New Hampshire Driver Manual i
6WDWHRI1HZ+DPSVKLUH
DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
MESSAGE FROM THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Driving a motor vehicle on New Hampshire roadways is a privilege and as motorists, we all share the responsibility for safe roadways. Safe drivers and safe vehicles make for safe roadways and we are pleased to provide you with this driver manual to assist you in learning New Hampshire’s motor vehicle laws, rules of the road, and safe driving guidelines, so that you can begin your journey of becoming a safe driver.
The information in this manual will not only help you navigate through the process of obtaining a New Hampshire driver license, but it will highlight safe driving tips and techniques that can help prevent accidents and may even save a life.
One of your many responsibilities as a driver will include being familiar with the New Hampshire motor vehicle laws. This manual includes a review of the laws, rules and regulations that directly or indirectly affect you as the operator of a motor vehicle.
Driving is a task that requires your full attention. As a New Hampshire driver, you should be prepared for changes in the weather and road conditions, which can be a challenge even for an experienced driver. This manual reviews driving emergencies and actions that the driver may take in order to avoid a major collision. No one knows when an emergency situation will arise and your ability to react to a situation depends on your alertness. Many factors, such as impaired vision, fatigue, alcohol or drugs will impact your ability to drive safely. Please review the manual carefully to learn how to identify and avoid such impairments.
No one wants to become involved in an automobile crash, yet every year the Division of Motor Vehicles processes over 40,000 crash reports. The safest drivers are those who are always alert and attentive to their driving.
As a driver, you will share the road with not only other vehicles but also pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcycles, and drivers with different skill levels and habits. While you cannot anticipate their actions, this manual will prepare you to handle a variety of emergency situations. Please review it carefully.
Thank you for taking the first steps towards becoming a safe driver.
NH Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles
New Hampshire Driver Manual ii
SECTION 1 DRIVING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE ...... 1 About This Manual ...... 1 New Hampshire Laws ...... 1 Licensing Requirements ...... 1 New Residents to NH ...... 1 Out-of-State Drivers Driving in NH ...... 1 Practice Driving ...... 2 Required Driver License Tests ...... 2 What To Bring To The Tests ...... 3 Parental Consent ...... 3 Organ Donation Giving the Gift of LIfe ...... 3 SECTION 2 DRIVER LICENSE AND NON-DRIVER ID INFORMATION ...... 4 Types of Driver Licenses ...... 4 License restrictions ...... 4 REAL ID ...... 4 Non-Driver Identification Cards ...... 5 Out of State Driver License ...... 5 Driver License Renewal ...... 5 Youth Operator “Under 20” Law ...... 5 Loss of Driving Privileges ...... 6 Habitual offenders ...... 6 SECTION 3 DANGEROUS DRIVING ...... 7 Vision ...... 7 Fatigue ...... 7 Driver Distractions ...... 7 Aggressive Driving ...... 8 Alcohol, Other Drugs and Driving ...... 8 Emotions ...... 9 SECTION 4 BEFORE DRIVING ...... 11 Vehicle Inspection ...... 11 Adjusting Seat ...... 11 Adjusting Vehicle Mirrors...... 11 Using Safety Belts ...... 11 Child Passenger Safety Laws ...... 12 Motorcycle Helmet Use ...... 12 Air Bags ...... 12 Securing A Load ...... 12 Towing a Trailer ...... 12 Snow and Ice Removal ...... 13 SECTION 5 BASIC DRIVING ...... 14 Steering ...... 14 Yielding Right-of-Way ...... 14 Speed Management ...... 14 Communicating and Signaling...... 15 Stopping Distance ...... 15 Changing Lanes ...... 16 Passing ...... 16 Backing ...... 17 Adjusting To Roadway Conditions ...... 17
New Hampshire Driver Manual iii
Rural Road Driving ...... 17 Night Driving ...... 18 Vehicle Warning Systems ...... 18 SECTION 6 RULES OF THE ROAD ...... 20 New Hampshire Rules of the Road ...... 20 Traffic Control Devices ...... 20 Traffic Signs ...... 20 Warning Signs ...... 21 Regulatory Signs ...... 22 Route Number Signs ...... 22 Guide Signs ...... 22 Railroad Crossing Warning Signs ...... 22 Work Zone Signs ...... 23 Pavement Markings ...... 23 SECTION 7 GENERAL DRIVING AND PARKING ...... 25 Toll Roads ...... 25 Turning and U-Turns ...... 25 Reversing Direction ...... 25 Intersections ...... 26 Multi-lane Roundabouts (Traffic Circles) ...... 27 Rules for School Buses ...... 27 Parking ...... 27 Perpendicular and Angle Parking ...... 29 Parallel Parking ...... 29 SECTION 8 DRIVING SAFELY ...... 30 Safe Driving Tips ...... 30 Visual Search ...... 30 Space Management ...... 30 SECTION 9 ACCIDENTS AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ...... 32 Accident procedures ...... 32 Financial Responsibility ...... 32 SECTION 10 DRIVING EMERGENCIES...... 34 Braking ...... 34 Swerving ...... 34 Accelerating ...... 34 Dealing with Skids ...... 34 Uneven Surface Drop-Offs ...... 34 Vehicle Malfunctions ...... 34 SECTION 11 SHARING THE ROAD ...... 36 Pedestrians ...... 36 Bicyclists ...... 36 Motorcycles ...... 37 Slow Moving Vehicles ...... 37 Interacting with Large Trucks and Commercial Vehicles ...... 38 Emergency Vehicles ...... 39 Police/Traffic Stops ...... 40 Work Zones ...... 40 SECTION 12 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE ...... 42
New Hampshire Driver Manual iv
6(&7,21 DRIVING IN NEW HAMPSHIRE 'ULYHU HGXFDWLRQ FRPELQHG ZLWK LQYROYHG DQG VXSSRUWLYH SDUHQWV RU JXDUGLDQV SURYLGHV WKH IXQGDPHQWDOEDVHWKDW1HZ+DPSVKLUH¶V\RXQJ $%2877+,60$18$/$%2877+,60$18$/ GULYHUVQHHGWREHFRPHVXFFHVVIXOVDIHGULYHUV 7KLVPDQXDOLVLQWHQGHGWRDVVLVWDSHUVRQZKR Requirements of Driver Education: LVOHDUQLQJKRZWRGULYH(DFKVHFWLRQVKRXOGEH x KRXUV RI FODVVURRP LQVWUXFWLRQ ZLWK D VWXGLHG DQG DSSOLHG LQ FRQMXQFWLRQ ZLWK WUDLQLQJ FHUWLILHGGULYHUHGXFDWLRQLQVWUXFWRU DQG SUDFWLFH RXW RQ WKH URDG ZLWK D GULYHU x KRXUV RI SUDFWLFH GULYLQJ ZLWK D FHUWLILHG HGXFDWLRQ LQVWUXFWRU RU D OLFHQVHG UHVSRQVLEOH GULYHUHGXFDWLRQLQVWUXFWRU DGXOW DJH \HDUV RU ROGHU 0RWRU YHKLFOH x KRXUVRIGULYLQJREVHUYDWLRQZLWKDFHUWLILHG GULYHUV VKRXOG XVH WKLV PDQXDO WR EHFRPH GULYHUHGXFDWLRQLQVWUXFWRU IDPLOLDU ZLWK 1HZ +DPSVKLUH UXOHV DQG ODZV x KRXUV RI DGGLWLRQDO VXSHUYLVHG GULYLQJ 7KLVPDQXDOPD\DOVREHXVHGDVDUHVRXUFHWR WLPH ZLWK D SDUHQW JXDUGLDQ RU RWKHU UHYLHZHYHU\GD\GULYLQJKDELWV UHVSRQVLEOHDGXOWLQZKLFKKRXUVPXVWEH FRPSOHWHGDWQLJKW 1(:+$036+,5(/$:61(:+$036+,5(/$:6 1(:5(6,'(176721+1(:5(6,'(176 72 1+ 3OHDVH WDNH WLPH WR UHYLHZ 1HZ +DPSVKLUH¶V PRWRUYHKLFOHODZV5HIHUWRWKH5HYLVHG6WDWXWHV 1HZUHVLGHQWVWR1HZ+DPSVKLUHKDYHXSWR $QQRWDWHG 56$V VHFWLRQV WKURXJK GD\VWRREWDLQDGULYHUOLFHQVHDIWHUPRYLQJLQWR XQGHU 7LWOH 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV $OVR UHYLHZ WKH WKH6WDWH 1HZ+DPSVKLUH'HSDUWPHQWRI6DIHW\'LYLVLRQRI 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV UXOHV DQG RWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ One License Concept: 6WDWHRI1HZ+DPSVKLUH FRQWDLQHGRQRXUZHEVLWHDWZZZQKJRYGPY ODZ56$ UHTXLUHVWKDWQHZUHVLGHQWVWR1+ VXUUHQGHU DOO YDOLG GULYHU OLFHQVHV LVVXHG E\ DQ\ /,&(16,1*5(48,5(0(176/,&(16,1*5(48,5(0(176 RWKHU MXULVGLFWLRQ ZKHQ DSSO\LQJ IRU D 1HZ +DPSVKLUHGULYHUOLFHQVH Driver Education:6WDWHRI1HZ+DPSVKLUHODZ 56$ UHTXLUHVWKDWDOOLQGLYLGXDOVRU $Q DSSOLFDWLRQ IRU GULYHU OLFHQVH ZLOO QRW EH \HDUV RI DJH ZLVKLQJ WR DSSO\ IRU D GULYHU DFFHSWHG LI WKH GULYHU¶V SULYLOHJHV DUH XQGHU OLFHQVH WR KDYH ILUVW FRPSOHWHG DQ DSSURYHG VXVSHQVLRQRUUHYRFDWLRQLQDQ\RWKHUVWDWHXQWLO GULYHUHGXFDWLRQSURJUDP2YHUVWXGHQWV WKHGULYHU¶VSULYLOHJHVDUHUHLQVWDWHG SDUWLFLSDWH LQ GULYHU HGXFDWLRQ HYHU\ \HDU WKURXJK 6WDWH DSSURYHG GULYLQJ VFKRROV 7KH 7KHIROORZLQJGULYHUVDUHH[HPSWIURPREWDLQLQJ 1HZ +DPSVKLUH 'LYLVLRQ RI 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV D1HZ+DPSVKLUH'ULYHU/LFHQVH 'ULYHU (GXFDWLRQ 6HFWLRQ LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU HQVXULQJ WKDW HDFK RI WKHVH VWXGHQWV LV WUDLQHG x 1RQUHVLGHQWV ZKR KROG D YDOLG OLFHQVH IURP XVLQJ WKH VWDQGDUGV WKDW WKH 6WDWH RI 1HZ WKHLUKRPHVWDWH +DPSVKLUH KDV HVWDEOLVKHG ZLWKLQ ODZ DQG DGPLQLVWUDWLYHUXOH x 0HPEHUVRIWKH86PLOLWDU\VWDWLRQHGLQ1HZ +DPSVKLUHZKRKROGDYDOLGOLFHQVHIURPWKHLU $GGLWLRQDOLQIRUPDWLRQRQGULYHUHGXFDWLRQLQ KRPHVWDWH RU 1HZ+DPSVKLUHLVDYDLODEOHRQWKH'LYLVLRQRI 0RWRU9HKLFOH¶VZHEVLWH x )RUHLJQFLWL]HQVYLVLWLQJWKH8QLWHG6WDWHVDV KWWS QKJRYVDIHW\GPYGULYHUHGLQGH[KWPORU D WRXULVW DQG KROG D YDOLG OLFHQVH IURP WKHLU E\FDOOLQJWKH'ULYHU(GXFDWLRQ6HFWLRQDW KRPHFRXQWU\
1HZ+DPSVKLUH'ULYHU0DQXDO
2872)67$7('5,9(56 x $XWRPDWHG .QRZOHGJH 7HVW 7KH '5,9,1*,11+ NQRZOHGJHWHVWFRQVLVWVRIPXOWLSOHFKRLFH TXHVWLRQVSHUWDLQLQJWRWKHUXOHVRIWKHURDG 1RQUHVLGHQW GULYHUV PXVW KDYH D YDOLG RXWRI DQGJHQHUDOGULYLQJFRQGLWLRQV7HVWHUVKDYH VWDWH GULYHU OLFHQVH ZKLOH WUDYHOOLQJ LQ 1HZ PLQXWHVWRFRPSOHWHWKHWHVW7KHWHVWLV +DPSVKLUH RU PXVW EH DW OHDVW ò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ò\HDUVRIDJHZKRGRHVQRW FXVWRPHU VHUYLFH UHSUHVHQWDWLYH SULRU WR SRVVHVVDGULYHUOLFHQVHWRGULYHDPRWRUYHKLFOH WDNLQJ WKH WHVW LI KHVKH ZLVKHV WR WDNH ZKLOH EHLQJ WDXJKW WR GULYH ZKHQ DFFRPSDQLHG DGYDQWDJHRIWKLVIHDWXUH$XWRPDWHGWHVWLQJ E\ D FHUWLILHG GULYLQJ LQVWUXFWRU SDUHQW OHJDO LVDOVRDYDLODEOHLQWKHIROORZLQJODQJXDJHVLQ JXDUGLDQ RUDUHVSRQVLEOHDGXOWZKRLV\HDUV ERWKZULWWHQDQGDXGLEOHIRUPDWV RI DJH RU ROGHU DQG ZKR LV D OLFHQVHG GULYHU x (QJOLVK 7KLVH[FHSWLRQGRHVQRWDSSO\WRSHUVRQVZKRVH x $PHULFDQ6LJQ/DQJXDJH $6/ GULYLQJ SULYLOHJHV KDYH EHHQ VXVSHQGHG RU x )UHQFK UHYRNHGLQWKLVRUDQ\RWKHUVWDWH x 6SDQLVK x 3RUWXJXHVH 5(48,5(''5,9(5/,&(16(7(6765(48,5(''5,9(5/,&(16(7(676 x $UDELF x )DUVL ,QRUGHUWRREWDLQDQRSHUDWRUQRQFRPPHUFLDO x 0DQGDULQ&KLQHVH GULYHU OLFHQVH DQ DSSOLFDQW LV UHTXLUHG WR VXFFHVVIXOO\SDVVDOOWKUHHRIWKHIROORZLQJWHVWV x 5RDG 7HVW 7KH RQURDG WHVW LV D FRPSUHKHQVLYH WHVW RI GULYLQJ VNLOOV x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³%´UHVWULFWLRQIRUFRUUHFWLYHOHQVHVZLOO KDQGOLQJWKHYHKLFOHLQWUDIILFGULYLQJKDELWV EHSODFHGRQWKHDSSOLFDQW¶VOLFHQVH ZRUNLQJ NQRZOHGJH DQG XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI WUDIILF VLJQV DQG UXOHV RI WKH URDG 7KH ,I WKH YLVLRQ WHVW LV QRW SDVVHG DQ H\H DYHUDJH WHVW ZLOO WDNH DSSUR[LPDWHO\ H[DPLQDWLRQ FRQWDLQLQJ D GRFWRU¶V PLQXWHV $SSOLFDQWV DUH UHTXLUHG WR UHFRPPHQGDWLRQ RI YLVXDO FDSDELOLW\ ZLOO EH GHPRQVWUDWH WKHLU DELOLW\ WR GULYH D PRWRU UHTXLUHG EHIRUH DGGLWLRQDO GULYHU OLFHQVH YHKLFOHZLWKJRRGFRQWURO1RSHUVRQH[FHSW WHVWLQJFDQEHFRPSOHWHG 1HZ+DPSVKLUH'ULYHU0DQXDO
WKH DSSOLFDQW DQG WKH DXWKRUL]HG 'LYLVLRQ RI RUJDQDQGWLVVXHGRQRU$SSOLFDQWVPD\FKRRVH 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV /LFHQVLQJ ([DPLQHU PD\ EH WR UHYRNH RU FKDQJH WKHLU GHVLJQDWLRQ DW DQ\ SUHVHQWLQWKHYHKLFOHGXULQJWKHURDGWHVW WLPH E\ VXEPLWWLQJ D 5HFRUG &KDQJH 5HTXHVW IRUPLQSHUVRQDWDQ\'09RIILFH Pass/Fail of Tests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¶V GHFLVLRQ WR x $OOGULYHUOLFHQVHVLVVXHGE\DQ\VWDWH GRQDWH PD\ EH KRQRUHG7KH '09 LV FXUUHQWO\ x 3URRI RI LGHQWLW\ DQG UHVLGHQF\ 3OHDVH YLVLW ZRUNLQJZLWK WKH1HZ(QJODQG'RQRU6HUYLFHV RXU ZHEVLWH IRU D FRPSOHWH OLVW RI UHTXLUHG 3OHDVH YLVLW WKHLU ZHEVLWH DW GRFXPHQWVDWZZZQKJRYGPY KWWS ZZZGRQDWHOLIHQHZHQJODQGRUJ IRU PRUH x $YHKLFOHWKDWLVOHJDOO\UHJLVWHUHGLQVSHFWHG LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WKH 1HZ +DPSVKLUH 'RQRU DQG LQ VDIH UXQQLQJ FRQGLWLRQ 7KH YHKLFOH 5HJLVWU\DQGWKHFKRLFHWR*LYHWKH*LIWRI/LIH PXVW EH WKH SURSHU FODVV IRU WKH W\SH RI OLFHQVHEHLQJWHVWHGIRU x $OLFHQVHGGULYHUWRGULYHWKHWHVWYHKLFOHWR DQG IURP WKH WHVWLQJ VLWH 7KDW SHUVRQ LV UHTXLUHG WR UHPDLQ DW WKH WHVW VLWH XQWLO WKH URDGWHVWKDVEHHQFRPSOHWHG
3$5(17$/&216(173$5(17$/&216(17
1HZ+DPSVKLUHODZVWDWHVWKDWQRSHUVRQXQGHU WKH DJH RI \HDUV VKDOO EH LVVXHG D GULYHU¶V OLFHQVH XQOHVV WKH SHUVRQ¶V IDWKHU PRWKHU RU JXDUGLDQ RU LQ WKH HYHQW WKHUH LV QR SDUHQW RU JXDUGLDQ DQRWKHU UHVSRQVLEOH DGXOW JLYHV ZULWWHQ SHUPLVVLRQ IRU WKH LVVXDQFH RI VXFK OLFHQVHLQVXUDQFHFRYHUDJHLVSUHVHQWHGDWWKH WLPH RI DSSOLFDWLRQ RU WKH SHUVRQ XQGHU LV HPDQFLSDWHGE\PDUULDJH
25*$1'21$7,21 *,9,1*7+(*,)72)/,)(
(YHU\WLPHDSHUVRQDSSOLHVIRUDGULYHUOLFHQVH RU QRQGULYHU LGHQWLILFDWLRQ FDUG WKH\ DUH JLYHQ WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR GHVLJQDWH FRQVHQW WR EH DQ
1HZ+DPSVKLUH'ULYHU0DQXDO
6(&7,21 /,&(16(5(675,&7,216/,&(16( 5(675,&7,216 DRIVER LICENSE AND NON- 8QGHUVRPHFRQGLWLRQVDGULYHUOLFHQVHPXVWEH DRIVER ID INFORMATION UHVWULFWHG6XFKUHVWULFWLRQVLQFOXGH 7<3(62)'5,9(5/,&(16(67<3(62)'5,9(5/,&(16(6 x % &RUUHFWLYH/HQVHV x & 0HFKDQLFDO$LG 1HZ +DPSVKLUH LVVXHV VHYHUDO W\SHV RI GULYHU x ' 3URVWKHWLF$LG OLFHQVHVWKDWLQFOXGH x ( $XWRPDWLF7UDQVPLVVLRQ x ) 2XWVLGH0LUURU x &ODVV $ $Q\FRPELQDWLRQRIYHKLFOHVZLWKD x * 'D\OLJKW2QO\ *9:5 RI RU PRUH SRXQGV SURYLGHG x ,,' ,JQLWLRQ,QWHUORFN'HYLFH WKH*9:5RIWKHYHKLFOH V EHLQJWRZHGLVLQ x 57: 5HVWULFWHGWR:KHHO0RWRUF\FOH H[FHVVRISRXQGV x &ODVV% $Q\VLQJOHYHKLFOHZLWKD*9:5RI 7KHUH DUH DGGLWLRQDO UHVWULFWLRQV DQG RU PRUH SRXQGV RU DQ\ VXFK YHKLFOH HQGRUVHPHQWVIRUD&RPPHUFLDO'ULYHU/LFHQVH WRZLQJ D YHKLFOH QRW LQ H[FHVV RI 3OHDVHUHIHUWRWKH1HZ+DPSVKLUH&'/PDQXDO SRXQGV*9:5 IRUDFRPSOHWHOLVWLQJ x &ODVV & $Q\ VLQJOH YHKLFOH RU FRPELQDWLRQ RIYHKLFOHVWKDWGRHVQRWPHHWWKHGHILQLWLRQ Specific Restrictions for Youth Operators –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¶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¶VH[SLUDWLRQGDWH ZZZQKJRYGPYIRUDGGLWLRQDOGHWDLOV Military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³81'(5´/$:<287+23(5$725³81'(5´/$: D GULYHU OLFHQVH IRU D GLIIHUHQW FODVV RI YHKLFOH RWKHU WKDQ WKH\ FXUUHQWO\ KROG KRZHYHU WKH 3XUVXDQW WR 56$ 2ULJLQDO DQG 1HZ+DPSVKLUH'ULYHU0DQXDO PLVXVH DEXVH RU PLVFRQGXFW RI GULYLQJ SRLQWV PD\ DOVR YDU\ GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH SULYLOHJHV VKDOO LQFOXGH GULYLQJ EHKDYLRU GULYHU¶V DJH $V WKHUH DUH PDQ\ PRYLQJ ZKLFK SRVHV DQ LPPHGLDWH KD]DUG WR WKH YLRODWLRQV WKDW PD\ FRQWULEXWH WR GHPHULW RSHUDWRURUWRWKHVDIHW\RUSURSHUW\RIRWKHUV SRLQWVDFFXPXODWLRQSOHDVHUHIHUWRIROORZLQJ RQRUQHDUWKHURDGZD\RUZKHQFRQVLGHUHG IRU D PRUH FRPSOHWH OLVWLQJ ZLWK RWKHU GULYLQJ RIIHQVHV ZKLFK KWWSV ZZZQKJRYVDIHW\GLYLVLRQVGPYILQDQ GHPRQVWUDWHVDUHSHDWHGGLVUHJDUGIRUSXEOLF FLDOUHVSRQVLELOLW\GHPHULWKWP VDIHW\ .HHS LQ PLQG WKDW WUDIILF YLRODWLRQV RFFXUULQJ x 8SRQSURSHUHYLGHQFHRULQIRUPDWLRQWKDWWKH RXWRIVWDWH PD\ EH UHSRUWHG WR 1HZ OLFHQVH KROGHU ZDV LQYROYHG LQ DQ DFFLGHQW +DPSVKLUH DQG PD\ DIIHFW D GULYHU¶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x 'ULYLQJ 8QGHU WKH ,QIOXHQFH RI $OFRKRO RU DGPLQLVWUDWLYHDJHQFLHV 'UXJV ,WLVGDQJHURXVDQGDJDLQVWWKHODZWR RSHUDWH D PRWRU YHKLFOH ZKLOH XQGHU WKH ,I WKH 'LUHFWRU RI 0RWRU 9HKLFOHV ILQGV WKDW D LQIOXHQFH RI DOFRKRO DQGRU GUXJV LQFOXGLQJ SHUVRQ¶V UHFRUG FRQWDLQV WKH QXPEHU RI YDOLG SUHVFULSWLRQ RU RYHUWKHFRXQWHU GUXJV WKDW FRQYLFWLRQV UHTXLUHG E\ ODZ WKDW SHUVRQ VKDOO PD\LPSDLUWKHDELOLW\WRGULYH,WLVFRQVLGHUHG DSSHDU IRU D +HDULQJ ,I DIWHU WKH KHDULQJ WKH\ OHJDOO\ LQWR[LFDWHG LI D GULYHU¶V EORRG DOFRKRO DUH GHHPHG WR EH D +DELWXDO 2IIHQGHU WKH FRQWHQW LV RU KLJKHU RU KLJKHU LI 'LUHFWRU VKDOO UHYRNH WKH SHUVRQ¶V GULYLQJ WKHGULYHULVXQGHU\HDUVROG SULYLOHJHVIRUWR\HDUV,IDGULYHULVFRQYLFWHG x 5HIXVDO RI $OFRKRO 7HVWLQJ ³,PSOLHG RI GULYLQJ DIWHU EHLQJ GHFODUHG D +DELWXDO &RQVHQW´ $Q\ SHUVRQ ZKR RSHUDWHV D 2IIHQGHU WKDW SHUVRQ PD\ EH VXEMHFW WR PRWRU YHKLFOH LQ 1HZ +DPSVKLUH LV LPSULVRQPHQWIRUQRWOHVVWKDQRQH\HDUDQGXS FRQVLGHUHG WR KDYH JLYHQ FRQVHQW WR KDYLQJ WRILYH \HDUV WKHLUEORRGEUHDWKXULQHRUDQ\FRPELQDWLRQ WHVWHG LI DUUHVWHG IRU DQ DOFRKRO RU GUXJ RIIHQVH5HIXVDOWRDOORZWHVWLQJPD\UHVXOWLQ ORVVRIGULYLQJSULYLOHJHV x ([FHVVLYH $FFUXDO RI 'HPHULW 3RLQWV $FFUXLQJ H[FHVVLYH SRLQWV PD\ UHVXOW LQ ORVV RI GULYLQJ SULYLOHJHV 'HPHULW SRLQWV PD\ UDQJH LQ VL]H GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH RIIHQVH 3RLQWV DUH DFFUXHG IRU YLRODWLRQV VXFK DV VSHHGLQJIDLOXUHWRREH\WUDIILFOLJKWVGULYLQJ ZKLOH LQWR[LFDWHG LPSURSHU SDVVLQJ DQG IDLOXUH WR REH\ D VWRS VLJQ 7KH FRQVHTXHQFHV IURP WKH DFFUXDO RI 'HPHULW 1HZ+DPSVKLUH'ULYHU0DQXDO SECTION 3 the result of a driver operating on too little sleep. It is up to the driver to make the responsible DANGEROUS DRIVING choice to not drive if they are tired. Driving is one of the most important skills that a Ways to Avoid Fatigue person will learn during their lifetime. A driver’s x Get adequate sleep – the average person ability to drive safely depends on several factors: needs 7 to 9 hours of sleep to maintain proper alertness during the day. VISIONVISION x During long trips, plan to stop at least every 2 hours to stretch or get a cup of coffee or soft Good vision is important for safe driving. Having drink. trouble identifying traffic and roadway x Before getting too tired, stop driving, pull off conditions, spotting potential trouble and at the next exit or rest area to take a 15 to 20 responding to problems in a timely manner, may minute nap or find a place to sleep for the be a result of poor vision acuity. Because seeing night. well is so important to safe driving, drivers x Try not to drive late at night. should have eye examinations regularly. x Arrange for a travel companion to drive. If a driver is required to wear corrective lenses, DRIVER DIDISTRACTIONSSTRACTIONS the driver should: A distraction is anything x Always wear them when driving. that takes a driver’s x Avoid using dark or tinted corrective lenses at attention away from night. driving. Distracted driving is dangerous, and the risk FATIGUEFATIGUE of an accident, injury, death or property damage Fatigue is extreme tiredness, typically resulting is increased if a driver from mental or physical exertion or illness, takes their eyes off the road, or their hands off repetitive tasks, or lack of sleep. Fatigue can the steering wheel. Mental activities that take the affect a driver’s vision and increase the time to operator’s mind away from driving are just as make decisions. Drivers should avoid operating dangerous. a vehicle while they are tired or fatigued. Use of electronic devises while driving: A driver’s physical condition is very important. x Pursuant to NH law, no person, while driving Drowsy driving is quickly becoming one of the a moving motor vehicle upon a way or nation’s largest problems. A motorist who has temporarily halted in traffic for a traffic control been awake for an extended period of time will device, or other momentary delay, shall use likely experience performance traits similar to any hand-held mobile electronic device that of someone who has been drinking. For capable of providing voice or data example, a driver who is up for a continuous 18 communication, including but not limited to: hours will typically exhibit performance levels reading, composing, viewing, or posting any similar to that of a person with a Blood Alcohol electronic message; or initiating, receiving, or Concentration (BAC) level of 0.05%. After 21 conducting a conversation; or initiating a and 24 hours without sleep, performance mimics command or request to access the Internet; a BAC of 0.08% and 0.10%, respectively. Unlike or inputting information into a global drunk driving, there is no subjective or objective positioning system or navigation device; or tool – such as a sleep breathalyzer – available manually typing data into any other portable to help law enforcement detect if a crash was electronic device. An operator of a motor New Hampshire Driver Manual 7 vehicle who holds a cellular telephone or An operator must pay attention to the task of other electronic device capable of voice driving. They are responsible for operating a communication in the immediate proximity of vehicle in a safe manner. his or her ear while such vehicle is in motion is presumed to be engaging in a call. AGGRESSIVEAGGRESSIVE DDRIVINGRIVING Drivers may make use of a cellular telephone Aggressive driving occurs when an individual or other electronic device capable of voice intentionally commits an action which endangers communication to report an emergency to the other persons or property. enhanced 911 system or directly to a law enforcement agency, fire department, or Some behaviors typically associated with emergency medical provider. aggressive driving include: speeding, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, improperly Only drivers over the age of 18 years of age signaling, and failing to obey traffic control may: devices (stop signs, yield signs, traffic signals, railroad grade cross signals, etc.). x Use one hand to transmit or receive messages on any non-cellular 2-way radio. Concentrate on driving. Be patient and x Use a Bluetooth enabled or other hands-free courteous to other users of the road. electronic device, or a similar device that is physically or electronically integrated into a motor vehicle, for such a purpose to send or ALCOHOL,ALCOHOL, OOTHERTHER DRUDRUGSGS AND DRIVINDRIVINGG receive information provided the driver does not have to divert his or her attention from the Alcohol and other impairing drugs are involved road ahead. As used in this section, "hands- in approximately 40% of all traffic crashes in free electronic device" means a mobile which someone is killed each year. A Blood electronic device that has an internal feature Alcohol Content (BAC) level as low as .02% can or function, or that is equipped with an affect a driver’s ability to drive. attachment or addition, whether or not permanently part of such mobile electronic Operators under 21 years of age: device, by which a user engages in It is illegal for an operator under 21 years of age conversation without the use of either hand; to have physical control of a vehicle while under provided, however, this definition shall not the influence of intoxicating liquor or controlled preclude the use of either hand merely to drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of drugs or any other chemical substances, natural the telephone. or synthetic, which impair a person’s ability to drive or while having an alcohol concentration x To perform any action required by an ignition 0.02 or more. Further, no driver under the age of interlock device. 21 shall, except when accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or legal age spouse transport any When driving: liquor or alcoholic beverage in any part of a vehicle. x Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers. Effects of Alcohol and Other Impairing x Avoid eating while driving. Drugs: x Be sure children are properly and safely Alcohol and other impairing drugs reduce a buckled up. driver’s judgment, vision, and reaction time. x Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel. New Hampshire Driver Manual 8 x Judgment – Reduces the driver’s ability to make clear and quick judgments while Over-the-Counter Drugs: driving. Over-the-counter drugs taken for headaches, x Vision – Blurs vision, slows the driver’s ability colds, hay fever or other allergies or those to to focus, causes double vision, and reduces calm nerves can make a driver drowsy and the ability to judge distance, speed and the affect a person’s ability to drive. Pep pills, movement of other vehicles. Vision is “uppers” and diet pills can make a person feel impacted at .02 BAC for all drivers. nervous, dizzy, unable to concentrate, and can x Reaction Time – Slows a driver’s ability to affect the driver’s vision. Before taking an over- process information and respond to the the-counter drug, drivers should check the label driving task. on the product for warnings about its effect. If a driver is unsure whether it is safe to take the The best advice is not to drive a vehicle of any drug and drive, a driver should ask their doctor kind if alcohol or other drugs are consumed. or pharmacist about any side effects. Impairment starts with the first drink. Even one drink of alcohol can affect a person’s ability to Prescription Drugs: operate a motor vehicle. With one or more Some prescription drugs can impact driving and drinks in the bloodstream a person can be can affect a driver’s reflexes, judgment, vision, impaired and could be arrested for driving under and alertness in ways similar to alcohol. the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Never let Prescription drugs, such as, antidepressants, a friend or relative drive if they have been pain reducers, sleep aids and sedatives will have drinking or taking impairing drugs. After drinking an impact on driving safely. Drivers should check there is nothing that will reduce the effects of the label on the prescription and packaging alcohol except TIME. Coffee, food, fresh air, before taking a drug for warnings about its effect. exercise, or cold showers might make a person If a driver is unsure whether it is safe to take the more alert, but will not counter the effects of drug and drive, a driver should ask their doctor or alcohol. Each ounce of alcohol consumed takes pharmacist about any side effects. about an hour to go through the body. Illegal Drugs: Illegal drugs can impact a driver’s ability to drive Impaired Driving and the Law: Any person who is convicted of a first offense of and can affect a driver’s reflexes, judgment, Driving or Operating Under Influence of Drugs or vision, and alertness in ways similar to alcohol. Liquor or Driving or Operating with Excess Drugged driving is illegal and is as dangerous as Alcohol Concentration shall be guilty of a Class drunk and distracted driving. B misdemeanor, fined not less than $500, may face a loss of driving privileges for a period of 9 Combining Alcohol and Other Impairing months to 2 years, and will be required to attend Drugs: an approved impaired driver education program prior to restoration of driving privileges. Second A driver should never drink alcohol while taking and subsequent convictions subject the offender other drugs. These drugs could multiply the to higher fines, longer suspension times, and effects of alcohol or have additional effects of stronger penalties. their own which could severely impact a driver’s ability to drive safely. Other Impairing Drugs and Driving: Besides alcohol, there are many other drugs that EMOTIONSEMOTIONS can affect the ability to drive safely. These drugs can have effects like those of alcohol, or worse. Emotions may interfere with a driver’s ability to This is true of many prescription drugs and process information. Being overly worried, many of the drugs that may be purchased over- excited, afraid, angry or depressed may affect a the-counter, without a prescription. person’s ability to drive safely. New Hampshire Driver Manual 9 There are ways of dealing with emotions: x A driver should take time to calm down before getting behind the wheel. Taking a short walk or nap prior to getting behind the wheel may help. x Allow extra time for traffic or weather conditions. x Have someone else drive. New Hampshire Driver Manual 10 SECTION 4 x The top of the steering wheel should be no BEFORE DRIVING higher than the top of the driver’s shoulders and below chin level. x There should be 10 inches between the VEHICLEVEHICLE ININSPECTIONSPECTION driver’s chest and the steering wheel. The seat should not be so far forward that the When it comes to road safety, a driver cannot driver cannot steer the vehicle. The seat control other drivers or road conditions, but should not be reclined excessively. drivers can control the proper maintenance of x Head restraints, also known as head rests, the vehicle being driven. Drivers should check a are designed to prevent whiplash in the event vehicle before being driven to make sure that it of an accident. Head rests should be adjusted is in safe operating condition. so the head rest comes in contact with the back of the driver’s head, but not below the Before driving a vehicle, a driver should always ears. ensure that the vehicle they are about to drive has a valid Inspection Sticker affixed to the ADJUSTINGADJUSTING VEVEHICLEHICLE MIMIRRORSRRORS windshield. Motor vehicle law requires an inspection by an approved Official Inspection The inside mirror is the primary mirror to view Station on every vehicle to assure that only safe traffic flow to the rear of the vehicle and should vehicles are driven on our roads. be adjusted so that it frames the rear window when the driver looks at it. If the vehicle has a Accidents due to tire maintenance are day/night mirror, ensure that it is set for the preventable, and simple steps can save lives. current time of day. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tires; or tires with low tread can lead to safety issues on Remember, even properly adjusted mirrors will the road. It is recommended that drivers have not eliminate all blind spots. Proper head checks the tire pressure checked once a month. should be incorporated whenever possible. ADJUSTINGADJUSTING SESEATAT USINGUSING SSAFETYAFETY BELTBELTSS It is important that a driver Studies have shown that adjusts the seat and using safety belts greatly mirrors before driving a decreases the chances of vehicle so that the driver injury or death in the event of can see clearly, have full a crash. Safety belts keep control of the vehicle’s the driver and passengers steering wheel and foot from being thrown from the pedals, and for proper vehicle and help the driver keep control. In New airbag deployment. Proper Hampshire, safety restraints are required for seat position is upright with the driver’s feet on anyone under the age of 18; however, it is highly the floor. Improper seating positions, such as recommended that drivers and passengers of all slouching can result in reduced effectiveness of ages use safety restraints. the vehicle’s restraint system. Proper seat positioning includes: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 47% of x The driver’s foot should be able to pivot passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2017 were smoothly from brake to accelerator while the unrestrained, and that rate of people using seat heel is kept on the floor. belts in 2018 was 89.6%. New Hampshire Driver Manual 11 NHTSA also reports that buckling up is the to improve the chances of surviving a single most effective thing drivers and occupants motorcycle crash. New Hampshire law requires can do to protect themselves in a crash. all riders and passengers under the age of 18 to wear helmets approved by the United States It is important to wear the safety belt correctly: Department of Transportation. x The shoulder harness is worn across the AIR BAGSBAGS shoulder and chest with minimal, if any slack. The shoulder harness should not be worn Air bags are supplemental restraints and are under the arm or behind the back. Wearing designed to work best in combination with safety the harness the wrong way could cause belts. In a crash, air bags and safety belts serious internal injuries in a crash. reduce the chance that a head and upper body will strike some part of the vehicles interior. x The lap belt should be adjusted so that it is Safety belts help to properly position a person’s snug and lies low across the driver’s hips body to maximize the air bag’s benefits and help after fastening. Otherwise, in a collision an restrain a person during the initial and any operator or passenger could slide out of the following collisions. It is extremely important that belt resulting in injury or death. safety belts always be worn, even in air bag- equipped vehicles. CHILDCHILD PAPASSENGERSSENGER SSAFETYAFETY LAWSLAWS Operators should read a vehicle’s owner manual New Hampshire law requires anyone less than for specific information about the air bags in the 18 years of age to be properly restrained by a vehicle they are operating. safety belt or secured in a child safety seat with the following exceptions: It is recommended that safety belts be worn, even if the vehicle is equipped with air bags. x A Vehicle regularly used to transport passengers for hire; SECURINGSECURING A LLOADOAD x A School bus weighing in excess of 10,000 pounds, or a school bus weighing less than Driving with an unsecured load is both against 10,000 pounds not manufactured with safety the law and extremely dangerous. Drivers who belts; fail to properly secure their load may face a x An antique vehicle not manufactured with costly fine if they cause a crash. A load must be safety restraints; securely fastened and is only considered secure x A motorcycle; when nothing can slide, shift, fall or sift onto the x If the child under 18 years of age has an roadway, or become airborne. individual education plan (IEP) statement indicating that the use of restraints is not safe. TOWINGTOWING A TTRAILERRAILER A child less than 7 years old and less than 57 All trailers must be equipped with properly inches in height must be properly fastened and mounted wheels, lubricated and covered with secured in a child passenger restraint which fenders or mud guards. Tires must be properly complies with the safety standards of the United inflated, and the trailer must have the proper tail, States Department of Transportation. stop, turn signal, license plate and side marker lamps and reflectors. MOTORCYCLEMOTORCYCLE HHELMETELMET USUSEE Wearing a securely fastened helmet is the single most important thing a rider or passenger can do New Hampshire Driver Manual 12 SNOWSNOW AND ICEICE REMREMOVALOVAL It is the responsibility of a driver to ensure that all snow and ice are removed from a vehicle prior to driving. Snow and ice on a vehicle may not only impair a driver’s ability to see, but may become loose while on a roadway and may endanger other drivers. If a vehicle travels New Hampshire roadways in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, the driver may be considered guilty of a violation under Negligent Driving. Penalties for this offense can be $250.00 to $500.00 for the first offense with increased penalties for subsequent offenses. New Hampshire Driver Manual 13 SECTION 5 x Drivers on a public highway, when entering BASIC DRIVING the highway from a driveway or a private road; x Drivers already on a limited access or STEERINGSTEERING interstate highway, on the entrance or acceleration ramp; Drivers’ hands should be in the 9 o’clock and 3 x Pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers who o’clock, or the 8 o’clock and 4 o’clock positions. are still in the intersection; and Knuckles and thumbs should stay on the outside x Funeral processions. Drivers should allow of the wheel. Drivers may use hand-to-hand vehicles that have their headlights on while steering for slight steering, and hand-over-hand following a hearse to pass as a group. for greater steering inputs. SPEEDSPEED MAMANAGEMENTNAGEMENT YIELDINGYIELDING RIRIGHT-OF-WAYGHT-OF-WAY Driving safely means that a driver will have Yielding right-of-way rules provide drivers with complete control of the vehicle in every situation. guidance for situations when other drivers or Safe speed is determined by: pedestrians are present. These rules determine which driver should yield x Road conditions the right-of-way and the x Visibility (night driving, rain, fog, snow, etc.) sequence for entering and x Heavy traffic driving through an x Fast moving traffic intersection or other x The condition of the vehicle driving scenarios. Speed limits are the maximum speed you may Although yielding right-of- travel under ideal conditions. The maximum way rules provide a guide speed limits in New Hampshire are: to determine who should yield the right-of-way, no x 30 miles per hour in any business or urban one should assume they residence district as defined in RSA 259:118; automatically have the right-of-way. The situation x 35 miles per hour in any rural residence and circumstances at the district as defined in RSA 259:93, and on intersection must always any Class V Highway outside the compact be considered. part of any city or town as defined in RSA 229:5,IV; Drivers should yield the right-of-way to: x 45 or 55 miles per hour in other locations, except: x The driver who is at or arrives at the intersection first; x 65 miles an hour on the interstate x Drivers in the opposing traffic lane, when system, the central New Hampshire making a left turn; turnpike and the eastern New x The driver on the right at a four-way Hampshire turnpike in locations where intersection controlled by stop signs, if both said highways are 4-lane divided drivers arrive at the intersection at the same highways or other divided highways of time; although this is not specified in New 4 or more lanes; Hampshire law, it’s good practice New Hampshire Driver Manual 14 x 70 miles per hour on the portion of I-93 x Changing lanes from mile marker 45 to the Vermont x Turning at an intersection border. x Entering or leaving a highway or roadway x Turning into a driveway The minimum speed you may drive on an x Merging onto another road interstate highway is 45 mph, unless road and x Pulling away from a curb weather conditions are so bad that this speed is x Pulling over to the side of the road unsafe. x Passing another vehicle However, drivers who go far slower than the Headlights – New Hampshire law requires normal flow of traffic can cause a hazard. They drivers to turn on their headlights during the often block those behind them, making other period from ½ (half) hour after sunset, to ½ (half) drivers jump from lane to lane, or take chances hour before sunrise. For the safety reasons, on passing when it may not be safe to do so. drivers should use headlights to help other roadway users to see the vehicle when it is Posted School Zone – the speed limit is 10 miles raining, snowing or foggy. per hour (mph) below the usual posted speed limit, from 45 minutes before school opening until the Vehicle horn – Drivers should only use the horn school opening, and from the school closing until when it is needed to communicate with other 45 minutes after school closing. road users. Using the horn inappropriately could scare or anger another road user. Drivers should COMMUNICATINGCOMMUNICATING AND SSIGNALINGIGNALING not use the horn when near blind pedestrians or when approaching or near a horse as this may It is important that drivers let other roadway frighten the horse and cause a crash. If used users know where they are and what they plan properly a horn can get the attention of other to do. It is the responsibility of the driver to make road users. A light tap on the horn should be all sure the vehicle they are operating is visible to that is needed under normal circumstances. other roadway users. Drivers may want to give the horn a light tap when: Signaling Movements – An appropriate signal gives other roadway users time to react to the x Pedestrians or bicyclists begin to move into driver’s vehicle movements. Drivers should the lane the driver is travelling in. signal at least 100 feet before a turn, and on the x Passing a driver who starts to turn into the highway, drivers should signal at least 500 feet lane the driver is travelling in. before changing lanes or exiting the roadway. x Another driver coming from the opposite Drivers should use the turn signal sooner when direction crosses the center lane in the turning to allow for greater stopping distances by driver’s lane of travel. other vehicles when it is raining, snowy or foggy. x A driver is unaware a vehicle is approaching or may have trouble seeing when backing up. STOPPINGSTOPPING DIDISTANCESTANCE Total stopping distance is the distance a vehicle travels in ideal conditions from the time an operator realizes they must stop until the vehicle actually stops. Several things may affect stopping distance: Drivers must use the appropriate turn signal when: New Hampshire Driver Manual 15 x Speed – the faster a vehicle is traveling, the more time and distance is needed to stop. The stopping distance of a vehicle increases 4 times when the speed of the vehicle is doubled. x Perception time – the time and distance it takes for an operator to recognize they must Exiting a Roadway: stop. The average perception time for an It is important to know where to exit the alert driver is ¾ second to 1 second. roadway. x Reaction time – the time and distance it takes for a driver to react and move their foot x Plan to move to the lane closest to the exiting from the gas pedal and begin applying the point early to avoid a quick lane change. brakes. The average driver has a reaction x Maintain vehicle speed while on the main time of ¾ second to 1 second. roadway. x Braking distance – the time and distance it x Check the posted speed for the deceleration takes for a vehicle’s brakes to slow and lane. come to a stop. At 50 mph on dry pavement x Signal intention, move to the deceleration with good brakes, it can take about 158 feet lane and slow to exiting speed. to stop. Tailgating – For safety reasons, drivers should avoid travelling closer to a vehicle with less than a four-second following distance. If being tailgated by another vehicle unsafely, drivers should find a safe location to pull over and let the vehicle pass. Following another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent is a PASSINGPASSING violation of the law, and is punishable by a fine. Only pass when it CHANGINGCHANGING LANELANESS is permitted to do so by signage or Before changing lanes, a driver should: road markings and only when road x Check the vehicle’s mirrors. conditions are x Check all “blind spots,” or areas around the favorable. Do not vehicle that cannot be seen by using head attempt to pass checks. when an oncoming x Identify a gap in traffic, signal and look again vehicle is approaching, when the view is blocked in the direction of the lane change. Adjust by a curve or a hill, at intersections, or before a speed and steer into the lane. highway-railroad crossing or bridge. Entering a Multi-lane Highway: On multi-lane roads, the left-most lane is Use the acceleration lane to reach the speed of intended to be used for passing slower vehicles. other vehicles before pulling onto the roadway. Never pass on the shoulder, whether it is paved Identify a gap in traffic and merge with the traffic or not. flow. Prior to passing, drivers should estimate the time and space necessary to pass and do so without interfering with any other vehicle. New Hampshire Driver Manual 16 Before passing, drivers should: mirrors and proper head checks. Back-up x Check for oncoming traffic. cameras should never be used as the primary x Check all mirrors and or do a head check to tool for backing safely. determine if it is safe to pass. x Signal intentions when it is safe to pass. ADJUSTINGADJUSTING TO RROADWAYOADWAY CCONDITIONSONDITIONS x Steer smoothly into the passing lane. x Maintain or adjust speed as necessary. Curves – Always reduce speed prior to entering x Continue to pass until the complete front of the curve to a safe speed (a speed that allows the passed vehicle is visible in the rearview the driver to apply slight and constant mirror. acceleration through the curve). Reduce speed x Signal intention to return back to the lane. more when traction is poor, when following other x Steer smoothly into the lane, maintain or vehicles or when the end of the curve cannot be adjust speed as appropriate. seen. Hard braking after entry to a curve could cause the vehicle tires to lose traction. When being passed, drivers should: x Stay in the lane they are travelling. Slippery roads – Reduce speed at the first sign x Maintain a constant speed to allow the driver of rain, snow, sleet or ice. When the roadway is to pass. slippery, tires do not grip as well. It will take x Never increase speed to prevent someone longer to stop and it will be harder to turn without from passing. skidding. Always reduce speed if the road is wet or covered with snow or ice. Hydroplaning – Hydroplaning occurs when the steering tires start to ride up on any pooled water, similar to the action of water skis. The best way to avoid traction loss from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when BACKINGBACKING the road is wet with pooled water or water puddles. To help prevent hydroplaning, drivers When backing up a vehicle, all drivers should: should reduce the vehicle speed when driving in the rain, and should ensure that the tires on the x Check behind the vehicle before getting in. vehicle have good tread depth, and are inflated Children or small objects cannot be seen from to the proper pressure. the driver’s seat. Mirrors and head checks should be used for backing, but they do not Flooded Roadways – Do not drive through large show the area immediately behind the bodies of standing water on a road. If there is a vehicle. flooded roadway, find another route to travel. Accelerate gently and smoothly, keeping x RURALRURAL RROADOAD DRIVINDRIVINGG speed slow. The vehicle is much harder to steer while backing. Steer slightly in the Driving on rural roadways can be dangerous. direction the rear of the vehicle should move. Stay alert, watch for warning signs and obey the If backing while turning, make quick checks to speed limit. Some road conditions and driving the front and sides. Continue looking to the hazards are unique to rural roads. It is important rear until coming to a complete stop. to understand the different road conditions that drivers may experience on rural roads: x Please know that many vehicles are equipped with technology such as back-up cameras. Gravel or Dirt: Traction can be reduced on The new technology can help drivers back-up gravel or dirt roads. Drivers should reduce safely when used in conjunction with the speed, increase the following distance and be New Hampshire Driver Manual 17 aware that the vehicle may skid when trying to their high beams on, look stop. toward the right side of the road to keep from Narrow roads: Rural roads are generally being distracted or narrower and may have ditches or drop offs momentarily blinded by instead of shoulders. Drivers should reduce their headlights. speed, center the vehicle in the travel lane and x Use the low beams when following another watch for oncoming traffic that may attempt to vehicle. share or encroach on the lane. x In fog, rain or snow, use the low beams. Light from the high beams may cause glare and Narrow and single lane bridges: Drivers make it more difficult to see ahead. Some should look for warning signs identifying narrow vehicles have fog lights that may be useful in or single lane bridges. Take turns crossing the fog, snow or rain. bridge; generally the first driver to the bridge has x Avoid looking directly into right-of-way. oncoming headlights by looking at the fog line or Open Bridge Gratings or Steel Bridges: the edge of the roadway. These can reduce traction of a vehicle. Drivers x Try to search well ahead of should reduce speed, increase the following the headlight beams, distance and maintain a firm grip on the steering looking for dark shapes on wheel. the roadway such as pedestrians or animals. x Glance occasionally to the right and left to Areas of reduced vision: Blind corners created determine the location of the edge of the by wooded areas, crops growing in fields and pavement and hazards that may come from steep hills can limit how far a driver can see. In the sides. areas with reduced vision always reduce speed x Tinted or colored lenses reduce vision. Do not and be prepared to stop. wear sunglasses or colored lenses when driving at night or on overcast days. Uncontrolled intersections: Some x Increase the following distance by adding at intersections on rural roads are not controlled by least one additional second for night driving yield or stop signs. These intersections can be conditions and at least two additional seconds very dangerous if a driver does not approach for driving on unfamiliar roadways at night. them with caution. When approaching an uncontrolled rural intersection slow down and be prepared to stop for crossing or oncoming traffic. VEHICLEVEHICLE WAWARNINGRNING SYSYSTEMSSTEMS NIGHTNIGHT DRDRIVINGIVING Many vehicles are now manufactured with warning system technologies which notify the Driving at night is more difficult and more driver with a warning, by sound, light or hazardous than daytime vibration, that a collision is about to occur or it driving. The distance drivers provides an alert that there is a problem or can see is limited by light malfunction. Most of these technologies are provided by the headlights. passive, meaning they warn the driver of a Here are some things potential issue, but do not automatically prevent drivers can do that will help a problem or collision. The driver may need to when it begins to get dark or make changes to the operation of the vehicle to driving away from a rising or setting sun: prevent a problem or collision. These x Use the high beams whenever there are no technologies are intended to provide an oncoming vehicles and dim the high beams additional monitoring resource to mirrors and for all approaching traffic. If a vehicle coming head checks. Drivers should not become from the opposite direction is travelling with complacent and dependent on these New Hampshire Driver Manual 18 technologies alone and should not solely depend on it. Forward collision warning systems: Alerts drivers of an impending collision with a slower Drivers should demonstrate all necessary moving or stationary vehicle or object to the front behaviors for safely monitoring and maneuvering so a driver can brake or swerve in time. The their vehicle while backing. These include warning alone will not automatically brake for the checking: driver. Forward collision warning scans the road x Side mirrors, ahead while driving. x Rear view mirror, x Over the shoulders (head checks), and x Camera(s), if equipped. Below are some examples of Vehicle Warning Systems: Rear camera: When the driver shifts into reverse, the rear camera activates to show the area behind the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle, the display screen may be found on the center console, in the rearview mirror, in the sun visor or in other locations. Back-up warning: The back-up warning feature scans behind the vehicle when the driver shifts into reverse. It will let the driver know – through a sound, vibration, or a mix – if there’s an object or car directly behind the driver. Blind spot monitor and warning: The blind spot monitor helps the driver be more aware of other traffic. The warnings provided can be helpful to the driver when making a lane change but the driver should still always check their mirrors and look over their shoulders before doing so. Curve speed warning: Warns the driver when they are approaching a curve or exit on the road too quickly. Surround or Around-view monitor system: Displays a birds-eye view of the vehicle from overhead and shows a moving image on the vehicle’s display monitor, along with parking lot lane markings, curbs and adjacent vehicles. A driver can simultaneously check the rear and front-side views of the vehicle. Some systems reinforce the visual information with sonar that warns if the driver is too close to an obstruction, whether it’s behind or in front. New Hampshire Driver Manual 19 SECTION 6 behind the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection RULES OF THE ROAD until the traffic light turns green. EXCEPTION: Drivers may make a right turn on NEW HAMPSHIREHAMPSHIRE RULESRULES OFOF THE ROADROAD a red signal ONLY IF there is no sign prohibiting a right turn on red, and the pedestrian “Don’t Every state has different rules and laws but the Walk” signal or sign is displayed. main principles usually remain the same. Some basic rules that should be followed are: Flashing YELLOW Traffic Light – This means slow down and proceed with caution. Drivers x Know all traffic signals, signs, and markings should be prepared to stop for any traffic flow x Be alert of what is happening around the entering the intersection. vehicle x Do not exceed the speed limit Flashing RED Traffic Light – This means drivers must come to a complete stop behind a stop x Do not drive fatigued line, crosswalk, or intersection before x Do not tailgate other vehicles proceeding though the intersection, yielding any x Obey all laws and rules while driving in this right-of-way. State or any state/country x Do not drive while under the influence of GREEN arrow – this means drivers may turn in alcohol or drugs the direction of the arrow after yielding to traffic x Do not drive while distracted and pedestrians. x A police officer directing traffic overrules any traffic light or sign and must be obeyed. RED arrow – Drivers may not turn left on a red arrow. However, drivers may turn right on a red TRAFFICTRAFFIC COCONTROLNTROL DEDEVICESVICES arrow only if there is no sign prohibiting a right turn on red, and if the pedestrian “Don’t Walk” Traffic control devices include traffic signals, signs, signal is displayed. pavement markings and directions provided by law enforcement, highway personnel and school YELLOW arrow – this means slow down and crossing guards. proceed in the direction of the arrow with caution. TRAFFIC SIGNALS Traffic signals are lights that tell a driver when they should stop, go forward or turn while at an intersection. Solid GREEN Traffic Light – This means a driver may go through the intersection and if it is clear to do so, proceed with caution. Drivers must yield to pedestrians and vehicles in an intersection. TRAFFICTRAFFIC SSIGNSIGNS Solid YELLOW Traffic Light – This is a warning light to let a driver know the traffic light is about Traffic signs advise drivers about traffic rules, to change to red. hazards, roadway location, roadway directions and the location of roadway services. The shape, Solid RED Traffic Light – This means stop prior color, symbols, and words of these signs give to entering the intersection. Drivers must wait clues to the type of information they provide. New Hampshire Driver Manual 20 x Diamond Warning (special hazards are ahead The shapes and colors of road signs have – pictures or words will describe what the significant meanings, which allow a driver to hazard is). quickly identify which types of signs they are looking at. x Rectangle Traffic regulations or directions to drivers. Standard colors: x Pentagon (5 sides) School zone and school x Red Stop or do not do something crossing. x Green Direction or guidance x Blue Driver services x Circle Advance warning of a railroad crossing. x Yellow General warning x White Law or rule of the road x Crossbuck (X) Indicates where the railroad x Orange Road repair work warning crossing is. x Brown Tourist and recreation guidance EXAMPLES OF WARNING SIGNS Standard shapes: x Octagon (8 sides) Stop Cross Road Side Road T-Intersection Y-Intersection Curvy Road x Down pointed triangle Yield (slow down and Ahead Ahead Ahead Ahead Ahead give other vehicles the right of way) x Pennant (sideways triangle) No passing (this sign, found on the left side of the road, gives Right Curve Divided Divided Lane Ends Merging the driver warning of no passing zones Highway Begins Highway Ends Traffic ahead.) EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITION SIGNS Stop Sign - Drivers must come to a full stop Added Lane Traffic Signal Stop Sign Sharp Curve Advisory (wheels must completely stop moving) Ahead Ahead Ahead Speed Around behind the stop line or crosswalk, or if there Curve is no stop line or crosswalk, before entering the intersection. Look for crossing vehicles and pedestrians in all directions and yield the right-of-way prior to proceeding. Yield Sign - A yield sign is a red and white downward pointing triangle with red letters. It School Pedestrian Share the Road Bicycle Slippery When Crossing Crossing with Bicycles Crossing Wet means the driver must slow down and allow traffic that has the right-of-way to cross before entering. WARNINGWARNING SSIGNSIGNS These signs warn a driver of upcoming driving conditions, such as warning the driver to slow Do Not Enter No Trucks Wrong Way Sign down because of a curve or intersection ahead, to be prepared to stop if necessary, or of a hazard or special situation on the roadway that is ahead. No Left Turn No Right Turn No U-Turn New Hampshire Driver Manual 21 REGULATORYREGULATORY SSIGNSIGNS GUIDEGUIDE SSIGNSIGNS These signs are square or rectangular and These signs are square and rectangular and are contain letters or symbols. These signs tell a green, brown, or blue. They give information on driver about specific laws that must be obeyed, intersecting roads, help direct drivers to cities such as rules for traffic direction, lane use, and towns, and show points of interest along the turning, speed, parking and other special roadway. Guide signs can also help drivers find situations. Some regulatory signs have a red hospitals, service stations, restaurants and circle with a red slash over a symbol, which hotels. prohibit certain actions. EXAMPLES OF REGULATORY SIGNS RAILROADRAILROAD CROSSINGCROSSING WARNINGWARNING SISIGNSGNS Straight Left Turn Only Straight or Turn Right No Right Turn on a Red Light Active railroad crossings have signs, lights or other signals to caution drivers about railroad Speed Limit Signs - These black and white signs indicate the maximum legal speed allowed crossings. A round warning sign in ideal conditions. with an “X” symbol (crossbuck) Shared Center Lane Left Turn Only – This sign and black “RR” letters is placed tells a driver where a lane is reserved for the use along the road prior to a highway- of left turning vehicles from either direction and is not to be used for through traffic or passing other railroad grade crossing. The sign vehicles. cautions the driver to slow down or stop, to look and listen for a train or railroad One-Way Street – These signs tell a driver that traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow. vehicle before proceeding. Never drive the wrong way on a one-way street. When a train or railroad vehicle is approaching the intersection a driver must stop behind the ROUTEROUTE NUMBERNUMBER SSIGNSIGNS stop line or not less than 15 feet, nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the track. Drivers The shape and color of route number signs should not proceed across the tracks until the indicate the type of roadway: interstate, US lights stop flashing, or trains have passed. If routes, state routes, and city, county, or local there is more than one track at the crossing, the roads. Interstate routes are numbered by code. driver should not cross the tracks until there is a Even numbers are west/east routes and odd clear view of the tracks in both directions. numbers are north/south routes. Three numbered routes with an odd first number are When the intersection is clear, drivers should routes into a city. Three numbered routes with look both ways and cross the tracks quickly, an even first number go through or around a without stopping. city. The law requires buses that carry passengers and trucks carrying flammable or hazardous material to stop before any railroad crossing, even if there is no sign of a train coming. Drivers Interstate Route U.S. Route State Route should be ready to stop when driving behind these vehicles. New Hampshire Driver Manual 22 WORKWORK ZZONEONE SSIGNSIGNS PAVEMENTPAVEMENT MMARKINGSARKINGS They are generally diamond Pavement markings are lines, arrows, words or or rectangular shaped and symbols painted on the roadway to give a driver orange with black letters or directions or warnings. They are used to divide symbols. These lanes, tell drivers when they may pass other construction, maintenance vehicles or change lanes, which lanes to use for or emergency operation turns, define pedestrian walkways and where signs alert drivers that there are work zones and drivers must stop for signs or traffic signals. that people are working on or near the roadway. These warnings include workers ahead, reduced Single, Broken (Dotted) Lines: These lines speed, detours, slow moving construction mark traffic lanes. White lines mean these lanes equipment and poor or suddenly changing road of traffic are moving in the same direction. surfaces. Yellow lines mean the lanes of traffic are moving in the opposite direction. Driver may pass other vehicles over broken (dotted) lines when it is safe to do so. Solid White Lines: Drivers are prohibited from Flagger Ahead Workers Ahead Road Construction Ahead changing lanes or to pass another vehicle. Double White Or Yellow Lines: Drivers must not pass if the line on the driver’s side is solid. If the line on the driver’s side is broken (dotted), One Lane Road Ahead Detour they may pass when safe to do so. In work zones, traffic may be controlled by a Edge Markings: Edge markings are the single person with a sign or flag to tell drivers which line that marks the edge of the road. The line is direction to travel, to slow down or stop. Drivers white on two-way roads and on the right edges must follow their instructions. of one-way roads. The line is yellow on the left edges of one-way roads. Barriers, such as drums, cones and tubes (panels) are used to keep traffic out of Stop Lines: White stop lines are located on the hazardous work zones. Along with signs and pavement to show drivers where to stop. After road markings, they guide drivers safely through initially stopping at the required point, a driver the work zone. Barriers may be used to keep should look both ways and proceed forward drivers from entering closed roads or other making sure it is safe to continue into the areas where it is dangerous to drive. Temporary intersection. If there is no white stop line but only traffic signals may be used in work zones. a crosswalk present then drivers must stop Drivers should reduce speed in work zones and before the crosswalk. If no crosswalk lines are be prepared to stop suddenly. Do not tailgate in present, drivers should come to a full stop prior work zones. Fines may be doubled in a work to entering the intersection. zone; however, this will be clearly marked before entering the work zone. Crosswalks: Crosswalk lines are painted across a road to show pedestrian crossing areas. Drivers are required to yield to pedestrians crossing the road in marked crosswalks or at intersections even if no crosswalk lines exist at the intersection. New Hampshire Driver Manual 23 Arrows: White arrows are painted on some roadways to help guide drivers into the proper lanes for turning at intersections and through traffic. Shared Center Turn Lane: Shared center lanes are for left turns only. This sign tells a driver where a lane is reserved for the use of left turning vehicles from either direction and is not to be used for through traffic or passing other vehicles. New Hampshire Driver Manual 24 SECTION 7 TURNINGTURNING ANANDD U-U-TURNSTURNS GENERAL DRIVING AND PARKING Before turning, drivers should: x Search all corners for traffic controls, TOLLTOLL RROADSOADS pedestrians, other vehicles, etc. and signal intentions. There are different types of roadways, such as x Enter and maintain proper position in the lane state roads, rural roads, and highways. that is closest to the direction they want to go. Highways can also be known as expressways, x Look through the turn to the farthest point turnpikes, throughways and freeways. Some possible along the intended path. highways can be toll roads. There are two x Accelerate smoothly to appropriate speed, different ways to pay a toll. One is with cash, make sure turn signal is cancelled and check and another is through an electronic toll traffic to the rear. collection system known as E-ZPass, which Right turns allows drivers to drive through designated lanes x Avoid swinging wide to the left before making without stopping to pay a cash toll, thereby the turn. reducing traffic congestion. To obtain an E- x Always turn right from the right-most portion ZPass transponder, drivers must contact the of the lane. New Hampshire Department of Transportation at www.ezpassnh.com. Left turns Important safety information for Cash Only x When making a left turn yield to oncoming traffic. Toll Lanes x Always turn left from the left-most portion of Drivers should: the lane. x Obey posted speed limits within the toll Multiple lanes turning plazas. x Identify which lane and enter the lane. x Never back up or reverse direction at a x Stay in that lane until the turn is completed. toll plaza x Come to a complete stop at staffed lanes REVERSINGREVERSING DIRECTIONDIRECTION x Do not get out of your vehicle There are times when a driver must reverse Important safety information for E-ZPass Toll direction; however, drivers must do so in a safe Lanes: manner. Depending on the type of roadway, there are different ways to reverse direction Drivers should: safely. x Obey posted speed limits in the toll Next Exit – If a driver misses an exit on a lanes, but do not come to a stop. divided highway, they should drive to the next x Never back up or reverse direction in the exit to reverse direction. Drivers should never toll lane. stop, back up or try to turn around. x Do not get out of your vehicle U-Turn – U-turns can be extremely dangerous and are not legal everywhere. If a driver must reverse direction, the driver should first check to see if it there are any signs indicating that U- turns are prohibited. Drivers should pull over to the shoulder of the road on the right using the New Hampshire Driver Manual 25 turn signal, and wait for the road to be clear of x Once stopped, drivers should activate their vehicles. Drivers should then use the turn signal left turn signal, check traffic and check blind to indicate they are pulling back out onto the spots by looking utilizing head checks. When road, and proceed to turn in the nearest lane traffic is clear, turn hard left to the other side going in the opposite direction. of the road and stop once reaching the other side. Two-point Turn – In this type of turn a street, alley or driveway is used to reverse the direction x Place the vehicle in reverse, check traffic and being travelled when it is not practical or check blind spots to both sides by utilizing possible to drive around a block A two-point turn head checks. When traffic is clear, turn a hard can be done in two directions: right to the other side of the road and stop. x Place the vehicle in drive, activate the left turn x Reverse Two-Point Turn – Drivers should signal, and check traffic and blind spots. signal their intention to turn right, stop and When traffic is clear, make a hard left and check traffic to the sides and rear of the drive forward into the right lane of traffic vehicle. Move back until the rear bumper of heading in the new direction. Check traffic the vehicle reaches the near edge of the and make sure the turn signal has cancelled. driveway. While backing slowly, steer rapidly Continue driving straight in the new direction. all the way to the right. As the vehicle centers in the driveway, straighten the wheels and stop. Shift to drive and check in both directions, if clear, signal and turn left into the proper lane and accelerate as appropriate. x Forward Two-Point Turn – Drivers should INTERSECTIONSINTERSECTIONS check their mirrors and signal their intention to turn left. Move close to the center of the Drivers should not rely on other road users to road and turn into the driveway or alley as obey traffic control signals or signs. Drivers near as possible to the right side. Stop as the should always be prepared to avoid a collision. rear of the vehicle clears the curb or edge of the driveway. Check in all directions for traffic, Before moving after stopping at an intersection, signal a right turn and shift to reverse. When drivers should take the extra time to check for the path is clear, move slowly back while crossing traffic and bicyclists. It is recommended turning the steering wheel quickly all the way that drivers look left, then right and left again to the right. As the vehicle centers in the before entering the intersection. At a traffic nearest lane, straighten wheels, stop, shift to signal when the light turns green, avoid drive, cancel right signal and move forward. immediately moving into the intersection. Take the time to make sure the path of travel is clear Three-Point Turn – Drivers should use this type and there is no crossing traffic. Drivers need a of turn only when the road or street is too narrow large enough gap to get their vehicle across the to make a U-turn. This type of turn should only roadway and enough space to turn into the be used on a two-lane roadway. appropriate lane and get up to speed. To perform a three-point turn: Drivers should not turn into a lane in front of another vehicle just because an approaching x Drivers should check the mirrors and activate vehicle has a turn signal active. The driver with their right turn signal to communicate their an active turn signal may plan to turn after they intention to pull off to the right side of the go past the intersection a driver is at, or may road. have forgotten to turn the signal off from a prior turn. New Hampshire Driver Manual 26 MULTI-LANE ROUNDABOUTS vehicles are approaching. Pull over to the (TRAFFIC() CIRCLES) right. Allow other vehicles to clear the intersection so the emergency vehicles can Roundabouts may have one or more lanes. move through the roundabout. Never stop Here are a few tips to help drivers safely while inside the roundabout. Instead, move negotiate a multi-lane roundabout. through and exit the roundabout, pull over to the right and allow emergency vehicles to pass. x Lane Choice – Prior to entering the roundabout, pay close attention to the signs indicating exits and lane uses, along with RULESRULES FFOROR SCSCHOOLHOOL BBUSESUSES pavement markings. Choose the appropriate lane to exit, as shown in the diagrams below: Drivers must stop at least 25-feet in any direction for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and/or the stop arm extended at all times unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier. Drivers shall remain stopped until the school bus resumes motion or until the flashing red lights cease to operate. Proceed slowly while always watching for children. PARKINGPARKING Drivers are responsible for making sure that their vehicle is not causing a driving hazard when it is parked. Any vehicle parked along a rural highway must be moved off the paved or main travelled portion of the road. If it is impossible to pull completely off the road, drivers should pull off as much as they can as x Yield - Yield to the traffic in both lanes in the long as there is a clear view for a distance of roundabout. When there is an appropriate 200 feet in each direction and if there is enough gap in traffic, enter the roundabout. space for other vehicles to pass. However, the x Lane Position - Maintain lane position until police often tow vehicles abandoned along the exiting. Avoid lane changes while inside the roadway even if the vehicle is well off the roundabout. travelled portion. If a driver must leave a vehicle x Do Not Pass – Do not drive beside or for several hours, they should leave a note on attempt to overtake or pass any vehicles. the windshield advising the police of the Large trucks and trailers within the problem, an anticipated time the vehicle will be roundabout may need to straddle both lanes. moved, and how to get in touch with the driver or x Emergency Vehicles in Roundabouts - Do owner. not enter a roundabout when emergency New Hampshire Driver Manual 27 When parking along the roadway, drivers should $62.00 for the first offense, and $124.00 for each park their vehicle as far away from the flow of subsequent offense. traffic as possible. If parking near a curb, park as close to it as possible. If a member of the disabled community finds themselves in a situation where they cannot exit When parked, drivers should: or enter their vehicle safely due to a vehicle parked in an access aisle, they should contact x Secure the vehicle. The law requires drivers the local police department immediately. to turn off the engine and remove the key when leaving a vehicle unattended. Drivers should also lock the vehicle whenever it is being parked. x Make sure the vehicle cannot move. Drivers should place the vehicle in “park” if the vehicle has an automatic transmission, or leave it in gear if the vehicle has a manual transmission. Set the parking brake and turn the wheels into the curb if the vehicle is parked on a hill. The law permits persons with walking disabilities or their drivers to submit a photo of a vehicle x Never open a door into traffic. that is parked illegally, in an accessible parking space or an access aisle. The photo must be No-Parking Zones - There are many areas accompanied with a sworn statement to the local where a driver cannot park. Drivers should police department. check for signs or painted curbs that may prohibit or limit parking. Although not marked, it is illegal to park in the following places: Spaces and Access Aisles Reserved For Persons with Walking Disabilities: x Alongside another parked vehicle (no double parking) It is against the law to park in a space that is reserved for individuals with walking disabilities. x On a sidewalk A conviction for parking in such spaces carries x In an intersection with it a fine of at least $310.00. x On a crosswalk x On any bridge Access aisles are the crosshatched area parallel x In any highway tunnel and adjacent to the accessible parking space. x In such a way that blocks traffic or is a hazard This area, marked with yellow or white diagonally to others on the road striped lines is the space needed by x On any street where there is no clearance for individuals with walking disabilities other vehicles to pass between the parked to be able to fully open the door to vehicles and the far curb their vehicle and safely maneuver in x In front of a driveway and out of their vehicle. Exiting or x Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant entering a van with a lift or ramp x Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an requires the entire access aisle space, which can intersection be up to 8 feet wide to engage the lift/ramp and x Within 30 feet of a stop sign, yield sign or safely maneuver a wheelchair on or off the traffic control signal lift/ramp. The fine for parking in an access aisle is New Hampshire Driver Manual 28 x Within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any x Once traffic is clear, shift to reverse and look fire station or within 75 feet on the opposite to the rear in the direction the vehicle will be side of the street moving. x Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad x Back slowly while turning the steering wheel crossing rapidly in the appropriate direction. Continue backing until the front bumper is in line with the rear bumper of the vehicle the driver is PERPENDICULARPERPENDICULAR AND ANANGLEGLE PARKINGPARKING parking behind. x Back slowly while turning the steering wheel x When Entering a Perpendicular or Angle rapidly to center the vehicle into the space. Parking Space, Drivers should: x Stop before touching the bumper of the Identify the space in which to park and o vehicle to the rear. Shift to drive and adjust check traffic. the vehicle in the parking space. o Signal intentions. o Move forward slowly, turning the steering wheel left or right as appropriate, until the vehicle reaches the middle of the space. o Center the vehicle in the space. o Move to the front of the parking space, stop and secure the vehicle. x When Exiting a Perpendicular or Angle Parking Space, Drivers should: o Check for traffic in all directions by utilizing the mirrors and head checks. When Exiting a Parallel Parking Space, Drivers o Continue to check traffic and move straight should: back until the front bumper clears the x Check traffic in all directions by utilizing the vehicle parked next to the driver’s vehicle. mirrors and head checks. o Then turn the steering wheel sharply in the x Shift vehicle into “reverse” and back up as direction that the rear of the vehicle should much as possible to the vehicle parked move. behind the driver’s vehicle. o When the vehicle clears the parking area x Check for traffic and signal. Shift to drive and space, stop and shift to drive. move forward slowly, steering into the lane. o Accelerate smoothly, steering as needed x Make sure that the front bumper of the to straighten wheels. vehicle will clear the vehicle ahead. If not put in reverse and correct steering. x Move forward into the appropriate lane of traffic when the door post of the vehicle clears the rear bumper of the vehicle parked ahead of the driver. Angled Parking Perpendicular Parking PARALLELPARALLEL PARKINGPARKING When Entering a Parallel Parking Space, Drivers should: x Identify the space in which to park, check for traffic and then signal. New Hampshire Driver Manual 29 SECTION 8 SPACESPACE MAMANAGEMENTNAGEMENT DRIVING SAFELY Providing an Adequate Following Distance SAFESAFE DRIVINDRIVINGG TIPTIPSS Drivers need time and space to adjust and react to other road users. The more space drivers Driving requires skills that drivers can only gain allow between their vehicle and other roadway through practice and experience. The following users, the more time the driver has time to react. section offers some driving tips that drivers can Traffic, speed, along with light, weather and road practice to help become a safer and more skillful conditions will impact the space needed driver. between the vehicle being driven and potential hazards. In order to reduce the risk of a collision, drivers should maintain enough following VISUALVISUAL SSEARCHEARCH distance space to allow time to safely stop or change the path of travel to avoid a collision. Something for drivers to remember: turn your head before you turn the wheel. Drivers need Space in front – A driver that closely follows the to be aware of what is happening around their vehicle in front of them limits their vision of the vehicle. Drivers must look ahead, to the sides road and does not allow enough time to react to and behind the vehicle, and should develop a avoid a collision. Drivers searching pattern that can be used every time. should always try to keep a minimum following distance Searching – Searching helps drivers to see of at least four seconds situations that could cause a problem and gives between their car and the them time to change speed and/or roadway vehicle in front. position. Drivers should keep their eyes moving and searching for possible problems. To determine the following distance, drivers should: Looking ahead – Looking ahead down the road, looking past the vehicles in front of the x Watch when the rear of the vehicle ahead driver, and continually checking mirrors will help passes a sign, pole or any other stationary make drivers aware of potential dangers point. x Count the seconds it takes to reach the same Drivers should avoid getting into situations that sign, pole, or any other stationary point could limit how far they can see down the road, (“One-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one- like following too close to a larger vehicle. If a thousand-three, one-thousand-four”). driver is behind a large vehicle, they should x Not pass the stationary point before counting adjust their speed and road position. to one-thousand-four. Look to the sides – Drivers should search to x Reduce speed and then count again at the sides to make sure other roadway users will another stationary point to check the new not cross the path of travel. following interval. Drivers should repeat this practice until they are following no closer than Look to the rear – Drivers need to be aware of “four-seconds.” traffic behind their vehicle. Drivers should check x Practice by guessing how many seconds their mirrors continually before slowing down, away the vehicle is from an object and then stopping, turning or changing lanes. count the seconds it actually takes to reach the object. New Hampshire Driver Manual 30 x Provide adequate stopping space for pedestrians in crosswalks, and space around the vehicle for bicyclists, children playing in and around the roadways, joggers, and pedestrians walking along the side of the road. There are certain situations where drivers would need additional space in front of the vehicle. Drivers should increase the following distance: x On slippery roads. x When following large vehicles like trucks, buses, recreational vehicles and vehicles x When an approaching vehicle in the opposite pulling a trailer. lane is on a curve, or is a large vehicle, drivers must be careful not to crowd the center lane to allow for the vehicle to pass safely. Space behind To help maintain a safe distance from the x At night, in fog, or in bad weather. vehicles following, drivers should drive at a steady speed, signal in advance and increase x When following vehicles required to stop at the following distance in front to allow for a safe railroad crossings, like transit buses, school stopping distance. buses or vehicles carrying hazardous materials. Space to the side Space on the sides of the vehicle allows drivers to move right or left. Drivers should: x Avoid driving next to other vehicles for long periods of time. The vehicle may be in their blind-spot and it reduces the space needed to avoid a collision. x Avoid crowding the center line marking. Try to keep as much space as possible between the vehicle and oncoming traffic. x Allow space for vehicles entering a multiple- lane or limited access roadway by moving over a lane or adjusting the speed of the vehicle. New Hampshire Driver Manual 31 SECTION 9 Vehicles within fifteen (15) days if there is a ACCIDENTS AND fatality, injuries or if the combined property damage totals more than $1,000 as a result of FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY the accident. In New Hampshire there are more than 30,000 If the crash is investigated by a police officer, crashes reported each year. All drivers have the drivers are not required to file a separate report responsibility to do their best to prevent to the Division of Motor Vehicles. The report filed collisions. If every driver always obeyed the by the police officers will satisfy the reporting rules and drove sensibly, driving would be safer; requirement; however, if a driver involved however, drivers often encounter other road wishes to file an accident, they may do so. users, such as other drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists who ignore the rules and laws that The Operator Report (DSMV 400) may be apply to them. obtained at any DMV office around the state, on our website at Drivers should learn to drive defensively, which www.nh.gov/safety/division/dmv/forms.htm means drivers must watch for illegal acts and under Documents and Forms, or at any police the driving errors of other drivers and adjust their department. If the driver is injured and is unable driving accordingly so as to avoid a crash. to complete the report, it may be filed by a passenger or the owner of the vehicle. ACCIDENTACCIDENT PRPROCEDURESOCEDURES If a driver is uncertain if the combined property damage is over $1,000, it is recommended to file What to do when an accident happens: an Operator Report with the DMV to ensure No one wants to be involved in a crash; compliance with the law. however, crashes do happen. If a crash occurs, drivers should: x Stop. FINANCIALFINANCIAL RERESPONSIBILITYSPONSIBILITY x If possible, move the vehicle off the road so that traffic is not blocked from passing the site Insurance: of the crash. Almost all states require drivers to purchase x Call 911 if there are injuries. automobile insurance. New Hampshire has no x Give aid to any injured people, but do not mandatory law, so a driver may drive a vehicle move them unless it is necessary, and be within the State of New Hampshire without sure an ambulance has been called. insurance. However, if a driver is involved in an uninsured accident, they could be held x Get the following information for all people involved in the crash: responsible for payment of all damages to the other person’s property and the payment of all o Names and addresses. medical bills arising out of the crash. If a driver is o Driver’s license numbers, and state(s) of issue. unable to pay for these damages and medical bills, New Hampshire law requires the Division o License plate number(s) and state of issue of all vehicles involved in the crash. of Motor Vehicles to suspend the driver’s driving privileges until a settlement has been reached. o Make, model and year of all vehicles involved in the crash. New Hampshire law may also require a driver to o Insurance information, if applicable. carry insurance for several years after having an x Get the names and addresses of any uninsured accident in the form of an SR-22 witnesses or injured persons. certificate being filed by an insurance company. This type of insurance gives protection to the Reporting an accident: driver, to the occupants of the vehicle, and any New Hampshire law requires that an accident damages to any vehicle involved in the accident. report be filed with the Division of Motor New Hampshire Driver Manual 32 Financial responsibility: There are motor vehicle convictions that would also require a driver to show the DMV proof of insurance (SR-22) in order to have their driving and registration privileges reinstated: x Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs x Failing to stop and report when involved in a crash x Homicide arising out of the operation of a motor vehicle x Second offense reckless driving x After a review of a driver’s record of all traffic violations (just cause hearing). New Hampshire Driver Manual 33 SECTION 10 another vehicle is about to hit the from behind DRIVING EMERGENCIES or from the side. DEALINGDEALING WITH SSKIDSKIDS Driving emergencies can happen to any driver, and may vary from windshield wiper failure to Skidding is caused when a driver is traveling too being involved in a major collision. Drivers fast for conditions, stops too suddenly or when should always think before taking action. A the tires can no longer grip the roadway. Once panic reaction could result in making the the vehicle begins to skid, a driver has little situation worse. control of the vehicle. If the vehicle begins to skid, drivers should: BRAKINGBRAKING x Ease up on the accelerator. The first reaction for most drivers to avoid a x Steer in the direction that the rear of the collision is to stop the vehicle. Vehicles vehicle is sliding. This will allow the vehicle to equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) go straight instead of sideways. will allow a driver to stop the vehicle without x Be prepared to steer in the opposite direction skidding and keep steering control. Be sure to if the vehicle starts swerving in the other read the vehicle owner’s manual on how to use direction. the ABS. Drivers should press on the brake x Once the vehicle stops skidding, straighten pedal and keep applying pressure. ABS will the front wheels and steer back in the original work only if the driver keeps the pressure on the direction of travel. brake pedal. A driver may feel the pedal vibrate and hear a clicking noise, which is normal. UNEVENUNEVEN SURFACESURFACE DROP-OFFSDROP-OFFS If the vehicle is not equipped with ABS, refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper braking Uneven surface drop-offs can cause serious procedure. crashes if a driver reacts improperly. Drivers should avoid panic steering back onto the SWERVINGSWERVING pavement. If the vehicle leaves the paved road surface, drivers should slow down gradually and turn back onto the pavement when it is safe to Drivers may be able to avoid a collision by quickly do so. steering around a problem. This is sometimes referred to as “swerving.” If a vehicle suddenly approaches from the opposite direction, drivers VEHICLEVEHICLE MALFMALFUNCTIONSUNCTIONS should: There is always a chance of a vehicle problem x Make sure they have a good grip with both while driving. Drivers should follow the hands on the steering wheel. recommended maintenance schedule listed in x Steer in the direction they want to go, but try the vehicle owner’s manual. Following these to avoid other traffic – never swerve to the left preventive measures greatly reduces the chance to avoid a crash. that the vehicle will have a problem. x Once the problem has cleared, steer in the opposite direction to straighten out and gain Brake Failure: control. Brakes can fail due to a malfunction, or if they have come in contact with a large amount of water. In the event that the brakes stop working ACCELERATINGACCELERATING as the vehicle is being operated, drivers should: It may be necessary for a driver to accelerate to avoid a collision. This may happen when New Hampshire Driver Manual 34 x Engage the parking brake. Pull on the parking x Brake firmly to counteract the effects of the brake handle in the center console or push acceleration. the parking brake foot pedal slowly to avoid x When safe to do so, pull the vehicle off the locking the rear wheels and causing a skid. road. Be ready to release the brake if the vehicle x Bring the vehicle to a stop and turn off the starts skid. engine. x If engaging the brake does not work, turn off the engine and look for a safe place to slow to Headlight failure: a stop off the roadway. If the headlights on the vehicle suddenly go out, drivers should: Tire Blowout: Tire blowout is the rapid deflation of a tire and x Try the turn signals or emergency flashers. can cause sudden loss of control of the vehicle. x Pull off the road as quickly and safely as If a front tire blows out, the vehicle will pull possible and leave the emergency flashers on. sharply in the direction of the blowout. If a rear tire blows out, the vehicle will wobble, shake and Vehicle Breakdown: pull some in the direction of the blowout. When a vehicle breaks down, drivers should: If a tire blows out or suddenly goes flat, a driver x Turn on the emergency flashers to show the should: vehicle is disabled. x If possible, get the vehicle off the road and x Grip the steering wheel firmly and keep the away from traffic as safely and quickly as vehicle going straight. possible. x Slow down gradually by relieving pressure on x Try to give other drivers some time to change the accelerator pedal. lanes if necessary by leaving the emergency x Allow the vehicle to slow by itself or brake flashers on and if available, by placing gently if necessary. emergency flares or reflectors 200 feet in x If possible, pull off the road in a safe place front of and behind the vehicle. and turn on the emergency flashers. x Once stopped, use a cell phone or other device to notify authorities that the vehicle Power Failure: has broken down. If no cell phone or device is If the engine shuts off while the vehicle is in available, raise the hood of the vehicle and tie motion, drivers should: a white cloth (red in a snowstorm) to the driver’s door handle or the vehicle’s antenna, x Keep a strong grip on the steering wheel. Be which alerts drivers that help is needed. If aware that the steering wheel may be difficult possible, stay with the vehicle until help to turn. arrives. If the vehicle is in a hazardous x Do not brake hard, brake with steady location, get all passengers out of the vehicle pressure on the pedal, slow down then pull off and well away from traffic. the roadway. x Stop and try to restart the engine, if unsuccessful, raise hood, turn on emergency flashers and call for help. Stuck Accelerator: If the accelerator becomes stuck, drivers should: x Keep their eyes on the road. x Shift the vehicle into the neutral gear. New Hampshire Driver Manual 35 SECTION 11 Drivers should use caution when: SHARING THE ROAD x Driving next to parked or stopped vehicles as pedestrians can walk out between vehicles. x Backing up. Always check for pedestrians Road users consist of not only vehicles, but before backing, especially in parking lots or pedestrians, bicyclists, large trucks, places where there are many pedestrians. motorcycles, animal riders, joggers and slow x Approaching a school zone when lights are moving vehicles. There are laws and important flashing or children are present. Drivers must information drivers should know when sharing obey the school zone speed limit. At a school the road with these users. crossing where there is a crossing guard, drivers should stop and yield if they are PEDESTRIANSPEDESTRIANS signaled to do so. Vehicle–Pedestrian collisions Visually Impaired/Blind Pedestrians account for nearly 20 percent of New Hampshire law requires drivers to come to all traffic deaths each year. a complete stop whenever a person who is Drivers must use extreme care carrying a white cane (the international symbol to avoid colliding with a of blindness) or using a harnessed guide dog is pedestrian, especially in areas attempting to cross a roadway. The person who such as school zones, bus stops, playgrounds is visually impaired listens to determine if a and parks. Pedestrians are difficult to see and it vehicle has stopped moving before proceeding is difficult to determine their intentions. Drivers into the roadway. While listening to the traffic should be prepared to yield to pedestrians at all flow and other auditory information, the visually times. impaired approaches an intersection and locates the best place to make a safe crossing. Drivers Pedestrians have the right of should be aware that the person will begin to way when they are: cross the street when he or she has determined x In a crosswalk that a safe crossing can be made. Drivers must x Using a sidewalk, crossing an come to a complete stop and use extra caution alley entrance or driveway when proceeding, and should NEVER honk the x Visually impaired and crossing horn or yell at a person who is visually impaired. the street guided by a service animal or carrying a white with BICYCLISTSBICYCLISTS a red tip. Bicycles are considered vehicles when on Pedestrians must: roadways. Bicyclists are required and expected x Use crosswalks at intersections and follow all to obey all traffic laws and regulations as pedestrian warning signs and signals. motorized vehicles and have the same rights, x Look in both directions before crossing any privileges and responsibilities as any driver on roadway. the roadway. x Walk on the left side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic when walking on the side of Drivers should: the road where there is no sidewalk. x Exercise due care when passing a bicyclist by x Always wear white or light colored clothing or leaving a reasonable and prudent distance carry a light when walking at night between the vehicle and the bicycle x Never walk on interstate or limited access (reasonable and prudent is considered at least highways 3 feet when the vehicle is traveling at or less than 30 miles per hour, with one additional foot of clearance required for every 10 miles per hour above 30 miles per hour). New Hampshire Driver Manual 36 x Always dim the headlights when meeting an x Always carefully check oncoming traffic for oncoming bicyclist at night. motorcycles before taking a left turn across x Yield right-of-way when a bicycle path or bike traffic, and know its speed before making the lane intersects a road. Do not stop, park or turn. drive on a designated bicycle path or lane x Be sure to allow at least four seconds unless entering or leaving an alley or following distance when behind a motorcycle. driveway, performing official duties, directed x Be aware that most motorcycles do not have by a police officer, or an emergency situation automatic cancel for turn signals. Before taking exists. a turn in front of a motorcycle with its turn signal x Only use the horn when attempting to avoid a on, be sure the rider is actually turning. collision with a bicyclist. Using the horn to alert the bicyclist of the presence of a vehicle Drivers should be aware that motorcyclists may startle a bicyclist and cause a crash. may slow down or change direction under x Watch carefully for bicyclists entering the the following circumstances: traveling lane. x Check mirrors and do head checks before Bad weather and slippery surfaces opening a vehicle door, backing out of a Rain, wind, dust and fog affect a cyclist’s vision, driveway or into a roadway as bicyclists could and wet and slippery roads can create glare that be approaching. is especially hard to see at night. Cross winds MOTORCYCLESMOTORCYCLES Windy conditions can move a motorcycle out of its lane of travel. Areas to look out for are wide Motorcyclists have the same rights and open, long stretches of highway and bridges. responsibilities on New Hampshire’s roadways Fast moving large trucks have been known to as other drivers. However, because most create wind blasts which can startle a cyclist, motorcycles are only about two feet wide, a and under certain conditions, may actually move motorcycle may not be easily identifiable in a cyclist out of their path of travel. traffic, they can be easily hidden in a vehicle’s Road surfaces Uneven road surfaces, gravel, debris, pavement seams, grooved pavement and manhole covers Metal or grated bridges Motorcyclists may experience a wobbling sensation when traveling over metal or grated bridges. SLOWSLOW MMOVINGOVING VEHIVEHICLESCLES Drivers should be alert for slow moving vehicles. A fluorescent or blind spot, and it is sometimes difficult to judge reflective orange and red triangle how fast they are traveling. displayed on the rear of vehicles drawn by animals, farm equipment or construction equipment means the Drivers should: vehicle is traveling less than 25 mph. x Never attempt to share a lane with a Drivers should use caution when motorcycle. Motorcycles are entitled to the approaching a slow moving vehicle same full lane width as all other vehicles. and be sure it is safe before passing. New Hampshire Driver Manual 37 The No-Zone x Farm machinery – Watch for tractors, combines and other farm equipment moving The No-Zone is the area around large trucks or across the road and traveling on state buses where vehicles disappear from the highways in rural areas. Pass with caution and commercial driver’s view into blind spots. These remember the operator of the farm machinery blind spots are on the sides, rear and front of the cannot hear approaching vehicles. Do not large vehicle. attempt to pass until it is safe to do so. x Animal drawn vehicles and horseback riders – In some rural areas, drivers may be sharing the road with animal drawn vehicles and horseback riders. They have the same rights to use the x Side No-Zones – Large trucks and buses road as a motor vehicle and have big No-Zones on both sides. They are must follow the same rules of much larger than a vehicle’s blind spot. the road. Drivers approaching Trucks have a large blind spot on their right any horse shall take every side starting behind precaution to prevent the cab and frightening the horse. Drivers should reduce extending up to the speed, assess the situation and pass with length of the truck. caution, and never use the horn or “rev” It’s important for a the engine. driver to know that if the truck driver’s face cannot be seen in the side view mirror, INTERACTING WITH LARGE TRUCKS then the truck driver cannot see the other AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES vehicle. Drivers should avoid driving alongside a large vehicle for any longer than Over 250,000 crashes occur what is required. If the truck driver needs to between cars and commercial swerve or change lanes, the chances of a vehicles each year nationwide. collision are greatly increased. Many of these crashes could be avoided by keeping these points in mind: x Front No-Zones – Because of a large vehicle’s size and weight, they take longer to x Commercial vehicles are generally larger stop than cars. A loaded truck with good tires vehicles and less maneuverable than a car. and properly adjusted brakes, under ideal x These vehicles have much larger blind spots conditions, traveling at 55 mph requires a than cars. minimum of 335 feet before coming to a x They have longer stopping and accelerating complete stop, or greater than 1½ times the distances and need more room to turn. stopping distance of a car. Therefore, it is x essential not to enter a roadway in front of a large vehicle or change lanes in front of a large vehicle. When passing a large vehicle look for the whole front of the vehicle in the rear-view mirror before pulling in front and maintaining speed. New Hampshire Driver Manual 38 x Rear No-Zones – Unlike cars, large vehicles the right side of the roadway to avoid a side have huge blind spots directly behind them swept crash and to reduce the wind that extend up to 200 feet. If travelling too turbulence between the two vehicles, which close, the large vehicle cannot see a vehicle pushes the vehicles apart. travelling near them and the driver of the car x Many collisions with large vehicles occur at cannot see what is up intersections because motorists are unable to ahead. If the large judge accurately the speed of a truck vehicle brakes or stops approaching before making a left turn. When in suddenly, drivers have doubt about the speed of an oncoming truck or no place to go and bus, do not turn left in its path. The truck or could run into them. To bus may be going too fast and it takes a longer prevent this, drivers stopping distance for them than a car. need to pay close x Many intersections are marked with stop lines attention when following a large vehicle. to show where drivers must come to a Drivers should avoid following too closely and complete stop. These stop lines help to set a position their vehicle so the truck driver can vehicle farther back at an intersection to give see the vehicle in their side mirrors. When larger vehicles more turning space. Always traveling up or down steep hills, large stop behind stop lines. vehicles drive slowly and therefore typically x Do not cut off a large vehicle in traffic or on use the right lane. Avoid driving in the right the highway to reach an exit or turn or to beat lane, if possible, when traveling up or down a truck into a single-lane construction zone. hills, as well as near truck weigh stations, where large vehicles will be attempting to re- EMERGENCYEMERGENCY VEHIVEHICLESCLES enter faster-moving traffic. By avoiding the right lane in these areas, drivers will reduce Emergency vehicles, such as police, fire and the possibility of a crash with a large vehicle. ambulance vehicles are equipped with sirens, flashing lights and special horns. Right-of-way Turning must be given to emergency vehicles when Pay close attention to approaching from any direction when they are large vehicle turn sounding a siren or operating their flashing signals and give them lights. Drivers should drive immediately to the plenty of room to right side of the road and stop the vehicle until maneuver. When a the emergency has passed. Drivers should truck or bus needs to avoid blocking an intersection when stopping. make a right turn, they Once the emergency vehicle has passed, may need to swing wide drivers must use their signal and turn back into to the left in order to the roadway, only when it is safe to do so. safely turn right and clear the corner of a curb or other obstruction. Drivers must not follow a fire truck closer than Sometimes space from other lanes is used to 500 feet when it is sounding a siren or operating clear corners. If a driver tries to get in between flashing lights. Drivers must not drive or park a the truck or bus and the curb, the vehicle will be vehicle within the block where the fire truck has squeezed in between them and could suffer a stopped to answer a fire alarm. serious crash. To avoid a crash, do not turn until the truck or bus has completed its turn. Drivers should keep in mind the following: x When meeting a truck coming from the opposite direction, keep as far as possible to New Hampshire Driver Manual 39 help the officer see that everything is in order When approaching a highway emergency: inside the vehicle. x Remain calm and keep the safety belt New Hampshire’s “Move Over” law requires fastened. Ask any passenger(s) to do so as drivers to provide a wide space or change into a well. Place hands on the steering wheel and lane not adjacent to an emergency vehicle if limit movements. traffic conditions allow to do so safely. x When requested, locate and provide their driver license, and vehicle registration. If the Specifically, drivers should: officer asks the driver for these documents, tell the officer where they are located and x When in or approaching an incident involving reach for them slowly with one hand on the a fire, collision, disaster, utility construction or wheel. Answer the officer's questions fully maintenance, or other emergency resulting in and clearly. partial or complete blockage of a highway, or x If the vehicle is unmarked, be sure it has its a location where a police officer has made a blue lights activated. If the police officer is in traffic stop, every driver other than the driver plain clothes (no uniform), ask for of an emergency response vehicle, shall: identification such as a badge or department identification card. o Maintain a reduced speed. Obey the directions of any authorized o WORKWORK ZZONESONES person directing traffic and of all applicable emergency signals and traffic control A work zone is an area where roadwork takes devices. place and may involve lane closures, detours Vacate any lane wholly or partially blocked, o and moving equipment. as soon as possible. o Give a wide berth, without endangering oncoming traffic, to public safety personnel, any persons in the roadway, and stationary vehicles displaying blue, red, or amber emergency or warning lights. Work zones have become x Any person violating this law shall be fined increasingly dangerous $75 plus penalty assessment for a first places for both workers and offense and $250 plus penalty assessment drivers. Approximately for a subsequent offense in a 12-month 40,000 people per year are injured as a period. result of motor vehicle crashes in work zones. POLICE/TRAFFICPOLICE/TRAFFIC SSTOPSTOPS When approaching a work zone watch for signs, cones, barrels, If an approaching police vehicle with lights large vehicles, and workers. Work and/or sirens engaged pulls in behind a vehicle zone signs have an orange pulling off to the side of the road, a driver must: background and black letters or symbols. Always reduce speed in x Come to a complete stop and place the a work zone, even if there are no signs vehicle in park. indicating a change in speed limit within the x Remain in the vehicle unless requested to get work zone. The narrower lanes and rough out. pavement can create hazardous conditions. x Turn off the engine and turn on the hazard flashers and if at night, the interior lights to New Hampshire Driver Manual 40 While driving in a work zone, drivers should: x Reduce speed, increase the following distance; watch the traffic around the vehicle and be prepared to stop. x Use extreme caution when driving through a work zone at night whether workers are present or not. x Adjust lane position to allow space for workers and construction vehicles. x Observe the posted work zone signs and do not resume normal speed until the “End Road Work” sign is visible. x Expect delays, plan for them and leave early to reach a destination on time. x When available, use alternate routes to avoid work zones. New Hampshire Driver Manual 41 SECTION 12 TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Answers may be found in the section indicated for each question. Section 1: If a driver is required to wear glasses or contacts while driving, the _____ restriction for corrective lenses will be placed on the applicant’s license. Section 2: A Youth Operator under the age of 18 years may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of _____ and ______. Section 3: BAC stands for ______. Section 4: In New Hampshire, safety restraints are required for ______. Section 5: NEW HAMPSHIRE law requires drivers to turn on their headlights during the period from _____ after sunset to ______before sunrise. Section 6: The shapes and colors of road signs have significant meanings, which allow a driver to quickly identify ______. Section 7: Drivers must stop at least _____ feet in any direction for a school bus that is stopped with its red lights flashing and/or the stop arm extended at all times unless the roadway is separated by a physical barrier. Section 8: Drivers should avoid getting into situations that could limit how far they can see down the road, like ______. Section 9: New Hampshire law requires that an accident report be filed with the DMV within 15 days if there is ______. Section 10: Skidding is caused when a driver is traveling too fast for road conditions, stops too suddenly or when ______. Section 11: Vehicle-Pedestrian collisions account for nearly ______percent of all traffic deaths each year. DSMV 360 New Hampshire Driver Manual 42 NOTES New Hampshire Driver Manual 43 NOTES New Hampshire Driver Manual 44 KƌŐĂŶŽŶĂƚŝŽŶ^ĂǀĞƐ>ŝǀĞƐ tŚĞŶLJŽƵĂƉƉůLJĨŽƌLJŽƵƌůŝĐĞŶƐĞLJŽƵǁŝůůŚĂǀĞĂŶ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJƚŽƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĂƐĂĚŽŶŽƌ͘ ^ĂLJŝŶŐ͚zĞƐ͛ĐĂŶƐĂǀĞĂůŝĨĞ͊ )DFW 6D\LQJ³ Find out at www.getREAL.nh.gov get REAL REAL ID New Hampshire Department of Safety Division of Motor Vehicles DSMV 360: Drivers Manual (Rev. 5-2020)