How will you time your arrival to the intersection to get one open zone to the side?

Major Traffic Laws of Florida (Part 3)

Basic driving laws.  Explain the concepts of speed adjustment in relation to surroundings, including school and construction zones, speeding laws and adjusting your speed to be appropriate for existing conditions.

In general, Americans are law abiding citizens; usually we do not break the law.  Most people do not shoplift, do not sell drugs, and do not blatantly run through red lights.  However, many people break the law by speeding, and speeding can lead to fatal results.1

The combination of alcohol and speeding is especially dangerous, and speeding is a leading factor in alcohol-related crashes.  In fatal crashes where speed is a factor, about half of the speeding drivers have also been drinking.  This helps to explain why the small percentage of total crashes (fender benders to fatalities) that are alcohol-related end up killing so many of the people who die each year on our highways.1,2

The statistics we’ve reviewed clearly tell us that speeding should be avoided as it makes driving much more dangerous.  However, simple observation of the traffic on our roadways tells us that many drivers are speeding, and speeding is the leading cause for traffic tickets.  At an intellectual level, it is easy to accept that speeding is dangerous.  If you are speeding:2

• 
  You have less time to see danger and react.
• Your stopping distance is greater.  If you double your speed, your distance required for braking will be four times longer.
• You are more likely to skid or roll over in a turn.
• Your force of impact in a collision is much greater.  A 25 mile per hour crash into a fixed object generates a lot of force and can cause significant injury.  By increasing your driving speed by only 10 miles per hour to 35 miles per hour, the force of impact doubles.
• You are more likely to be injured or killed in a collision.

Apparently many drivers do not believe speeding is dangerous because if they did, they would not be doing it.  We do not have a large population of motorcycle riders, or sky divers, or bungee jumpers in our country because people understand that these activities are very dangerous, and most people do not like placing their lives at risk.  But we have a lot of speeders.  Why do people speed?  Here are some of the most common excuses:

• 
  It’s not that dangerous.
• I won’t get caught.
• Lots of people speed.
• Speed limits are too low.
• I just go with the flow, even if the flow is speeding.
• Speeding is fun.
• I’m always running late; speeding helps me to arrive on time.

Let’s examine these reasons for exceeding the speed limit:

• It’s not that dangerous.  Speeding is a leading cause of fatal crashes; about 30% of fatal crashes involve speeding.  Teen drivers involved in fatal crashes are more likely to be speeding than drivers who are the ages of their parents or grandparents.  Remember, in addition to killing themselves, teen drivers kill their passengers, the occupants of other vehicles, bicycle riders, and pedestrians as well.

• 
  I won’t get caught.  Speeding is the leading cause of traffic citations.  People do get caught for speeding.  In addition to paying the speeding fine, speeding tickets may cause insurance companies to raise insurance rates, especially for young drivers.

• Lots of people speed.  Going along with the crowd has never been a good excuse for bad behavior, especially for unsafe bad behavior.  Lots of people do things they should not do, including things that are illegal.  Unfortunately, many people, especially young people, are influenced by peer pressure.  Teens drink and use drugs, and many teens speed.  Do you go along with the crowd or do you do the right thing?

• Speed limits are too low.  Speed limits are set by traffic engineers and law makers who consider many factors like the type of roadway, congestion, and the crash history of the road segment.

• I just go with the flow, even if the flow is speeding.  Drivers should attempt to drive with the flow of traffic, but keeping up with the traffic flow is no excuse for speeding.  On the other hand, if driving conditions are good, driving slower than the speed limit can cause danger as drivers behind you will become frustrated and may attempt to pass even though the driving conditions may not permit safe passing.

• 
  Speeding is fun.  Driving is not the place to look for thrills.  If you are looking for excitement, go sky diving or rock climbing, or try out for an athletic team, or join the debate club, or enlist in the military.  If you are seeking thrills, pursue thrilling activities that do not place the lives of others at risk.  It is very selfish for thrill-seekers to get their kicks by risking the lives of others, which is what happens when a person speeds on our highways.

• I’m always running late; speeding helps me to arrive on time.  For most of our travels, speeding actually saves very little time.  The following chart demonstrates this point:

Let’s examine the amount of time saved by driving over the speed limit.  In addition to being illegal and more dangerous, this chart shows that speeding saves very little time.

It is important to realize that the chart above assumes perfect driving conditions.  In other words, the chart assumes that you will not be slowed down by traffic lights or traffic congestion.  Drivers who abide by speed limits often find themselves stopped at traffic lights alongside speeders who passed them on the way to the intersection.  How many times have you seen a driver speed by or cut in and out of traffic only to end up next to you at the next traffic signal?  Or have you ever passed a vehicle and then noted later that the vehicle is right behind you when you stop at a traffic light farther down the road?

Consider this scenario, you depart for work 10 minutes late, and your work site is 10 miles from home.  Because you are running late, you decide to drive 10 miles per hour over the speed limit.  At best, assuming you encounter no red lights or traffic congestion, your speeding would save only two minutes; you would still end up being eight minutes late.  If you need to be somewhere on time, then you must leave on time.

When driving, you should stay in the right lane, or lanes, unless you are passing.  The right lane, or lanes, is for driving, and the left lane is for passing.  One of the benefits of driving the speed limit is that you will most likely be able to do so while remaining in the right lane, or lanes, of traffic.

It is against the law to exceed the speed limit in order to pass another vehicle.  In general, a timely pass requires that the passing car be traveling at least five miles per hour faster than the car being passed.  Therefore, you should only consider passing if the vehicle ahead is traveling at least five miles per hour below the speed limit.  Also, consider that most drivers do not precisely hold their speeds.  Therefore, if the driver ahead is going just a few miles per hour below the speed limit when you start your pass, by the time you pull up next to the vehicle, he/she might be going a few miles per hour over the speed limit; completing your pass would require you to break the law.  Many times a little patience will prevent needless lane changes and passing maneuvers.

Once again, traffic lights and traffic congestion often reduce the small amount of time saved by speeding.

For example, the white pickup truck above is speeding by in the passing lane.

Shortly thereafter, the white pickup truck is a half mile ahead of the vehicle in the right lane.

However, several traffic lights later, the vehicle in the right lane and the white pickup truck are back together again.

Similarly, in the picture above you can see that the gold sedan in the passing lane is speeding by a driver in the right lane.

The gold sedan is held up by traffic congestion but eventually passes this group of vehicles as well.

However, in the bottom picture, the gold sedan and the first vehicle that was passed are back together again, in line at a fast food window.  The driver in the gold car was speeding to get to a fast food restaurant!

We hope that you are beginning to agree that speeding does not really save much time.  It is also important to realize that most of us only have one or two commitments per day that require us to arrive at a destination at a specific time. 

This true story is repeated many times every day as drivers speed to get to destinations with no required arrival time.  We all understand why an ambulance driver goes over the speed limit at times.  After all, the ambulance driver is trying to transport someone to the hospital as fast as possible.  But why do so many other people speed when the speeding is so senseless?  In addition to our Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education Course, Wise Traffic School offers the Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course for drivers who have received traffic citations and do not want points added to their driving record.  Our school surveyed 600 BDI students to learn where they were going when they received their traffic citations.  Two-thirds of those surveyed who were ticketed for speeding were going home, or going shopping, or going to some other destination with no required arrival time.  Consider this scenario:  you speed on the way home, walk into your house, immediately click on your TV, and you hear the familiar music from a frequently run commercial.  If you had driven the speed limit on the way home, entered your home and clicked on the TV, the commercial would have been ending.  That’s about all the time speeding saves on most trips—the time allotted for a TV commercial.

Do not speed.  If you are driving to school or work or to a scheduled appointment, leave with plenty of time to arrive at your destination without speeding.  For the remainder of your trips, the majority of which do not have required arrival times, drive the speed limit!

Speed limits establish maximum and minimum speeds for good conditions.  If, for example, the road is wet and it is not safe to drive at the speed limit, drivers are required to slow to a safe speed.  Other examples of driving conditions that would require slowing below the posted speed limit would include bad road conditions, pedestrians on or near the roadway, and traffic congestion.  The Florida Statutes state that “no person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.  In every event, speed shall be controlled to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle, or other conveyance or object,” and drivers should exercise “due care.” (s. 316.183, F.S.)3,4

Similar to speeding, driving too slowly can also be very dangerous.  Drivers should drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit) and avoid blocking vehicles that are behind them.  If you drive in the passing lane when you are not passing, or if you are driving in the passing lane and blocking faster traffic, drivers behind you may become frustrated.  Frustrated drivers sometimes make dangerous lane changes that increase risk for you and those who share the road with you.5

The maximum posted speed limits allowed by law on Florida roadways are detailed in the table below.  Of course, lower speed limits are often posted on these roadways. (s. 316.183, F.S.)

If a speed limit is not posted, the Florida Statutes specify maximum and minimum speed limits as follows (s. 316.183, F.S.):

The fines for speeding specified in the Florida Statutes are detailed in the table below.  *Please note that counties add additional fees of about $100 to these fines. (s. 318.18, F.S.)

School and Construction Zones

In school zones, drivers must use caution, watching out for children walking, running, and riding bicycles and for the increased traffic congestion associated with getting students to and from school.  Remember that children can be very unpredictable.3,6,7

Drivers who exceed the speed limit in construction zones are a hazard to construction workers and other drivers as well.  Fines are doubled for speeding in a construction zone if workers are present or if equipment is being operated.  If workers are not present, drivers must still obey the posted speed limit when traveling through a construction zone. (s. 318.18, F.S.)

Signs, signals and road markings, including interpretation of centerlines, crosswalks, bike lanes, turn lanes, flashing lights and proper responses to phases of traffic signals, stop and yield signs

• 
  Yellow Light:  The yellow light indicates that the red stop light is about to illuminate.  If you are approaching a yellow light, do not enter the intersection if you can safely stop without driving through it.  Do not accelerate in an attempt to get into the intersection before the light changes to red.  Once you accelerate in an attempt to beat the red light, you will be committed to going through the intersection and could find yourself running a red light.  If a driver on the crossing roadway immediately moves into the intersection when his/her traffic signal changes from red to green and that driver fails to check for your oncoming vehicle, a deadly crash may occur.  The yellow light is designed to permit drivers to clear the intersection when you are already driving through it.  Of course, if you are unable to safely stop and must drive through the intersection, do so with extreme caution. (s. 316.075, F.S.)

• 
  Green Light:  When the light changes to green, drivers may travel through the intersection, or turn left or right unless a sign prohibits turning, but only if the intersection is clear of vehicles and pedestrians.  When making a left turn without a turn arrow, you must yield to oncoming traffic before turning.  When approaching an intersection, always be on the lookout for possible red light runners and be on guard for oncoming drivers who may attempt to make left turns in front of you.  In addition, if you are approaching an intersection where the green light has been illuminated for a while, expect that the light might change to yellow.  If following another vehicle, check your following distance and be ready for the vehicle ahead of you to stop if the light changes to yellow. (s. 316.075, F.S.)

• 
  Red Arrow:  The red arrow indicates that traffic is not permitted to go in the direction of the arrow.  After coming to a complete stop for an illuminated red arrow to the right, drivers may turn right if the intersection is clear of vehicles and pedestrians unless a “NO TURN ON RED” sign is present.

• Yellow Arrow:  Drivers should stop if possible.  The yellow arrow appears after a green arrow to indicate that the light is about to change to red.  If you are planning a left or right turn at an intersection, you should slow to a speed that will permit a safe 90 degree turn; this slow speed will usually permit you to make a safe stop once the turn arrow changes from green to yellow unless you are very close to entering the intersection. 
  
  Instead of stopping when the yellow turn arrow illuminates, some drivers continue entering the intersection until the turn arrow changes to red; this practice may cause delay for drivers waiting to enter the intersection from the crossing roadway who now have a green light.  In the picture above, there are three vehicles in the left turn lane.  The first vehicle was about to enter the intersection when the yellow turn arrow illuminated and appropriately entered the intersection to make a left turn.  The last two vehicles in the left turn lane should stop as they are traveling slowly and can safely stop before entering the intersection.

• Flashing Yellow Arrow:  Drivers may cautiously turn in the direction of the arrow after yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.  Oncoming traffic has a green light.9

• Green Arrow:  If you are driving in a lane with a green arrow pointing right or left, you must go in the direction signaled by the arrow.  Be sure the intersection is clear of vehicles and pedestrians. (s. 316.075, F.S.)

• 
  Flashing Red Light:  Drivers must come to a complete stop.  A flashing red light carries the same meaning as a stop sign and is used at dangerous intersections. (s. 316.076, F.S.)

• Flashing Yellow Light:  Drivers should slow down and proceed with caution.  A flashing yellow light is used at or just before a dangerous intersection, or to alert you to a warning sign. (s. 316.076, F.S.)

Traffic signs – Standard Shapes, Colors, and Types4,6,9

There are three types of signs:

• 
  Regulatory signs control traffic and give notice of laws or regulations that must be obeyed.

• 
  Warning signs alert or warn drivers of situations that might not be readily apparent

• 
  Guide signs give directions.  Examples are route designations, destinations, directions, distances, services, points of interest, and other geographical, recreational, or cultural information

Sign Colors

There are nine colors and nine shapes used for traffic signs.  Each color and shape has an exact meaning that drivers should understand.  Sign colors are described below:

Sign Shapes

Sign shapes are described below:

Regulatory Signs

As noted earlier, regulatory signs give notice of traffic laws or regulations that must be obeyed.  When you see a regulatory sign, you can add the words “I must” ahead of the directions on the sign.  For example, “I must stop” or “I must yield.”3,6,9

Some additional examples of regulatory signs are shown below:

Most warning signs are yellow and diamond-shaped.  These signs address a multitude of possible hazards ahead of your vehicle.  Warning signs may use pictures, depictions, or words to describe the hazard ahead.  When you see a warning sign, you can add the word “warning” before, and the word “ahead” after the picture, depiction, or words on the sign.  For example, “warning slippery road ahead” or “warning stop ahead.”  Some common warning signs are shown on the right.3,6,9

Let’s discuss a few warning signs in a little more detail:

At many highway-rail intersections, the cross-buck sign may incorporate a flashing red light and bell.  When the lights begin to flash, you must stop.  Treat this as a stop sign.

Railroad crossing signs, signals, and gates must be obeyed.  Any person driving a vehicle (or walking) and approaching a railroad-highway crossing shall stop if any of the following conditions exist (s. 316.1575, F.S.):

• Red lights are flashing.
• A railroad crossing gate is down, or being raised or lowered.
• An approaching train emits an audible signal or is an immediate hazard.
• An approaching train is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity to the railroad-highway crossing, regardless of the type of traffic control devices installed at the crossing.

PAVEMENT MARKINGS

Pavement markings are used to control traffic on the roadways and must be obeyed, just as if they were road signs.  Four colors are used for pavement markings:  yellow, white, red, and blue.3,6,9

Yellow Lines are used to separate opposite-direction traffic:

• 
  Broken Yellow Lines:  Broken yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions on two-lane roads.  Stay to the right of the line, unless you are passing a vehicle in front of you.  When passing, you may cross this line temporarily when it is safe to do so.

• 
  Solid Yellow Line combined with Broken Yellow Lines:  If the solid yellow line is nearest to you, you are not permitted to pass.  However, you are permitted to cross the solid yellow line when turning left after yielding to oncoming traffic.  If the broken yellow line is nearest to you, you may cross the broken yellow line to pass when it is safe to do so.

• 
  Double Solid Yellow Lines:  These lines separate opposite-direction traffic on multi-lane highways as well as on two-lane roads.  Crossing the lines is permitted only when making a left turn when it is safe to do so and after yielding to oncoming traffic.

• Single Yellow Lines:  These lines are used to mark the left edge of one-way highways and ramps.

White Lines that are parallel to traffic separate traffic going in the same direction:

• 
  Broken White Lines separate lanes of traffic moving in the same direction.  These lines may be crossed when you change lanes.

• 
  Solid White Lane Lines:  A solid white line is used to mark the right edge of the pavement.  Also, solid white lane lines are used to indicate that you should stay in your lane as you are entering an area where leaving your lane could cause a hazard.  For example, solid white lines may be used prior to intersections or in construction zones as changing lanes in these areas can be very dangerous.

• 
  Solid White Lines are also used to indicate pedestrian crosswalks and stop lines at intersections.

• 
  White Arrows:  White arrows are used to control traffic.  If you are in a lane marked with a curved arrow and the word ONLY, you must turn in the direction of the arrow.  If your lane is marked with both a curved and straight arrow, you may either turn or go straight.

• 
  White lines are used to designate bicycle lanes on the right side of the roadway.  It is illegal to drive in a lane designated for bicycle riding. (s. 316.1995, F.S.)

Driver Distraction

Developing a mental one second timer takes training.  Periodically, make one second training the focus of a trip in your vehicle.  During this training trip, work very hard to be aware each time you take your eyes off the roadway ahead, and each time you do, be sure to use the one second rule.

The visual and mental distraction caused by making and answering cell phone calls greatly increases the danger associated with driving.  Likewise, talking on the cell phone is dangerous as this activity distracts our minds from the tasks associated with driving.11,13

The “Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law” makes texting while operating a motor vehicle illegal. This violation is a primary offense, which means that a citation for texting can be issued if texting is the only traffic law violation. Texting law violations will be punished as moving violations, and three points will be assessed. According to this law, a person may not operate a motor vehicle while:

• Typing/entering multiple letters, numbers, symbols, or characters into a wireless communications device.
• Sending or reading data on a wireless communications device for the purpose of non-voice interpersonal communication.  This includes, but is not limited to, texting, e-mailing, and instant messaging.

The term “wireless communications device” means any handheld device used or capable of being used in a handheld manner that is designed or intended to receive or transmit text or character-based messages, access or store data, or connect to the internet or other communications service.

If the motor vehicle is not moving, the driver is not considered to be operating the vehicle, and the prohibitions regarding texting do not apply.

In the event of a crash resulting in death or personal injury, a driver’s billing records for a wireless communications device or testimony or written statements from appropriate authorities receiving such messages may be admissible as evidence in any proceeding to determine if the texting law has been violated. (s. 316.305, F.S.)

Effective, October 1, 2019, it will be illegal to operate a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device in a handheld manner in a designated school crossing, school zone, or work zone if workers are present or operating equipment. The term wireless communications device is described above and includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, tablet, laptop, two-way messaging device, or electronic game used or capable of being used in a handheld manner. A vehicle that is not moving is not subject to this law. (s. 316.306, F.S.)

Do not use your cell phone and do not text while driving.

Information on motorcycle licensing and training.

Possession of a standard driver’s license does not authorize you to operate a motorcycle.  If you already have a driver’s license and want to operate a motorcycle, you must complete the motorcycle safety course and take an examination for motorcycle operators.  This examination includes a written test and a riding demonstration of your ability to safely operate a motorcycle.  After successful completion of this examination, the department will indicate on your driver’s license that you are also authorized to operate a motorcycle. (s. 322.12, F.S.)

If you wish to be licensed to operate a motorcycle only, you must first take the motor vehicle operator’s written examination, but you are not required to take the road test.  You must then complete the motorcycle safety course, including the written exam and riding demonstration.  After successful completion of this examination, the department will indicate on your driver’s license that you are restricted to operating a motorcycle only. (s. 322.12, F.S.)

General importance of vehicle safety maintenance (including the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning).

No matter how much you know about safe driving and how disciplined you are in following safe driving guidelines, if your vehicle is not in good condition, you are not safe in operating your vehicle.  You should refer to your vehicle owner’s manual to determine how to check safety items.  Inspecting your vehicle for safety can save money and your life.3

Drivers should periodically check the following items, and problems should be corrected:3,4,6,15,16,17

• 
  Tires:  Check them before driving.  Your tires are critical to the safe operation of your vehicle.
• Tires should not be worn.  Between the grooves in the treads of your tires, the tire manufacturer has placed tire wear indicators.  If your tire wears down so the tread is even with the tire wear indicators, your tire is no longer legal to operate on our roadways.  Also, the cords on your tires should never be visible, there should be no bulges or bald spots, and there should be no items imbedded in your tires.
• Proper tire inflation is vital in preventing blowouts and ensuring optimum tire performance.  To determine the tire pressure recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle, check the owner’s manual or the tire information placard that may be located on the door post, door edge, glove compartment, or trunk lid.  Use the recommended tire pressure on the placard rather than the maximum permissible inflation pressure which is printed on the side of the tire.
• 
  If your tires are under inflated, they are more likely to heat up and blow out when driving, and they will wear on the outer edges as the weight of your vehicle is being carried by the outer edges of your tires.  If your tires are over inflated, they will wear in the center as the weight of your vehicle is being carried by the center of your tires.  If the weight of your vehicle is not distributed evenly across your tires, you will experience uneven tire wear and less-than-optimum braking and cornering performance.
• If your tires are not properly aligned, they are not rolling straight down the roadway, and this may cause your vehicle to pull to one side.  With improper alignment, your tires will also show excessive wear on one edge.
• Also, tire balance should be checked if your vehicle pulls to one side, if you experience vibration when driving, or if tire wear is uneven.
• You should rotate your tires periodically as this will prolong the life of your tires.

• 
  Brakes:  Check your brakes immediately each time you begin driving.  The brake warning light should not be illuminated, the brake pedal should feel firm and not spongy, the vehicle should stop smoothly without pulling to one side or grabbing, and you should not hear scraping sounds when you apply your brakes.  If you experience any of these problems, you should immediately have your brakes checked by a mechanic.

• Fluid Levels:  Before driving, check for fluids on the ground under your vehicle.  Periodically check the following vehicle fluids:
• 
  Oil – Check that your oil level is within normal limits when your engine is cool and not running.  Change oil in accordance with guidance in your owner’s manual.
• Transmission Fluid – Check that the fluid level is within normal limits.  Change fluid in accordance with guidance in your owner’s manual.
• Cooling Liquid in your Radiator Overflow Tank or Radiator – Check your cooling fluid level when the engine and coolant are cool.
• Brake Fluid – Check that the brake fluid level is within normal limits.  If you find that your brake fluid is low, add brake fluid and closely monitor your brake fluid level as low fluid levels may be an indication that you have a leak in your brake system that could lead to a complete brake failure.  If the fluid level continues to be low, have a mechanic check your brake system.
• Power Steering Fluid – Check that the fluid level is within normal limits.
• Window Washer Fluid – Check that the fluid level is adequate.

The following are some additional items drivers should periodically check and correct if there are any problems:

• 
  Engine Belts, Hoses, and Wiring:  Belts should be tight and should not be frayed or cracked.  Hoses should not have leaks, cracks, or bulges.  Wiring should not be loose, broken, or disconnected.  Insulation should not be cracked.  Battery cables should be tightly connected and should not be corroded.
• Lights and Turn Signals:  All lights, including brake lights and turn signals, should be periodically checked.  Have someone assist you when checking lights.
• Steering:  Check immediately each time you begin driving.  Your steering should feel smooth, and there should not be excessive play in the wheel.  The steering system should not make noises when being operated, and there should be no shimmying, shaking or pulling to one side.
• Suspension Systems:  Check that your vehicle rides smoothly, does not continue to bounce after going over a bump, and does not lean excessively when turning.
• Horn:  Periodically check your horn.  Make sure that you are aware of the position of the horn on your steering wheel.
• Windows and Windshield Wipers:  Make sure that your windows are clean and that windshield wipers are not worn and do not leave streaks.

REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR SECTION 10
The Section Review Questions will help to prepare you for the Final Exam; incorrect answers will not count against you. You must complete the Section Review Questions before moving on to the next section of the course.

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1.  U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis.  Traffic Safety Facts, 2013 Data:  Overview.  DOT HS 812 169.  Available at:  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812169.pdf.  Retrieved August 18, 2015.

2.  U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis.  Traffic Safety Facts, 2013 Data:  Speeding.  DOT HS 812 162.  Available at:  http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/812162.pdf.  Retrieved August 18, 2015.

3.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  Responsible Driving.  McGraw-Hill Education, March 7, 2005, pp 77-92, 103-105, 316-318, 328-332.

4.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  How to Drive:  The Beginning Driver’s Manual.  14th edition, pp 27, 259-261.

5.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  Safe Driving for Mature Operators.  McGraw-Hill Education, 1998, pp 40.

6.  Johnson M, Mottola F.  Drive Right.  Prentice-Hall, 2002, pp 20-34, 363-369.

7.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  School’s Open – Drive Carefully.  Available at:  http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/child-safety/schools-open-drive-carefully.  Retrieved November 14, 2013.

8.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  AAA Urges Motorists to Drive Cautiously Around and Through Work Zones.  Available at:  http://newsroom.aaa.com/2011/04/2011-work-zone-awareness.  Retrieved November 14, 2013.

9.  U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.  Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2009 Edition with Revision Numbers 1 and 2 incorporated, dated May 2012.  Available at:  http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2009r1r2/pdf_index.htm.  Retrieved November 14, 2013.

10.  U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  NHTSA Policy and FAQs on Cellular Phone Use While Driving Policy Statement.  Available at:  http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/ogp/vv35Cell_Phone_Use_R2-y-mKM_0Z5RDZ-i34K-pR.doc&ei=1NKFUpKENOS02AWrqoHgBw&usg=AFQjCNEfuVPMrmKxzL7jeiDNTK-9nm0QAw&cad=rja.  Retrieved November 14, 2013.

11.  U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  The 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study.  DOT HS 810 593.  Available at:  http://www.distraction.gov/research/PDF-Files/The-100-Car-Naturalistic-Driving-Study.pdf.  Retrieved November 15, 2013.

12.  Forsyth J.  “U.S. ban sought on cell phone use while driving.”  Reuters, April 26, 2012.  Available at:  http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/27/usa-driving-idUSL2E8FQOK82012042.  Retrieved November 16, 2013.

13.  U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Breakthrough Research on Real-World Driver Behavior Released, April 20, 2006.  Available at:  http://www.distraction.gov/content/press-release/2006/04-20.html.  Retrieved April 24, 2013.

14.  Barchenger S.  “Mom of man killed on Eau Gallie bridge plans lawsuit.”  Florida Today, October 18, 2013.  Available at:  http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131018/NEWS01/310180018/Mom-man-killed-Eau-Gallie-bridge-plans-lawsuit?nclick_check=1.  Retrieved November 16, 2013.

15.  American Automobile Association (AAA).  Signs of Tire Wear.  Available at:  http://www.autoclubmo.aaa.com/automotive/maintain/repair/tires_wear.html.  Retrieved November 16, 2013.

16.  U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Tire Safety:  Everything Rides On It.  DOT HS 809 361.  Available at:  http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/tiresafety/ridesonit/brochure.html.  Retrieved November 16, 2013.

17.  U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Tire Pressure Monitoring Final Rule (Part III).  49 CFR Part 571.  Available at:  http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/rulings/tirepresfinal/safetypr.html.  Retrieved November 16, 2013.

18.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:  Frequently Asked Questions.  Available at:  http://www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm.  Retrieved November 16, 2013.

Florida Statutes, s. 316, 318, 322, 626.