Driving Lesson 12 (SP)

“Interacting with Other Vehicles” Structured Practice 

Now that we acknowledge the importance of being cautious of the people around us (pedestrians, cyclists, etc), now is the time to emphasize the importance of interacting with other vehicles on the road such as service or emergency vehicles. In this lesson, we will talk and learn about how as, young and learning drivers, we can safely interact with other kinds of vehicles and drivers while we’re on the road.

School Buses:

One important lesson as you learn how to drive a car is stopping when a school bus has its lights flashing.  If you are on a 2 lane road (one lane going in each direction) you must stop in both directions.    You may not have ever taken a school bus and may not have noticed that around your neighborhood the kids getting off the bus cross the street immediately.  It is expected to be safe because all traffic is supposed to be at a stop.  If you forget to stop, you may hit one of the kids crossing the road.

Regular buses:

Regular buses can be very dangerous.  You must learn how to drive a car safely when near them.  These buses expect you to stop to let them pull in front of you.  If you are approaching a bus at the side of the road, be cautious.  Slow down and be ready to stop in case the bus pulls out in front of you.

Garbage Trucks:

Some garbage trucks have the driver station on the passenger side of the vehicle.  This changes what they can see around them.  They also start and stop frequently without warning.  As you learn to drive a car, be ready to stop if the garbage truck pulls out.

Police Cars:

When a police car has its lights flashing, you are required to get out of its way.  You may be tested on this so as you learn how to drive a car you should practice how to get out of the police cars way.  Pull to the side of the road so it can pass.  If you are at an intersection and the police car is trying to go through, stop even if you have a green light.  On a road with 2 or more lanes going in the same direction and you see a police vehicle at the side of the road, you are required to pull into the farthest lane.

Ambulances and Fire Trucks:

Just like Police cars, allow Ambulances and Fire Trucks to pass.  Move to the side of the road or stop.  If you hear the siren and don’t see the emergency vehicle, be extremely cautious approaching an intersection.  Emergency vehicles go through red lights when they have the lights and siren going.  A lot of times this causes crashes.  As you continue to learn how to drive a car make sure to always be cautious of emergency vehicles and be prepared; this way, you avoid any dangerous risks.

Trolley Cars:

Trolley cars don’t move or stop very well compared to other vehicles.  They also let people off in the middle of the street.  Be extremely careful for passengers getting on and off trolley cars and drive at an appropriate and safe speed around these areas.

Snow Plows:

Snow plows can be difficult to see because they are usually out in a snow storm.  Hopefully you will have the opportunity to learn how to drive a car in the snow.  Snow Plows have a big crush cage on the back of their vehicles.  This is because snow plows get hit from behind so often that the cage is used to help protect the snow plow driver in those situations.

Postal Vehicles:

Postal vehicles, like garbage trucks, can have the drivers station on the passenger side.  Like mentioned before, this limits their visibility.  They make frequent stops and often pull out in front of you.  Be prepared to stop as you get close to one of these vehicles.

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News Item: Teens Killed in Car Accident

One thought on “Driving Lesson 12 (SP)

  1. The meaning of this leason is to bascially give respect to other cars on the road. By you doing this you can prevent getting ticketed. If there is a school bus you need to stop and them proceed when the lights are off. You do not wanna be the person to hit a little kid from crossing the street to get to the school bus. And you also want to stop for other important vehicles too, like cop cars and be aware of were youre at.

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