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Section B-1 GETTING FAMILIAR WITH YOUR VEHICLE
Be Prepared for the Driving Task
To help you safely prepare for the actual operation of the
vehicle, follow the tips below. There is much more to driving
than just “grabbing the keys and getting in the car.” Give your
complete attention to knowing the proper operation of the
vehicle’s equipment.
Vehicle Condition
1. Check around the outside of the vehicle. Look for small
children, pets and any other sort of obstruction.
2. Check the condition of the vehicle (windows, lights, body
damage, condition of the tires and potential fluid leaks).
3. Enter the vehicle, place the key in the ignition and lock the
doors.
4. Identify the location and purpose of all switches, gauges and
pedals.
5. Know the location of the following controls even if there is
no need to use them at the moment:
•
Horn
•
Turn Signals
• Emergency/Four-Way Flashers
• Headlights (on/off and dimmer switch)
• Windshield Wipers and Washer Controls
• Parking Brake and Release Lever
• Air Conditioner/Heater/Defroster Controls
• Gearshift Location (and clutch if manual transmission)
Seat Adjustments
Adjust the seat and, if equipped, the steering column, for the
“Proper Driving Posture”
Align your body to your seat.
• Adjust the seat to a comfortable upright position.
•
DO NOT DRIVE WITH THE SEAT IN A RECLINED
OR SEMI-RECLINED POSITION. This is dangerous
and reduces both your vision and your ability to react to
emergency situations.
Be sure you are the proper distance from the steering wheel
and foot pedals.
• The pedals must be easily reached.
• Have good clear vision through the windshield, each side
window and all mirrors.
• Your foot should move smoothly from the accelerator to
the brake while the heel is kept on the floor.
• Your body should be about 10 to 12 inches back from the
steering wheel with or without an air bag. At this
distance, an air bag would hit the driver in the chest if
there were a collision. Sitting closer could result in
serious head or neck injuries from an air bag hitting the
chin or face.
• Do not move the seat so far forward or extend the
steering column to a point where you cannot easily steer.
• The top of the steering wheel should be no higher than
the top of the shoulders.
Properly adjust seat head restraints to a level even with the
back of the head. Head restraints are designed to prevent
whiplash if hit from behind.
Mirror Adjustments
1. Adjust mirrors properly. Remember that all three of the rear
view mirrors must be adjusted so that the widest possible view
is given. Also, keep blind spots to a minimum.
• Adjust mirrors after the seat is adjusted correctly.
(Always adjust before driving.)
2. Outside mirrors should be adjusted to reduce blind spots and
provide maximum visibility.
• INSIDE Rearview Mirror: Adjust the inside rearview
mirror to frame the rear window. To get the smallest
blind spot at the right side of the car, turn the inside
mirror so that only the edge of the right rear window post
is seen.
• LEFT Side Mirror: To adjust the driver’s side-view
mirror, seated in an upright position place your head
against the left side window and adjust the left side
mirror. Set the mirror so you can just barely see the side
of your car in the right side of the mirror which is the
part that is closest to the window.
• RIGHT Side Mirror: Seated in an upright position, to
adjust the passenger’s side-view mirror, position your
head so that it is just above the center console. Set the
mirror so you can just barely see the side of your car in
the left side of the mirror which is the part of the mirror
that is closest to the window. If the vehicle is not
equipped with remote mirror-adjustment controls, you
may need assistance when properly positioning this
mirror.
3. After mirror adjustments, if you lean slightly backward and
see more than a glimpse of the rear corners of the vehicle in
your outside mirrors, adjust them outward.
4. To make sure mirrors are in the correct position, let a car
pass you on the left. As it passes out of view in the inside
mirror you should see its front bumper in the outside left
(driver side) mirror.
5. Before driving with these updated mirror settings, see how
they work while your vehicle is parked. For example, you can
parallel park along a street, then see how passing vehicles
move through your mirrors and peripheral vision. This can
help you become oriented to the new settings before heading
out into traffic.
6. Remember, even properly positioned mirrors cannot
eliminate all blind spots. To reduce risk, make a final check to
the sides before attempting any lateral moves. Even with
properly adjusted mirrors, always turn your head and check
blind spots when you want to turn or change lanes.
GETTING READY TO DRIVE