Communication

It is important to let other drivers know you are there and what you plan to do on the road.

To do this you can use your headlights, brakes, turn signals, hazards and give space to cars in front and behind you.

Emotions can have a great effect on your ability to drive safely. Do not drive if you are very worried, excited, afraid, angry or depressed.

The horn: A horn is used to help prevent a crash. It is a way of signaling to another driver that you are there. A light tap on the horn should be enough to signal to another driver to get their attention on the road. You can push hard on your horn to warn someone if you are going to hit them or they are going to hit you.

 Low Beams (Headlights):

• Help you see others and others see you

• Most vehicles have an automatic setting for the low beams/headlights. Make sure you know how to manually operate these even if they are automatic.

• Check your low beams/headlights settings to make sure they are on when you need them

  
  

You must use your low beams/headlights when:

1. You cannot see a vehicle or person that is 500 feet (about one block) away

2. It is a half hour past sunset to half hour before sunrise

It is recommended that you use your low beams/headlights when:

1. You are using your windshield wipers

2. It is rainy, snowy or foggy

   
   

High Beams (Brights):

• Let you see twice as far as low beams/headlights

• Go back to your low beams/headlights when a vehicle comes toward you

• If someone is driving toward you and forgets to turnoff their brights, look toward the right side of the road

You can use your high beams/brights when:

1. There are no vehicles coming toward you

2. You are in an unfamiliar place or construction area Parking Lights should only be used when you are parked and idling.

Turn signal: A turn signal lets others know where you plan on going and gives time to respond. It is important to use your turn signal before you make a turn or switch lanes. Before you move your vehicle, turn on your turn signal, check around you and then make your move. If you are turning at an intersection, you should start signaling about three seconds (about 100 feet) before the turn. If you are turning after an intersection, start signaling once you cross the intersection. You can use hand signals if your car does not have turn signals or it is hard for others to see your turn signals. If you would like to turn left, point your hand out the driver side window, straight. If you would like to turn right, bend your elbow and point your hand up. If you are stopping or slowing down point your hand to the ground.