Course: Space Management

The procedures and techniques for controlling the space around the vehicle, including; Space cushions, (e.g., controlling space ahead/to the rear), Space to the sides, and Space for traffic gaps.

You will learn to:

• Select the traffic lane that offers the best mobility and least traffic interruption.
• Choose a safe gap for changing lanes, passing other vehicles, and crossing or entering traffic.
• Cosition your vehicle correctly within a lane and relative to crosswalks, so that you don't create hazards for other road users.
• Position the tractor and trailer correctly before and during a turn to prevent other vehicles from passing on the wrong side and to prevent problems caused by off-tracking.
• Maintain a safe following distance according to amount of traffic, condition of the road, visibility and vehicle weight.
• Avoid structures having inadequate overhead clearance.

You will learn:

• The importance of separating your vehicle from traffic on the roadway when it is disabled.
• The appropriate following distance for various conditions.
• State regulations about following distance, lane use, changing lanes and passing.
• The importance of maintaining space around your vehicle so that you have room to maneuver in an emergency.
• The importance of checking the position of your vehicle and of other vehicles by using your mirrors.
• The dangers created by overhead obstructions.

What Will Happen In This Unit

This unit begins with an online classroom lesson in which you will learn techniques for, and the importance of, controlling the space around your vehicle.

Timed Interval Driving

How To Do It

1. Pick out a stationary object up ahead such as a tree, sign or a shadow on the road.
2. Start counting the seconds as the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead of you passes that stationary object.
3. Count the seconds out loud by saying "one thousand and one, one thousand and two" etc.
4. The amount of time it takes the front bumper of your rig to get to that stationary object is the timed interval.

Formula

Basic formula is one full second for every 10 feet of vehicle length (or fraction thereof) for speeds up to 40 mph.

Example: Tractor-trailer

• 40-foot vehicle requires 4 seconds

• 50-foot vehicle requires 5 seconds

• 60-foot vehicle requires 6 seconds

• Round the length of vehicle up (e.g., 36-foot long rig equals 40 feet, V-foot long rig equals 50 feet, etc.)

• For speeds above 40 mph, you must add another second to the basic formula

Example: 50-foot rig traveling 48 mph

Basic requirement (50 feet) = 5 seconds

Above 40 mph requirement = 1 second

Total time needed = 6 seconds

For bad weather, poor visibility or slick road conditions, you must add at least one additional second to the formula, and depending upon the severity of the conditions, you may need to add additional seconds.

Example: 63-foot rig traveling 55 mph in bad visibility (a very dangerous thing to do)

• Basic requirement (70 feet) = 7 seconds

• Above 40 mph requirement = 1 second

• Bad weather/visibility/road requirement = 1 second

• Total time needed = 9 seconds

• For night driving always add 1 second to the basic formula (because of reduced visibility)

Download the Timed Interval Driving Method.

This is a sample course from our training library. You're welcome to view the course for personal use. Drivers of member fleets will receive a certificate after completing the online course.Please sign into your account to take an assignment. A certificate will be delivered electronically to your driver qualification file.