101 INTRODUCTION TO SAFE DRIVING

BY: HUSSAIN M. NAJMI

SPONSORED & SUPPORTED BY:
(English version) 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction Basic Speed Rule.1 Speed Limits1 Traffic Lanes, Usage and Passing1 Drive in Proper Lane2 The Safest Way to Lane Changing..3 Passing on the Left..4 Passing on the Right4 No Passing Zones5 Following.6 Backing7 Turns8 Turn Signals.10 Left TurnsTwo Vehicles..11 One-Way Streets.12 Intersecting One-Way Streets.13 Right-of-Way..14 Right-of-Way at Intersections.14 Crossing an Intersection .14 Right-of-Way at Stop Signs15 Yield to Emergency Vehicles.15 Right-of-Way to School Bus..15 Right-of-Way to Pedestrians..16 Drivers Responsibility to Children16 Drivers Responsibility to Blind Persons16 Turnabout17 How to Park Parallel to Curb...18 Parking 19

Parking on a Highway.19 Parking on a Hill..20 Starting on a Hill..20 Unlawful Parking.20 Traffic Signs, Markings, and Signals...22 Freeways..24 Driving on a Freeway...24 Freeway Interchanges...24 Night Driving25 Drive Slowly at Night...25 Use High and Low Headlight Beams Properly.25 Accidents...26 Things to Remember When You Are Driving..26 Driving Tips...27 Carbon Monoxide..27 Warning Traffic Signs28 Instructive Traffic Signs.31 Informative Traffic Signs.. 34 References..39

BASIC SPEED RULE

According to law, no motor vehicle shall be driven at a speed greater than is reasonable and proper, having regard to the traffic, surface, and width of road and of any other conditions. No driver is permitted to drive at a speed greater than will permit him to stop within the assured clear distance ahead. This called the Basic Speed Rule. This rule does not set an exact speed limit. It also requires that you consider all condition that may affect your driving. These include the number and the speed of other cars on the roadway; the presence of pedestrians; the surface of the road-whether smooth or rough, wet or dry, wide or narrow, how far you can see in existing light conditions; and such rain, fog, sand, and other driving factors. For example, if you fail to notice that the car ahead of you has stopped, and you strike it from the rear, you are in violation of the Basic Speed Rule. This is because you have failed to use due regard for the conditions of traffic, since you failed to note that a vehicle in the traffic stream had stopped, even if you were in a maximum speed zone. You must never drive so slow that you will interfere with other vehicles moving at normal speeds. Some accidents may occur due to blocking the movement of other traffic by driving at speed that is too slow.

SPEED LIMITS
Under Traffic Authority Law, unless otherwise posted, and under normal conditions you may drive at the speeds posted on roads, for examples, 120 km/hr is the speed limit on all major highways. The rest of roads out side city limits vary upon the road conditions. There are speed limits for residential areas, school zones, and inside commercial and industrial facilities.

TRAFFIC LANES, USAGE, AND PASSING

A traffic lane is a part of a street of highway wide enough to permit the safe operation of a vehicle or a single line of vehicles. Sometimes lanes are marked and sometimes they are not, but the lanes are there even though they may not be marked.

DRIVE IN PROPER LANE

Most hard surfaced highways are divided into lanes by white or yellow stripes placed on the surface by the Department of Transportation. Two-lane highways have a single broken yellow center stripe and you should never cross the stripe unless you are overtaking and passing another vehicle. If you are driving on a three lane highway, you should drive in the extreme right hand lane, except when about to pass another vehicle or if permissible while making a left turn. A four-lane undivided highway is divided in half by two solid yellow stripes in the center. The two lanes on each side of the center are then divided by a white single broken line.

The Safest Way to Lane Changing

A driver shall drive entirely within a single lane and shall not move from the lane until it is ascertained that such movement can be made with safety. This means watching for safe clearance both ahead and behind your car. Look in the mirror, signal you intentions, glance over your shoulder, and change lanes only when safe to do so. If a car ahead signals a lane change, you should slow slightly and allow it to make the change.

Check your blind spots:

1. 2. 3. Driver of front car cannot see other two cars in inside mirror. Check mirrors, signal, and look over shoulder toward the rear before changing lanes. If traffic conditions permit dont cruise in blind spot of vehicle ahead of you.

PASSING ON THE LEFT

When you intend to pass a car ahead, do not move toward the left until you are sure you can do so safely. Be sure that no other car is passing or is about to pass your car at the same time. As you prepare to pass another vehicle, especially a large truck or bus, never get so close that your vision will be obstructed by the overtaken vehicle. Follow at a safe distance until you can see far enough ahead to insure safe passing. Before you move toward the left, look in the mirror and over your left shoulder and signal for a left turn. When clear, move into the left lane, pass the car ahead, and do not return to the right side of the highway until you can do so safely. Be able to see the car being passed in your rear-view mirror before returning to the right lane. If a car is coming toward you in your lane you should move to the right, slow down, and sound your horn.

PASSING ON THE RIGHT

A driver may overtake and pass on the right when the vehicle being passed is making or about to make a left turn, on a four or more lane highway of sufficient width, with no obstructions or parked vehicles, or on a highway of sufficient width, where the traffic is permitted to travel in only one direction. In no event shall a vehicle passing on the right drive off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

NO PASSING ZONES
Most no-passing zones will be marked by a solid painted yellow line beside the dash stripes which are used for the center line marking. When a solid line is on your side of the center dash stripe you must never cross the center line. A solid yellow line on both sides of the center dash stripe indicates no passing from either direction. It is unlawful for a driver to move across the center line of a four lane highway to pass another vehicle. Do not pass in the following zones: On hills. On curves. Within 100 feet of bridges, viaducts or tunnels. When the view is obstructed upon approach such as overpasses, railroad crossings, intersections, crosswalks, or any point when the view is obstructed. Be alert, read all warning signs, look for oncoming vehicles passing in your lane and for slow traffic just over a hill or around a curve. When being passed, you are required to keep to the right and you should not increase your speed until the other car has completed the passing maneuver.

FOLLOWING
Law provides that a driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle closer than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for speed, traffic, and conditions of the roadway. Some driving specialists recommend that you allow at least one car length space between your car and the car ahead for every ten Mile/h (16km/h) of speed. Others recommend what is referred to as the two second rule. You should stay far enough behind any vehicle to permit you to make a safe stop should the other vehicle stop suddenly.
The two second rule:

1. 2.

Select a fixed object, such as a tree, roadside sign, utility pole, etc., ahead of the vehicle in front of you. Once the vehicle in front has passed the fixed object, you should be able to count one thousand one, one thousand two before you pass the same object.

When following a truck, stay far enough behind to enable you to see the roadway ahead clearly. Motor vehicles being driven upon any roadway outside of business or residential districts in a caravan or motorcade must be so operated as to allow sufficient space between such vehicles to enable other vehicles to enter and occupy such space without danger. The distance between such vehicles should be a minimum of 200 feet (60m) under all conditions.

BACKING
Backing is more difficult for the beginner than driving forward partly because the field of vision is obstructed by the car itself. It is best to turn to your right so you can see through the rear glass. The rear-view mirror should never be used for backing a car. Much practice is necessary to keep absolute control of the vehicle. To do backing safely, do the following: 1. 2. 3. Make sure that there no pedestrians or vehicles behind. Look in the mirrors and turn to your right to see through the rear glass. Drive back slowly into the proper lane of traffic with a minimum of movement.

Never back into an intersection in order to turn around. It is much safer to drive around the block.

Driving backward is a dangerous maneuver; it calls for great caution, patience, and constant observation. Dont back at a high rate of speed.

TURNS
To the beginning driver, turning a corner appears to be one of the simplest driving movements. However, much confusion in traffic and many collisions are caused by drivers who do not turn correctly. Decide well ahead where you want to turn. If you are not sure, drive slowly until you can read the street signs or markers. Never make last minute turns. They are too dangerous. Study the diagrams showing the correct method of making right and left turns on the following pages. There are six steps in making a good turn. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Signal what you intend to do. Look behind and on both sides to see where other traffic may be so that you can change lanes and make the turn safely. Get into the correct lane as soon as possible. The faster the traffic is moving the sooner you should get into the proper lane. If you are going faster than is safe to make the turn, slow down before you reach the crosswalk and complete the turn at the same speed at which you enter the intersection. Do not have the brake or clutch pedal pushed down while actually turning. Do not shift gears after entering the intersection. Make the turn correctly. This will be easy if you are in the proper lane and traveling slowly enough at the time you start the turn. Finish the turn in the proper lane.

In the event you reach an intersection and wish to make a right or left turn and find you are not in the proper lane, you should drive to the next intersection and then make the turn from the proper lane. If you are stopped to make a left turn and waiting on opposing traffic, do not turn the steering wheel to the left until you are sure you can complete the turn. While stopped, should you be struck from the rear with the wheels turned to the left, your car may be pushed into opposing traffic and possibly create more accidents. Do not turn unless the turn is permitted and can be made safely. In making a left turn, move part-way into the intersection and turn when the opposing traffic is clear.

TURN SIGNALS
It is illegal to turn without giving a signal. All signals should be given continuously for at least the last 100 feet or one-third of a block before you turn, slow, or stop. Signals can be given by two methods: 1. 2. Electrical or mechanical turn indicators, or Arm signalsgive arm signals clearly by extending your arm well out of the car window. Arm signals should not be continued while you are in the actual turn.

Signals are good protection against accidents. It is well to remember that drivers of the other vehicles may avoid any maneuver which would cause an accident, if they are aware of your intentions. Your best method of showing your intentions is by giving a correct signal when making right or left turns; slowing, or stopping on a highway or at an intersection; when driving away from a curb; or changing lanes. When a car ahead signals a left turn you should slow down and prepare to stop.

LEFT TURNSTWO VEHICLES

When you are meeting another driver at an intersection and both of you want to make a left turn, then each would normally turn to the left of each other. Leave from the left lane, enter in the left lane.

WHEN TO TURN LEFT OF CENTER

ONE-WAY STREETS
A study of this diagram should assist drivers in the proper execution of turns when entering or leaving one-way streets or highways. When making turns involving one-way or divided streets, always turn from the lane nearest the curb. When traveling straight on a street, you may drive in any lane, but the extreme right or left lanes should be used for turning. Do not change lanes aimlessly.

INTERSECTING ONE-WAY STREETS

This diagram is self explanatory. West-bound vehicles in the left lane may turn left; south-bound vehicles in the right lane may turn right. Other vehicles continue straight ahead.

RIGHT-OF-WAY
Right-of-way means who shall yield or who shall wait at intersections or other places where two or more vehicles, or vehicles and pedestrians cannot all proceed at the same time. A right-of-way law is necessary as a means of aiding in the movement of traffic and establishing legal fault in case of an accident. There are some rules governing right-of-way, but you should never put those rules ahead of safety. The question of right-of-way should be determined by each driver before entering an intersection. If you have the right-of-way and the other driver yields it to you, proceed immediately. In many instances where two or more cars are involved in an accident, if either driver had exercised more caution, the accident could have been avoided.

RIGHT-OF-WAY AT INTERSECTIONS
Before entering or crossing any highway where there are no traffic signs or signals, the driver shall yield to any approaching traffic and proceed only when it is safe to do so. A vehicle which has entered the intersection shall have the right-of-way over one that has not entered the intersection; but, when two vehicles approach an intersection at approximately the same time, and there are no traffic signs or signals, the vehicle on the left shall yield to the vehicle on the right. When two or more vehicles stop at stop signs at an intersection, at about the same time, the vehicle on the right would have the right-of-way.

CROSSING AN INTERSECTION
More accidents happen at intersections than any other place. Thus, you should exercise extreme caution when approaching any cross street or road. Always slow down before entering an intersection. Check for oncoming traffic by looking first to the left then right and again to the left to make sure the way is clear before entering the intersection, then increase your speed until you clear the intersection. If an intersection is obstructed to the point that you can not clearly see traffic on side streets, your speed should be slower so you can stop if necessary. If you are approaching an intersection and traffic is blocked, stop before reaching the crosswalk and wait for the traffic to move.

RIGHT-OF-WAY AT STOP SIGNS

You must bring your vehicle to a full stop at the crosswalk for a stop sign Yield the right-of-way to any vehicle or pedestrian which is in the intersection or so close as to be dangerous if you entered. After that you may proceed.

YIELD TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES

Emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire engines, and ambulances have the right-of-way on any street or through any procession when they are displaying a red light in front or when they signal with a siren or bell. All other vehicles must immediately drive to the extreme right hand side of the street or highway clear of any intersection and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. If there is a fire truck behind you but there is no siren or flashing lights continue driving as you are.

RIGHT-OF-WAY TO SCHOOL BUS

The driver of a vehicle meeting or overtaking a school bus that is stopped to take on or discharge passengers, and on which the red loading signals are in operation, is to stop his vehicle before it reaches the bus and not proceed until the loading signals are deactivated. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway with separate roadways need not stop upon meeting or passing a school bus which is on a different roadway, or when upon a controlled-access highway and the school bus is stopped in a loading zone which is a part or adjacent to such highway and where pedestrians are not permitted to cross the roadway.

RIGHT-OF-WAY TO PEDESTRIANS
Persons who are walking across the street have the right-of-way over most vehicles, if they are walking lawfully within crosswalks, whether the crosswalks are marked or not. The main purpose of crosswalks is to encourage pedestrians to cross only at certain locations. Many pedestrians are not familiar with traffic regulations; thus, the movement of a pedestrian on the Street or highways should never be anticipated. It, therefore, becomes the responsibility of the driver of a motor vehicle to play it safe where the safety of a pedestrian is concerned.

DRIVERS RESPONSIBILITY TO CHILDREN

The congested areas today create many on the street playgrounds children do not realize the dangers involved while playing in or near streets. It is therefore the responsibility of the driver to use extreme caution, slow down and prepare to stop when children are playing and riding bicycles.

DRIVERS RESPONSIBILITY TO BLIND PERSONS

Drivers have specific responsibilities regarding the right-of-way of blind persons. The law provides any driver of a vehicle who knowingly approaches within three feet of a person who is in the roadway or at an intersection and who is wholly or partially blind and who is carrying a cane or walking stick white in color, or white tipped with red, shall immediately come to a full stop and take such precautions before proceeding as may be necessary to avoid accident or injury to the blind person. In recent years many blind persons have begun carrying collapsible chrome walking sticks or using guide dogs. Be alert and do not stop in a crosswalk when a blind person is attempting to cross an intersection.

TURNABOUT
At times you find it necessary to turn your car in close quarters. To do this, please follow method below: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Start from the extreme right side. Look in both directions. Give the correct signal. Turn the steering wheel sharply to the left while inching forward. When you have turned the wheels completely to the left. Drive slowly forward to within a few inches of the left curb or edge of the roadway, then turn sharply to the right while inching backward. When you have turned the wheels completely to the right, back slowly to within a few inches of the curb. Repeat these procedures until you have completed your turn.

HOW TO PARK PARALLEL TO CURB

PARKING
Unless otherwise prohibited by a city ordinance, motor vehicles may be parked parallel and within 18 inches (40cm) of the curb. All accidents do not occur while vehicles are being driven. An improperly parked vehicle may create an accident, kill someone, or destroy property. Before leaving your vehicle set the parking brake, put the gear in low, reverse or park position, lock the ignition and remove the key. It is a good practice to always lock your vehicle.

PARKING ON A HIGHWAY
Where parking is permitted, drive your vehicle entirely off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway. If your vehicle breaks down, move it off the highway. Leave the parking lights, four-way flashers if equipped, and inside lights on at night.

PARKING ON A HILL

A car parked on an incline will roll either forward or backward if the parking brake is not set or not working properly. To guard against this, a stop going up a hill with a curb should be executed by: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Give the proper signal. Stop your car parallel (about six inches (20cm) from the curb). Turn your wheels sharply to the left. Allow the car to roll back slowly until the right front wheel is against the curb. Set the parking brake. Turn off the switch. Put the car in low gear or park position. If your vehicle is equipped with any type of automatic transmission, place it in a locked position.

STARTING ON A HILL
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Start the motor. Shift to the proper gear. Give a turn signal. Glance in the rearview mirror. Look to the rear. Release the parking brake. When the way is clear drive out. If your vehicle is equipped with a standard transmission you should follow the same procedure except when you release the brake you should accelerate and release the clutch at the same time to prevent the car from rolling.

The obligation of getting safely into the proper lane from a parked position rests with the driver leaving the parked position.

UNLAWFUL PARKING
Law provides that no person shall stop, park or leave a vehicle unattended, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or traffic-control device, in any of the following places: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. On a sidewalk; In front of a public or private driveway; Within an intersection; Within 15 feet (4m) of a fire hydrant; On a crosswalk; Within 20 feet (6m) of a crosswalk at an intersection; Within 30 feet (10m) upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign or traffic-control signal located at the side of the roadway; Within 50 feet (15m) of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing; Within 20 feet (6m) of the driveway entrance to any fire station or within 75 feet (25m) on the side of a street opposite the entrance (when properly signposted); Alongside or opposite any obstruction or street excavation when parking would obstruct traffic; On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street (double parking); Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway underpass; or At any place where official signs prohibit stopping.

TRAFFIC SIGNS, MARKINGS, AND SIGNALS

Traffic signs are erected to serve a definite purpose. If you know their meaning by their shape and color, you will know what to do even though the words or symbols have faded, are obscured by dust, etc., or you are too far away to read them.

STOP
Red signs with white letters. Octagon shaped signs always mean come to complete stop when you reach the intersection and remain stopped until the way is clear in all directions. Be sure to stop completely before your vehicle reaches the pedestrian cross-walk which may or may not be marked.

YIELD
The Yield sign means slow down or stop if necessary so you can yield to vehicles on the street you are attempting to enter or cross.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Pavement markings should indicate to the driver where on the roadway he should be driving, where his visibility ahead is limited and passing is restricted, where he can expect traffic in the adjacent lane to be traveling in the opposite direction, and where he may safely wait for an opportunity to make a left turn. Standards illustrated here tell the motorist instantly whether he is on a one-way or two-way road. The use of yellow lines as the dividing lines between vehicles traveling in opposite directions tell the driver two things: if the yellow line is to his left, he is traveling in the correct direction, and, if he crosses that line, there is a danger from approaching vehicles or from obstacles in the median.

TRAFFIC OFFICERS
When an officer is directing traffic obey his signals rather than traffic lights or signs. A traffic officer usually signals vehicles to stop by holding up his hand, palm toward the vehicles, and by giving a long blast on his whistle. He usually signals vehicles to start or to continue by motioning with his hand and by giving a series of short blasts on his whistle. At night a traffic officer may signal with a flashlight.

TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic signals provide for the orderly movement of traffic at busy intersections. They eliminate guesswork by granting the right-of-way to drivers and pedestrians. Although a driver is given the right-of-way, he should always take every precaution and yield his legal right to prevent an accident even if the other driver or pedestrian is violating the law.

RED LIGHT:
Stop immediately before getting to the pedestrian crosswalk. A vehicle at an intersection facing a steady red signal alone or a flashing red signal may turn right, or turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street, after making the required stop unless signs are erected prohibiting such turns.

YELLOW LIGHT:
A warning to the motorist to stop if it can be done safely before your vehicle enters the intersection. Red stop signal will be exhibited immediately thereafter.

GREEN LIGHT:
You may proceed, but each driver must take due caution to avoid hitting any vehicle or pedestrian. Drivers should also be prepared for the light to change.

A TRAFFIC SIGNAL WITH A GREEN ARROW:

In the larger cities many intersections are controlled with traffic lights that show a green arrow while the red light is still on. This is so vehicular traffic facing such a signal may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the turn indicated by the arrow. They shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within the crosswalk and to other vehicles lawfully using the intersection. Only turns indicated by the green arrow may be made except when regulatory signs permit additional maneuvers. Usually at such traffic controlled intersections there will be a separate lane for turning. Therefore, it is necessary for you to be in the proper turning lane before attempting to make such a turn.

FREEWAYS
Government has built many kilometers of safely designed limited access highways. They are marked by green and white route signs. The basic feature of these freeways is that access is controlled. On controlled access highways you may enter or depart only at well planned entrances or exits, called interchanges. Traffic on a freeway normally moves more safely and efficiently because vehicles do not enter directly from side roads and driveways. There are no stop signs or traffic signals. Usually there are no sharp hills and curves which restrict vision. Therefore, driving on a freeway is different and much safer than on non-controlled access roadways.

DRIVING ON A FREEWAY
Observe minimum and maximum speed limits as it is illegal to drive too slowly as well as to exceed established, posted speed limits. However, you should drive at a moderate safe speed to suit prevailing weather, traffic, car, visibility and other conditions. If you drive slower than other traffic, drive in the right, outside lane. Do not travel alongside vehicles in another lane at the same speed. Change speed and/or lanes so that you do not block the normal flow of traffic; but, avoid frequent and unnecessary lane changing. Do not follow the vehicle ahead too closely. Rear end collisions are among the most common on freeways. Watch for and rigidly observe all highway signs. Never, under any condition, cross a median or divider or turn your car around on a freeway. Continue on to the next exit, get off, and return to the highway in the proper lane. In case of a vehicle breakdown or similar emergency, drive to the extreme right shoulder of the road away from moving traffic or to an area where it is safe. Raise your hood and tie a white cloth to the radio aerial or hood. These are well known signals for help in case of trouble. Use the vehicles emergency flashers if so equipped. You can leave the freeway at interchanges where you can usually get food, refreshments, or car servicing.

FREEWAY INTERCHANGES
When you come to an interchange pay attention to the signs which tell you how to make the turn you want to make. When exiting, do not slow down until you are on the deceleration lane. When entering, speed up on the acceleration lane, pick a gap in traffic, and move smoothly at the same speed as the main lane traffic. Do not stop at the end of the acceleration lane.

NIGHT DRIVING
The distance you can see at night is greatly reduced and speed should be reduced accordingly. The lights and brakes on your car, atmospheric conditions, hills, and curves, and conditions on the roadway must be considered. A speed which will not enable you to stop in the distance you can see means you are overdriving your lights. You should reduce your speed so you can stop before striking a person, an animal, or other object on the highway. Always remember that a pedestrian dressed in dark clothing, a dark colored animal, etc., cannot be seen at night as easily as light colored objects.

DRIVE SLOWER AT NIGHT

Night driving presents a serious accident problem. This is particularly noticeable on poorly lighted highways and country roads. The ability to adjust to glare of oncoming headlights and off-street advertising lights is greatly reduced due largely to eye pupil changes. A poor method of attempting to overcome this difficulty is by wearing the various kinds of colored glasses. On dark days or at night, a driver should never wear colored glasses as they tend to reduce vision.

USE HIGH AND LOW HEADLIGHT BEAMS PROPERLY

It is required that the use of low beam (or dimmers) when you are approaching within 150 meter of an oncoming vehicle. You shall also use the low beam (or dimmers) at night when you are following another vehicle within a distance of 70 meters. The only exception to this rule is while in the actual process of passing. Using low beam lights while following reduces the reflection and glare in the rear view mirror of the other driver. Driving with your high beam in a fog is like shining your lights in a mirror, as most of the light shines back in your own eyes. A lower beam causes less glare in a fog. Always use low beam headlights when bad weather has reduced visibility. Parking lights should not be used while driving on highways; if lights are needed, turn on the headlights. The lights on a vehicle must be lighted when traveling on the highway between the hours of 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, or at other times when visibility is not normal.

ACCIDENTS
It you are involved in an accident on a public street or highway or on private property, you must stop immediately. You should first determine if any injuries have been sustained by any occupant of all cars involved in the accident. Administer any aid to the injured that you can, notify the police as quickly as possible and be sure that whoever calls the police gives the exact location of the accident. Exchange information with the driver of each vehicle involved. This should include the name and address of the driver and the owner, it they are not the same, the drivers license number, the vehicle registration number, insurance policy number and effective dates, and name of insurance agent and company if available. File Collision Report at the nearest Traffic police station to obtain repair permits and to settle any damages that have not been agreed upon by the parties involved in the accident. Usually, the investigating officer will show up at the location where accident occurred and make an accident report. It the accident involves a parked car or other property and you cannot locate the owner, leave your name and phone number on the damaged property where the owner will find it.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING SAFETY BELTS MANDATORY:

Every driver and front seat passenger of a passenger car, van, and pick-up shall wear a properly adjusted and fastened safety seat belt system. Failing to do so is a traffic violation and you would be fined a S.R.100. Passenger restraint system or a seat belt has great advantages such as; 1. Belts reduce the force of impact against the cars interior during an accident. 2. Belts enable occupants to stay inside the vehicle where it is safer than being ejected. 3. Belts keep little accidents from becoming big ones because the driver is still in position to maintain control of his vehicle. 4. If all passengers are using belts, there is no fear of bodies being thrown around the vehicles interior. 5. Small children are particularly vulnerable in traffic accidents and even in sudden stops. No child should be allowed to stand on the car seats or in front of the instrument panel or to sit unsecured.

POSTURE:
Adjust the seat to a comfortable position so that you can reach the pedals easily and have good vision. Then adjust the rearview mirror so that you can see the roadway behind. A left outside rearview mirror, properly adjusted, may be of aid to many drivers. Be sure there are no articles in the front seat which might fall on the floor and distract your attention. The position of the hands varies with the length of the arm of the driver; however, at least of the wheel should separate the hands to give a strong turning force with either hand. Generally, the left hand should be on the wheel between 9 and 10:30 as on the face of the clock with the right hand between 2 and 4. Do not drive resting your elbow in the window.

DRIVING TIPS:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. Be thoroughly rested before starting a long drive. Avoid driving when emotionally upset. Never drive more hours than your normal work day. When driving long distances beware of changing traffic patterns, road and weather conditions and becoming tired and sleepy. Be especially careful when driving just before darkness as drivers are not able to see as well as in daylight. Avoid heavy meals or alcoholic beverages. Evasive action requires slightly more steering input than changing lanes. To lessen the effects of alcohol, and some medicines, wait a few hours before driving as alcohol will affect your judgment, reaction time, and vision. Children should never be left alone in an unattended vehicle. Keep door locked, using an interlock with children. Keep your speed not only within the law, but always reasonable and prudentwell chosen for the existing conditions. Do not lock wheels when braking. Avoid stopping at the scene of an accident unless you can render aid. Avoid artificial stimulants to keep awake; stop and sleep. Drive as far to the right as possible if meeting a car with only one headlight. Avoid overloading the car, distribute the weight evenly. If you smoke while driving, train yourself to do it without taking your eyes off the road. Glance at your speedometer frequently; know at all times the exact speed you are traveling. Make sure you see and that you are seen. To say I didnt know is no excuse. Remember that at least 9 out of 10 accidents are caused by human error. Obey traffic rules and be prepared to adjust for driving errors of others. It you drop off the roadway, dont try to jerk it back on. To help avoid emergency situations, you should keep your eyes moving observing traffic.

CARBON MONOXIDE:
You cant see, smell, or taste it, but carbon monoxide from your engine can be deadly. If you start feeling drowsy, dizzy, forehead tightening, or lights seem brighter, pull off the road, park and turn off the motor. Be especially alert for any unusual roar from under the car. Have exhaust system checked by a reputable mechanic. Never let the engine run in a closed garage. On the highways in cold weather, open the fresh air heating ventilator. In congested traffic close air vents so you will not breathe exhaust fumes from the car ahead.

WARNING TRAFFIC SIGNES

ROUGH ROAD

AIR STRIP

RAIL ROAD CROSSING (NO GATE)

SLIPPERY ROAD

RIGHT CURVE

DEEP SLOPE

RAIL ROAD CROSSING (WITH GATE)

MOTORIZED BRIDGE

FALLING ROCKS

POWER LINES

PEDISTRIAN CROSSING

ROAD WORK

ANIMALS

CAREFUL

HIGH SLOPE

50 METER

100 METER

150 METER

TRAFFIC LIGHTS

SCHOOL ZONE

INTERSECTION WITH MAJOR ROAD

ONCOMMING LEFT TRAFFIC

CIRCULAR ROAD

TWO WAY

GIVE WAY AHEAD

SERIES OF CURVES

NARROW ROAD BOTH WAYS

NARROW ROAD FROM RIGHT

END OF MULTI LANE ROAD

ON COMING RIGHT TRAFFIC

LEFT CURVE

INTERSECTION AHEAD

CURVE SERIES STRTING LEFT

CURVE SERIES STRTING RIGHT

INSTRUCTIVE TRAFFIC SIGNS DO NOT USE HORNE

NO PEDESTRIANS ALLOWED

NO CARTS

NO BICYCLES ALLOWED

NO PASSING ZONE

MAXIMUM LOAD 10 TONS

AXIL MAX. LOAD 3 TONS

MINIMUM CLEARENCE 5m

NO CONTAINER/TRAILERS

NO TRAILERS

NO LEFT TURNS

NO RIGHT TURNS

NO VEHICLES WIDER THAN 2m

MAX SPEED 50km/h

SPEED LIMIT 60km/h

STOP

END OF NO-PASSING ZONE

ROAD CLOSED (NO TRAFFIC)

NO U - TURNS

NO WAITING IN ODD DAYS

TARIFF ZONE

YIELD FOR ONCOMING

NO TRUCK PASSING

NO ANIMALS ALLOWED

NO AUTO & MOT. CYC. PARKING

DO NOT ENTER

NO PARKING

NO PARKING OR WAITING

NO WAITING IN EVEN DAYS

NO TRUCKS ALLOWED

NO BUSES ALLOWED

NO CARS ALLOWED

NO MOTOR CYCLES ALLOWED

INFORMATIVE TRAFFIC SIGNS

MUST TURN RIGHT/LEFT AHEAD

MIN SPEED 30km/h

PEDISTRIANS MUST USE THIS ZONE

ANIMALS MUST USE THIS ZONE

BYCICLES MUST USE THIS ZONE

MUST WALK ON EITHER SIDE

GO RIGHT

GO LEFT

EITHER DIRECTIONS ONLY

ONE WAT TO THE RIGHT

ONE WAY TO THE LEFT

KEEP LEFT

KEEP AHEAD

CIRCULAR

END OF SPPED LIMIT ZONE

END OF SPPED LIMIT OF 60km ZONE

AMBULANCE CENTER

WORKSHOP

FUEL STATION

RESTURANT

PHONE FACILITY

BUS STATION (STOP)

CAMPING AREA

YOUTH CENTER

CAR PARKING

HOSPITAL

DEAD END TO THE RIGHT

DEAD END AHEAD

DEAD END CROSSWAYS

CAR TRAFFIC ONLY

INTERNATIONL ROAD

ONE WAY

RIGHT OF WAY FOR YOU

CITY LIMIT

CITY DIRECTIONS

NO PASSING

PASSING ALLOWED

ROAD DIVIDER

LANE DIVIDER

MID ROAD DIVIDER

WARNING MARKERS

MERGE INTO MAIN ROAD

MERGE INTO MINOR ROAD

ROAD CURVE

PASSING ALLOWED

(GREEN) GO

YELLOW (BE READY TO STOP)

(RED) MUST STOP

FLASHING YELLOW (SLOW DOWN)

(GREEN) WALK

(RED) DO NOT WALK

(FLASHING GREEN) BE READY TO GO

STOP (GIVE WAY) RIGHT OF WAY ZONE

END OF RIGHT OF WAY ZONE

References:

Thanks to AL-Qassem Traffic Police Dept. for providing information at their web site: http://www.q-t.gov.sa