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2.8.4 – Always Have a Plan
You should always be looking for hazards. Continue
to learn to see hazards on the road. However, don't
forget why you are looking for the hazards--they
may turn into emergencies. You look for the hazards
in order to have time to plan a way out of any
emergency. When you see a hazard, think about the
emergencies that could develop and figure out what
you would do. Always be prepared to take action
based on your plans. In this way, you will be a
prepared, defensive driver who will improve your
own safety as well as the safety of all road users.
Subsections 2.7 and 2.8
Test Your Knowledge
1. How do you find out how many seconds of
following distance space you have?
2. If you are driving a 30-foot vehicle at 55
mph, how many seconds of following
distance should you allow?
3. You should decrease your following
distance if somebody is following you too
closely. True or False?
4. If you swing wide to the left before turning
right, another driver may try to pass you on
the right. True or False?
5. What is a hazard?
6. Why make emergency plans when you see
a hazard?
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.7 and 2.8
2.9 – Distracted Driving
A driver distraction is anything that takes your
attention away from driving. Whenever you are
driving a vehicle and your full attention is not on the
driving task, you are putting yourself, your
passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians in
danger. Distracted driving can cause collisions,
resulting in injury, death or property damage.
Activities inside of the vehicle that can distract your
attention include: talking to passengers; adjusting
the radio, CD player or climate controls; eating,
drinking or smoking; reading maps or other
literature; picking up something that fell; talking on
a cell phone or CB radio; reading or sending text
messages; using any type of telematic or electronic
devices (such as navigation systems, pagers,
personal digital assistant, computers, etc.);
daydreaming or being occupied with other mental
distractions; and many others.
Possible distractions that could occur outside a
moving vehicle: outside traffic, vehicles or
pedestrians; outside events such as police pulling
someone over or a crash scene; sunlight/sunset;
objects in roadway; road construction; reading
billboards or other road advertisements; and many
others.
2.9.1 – The Distracted Driving Crash Problem
The Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS)
reported that 8 percent of large-truck crashes
occurred when Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
drivers were externally distracted and 2 percent of
large truck crashes occurred when the driver was
internally distracted.
Approximately 5,500 people are killed each year on
U.S. roadways and an estimated 448,000 are
injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted
driving (NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts: Distracted
Driving).
Research indicates that the burden of talking on a
cell phone - even if it's hands-free - saps the brain
of 39% of the energy it would ordinarily devote to
safe driving. Drivers who use a hand-held device
are more likely to get into a crash serious enough to
cause injury. (NHTSA distracted driving website,
www.distraction.gov).
2.9.2 – Effects of Distracted Driving
Effects of distracted driving include slowed
perception, which may cause you to be delayed in
perceiving or completely fail to perceive an
important traffic event; delayed decision making and
improper action, which can cause you to be delayed
in taking the proper action or make incorrect inputs
to the steering, accelerator or brakes.
2.9.3 – Types of Distractions
There are many causes of distraction, all with the
potential to increase risk.
Physical distraction – one that causes you to take
your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road, such
as reaching for an object.
Mental distraction – activities that take your mind
away from the road, such as engaging in
conversation with a passenger or thinking about
something that happened during the day.
Both physical and mental distraction – even
greater chance a crash could happen, such as
talking on a cell phone; or sending or reading text
messages.
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 2-21
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
2.9.4 – Cell/Mobile Phones
49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391 and 392 of the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) and the Hazardous Materials
Regulations (HMR) restricts the use of hand-held
mobile telephones by drivers of commercial motor
vehicles (CMVs); and implements new driver
disqualification sanctions for drivers of CMVs who
fail to comply with this Federal restriction; or who
have multiple convictions for violating a State or
local law or ordinance on motor vehicle traffic
control that restricts the use of hand-held mobile
telephones. Additionally, motor carriers are
prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers of
CMVs to use hand-held mobile telephones.
The use of hand-held mobile telephones means,
‘‘using at least one hand to hold a mobile telephone
to conduct a voice communication; “dialing a mobile
telephone by pressing more than a single button”;
or “moving from a seated driving position while
restrained by a seat belt to reach for a mobile
telephone”. If you choose to use a mobile phone
while operating a CMV, you may only use a hands
free mobile phone that is located close to you and
that can be operated in compliance with the rule to
conduct a voice communication.
Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more
convictions of any state law on hand-held mobile
telephone use while operating a CMV.
Disqualification is 60 days for the second offense
within 3 years and 120 days for three or more
offenses within 3 years. In addition, the first and
each subsequent violation of such a prohibition are
subject to civil penalties imposed on such drivers, in
an amount up to $2,750. Motor carriers must not
allow nor require drivers to use a hand-held mobile
telephone while driving. Employers may also be
subject to civil penalties in an amount up to $11,000.
There is an emergency exception that allows you to
use your hand-held mobile telephones if necessary
to communicate with law enforcement officials or
other emergency services.
Research shows that the odds of being involved in
a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash,
unintentional lane deviation) is 6 times greater for
CMV drivers who engage in dialing a mobile
telephone while driving than for those who do not.
Dialing drivers took their eyes off the forward
roadway for an average of 3.8 seconds. At 55 mph
(or 80.7 feet per second), this equates to a driver
traveling 306 feet, the approximate length of a
football field, without looking at the roadway.
Your primary responsibility is to operate a motor
vehicle safely. To do this, you must focus your full
attention on the driving task.
Note that hands-free devices are no less likely than
hand-held cell phones to cause you to become
distracted. Attention is diverted from the driving task
while using either device.
2.9.5 –Texting
49 CFR Part 383, 384, 390, 391, 392, the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR)
prohibits texting by commercial motor vehicle
(CMV) drivers while operating in interstate
commerce; and implements new driver
disqualification sanctions for drivers of CMVs who
fail to comply with this Federal prohibition; or who
have multiple convictions for violating a State or
local law or ordinance on motor vehicle traffic
control that prohibits texting while driving.
Additionally, motor carriers are prohibited from
requiring or allowing their drivers to engage in
texting while driving.
Texting means manually entering text into, or
reading text from, an electronic device. This
includes, but is not limited to, short message
service, e-mailing, instant messaging, a command
or request to access a World Wide Web page, or
engaging in any other form of electronic text
retrieval or entry, for present or future
communication.
Electronic device includes, but is not limited to, a
cellular telephone; personal digital assistant; pager;
computer; or any other device used to enter, write,
send, receive, or read text.
Your CDL will be disqualified after two or more
convictions of any state law on texting while
operating a CMV. Disqualification is 60 days for the
second offense within 3 years and 120 days for
three or more offenses within 3 years. In addition,
the first and each subsequent violation of such a
prohibition are subject to civil penalties imposed on
such drivers, in an amount up to $2,750. No motor
carrier shall allow or require its drivers to engage in
texting while driving. There is an emergency
exception that allows you text if necessary to
communicate with law enforcement officials or other
emergency services.
Evidence suggests that text messaging is even
riskier than talking on a cell phone because it
requires you to look at a small screen and
manipulate the keypad with one’s hands. Texting is
the most alarming distraction because it involves
both physical and mental distraction
simultaneously.
Research shows that the odds of being involved in
a safety-critical event (e.g., crash, near-crash,
unintentional lane deviation) is 23.2 times greater
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 2-22
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
for CMV drivers who engage in texting while driving
than for those who do not. Sending or receiving text
takes your eyes from the road for an average of 4.6
seconds. At 55 mph, you would travel 371 feet, or
the length of an entire football field – without looking
at the roadway.
2.9.6 – Don’t Drive Distracted
Your goal should be to eliminate all in-vehicle
distractions before driving begins. Accomplishing
this goal can be done by:
Assessing all potential in-vehicle distractions before
driving
Developing a preventative plan to reduce/eliminate
possible distractions
Expecting distractions to occur
Discussing possible scenarios before getting behind
the wheel
Based on the assessment of potential distractions,
you can formulate a preventative plan to
reduce/eliminate possible distractions.
If drivers react a half-second slower because of
distractions, crashes double. Some tips to follow so
you won’t become distracted:
Turn off all communication devices.
If you must use a mobile phone, make sure it is
within close proximity, that it is operable while you
are restrained, use an earpiece or the speaker
phone function, use voice-activated dialing; or use
the hands-free feature. Drivers are not in
compliance if they unsafely reach for a mobile
phone, even if they intend to use the hands-free
function.
Do not type or read a text message on a mobile
device while driving.
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s features and
equipment, before you get behind the wheel.
Adjust all vehicle controls and mirrors to your
preferences prior to driving.
Pre-program radio stations and pre-load your
favorite CDs.
Clear the vehicle of any unnecessary objects and
secure cargo.
Review maps, program the GPS and plan your route
before you begin driving.
Don’t attempt to read or write while you drive.
Avoid smoking, eating and drinking while you drive.
Leave early to allow yourself time to stop to eat.
Don’t engage in complex or emotionally intense
conversations with other occupants.
Secure commitment from other occupants to
behave responsibly and to support the driver in
reducing distractions.
2.9.7 – Watch Out for Other Distracted Drivers
You need to be able to recognize other drivers who
are engaged in any form of driving distraction. Not
recognizing other distracted drivers can prevent you
from perceiving or reacting correctly in time to
prevent a crash. Watch for:
Vehicles that may drift over the lane divider lines or
within their own lane.
Vehicles traveling at inconsistent speeds.
Drivers who are preoccupied with maps, food,
cigarettes, cell phones, or other objects.
Drivers who appear to be involved in conversations
with their passengers.
Give a distracted driver plenty of room and maintain
your safe following distance.
Be very careful when passing a driver who seems
to be distracted. The other driver may not be aware
of your presence, and they may drift in front of you.
2.10 – Aggressive Drivers/Road Rage
2.10.1 – What Is It?
Aggressive driving and road rage is not a new
problem. However, in today’s world, where heavy
and slow-moving traffic and tight schedules are the
norm, more and more drivers are taking out their
anger and frustration in their vehicles.
Crowded roads leave little room for error, leading to
suspicion and hostility among drivers and
encouraging them to take personally the mistakes
of other drivers.
Aggressive driving is the act of operating a motor
vehicle in a selfish, bold, or pushy manner, without
regard for the rights or safety of others (i.e. changing
lanes frequently and abruptly without notice)..
Road rage is operating a motor vehicle with the
intent of doing harm to others or physically
assaulting a driver or their vehicle.
2.10.2 – Don’t Be an Aggressive Driver
How you feel before you even start your vehicle has
a lot to do with how stress will affect you while
driving.
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 2-23
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
Reduce your stress before and while you drive.
Listen to “easy listening” music.
Give the drive your full attention. Don’t allow
yourself to become distracted by talking on your
cell phone, eating, etc.
Be realistic about your travel time. Expect delays
because of traffic, construction, or bad weather
and make allowances.
If you’re going to be later than you expected – deal
with it. Take a deep breath and accept the delay.
Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt. Try to
imagine why he or she is driving that way.
Whatever their reason, it has nothing to do with
you.
Slow down and keep your following distance
reasonable.
Don’t drive slowly in the left lane of traffic.
Avoid gestures. Keep your hands on the wheel.
Avoid making any gestures that might anger
another driver, even seemingly harmless
expressions of irritation like shaking your head.
Be a cautious and courteous driver. If another
driver seems eager to get in front of you, say, “Be
my guest.” This response will soon become a habit
and you won’t be as offended by other drivers’
actions.
2.10.3 – What You Should Do When Confronted
by an Aggressive Driver
First and foremost, make every attempt to get out
of their way.
Put your pride in the back seat. Do not challenge
them by speeding up or attempting to hold-your-
own in your travel lane.
Avoid eye contact.
Ignore gestures and refuse to react to them.
Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate
authorities by providing a vehicle description,
license number, location and, if possible, direction
of travel.
If you have a cell phone, and can do it safely, call
the police.
If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther
down the road, stop a safe distance from the crash
scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the
driving behavior that you witnessed.
Subsections 2.9 and 2.10
Test Your Knowledge
1. What are some tips to follow so you won’t
become a distracted driver?
2. How do you use in-vehicle communications
equipment cautiously?
3. How do you recognize a distracted driver?
4. What is the difference between aggressive
driving and road rage?
5. What should you do when confronted with an
aggressive driver?
6. What are some things you can do to reduce
your stress before and while you drive?
These questions may be on the test. If you can’t
answer them all, re-read subsections 2.9 and 2.10.
2.11 – Driving at Night
2.11.1 – It's More Dangerous
You are at greater risk when you drive at night.
Drivers can't see hazards as quickly as in daylight,
so they have less time to respond. Drivers caught
by surprise are less able to avoid a crash.
The problems of night driving involve the driver, the
roadway, and the vehicle.
2.11.2 – Driver Factors
Vision. Good vision is critical for safe driving. Your
control of the brake, accelerator, and steering wheel
is based on what you see. If you cannot see clearly,
you will have trouble identifying traffic and roadway
conditions, spotting potential trouble or responding
to problems in a timely manner.
Because seeing well is so critical to safe driving, you
should have your eyes checked regularly by an eye
specialist. You may never know you have poor
vision unless your eyes are tested. If you need to
wear glasses or contact lenses for driving,
remember to:
Always wear them when driving, even if driving short
distances. If your driver license says corrective
lenses are required, it is illegal to move a vehicle
without using corrective lenses.
Keep an extra set of corrective lenses in your
vehicle. If your normal corrective lenses are broken
or lost, you can use the spare lenses to drive safely.
Section 2 – Driving Safely Page 2-24
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Commercial Driver’s License Manual – 2005 CDL Testing System
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