Traffi s
Module 1 Day 3
Texas Handbook
Spe d Se mi
Genera y, you should drive at the
same speed as the main stream
of tra ic and always be aware of
how fast you are traveling. You
must always obey the speed
limit
Spe d Se mi
A good driver always keeps a safe distance from the
car in front of them. The faster you drive the greater
the distance you should keep from the car ahead of
you. A good rule is to stay at least two seconds behind
the vehicle ahead of you. Novice drivers should
maintain a 4 second fo owing distance
Spe it
Drivers are required to obey posted minimum and
maximum speed limits. These limits are designed
to provide for the orderly ow of tra ic. During
periods of heavy tra ic, bad weather, low
visibility, or other poor driving conditions, speed
and fo owing distance must be adjusted to avoid
crashes.
Speeding is a major factor in traffic deaths and injuries. The role of speeding in crashes is
described in terms of its effect on the driver, the vehicle, and the road. Excessive speeding
reduces the amount of time the driver has to react in a dangerous situation to avoid a crash,
increases vehicle stopping distance, and reduces the ability of road safety structures (such as
guardrails, impact attenuators, crash cushions, median dividers, and concrete barriers) to
protect vehicle occupants in a crash.
Speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2023, killing 12,330, or an average of
over 33 people per day. The total number of fatal motor-vehicle crashes attributable to
speeding was 11,057. A crash is considered speeding-related if the driver was charged with a
speeding-related offense or if racing, driving too fast for conditions, or exceeding the posted
speed limit was indicated as a contributing factor in the crash.
2023 is the [Link] year with an increase of speeding-related deaths. In addition, the
percent of deaths involving speeding (29%) is above the historic low set in 2019 when 26% of
deaths involved speeding.
Speeding becomes an increasingly important factor for drivers involved in fatal
crashes as roadway surface conditions deteriorate. In 2023, speeding was a factor
in fatal crashes for:
● 18% of drivers on dry roads
● 22% on wet roads
● 32% on roads with snow or slush
● 33% on roads with ice or frost
● 38% on roads with moving or standing water
● 43% on roads with mud, dirt, or gravel
One of the reasons a driver may be cited by police for speeding is for “driving too
fast for conditions.” While driving at the posted speed limit on a dry road may be
considered safe, driving at that same speed when the road is wet or covered with
snow or ice may be considered unsafe or “too fast for conditions.”
fOLN ISC
The Texas Driver Handbook recommends the
following following distances:
● Two-second rule: For speeds of 30 mph or less
● Four-second rule: For higher speeds
● One-car length per every ten mph: For drivers on a highway
To measure your distance, the DMV suggests that you
glance at the car ahead of you as it passes a fixed object
like a sign, fence, corner, or overpass.
According to Texas law, driving too closely behind another
car is enough to get you pulled over and given a ticket.
Sign
Sign
A good driver always lets other know if
they going to turn or stop. Signaling
lets other drivers know what you
intend on doing and gives them ample
time to react. A surprise move often
results in crashes. BE ALERT. Watch
and give signals .
Alas Sl en a gi t:
1. Change Lanes
2. Make a turn
3. Pu away from a parking space
para el to the curb
4. Slow down or Stop
How Sna
You may use either signal lights or
hand and arm signals. Make sure your
signals can be easily seen by others.
Extend your hand and arm we out of
the car window and signal in plenty of
time. Signal continuously for at
least 100 feet before you turn or
stop.
Han n
Left Turn
Right Turn
Stop or Slow down
Hedh
Your headlights are designed to
provide ample lighting in dimly light
situations. It is important to adjust
your speed accordingly when using
headlights. Slow down when driving at
night and be sure you can stop within
the distance lit by your headlights.
Hedh
For your safety and the safety of others, remember to lower your
lights when you are:
✔ Within 500 feet of an approaching vehicle
✔ Fo owing closely (within 300 feet) behind another vehicle
✔ Driving on we lit roads
✔ Driving in fog, heavy rain, sleet, snow, or dust
Hedh
The time of day wi also help you
determine when to turn on your
headlights. Turn on your headlights 30
minutes after sunset and turn them o
30 minutes before sunrise, or anytime
when individuals or vehicles cannot
be seen clearly for at least 1,000
feet
Sett
Safety belts, also known as seatbelts, were designed
to keep everyone in the car safe during an impact.
The importance is so great, the state of Texas has
made it law that EVERYONE wear their seatbelts. The
driver and a adult passengers (i.e. passengers
who are at least 17 years of age) in a passenger
vehicle are required to use safety belts. Children who
are under 8 years of age are required by law to be
secured in an appropriate child passenger safety.
Sett rot s!
Although not a law, it is
recommended to have your pets
safely secured in either a carrying
case or with a seatbelt. Various pet
stores o er di erent kinds of
options to t your pets needs!