of a steep hill. Be prepared to drive slowly downhill. Never drive fast downhill because speed combined with the increase in the pull of gravity can cause you to easily lose control.

Speed influences crashes in five basic ways:

It decreases the amount of time a driver has to detect and react to an emergency.

It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once an emergency is perceived.

Crash severity increases.

Higher crash speeds reduce the effect of vehicles' restraint systems and roadway safety features to protect occupants.

Traction and maneuverability are reduced.

Stopping distances involve three factors:

Perception distance

Reaction distance

Braking distance

Maintaining a safe gap between vehicles reduces front- and rear-end collision potential. Determine a safe speed to travel based on:

Traffic density and the rate of flow

The design and condition of the roadway

How far ahead you can see

Managing speed is critical to maneuvering safely through a curve. Enter the curve slower than the posted speed if:

Road conditions are slippery or if surface traction is less than ideal.

You are entering a blind curve that you cannot see around.

Your vehicle is tall and has substantial weight that is loaded high.

Space Ahead

Space ahead of your vehicle is important in the event you need to stop or turn to avoid an obstacle that is in front of you.

You have the most control over the space in front of your vehicle. You can slow down to create a gap of space or if there is more room in another lane, you can change lanes. It is easier to just reduce your speed.

If the driver in front stops suddenly and a collision occurs it is the 'fault' of the driver behind because that driver is responsible to travel behind another vehicle at a safe distance.

A safe following distance provides enough space to avoid a collision by steering and/or braking. It is your responsibility to recognize how far you need to distance your vehicle and maintain that safe space, or following distance.

Following Distance

On dry pavement, with good visibility, allow at least a 3-second interval between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. This rule works well for speeds up to 50 mph; however, the faster you travel, the more distance you cover while bringing the vehicle to a stop.

If you are traveling 40 mph, in three seconds you will travel 180 feet. At 60 mph, the distance increases to 270 feet. At speeds of more than 50 mph, it also is important to identify an alternate path into which you can steer if the path is suddenly blocked. Your stopping distance may be greater than the distance you can see ahead.

The following are steps for using the 3-Second Rule:

1. Pick out a fixed checkpoint along the road ahead: a road sign, light post, or other fixed object.
   
2. As soon as the rear of the vehicle ahead of you passes the fixed checkpoint, start counting, "One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand."
   
3. When the front of your car reaches the fixed checkpoint, stop counting. You are following too closely if you reach the fixed checkpoint before you finish counting three seconds.
   

The 3-Second Rule works fine when you are following vehicles that are moving in the same direction and at nearly the same speed as you. However, you would be unable to stop in time to avoid hitting intersecting traffic or a stationary object in the road you could not see due to a hill, curve, inadequate lighting, or weather conditions. Create a following distance greater than 3 seconds when:

Traction and visibility are reduced.

A driver behind you is trying to pass.

Following a large truck or vehicle with limited rear vision.

Following a large vehicle that is blocking your view of the road ahead.

Following motorcycles.

Driving on a hill or incline.

You are distracted.

Space to the Sides

Space to the sides of your vehicle is also important for maneuvering around obstacles to the side. If possible, position your vehicle with a safe cushion of space to all sides.

Space to the side can also be used as an escape route to avoid an unexpected hazard or threat ahead. In bad weather or if poor road conditions exist, more space on all sides might be needed to make adjustments in your path of travel.

Space to the sides of your vehicle gives you a cushion to avoid others that might creep into your lane.

If you are in the lane next to the centerline with oncoming traffic, position your vehicle in the right side of your lane.

If you see a bicyclist in your lane ahead, position your vehicle in the left side of your lane. When managing space to the sides of your vehicle, remember the side mirror adjustments to ensure you see as much as possible to the sides of your vehicle.

Avoid driving next to another vehicle or in a driver's side blind spots. Recognize your blind spots and keep out of that space to the side of other vehicles.

Space for Merging Vehicles

When you see a vehicle ahead approaching in the merge lane to your side, reduce the risk of collision by changing lanes. Create space to your side to allow the other driver a smooth merge without conflict.

If there is no space to the side to change lanes, you need to speed up or slow down. Try to avoid slowing down because you risk being hit from the rear and the merging driver will have to accelerate, limiting his or her distance on the roadway.

Side Space Conflicts

When you have a hazard on your left and right, manage the hazard by slowing down and separating them. On a two-lane road, if there is a delivery truck that appears to be pulling into your lane on the right and an oncoming car in the left lane, slow down and let the oncoming car pass. Then use the open space in the lane on your left to create a safe cushion of space between you and the hazard on the right.

Space behind your vehicle is important if you need to stop or slow quickly and it is also the most difficult space to manage. Space behind creates a safeguard or buffer from being rear-ended.

Use the following techniques to help manage the space behind your vehicle:

Maintain a smooth, steady speed.

Do not slow down or stop without communicating to the driver behind you. Communicate your intention to stop or slow by tapping your brakes.

Prior to slowing, check your rear-view mirror for vehicles behind you.

In a residential neighborhood identify high-risk situations in time to avoid a collision. Sometimes you might have to enter an oncoming lane to allow enough space for the other road users such as children and small pets.

Also some neighborhood streets are narrow and vehicles are parked in the street, possibly blocking your lane. If your lane is blocked, a vehicle in the oncoming lane has the right-of-way, so stop in your lane and give the oncoming vehicle the space it needs to travel through.

If you have to park on a narrow residential street, take note of the position of other parked vehicles across the street. Park your vehicle in a space that leaves enough room in the roadway for a large emergency vehicle to safely pass through.

Parking Lots

Parking spaces are designed to provide parking for the maximum number of vehicles in the limited space offered in the lot. The majority of parking spaces are designed to fit a mid-size vehicle well, with room to exit the vehicle without denting a neighboring parked vehicle. SUVs typically take up more room than the space was designed for.

Managing space in a parking lot involves high concentrations of vehicles in close proximity to one another and vehicles pulling in and out of small spaces with obstructed vision. The vehicle that is already in the lane has the right-of-way so allow it space to maneuver before you attempt to exit your parking spot. If you are waiting for a parking space, give the driver exiting plenty of space to maneuver. Many situations arising in parking lots with space issues and dented doors have been identified as potential road rage triggers.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are appearing more and more in the U.S. It is not always a familiar situation to many drivers and often people are confused about how to maneuver. The best practice is to yield to traffic already in the lane you want to enter. Adjust your speed to the flow of traffic and only enter when there is a gap in traffic. Never force your way into traffic.

Roundabouts present a situation where you have to carefully manage space ahead, to the sides, and behind your vehicle. Typically the speeds are slow and the direction you will be turning is right. Signal your intentions to enter. Enter only when there is a safe margin of space. As you exit, signal, change lanes when there is a safe gap, and exit the roundabout.

The amount of space you need to safely maneuver increases with higher speeds. The faster you travel the more space you need to react to situations on the roadway.

You have the most control over the space in front of your vehicle. On dry pavement, with good visibility, allow at least a 3-second interval between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. This rule works well for speeds up to 50 mph; however, the faster you travel, the more distance you cover while bringing the vehicle to a stop.

Create a following distance greater than 3 seconds when:

Traction and visibility are reduced.

A driver behind you is trying to pass.

Following a large truck or vehicle with limited rear vision.

Following a large vehicle that is blocking your view of the road ahead.

Following motorcycles.

Driving on a hill or incline.

You are distracted.

Space behind your vehicle is important if you need to stop or slow quickly and it is also the most difficult space to manage. Space behind creates a safeguard or buffer from being rear-ended. To manage space to the rear:

Maintain a steady speed

Communicate your intention to stop or slow by tapping your brakes

Prior to slowing, check your rear-view mirror for vehicles behind you

Deal with tailgaters by creating more space in front of your vehicle and change lanes to allow them to get in front of your vehicle.

According to NHTSA's Traffic Safety Facts, the percent of alcohol-related fatalities has declined from 55% in 1982 to 38% in 2009. Although we have been making progress, alcohol is still the third leading factor for drivers involved in fatal crashes.

Even if you do not drink, it is still important for you to understand how alcohol affects driving behavior. Anyone who drives or rides in a vehicle is exposed to drunk drivers.

Over the past several years, a great number of resources have been focused on solving the drinking and driving problem. Today more police patrols and roadblocks are used to find and arrest impaired drivers.

In many areas in the U.S., impaired drivers may lose their license, pay huge fines, have their vehicle impounded, have the cost of their insurance doubled or tripled, and/or serve time in jail for a first offense.

As a host or hostess, you have the responsibility to ensure that your guests do not get behind the wheel after drinking. To help solve the drinking and driving problem, everyone in our society should clearly understand why this combination is so dangerous.

It is a fact that alcohol is a key factor in vehicular crashes.

One person every two minutes is injured in an alcohol-related crash. Over 327,000 people are injured per year in alcohol-related crashes.

About three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.

This module is about alcohol-impaired driving. The topics that will be addressed include:

Alcohol-related Traffic Crashes

Alcohol and Driving Behavior

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

Eliminating Alcohol

Intervention Techniques

Alcohol is the deadliest drug when it comes to motor vehicle safety. Alcohol is a depressant that affects judgment, vision, reaction time and coordination – abilities critical to safe driving. Alcohol alters judgment, and under the influence, people take risks they otherwise would not take – this includes driving while impaired.

Mixing alcohol with driving is an issue for any age. On average in the U.S., one friend, parent, or family member dies every 54 minutes in alcohol-related crashes.

Research conducted by the NHTSA in “Traffic Safety Facts 2005” cited that:

In 2009, all 50 states had enacted laws making it a criminal offense to operate a motor vehicle at or above a specified alcohol concentration -- .08 g/dL.

In fatal crashes in 2009, the highest percentage of drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels .08 g/dL or higher was for drivers age 21-24, followed by ages 25-35 and 35-44.

In 2009, 25% of the children age 15 and younger who were killed in motor vehicle crashes were killed in alcohol-related crashes.

The percentage of drivers with BAC .08 g/dL or above in fatal crashes was highest for motorcycle operators.

All people are affected by the consumption of alcohol. Drinking too much of any beverage with alcohol will make a person impaired. And no two humans are physically or emotionally the same.

In addition, expectations, mood, fatigue, and the combination of alcohol with other drugs can have a synergistic effect and alter or increase the effect of alcohol.

Anger, depression, and excitement combined with alcohol increases risk and can be unpredictable.

Since alcohol is a depressant, being tired can affect how you react to alcohol.

Many medications react with alcohol and some people may be more sensitive than others. When used in combination with alcohol, legal medications and illegal drugs can have serious drug interactions and sometimes fatal effects.

Alcohol's Physical Effects on Driving

Safe driving requires sound judgment, reasoning and concentration. Drivers need to be focused, see clearly, interpret the situation, and react quickly. Once in the brain, alcohol affects these critical skills - judgment, reasoning, and concentration are all impaired.

Alcohol works quickly to distort depth perception. It relaxes eye muscles and affects focus and peripheral vision.

Alcohol-impaired drivers are less able to interpret what they see. They make errors in judging speed, have trouble interpreting shapes, and lack muscle coordination.

As Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) increases, the area of the brain that controls muscular movements begins to slow down - the brain takes longer to process information and react. Muscular reactions become slow; steering and braking movements become uncoordinated.

No matter how good of a driver you are, alcohol will decrease your reaction time and impair your judgment while driving.

After only one drink, alcohol enters the bloodstream and then quickly enters the brain.

The result of consuming alcohol faster than the body can eliminate it results in intoxication, and in some situations can lead to alcohol poisoning - a physiological state produced by a toxic substance.

Implied Consent Law

In Texas you will be asked to participate in a breath or blood alcohol test. The testing will be used to determine the alcohol concentration or the presence in your body of a controlled substance, drug, dangerous drug, or other substance. If you fail either test you may be arrested for operating a motor vehicle while impaired, or you are a minor and have ANY detectable amount of alcohol in your system while operating a motor vehicle. Regardless if you are over 21 or a minor, you may face criminal punishments if you are over the legal limit while driving or simply while in a public area. If convicted as a minor, you may be able to seal any of their criminal convictions after successfully completing any specialized court-ordered programs. Texas law allows for the DPS to suspend the license of a minor who fails a breath or blood alcohol test while operating a watercraft. If the minor or any other is hoping to drive after their driver license suspension term has passed, he or she will also be required to pay a $100 reinstatement fee at the end of the license suspension (SB 328).

Refusal to provide a specimen results in the suspension of your driving privilege and any other driver license. The suspension for a minor who refuses is 180 days for the first refusal, and 2 years for subsequent refusals. If the specimen confirms that you have been operating a motor vehicle in a public place with 0.08% BAC or above, you will have your driver license suspended (or your driving privilege will be revoked if unlicensed) for up to one year for the first offense, up to two years for the second offense, and up to two years for the third and subsequent offenses. You may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge to contest the suspension.

Alcohol begins to affect a person's ability to function moments after it enters the body.

The amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream is called blood alcohol concentration. Precise legal measurements are used to determine the amount of alcohol in the body and if a driver is impaired or illegally driving under the influence. It is a criminal offense in all 50 states to operate a motor vehicle at or above .08 g/dL. Lower BAC levels apply to young drivers under 21 and commercial vehicle operators.

Many factors can affect an individual's BAC – such as gender, weight, number of drinks, and size of drinks.

Also, the more a person drinks, the higher their BAC.

Alcohol is metabolized by the liver, where dehydrogenase enzymes break down the alcohol. The BAC level does go down after the body begins to eliminate alcohol from the system - but this is a very slow process that does not occur at the same pace for everyone.

Texas DWI Penalties

Texas has tough alcohol-related laws to deter people from drinking and driving or to punish those who choose to drink and drive:

1st DWI Offense (Class B misdemeanor) - Punishable as a fine up to $2,000, confinement in jail for up to 6 months, and suspension of driver license for up to a year. Possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage increases the minimum term of confinement by 3 days to 6 days for a 1st offense.

2nd DWI Offense (Class A misdemeanor) - Punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement in jail for up to 1 year, and suspension of driver license for up to 2 years.

3rd (or subsequent) DWI Offense (Felony of the Third Degree) - Punishable by a fine up to $10,000, confinement in the penitentiary for up to 10 years, and suspension of driver license for up to 2 years.

DWI with Child Passenger Under 15 (State Jail Felony) - Punishable by an automatic license suspension for first-time offenders and increased suspension periods for repeat offenders, a fine up to $10,000, confinement in jail for up to 2 years. There will also be a $100 license reinstatement fee once the license suspension has passed.

Intoxication Assault (Felony of the Third Degree) - Punishable by a fine up to $10,000, confinement in the penitentiary for up to 10 years, and suspension of driver license for up to 1 year.

Intoxication Manslaughter (Felony of the Second Degree) - Punishable by a fine up to $10,000, confinement in the penitentiary for up to 20 years, and suspension of driver license for up to 2 years.

Males have higher amounts of the dehydrogenase enzyme, so males can eliminate alcohol faster. Men also have more water in their bodies than women so they can dilute alcohol faster.

Females take longer to eliminate alcohol than males, even though they might be the same weight.

Elapsed time is also a factor. For most males, it takes the liver around one hour to process approximately one drink or one shot of liquor. Typically for females it takes longer.

One drink equals one 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or one shot (1.5 ounces of hard liquor or spirits).

No matter what you have heard, there is no way to disguise BAC or speed up the liver's elimination process. The following charts provide a quick reference to see the relationship of drinking and BAC. Notice the difference between males and females.

No matter what age, drinking and driving do not mix; it is just too dangerous to consider. There are so many other people who do not obey the rules that the risk of sharing the road with an impaired driver is already high enough.

Remember three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives.

Most people who drink, drink to relax or have "fun." This is called recreational drinking.

Drinking in excess or frequently to obtain the side effects of alcohol is classified as alcohol abuse.

The third reason for drinking is classified as "experimentation," which is typically associated with teenagers who have not yet experienced the effects of alcohol on their own system.

Unfortunately, most people have a limited knowledge about alcohol and how it impacts their judgment and health. Regardless of the reason, the effects of alcohol are unpredictable.

The Host

As a host, do not keep everyone's glass full and do not expect your guests to drink to excess in order to enjoy themselves.

Serve amounts that are comparable to what would be served in a bar. Your guests need to understand how much alcohol they are consuming in the drinks you have prepared. Try to monitor and control the amount being consumed.

Serve high protein or high starch foods which slow the absorption of alcohol.

It is everyone's social responsibility to keep drinkers from driving. Establish designated drivers or carpools in advance. Try to include non-alcoholic beverages and non-drinkers at social gatherings. Ask the non-drinkers if they can provide transportation.

Responsible adults should limit their alcohol consumption. Preventing drinking and driving situations is not always easy. Rely on your best judgment and call a cab if you or your driver has been drinking.

As a host, be prepared for overnight guests just in case someone needs to stay over. Consider the potential legal liabilities for providing alcohol to guests and make an informed, safe decision.

Open Container Law

If you must transport alcohol, be sure that it is in a sealed, unopened container in the trunk or other locked compartment of your vehicle.

It is illegal to have open containers of alcohol in your vehicle while you are operating it. If a police officer sees you drinking alcohol while operating your vehicle, you can be fined up to $500. If you receive a DWI while in possession of an open container of alcohol, it increases the minimum jail time by 3-6 days.

Alcohol enters the bloodstream very quickly and begins to affect the body almost immediately. It is quick to find its way to the brain because the brain contains more blood than any other organ. The amount of alcohol present in the bloodstream is called blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Many factors can affect an individual's BAC - such as gender, weight, number, and size of drinks.

Typically, one drink equals one 12-ounce beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or one shot. The male liver takes about one hour to process one drink.

Alcohol-impaired drivers are less able to interpret what they see. They make errors interpreting shapes, have altered depth perception, and experience difficulty in judging speed.

Never ride with an impaired driver. If intervention is not working, call a cab.

In 2009 in the U.S., 9,813 people died in alcohol-related crashes. That's one every 54 minutes, or an average of 27 per day.

Consider how many drivers you know who operate their vehicle under the influence of over-the-counter, prescription, and/or illegal drugs. The use of almost any drug will have an effect on driving performance.

Drugs are designed to alter specific body functions and consequently can alter the ability to perceive, make sound judgments, and react quickly.

The majority of drug users are under the influence of legal drugs such as medicine for colds, a headache, muscle or joint pain. Less than 5% of the population uses illegal drugs.

Everyone's Body is Different

If you have prior experience with a drug and its reactions, do not assume it will react the same, especially if you take additional medication. How a drug interacts with your body depends on the dosage, other drugs, food intake, and body weight/metabolism. Taking medicine can cause driving problems such as:

Lengthened reaction time

Reduction in your mental or physical abilities

Intense or unexpected reactions

If you are taking over-the-counter or prescribed medication, read the warning labels and follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist. Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking. When you have this discussion, if applicable, be honest about the amount of alcohol being consumed while taking the drug.

Combinations of medicine can produce unpredictable and strong side effects that make it hazardous for you to drive.

This module addresses the risk associated with drug-impaired driving. Topics include:

Types of Drugs

Physiological Effects of Drugs

Dangers of Combining Drugs

Dangers of Drug-impaired Driving Avoiding Drug-impaired Drivers

With all medication, it is important to know what you are dealing with. Here is a quick review of the types of legal and illegal drugs and their effect on the body.

Legal drugs include non-prescription (over-the-counter) or those requiring a doctor's prescription. Legal drugs are tested for safety and are labeled with consumer warnings.

The categories or types of drugs include:

Depressants

Stimulants

Narcotics

Hallucinogens

Depressants affect the central nervous system by slowing down or "depressing" reflexes and coordination. Depressants include:

Alcohol

Analgesics (pain pills)

Anti-diabetics (sugar medicine)

Barbiturates (downers)

Sedatives (ludes)

Stimulants "stimulate" or speed-up the central nervous system. They increase heart rate and generate a false sense of alertness and well-being. Stimulants include:

Nicotine (tobacco)

Caffeine (soft drinks, chocolate, coffee)

Amphetamines (speed)

Designer Drugs (Ecstasy)

Cocaine (crack/coke)

Narcotics are strong depressants that are often prescribed for severe pain. They act to shut down the central nervous system. Narcotics include:

Opiates (codeine, heroin, morphine)

Hallucinogens alter the mind. They change the way the mind perceives, processes information, and reacts. They are unpredictable and illegal. Hallucinogens include:

Cannabis (marijuana, pot)

Lysergic Acid (LSD/acid)

Mescaline and Peyote (mesc)

Phencyclidine (PCP)

Inhalants (fumes)

Psilocybin (shrooms)

Drugs alter body chemistry. Prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs have been developed by pharmaceutical companies and approved for public consumption by the Food and Drug Administration.

Legal drugs have been tested for reactions and side effects before going on the market.

Side effects vary and may include:

Drowsiness

Blurred vision

Sensitivity to bright light

Muscle ache

Nausea

Slowed reaction time

All of these side effects alter a driver's performance.

The list of drug-related side effects is endless and can vary depending on the individual. Never assume you will not react differently or will not be adversely affected after taking some type of drug.

Legal drugs carry warning labels. The issuance of prescription drugs requires the pharmacist to tell you how and when to take the drug and what to do if there are side effects. Warning labels also carry specific instructions, such as: "Do not operate heavy machinery or equipment while taking this medication."

As a driver, if you take medication, read the label and know what is in your system. Before driving, conduct an inventory of how you are thinking and feeling. If you are experiencing any "side effects" that affect your vision, thinking, or reaction time, do not drive.

Combining different drugs may cause a more intense effect than if you only take one drug at a time. This effect is called synergism and is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Just like any chemical reaction, chemicals might be stable alone, but when mixed, a dangerous chemical reaction can occur.

If you combine similar drugs, for example, two depressants, the effect of combining two might be similar to taking three. This is especially true with alcohol.

The same is true for combining drugs that have opposite effects. You may have different reactions to the individual drugs.

Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications have side effects that can include drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reaction time, and poor judgment. These tips will help you handle OTC and prescription medications safely:

Tell your doctor about every drug you are taking, including OTC medicines and those prescribed by other doctors.

Ask your pharmacist about possible side effects for each medicine or combination of medicines.

Ask how these side effects may affect your driving.

Always read the warning labels completely and carefully.

Never take more of any drug than is prescribed.

Never take a drug prescribed for someone else.

If you must drive after taking any medication, be extra careful. Almost any medicine can affect your driving.

Never combine drugs without consulting with your physicians, and only use them as directed.

Most state vehicle codes state that you shall not drive a motor vehicle after taking a substance which alters the central nervous system. This includes over the counter, prescription, and of course, illegal drugs.

The following categories of drugs have known side effects that include impaired attention, reaction time and vision:

Depressants slow the brain's processing ability to perceive and also slow the muscle response or reaction time.

Stimulants temporarily excite and accelerate the central nervous system. Over stimulation can cause aggressive behavior.

Narcotics depress the central nervous system. They slow down the brain's ability to process information and react.

Cold medicines can also have serious side effects that impair driving. Read all warning labels carefully and follow the instructions. Most suppress cold symptoms and therefore the "side effects" slow the driver's ability to think and react quickly.

Reference the following chart to help recognize common drugs, their source and how they can impact your ability to drive safely.

How Drugs Affect Your Ability to Drive

Types of Drugs - Examples

Source

Known Side Effects

Amphetamines (diet pills, pep pills): Benzedrine, Dexedrine

Prescription for fatigue and mild depression

Dizziness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, decreased ability to concentrate, headaches

Painkillers - Analgesics: Aspirin, Excedrin

Over-the-counter

Bleeding in stomach and intestines

Antibiotics - For infection: Penicillin

Prescription for infection

Nausea

Allergy and Cold Pills - Antihistamines: Benadryl, Dramamine

Prescription and over-the-counter

Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, inattention

Sedatives - Barbiturates: Seconal, Nembutal

Prescription for insomnia, high blood pressure, epilepsy

Drowsiness, impaired judgment, impaired reflexes

Anti-anxiety - Benzodiazepines: Valium

Prescription for mild anxiety

Blurred vision, drowsiness, fatigue

Tranquilizers - Librium, Valium

Prescription for severe anxiety and emotional problems

Blurred vision, drowsiness, fatigue, faintness, vomiting, tremors, dizziness

Narcotics - Cough syrup and painkillers: Morphine, Codeine, Demerol, Tylenol with Codeine

Prescription for pain, cough suppressant and insomnia

Nausea, blurred vision, drowsiness, impaired concentration

Alcohol - Beer, wine, liquor

Regulated sales, age restrictions

Impaired judgment, concentration and reasoning, nausea, blurred vision, drowsiness

Marijuana and Hashish

Illegal

Distorted depth perception, impaired coordination, depression, panic, fear, hallucination

Hallucinogens - LSD, PCP, mescaline

Illegal

Impaired senses, hallucination, panic, depression

Stimulants: Cocaine: crack, crank, "ice," freebase

Illegal

Dizziness, impaired alertness, hallucinations, hyperactivity, decreased ability to concentrate, headaches

Drugs are designed to alter specific body functions and consequently can alter the ability to perceive, make sound judgments, and react quickly.

The categories or types of drugs include:

Depressants

Stimulants

Narcotics

Hallucinogens

Depressants affect the central nervous system by slowing down or "depressing" reflexes and coordination. Your ability to focus and respond quickly is impaired. Sedatives are a type of depressant.

Stimulants "stimulate" or speed-up the central nervous system. They increase heart rate and generate a false sense of alertness and well-being. They excite and accelerate the central nervous system. Moderate amounts may produce blurred vision, hallucinations and paranoia.

Narcotics are strong depressants that are often prescribed for severe pain. They shut down the central nervous system. They can produce a wide variety of side effects including nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Drivers also may experience slowed reaction time and drowsiness.

Hallucinogens alter the mind. They change the way the mind perceives, processes information, and reacts.

Combining different drugs and alcohol may cause a more intense effect than if you only take one drug at a time. This effect is called synergism and is unpredictable and extremely dangerous. Never combine drugs and use legal drugs only as recommended.

Watch for indications that other drivers might be impaired:

Erratic changes in speed

Weaving from side to side

Traveling in the wrong lane

Running stop signs and lights

Distance yourself from the impaired driver by increasing the amount of space between you and the other vehicle.

Have you ever nodded off while driving and snapped awake without remembering what just happened on your journey?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there were 72,000 police reported crashes resulting in 730 deaths and 30,000 injuries as a result of drowsy driving in 2009.

Studies have shown that sleep-deprived drivers' reaction times and performance skills are as poor as alcohol-impaired drivers'.

There are two types of fatigue:

• Physical - A tendency toward inactivity brought on by physical exhaustion.
  
• Mental - A tendency toward inactivity brought on by mental or emotional stress.
  

Your body and mind both get tired. Recognize physical and mental fatigue so that you can be sure you never get in a vehicle when your body needs to sleep. Your brain will find the sleep it needs when you are fatigued, and falling asleep at the wheel or experiencing a microsleep (temporary loss of concentration) can happen when you least expect it.

Fatigue may be brought on by mental or physical exertion, stress, boredom, illness, or lack of sleep. Drowsy driving is now recognized as one of the leading causes of traffic crashes.

Do not drive tired and do not ride with a tired driver.

This module is about how being tired affects your ability to drive. The topics that will be addressed include:

• Circadian Rhythm
  
• Physical and Mental Effects of Fatigue
  
• Micro-sleep
  
• Sleep Driving
  
• Driving on Long Trips
  

When do you find yourself wanting a nap - sometime in the afternoon after lunch? Avoid scheduling a drive when your circadian rhythm is low. These times are when you are more likely to zone out, blank out, or experience microsleeps at the wheel.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, most sleep crashes occur during "the middle of the night" and during the early morning hours. Less obvious, though, there is also a peak in sleep-related crashes in the mid-afternoon. Our natural circadian rhythms dictate that we will be most sleepy during the middle of our nighttime sleep period, and again 12 hours later, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Vehicle off-road rollovers most often occur during these hours.

If you work a late shift or stay up late into the night for whatever reason, be aware that fatigue affects your mind, body, and all your senses, especially vision.

It is not safe to drive if you have stayed awake during your natural sleep time.

Fatigue affects your body and your mind. When tired, you are not as alert as you should be and your senses are dulled.

Your vision is affected because your eye muscles are tired along with the rest of your body and focusing becomes difficult. Your peripheral vision shrinks. Your ability to search is also reduced, delaying hazard recognition.

You may miss critical information such as road signs and traffic signals. Or worse, you may not see an animal or pedestrian approaching from the side.

When you are tired, your body is relaxed and it takes more time to steer and brake. Your brain is slowing down and your ability to react quickly is reduced.

Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities. Fatigue has many of the same dangerous effects as drinking alcohol.

• 12 hours awake = same effect as .032 blood alcohol concentration
  
• 18 hours awake = same effect as .07 blood alcohol concentration
  
• 24 hours awake = same effect as .1 blood alcohol concentration
  

Be aware that any of these blood alcohol levels could be illegal, and you could be considered as impaired as if you were drinking alcohol.

Do not drive tired or after drinking. Never risk driving under this combination of risk factors.

Microsleep is a term used for sudden, unexpected moments of sleep - microsleeps last 4-5 seconds.

In 4-5 seconds, traveling 50 mph, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field. Close your eyes and count to five - imagine what can happen when you are asleep even for a few seconds at the wheel.

In about half of the drivers who experience microsleep, there are no warning signs. Be attentive to the warnings that your body may give when you are about to fall asleep. Those warnings and symptoms include:

• Discomfort - heavy arms and legs
  
• Tense muscles
  
• Heavy eyes
  
• Constant yawning
  
• Leaning forward while driving
  
• Feeling tired
  
• Headache
  
• Your eyes closing
  
• Trouble keeping your head up
  
• Wandering, disconnected thoughts
  
• Distraction
  
• Not remembering driving the last few miles
  
• Drifting between lanes
  
• Tailgating
  
• Missing traffic signs
  
• Hearing the noise of rumble strips or lane markings
  
• Jerking the vehicle
  
• Drifting off the road
  

When you notice these warning signs, get off the road. Do not depend on warning signs because sometimes microsleeps occur without any warning. You cannot predict when you will fall asleep at the wheel.

Do you have health issues that disrupt your sleep patterns? Do you have a difficult time getting the needed 8 hours of sleep recommended by the National Sleep Foundation?

If so, you are a likely candidate for microsleep, or "nodding off" while driving.

If you experience microsleep, pull off where it is safe and you can rest. Prevent microsleep by:

1. Driving only when rested
   
2. Scheduling your drives to avoid your circadian rhythm "low-times"
   
3. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
   
4. Avoiding mental and physical exertion before driving
   

Rest is the only cure for the effects of fatigue. Do not even consider driving if you are tired.

In March 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new warnings for prescription sleep aids, alerting patients that the drugs can cause allergic reactions and complex sleep-related behaviors, including “sleep driving.”

The agency has asked the makers of more than a dozen drugs to alter drug labels and officially warn doctors and patients of the risks associated with sedative-hypnotics. These commonly prescribed sleep aids are widely used and frequently advertised on television.

Some patients who have taken the drugs have reported participating in behaviors similar to sleepwalking, but far more complex - such as driving, all with no memory of the events.

If you are taking these types of drugs, reduce the risk of unpredictable "sleep driving" by taking no more than the prescribed amount and do not mix it with alcohol.

This information may not apply to you directly, but add it to the list of reasons you need to be a defensive driver, stay focused, and be aware at all times - the driver next to you could be asleep with their eyes wide open.

Driving on long trips is a unique experience:

• You are behind the wheel for a greater distance and time than you are normally used to.
  
• There are different driving environments and unfamiliar roads, which require you to be alert and attentive.
  
• Time zone changes interfere with your normal body clock and schedule.
  

Tips for preventing fatigue when driving on long trips include:

1. Get plenty of sleep before you depart.
   
2. Ensure your vehicle has good air circulation.
   
3. Wear your seatbelt - it "holds" you in your seat and your muscles do not tire so quickly.
   
4. Take frequent breaks. Schedule and plan to stop every two hours, get out, and walk around.
   
5. Rest. If necessary, find a hotel to prevent a fatigue-related crash.
   

Lack of sleep is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities. Fatigue has many of the same dangerous effects as drinking alcohol. For example, being awake for 18 hours straight has the same effect as a .07 BAC.

The circadian rhythm is built into the human body to seek rest for itself.

We will be most sleepy during the middle of our nighttime sleep period, and again 12 hours later, between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

When you are tired, your body is relaxed and it takes more time to steer and brake. Your brain is slowing down and your ability to react quickly is reduced.

Fatigue blurs your visual acuity, shrinks your peripheral vision, and slows your hazard recognition abilities. You may miss critical information such as road signs and traffic signals.

Microsleeps are sudden, unexpected moments of sleep that last 4-5 seconds. In 4-5 seconds, traveling 50 mph, your vehicle can travel the length of a football field.

If you experience microsleep, pull off where it is safe and rest.

If you are taking sedative-hypnotic drugs such as Ambien or Lunesta, reduce the risk of unpredictable "sleep driving" by taking no more than the prescribed amount and not mixing it with alcohol.

Tips for preventing fatigue when driving on long trips include:

1. Get plenty of sleep before you depart.
   
2. Ensure your vehicle has good air circulation.
   
3. Wear your safety belt - it "holds" you in your seat and your muscles do not tire so quickly.
   
4. Schedule and plan to stop every two hours, get out and walk around.
   

[///M5 2,833]

wtf? did you even read that?

[///M5 2,833]

Or are you just ChiLLing on us?

[///M5 2,833]

Drunk Peng

[ricksi30 923]

Or are you just ChiLLing on us?

[Penguin4x4 1,761]

wtf? did you even read that?

Pasted from Word document. And that's only half.