THE NEW DRIVER Common Tendencies – Possible Solutions

billzhao · 发表于 2008-3-1 00:56

1
THE NEW DRIVER
Common Tendencies – Possible Solutions
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Visual Skills 2
Commentary Driving 3
Demonstrations, Pictures, and Observing 3
Turns
Right Turns 4
Left Turns 6
Tracking 7
Parking
Parallel 8
Downhill 9
Uphill 10
Braking Too Late, Too Hard, or Too Softly 11
Following Too Closely 12
Lane Changing 13
Merging 15
Traffic Circles 17
Intersections (Anticipating Light Changes) 19
Manual Transmissions 21
2
Introduction
This information is provided as supplemental material for Geared To Go: A Workbook
for Coaching New Drivers.
As a coach (parent) of a new driver you will face many challenges. Learners experience
problems in similar areas. This web site explores these tendencies* and common
problems, and explains how to coach the learner to correct problems or to avoid problems
from developing and re-occurring.
*Tendency – a proneness to a particular kind of thought or action
Visual Skills
Visual skills are the root of almost every success or failure in driver education and
training. Visual skills are the driver’s awareness of where to look and when. Good
visual skill habits should be developed in the early stages of learning and need to be
reinforced continually until they become habit. Proper visual skills while the vehicle is in
motion (vision and movement) are the basis for developing most other aspects of
information gathering and vehicle handling.
Identifying focal points will help the new driver. Focal points are objects ahead or
behind the vehicle that are used to ensure the driver is looking far enough away from the
vehicle in the direction of travel to allow for planning for potential hazards. Traffic lights
two to three blocks ahead are an example of a focal point.
Scanning is your field of vision all around the vehicle. By scanning ahead, behind, and
around the vehicle valuable information is gathered to help the driver assess changing
situations and allow proactive planning to avoid or reduce potential risks. Learning where
to scan is a very important skill for the new driver to develop. Knowing where to look is
the key.
When the activity ahead is turning or travelling on a straight road, suggest focal points,
such as the next set of lights, or a vehicle at the end of the street, to develop proper visual
skills.
Watch for the learner's chin being raised. This is not helpful for correct vision.
Remember, if the chin is up, the eyes are down. This is easier to detect when the learner
is practicing parking.
Good visual skills require checking the rear view mirror regularly. Checking every five to
eight seconds, or about every block, is a good habit to develop to allow planning when
stopping or slowing.
Many drivers, whether new or experienced, will check the rear view mirror when
braking. This is a good idea, but it is not planning ahead. A driver who is scanning 15 to
20 seconds ahead will receive information about what is happening in advance of being
there. If the traffic light one and a half to two blocks ahead is stale (the Don't Walk light
3
is on), it is safe to assume it will be red by the time the vehicle is at the intersection.
Teach the learner to anticipate stopping or slowing for the situation ahead. This is an
ideal time to check the rear view mirror, and plan for what is happening behind. This is a
better time than when braking hard at the light, wondering if a stop is possible, and
hoping the vehicle behind, that likely began braking later than you, can stop.
Commentary Driving
Commentary driving is a very effective tool for both the learner and the coach.
Encourage the learner to say out loud what is being seen and planned. This takes away a
lot of the guessing and assuming by the coach. For some new drivers, talking and driving
will seem difficult in the beginning. However, it will become easier with practice.
Do not expect the learner to speak continually. Provide an example of topics to talk
about. Identify the possible hazards, traffic signs, traffic lights, and so on. The goal is to
ensure that the learner is scanning far enough ahead (one to two blocks) and checking
behind the vehicle.
When the learner has improved at identifying important aspects of driving, expand the
commentary driving to include the action that will be taken to deal with the recognized
hazard.
It may be necessary to limit the commentary driving to 15 to 30 seconds in the beginning.
The time can be extended to longer periods as the learner improves. Another method is to
have the learner identify traffic signs or traffic lights for a specified number of lights or
blocks. It is important for some new drivers to know that the commentary will end at a
specific point or time.
Demonstrations, Pictures, and Observing
Before doing a high-risk activity, such as merging and traffic circles, demonstrate the
activity, draw pictures to explain it, and have the learner observe the situation when
possible.
Find a location on a quiet street to preview the activity with demonstrations and
diagrams, where the learner can focus without other distractions. This gives the learner
the opportunity to ‘visualize’ the activity prior to attempting it. Provide thorough
explanations in a logical sequence. To ensure all the information has been understood
have the learner repeat (paraphrase) what has been learned. Their feedback should be
specific. Encourage the learner to ask questions at this point.
Observation is another very effective method for learning and teaching. Park the vehicle
in a safe place where the activity can be watched for a few minutes. Encourage the
learner to ask questions about what the learner has observed.
4
Turns
A. Right Turns
New Driver Tendency:
• Right turns tend to be performed too widely or too tightly, due to the following.
1. Approaching the turn too quickly
Solution:
• Enter the turning lane, usually the furthest right lane next to the curb, well in advance
of the intersection (half a block or more – two to three light standards).
• Begin slowing down at this point. Don’t just cover the brake - apply a little pressure.
• The speed on approach should be about 8 to 10 km/h, or slow enough that it is easy to
stop.
2. Approaching the turn with the vehicle incorrectly positioned in the lane
New drivers will tend to stare at the curb at the intersection. This causes movement
toward the curb or away from it. This is not what a driver should do.
Solution:
• Position the vehicle about one metre from the curb as soon as possible when
approaching the intersection. Stay parallel with the curb by looking well ahead a
block or so along the intended path.
3. Taking too long to check the traffic situation in the intersection
New drivers will tend to stare to the left when approaching the intersection while
checking for traffic. In the meantime the vehicle is rolling straight ahead into the
intersection, and away from the curb.
Solution:
• Quickly glance left while checking for traffic.
• Check to the right, while adjusting the wheels to stay with the curve of the curb.
• Check for pedestrians and cyclists on the curb.
• Glance again, to the left, to check for traffic.
• If it is not clear, stop.
• If clear, look well along the intended path, keeping the eyes up, and gently accelerate.
Note: Proper visual skills are very important here. New drivers tend to watch the curb
(because of concerns about running into it), or the line immediately to the left of their
vehicle as they turn, to avoid the curb. Find a focal point, such as a vehicle parked at the
end of the street, the next set of traffic lights, or a house along the intended path.
Encourage the learner to focus on this point while completing the turn and gently
5
accelerating. Proper visual skills and movement are critical to vehicle handling and
information gathering.
This turn should be performed at about 10 km/h, not 20 to 25 km/h, as many drivers want
to do. Trying to do all the things just mentioned above at 20 to 25 km/h is very difficult
and dangerous, and even more dangerous when road conditions are poor.
6
B. Left Turns
New Driver Tendency:
• Left turns tend to be performed too widely or too tightly.
Left turns are extremely dangerous, and should be done with caution.
1. Approaching the turn too quickly
Solution:
• Slow down well back of the intersection, half a block or so.
• Use the lane most to the left, nearest the yellow line, or one of the lanes that are
designated for left turning.
• Some left turn lane approaches are fairly long and should be used for slowing down
as well as turning.
• If the vehicle in front is in the intersection, stay clear of the intersection, behind the
crosswalk, until that vehicle has cleared it completely.
2. Not knowing the intended path before beginning the turn
Solution:
• While approaching the intersection scan left, centre, and right for vehicles and other
possible hazards. Scan for the lane the left turn will be made into.
• Once at the intersection, enter into the intersection far enough that the turn must be
made. Some new drivers will want to stay close to or straddling the crosswalk. This
can be dangerous, because when the light changes to amber the tendency is to stay in
that spot. New drivers may think that their vehicles are out of the way of cross traffic.
In fact, it is blocking the crosswalk and likely restricting the first lane of traffic that
will be crossing in front of the vehicle. Pedestrians will have to walk around the back
of the vehicle, or even worse, around the front of the vehicle into the first lane of
traffic to cross the intersection.
• Enter the intersection so that the vehicle is about one lane's width from the lane that
will be used to make the left turn into. Stay there until the intersection is clear or the
light has turned amber and it is safe to proceed. The tendency for new drivers is to
spot an opening in oncoming traffic where a turn can be made, and then begin rolling
toward the opening. This changes the vehicle's position in the intersection. Do not
roll forward until ready to turn.
• Keep the wheels straight until it is time to do the turn. This is to prevent being pushed
from behind into oncoming traffic.
• When beginning to turn, check left for pedestrians in the crosswalk. If clear, look well
along the intended path toward the next set of traffic lights. The tendency is to focus
on the vehicle to the left of the intended path, the yellow centre line, or the lane
markings. Looking at these objects will cause the learner to go toward them. You go
where you look. Remember, proper visual skills and movement is critical to all
activities.
• Accelerate gently while focusing well ahead along the intended path.
7
Tracking (Position in the Lane)
New Driver Tendencies:
• Difficulty staying centered on a straight road.
• Difficulty staying centered on a curve.
While traveling on a straight road or a curve, the learner may position the vehicle too
closely to the dotted or solid line that divides the lanes, or may cause the vehicle to
wander back and forth in the lane.
1. Difficulty staying centered on a straight road
If the learner is having trouble driving down the centre of a straight road, the problem is
likely due to where the eyes are focused. Watching the line to the left of the vehicle will
cause the vehicle to ride next to the line, or far to the right side of the lane as an attempt
to correct the problem.
As well, the learner may be very aware of being next to the curb, and end up driving too
close to it. The tendency is to stare at the curb, and then drift close to, against it, or to pull
away and avoid it by driving on the left side of the lane.
Solution:
• Provide a focal point 15 to 20 seconds ahead of the vehicle. For example, have the
learner identify the color of a set of lights two to three blocks ahead. Staying focused
on the focal point for a few seconds will likely result in the vehicle gradually moving
to the centre of the lane.
Note: Never stare for long periods of time on one object. Scanning from side to side 15
to 20 seconds ahead of the vehicle is recommended.
2. Difficulty staying centered on a curve
The tendency, for new drivers, on a curve is to look at the road markings beside the
vehicle. Doing this will make the curve seem sharper than it is and cause the learner to
slow the vehicle down. This will make the learner look even closer at the markings, and
the problem is made worse.
Solution:
• Keep the speed where it is safe and within the legal or recommended speed limit.
Look 7 to 10 seconds around the curve along the intended path. Proper visual skills
and movement are critical to all safe and effective driving.
8
Parking
A. Parallel Park
New Driver Tendencies:
• The vehicle is too far from the curb when the park is finished.
• The vehicle is backed into the curb.
1. The vehicle is too far from the curb when the park is finished
As in every other aspect of driving, visual skills and movement are very important to
parallel parking.
Finishing too far from the curb is a result of not allowing the vehicle to travel in reverse
far enough while at the 45 degree angle step of the parking process.
Solution:
• After backing to the right until the vehicle is at about a 45 degree angle to the curb,
continue backing with the wheels straight until the right front corner of the vehicle is
in line with the left rear corner of the vehicle that is being parked behind.
• While moving at a crawl or walking speed turn the steering wheel as far left as
possible, and continue to move at a crawl or walking speed.
Note: The learner should be looking in the direction the vehicle is moving, with quick
glances to the front and all around the vehicle.
2. The vehicle is backed into the curb
This usually is the result of poor judgment of distance, or allowing the vehicle to reach an
angle greater than 45 degrees before the straight backing step of the parking process.
Solution:
• It is better for the angle step of the park to be done at 45 degrees or slightly less.
Greater than 45 degrees makes it much more difficult to finish the park within 50
centimetres of the curb without hitting the curb with the right rear tire.
• Walk or crawl speed is all that is required.
9
B. Downhill Park
New Driver Tendencies:
• The tire rubs the curb as the learner tries to get the vehicle close to the curb.
• The vehicle is parked with the back end too far from the curb.
• The curb is hit hard as the vehicle moves forward to settle against the curb.
The key to a good downhill park is in the approach. Ensuring the vehicle is close and
parallel with the curb on the approach will ensure the vehicle is close and parallel when
the park is completed.
Solution:
• Watch where the learner focuses when approaching the curb. The tendency is to raise
the chin and stare at the curb. This will almost guarantee running into it. To avoid
running into the curb vision should be directed well down the curb lane with short
glances to the curb, and small steering wheel adjustments to move the vehicle closer
to the curb.
• Once the vehicle is close and parallel to the curb, the hands should be at the 9 and 3
position on the steering wheel. Turn the wheel half way around (180 degrees) to the
left (touch the forearms together) and roll about half a meter. Now turn hand-overhand
all the way to the right as the vehicle rolls slowly to the curb.
Caution: There is a strong tendency for new drivers to press on the accelerator when
steering hard to the right to complete the downhill park. The first couple of downhill
parks should be done on a slight slope, and with the vehicle in neutral to prevent the
vehicle from running up onto the curb.
10
C. Uphill Park
New Driver Tendencies:
• The vehicle is parked with the back end too far from the curb.
• The curb is rubbed as the learner attempts to get the vehicle close to the curb.
The key to a good uphill park is in the approach. Ensuring the vehicle is close and
parallel with the curb on the approach will ensure the vehicle is close and parallel when
the park is completed.
Solution:
• Watch where the learner focuses when approaching the curb. The tendency is to raise
the chin and stare at the curb. This will almost guarantee running into it. Vision
should be directed well down the curb lane with short glances to the curb, and small
steering wheel adjustments to move the vehicle closer to the curb.
• Move the vehicle forward very slowly, about one meter, while turning the steering
wheel all the way to the left (just enough to get the wheels all the way to the left).
• Select reverse and, while covering the brake, back very slowly until the right front tire
gently contacts the curb.
Note: Properly completed uphill and downhill parks will look exactly the same when the
passenger door is opened next to the curb. The vehicle should be straight and parallel to
the curb for uphill and downhill parks.
11
Braking Too Late, Too Hard, or Too Softly
New Driver Tendencies:
• The brake is covered an appropriate distance from the stopping point, but no pressure
is applied to the brake, so the speed is not reduced.
• Poor judgment of distance, speed, and time results in braking too late or too hard.
• The new driver looks directly over the hood of the vehicle.
Drivers who look directly over the hood of the vehicle tend to brake hard and late
because their vision is not far enough ahead to assess time and space properly. As the
vehicle slows down, vision is dropped near to the front of the vehicle. This is the
beginning of poor judgment of speed, time and distance. Vision should remain at eye
level along the intended path.
Solution:
• As in other activities, visual skills are critical here. Vision must be kept at eye level
and well ahead of the vehicle. Watch the learner's head and chin. If the learner's chin
goes up, the eyes will go down. Keeping the chin level will ensure the vision stays at
eye level and well along the intended path.
• When anticipating having to slow down or stop, check the rear view mirror. When
covering the brake, apply some pressure to the brake and reduce to about half of the
posted speed. This will help in a couple of areas. If the time and space needed to stop
or avoid an object has been misjudged, it is safer to brake more in the beginning
rather than near the required stopping point. As well, if the vehicle behind is
following too closely, braking sooner will give other vehicles warning and force them
to slow down well in advance of the required stopping point. This reduces the chance
of being rear-ended.
12
Following Too Closely
New Driver Tendency:
• Following the vehicle in front too closely.
The Driver’s Handbook recommends at least a two-second following distance. This is
good advice, but if a driver is not scanning 15 to 20 seconds ahead of the vehicle, two
seconds may not be enough, even in good weather conditions.
Solution:
• Have a three to four second following distance to allow time to slow down for the
traffic in front and additional time to deal with vehicles behind that may be following
too closely. Scan 15 to 20 seconds or one and a half to two blocks ahead.
13
Lane Changing
New Driver Tendencies:
• Slowing down while shoulder checking.
• Moving the steering wheel too abruptly or over-steering.
• Looking too long while shoulder checking.
• Moving the steering wheel while shoulder checking.
Proper lane changing requires the following six steps.
1. Check the rear view mirror.
2. Check the outside mirror.
3. Shoulder check.
4. Signal, if clear.
5. Shoulder check again.
6. Move into the next lane, if safe.
1. Slowing down while shoulder checking
Slowing down is usually the result of the learner doing the first shoulder check, then
taking the foot off the accelerator, then checking again and not making the lane change,
or cutting in too abruptly because the gap has closed. Changing lanes is generally nothing
more than changing the vehicle's position on the road. It rarely ever requires slowing
down if done where it is safe.
Solution:
• Find a stretch of road that has no obstacles, such as curves and traffic lights, for a few
blocks.
• Ensure the new driver is at or near the speed limit. Remind the learner not to
reduce the speed while glancing to the blind spot. This will take a bit of practice, but
the skill will steadily improve.
2. Moving the steering wheel too abruptly or over-steering
Solution:
• Hand position must be at 9 and 3 throughout the entire lane change. New drivers have
a tendency to over-steer (usually because of poor visual skills). A lane change
requires nothing more than adjusting the steering wheel so the hand position shifts
from the 9 and 3 position to the 8 and 2 position for a left lane change. Lane changes
to the right would be from the 9 and 3 position to the 10 and 4 position. The hands do
not move on the steering wheel, only the steering wheel moves.
14
3. Looking too long while shoulder checking
Solution:
• Taking the eyes away from looking forward for too long while the vehicle is in traffic
is extremely dangerous. It is safer and more effective to perform two shoulder checks
with short glances to the blind spot than it is to stare for several seconds.
• Quick glances, while maintaining speed, will produce positive results.
4. Moving the steering wheel while shoulder checking
Solution:
• Moving the steering wheel is usually a result of looking too far back when shoulder
checking. New drivers need to be made aware when they are moving the steering
wheel while shoulder checking. Ensure the learner is aware of where the blind spot
zones are on each side of the vehicle.
Note: Learners will tend to look through the rear window when shoulder checking to the
right. The rear view mirror is used for this. Explain the blind spot zones again to reinforce
where to look when doing shoulder checks.
15
Merging
New Driver Tendencies:
• Treating the merge like a yield.
• Waiting too long to find an appropriate space to fit into.
• Travelling too closely to the vehicle in front.
• Approaching the merge point too quickly or too slowly.
• Trusting that other drivers will cooperate in letting the learner merge.
• Being passive instead of assertive.
Before doing a high-risk activity, such as merging, demonstrate the activity, draw
pictures and have the learner observe the situation when possible.
1. Treating the merge like a yield
Solution:
• Yielding and merging are very different, and it is important to understand the
difference between the two. Merge means to mix or blend with the traffic (a shared
responsibility). Yield requires that one of the vehicles must legally allow the other to
proceed to avoid a collision (one vehicle has the right of way).
2. Waiting too long to find an appropriate space to fit into
Solution:
• Finding an appropriate space to merge should begin as soon as the lane where the
merge will take place comes in to view. When this can be seen, planning begins for
the merge. At this point, the learner needs to pick a spot to fit into, and to continue to
glance left to check for the merge location. The learner will have to be assertive, not
aggressive. This is a situation that requires the learner to take charge and show clear
intention to merge with the flow of traffic.
3. Travelling too closely to the vehicle in front
Solution:
• When planning the merge, the learner needs to leave a two to three second following
distance (longer if conditions are poor) between their vehicle and the vehicle in front.
Many drivers do not know how to merge properly (see 1). Many experienced drivers
treat merging like a yield, and will come to a stop due to poor planning. Following
too closely will greatly increase the possibility of a collision. As the learner is
glancing for an opening in traffic, the vehicle in front may stop.
4. Approaching the merge point too quickly or too slowly
Solution:
• The learner needs to remember this is a merge, not a yield. There are no yield or stop
signs. Stopping is a last resort and usually the result of poor planning. One sign seen
on the approach to the merge is a speed limit sign that will indicate what speed should
16
be travelled to merge safely. If drivers were required to yield or stop, there would
not be a sign encouraging an increase in speed. Speed should be increased to near
or at the suggested speed. (The speed may have to be adjusted a little to match the
chosen entry location.)
5. Trusting that other drivers will cooperate in letting the learner merge
Solution:
• Other motorists are looking for the driver who is merging to communicate clearly
what is being planned. Turn on the signal light. Be assertive. If there is hesitation,
other drivers will be unsure about what the learner is planning to do. The learner
needs to communicate clearly that he or she is going to merge, and other motorists
will make room by moving ahead, slowing down, or changing lanes. Remember, a
large number of licensed drivers do not know all the rules of the road. Not everyone
understands that merging is a shared responsibility, therefore there is no right-of-way.
6. Being passive instead of assertive
Solution:
• Taking a passive approach can communicate to other drivers that the learner is unsure
about what to do. This causes confusion, poor planning, and poor decision-making.
Be assertive! Take charge! Take control!
17
Traffic Circles
New Driver Tendencies:
• Approaching the traffic circle too quickly.
• Not glancing to the left when approaching the traffic circle.
• Staring at the concrete triangle island divider to the left when approaching or exiting
the traffic circle.
• Staring at the left curb, or the white dotted lane markings to the right, while going
around the traffic circle.
• Trying to go further than the first exit in the right (outside) lane.
• Attempting to exit the circle using the right (outside) lane from the left (inside) lane.
• Travelling around the circle too quickly.
Before doing a high-risk activity, such as traffic circles, demonstrate the activity, draw
pictures and have the learner observe the situation when possible.
1. Approaching the traffic circle too quickly
Solution:
• Braking should begin about half a block (two to three light standards) from the traffic
circle. At this point, cover the brake and apply some pressure to slow to roughly half
of the posted speed. Many new drivers will cover the brake at the appropriate distance
but are still coasting near the same speed. Approach at 10 to 15 km/h, not 20 to 25
km/h. This allows for proper scanning and assessing, and time to plan for other
vehicles following too closely behind.
2. Not glancing to the left when approaching the traffic circle
Solution:
• The traffic circle should be approached slowly so that the following steps can be
done easily.
• Signal well in advance of the circle.
• Assess the traffic flow ahead, behind, and especially to the left in the circle.
• Decide whether there is enough time and space to continue into the circle, or if a
stop will be required.
3. Staring at the concrete triangle island divider to the left when
approaching or exiting the traffic circle
Solution:
• Proper visual skills are crucial to all driving activities. Approaching too quickly will
interfere with the learner's ability to perform all the necessary actions to ensure safe
use of the traffic circle. The learner should be aware of the divider, but not stare at it.
Scanning should be done on the approach to the circle, from the left to right, checking
for a safe opening and for pedestrians.
18
4. Staring at the curb on the left while going around the traffic circle
Solution:
• New drivers will be very nervous about contacting the curb to the left of their
vehicles when they travel in the left lane around the traffic circle. Due to their
nervousness about the curb, they will be very focused on it. This will cause them to
move towards it. Here is that vision and movement issue. Encourage the learner to
look around toward the next exit and make only small steering wheel adjustments.
Vision should be aimed high.
5. Trying to go further than the first exit in the right (outside) lane
Solution:
• Although this is legal, it is not recommended, especially for new drivers. New drivers
are focused on the basics of keeping the vehicle moving, and staying on the road.
Unnecessary high-risk activities should be avoided until the learner has more
experience.
6. Attempting to exit the circle using the right (outside) lane from the left
(inside) lane
Solution:
• Don’t. Some new drivers will try to change lanes while in the traffic circle and to exit
a traffic circle from the left lane using the right lane, even after discussing it. This
comes up very often, and is very likely to happen as you coach the learner. Anticipate
this problem, and remind the learner while going around the circle that the exit must
be done in the proper lane. A good rule of thumb is 'enter using the left lane, exit
using the left lane' and 'enter using the right lane, exit using the right lane.'
7. Travelling around the circle too quickly
Solution:
• Many new drivers, when nervous and unsure, will increase their speed in an attempt
to get through the exercise more quickly. This tendency is very strong in traffic
circles. Usually because they are accelerating to get in, they continue to drive around
the circle quickly. Once in the traffic circle slow down to a speed that allows the
vehicle to be easily controlled.
19
Intersections (Anticipating the Light)
New Driver Tendencies:
• Not recognizing the fresh (okay to walk) or stale (do not walk) light situation early
enough.
• Not understanding what the amber (yellow) light means.
• Hoping the light doesn’t change to amber versus anticipating it changing.
• Not understanding the point-of-no-return.
• Not scanning to the front, side, and rear.
1. Not recognizing the fresh (okay to walk) or stale (do not walk) situation early
enough
Solution:
• Identify whether the light has become stale (the Don’t Walk light is on), or if it is
fresh (legally okay to cross the street). This is a very important part of deciding how
to handle the traffic light. Note this from as far away as one block (8 to 10 seconds).
• If the traffic light is fresh, continue within the speed limit, but be aware that the
light may turn to stale.
• If the traffic light is stale, check the rear view mirror, and cover the brake. The stale
light is the first warning that it will soon be changing to amber. By now the vehicle is
likely half a block (two or three light standards) from the intersection.
• Covering the brake does a few things. First, removing the foot from the gas pedal
allows gravity to take over, gradually slowing the vehicle. Secondly, the braking
reaction time is lessened because the brake is already covered. Thirdly, the learner's
focus is now on a possible stop, as opposed to running the light or slamming on the
brakes.
2. Not understanding what the amber (yellow) light means.
Solution:
• When approaching the traffic light, amber should be treated as prepare to stop, so
covering the brake is a good proactive move.
• If the vehicle is in the intersection (waiting to turn left), then amber means clear the
intersection when it is safe.
3. Hoping the traffic light doesn’t change to amber versus anticipating it
changing
Solution:
• New drivers are anxious about approaching traffic lights that may change. Some
drivers go faster and try to get through the light instead of slowing and preparing to
stop. The learner should plan to stop. If it turns out that stopping isn't
necessary…great.
20
4. Not understanding the point-of-no-return
Solution:
• Scan the area to determine the ‘point-of-no-return’. There is no exact point, but there
is an area or range a short distance before the intersection where the driver must
decide if it is possible to stop safely before the crosswalk or intersection. At this point
the driver has made a ‘decision to continue’.
This requires good judgment and experience. Many things must be assessed before
making this decision, such as speed, road conditions, traffic volume, visibility, and
even the condition of the vehicle, especially the tires.
5. Not scanning to the front, side, and rear
Solution:
• Scanning should be done all the time when driving. When approaching a traffic light,
scan well before the intersection. While the learner is deciding whether to proceed or
stop at the intersection, it is wise to know what is happening on the adjacent roadway
and behind the vehicle.
21
Manual Transmissions
New Driver Tendencies:
• Over-revving the engine while finding the friction point.
• Stalling too often.
• Rough shifting and difficulty finding gears.
1. Over-revving the engine while finding the friction point
New drivers seem to have the idea that the only way to make a manual shift (standard)
vehicle move is to co-ordinate ‘the clutch and the accelerator’. This is not necessary. This
approach creates huge anxiety in new drivers and coaches. New drivers hear the engine
revving and are afraid that once the clutch engages, the vehicle is going to bolt from its
spot like a 747. No wonder new drivers remove their feet from the accelerator and
depress the clutch to the floor.
Solution:
• For the first hour, in a large parking lot, do not use the accelerator to make the
vehicle move. The vehicle idles fast enough that no gas is required. Teach the learner
to find the friction point, without gas, to move forward.
• The key is to put the vehicle in first gear, with the clutch depressed. Using no gas,
slowly release the clutch, until the vehicle starts to pull.
• Pause at the friction point. Allow the vehicle to start moving while slowing moving
the clutch (in millimetres).
• As the vehicle slowly gains speed, without gas, and moves three or four meters
forward, slowly release the clutch all the way out.
• Becoming familiar with the friction point, and what it can do, is critical to the
learning process. Using the no gas method provides for a better feel for the friction
point, with little or no anxiety that results from the revving engine.
A good rule of thumb for using the clutch is the 4-S rule. The only reasons for depressing
the clutch are to:
Start (ignition) the vehicle.
Start to move the vehicle in first gear.
Shift gears.
Stop.
2. Stalling too often
Solution:
• Stalling is usually due to the new driver releasing the clutch too quickly. Often this
happens as a result of anxiety, especially the first time in traffic. The key to not
stalling is to release the clutch to the friction point, hesitate with the clutch for three
to four meters, and then slowly release the clutch all the way. Hesitating at the
friction point as the vehicle starts moving is very important.
22
3. Rough shifting and difficulty finding gears
This often is a result of the new driver’s grip on the gearshift, and the desire to get the
shifting over with as quickly as possible. The tendency for new drivers is to make a fist
on the gear selector knob. This tends to increase the tension and forces shifting. The gears
are synchronized and it requires nothing more than a relaxed open palm grip on the gear
selector.
Solution:
• Slow the shifting process by taking three to four seconds to depress the clutch, shift
from one gear to the next, and slowly release the clutch. Slowing the process will also
reduce some of the anxiety.

[ 本帖最后由 billzhao 于 2008-3-1 01:01 编辑 ]

犀牛图拉 · 发表于 2008-3-30 18:56

好贴慢慢看

anita · 发表于 2009-8-25 14:56

very good! thanks!

Stethoscope · 发表于 2011-5-13 12:54

good post

bjpeu · 发表于 2011-5-21 17:10

scuba1995 · 发表于 2011-5-21 17:15

本帖最后由 scuba1995 于 2011-5-21 18:16 编辑

。。。。。。。

。。。。。。。。。

yanzhewuzui · 发表于 2011-5-22 19:54

。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。。 M3 |% l) \0 b
scuba1995 发表于 2011-5-21 18:15

tvyy · 发表于 2011-5-22 20:59

chevyli · 发表于 2013-5-23 21:19

kingkang · 发表于 2013-7-3 22:16

星海悦。 · 发表于 2013-7-18 17:00

ttcv4 · 发表于 2014-3-26 22:26

卫子夫 · 发表于 2014-11-18 05:07

heibais · 发表于 2015-1-29 11:58

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:08

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:08

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:09

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:10

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:11

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:11

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:14

野草 · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:15

stan · 发表于 2015-6-5 22:22

谢谢分享~~

账号		自动登录	找回密码
密码			注册