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Quebec handbook · chapter 1 · 37 min read

Getting Ready to Drive

This edition was published by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec This publication was prepared by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec

Project leader, art direction, production, computer graphics Direction des communications et des relations publiques Researched and written by Direction des normes et partenariats d’affaires

Graphic design Direction des communications et des relations publiques Collaboration Vice-présidences de la Société

Legal deposit – 2022 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec

ISBN 978-2-550-93463-9 (PDF)

© Gouvernement du Québec – 2022

All rights reserved for all countries. Reproduction by any means and translation of any part of this document are prohibited without the authorization of Les Publications du Québec. Original text in French.

Preparing the vehicle and carrying baggage ��������� 40 ▶ Regular Checks��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 40 ▶ Preparing to Carry Baggage������������������������������������������������������ 44 Packing Objects and Baggage����������������������������������������������������������������� 44 Transporting an Animal��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 46

Self-evaluation Exercises ��������������������������������������������� 47

CHAPTER 2 BASIC INSTRUCTIONS: OBSERVE–EVALUATE–ACT51

Observe–Evaluate–Act ��������������������������������������������������� 53 ▶ Importance of Vision������������������������������������������������������������������ 53 ▶ Keep Your Eyes Moving������������������������������������������������������������� 54 ▶ Look Far Ahead�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 55 Approaching a Curve������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 56 ▶ Increase Your Field of Vision������������������������������������������������������ 57 Approaching an Intersection������������������������������������������������������������������� 57 In an Urban Area������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 57 Ahead and to the Sides��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 58 Behind You����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 59 Blind Spots����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 60

Observe–Evaluate–Act ��������������������������������������������������� 63 ▶ Evaluating a Real or Potential Risk�������������������������������������������� 63 ▶ Choosing the Appropriate Solution������������������������������������������ 64 Observe–Evaluate–Act ��������������������������������������������������� 65 Self-evaluation Exercises ��������������������������������������������� 66 CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE

Self-evaluation Exercises ����������������������������������������� 109

CHAPTER 4 SHARING THE ROAD 115

Safe driving ������������������������������������������������������������������� 117 ▶ Communicate Your Presence and Your Intentions������������������ 118 Headlights���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 118 Headlight Warnings������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 119 Visual Contact���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 119 Horn������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 119 Turn Signals (Flashers)��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 120 Brake Lights������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 121 Other Lights������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 121

▶ Maintain a Safe Speed and Distance��������������������������������������� 121 Keeping a Safe Distance in Front of You���������������������������������������������� 122 Keeping a Safe Distance Behind You���������������������������������������������������� 124 Stopping Distance���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 124 Keeping a Safe Distance When Stopped���������������������������������������������� 126

Cooperating with other road users ������������������������ 127 ▶ With Pedestrians���������������������������������������������������������������������� 127 At Pedestrian Crosswalks����������������������������������������������������������������������� 129 At Intersections�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 129 Pedestrians With a Visual Disability������������������������������������������������������ 130

▶ With Children��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 130 ▶ With Cyclists����������������������������������������������������������������������������� 131 Space to Leave When Passing a Cyclist������������������������������������������������� 132 Dooring�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 132 ▶ With Moped or Scooter Riders������������������������������������������������ 133 ▶ With Motorcyclists�������������������������������������������������������������������� 133 ▶ With Heavy Vehicles����������������������������������������������������������������� 134 Slow-Moving Vehicles���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 135 Public Work Vehicles������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 136 Vehicles Whose Width Exceeds Standards�������������������������������������������� 136

Difficult conditions ����������������������������������������������������� 155 ▶ Night Driving���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 155 Reduce Your Speed�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 155 Increase the Distance Between You and the Vehicle in Front������������� 156 Keep Your Windshield Clean and in Good Condition�������������������������� 156 Maintain Proper Lighting���������������������������������������������������������������������� 156 Avoid Staring at the Headlights of Other Vehicles������������������������������ 157 Avoid Blinding Other Drivers���������������������������������������������������������������� 157

▶ Temporary Blindness (Glare)���������������������������������������������������� 157 Raindrops, Snowflakes and Fog������������������������������������������������������������ 158 Windshield Condition���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 158 Lights Inside the Vehicle������������������������������������������������������������������������ 158

▶ Weather Conditions����������������������������������������������������������������� 159 Rain�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 159 fog or Mist��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 160

▶ Strong Winds or Air Displacement Caused by Heavy Vehicles��������������������������������������������������������������������� 161 ▶ Dangerous Surfaces������������������������������������������������������������������ 163 slippery Surfaces������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 163 Damaged Road Surface������������������������������������������������������������������������� 164 Gravel and Dirt Roads���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 165

▶ Winter Driving�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 165 Preparing Your Vehicle�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 166 Normal Precautions ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 166 Driving Cautiously��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 169 Stopping and Parking���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 172 Emergency Braking�������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 173 Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)������������������������������������������������������������ 174 Parking��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 174 Vehicle Stuck������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 174 In a Snow Storm������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 178

Emergency situations ������������������������������������������������ 179 ▶ Mechanical Problems��������������������������������������������������������������� 180 ▶ Obstacles���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 186 Animals�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 186 Obstacles on the Road��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 188 ▶ Complex Manoeuvres��������������������������������������������������������������� 188 Emergency Stop������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 188 Two Wheels on the Shoulder���������������������������������������������������������������� 189 Controlling Skids������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 190

On the road to success ���������������������������������������������� 227 Self-evaluation Exercises ������������������������������������������ 228

APPENDIX233

Safety Restraint Devices for Children ������������������� 234 ▶ Child Car Seat��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 234 Driving with a standard transmission ���������������� 237 ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ Position Use – Standard Transmission�������������������������������������� 237 Steps in Starting the Engine���������������������������������������������������� 238 Shifting to a Higher Gear��������������������������������������������������������� 239 Downshifting���������������������������������������������������������������������������� 239 Downshifting to Gain Speed Going Uphill������������������������������ 240 Starting on a Hill���������������������������������������������������������������������� 241 To Stop the Vehicle������������������������������������������������������������������ 241

Warning Lights and Gauges ������������������������������������ 242 ▶ Problems Indicated by Warning Lights and Gauges��������������� 244 Preparing an emergency kit ������������������������������������ 247 Sport Utility Vehicles ������������������������������������������������� 249 Answers to Self-Evaluation Exercises ������������������ 250

NOTES255 HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The following symbols will help you use this guide more efficiently.

Driving is a complex activity. It is only over time that basic techniques are mastered and good driving habits developed. Chapter 1 helps prepare you for the pleasure of driving a passenger vehicle, without neglecting the notion of safety. The preventive attitude of the driver is therefore the first subject addressed. The driver’s position and the main components of a passenger vehicle are also included. The last part of this chapter deals with preparing the vehicle for driving and carrying baggage. Special attention must be paid to both in order to drive safely. The information in this section does not replace that given in an owner’s manual. You should get into the habit of regularly consulting the owner’s manual of the vehicle you will be driving. It is a goldmine of practical information and offers useful tips to get the most from the vehicle’s standard equipment and special features. The recommendations it contains are specific to the vehicle and explain how to keep it in good working order. MANDATORY DRIVING COURSE In Québec, driving courses are mandatory and offered by driving schools recognized by the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.

Acquiring Knowledge

From theory… Before actually driving, it is important to acquire theoretical ­knowledge like traffic rules, road signs and driving techniques.

Learners can start by reading the Road Access Binder, this guide as well as the Driver’s Handbook, which summarizes the main rules contained in the Highway Safety Code.

The Accompanying Driver’s Guide: Passenger Vehicle is also an invaluable tool. It summarizes the different driving techniques and provides a checklist on which to note the new driver’s progress during the learning period.

… to practice Plan on several hours of practice driving. It is recommended to ­practise in various weather and road conditions, including, among other things, in rain or snow, in the evening or at night, on different road surfaces and in heavy traffic.

To make progress in learning to drive, the learner should be assisted by an accompanying driver who is calm and open to discussion. It is also a good idea to talk to other more experienced drivers.

Your concentration, vigilance and ability to react effectively are key factors to safe driving.

Properly evaluating situations and adjusting your behaviour accord- ingly helps prevent a situation from becoming dangerous. It is crucial to ensuring your own safety and that of other road users. ▶ On one hand, you have to know how to decode and predict traffic lights and signs. For example: a traffic light that has been green for a while will probably turn yellow by the time the vehicle reaches the intersection. ▶ On the other hand, you have to know how to anticipate the behaviour of other road users. For example: a driver could change lanes without signalling. A ball rolling into the street is not just an obstacle to avoid; there could also be a young child running across the street to chase it.

Driving Responsibly

You must always bear in mind your safety, that of your passengers and that of other road users.

Respecting Your Limits To drive responsibly, both beginner and experienced drivers must know and learn how to respect their limits.

For the beginning driver, the main limits involve the ability to see what is around and the ability to anticipate what is ahead. It is one thing to steer properly on a tight turn, something that can be learned with practice and experience, it is another to have seen and prepared for the turn. Moreover, passengers can distract the driver. Should that become a source of stress, the beginner must not hesitate to refuse passengers other than the accompanying driver.

The experienced driver could become over-confident and even feel invincible, so be careful not to over-estimate your abilities. Remain alert at all times.

Respecting the Right-of-Way Provided for Road Users You must abide by the Highway Safety Code and its traffic rules, including the right-of-way intended to protect the most vulnerable users. You can thereby anticipate situations that could be dangerous.

For example, when changing lanes, crossing at an intersection or making a turn, you must respect the right-of-way of other vehicles and appropriately judge their distance and speed. You must always be vigilant and make responsible choices.

KNOWING YOUR VEHICLE You must pay attention to what goes on outside your vehicle, not inside. Many features are designed for the comfort and safety of drivers and passengers. It is important for you to know where these features are and be able to use them without looking at them when you drive. L See your owner’s manual for more details on your vehicle’s features and accessories and how to adjust them.

Driving Position

To maintain control of the vehicle, adopt a driving position that allows you to easily reach the pedals, controls and gearshift lever without having to move your body. Minimum of 25 cm

Pedals The accelerator, or gas pedal, and the brake pedal are found on all vehicles, while the clutch pedal is only found on vehicles with ­standard transmission.

For good contact with the pedals, wear shoes that fit properly. Shoes with thin soles are preferable, since the driver can feel the pedals better. Avoid high-heel shoes or footwear, such as beach sandals, that are not attached in the front and back.

Seat Before starting the vehicle, adjust the seat. A properly and ­comfortably adjusted seat makes it easier to control the vehicle and clearly see the road ahead. This also reduces fatigue while driving.

Do not adjust your seat while driving or you may lose control of the vehicle. R After adjusting the seat, make sure it is locked into place.

To check whether the seat is fully locked into place, you should be unable to move it forward or backward after having released the seat adjustment mechanism.

For the seat to be in the right position: ▶ Both your legs should not be completely straight, but slightly bent so you can push the pedals all the way down without having to move in your seat. If your legs are too straight, you might not be able to control the vehicle in an emergency; ▶ Your right thigh must not touch the steering wheel when you change from the gas pedal to the brake pedal.

Front Backrest Adjustment After having adjusted the seat position, adjust the front backrest by leaning forward or backward slightly to move the backrest up or down, using the appropriate lever. When the backrest is in the right position, your hands should be able to rest on the steering wheel with your arms slightly bent.

For maximum protection: ▶ Adjust the height first: the middle of the headrest should reach your eyes or just above the top of your ears. If it is too low, i.e. at the back of your neck, it cannot prevent whiplash in the event of a collision; Maximum of 7 cm

▶ Adjust the distance between your head and the headrest to a maximum of 7 cm. C To stay alert on the road, do not lean against the headrest while you are driving.

Rearview Mirrors Adjust the rearview mirrors according to your driving position.

The inside rearview mirror should give a clear view of the entire back window. If the mirror is too small, it should be adjusted to reflect the right-hand side of the rear window.

Most inside rearview mirrors have a day/night adjustment, also called an anti-glare device, which is a mechanism preventing glare from the headlights of the vehicles behind you. It should almost always be at the day position for better visibility. The night position should only be used occasionally, to prevent the headlights from the vehicle behind you from momentarily blinding you.

The outside rearview mirrors (left and right) should give a clear view of the vehicle’s back fender. You can then see part of the lane you are driving in and part of the other lane.

Airbags Airbags are safety features that have been tried and proven. They prevent serious or fatal injuries to the head or chest. They prevent the driver’s head from banging against the steering wheel and the front passenger from hitting the dashboard. H According to a study done in the United States, in the event of a collision, the combined use of seat belts and airbags reduces the possibility of serious head injury by 75% and of serious chest injury by 66%.

Some people have suffered serious injuries due to a deployed airbag. This happened because they were sitting too close to the airbag when it was activated.

Make sure there is at least 25 cm between the middle of your sternum and the centre of the steering wheel. To do so: ▶ Move your seat backward as far as you can while still reaching the pedals comfortably; ▶ Slightly recline the seat; ▶ Raise the seat, if your vehicle has that feature; ▶ Raise yourself by using a firm, non-slippery cushion, if reclining the seat makes it hard to see the road; ▶ If your steering wheel is adjustable, tilt it downward. This points the airbag toward your chest instead of your head and neck.

If you cannot maintain this minimum distance of 25 cm, consult the car manufacturer or dealership. If the distance is not great enough, a deployed airbag could cause injury.

Prior to driving the vehicle, make sure the parking brake is ­disengaged. Before leaving the vehicle, make a habit of engaging the parking brake, even on flat ground.

Gearshift Lever This lever makes it possible to change from one gear to another, to be in neutral (N) or in reverse (R). It is found both in vehicles with an automatic transmission and those with a standard transmission.

Automatic transmissions shift gears automatically based on vehicle speed or acceleration. On vehicles with a standard transmission, you must use the gearshift lever every time you want to shift gears. You will find a section on vehicles with a standard transmission in Appendix II.

Gearshift lever for an automatic transmission Gearshift lever for an standard transmission

Tires

The tires alone ensure the vehicle’s contact with the road surface. Good tire traction is essential for vehicle control and passenger safety. The effectiveness of the vehicle’s traction or propulsion, steering, suspension and braking will depend in large part on the condition and wear of the tires.

Choice of Tires To make the vehicle more stable and safe, use four identical tires, i.e. same construction and size.

In Québec, from December 15 through March 15, it is mandatory to equip a passenger vehicle with four winter tires in good condition. However, starting in 2019, vehicle owners will need to have their winter tires installed by December 1. They are designed for maximum traction on snow-covered or icy surfaces.

With the return of milder weather, it is recommended to change back to summer or all season tires. Leaving winter tires on a vehicle in summer can reduce gas mileage. In addition, winter tires are not designed for warmer temperatures and the type of rubber used in them wears out more quickly in summer.

Tire Maintenance The important thing in tire maintenance is to keep the air pressure in your tires at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. The air pressure level is indicated on the label inside the door on the driver’s side or in the vehicle’s maintenance handbook. The air pressure shown on the tire by the manufacturer is for reference purposes only, and indicates the maximum pressure that must not be exceeded.

Sun Visors Sun visors are mobile screens that, when lowered, prevent you from being blinded by the sun. They can be used in front of the windshield or turned to the side in such a way as not to obstruct your view.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems The location of controls for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems varies from one vehicle to another. Learn how to use them before setting out since they may need to be used, even on a short trip.

Defrosters eliminate condensation, fog or frost which forms on the inside surface of the windshield, side and rear windows. Using them may be necessary to ensure good visibility for the driver. They can be activated only when the ignition key is in the (On) position. To defog windows more effectively, help the air circulate by slightly opening a window. C When cleaning the inside surface of the rear window, do not use ­abrasives or scrapers that might cut or damage the thin electrical wires. The inside of the rear window should be wiped horizontally.

Windshield Wipers Windshield wipers are strips of rubber that clean the front windshield and, in some vehicles, the rear window. The windshield wiper lever or switch usually makes it possible to activate the windshield wipers and the windshield washer fluid.

Headlights Headlights are projectors placed in front of a vehicle and designed to light the road ahead. They produce two types of light: ▶ Low beams are light rays given off by only the upper part of the headlight’s reflector; ▶ High beams are light rays given off by the entire surface of the headlight’s reflector.

Daytime Driving Lights Daytime driving lights are often low intensity and come on automatically.

Low Beams Low beam headlights are used on well-lit roads. They are activated by placing the selector at (On). They should be used even during the day to make the vehicle more visible to other road users. Their use is also recommended when visibility is reduced by rain, snow or fog and when in a tunnel.

High Beams High beam headlights are always of high intensity. They should be used on unlit or poorly lit roads. When following or meeting a vehicle, you must switch to low beams to avoid blinding the other driver.

Turn Signals Often called flashers, turn signals are used to communicate your intention to other road users to make a turn or change lanes. Hazard Lights Hazard lights can be turned on regardless of the ignition key ­position. They must be used only for safety reasons, i.e. if the vehicle has broken down, if there is an emergency or if you have to drive at a speed that could obstruct normal traffic.

PREPARING THE VEHICLE AND CARRYING BAGGAGE In preparation for driving, always inspect the inside of the vehicle and check the vehicle’s condition regularly.

You will find a section on preparing an emergency kit in Appendix IV.

Regular Checks

Regular maintenance, checks and tune-ups before long trips help the vehicle operate safely. Many problems and costly repairs can be avoided through regular vehicle maintenance.

A poorly maintained vehicle produces more carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). It can consume up to 50% more fuel to cover the same distance as a vehicle in perfect condition. It can therefore cause more pollution and contribute to urban smog, acid rain and climate change. B Regular vehicle maintenance therefore contributes to protecting the environment. Savings are also made possible every year because of lower fuel and vehicle maintenance expenses. For example: ▶ Regular maintenance prevents parts from breaking down earlier than normal. Parts can therefore operate at their highest energy-­saving potential; ▶ Regular oil changes ensure that the vehicle operates at its highest potential. Fresh oil lubricates the engine better, which keeps the friction between the metallic parts to a minimum. It also helps to cool the engine and protect it against corrosion. Changing the oil therefore contributes to better fuel economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions;

The following checklist shows the recommended maintenance of a vehicle. It does not replace the owner’s manual, which contains infor- mation specific to the vehicle and, among other things, will tell you how often these checks should be made and how to carry them out.

Regular Maintenance Checklist Components Tips and Checks Tires ▶ Check the air pressure using a pressure gauge when the tires are “cold”. Remember to check the spare tire. ▶ Make sure there are no cracks or bumps on the tire treads or sidewalls. ▶ Check visually: is the tire worn evenly? Are the front, back, left and right tires worn evenly? In many tires, a wear indicator may appear in the form of an even mark across the tread. See illustration at the end of this table. Brakes ▶ Consult a mechanic: ▷ If you have to press the pedal down more than normal or it feels spongy; ▷ If the vehicle pulls to the left or right when braking; ▷ If the brakes make a noise (squeal) that indicates wear; ▷ If the brake or anti-lock brake system warning light comes on. Clutch pedal ▶ Consult the owner’s manual. Steering system ▶ Have the steering system checked if something feels wrong, i.e. if the car pulls to the right or left while driving or if it vibrates. Battery and alternator ▶ Consult the owner’s manual. Windshield wipers ▶ Check their condition regularly.

Preparing to Carry Baggage

Make sure the vehicle’s interior is safe. Baggage storage and proper transportation of animals need to be taken into consideration to ensure safe driving.

Packing Objects and Baggage Make sure there are no objects or baggage lying about or hanging inside the vehicle, whether: ▶ On the dashboard; ▶ On the rear window ledge, rear or side windows; ▶ On the sun visors; ▶ On the rearview mirrors; ▶ On the floor; ▶ On the seats; ▶ On the hooks.

Objects or baggage lying about or hanging inside the vehicle can: ▶ Reduce visibility; ▶ Reduce your field of vision; ▶ Make it difficult to check blind spots; ▶ Create reflections in the windshield; ▶ Blind the driver; ▶ Move and get stuck under one of the pedals; ▶ Move and distract the driver and, in the event of sudden ­braking or collision, could cause injury.

Transporting an Animal If you are carrying an animal, make sure that it does not obstruct the driver’s vision or interfere with driving. This constitutes an offence under the Highway Safety Code and is punishable by a fine.

Remember that an unrestrained animal could become a projectile in the event of an accident and injure or even kill the occupants of the vehicle. Pet carriers and harnesses designed for large dogs that attach to the seat belt are safe solutions.

Multiple-Choice Questions

2. How can you usually make the brake lights come on?

3. What is the first step in properly defogging the windshield?

True or False

5. Indicate whether the following statements are true or false.

b) It is not mandatory to wear your seat belt when the vehicle has airbags. c) Concentration, vigilance and reaction time are key elements in driving safely. d) In the event of a collision, a poorly adjusted ­headrest can cause serious injuries. e) A passenger sitting in the back seat is always protected by the front seat in the event of a collision. f) Age is the only common factor among persons having suffered serious injuries following the deployment of an airbag. g) The stopping distance is shorter when the vehicle is overloaded with baggage. False

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Basic Instructions: Observe–Evaluate–Act