Vehicle Dynamics Flashcards
A large percentage of departmental accidents occur _____
while the vehicle is being operated at low speeds.
Many accidents involve _____
fixed or stationary objects.
Rear Wheel Cheat: What is happening?
The path of the rear tires may be as much as 36 inches closer to the inside of the turning radius than the front tires.
Rear Wheel Cheat: Corrections (2)
(1) Swing wide enough to allow space for the rear of the vehicle to clear the hazard.
(2) Proceed in a straight line until the rear axle is aligned with the hazard. The turn can then be accomplished without any danger of the rear of the vehicle contacting the hazard.
When operating in confined areas, a driver can best accomplish accurate vehicle placement by guiding primarily on the _____ side of the vehicle and leaving the maximum amount of available space on the _____ side of the vehicle.
left, right
Front-End Swing: What is happening?
The front of the vehicle will swing out to the left as much as 4 feet.
Front-End Swing: What are the complications?
(1) Limited vision to the rear
(2) Vehicle steering is now reversed
(3) Controls are awkward to reach
Front-End Swing: Corrections (2)
(1) Position the vehicle as closely as possible in the direction the vehicle is to be turned.
(2) Turn the vehicle no more than necessary to accomplish the maneuver.
Backing: Body Position
Upper body turned toward the right, the right arm on the seat back and the left hand positioned toward the top of the steering wheel. This will allow the driver maximum vision through the rear window.
Backing: Utilizing left mirror/window/door only,
should not be attempted as a driver will not be able to see hazards toward the right rear of the vehicle.
Backing: Speed
As speed is increased in reverse, steering smoothness becomes more important and, as many have experienced, small movements of the steering wheel may result in violent weight transfer and erratic steering control.
As speed is increased in reverse, steering smoothness becomes more important and small movements of the steering wheel may result in _____
violent weight transfer and erratic steering control.
Backing: Limited or obstructed viability to the rear.
Utilize side rear view mirrors as well as a back-up camera if equipped. Drivers need to confirm the blind spot directly behind the vehicle is clear prior to beginning any backing maneuvers.
Brake Failure is _____
a mechanical malfunction in the braking system.
Brake Failure (Re)Actions: Gearing
Downshifting to the lowest gear available may reduce speed enough to steer around a hazard.
Downshifting to the lowest gear available may _____
reduce speed enough to steer around a hazard.
Brake Failure (Re)Actions: Steering
It may be best to concentrate on steering and the power of the engine to get out of the situation.
Brake Failure (Re)Actions: Forcible stop
If no open escape route is available, the last and most undesirable alternative may be to lessen the force of a collision by attempting a sideswipe collision with parked vehicles or an embankment.
Brake Failure (Re)Actions: Decision making
A driver experiencing total brake failure must remember, above all, that they still retain steering and throttle control of the vehicle. Panic and indecision can result in the driver losing complete control of the vehicle when resolute action is most needed.
A driver experiencing total brake failure must remember, above all, that they still retain _____
steering and throttle control of the vehicle.
Brakes, when overused and consequently overheated, will begin to lose their braking efficiency. This is termed _____
“brake fade.”
When brakes are _____ , will begin to lose _____
overused and overheated, their braking efficiency.
Brake fade usually occurs on _____ or in a _____
steep downgrades, pursuit.
Brake fade usually occurs due to _____
frequent, hard brake applications.