Coasting, Speed, and Speed Limits

Coasting 🚗💨

What is Coasting?

• Coasting happens when you drive with the transmission in neutral, especially downhill.
• It is dangerous because it reduces control of the vehicle and removes engine braking, making it harder to slow down.

Why is Coasting Risky?

• Coasting removes the ability to use engine braking, which helps slow the vehicle safely and reduces brake wear.
• On steep or slippery roads, it increases the risk of losing control.

Is Coasting Legal?

• No, coasting is illegal in many places because it compromises safety.

How to Safely Descend a Hill?

• Always shift to a lower gear to use engine braking along with the regular brakes for better control.

Coasting in Emergency Maneuvers:

• Coasting reduces your ability to accelerate or brake effectively during emergencies.

Speed ⏱️⚠️

What Determines the Safest Speed?

• The safest speed is determined by road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions—not just the posted speed limit.

Basic Speed Law:

• You must drive at a speed that is safe for current conditions, even if it is lower than the posted speed limit.

School Zone Speed Limits:

• Speed limits vary, but typical school zone speeds are 20–25 mph during school hours.

Risks of Speeding:

• Driving faster than the flow of traffic increases the risk of collisions. Always match the speed of surrounding vehicles to avoid accidents.

Driving Slower Than Traffic:

• If driving slower than traffic, move to the rightmost lane to allow others to pass.

Adverse Weather Conditions:

• Always reduce speed during heavy rain, fog, or snow to ensure better traction and visibility.

Navigating Curves:

• Slow down before a curve to maintain control. Speeding through curves can cause skidding or rollovers.

Speed Reduces Your Field of Vision 👀🌪️

How Does Speed Affect Vision?

• Higher speeds narrow your field of vision, making it harder to detect hazards on the sides of the road, such as pedestrians or cyclists.

How to Compensate for Reduced Vision?

• Scan the road and surroundings more frequently to spot potential dangers.

Dangers of High Speed:

• At speeds above 40 mph, your peripheral vision decreases significantly, making side hazards harder to spot.

“Tunnel Vision” Effect:

• At high speeds, tunnel vision occurs where you focus only on what’s directly ahead, missing important side hazards.

Speed Limits 🚦🚙

Purpose of Speed Limits:

• Speed limits are set to ensure maximum safe speeds under normal conditions.
• Adjust your speed based on the road, traffic, and weather conditions, even if it means driving slower than the posted limit.

Typical Speed Limits:

• In residential areas, speed limits are typically 25 mph.
• In school zones, speed limits are typically 20–25 mph.
• In rural areas, speed limits are often 55 mph unless posted otherwise.

Minimum Speed Limits:

• On highways, stay in the rightmost lane if driving slower than the posted speed limit.
• Minimum Speed signs indicate the slowest speed allowed, except when conditions require slower speeds.

Adjusting Speed in Unsafe Conditions:

• Always adjust your speed based on adverse conditions (e.g., rain, fog) to stay safe, even if the posted speed limit is higher.

Key Takeaways 📋