Useful Driving Terms - DriversEd.com

A:

Aggressive driving

Aggressive driving is a traffic offense or combination of offenses such as following too closely, speeding, failing to signal, and general lack of attention or courtesy for other drivers and pedestrians. Aggressive drivers are often simply trying to get somewhere faster, putting themselves and others at risk.

Air bag

Air bags provide vehicle drivers and passengers extra protection in a collision. They are stored in the steering wheel and/or dashboard and inflate during a serious crash, e.g., a head-on collision that occurs at over 10 mph. They place a protective cushion between the person and the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield.

Angle parking

When parking spaces are arranged at an angle it is called angle parking. This creates more parking spaces, as all vehicles are designated to go one way.

Antilock Braking System (ABS)

ABS—Antilock Braking System is a modern technology found on newer cars that allows the vehicle to be steered safely while braking hard.

B:

Basic Speed Law

The Basic Speed Law states that you must never drive faster than is safe for present conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

Blind spots

Blind spots are areas or zones on the road that cannot be seen by a driver while looking at rearview or side mirrors. The driver must turn his or her head in order to see a vehicle in one of these blind spots.

Blood Alcohol Concentration or Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a measure of the amount of alcohol in a person's bloodstream. BAC is commonly expressed in percentage terms. For instance, having a BAC of 0.08 percent means that a person has eight parts alcohol per 10,000 parts blood in the body. State laws generally specify BAC levels in terms of grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood (often abbreviated as grams per deciliter, or g/dL). BAC levels can be detected by breath, blood, or urine tests. The laws of each jurisdiction specify the preferred or required types of tests used for measurement.

C:

Carpool lanes

Carpool lanes are specifically reserved for buses and vehicles with a minimum of two or three people (including the driver). These lanes are marked with a diamond symbol. Carpooling and bus riding are useful ways to save fuel and reduce the number of vehicles using the roads in heavy commuter traffic.

Cell phones and driving

Driving requires your full attention and focus. It only takes one moment of distraction to cause an accident and serious harm to yourself and others—if you’re talking or texting, your eyes and mind aren’t on the road. It’s safest to avoid using a cell phone while driving.

(NHTSA Policy on Cellular Phone Use While Driving)

Central vision

Central vision is when our eyes focus straight ahead, allowing us to drive, read, and see details sharply. Central vision only covers about three degrees of our visual field, but it allows us to make very important judgments like estimating distance and understanding details in the path ahead.

Child safety seat

A child safety seat is required by law to transport a child in a vehicle. There are strict seat belt and child safety equipment usage laws. The law requires occupants of a vehicle to be properly restrained in a seat belt or child safety seat. There is a fine for failing to do so and officers may pull you over if they see unbuckled occupants inside.

Controlled intersections

There are two kinds of intersections: open (uncontrolled) and controlled intersections.
Controlled intersections have traffic control signs or signals. When a driver approaches this type of intersection, he or she must obey the signs, signals, and right-of-way rules.

Covering the brake

Covering the brake involves taking your right foot off the accelerator and holding it over the brake pedal. Your foot should hover over the pedal and not rest on it in any way. This technique provides a smooth transition from acceleration to braking and is effective for slowing in shortened stopping distances.

D:

Double parking

Double parking is illegally parking next to another vehicle that is properly parked in a stall or on the street. When you park this way, you prevent drivers from leaving their parking spaces and stall the flow of traffic. If all parking spaces are full, try to find one farther away. Double parking is a traffic violation punishable by fine.

Defensive driving

Defensive driving is the skill set that allows you to defend yourself against possible collisions caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, poor weather, and unsafe road conditions.

Drivers license

A drivers license is a state-issued document that allows you to drive. You must have a drivers license to operate a vehicle on any kind of public road, highway, or parking facility in the United States. Having a drivers license is a privilege, not a constitutional right.

Driving distractions

A driving distraction is anything that distracts you from your most important task behind the wheel—giving the road your full attention. Common driving distractions include eating, drinking, dealing with passengers, talking on a phone, personal grooming, adjusting controls, communicating with other vehicles, smoking, etc.

Drivers Handbook

A drivers handbook is a manual provided by the state Department of Motor Vehicles that contains information about licenses, examinations, road signs, laws and rules of the road, seat belts, and safety issues.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) are the most common terms used by different states for drunk driving and driving under influence of drugs. All 50 states have strict laws concerning drivers who operate vehicles while intoxicated. A person commits a DUI or DWI offense if he or she operates a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

E:

Escape route

An escape route is a backup route in surrounding driving areas that a driver can take in case of a dangerous road situation to prevent or lessen the possibility of injury and property damage. As a defensive driver you should always have an escape route and plan routes ahead before facing a dangerous situation.

Emergency flasher

Emergency flashers or hazard lights are activated when a driver pushes the hazard light button/switch. The lights warn other drivers of an emergency situation you may be in or that your car is parked on the side of the road. All four turn signal lights turn on when you activate your emergency flasher. Consult your auto manual for the location of the hazard lights switch in your vehicle.

Emission testing

Your vehicle must meet emission requirements set by the state. Emission testing is done at certified stations (e.g., gas stations, auto dealerships, auto repair shops).

Evasive action

An evasive action is a fast and effective maneuver made intentionally to avoid colliding with a person, another vehicle, or an object.

F:

Financial responsibility law

The financial responsibility law states that the driver of a vehicle is responsible for any bodily injury or damage to property caused by his or her driving and that the driver must purchase vehicle insurance to cover these kinds of financial damages.

Following distance

The following distance is a space between your car and the car ahead of you. It is recommended to keep a reasonable following distance so you can safely stop in a case of an emergency, e.g., if the car ahead of you stops suddenly. A defensive driver maintains a safe following distance of at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead and increases it depending on weather and road conditions.

Freeways

Freeways are divided highways where all of the traffic moves in the same direction without stops and there are no intersections or traffic lights. These roads are designed for maximum safety and efficiency, but you must know how to navigate them properly.

G:

Gauges

Gauges are the interior mechanisms of a car displaying important information about your car condition and its supplies usage. Typical instrument panel gauges are the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, and a fuel gauge.

Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)

A licensing system that expands the learning process for drivers in training and allows more time to learn the complex skills required to operate a vehicle. The GDL consists of three stages identified by the type of license: learners permit, intermediate (provisional) license, and full license. The three stages of the GDL system include specific components and restrictions to introduce driving privileges gradually to new drivers.

Guide signs

Guide signs can be blue, green, or brown. They tell motorists what services are available in the vicinity and provide directional and mileage information to specific destinations.

H:

Head restraint

A head restraint is a pad at the top of an automobile seat. The purpose of a head restraint is to prevent whiplash injury of the neck in rear impact crashes.

Hand-to-hand steering

The hand-to-hand steering method is used for making turns. One hand pushes up on the steering wheel while the other hand slides to the top and then pulls the wheel down, repeating the action until the turn is complete. This type of steering permits the driver to make steering inputs ranging from just a few degrees to gross adjustments up to a half turn of the wheel, while keeping both hands on the wheel for precision adjustments.

Hand-over-hand steering

The hand-over-hand steering method is used for making turns. The driver reaches across the steering wheel to grasp the opposite side and pulls the wheel over the top, repeating as needed.

Highway hypnosis

Highway hypnosis commonly occurs when driving on open highways for an extended period of time. In this condition, the driver operates the vehicle in a dulled, drowsy, trance-like state. Always be aware of your surroundings and to avoid falling asleep behind the wheel, take frequent breaks. If possible, avoid driving for long periods of time and stop if you begin to feel tired.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning means loss of traction and sliding on a film of water. Wet road surfaces can cause tires to hydroplane. This could result in loss of control and steering ability, as your tires may lose contact with the pavement. Hydroplaning is caused by a combination of standing water on the road, car speed, and under-inflated or worn-out tires.

I:

Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute (IPDE)

Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute (IPDE) is the step-by-step process behind the principles of defensive driving and complexities of visual perception in traffic.

IPDE is an organized thinking and acting process that you will constantly use while driving.

Illegal drugs

Illegal Drugs (or illicit drugs) are drugs prohibited by law to possess, sell, and use. For example, it is illegal for anyone to buy or have cocaine, an illicit drug.

Alcohol and tobacco, which are legal drugs, may be considered illicit if you are not old enough to have them in your possession.

Insurance

Insurance is a contract between you and the insurance company. You agree to pay the premium and the insurance company agrees to pay your losses as defined in your policy.
Auto insurance provides property, liability, and medical coverage.

Implied Consent Law

This law states that by driving a vehicle you have agreed to submit to chemical tests of your breath, blood, or urine to determine alcohol or drug content, if asked to do so by a law enforcement officer. That is, when you get behind the wheel, you have already answered "yes" to allow a chemical test of your BAC if requested by a law enforcement officer.

J:

Jaywalking

Jaywalking is crossing a street outside of a designated crosswalk or intersection and without any concern for traffic rules or signals. Jaywalking is dangerous and a significant cause of traffic collisions and pedestrian deaths.

K:

Knowledge test

A knowledge test is a test given to applicants for a drivers license by a drivers licensing office. Knowledge tests usually consist of questions based on knowledge of traffic laws, rules and regulations, and traffic signs. Passing a knowledge test is required for getting a learners permit.

L:

Lane position

Lane position is the placement of your car in the center, on the right, or on the left of a lane. Use these different lane positions to make adjustments for potential problems and create more space between your car and problem situations. On most highways or streets the width of a lane is twelve feet. The average vehicle has a width of six feet, which gives you six feet to maneuver your vehicle within the lane.

Learners permit

A learners permit is a special license (also called an instruction permit in some states) which allows practice driving with another adult driver before you take your driving test. You get a learners permit after passing the knowledge test.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance is the insurance coverage that pays for other people's expenses in crashes caused by drivers covered under your policy. Liability insurance is required by law in most states.

License revocation

A revocation is the termination of a drivers license or driving privilege for an indefinite period of time.

License suspension

A suspension is the temporary withdrawal of a drivers license or driving privilege for a definite period of time. A license may be reinstated after meeting legal requirements.

Line of sight

Your line of sight is the visible path of travel from your vehicle to the target area. This line can be blocked by a curve, the crest of a hill, a wooded area, a large truck, etc. If you cannot see around an obstruction, you must slow down and be ready to alter your position until you can reestablish a clear line of sight to your path of travel and targeting area.

M:

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

This manual defines the standards for signs, signals, and pavement markings in the United States.

Manual transmission

Manual transmissions in vehicles require gear shifting with the speed your car is going. Vehicles with manual transmission have a clutch pedal next to the brake.

Maximum speed limit

Speed limits are posted on most roadways and enforced by the highway patrol or other law officers. These are maximum speed limits and not just recommendations. They are set for the type of roads and traffic in each area. All speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions.

Minimum speed limit

Minimum speed limits may be posted on a road so that you may not drive slower than indicated. Never drive so slowly that it becomes unsafe for traffic on the road.

N:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The NHTSA’s mission is to “save lives, prevent injuries, [and] reduce vehicle-related crashes.” The NHTSA oversees critical behavioral and vehicle studies, along with maintaining and distributing data for safety research and statistics.

O:

Overdriving your headlights

Overdriving your headlights means not being able to stop inside the illuminated area ahead. It is difficult to judge other vehicles’ speeds and distances at night. Do not overdrive your headlights—it creates a blind “crash area” in front of your vehicle. You should be able to stop inside the illuminated area ahead.

Oversteering

Oversteering is turning your steering wheel too far and too fast.

P:

Path of travel

Path of travel is the series of continuous positions your vehicle takes in the process of moving to your target. While driving straight ahead you will normally stay in the middle of a driving lane unless other factors affect the position of your car and change your path of travel.

Parallel parking

Parallel parking means parking next to a curb in the space between two parked cars. Sometimes parallel parking is your only option, so you must practice to master this maneuver.

Peace officer

Peace officers are law enforcement personnel whose duty is to preserve public peace. State laws usually limit "peace officer" status to civil officers, such as sheriffs, city police, district police, marshals, port police, Highway Patrol officers, and so on.

Pedestrians

A pedestrian is a person on foot or using a conveyance propelled by human power (skates, skateboard) other than a bicycle.
Pedestrians also include disabled persons who may be using powered devices like self-propelled wheelchairs, tricycles, or quadricycles.

Peripheral vision

Peripheral vision accompanies central vision. While central vision covers about three degrees of the visual field straight ahead of us, peripheral, or side vision, covers the rest. Peripheral vision is not as sharp as central vision, but is more sensitive to light and motion and helps us detect events to the side, even when we're not looking in that direction.

Perpendicular parking

Perpendicular parking is a type of parking that requires cars to be parked side to side, perpendicular to an aisle or curb. This type of parking takes less space than parallel parking and is commonly used in parking lots and car garages.

Point system

A point system assigns point values to traffic violations for each state. When the DMV receives a conviction notice from the court, the offense is entered on your driving record and points are assigned. These points are counted during a specified time period. Once you accumulate a certain number of points, your license may be suspended, you may be required to attend a hearing, take a behavior modification driving course, or undergo a driver assessment reexamination.

R:

Railroad crossing

Railroad crossing is a place where a railroad and a roadway cross. When automobiles and trains meet unexpectedly, the result can be catastrophic. Automobile drivers must understand how to identify railroad crossings and react to approaching trains.

Regulatory signs

Regulatory traffic signs are white with black or red letters instructing road users what they must or must not do under certain conditions. Regulatory signs indicate and reinforce traffic laws and regulations which apply either permanently or at specified times or places.

Reference points

Reference points are visual guides which help you judge your distance when parking or turning. From your viewpoint in the drivers seat, reference points help you to see the exact location of the wheels, both front and back bumpers, and also the side of the car when parking or turning.

Restricted license

A restricted license is a drivers license that has some limitations set by authorities. The license can be restricted based on the driver’s health condition, age, status, or court sentence based on traffic violations.

Reversible lanes

Reversible lanes are lanes in which traffic may travel in either direction, depending on displayed overhead signal (a green arrow or a red cross). Reversible lanes are used to improve traffic flow during rush hours.

Right-of-way

Right-of-way means the right to go first in certain road situations when at least two road users could use the same space. The law does not allow anyone the right-of-way. It only states who must yield.

Road Rage

Road rage is more than aggressive driving—it is an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by a driver or passenger(s) on the road. Many road rage incidents occur due to a lack of communication while sharing the road, but are generally related to one or more drivers getting angry over something while operating their vehicle. States are becoming increasingly strict with the legal consequences of road rage.

S:

Safety belts

A safety belt securely fastens a person to a car seat to prevent falling or injury.

The law requires using your seat belt even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags. The seat belt must be in good working order and must be worn by you and all passengers while the car is moving.

Service signs

Service signs are blue and indicate nearby services such as hospitals, call boxes, telephones, places to eat, and rest areas.

School zone

A school zone is an area near a school. All states have a reduced speed limit (15-25 mph) in a school zone during certain hours. The beginning and ending of a school zone may be indicated by special signs.

Side street

A side street intersects with a main street. This type of street usually has low speed limits, curbside parking, less pavement markings, and is not typically used by through traffic.

Skid

To skid means to slide without rotating. Skids occur when you lose control of your steering; your vehicle is failing to grip the roadway and sliding sideways on the road. Do not apply the brake while you are turning. It's very easy to lock your wheels while turning. If that happens, you may skid out of control or cause too much weight transfer and rollover.

T:

Tailgating

Tailgating is following another car too closely. If someone is following you too closely, be careful. Tap your brake lightly a few times to warn the tailgater that you are slowing down. Brake slowly before stopping. Avoid tailgaters when possible by changing lanes. If you cannot change lanes, slow down enough to encourage the tailgater to go around you. If this does not work, pull off the road when safe and let the tailgater pass.

Target

A target is a fixed object located 12-20 seconds ahead of your vehicle, in the center of the path of travel. The target is what the driver steers toward. It can be a car, a block ahead, a traffic signal, the crest of a hill, etc.

Having a target helps new drivers anticipate a number of traffic situations ahead, rather than monitor the road immediately in front of the vehicle.

Traffic school (or driver improvement program)

Traffic school is a driver improvement program typically approved by the state or a traffic court with specific rules and procedural regulations. Attending a traffic school can keep traffic citations from appearing on your driving record.

Through Street

A through street is a street designed to give preference to the “through” movement of traffic. It is often a main street in a town or district that serves as the principal roadway for traffic.

Traffic ticket

Traffic tickets are citations issued by police officers to drivers who violate traffic laws. If issued a citation, you must sign the citation at the time of the traffic stop. Later you will receive a notice from the court by mail that explains your options for handling the infraction.

Types of collisions

A head-on collision occurs when a vehicle hits head-on to another vehicle or a solid object front end.

Side collisions or sideswipes happen when another vehicle hits from the side.

Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle hits another vehicle from the back.

U:

Uncontrolled intersection

There are two kinds of intersections: open (uncontrolled) and controlled intersections.
Uncontrolled intersections don’t have traffic control signs or signals. When a driver approaches this type of intersection, he or she must obey right-of-way rules.

Understeering

Understeering is turning your steering wheel less sharply than required.

V:

Vapor lock

During very hot weather, gasoline can simmer or boil and turn to a vapor, creating a condition called vapor lock. Your engine stops running or locks up. If your engine becomes vapor locked, turn it off and let it cool down.

Vehicle Code (traffic laws)

A state’s Vehicle Code is a collection of laws related to the operation of motor vehicles.

Vehicle owner's manual

A vehicle owner's manual is a book that comes with your vehicle and is the guide to operating the vehicle.

Velocitation

Velocitation is a phenomenon caused by driving for long periods at high speeds. A driver may experience velocitation when coming off of the highway; the change in speed makes him or her think that the car is going much slower than it actually is. Velocitation is dangerous since it can lead you to drive much faster than you intend.

W:

Warning signs

Warning signs are road signs that warn you to slow down or watch for hazards ahead. Most warning signs are yellow and shaped like a diamond. These signs suggest you should increase your attention to whatever is in the diamond.

Work (or road construction) zone

A work zone is a highway construction or maintenance zone. Workers on the highways try hard to warn you of their presence by using orange signs, equipment, flags, and jackets. Follow the instructions and slow down as needed. Fines are usually doubled for violations committed in highway construction or maintenance zones.

Y:

Yield

Yield means let other road users go first. A yield sign assigns the right-of-way to traffic in certain intersections. If you see a yield sign ahead, be prepared to let other drivers crossing your road take the right-of-way. And don’t forget about bicycles and pedestrians!

Z:

Zero Tolerance Law

The Zero Tolerance Law specifies that if a minor has ANY detectable amount of alcohol in his or her system while operating a vehicle in public, the minor has committed the criminal offense of DUI—the minor’s drivers license is immediately suspended and the officer can take the license on site.