When confronted with any of the behaviors associated with road rage,
you should try to . . .
• Remain calm and do not react with similar behavior.
• Identify the location (for example: intersection, mile marker, direction the
vehicle was traveling, etc.).
• Get a physical description of the driver.
• Get a description of the vehicle (approximate year, make, model, color,
license plate number, etc.).
• Report the incident to the nearest local authorities as soon as possible.
• If you have a cellular phone, exit the roadway to a safe area and dial *55
(or 911 if you are in a metropolitan area).
DRUNK DRIVERS
If you believe you have seen a drunk driver, tell the police immediately.
You may be saving someone’s life. Helpful information to provide the
officer includes the license plate number of the vehicle,
a physical
description of the car and driver, and the vehicle’s location.
ABOUT LITTERING
Littering is against the law. It is unsightly and may
cause a traffic crash. For example, a lit cigarette
thrown out a car window can be blown into the
vehicle behind you, causing property damage or
personal injury.
If a judge finds you guilty of littering, you may have
to pay up to a $1,000 fine and/or spend up to one year in jail.
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USE SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINTS
Before you drive, always fasten your seat belt(s) and make sure all your
passengers are using seat belts or child restraints. Studies have shown
that if you use seat belts, your chances of being hurt or killed in a traffic
crash are greatly reduced.
Seat belts should always be worn with the lap belt low and snug across the
hips and the shoulder belt across the chest. Shoulder belts should never
be placed under the arm or behind the back. If your vehicle has a two-part
seat belt system, be sure to wear both the lap and shoulder belt.
Seat belts should be worn even if your vehicle is equipped with air
bags. While air bags are good protection against hitting the steering
wheel, dashboard, or windshield, they do not protect you if you are hit from
the side or rear, or if the vehicle rolls over. An air bag will not keep you
behind the wheel in these situations.
An unrestrained or improperly restrained occupant can be seriously injured
or killed by a deploying air bag. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration recommends drivers sit with at least 10 inches between the
center of their breastbone and the center of the steering wheel. Children
12 and under should always ride properly restrained in a rear seat. Never
put a rear-facing infant restraint in the front seat
of a vehicle with a front
passenger air bag.
If you need more information about child seat safety, contact: Department
of Transportation, Highway Safety Division, web site:
http://www.modot.gov/;
phone: (800) 800-BELT.
SEAT BELTS — IT’S THE LAW
Missouri law requires the operator and front seat
occupants of all passenger vehicles to wear a
properly adjusted and fastened seat belt. However,
ALL passengers accompanying an intermediate
driver license holder must be properly restrained.
CHILD PASSENGER RESTRAINT LAW
The law requires
children of certain ages, weights
and heights to be restrained by a child passenger
restraint system, booster seat or safety belt when
transported in any motor vehicle other than a public
carrier for hire or school bus.
AGE, WEIGHT AND HEIGHT CLASSIFICATIONS
• LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD — Children less than four years old,
regardless of weight, shall be secured in a child passenger restraint
system appropriate for that child.
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CHAPTER 8 — SAFE DRIVING TIPS
FOR EVERYDAY DRIVING
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•
LESS THAN 40 POUNDS — Children weighing less than 40 pounds,
regardless of age, shall be secured in a child passenger restraint system
appropriate for that child.
•
LESS THAN 8 YEARS OLD or 80 POUNDS OR UNDER 4’9” —
Children at least four years of age but
less than eight years of age, who
also weigh at least 40 pounds but less than 80 pounds, and are also less
than 4’9” tall shall be secured in a child passenger restraint system or
booster seat appropriate for that child.
•
CHILDREN AT LEAST 8 YEARS OLD, GREATER THAN 80 POUNDS
OR TALLER THAN 4’9” — Children at least 8 years old, at least 80
pounds or children more than 4’9” tall shall be secured by a vehicle
safety belt or booster seat appropriate for that child.
For more information on the Booster Seat Law refer to the Department of
Transportation web site:
http://www.modot.org/boosterseats/.
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
To avoid making mistakes, or being in a crash because of someone else’s
mistake, you must drive defensively. As a defensive driver you should:
• Keep your eyes moving. Notice what is happening ahead of you and on
the sides of the road, and check behind you
through your mirrors every
few seconds. Pay special attention to oncoming vehicles. Many head-
on collisions occur by distracted drivers crossing the centerline.
• Expect other drivers to make mistakes, and think what you would do
if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle
coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not
stop. Never cause a crash on purpose, even if a pedestrian or another
vehicle fails to give you the right-of-way.
• Do not rely on traffic signals or signs to keep others from crossing in
front of you. Some drivers may not obey traffic signals or signs. At an
intersection,
look to the left and right, even if other traffic has a red light
or a stop sign.
PROPER POSTURE WHILE DRIVING
The way you sit and hold the steering wheel affects your driving. Good
posture can help you stay alert and in full control of your vehicle.
• Sit with your back straight, upright, and relaxed against the seat.
• Move your seat close enough so you can easily reach the pedals but
far enough away that your elbows are in front of you when you hold the
steering wheel.
• Keep both feet within reach of the floor controls.
• Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
STEERING
Use a proper grip. Place your left hand between the 7 & 9 o’clock positions
and your right hand between the 3 & 5 o’clock positions on the steering
wheel. This position is comfortable and allows you to make most turns
without taking your hands off the wheel.