MOTORIST HANDBOOK AND STUDY GUIDE
State of Maine Department of the Secretary of State Augusta, Maine 04333
This booklet is prepared under the authority of the:
SECRETARY OF STATE BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES Augusta, Maine 04333
(207) 624-9000
Web site: http://www.Maine.gov/sos/bmv
| Questions on registration | EXT 52149 |
| Questions on driver license renewals and duplicates | EXT 52114 |
| Questions on license suspensions | 624-9000 |
| Questions on driving tests (Class C and Motorcycles) | EXT 52119 |
| Questions on Commercial Driver License (CDL) | EXT 52122 |
| Questions on Driver Education | EXT 52128 |
| TTY Users | Maine relay 711 |
You may call or visit any Motor Vehicle Office listed below
| AUGUSTA: 19 Anthony Ave | Tel: 287-3330 |
| BANGOR: 1129 Union St., Bangor Airport Mall , Griffin Rd Entrance | Tel: 942-1319 |
| CALAIS: 23 Washington St | Tel: 454-2175 |
| CARIBOU: 14 Access Highway | Tel: 492-9141 |
| ELLSWORTH: 22 School St | Tel: 667-9363 |
| KENNEBUNK: 63 Portland Rd Rt 1 North | Tel: 985-4890 |
| LEWISTON: 36 Mollison Way | Tel: 753-7750 |
| MEXICO: 110 Main Street, Mexico Shopping Plaza | Tel: 369-9921 |
| PORTLAND: 125 Presumpscot St | Tel: 822-6400 |
| ROCKLAND: 360 Old County Road | Tel: 596-2255 |
| SCARBOROUGH: 200 Expedition Drive | Tel: 883-2596 |
| SPRINGVALE: 456 Main St. Rt 109 | Tel: 490-1261 |
| TOPSHAM: 125B Main St | Tel: 725-6520 |
A driver’s license brings new freedom and independence – and also a solemn responsibility.
Everyone on or near the road – from the driver or cyclist next to you to the person walking on the sidewalk – is counting on you to pay attention to your driving. You must always be prepared for the possibility that you will need to stop, swerve, speed up or slow down to avoid a collision. That means you need to have your full attention on the road and always be fit to drive.
Your life, your passengers’ lives and the lives of other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians depend on your ability to drive safely. If you are impaired by drugs or alcohol, or if you’re texting or paying attention to anything other than your driving, you are putting lives at risk.
Devastating and deadly accidents are all too common, and often caused by someone who is breaking the law. What you don’t hear as much about are all the crashes that are avoided by drivers who are alert, sober, responsive and who follow the rules of the road.
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles was established in 1905 out of concern for public safety as the age of the automobile began. Today, it’s hard to imagine the dangers of that time when there were more horses than cars on the roadways. For more than 100 years, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) has been dedicated to our mission to promote safety on Maine’s roadways by qualifying and licensing drivers, along with maintaining records of driver history, vehicle ownership and vehicle registration. This manual is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and skills you need to operate a motor vehicle safely and obtain a driver’s license.
Earning your driver’s license is only the beginning, though. Please remember that the skills, behaviors and rules of the road you are learning today are more than just the answers to a test. Safe driving is a life-long commitment and one that you must reaffirm every time you get behind the wheel.
As you take your first steps toward earning your license to operate a motor vehicle, I encourage you to promise yourself that you will be fit to drive every time you get behind the wheel. We wish you success in earning your driver’s license, and enjoyment of all the freedom and opportunities that it will bring in your lifetime.
Department of the Secretary of State
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
CONTENTS
Part III: Keeping Fit to Drive
Part IV: Operating A MotorVehicle
Part V: Handling Emergencies
Part VI: Motorcycles or Mopeds
This statement is made in accordance with the Federal Privacy Act of 1974, Section 7(b). Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory and is required by 29-A MRSA ,1301(5) and (6) to apply for or renew a driver's license or nondriver identification card. Your social security number will be used solely for identification purposes and will be kept confidential.
Driving a motor vehicle on public highways in Maine is a privilege and a serious responsibility.
The ability to drive a car, truck or motorcycle widens your horizons. It helps you do your job, visit friends and relatives and enjoy your leisure time.
A motor vehicle used unwisely or carelessly, can be fatal. More than 30,000 people die each year in the United States because of motor vehicle accidents. To obtain your driver's license you must know the rules of the road and how to safely drive a car or other vehicle in traffic. But becoming a safe, intelligent driver takes time and effort, and the process really only begins when you get your license.
Maine has over 1,000,000 licensed drivers.
These restrictions are in effect for a period of 270 days from passing the road test. Violation of the conditions of these restrictions will result in a license suspension and a 270 day extension of the restrictions which may extend beyond the 18 th birthday.
The first license issued to a new applicant under 21 years of age is provisional for a period of two years and one year for persons at least 21 years old. If a person is convicted of a moving violation that occurred while operating with a provisional license, the license will be suspended for 30 days. Second and third offenses involve more severe penalties.
When you have passed the required tests, you may purchase a picture license which is valid until your sixth birthday following the date of issue of the license or your fourth birthday following the date of issue of the license if you are age 65 or older. You must show proof of lawful presence and legal residency at the time of photo license processing. If you are under 18 years of age, you must bring a parent or legal guardian with you to sign for the issuance of your picture license, which will be mailed to you after processing. You should carry your license with you when driving. You must show your license to any police officer who asks to see it. It is illegal to lend your license to anyone else.
Separate study manuals are available to use for study purposes when applying for a commercial driver's license or motorcycle endorsement.
School buses, passenger buses and motorcycles are not a separate class, but their use requires a special endorsement and an examination for the specific vehicle.
NOTE: School bus license applicants must be 21 years of age or older and have at least one year of licensed driving experience. Additionally, any individual convicted of an O.U.I. offense within the preceding ten-year period is ineligible to receive a school bus operator's license.
Mopeds may be operated on a license of any class. A motorized bicycle or tricycle may only be operated by a person who possesses a valid license of any class, a learner's permit or license endorsed for a motorcycle or moped.
Altering a License: Changing information on a driver's license carries severe penalties, including loss of license.
Lost License: If your license is lost or destroyed, you must notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to apply for a duplicate copy. Once notified, the Bureau will forward the information and material needed to process a duplicate license.
Renewing Your Driver's License: About 45 days before a driver's license expires, a renewal notice is mailed to the driver's most recent address on file at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you do not notify us of any address change, you may not receive a renewal notice. You must contact our central office in Augusta and renew your license on time. It is unlawful to drive a motor vehicle with an expired license.
Change of Name or Address: If your name or address changes from that given on your license, Maine law requires that you notify the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within 30 days of change.
Remember, having a driver's license is a privilege that can be taken away from you at any time you drive inappropriately.
The Secretary of State has the authority to impose restrictions on your driver's license when it appears necessary. One of the more common restrictions is the requirement that a licensee who has corrective lenses must wear them while driving. Restrictions apply also as to time of day and location of use. Driving in violation of any restrictions is unlawful.
The Secretary of State may require you to appear for a license examination or hearing at any time, even after you have been issued a driver's license. The Secretary may also require you to furnish a statement from your doctor regarding your physical or mental condition.
The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend your license upon receipt of a written adverse report of your driving from a law enforcement officer or other member of the public.
Any person who has signed the application of a minor for an operator's license or
instruction permit can, thereafter, file, with the Secretary of State, a notarized written re- quest asking that the minor's license or instruction permit be suspended.
The Secretary of State and the courts have a great deal of authority in suspending your operator's license. Driving is a privilege, and only those who prove themselves to be safe may retain that privilege.
Revocation: While rarely used, it means that your license and driving privilege is formally terminated and you would have to apply for a new license at the end of the revocation period.
Typical offenses requiring revocation are:
Suspension: Suspensions temporarily withdraw driving privileges. A person whose license has been suspended will not be allowed to drive until a written notice of reinstatement is received.
Typical offenses requiring suspension are:
The most commonly known tool for the control of driver behavior in Maine are rules for administrative license suspension relating to demerit point accumulation, convictions and adjudications.
The license or privilege to operate of any person convicted of eluding a police officer, passing a roadblock or street racing may be suspended for a period of up to 90 days.
Any person who is convicted of operating after suspension may have their license suspended for a period of 60 days.
Persons convicted of the following offenses may have their licenses suspended for a period of 30 days:
Using False Identification to Obtain Liquor
This law requires a court to suspend the driver's license of a person, under 21 years of age, who is adjudicated of the offense of using false or fraudulent credentials to obtain liquor or gain entrance into a drinking establishment. The court is given discretionary authority to suspend the license for 30 days for a first offense and is required to suspend the license for 90 days for a second offense and one year for any subsequent offense. The Secretary of State is obligated to impose the suspension for second and subsequent offenses. The offense will carry six demerit points
By law, the Secretary of State is required to adopt rules establishing a uniform system of assigning demerit points for persons convicted of certain motor vehicle traffic offenses.
Once certain point levels are reached (currently 6 points), a warning is issued by the Secretary of State, and if the point total reaches 12 points or more the driver's license will be suspended. Points will be erased from a driver's record when they become one year old.
When a suspension occurs, a driver is entitled to a hearing by the Secretary of State's office. The hearing examiner may continue, modify, or rescind the earlier action taken. The person under suspension may be represented by an attorney at any hearing and the hearing decision may be appealed to Superior Court.
Conviction
Demerit PointsConviction
Demerit PointEluding a police officer is a serious offense. Anyone, after being requested or signaled to stop, who attempts to elude a law enforcement officer by driving a vehicle at a reckless rate of speed, resulting in a high-speed chase between the operator's vehicle and any law enforcement vehicle using a blue light and siren, is guilty of a Class C crime. If any person suffers any serious bodily injury as a result of the operator's attempt to elude a law enforcement officer, that operator commits a Class B crime.
Increase in classification for the offense of leaving the scene of a bodily injury accident from a Class D to a Class C crime, if the accident resulted in serious bodily injury or death and the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly failed to stop at the scene of the accident.
The violation free credit system awards one point for each calendar year free of convictions or suspensions. One is permitted to accumulate up to four violation free credit points.
The Maine Driving Dynamics Course is an approved five-hour program designed to increase knowledge of driving hazards and the techniques to avoid these hazards. The focus is on the prevention of collisions despite adverse conditions and unsafe actions of other drivers. The course also emphasizes the dangers associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs in association with driving.
Successful completion of a Maine Driving Dynamics Course or other approved driver improvement course will deduct three points from a driver's point total. Anyone may, even with no record, receive credit for successful completion of this course, but points will be deducted only once in any twelve month period.
Courses are conducted by trained instructors whenever and wherever there is sufficient demand. The courses are often part of the local adult and continuing education program. For further information please call the Bureau of Highway Safety at (207)626-3840. The fee for the Maine Driving Dynamics course is $40.00.
Any person whose license has been suspended three times within a three-year period by the Secretary of State or by a court may be subject to a further suspension for a period up to
120 days.
In addition to the discretionary powers of the Secretary of State, there are certain violations which require total mandatory suspension-no exceptions, no "work" license. A few are listed below (for the full list, refer to M.R.S.A. Title 29-A).
This law requires the Secretary of State to revoke indefinitely the driver's licenses of individuals convicted of designated criminal offenses when the individuals used a motor vehicle to commit the offense and the operation of the vehicle caused, or created a substantial risk or fear of serious bodily injury. The designated criminal offenses, including convictions, are: assault, aggravated assault, elevated aggravated assault, criminal threatening, and reckless conduct. The license revocation periods are three years for Class A, B or C crimes, two years for a Class D crime, and one year for a Class E offense.
The license of any person whom the Secretary of State determines is incompetent to drive, e.g., adverse physical or mental impairments, may be suspended without a hearing, provided the Secretary of State has reviewed all available evidence.
Incompetence relative to physical or mental handicaps is determined in accordance with established rules (Chapter 3, as amended), Physical, Emotional and Mental Competence to Operate a Motor Vehicle.
Any person whose license is suspended may request a hearing, but the suspension may remain in effect pending such a hearing.
A judge has discretionary authority to suspend the driver's license of any person found in contempt for failing to pay a fine in any criminal or civil violation proceeding. A judge may order a driver license suspension for offenses unrelated to the operation of motor vehicles.
1. Who can file a request with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to suspend the license or
instruction permit of a minor?
2. The illegal transportation of liquor by a minor carries a minimum suspension of how many days?
3. How many classes of driver's license are issued in Maine?
4. What are demerit points?
5. Name the violations of traffic laws which, upon conviction, carry automatic 90 day suspensions.
Just like having a driver's license, owning a motor vehicle carries many responsibilities. Motor vehicles operated on Maine's public roadways must be registered, insured and well maintained.
A motor vehicle must have a title before it can be registered in Maine.
A title is a legal document which identifies ownership of a motor vehicle.
To prove ownership and to show any liens (debts) on your vehicle.
If the vehicle is purchased from a Maine auto dealer, the dealer will furnish you with the blue copy of the title application which must be presented at the time of your first registration. If the vehicle was not purchased from a Maine auto dealer, a title application must be completed by you and submitted with the prior certificate of
title or manufacturer's certificate of origin, properly transferred to you.
If you are the owner and have no lien holder you will receive the title. If you have borrowed money to pay for the car, the bank or credit union that lent you the money will get the title.
In a safe place; never in the vehicle
Automobiles with a model year prior to 1995, motorcycles with an engine size less than 300 cc and trailers with an unladen weight of 3,000 pounds or less.
You should make application at once for a duplicate title. Send in your mutilated or illegible Certificate of Title with the application and proper fee.
If you own any motor vehicle, mobile home, trailer or semi-trailer driven on the roadway, you must register it.
Payment of the excise tax to a municipal tax collector is the first step in registering your motor vehicle. An excise tax must be paid on all types of vehicle except semi- trailers. The amount of excise tax due depends upon the age and factory list price of the vehicle being registered. The excise tax receipt, in turn, serves as your registration application. The back of the white copy of the registration must be completed and signed before a registration can be issued. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or guardian must also sign the application.
After payment of the excise tax, your registration and plates may be obtained by visiting any of the Motor Vehicle Branch Offices listed on the inside cover of this manual or by mailing your application and the correct fee to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, 29 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333. Most Maine municipalities issue registrations and plates as well. Check with your municipality to see if they are a participant in the state's municipal agent program.
The registration fee for a passenger vehicle is $35.00. A registration remains valid for one year from the month it is issued. The fee for pick up trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 6,000 pounds is also $35.00. The registration fee for larger trucks increases with the registered gross weight.
At the time of first registration, an application for title must be submitted for a vehicle that is model year 1995 or newer.
When registering any vehicle for the first time in Maine your registration application must be accompanied by a "Use Tax Certificate". This form is used to determine if any Maine sales tax is due. Any sales tax due must be paid at the time of first registration. These forms may be obtained from any Bureau of Motor Vehicles Office or from a municipal tax collector. If the vehicle to be registered was purchased from a Maine auto dealer, the dealer will furnish you with the sales tax form, which must be presented at the time of first registration. If you have any questions concerning sales or use tax, you should contact the Sales Tax Division of Maine Revenue Service at 207-287-2336.
Maine law requires that a Maine motor vehicle registration must be applied for within 30 days if residence in the state of Maine is declared or established.
Maine law requires every owner and operator of a motor vehicle to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance and to present evidence upon request of a law enforcement officer. Any vehicle you are operating must be insured even though you are not the owner. Therefore, you should verify and carry evidence of insurance in the vehicle. Maine law also requires Maine motorists to show evidence of insurance when you register a motor vehicle.
Acceptable forms of evidence of insurance include: a motor vehicle insurance card, a letter from an insurance company, or agent that the vehicle is covered by a liability insurance policy, an insurance binder or an insurance policy that has a summary document that describes the vehicle insured, the name of the insured, the amount of insurance (must meet Maine's minimum liability requirements), the type of insurance coverage and the period the vehicle is covered (effective and expiration dates) to either the municipal agent or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Failure to produce evidence of insurance when required can result in a charge of uninsured operation and suspension of license and registration privileges. If you are adjudicated of failure to produce evidence of insurance, you will be required to file proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 insurance certificate or face suspension of your license and registration privileges. It is a crime to display evidence of insurance that is fictitious or altered.
If an uninsured motorist causes an injury or property damage of $1000 or more, they may not operate a vehicle until proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance have been shown. In addition, if a court judgment is obtained, driving and registration privileges are suspended until such judgment is satisfied.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage: By law, all automobile liability policies written in Maine include "uninsured motorist" coverage. This protects the insured for bodily injury damages up to the limits of the Maine Financial Responsibility Law with higher limits optional.
Assigned Risk: Any individual unable to procure insurance coverage through regular channels for whatever reasons, can obtain coverage through the Maine Automobile Insurance Plan. All insurance companies selling automobile insurance in Maine are required by law, to participate in this shared market.
All motor vehicles bearing a Maine registration must have a current Maine inspection before being operated on any public way. These inspections must be done at an official inspection station once a year. Check with any of these stations for details. Failure to have a current inspection sticker could mean a fine and loss of points on your driver's license. Motorcycles must have a valid inspection sticker. A police officer may conduct a vehicle safety inspection at any time. In fact, Maine occasionally uses legal road blocks for just that purpose.
These are the major items that are subject to examination which must meet State inspection standards before your vehicle can pass inspection:
Ensuring that your car is in proper working order may help you to avoid an accident or breakdown. A car in good shape can give you an extra safety margin when you need it.
While you may need a mechanic to correct the problem, you can perform the safety check yourself.
Make note of the condition of the following items whenever you drive:
On a regular basis, you should also check or have checked:
Maintaining your vehicle with frequent oil changes (every 3,000 - 5,000 miles) and engine tune-ups (10,000 - 15,000 miles) will serve as prevention against many common motor vehicle problems as well as maximize your car's performance.
It is advisable to equip your car with the following items in the event of a breakdown or emergency.
Part II - Practice Questions:
1. What is a title and how do you apply for one?
2. How often should I have my vehicle inspected?
3. What tax must be paid prior to registering a motor vehicle?
4. Will I need liability insurance when I register my motor vehicle?
5. Where and how do I register my motor vehicle?
6. What are some of the emergency supplies I should have in my vehicle at all times?
Driving is one of the most complex things that people do. To do it well takes a lot of skill and judgment. When you are a new driver, it takes all the ability you have. If anything happens to lower your ability, you cannot drive well. Your ability to drive is affected by:
When learning to drive in Maine, one of the most important things to bear in mind is this: OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE IN MAINE IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT - those who fail to drive in a safe and prudent manner will be denied that privilege. In other words - if you misbehave behind the wheel, you WILL BE SEVERELY PENALIZED.
Alcohol is a drug. It is the most used and abused drug in America today; alcohol can and has ruined the lives of untold millions. If you have been drinking DON'T DRIVE. If you are driving DON'T DRINK!
In order to discourage drinking and driving, Maine has enacted one of the nation's toughest operating under the influence (OUI) laws. In fact, the chance of arrest and punishment is higher in Maine than in most other states!
The following chapter is a summary of Maine's tough OUI law; alcohol's relative cost and its effects on you and your driving; as well as a SPECIAL NOTICE TO TEENAGERS AND YOUNG ADULTS.
Driving an automobile is not as easy nor as carefree a task as many would have you believe. Driving requires constant decision making and is, by its very nature, difficult and dangerous. Good Driving Requires:
Drive too fast or too slow for prevailing conditions;
Fail to dim headlights for oncoming traffic;
Pass improperly - leaving insufficient clearance, taking too long, or swerving too much;
Make frequent lane changes;
Fail to remain in the center of the lane;
Overshoot and/or disregard traffic signals;
Lose alertness and adaptability in emergencies; and
Take too long to brake.
WARNING: Worse yet, as your sight, reflexes, coordination and judgment diminish with each sip of alcohol, you become less and less aware of it. You even develop a false sense of well-being and confidence. In short, you become a menace to yourself and everyone else on or near a highway and you don't even know it!!
Your likelihood of a car crash increases with each drink! Your chances of an accident increase:
Alcohol Level (See Page 21)
0.05grams . 1 times
0.10grams . 6 times
0.15grams . 25 times
Over 50% of all fatally injured drivers have an alcohol level of .06 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath.
Beer vs. booze . Some people think that if they drink beer they are consuming less alcohol than those who drink mixed drinks. They are wrong! There is approximately the same amount of alcohol in a 12 oz. can of beer as there is in a 1 oz. shot of 100 proof hard liquor or 4 oz. glass of table wine (or a 10 oz. wine cooler).
"People get drunk only from switching drinks." WRONG! Actually, switching doesn't usually make much of a difference. People get drunk from drinking too much. Period!
"People are friendlier when they have been drinking." WRONG! Statistics show that roughly one-half of all murders are alcohol-related, as are one-third of all suicides.
"Few women abuse alcohol" WRONG! Alcohol abuse does not discriminate. Women are just as likely to abuse alcohol as men.
Sobering up. Because everyone's liver oxidizes alcohol at a constant rate, nothing but time will sober you up. Drinking black coffee, taking a cold shower or exercising will only result in a wide awake, wet or sweating drunk!
The word "drug" commonly refers to prescription medications, over-the-counter remedies, as well as illegal substances. The use of an over-the-counter medication or a prescription drug does not constitute a defense in court. When alcohol and other drugs combine in the body, the risk of having a traffic accident becomes even greater.
It is extremely dangerous to drive under the influence of any drug, legal or otherwise. If you are convicted of driving in this condition you will be subject to the same punishments as those for driving under the influence of alcohol. Additionally, being found in possession of illegal drugs or illegal transportation of drugs by a minor may result in severe penalties.
If you are the operator of a motor vehicle and are driving with an alcohol level of 0.08 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath, you are guilty of a criminal offense of operating under the influence (see description below). You will, in most instances, be promptly arrested and taken off to jail. Following your arrest and based solely on the police report and an alcohol level test result, the Secretary of State will immediately suspend your license. This suspension takes place prior to any court appearance, so while you are waiting for your appearance before a judge, you won't be driving!
Breath alcohol (BrAC) is simply a precise way of recording the percentage of grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath concentration. It is expressed in grams and measured by chemical analysis. BrAC is determined by the amount of alcohol consumed, the time required by the body to rid itself of alcohol, and the person's weight. The body eliminates alcohol at a constant rate that cannot be changed.
Note: Any amount of alcohol is likely to impair your driving ability.
There are two types of tests which can be used to measure alcohol level: the Breath and Blood test. These tests are designed to measure the quantity of alcohol in blood. The results of such testing may be used as evidence in court and are fully accepted in all courts as accurate. Under current Maine law, the police officer will administer a breath test (either a Sobermeter or an Intoxilizer) unless the officer determines that it is unreasonable for such a test to be administered. If the breath test is not administered, the driver will be required to submit to a blood test which may be administered by a physician of the driver's choice, if the physician is reasonably available.
It is important for Maine drivers to remember that a driver's license is not a basic "right" guaranteed under our Constitution. It is a privilege that is issued and may be withdrawn at the discretion of the State.
Stated briefly, when you operate a motor vehicle in Maine you automatically consent to a test at any time the authorities wish to administer it. You will not be forced to take such a test, but your driver's license will be immediately suspended if you refuse. The suspension will be for a period of up to six years by the Secretary of State. It is administrative - that means no court action is necessary. In addition, testimony of the arresting police officer regarding your driving performance can result in an OUI conviction even without the alcohol test results to back it up!
The law further requires any operator of a motor vehicle to submit to a chemical test to determine drug concentration if there is probable cause to believe the driver operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of a drug other than alcohol.
The administrative suspension issued by the Secretary of State remains in effect even if you are later found innocent of OUI. And if you are found guilty based on the police officer's testimony, your refusal to take a test will be considered as an aggravating factor by the judge and another OUI suspension will be tacked on, so you will have a much longer penalty than if you had taken the test.
Remember, a test can also protect you. If you are not legally intoxicated, the test will show it.
1st Court Conviction If you are convicted of OUI and your alcohol level is 0.08 to 0.14 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath:
If you are convicted of OUI and your alcohol level is 0.15 grams per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath or more; or you are traveling 30 mph or more over the speed limit; or you attempt to elude an officer of the law; or you refuse to take an alcohol level test; or you have a passenger under the age of 21 in the vehicle:
2nd Court Conviction (a prior refusal to take an alcohol test is considered a prior offense.) Upon conviction:
3rd Court Conviction Upon conviction:
In addition, all 2 nd and subsequent OUI offenders will have to demonstrate proof of liability insurance before being allowed to have their license reinstated. Maine offers an ignition interlock program for OUI offenders. Contact the OUI Section (207) 624-9000 ext. 52104 for additional information.
There are no provisions whatsoever for work or limited licenses during minimum period when suspended for OUI. Offenders are absolutely prohibited from driving!
When a person convicted of OUI applies for reinstatement of their license, they are issued a license under the condition that they not operate a vehicle with any amount of alcohol.
A suspension period of 275 days must be added to the OUI or refusal suspension if a passenger under the age of 21 was in the vehicle.
After the first OUI conviction, the reinstated license is conditional for one year. After a second or subsequent conviction, it is conditional for ten years.
A conditional licensee will have their driver's license suspended for one year, without preliminary hearing if operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol.
A conditional licensee will have their driver's license suspended for the same suspension periods which apply to 2 nd or 3 rd OUI convictions if operating with 0.08 grams or more of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or 210 liters of breath or higher.
A conditional licensee will have their driver's license suspended for a period of two years for any refusal to submit to an alcohol test, a penalty which will be added to any suspension previously handed down for an OUI conviction.
For those of you who have not reached the age of 21, it is illegal for you to consume, purchase or transport any alcoholic beverage. Therefore, you may not drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.
If you are convicted of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, you will:
Vehicle Seizure
A person arrested for operating under the influence or operating after suspension if the suspension was for a previous OUI or OUI offense, is subject to vehicle seizure and payment of any towing and storage fees as well as a fine and jail time. This means that you could lose not only your freedom, but your vehicle as well.
Moreover, a conviction for vehicular homicide in criminal court will result in an extended prison term and a revocation of your driver's license for at least 5 years. If you were under the influence of intoxicants at the time of the offense, your license will be revoked permanently.
The operator of a vehicle on a public way
is in violation of law if the operator or a passenger in the passenger area of the vehicle consumes alcohol or possesses an open alcoholic container.
REMEMBER: Any conviction of OUI Results in a Criminal Record!!
Operating Under the Influence is Costly, in Fact One Drink Over the Legal Limit Could Cost Well Over $7,000:
Special Notice for Teenagers and Young Adults
The leading cause of death for young people in the United States (ages 16 to 24) is alcohol related automobile accidents. Approximately 8,500 young adults are killed and an additional 40,000 are crippled or disfigured every year due to drinking and driving in this country.
Remember, alcohol is a drug, a drug which has damaged or destroyed the lives of tens of millions of drinkers and their families. Alcohol is the Most Dangerous and Widely Used Drug in the United States Today.
Though one or two drinks may make some people feel more lively, alcohol is a depressant and the more you take in, the more your brain is put to sleep. Once absorbed into your blood stream, alcohol travels to all parts of your body. An abusive drinker is likely to have many serious physical problems as a result of excessive use of alcohol.
Some of the most common physical problems include:
It's Okay to Say "No" to Alcohol
In fact, 1 out of 3 adults choose not to drink at all, for reasons such as these:
Moreover, you can have fun, relax and enjoy life without drinking. Ultimately, whether you choose to drink is up to you. You must however, be aware that it is illegal for you to buy alcohol if you are under 21 years of age. Furthermore, it is illegal for you to transport alcohol in a motor vehicle unless in the scope of employment or at the request of a parent or guardian. It is illegal to transport illegal drugs in a motor vehicle at any time.
If you are ever found to be operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in your blood (or refuse to submit to the blood or breath test) you will lose your driver's license for at least one year, and if convicted of OUI, receive a fine and possibly time in jail.
NOTE: With regard to Maine's OUI laws, all licenses issued to minors (people under 21 years of age) are considered provisional and subject to immediate suspension until the individual attains the age of 21.
Over half of the young people killed in alcohol related crashes were not the ones who were drinking! Protect your future.
Don't drink and drive, and Don't ride along with anyone who has.
Call a taxi - catch a bus - call a friend or relative!
Could you live with yourself if you killed or injured someone while driving after drinking? When you drive, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers, other drivers on the road, and pedestrians. You can protect your family and friends not only by not drinking and driving yourself, but by encouraging others to do likewise.
Most of what you do behind the wheel is based on what you see. Good eyesight means:
Have your eyes checked every year or two. You may never know about bad side vision or bad distance judgment unless your eyes are checked.
Hearing is more important to driving than many people realize. Your hearing can warn you of danger - the sound of horns, a siren, screeching tires. Some times you can hear a vehicle that you cannot see in your blind spots. Hearing problems, like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly that you do not notice them. Drivers who know they have hearing problems can adjust. They can learn to rely more on their seeing habits. Even people with good hearing cannot hear well if the radio is blaring. Keep the radio turned down and do not wear headsets while driving.
Remember, when you're tired, you can't drive as well as you do when you're rested. Decisions are slower and harder to make and you get upset more easily. Or worse, there's always the chance you'll fall asleep behind the wheel.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that each year as many as 240,000 accidents are related to sleepiness at the wheel. And in a recent survey, 25% of surveyed drivers reported having fallen asleep while driving, while one in twenty reported having had a crash due to falling asleep or being drowsy while driving. What's more, these crashes can be serious. In a study of fatal crashes on the New York Thruway, an estimated - occurred because the driver fell asleep at the wheel. And here's perhaps an even more sobering thought; like driving under the influence of alcohol, drowsiness severely impairs your driving ability.
Most of us believe we can control when we fall asleep. But the reality is, sleep is not voluntary. You can't shake it off with caffeine. You can't stave it off with loud music. And you can't hold it off simply by cracking the window for fresh air. Fact is, if you're drowsy at the wheel, you can fall asleep and never even know it; called "micro-sleeps," these brief naps last only four to five seconds. And when you're cruising along at 55 miles an hour, the tiniest nap can be fatal.
If you feel like you're not getting enough sleep, you're not alone. It's estimated that 30% to 50% of us aren't getting the amount of sleep our bodies require. The result is a "sleep debt" we owe ourselves. And the only way to erase this debt is to get more sleep. So don't be fooled by feeling alert just before you plan to drive, because as soon as you get behind the wheel and relax, your sleep debt may take over and put you in serious danger of falling asleep.
Everybody has a biological need for a certain amount of sleep. It's possible you may be able to get by with as little as 6 hours. But you could be someone who requires as much as 10 hours of sleep. How can you know? For starters, you shouldn't have to rely on an alarm clock to wake you every morning; if you're getting enough sleep, your brain will wake you automatically. Here's another way to tell: do you sleep a lot later on weekends or doze off when you're sitting up? If you do, your body is telling you something. And you owe it to your health and safety to listen by getting more sleep.
Here are five tips to help assure you arrive safely.
If you experience even one of these symptoms, you're only heading for trouble. Pull off the road and find a safe place to take a short nap.
Any health problem can affect your driving , a bad cold, infection, or a virus. Even little problems like a stiff neck, a cough, or a sore leg can affect your driving. If you are not "up to par", let someone else drive.
With short-term illnesses, you must decide for yourself if you can safely drive. With long-term conditions that can affect your driving, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles shares the decision. The driver's license examiner can help you decide when and how you may safely drive and whether you need any special equipment. Many people with long-term medical conditions or disabilities are licensed to drive in Maine.
Medical conditions and disabilities that are evaluated include, but are not limited to:
If your condition has changed, or you have started to use special equipment, a driving evaluation may be needed when you renew your license. The examiner will want to see that you can handle the vehicle safely.
Driving a motor vehicle is a serious responsibility and rules and guidelines alone are not sufficient to make you a good driver. While respect for the law is essential, to be a good driver you must also possess an accommodating attitude toward others as well as an ample sense of responsibility.
Traffic laws and procedures are designed to prevent accidents and to keep traffic moving. Obeying these guidelines at all times will go a long way toward making you a safe and prudent driver. There is, however, some risk involved in all driving. To minimize this risk, you should rely not only on the law, but on paying careful attention to everything going on around you.
The following sections summarize traffic laws and prudent driving practices and procedures.
Rules of the road determine where and when you can drive.
An intersection is any place where roads meet. At an intersection there are usually traffic signals, signs, or right-of-way rules to control traffic, if no police are there. An operator may not drive a motor vehicle through a parking area to avoid obeying the requirements of a traffic control device.
Steady Red: STOP. Do not enter crosswalk or intersection. A right turn is permitted, after stopping, unless posted otherwise. Vehicles making a right turn must yield to pedestrians and all vehicle traffic.
Steady Yellow: Caution. Traffic signal is about to change to red. Begin to slow down. A yellow light clears the intersection before the red light.
Green: GO. When the way is clear of traffic and pedestrians, you may go straight ahead or turn left or right where permitted.
Flashing Red Light: STOP. Come to a complete stop and go only when the way is clear.
Flashing Yellow Light: Slow down and proceed with caution. Flashing yellow lights are found at construction areas and on some vehicles as well as at intersections.
Sometimes flashing red lights mark a railroad crossing. Sometimes there are gates or barriers. Stop and wait until the light stops and barriers are removed.
The color of the lighted arrow means the same thing that it does in a traffic light.
A red light with a green arrow means you may go cautiously in the direction of the arrow, yielding to all other vehicle and pedestrians.
A steady yellow arrow clears the turning traffic at an intersection before the red light.
A steady green arrow pointed upwards means you may go straight ahead.
A steady red arrow means traffic making the turn indicated by the arrow must stop until the arrow changes to green.
When there is more than one traffic light, obey the one that is over your lane.
Lane Use Control Lights : Special overhead lights are sometimes used to indicate which lanes of a highway may be used at certain times:
Steady Red "X": Do not drive in this lane.
Steady Yellow "X": Clear this lane, signal is about to change to red.
Flashing Yellow "X": This lane may only be used for a left turn.
Green Arrow: You may use this lane.
A Stop Sign is red with white letters and has eight sides (octagon). When coming to one, stop before the crosswalk or stop line and do not cross it. If there is no crosswalk or stop line, stop at the point nearest the intersection to enable you to see approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. The stop must be made before any portion of your vehicle has entered the intersection. If it is a four-way stop, wait your turn. In any case you must wait until a safe interval occurs before moving. Pedestrians have the right of way.
A Yield Sign is a triangle. It is red and white (some old signs may
still be yellow with black letters). It means you should slow down to wait for traffic to clear on the road you are entering or crossing. Give the right- of-way to all vehicles and pedestrians.
Rectangular white signs with red or black letters contain information about traffic regulations.
You may find red with white signs at exit ramps and the beginning of one-way streets. They tell you:
You are going in the wrong direction.
A red line through a red circle means that you cannot do something.
| This sign means that you cannot turn make a U turn. | This sign means you cannot in the direction the arrow is pointing. |
If you see police directing traffic, do as they direct. Police have authority to direct all traffic and pedestrians as needed. It is illegal to refuse or fail to obey police orders. You can lose your license for trying to flee or escape a police officer. When police are not present, traffic signals and signs have the authority of law. It is unlawful to remove or deface traffic signs.
When there are no signs, symbols, or police to tell you what to do, there are special rules to follow.
Wait for pedestrians crossing the road:
Even though right-of-way rules have the force of law, a good driver never depends exclusively on them for safety. A driver who has the right of way should use it sensibly, never insist on it.
Different traffic lanes should be used for different purposes, there are correct lanes for through traffic, passing and turning.
Lanes for Through Traffic: During ordinary driving, drive in the lane that has the smoothest flow of traffic - the least stopping and starting. Smooth driving allows you to keep more distance between yourself and other drivers. It also helps save gas.
If there are three or more lanes going in one direction, the middle lane, or lanes, are
usually the smoothest. The left lane is for drivers who want to pass or turn left. The right lane is used by drivers who go slower or who are entering or turning off the road.
If a road has only two lanes in one direction, the right lane generally has the smoothest traffic flow. However, some roads have special left turn lanes at intersections. This helps keep traffic moving smoothly in both directions.
Lanes for Passing: In general, you should pass on the left. Passing on the right can be dangerous because other drivers don't expect it. Cars on the right side are also more difficult for a driver to see.
Never pass another motor vehicle on the right side except:
On any section of the Maine Turnpike or Interstate-95 that consists of three lanes in either direction, trucks, including truck tractors, but excluding pickup trucks may only operate in the two farthest right hand lanes.
Lanes for Turning: The safest way to turn is by crossing as few lanes of traffic as you can. Here are two rules to help you:
Start from the lane closest to where you want to go. If you are turning left, pull out toward the midpoint in the intersection, and wait with wheels straight until it's clear to turn. Keep just left of midpoint as you turn. If you are turning right, start from the right lane, keeping as close to the curb as possible.
1. From two-way to two-way street.
2. From one-way to one-way street.
3. From divided to divided highway.
4. From two-way to one-way street
| 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. |
 | |||
Right Turns
1. Cars
2. Larger Vehicles
| 1. | 2. |
 | |
Turn into the lane that is closest to the lane from which you came. On a left turn, turn into the leftmost lane going in your direction, whether on a divided highway, 2- way or one-way street. On a right turn, turn into the right lane.
When making a left turn from a one-way street, you must be close to the left curb or edge of roadway. If you need to move into another lane, move only after you have finished your turn and when traffic is clear.
Don't turn the wheels before you make the turn. If you are struck from behind, you may be pushed forward into oncoming traffic.
If you have already started through an intersection, keep going. If you have started to make a turn, follow through. Last second changes cause accidents. If you have made a mistake, go on to the next intersection and work your way back to where you want to go.
Many streets have signs that show what each of the lanes is to be used for:
| Cars in left lane must turn left. Cars in right lane must go straight or turn right. | Cars in left lane may turn left or go straight. Cars in center lane must go straight. Cars in right lane must turn right. |
Solid white lines painted on the roadway separate lanes going in the same direction that have different uses. Broken lines simply indicated the lanes going in the same direction.
Traffic circles or roundabouts are sometimes built at intersections of heavily traveled streets and roads. All vehicles approaching traffic circles or roundabouts must yield the right- of-way to vehicles already in the circle or roundabout unless otherwise directed by a police officer or by traffic control devices. Traffic on a roundabout proceeds to the right around the raised center island. Raised pavement on the inside of the circle enables trucks to negotiate around the small island, while vehicles stay in the outer travel lane. At large traffic circles, called rotaries, vehicles also proceed to the right or counterclockwise around the center island at a slow rate of speed until the street desired is approached. Drivers must yield the right-of- way to a vehicle on the operator's left. Exit from the circle or roundabout is then made by making a right turn. Extreme caution should be used when entering and leaving traffic circles or roundabouts and strict attention to highway signs and pavement markings is necessary.
If you are going to be turning from a rotary circle within two exits, it is suggested that you should be in the right lane (This applies unless otherwise indicated by road markings on pavement or traffic signs specifying the lane to be used.
When you park on a public road, make sure you do not get in the way of traffic. You must park parallel to the road except where angle parking lines are painted on the roadway. Leave at least two feet between your car and vehicles parked in front or behind.
Some municipal ordinances do not allow you to park:
Starting from a Parking Place
If parked on the right hand side of the road, after starting your motor, look over your left shoulder (not through your rearview mirror). When the way is clear give a proper signal, as you would in making a left turn, then pull slowly out into the street and get into the correct lane as soon as possible. Do the same from left curb, except look over your right shoulder.
Regardless of the type of street or position, always make sure that the lane which you are about to enter is free of traffic for a safe distance.
No passenger type vehicle should carry a load which extends over the sides of the vehicle beyond the line of the fenders on the left side, or extends more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side of the vehicle. You must not drive a vehicle if it is so loaded, or when there are more than 3 persons in the front seat, so as to obstruct your view to the front or sides, or as to interfere with your use of controls. Don't let passengers sit on the hood, roof or trunk of a moving vehicle.
No person may ride in a camp trailer, mobile home, semi-trailer, utility trailer or trunk of a vehicle while it is being moved on any highway.
When a passenger under 19 years of age is transported in a pick-up truck, that passenger must ride in the passenger compartment of the pick-up truck, except, when the passenger under 19 is a:
A person driving an open vehicle, including pick-up trucks, and convertibles, may not transport a dog in the open portion of that vehicle on a public way unless the dog is protected in a manner that prevents the dog from falling or jumping or being thrown from the vehicle, except; when a dog is being transported by a farmer or farm employee who is performing agricultural activities requiring services of the dog, or a hunting dog at a hunting site or being transported between hunting sites by a licensed hunter.
The key to smooth clutch operation is learning to sense the friction point. This is the point when, as you let up the clutch pedal, the engine and the transmission engage. As you continue to let up the clutch, you must match the forward (or backward) motion of the car with an increase in pressure on the gas pedal.
Follow these steps to put the car in motion:
If the car jerks forward, you either released the clutch abruptly, or you pressed too hard on the gas pedal. If the car lurches and the engine stalls out, you've not fed the engine enough gas.
Your selection of gears depends on the power and speed you need for various driving tasks. First gear gives the power needed to set a car in motion. Second gear lets you go 15 to 25 mph, depending on the horsepower of the engine and on whether the transmission is 3,4, or 5-speed. You can also use second gear to start on ice or drive in heavy snow. Third gear, in cars with 3-speed transmissions, is generally used for all speeds over 25 mph. If a car has a 4- or 5-speed transmission and a small engine, third is used at speeds up to 30 or 40 mph. Use fourth gear for driving above 35 mph on a flat roadway. When driving uphill, you may have to achieve 40 mph or more before shifting to fourth or fifth gear.
Downshifting
There are several reasons to downshift: to gain power, accelerate, steer effectively, slowing the car on a down slope (except when the road is slippery), and to slow down or stop. To shift to a lower gear, follow these steps:
Learning to move a manual shift car forward after stopping on an uphill grade takes practice. To keep the car from rolling backward:
Most of what you do while driving is a reaction to what you see. To be a good driver, you need to see well. Seeing well means:
Suppose you are the driver looking through the windshield. You are approaching the end of the lane. If you don't change lanes soon, you may have to make a sudden lane change, or stop and wait for traffic to clear.
In order to avoid last minut moves, you need to look far enough ahead to see things early. One of the most common mistakes drivers make is looking in front of the car instead of up the road. Expert driver try to keep looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead.
In the city, 10 to 15 seconds is about one block.Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead also helps you to control the car in another way. When you focus attention about 10 to 15 seconds ahead, it is easier to keep your car on a steady path.
On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about a quarter of a mile.Taking in the Whole Scene
Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead doesn't mean looking at the middle of the road. It means taking in the entire scene, the sides of the road as well. Scanning the roadside helps you to see:
If you look ahead, you will be able to see important things that you can't see later on, such as someone getting into a parked car. The car door might open again or the car might move into your lane right ahead of you.
Any time you come to a place where other vehicles or pedestrians may cross or enter your path, look to the sides to make sure no one is coming. These places include: intersections, roadside areas, crosswalks, and railroad crossings.
An intersection is any place where roads meet, so that one line of traffic meets or crosses another. It includes:
Here are some of the rules to follow anytime you approach an intersection.
| Looking both ways: 1. Look to the left first, because vehicles coming from the left are closer to you. 2. Look to the right. 3. Take one more look to the left before you pull out, just in case there is someone you didn't see the first time. |
| Make sure you look both ways, even when you cross a one-way street (Someone might be going the before you pull out, just in case wrong way). |
Don't rely on traffic signals. At an intersection, look left and right, even if other traffic has a red light or stop sign. Someone may run either one.
Make sure you have a good view. If your view of a cross street is blocked by buildings, trees, a fence or a row of parked cars, edge forward slowly until you can see.
If a line of cars in one lane is blocking your view of another lane, wait until the cars move. If you try to look by edging the front of your car into the other lane, you may get hit.
Whenever there is a lot of activity along the side of the road, there is a good chance that someone will cross or enter. Therefore, it is very important to look to the sides when you are near:
A 5-sided sign means you are in a school zone and must slow to 15 mph during recess, or when children are going to or leaving school, during school opening or closing hours ( an hour before and an hour after the beginning of the school day and an hour before and an hour after the end of the school day), or when school speed limit signs are flashing during school opening or closing hours.
School Crossing
Crosswalks
Crosswalks are special areas set aside for people to cross the street. They are often marked with yellow or white lines. There may be warning signs.
Most crosswalks are at intersections, but sometimes they are in the middle of a block.
Be alert for school crossings in the country as well as in town. You must stop when the school crossing guard directs you, and remember to always yield the right-of-way to any schoolchildren crossing the street.
Pedestrian Crossing / School Zone
Stop Lines
Stop lines are usually painted on the roadway at a distance from an intersection to give pedestrians a walkway in front of stopped cars. Stop your car before the painted stop lines.
When turning a corner, watch for people who are about to cross the street. Remember, if you have a green light, the light may also be green for them. You must wait for pedestrians in a crosswalk, marked or unmarked.
A person who is blind or visually impaired may use a white cane as a means for safe and independent travel. This person may also be led by a guide dog. In either case, this person always has the right of way. If you see anyone in the roadway with a white cane or guide dog, stop at least 10 feet away and wait until the person is out of danger. An operator who fails to yield the right-of-way to a visually impaired pedestrian is liable for a traffic infraction with a minimum $50 and maximum $1,000 fine.
Railroad Crossings
A round yellow sign with a black diagonal cross gives warning 350 to 500 feet ahead of a railroad crossing.
A black-lettered white cross marks the railroad crossing and shows the number of tracks, if more than one.
Look both ways as you approach a railroad crossing.
Check your mirror often for traffic behind you - every 6 to 8 seconds. This way you will find out if someone is following too closely or coming up too fast, and you will still have
time to do something about it. Additionally, you will know how much space you have behind the car.
You need to look behind you whenever you slow down quickly, back up, or drive down a long or steep hill.
Whenever you change lanes, give the correct signal and look over your shoulder in the direction you are about to move to make sure you do not get in the way of a vehicle that is already there. Never rely solely on your rearview mirrors.
Changing lanes includes:
Here are some important things to do when you check traffic behind you:
Look in the mirrors quickly before you slow down or stop. It is very important to do this
when you slow down suddenly.
Here are some situations when you need to check behind before slowing:
Backing is dangerous because it is so hard for you to see behind your car. Whenever you have to back your car:
Because it is hard to see while you are backing, try to do as little backing as possible. Avoid backing into traffic. When you enter a driveway or parking space, back into it unless signs forbid it. That way you will be going forward when you pull out.
Check your mirrors. Drivers of trucks and buses often try to build up speed so that they can make it to the top of the next hill. If you see them early, you can change lanes.
The three sections before this one tell you where to look. This section and the next three will tell you how to have a clear view wherever you are looking.
By law, and for safety's sake, you must be able to see clearly through the windows, windshields and mirrors. To see clearly you should:
Seeing Well At Night
It is harder to see things at night than during the daytime. But you can do some things to help you see better.
If a vehicle comes toward you with high beams on, and fails to dim the lights, slow down and look toward the right side of the road. This will keep you from being blinded by the other car' s headlights. You should also be able to see enough of the edge of the lane to stay on course until the car passes.
Do not try to "get back" at the other driver by keeping the bright lights on. If you do, both of you will be blinded.
If you look to the right you can see the edge of the lane .
Wearing Glasses
If you wear glasses or contact lenses:
Communicating With Others
Accidents often happen because one driver doesn't see another driver. Or when one driver does something the other driver doesn't expect. Drivers must let others know where they are and what they plan to do. This is communicating. It includes:
Besides helping you to see at night, headlights help other people see you in the daytime.
People cannot see you unless they are looking your way. The horn can get their attention. Use it whenever it will help prevent an accident. Horns can be wrongly used. You should not use them without cause or to make an unreasonably loud noise. Tap the horn lightly, well in advance, to warn others you are there. Try to avoid using the horn around bicycles or horses because the riders may lose control if startled. But if danger is near, don't be afraid to sound a sharp blast.
Using Emergency Signals
If your car breaks down on the highway, make sure that other drivers can see it. Some accidents occur because a driver didn't see a stalled car until it was too late to avoid hitting it.
If you are having car trouble and have to stop:
Signaling Change of Direction
Other drivers expect you to keep driving in the same direction. If you are going to change direction, let them know by signaling with the directional lights, or by hand. It gives them time to react.
Always signal before you:
It is a good idea also to signal before you:
If you do not signal, other drivers will not know what you plan to do. To make sure others do know:
Your brake lights let people know that you are slowing down. If you are going to stop or slow down at a place where another driver doesn't expect it, tap your brake pedal three or four times quickly.
Signal with your brakes when you slow down:
Distractions
We live in a 24-hour-a-day, information-driven society in which instant communications are an accepted part of life. Data shows that 91% of Americans have a cell phone, and text messaging has increased over 2,200% in the last five years!
Instant communications can make businesses more efficient, increase productivity and bring other benefits to society, including rapid response to emergencies. However, the use of communication devices in moving vehicles can distract the driver's attention from the primary task of driving and lead to crashes as critical and as devastating as those caused by impaired driving or other dangerous driving behavior.
Distracted driving may now be the single largest contributing factor to traffic crashes. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, distracted driving resulted in nearly 6,000 deaths and more than a half million injuries in 2008.
An in-cab driving study of commercial truck drivers by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute indicated that by far the most dangerous distraction observed was texting. The study revealed that truck drivers who texted while driving had 23 times the risk of being involved in a crash or a near-crash incident.
Laws that prohibit cell phone use and texting have an impact on safety, but stopping the senseless crashes and deaths that distractions can cause is best accomplished by changing driver behavior.
To manage or eliminate distractions, it's important to understand the three distinct types:
Visual distractions that cause the driver to look away from the road and view something unrelated to driving, such as billboards, accident scenes, street signs and other external stimuli.
Manual distractions in which the driver removes one or both hands from the steering wheel or other driving control to perform a non-driving task, such as eating, drinking, adjusting mirrors, tuning the radio or programming a GPS.
Cognitive distractions in which mental thoughts and feelings (anger, anxiety, worry, etc.) distract the driver and divert attention from the road.
And while the news media and regulators have focused primarily on the dangers of texting and hand-held cell phone use in moving vehicles, other types of distractions are equally dangerous. Nearly all accidents involve a combination of two or even all three types of distractions!
Short glances at vehicle instrumentation, mirrors, installed communication devices, or other technology can be done safely if these scans are limited to less than one second and are related only to the driving task. In the rush to be on time for a pick-up or delivery deadline, or to get ahead of traffic congestion, don't make the sometimes-fatal mistake of attempting to multi-task behind the wheel.
Properly used, cellular phones enhance driver safety and provide a mobile alert network for the community. To help ensure car phone users drive safely, please follow the common sense advice offered below.
A person who has not attained the age of 18 years is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile telephone or hand held electronic device. A violation of the statute is considered a traffic infraction.
Excessive Sound System Noise
A person may not operate a sound system in a vehicle on a public way at a volume that is audible at a distance greater than 25 feet and that exceeds 85 decibels or that is greater than is reasonable with due regard to the location of the vehicle and the effect on persons in proximity to the vehicle. Violation of this law is a traffic infraction and will be assessed $50 for a first offense, $100 for a 2 nd offense and $150 for a 3 rd or subsequent offense.
Adjusting Your Speed to Conditions
What is a safe speed? How fast is too fast? It all depends on conditions. How fast you can drive, and be safe, depends on:
Speed limits are posted on many roads. These limits are based on the condition of the
road, how far you can see, and what typical traffic is like. Posted speed limits do not tell you at what speed to drive. They only say you cannot go faster than the speed shown. If road and weather conditions make the posted speed unsafe, you must slow down.
Maximum speeds in Maine, unless posted otherwise, are:
Traffic experts have studied road conditions, traffic, and accidents on the road to decide on a reasonable speed limit. It is illegal to exceed the posted speed limit. Racing on the highway and driving recklessly are not allowed. Maine law also says you must not drive so slowly that you interfere with the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except where reduced speed is necessary for safety. Some highways may have minimum posted speed limits.
The only contact your car has with the road is through the tires. And, at any time, the four tires together have only one square foot of rubber on the surface of the road. How good a grip this one square foot provides depends on the condition of the road and the tires. Many new drivers do not pay attention to road conditions. That is why new drivers have more "out of control" accidents than experienced drivers. (Also check the tread of the tires. Test tread
wear as described under Owning and Maintaining a Motor Vehicle. Replace tires before they get too worn for safety.)
Curves
On a curve, speed must be slowed to keep the car on the road. About two tons of car are moving in a straight line with only the front tires to control the turn. If the curve is too sharp, or if you are going too fast, the tires can lose their grip and cause a skid. Slow down before you enter the curve so you don't have to brake in the curve. Braking in a turn can cause a skid. Bad curves are usually posted with yellow diamond shaped signs. That is,warning signs like these:
Water on the Roadway
At low speeds, most tires will wipe water from a road surface. It is like the way a windshield wiper cleans water off the window. As you go faster, your tires cannot wipe the road as well. They start to ride up on a film of water, like water skis. This is called "hydroplaning." In heavy rain, the tires can lose all contact with the road at high speeds. Bald or almost bald tires lose contact at much lower speeds. In that case, a slight change of direction or a gust of wind could throw your car into a skid. The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to be sure that your tires are in good condition and that you keep your speed down.
If the road ahead is slippery, it does not provide the grip your tires need. You have to drive slower than you would on a dry road.
Here are some guidelines for how much to slow the car:
Falling or drifting snow, wet leaves, or gravel on the road may make it slippery. Some road surfaces are more slippery than others when wet.
| These roads are usually posted with warning signs: |
You know it is important to slow down when the road is slippery. But you have to watch out for slippery roads:
If something is in your path, you need to see it in time to be able to stop. Assuming you have good tires and brakes and dry pavement the following chart should help to determine how far ahead you should see to drive safely when traveling certain speeds.
When there are lots of cars there is less driving space; therefore, you have less space to react. You need to reduce your speed to have time to react in the shorter space.
Some of the places where you need to reduce speed are:
Cars moving in the same lane at the same speed cannot hit one another. Accidents tend to happen when one driver is going faster or slower than other cars on the road.
Driving in traffic. If you are going faster than traffic (even if you are keeping within the posted speed limit), you have to keep passing other cars. Each time you pass another car, there's more chance for a collision. The car you are passing may change lanes suddenly. On a two-lane road an oncoming car may appear suddenly. True, it may not be a big chance, but if you are passing one car after another, the chances begin to add up. And speeding does not save more than a few minutes out of an hour's driving.
Going slower than other cars or stopping all of a sudden can be just as bad as speeding. Cars bunch up behind you and could cause a rear-end crash. If many cars are pulling out to pass you, and you are driving at the posted speed, you should drive slower or pull over to the right side and wait until they pass.
Entering traffic. You need skill and caution to enter a freeway safely from an access lane, and merge smoothly with the fast-moving traffic. Look for a gap, then increase speed in the entrance lane and enter the gap at highway speed.
Leaving traffic. On an expressway, do not slow down until you move into the exit lane. When you turn off a road at an intersection or driveway, try not to slow too early or go too slowly (below 5 to 10 mph). Slowing way down or stopping will increase your chances of being hit from behind.
Reacting to slow-moving traffic. Some vehicles have trouble keeping up with the speed of traffic. When you see these vehicles ahead, adjust your speed before you reach them. Slowing suddenly is one cause of traffic accidents. Watch for large trucks and small cars. These vehicles may lose speed on long or steep hills. And, when entering traffic, they take longer to get up to speed.
Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts and roadway maintenance vehicles usually go 25 mph or less. These vehicles have a red edged orange triangle (slow-moving vehicle sign) on the back.
There are many signs that warn you of danger ahead. If you see these signs, you should reduce your speed. Then you will have time to react if there is trouble.
Warning signs are almost always yellow and shaped like a diamond. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. There is a traffic signal ahead.
2. There is another lane of traffic on the right merging with your lane ahead.
3. There is two-way traffic.
4. The divided highway ends ahead.
5. The divided highway begins ahead.
6. There is a place ahead where deer often cross the road.
7. The right lane ends ahead.
8. Bicycles or bicycle crossing ahead, pay extra attention.
9. There is an intersection ahead.
10. There is a stop ahead.
When is it acceptable to park in a disability parking spot with an access aisle?
A person parking in a disability parking spot, with an access aisle, must utilize the aisle to enter or exit the vehicle. A disability plate or placard must be displayed.
Access Aisle
Parking in an access aisle is prohibited.
Misuse of an access aisle is considered a traffic infraction and subject to a fine of not less than $200.00.
For additional information regarding the issuance of disability plates and disability parking placards in the State of Maine, please contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles at (207) 624-9000, extension 52149.
You probably have noticed construction and maintenance projects on the state's public road system, work that is being done to improve and repair our roadways. Because closing a road and detouring traffic adds expense and travel time, the work must go on while traffic passes through the work site or in nearby lanes.
Flashing Arrow Panels: Large flashing or sequencing arrow panels may be used in ahead is closed. Prepare to slow down and move into the lane indicated.
Construction Warning Sign: These signs are posted to alert drivers of road construction or maintenance activity ahead. They also serve to guide a motorist safely through or around the work site. These signs are black symbols or lettering on an orange background and are often diamond shaped.
Channeling Devices: Barricades, vertical panels, concrete barriers, drums and cones are the commonly used devices to guide drivers safely through the work zone. When driving near these devices, keep your vehicle in the middle of the lane and maintain a responsible speed. As you leave the work zone, stay in your lane and maintain your speed-don't change lanes until you are completely clear of the work zone and have checked the traffic behind you.
Flaggers: Flaggers wear high visibility vests, shirts or jackets and use a stop/slow paddle and hand signals to control traffic through the work zone. Usually a flagger is stationed on each end of the work zone to let the two directions of traffic alternately travel past the work zone. Be patient and always obey their signals. They normally wear orange vests, shirts or jackets and use red flags or paddles to direct traffic safely through the work zone, and to let workers or construction vehicles cross the road. It's very important to be patient and obey their signals.
The most important thing to do when you are approaching a work zone is to "SLOW DOWN." This helps protect you as the driver and the workers who are working in a dangerous location.
When a driver makes a mistake, other drivers need time to react. The only way you can be sure you will have enough time to react is by leaving plenty of space between your car and the cars around you. That space becomes a "space cushion" which protects you from others. In general, you should try to keep a cushion of space on all sides of your motor vehicle which properly reflects existing speed and road conditions.
Rear-end crashes are common because many drivers follow too closely. When the car ahead stops, they cannot stop in time. You can tell if you are following too closely by using the two-second rule:
In some situations you should allow an extra cushion. A three to four-second following distance may be needed:
School buses and tank trucks carrying flammable liquids must stop at railroad crossings. So expect the stops and slow down early to allow plenty of room. You should also allow a space cushion when you are stopped on a hill. The vehicle ahead may roll back when it starts up.
You need a space cushion to the side to have room to react to sudden moves toward your lane by other cars.
Splitting the Difference
Sometimes there will be dangers on both sides of the road. There may be parked cars to the right and oncoming cars to the left. In this case, steer a middle course between the oncoming cars and the parked cars. Split the difference.
If one danger is greater than the other, give more room to the worse danger. Suppose in a narrow lane, there are oncoming cars to the left of you and a bicyclist ahead. In some instances an inexperienced bicyclist will be less predictable. Therefore, give extra room. An experienced bicyclist will often "command the lane" by moving further into the roadway. Motorists must yield. Slow down to avoid an accident. When it is safe to pass allow at least three feet to your right side when passing.
Sometimes you can take two dangers one at a time. Suppose there is only one oncoming car to the left and a bicyclist to the right. Instead of driving between the car and the bike, take them one at a time. Slow down and let the car pass. Then, move to the left to allow plenty of room before you pass the bicyclist.
Don't pass yet. Wait until the approaching car passes the bicycle.
Then pull out and pass the bicycle.
Keeping a Space Cushion Behind
The driver behind you has more control over the space behind you than you do. However, you can help by keeping a steady speed, and signaling in advance when you have to slow down.
If you are being followed too closely and there is a right lane, move over to the right. If there is no right lane, wait until the way ahead is clear, then reduce speed slowly to encourage the tailgater to pass.
There are certain people you should give a lot of room to while driving. If you are alert you will learn to spot them as you drive.
Drivers who cannot see you.
Someone who cannot see you may enter your path without knowing you are there. People who have trouble seeing you include:
People who are distracted. Even when others can see you, allow extra room if you think they may be distracted. People who may be distracted include:
Delivery men and women.
Construction workers.
Children who often run into the street without looking.
People who may be confused. A person who is confused is very likely to make a move without looking. People who may be confused include:
This tourist may be confused by the sign and may change lanes suddenly. Be prepared to react.
Drivers who slow down for what seems to be unknown reasons.
The driver has pulled into the exit lane and then braked suddenly. Be careful because t he car may swing back into your lane.
Drivers in trouble. If other drivers make mistakes, do what you can to help them out. Drivers who need help include:
School buses. Where there are school buses, there are usually children. And children are likely to do something unexpected.
It is illegal to pass a stopped school bus with red lights flashing on school property, on any undivided highway or parking area in Maine. If you are approaching a stopped school bus from either direction, with its red lights flashing, you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop in front or rear of the school bus and wait while children are getting on or off the bus. You must not proceed until the bus resumes motion or until signaled by the school bus driver to do so. Violations carry severe penalties.
Multi-lane Divided Highway
Motorcycles. There are more and more motorcycles on the road. They have as much right to the road as cars. Give them as much space as you would give a car. When you pass a motorcycle, give it a whole lane. Don't try to squeeze past in the same lane. The motorcyclist moves from side to side quickly, in order to see and be seen, and to avoid objects on the road.
Motorcycles give their riders no protection. This is why they are involved in nearly 10%
of all motor vehicle deaths, although they make up only 4% of the vehicles on the road.
In many motorcycle accidents, drivers of other vehicles are at fault. Drivers turning left in front of an oncoming motorcycle cause many of the accidents. They fail to see the motorcyclist or they think the motorcycle is going slower than it really is.
Wait for an oncoming motorcyclist to pass before turning left.
Emergency Vehicles. Make room for ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, and other emergency vehicles. These vehicles often move at high speeds and use lights and sirens to clear the way for themselves. At such times, this requires that you pull over to the side of the road and stop. If you are at an intersection, get out of it before you pull over. It is unlawful to follow within 500 feet of any fire truck responding to a fire alarm.
Horses and other Animals. Animals driven, ridden or led along the side of a roadway are easily frightened by passing vehicles. They are usually even less predictable than people in their reactions, tending to rear, swerve or stop suddenly when startled. The alert motorist can prevent accidents by anticipating potentially dangerous situations and slowing down and proceeding cautiously when approaching animals.
It is against the law to purposefully frighten any animal being ridden, driven or led on or near a public way.
Wildlife Safety
It happens all the time . In Maine, cars and trucks crash into moose and deer thousands of times every year. It's that big of a problem. Of course, most people are delighted to see a beautiful white-tailed deer or a majestic bull moose. But few people know how to handle a head-on encounter with Maine's largest and wildest creatures.
Collisions with deer increase in the autumn, peaking in November - during breeding season. But they can happen any time of the year.
May and June are Peak Moose Collision Months!
Collisions with moose increase dramatically in these months. Autumn incidents are also common. But don't let your guard down. Crashes happen 12 months a year.
From Dusk to Dawn
Although collisions can happen any time of the day, moose and deer are most active around dawn and dusk. They also travel at night. So be especially alert after sunset because dark colored animals can be very hard to see until they are right in front of your headlights.
Warning Signs Mean Business
The locations for Maine's moose and deer crossing signs are chosen based on where there are high concentrations of wildlife and where collisions are a problem.
"Herd" the One About the Traveling Moose?
Moose and deer often travel in small groups. If one animal crosses the road, you can bet that there are more animals nearby that may be crossing.
The Moose Standoff
If you see a moose standing in or near the roadway, use extreme caution, especially during mating season from August through October.
What if a Crash is Unavoidable?
If a crash with an animal is imminent, apply the brakes and steer straight. Let up on the brakes just before impact to allow the front of your vehicle to rise slightly and aim to hit the tail end of the animal. This can reduce the risk of the animal striking the windshield area and may increase your chances of missing the animal. Duck down to protect yourself from windshield debris.
Sharing the Road with Bicycles
There are nearly 900,000 bicycles in Maine and most bicycling is done on the roadways of Maine. As a motorist you should drive defensively around a bicyclist because the slightest mistake by you or the bicyclist, can result in death. The biggest differences between bicyclists and motorists as road users is that bicycles are less visible, quieter, and do not have a protective vehicle casing around them. This means you need to look a little harder and drive a little more cautiously when encountering bicyclists. Here are some rules to help you share the road with bicyclists.
Slowing or Stopping
Bicycle Operation
Bicyclists are vehicles and have all the rights and responsibilities of other vehicle drivers. Although a license isn't required to drive a bicycle on Maine's roadways, bicycle drivers must obey all the rules of the road. If you break any traffic laws, like riding a bike on the left side of the road, running a stop sign or traffic light you are subject to fines.
Be sure to practice on your bicycle before entering traffic. Never ride in traffic above your skill level. When riding a bicycle follow these rules:
Sharing Space With Other Road Users
When you are in moving traffic you can control the speed and position of the motor vehicle to keep a space cushion around you. When you approach a line of traffic, however, you must share space with vehicles already there. One of the biggest problems drivers have is judging how much space they are going to need.
Learn to judge how much space you must have to merge with traffic, to cross or enter traffic and to pass other motor vehicles.
Remember, when you make any of these movements you must yield the right of way to the other cars. It is your job to allow enough space to keep from interfering with other vehicles.
Space to Merge
Any time you merge with other traffic, you need a gap of four seconds-twice your usual following distance. That will give both you and the car behind you a two-second following distance. You need a four-second gap whenever you change lanes or enter a freeway from an entrance lane or merge with another road.
Space to Cross or Enter
Whenever you cross or enter traffic from a complete stop, you will need large gaps. To get moving from a full stop, you need a gap that is:
To enter a lane of traffic, you need a little more time to turn and to get up to the speed of other cars. You need a gap that is:
When you cross traffic, you need enough room to get all the way across.
Whenever you pass another car on a two-lane road you must enter a lane that belongs to oncoming cars. Therefore it's important to watch for other vehicles. Signal, then pass when the way is clear.
At highway speeds of 50 to 55 mph, you need from 10 to 12 seconds to complete a pass safely.
You must judge whether or not you have enough room to pass whenever you approach (1) an oncoming car, (2) a hill or a curve, (3) an intersection, or (4) a roadway obstruction.
Oncoming Cars. At highway speeds you will travel over 800 feet in 10 to 12 seconds. So will an oncoming car. That means you need over 1600 feet or about one-third of a mile to pass safely (use your odometer to get to know what this distance looks like). It is hard to judge the speed of oncoming cars or motorcycles one-third of a mile away. They don't seem to be coming as fast as they really are. A car far enough away seems to be standing still. In fact, it may be too close for you start to pass.
Hills and Curves. Any time your view is blocked by a curve or a hill, you should assume that there is an oncoming car just out of sight. Therefore, you should treat a curve or a hill as you do an oncoming car. This means you should not start to pass if you are within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
Intersections. Do not pass where someone is likely to enter or cross the road. Passing is dangerous at intersections, crossroads, railroad crossings, and shopping center entrances. While you are passing, your view of people, cars, or trains is blocked by the car you are passing.
Lane Restrictions. Before you pass, look ahead for road conditions and traffic that may cause other road users to move over into your lane. You might lose your space for passing because of:
Space to Return. Don't pull out to pass unless you know you have enough space to return. Don't count on having enough time to pass several cars at once. And don't count on other drivers to make room for you.
Before you return to the driving lane, be sure to leave enough room between yourself and the car you have passed. One way to do this is to wait until you see the car in the rearview mirror. When you can see the car, you have enough time to return to the driving lane.
 |
| You should not pass when there is a solid center line on your side of the road. |
Signs and Markings. Yellow road markings divide lanes of traffic going in opposite directions. Many roads have lane markings that tell when you cannot see far enough to pass.
Maine law requires that you complete a pass before you reach the beginning of a no passing zone.
You may pass if there is a broken center line on your side of the road. Pass only if there are no oncoming cars in the passing lanes.
Lane markings and signs can tell you when it is unsafe to pass. Only you can tell when it is safe to pass.
You may not pass where a yellow pennant NO PASSING ZONE sign appears on the left of the road or a rectangular white (regulatory) DO NOT PASS sign appears on the right of the road.
While expressway driving involves the same basic skills as driving on a secondary road, the increase in speed makes caution even more crucial. The severity of an accident increases dramatically at higher and higher speeds!
Traveling for long distances on straight roads may make you drowsy or unaware of what is happening around you. This is an extremely dangerous situation; concentration is vitally important whenever you are behind the wheel. Make an effort to stay alert on the highway:
1. Keep the interior of the car cool.
2. Constantly scan the road ahead of you.
3. Talk to your companion or listen to music.
4. Vary your speed slightly from time to time.
At the first sign of drowsiness, don't just sit there and try to fight it. Pull over at the nearest rest stop or service area and either walk around and stretch, take a nap, or if possible change drivers. Don't depend on stay-awake drugs which are likely to make your driving even more hazardous.
Most expressways are reached by an entrance ramp and an acceleration lane. The acceleration lane, which varies in length, enables you to get up to the speed of traffic before merging into the regular lanes. Before merging, use your rear view mirror and look over your shoulder to ensure that the way is clear.
Some entrances to some expressways do not have acceleration lanes. In this case you should stop before entering, wait for a break in the traffic and then speed up and merge. Proceed carefully as cars which are already on the expressway are traveling very fast and do not have to yield for you. Do not impede the flow of traffic by pulling into the lane before you have built up some speed.
You should be in the right hand lane at all times unless you are passing. Do not pass on the right.
Sudden movements at high speeds are very dangerous. Use your mirrors and check over your shoulder to make sure that the way is clear before passing. Mirrors alone are not sufficient due to what is known as the "blind spot". If a car is directly behind you in an adjacent lane, it will not be visible in the side mirrors. Always notify other vehicles of your intent to pass by using the appropriate blinker.
Safe passing depends on cooperation between drivers. Don't speed up when being passed. Don't cut in too closely after passing someone. You should be several car lengths ahead before pulling back into the right lane. Never cruise along in the blind spot of the vehicle
next to you.
Never stop on an expressway unless it is an emergency. If an emergency should occur, use the proper signal and pull off the pavement as far as the shoulder permits. Raise your hood to signal your need for assistance. Under no circumstance should you ever back up, walk or stand on the traveled portion of the expressway.
Get into the right hand lane well before reaching the exit. Don't slow down on the main expressway, rather, start slowing down as soon as you enter the deceleration lane and continue slowing at the beginning of the exit ramp. Slow down to the posted speed on the ramp or you may have difficulty getting around sharp curves.
Passenger cars use more than 30% of all the gas and oil used in the United States. Driving with conservation in mind will not only save you money - on a larger scale it will help minimize our country's dependence on foreign oil, reduce fuel shortages and cut pollution.
Part IV Practice Questions
If you do all the things this manual says, you may never have an emergency. But no one is perfect. Chances are things will happen that you can't expect. If you are well prepared, you will be able to react correctly and fast enough to avoid an accident.
You're in better shape to handle an emergency if you are wearing safety belts. If you wear a lap belt your chances of coming out of a collision alive are about twice as good as if you do not. If you are wearing both lap belt and shoulder strap your chances are three to four times as good.
Safety belts also help the driver control the car. Here's how:
| Your car stops but you keep going at the same speed you were traveling, until you hit the dashboard or windshield. At 30 MPH, this is like hitting the ground from the top of a three-story building. |
| If you were struck from the side, the impact could push you across the seat. Safety belts keep you in position so you can control the car. |
The only way that safety belts can do all these things is if they are buckled. There is no time to buckle them when an emergency happens. You have to do it before you start the car.
Use safety belts properly. Keep the lap belt fairly tight, but comfortable, across your lap and hips. Make sure it is below your stomach and rests on your hip bones. Adjust the shoulder strap just loose enough to let your fist go between the belt and your chest. If you wear safety belts like this, they will be comfortable, and they will give you plenty of protection.
Unfortunately, many myths and misconceptions about safety belts and their use prevail:
NOTE: Approximately 45,000 people die in traffic accidents each year. Such crashes are the primary cause of death for people between the ages of 1 and 34. Statistically, every citizen has a one in three chance of being in a serious accident in his or her life. When used properly, lap and shoulder belts can reduce the risk of a serious or fatal injury by 40-55%.
Despite these statistics, more than half of all adult Americans don't buckle up. Young people are even less likely to do so, it's estimated that less than a quarter of all teens use safety belts.
Many vehicles are now equipped with airbags which will inflate upon frontal impact. Airbags give you extra protection when the front of your vehicle hits, or is hit by, an object. You must also use your safety belts to give you full protection.
To ensure that children ride safely, remember these rules.
Use of safety belts - passengers; operators.
2. Children under 40 pounds. When a child who weighs less than 40 pounds is being transported in a motor vehicle that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with safety belts, the operator must have the child properly secured in a child safety seat.
4. Other passengers 18 years of age and older; operators. When a person 18 years of age or older is a passenger in a vehicle that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts, the passenger must be properly secured in a seat belt. The operator of a vehicle that is required by the United States Department of Transportation to be equipped with seat belts must be secured in the operator's seat belt.
Hazardous Driving Conditions
Winter Driving
Winter driving has its own special hazards which call for extra driving skills. On slippery roads, the important points to safe driving are slower speeds, gentler stops and turns, and increased following distances. The following are guidelines for safe winter driving.
Stay off the brake. If you brake hard, your wheels will lock and that makes the skid worse.
Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go. This lines the front of the car up with the back.
Turn back the other way. As soon as the car begins to straighten out, turn the wheel back the other way so that the car won't turn too far.
If you don't turn the wheel back, you start a new skid.
Continue to correct your steering, left and right, until you recover completely from the skid.
Look for something to stop you. If you can't control your car on a slippery surface, try to find something to stop you. Try to get a wheel on dry pavement or on the shoulder of the road, or slowly edge into a snow bank or some bushes.
If you have to wait for help:
Fog
The best rule during foggy conditions is to avoid driving. If you must drive, you should:
Wet roads can be as dangerous as icy roads, so always drop your speed in wet weather. You will need more distance for stopping, and you may skid on quick turns.
Roads are more dangerous at the start of a light rain when road oil and water mix to form a greasy film on the road.
Rain also creates vision problems. Be sure to keep your windshield wipers and defroster in good condition.
Make sure you are seen by turning on your headlights.
Signal all turns and begin braking well ahead so that other drivers will know what you are going to do.
"Hydroplaning", which can cause skidding, takes place when you're driving on wet roads. At lower speeds, most tires will "wipe" the road surface, the same way windshield wipers clean the windshield. But, as the speed increases, the tires can't "wipe" the road as well and start to ride up on a film of water just like a set of water skis.
In most cars, hydroplaning begins at 30 to 40 MPH and increases with speed to about
50 to 60 MPH, at which point the tires may be totally running on the water. In a bad rainstorm, the tires may lose all contact with the road at 50 to 60 MPH. If this is the case, there is no friction to brake, accelerate, or corner. A gust of wind, a curve, or a slight turn can cause a skid.
To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, you should: slow down during rainstorms, replace tires as soon as they become worn and keep tires properly inflated.
Flooded roadways are extremely dangerous to both drivers and passengers. NEVER ATTEMPT TO DRIVE ACROSS A FLOODED ROADWAY. As little as six inches of water can float some small cars. Two feet of water will carry away most vehicles. Once a vehicle floats off the roadway into deeper water, it may roll uncontrollably while filling with water, trapping the driver and all passengers inside. In the United States, nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are people who are trapped in vehicles. In many cases, victims drive right off the edge of an eroded roadway without knowing that the road is no longer there. Flooded roadways are especially dangerous at night when it is more difficult to recognize the flood dangers. If your vehicle stalls in a flooded roadway, leave it immediately and seek higher ground. Remember it's better to be wet than dead.
The fatal accident rate for night driving is nearly three times greater than for daytime driving, despite the fact that there are less miles driven at night. It's good practice to drive slower at night because overall visibility is much more restricted.
When it looks as if a collision may happen, many drivers simply hit the brakes as hard as they can. This locks the wheels and puts the car in a skid, making things worse.
Braking may be the right thing to do, but it is not the only thing to do. In avoiding a collision, a driver has three options: (1) stop quickly, (2) turn quickly, and (3) speed up quickly.
Pumping the brakes is generally the best way to stop the car in an emergency. The car stops quickly and also lets you continue steering. If you have anti-lock brakes, simply hold the pedal down firmly and let the car do the work.
Controlled braking stops the car even faster but requires more skill. You need to get a feel for the brakes and the steering. Push down the brake pedal until just before the wheels lock, or until you feel a need for more steering control. Then, release the brakes. Repeat these moves until the car comes to a complete stop.
You may not always be able to avoid a collision. Try everything you can to keep from
getting hit. If nothing works, try to keep the injury from being too serious:
Hit from the side. If you are about to be hit from the side:
Hit from the front. If you are about to be hit from the front:
To turn quickly. If you can see that you won't stop in time to avoid hitting something, turn away from it. Concentrate on the steering. If you can, stay off the brakes while you turn. This lessens the chance of a skid, particularly if you are turning onto a soft shoulder.
To be able to turn quickly you need to hold the steering wheel correctly. Your hands must be on opposite sides of the steering wheel, at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. Get used to holding the steering wheel this way all the time.
To avoid an accident, turn away from the obstacle. Once you clear it, turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to get back in your lane. Be ready to turn back again quickly. Many people steer away from one collision only to end up in another.
To speed up quickly. Sometimes it is necessary to speed up to avoid a collision. This may happen when another car is about to hit you from the side or from behind. In a car with manual transmission, you may need to shift into a lower gear and push the gas pedal to the floor. If the car has an automatic transmission, you can do the same thing by simply pushing the gas pedal to the floor.
It is illegal for an operator to read printed material while driving a motor vehicle. Printed material does not include a map or written directions to a specific location.
If you are involved in an accident:
If the accident involves any injuries, or property damage of $1,000 or more, the drivers must report it to the police or local sheriff. Failure to report an accident may result in criminal charges and a driver's license suspension.
If you are involved in or come upon a personal injury accident and no one else is on the scene, you should try to help the victims. If emergency medical assistance is already on the scene, follow instructions and pay attention to the road and traffic control officers, not the accident.
Here are some basic first-aid tips to use if emergency help is not immediately available:
Handling Other Automobile Emergencies
No matter how well you take care of your car, or how carefully you drive, there is always a chance that your car will fail and that you will be forced to deal quickly with both an unpleasant and unexpected situation. They can all be overcome or minimized if you know what to do. The following paragraphs note some of the more common car failures and how best to deal with them. Knowing what to do could save your life.
If your gas pedal becomes stuck or jammed:
If your brakes fail:
Wet brakes:
If a blow out occurs:
If your hood latch fails:
If your power steering fails:
If your engine floods:
Engines become flooded when there is too much gas in the cylinders. This condition makes it impossible for the gas to burn.
If your car stalls on railroad tracks:
If a train is coming and you are not having any success moving your vehicle, stop trying and get away. To avoid debris from any crash, leave your vehicle and head quickly alongside the tracks toward the approaching train, staying a safe distance beside the tracks and train.
If your car's engine overheats:
If your car is hot from simply being overworked, you can do several things.
If steam is rising from the hood, or your temperature gauge has reached the danger zone, pull over and turn off the ignition. Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant level. If coolant is low, add more. Do not add water, cool liquid can cause the engine block to crack.
If the radiator does not hold coolant, look for leaks in the radiator or breaks in the hoses. Attempt to temporarily repair such problems and then go to the nearest service station immediately. If you cannot make temporary repairs, or the temperature gauge remains in the danger zone, do not drive the vehicle. This could result in expensive or irreversible engine damage.
If any fuses blow:
Fuses provide the charge which makes the gauges, windshield wipers, blinkers, starter and many other parts of your car run. Your owner's manual will tell you where your fuse box is located and which fuses power which parts of your car.
If you have a fire, pull off the road quickly, shut off the ignition to cut electrical power, and get all passengers away from the car immediately. Call the fire department. Do not open the hood as you may be severely burned.
A car with windows and door closed may float from 3 to 10 minutes. The best escape route is through a window, because water pressure makes it hard to open a door. If your car has power windows, open them as soon as possible, because the water will cause a short circuit in the electrical system.
A few simple precautions will help prevent problems between cars and large vehicles such as trucks and buses. Bus and truck drivers face special challenges because of the large size and weight of their vehicles. The drivers of automobiles should keep these challenges in mind when sharing the road.
Maintaining Space
Speed Control
Turning
Passing
Blind Spots
Part V Practice Questions:
1. In Maine children and adults up to what age are required to wear safety belts or be secured in a safety seat when riding in an automobile?
2. In avoiding a collision a driver has three options. What are they?
3. What should you do if your power steering fails?
4. If your brakes become wet after driving through deep water, you can "dry" them by______?
5. True or false? Seat belts help you to stay alert.
6. Approximately how many people die each year in motor vehicle accidents in the
7. What is the first thing you should do when confronted by an oncoming vehicle in your lane?
8. When operating your vehicle on ice or snow, it takes ______ to _____ times as much
distance to stop your vehicle as it does on dry pavement.
9. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about _____ % of all
deaths and serious injuries occur in cars traveling under 40 MPH within 25 miles from one's home.
10. True or false? When used properly, lap and shoulder belts can reduce the risk of a serious or fatal injury by 40-55%.
11. What is the first thing you should do if you are involved in an accident?
12. True or false? Always contact the police if you are involved in an accident in which someone injured.
13. What is "hydroplaning" and how should it be handled?
14. Should you try to pull injured victims from a vehicle that has been involved in an accident?
This section covers basic information on motorcycles and mopeds. A separate study manual is available to prepare for a motorcycle endorsement/license test.
Definition of a Motorcycle
Motorcycle means a motor vehicle that has a seat or a saddle for the use of the rider and
is designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in ground contact and has a motor with a cylinder capacity of more than 50 cubic centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity of not less than 1500 watts. Any class of operator's license with a motorcycle endorsement or valid instruction permit is required.
Mopeds
Moped means a motorized device designed to travel with only 2 or 3 ten-inch or larger diameter wheels in contact with the ground and that; may have fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power; has an electric or a liquid fuel motor with a cylinder capacity displacement not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters or an electric motor with a
capacity under 1500 watts; and is equipped with a power drive system that functions only directly or automatically and does not require clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged. Moped does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device. Any class of operator's license, valid motorcycle or moped instruction permit is required.
Operating a Moped
Although a license or special permit is required to operate a moped, it is ridden much the same way as a bicycle. A moped may only be operated in single file and as far as practicable to the right side of the road at all times, except when making a left turn. In preparing for a left turn, look over your left shoulder to make sure the way is clear, signal and move carefully into position just to the right of the centerline of the road. The turn should be completed in this same position on the roadway entered. Once the turn is completed, look over the right shoulder to make sure the way is clear, signal and carefully maneuver back to the far right side of the road. It is advisable to read the information contained in this study guide on Motorcycles or Mopeds as well as Bicycle Driving Recommendations.
Motorized Scooter
Motorized scooter means a scooter that has 2 or 3 wheels less than ten inches in diameter in ground contact or is powered by a motor having a maximum piston displacement of less than 25 cubic centimeters or an electric motor with a capacity not exceeding 750 watts. Motorized scooter does not include an electric personal assistive mobility device. Any class of operator's license or valid instruction permit is required.
Who May Operate a Motorcycle or Moped?
Any resident of the state who has a motorcycle permit or a valid Maine motorcycle license. Any nonresident possessing a valid motorcycle license from the state or country of their legal residence.
Note: The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is the 15 hour motorcycle hands on rider course and is the only course acceptable for waiver of the motorcycle road test.
Lights
All motorcycles must have an approved headlight on while in operation. (Type approval provided by the Department of Transportation.) In addition:
Rearview Mirror
All motorcycles shall be equipped with a rearview mirror which affords the operator a clear view of the highway in the rear for a distance of at least 200 feet.
The examiner may refuse the road test for:
Road Test Information
It is the duty of the examiner to render an impartial decision covering all phases of the
road test.
During the road test the examiner will observe and evaluate your ability to operate and control a motor vehicle with sufficient skill and knowledge to be a safe and competent driver on the highways of the State of Maine, whether it be driving forward or backward, maintaining your proper lane position, turning left or right or driving straight ahead. You will also be evaluated on how well you observe and react to other road users and pedestrians, as well as traffic signs, signals and conditions. You will not be asked to do anything that is extraordinary or illegal.
The reason for road test disqualification can vary depending on road conditions, traffic and the applicant's judgment and ability to cope with situations that arise, as well as driving habits.
Road Test Instructions - Cycles
The examiner will follow you in a vehicle with headlights on low beam. Turning and stopping instructions will be relayed through the use of walkie-talkie communication devices or sounding the horn in ample time to execute the desired maneuvers.
A license may not be issued to a person unless the person presents acceptable documentary evidence of the person's residence or domicile in this State. The Secretary of State may exempt from the requirements a person who has established to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that the person is on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, the spouse or child of a person on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or a student enrolled in a university, college or school within the State.
Acceptable documentary evidence of a person's residence or domicile in this State must include the Applicant's name and the address of the person's residence or domicile in the State. A post office box or other mail drop address is not sufficient. Acceptable documentary evidence includes, but is not limited to:
A person who is unable to provide acceptable documentary evidence as outlined above, may meet the requirements of the statute by either:
An applicant who supplies false information pursuant to this statute makes a material misstatement of fact described in MRSA 29-A Section 2103 and is subject to the penalties under that section.
You cannot obtain or renew a driver's license or non-driver identification card unless you provide acceptable valid documentary evidence of legal presence in the United States. To establish evidence of legal presence you must present a legible, unexpired, valid document from the list as follows:
A. Birth Certificate - must be a certified copy from a State Office of Vital Statistics or equivalent agency showing the individual was born in:
B. Passport or Passport Card from the United States
C. Consular of Report of Birth Abroad, Certificate of Report of Birth or Certification of Report of Birth
D. Certificate of Naturalization,
E. Certificate of U.S. Citizenship,
F. United States Citizen Identification Card,
G. Identification Card for Resident Citizen in the U.S., H. American Indian Card, or
I. Northern Mariana Identification Card.
Acceptable alternative documents for a person born in the United States may include:
Persons born outside the United States claiming citizenship through one United States citizen parent may present:
Persons born outside the United States claiming citizenship through two United States citizen parents may present:
Non Citizen . A person not claiming citizenship may present the following documents to establish evidence of legal presence in the United States:
A driver's license or non-driver identification card issued to a non-citizen may be issued for a period of time less than the terms described in statute.
Copyright © 2015
All rights reserved.
