Lesson Four: Entering and Exiting Traffic (3.4)

Entering and exiting traffic are common maneuvers. Performing these maneuvers safely requires the combination of skills, techniques, and judgment. Before entering, crossing, or exiting traffic you must have enough space for your vehicle to fit without interfering with other traffic.  Determine whether you can proceed by knowing how much time it takes to turn or proceed forward in traffic. You must have a sufficient gap.  A gap is the space between two vehicles.

To manage space and communicate your intentions, follow these sequences:

Entering & Exiting Traffic- MSMOG

• Mirror – check rearview mirror
• Signal – the direction you want to go
• Mirror – check side view mirror on the side you intend to go
• Over the shoulder – check the blind spot on side you intend to go
• Go (Entering) – Look to the target area, enter traffic, cancel signal, recheck the rear
• Go (Exiting) – Pull to the curb, cancel signal, secure the vehicle

Entering, Crossing and Exiting Traffic

Parking on a Hill

 Parking Fails

When parking on a hill you must ensure that your vehicle will not roll into traffic. By law, when parking on a hill you are required to secure your vehicle by turning your wheels and activating the parking brake.

Uphill with a curb

Turn the tires toward the road

All other hill parking

Turn the tires away from the road

Parking on a Hill