Chapter 18

1. Chapter 18 Environmental Concerns & Planning Your Travel • Transportation is the largest single source of air pollution and accounts for roughly 25% of total energy used in the United States.

2. Chapter 18 Lesson 1: Environmental Concerns • Vehicles also contribute to water and ground pollution. • Some ways you can reduce the harmful effects vehicles have on the environment are to reduce vehicle use, drive at 55 mph instead of 65 mph, inflate tires properly, maintain the vehicle properly, and avoid spilling gas.

3. Chapter 18 Lesson 2: Local Travel • You spend most of your time taking short trips. • You should make sure the trip is needed and then allow enough time. • On these trips it is important to consider travel time, weather, traffic, vehicle conditions, and route selection.

4. Chapter 18 Lesson 3: Long-Distance Travel • Learning to read maps, planning ahead, and taking emergency equipment with you can make a road trip safer and more relaxing. • Global Positioning System receivers and trip-planning Web sites on the Internet are useful as well. • When driving long distances, share the driving and navigation responsibilities with others and follow a routine that allows you to stay alert.

5. Chapter 18 Lesson 4: Special Vehicles and Trailers • Driving recreational vehicles such as campers, motor homes, and other large vehicles requires special care in seeing to the side and rear and in backing up and maneuvering. • You must take additional precautions when pulling a trailer.

6. Environmental Concerns • Almost every vehicle that uses gasoline or diesel fuel creates engine exhaust resulting in air pollution. • Additionally, s0me vehicle parts and fluids contain substances hazardous to our environment. • Unless properly disposed of, these hazardous substances can soak into the ground, killing wildlife and polluting water sources. • As an owner and driver of a vehicle, you must know what you can do to help protect and preserve our environment.

7. Environmental Concerns • The ozone layer is a section of the earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. • When a car produces exhaust, it also produces chemicals that deplete the ozone layer, thus reducing Earth's natural defenses against the sun’s harmful UV rays.

8. Environmental Concerns • Over the years, design improvements have resulted in smaller average amounts of harmful exhaust emissions. • As vehicles age, the amount of pollution they produce typically increases, which is why it’s so important to maintain your vehicle’s emissions control.

9. Environmental Concerns CFCs • Air conditioners in most motor vehicles manufactured before 1994 use a refrigerant called CFC-12, also known as Freon. • When Freon is allowed to escape and enter the ozone layer, it attacks and degrades the ability of this layer to absorb harmful UV rays. • New vehicles now use an alternative refrigerant.

10. Environmental Concerns On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Systems • As of 1996, all new cars and trucks were equipped with a system that monitorsthe engine’s major components, which also includes emissions controls. • This computer-based On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system provides owners with a diagnostic tool for recognizing malfunctions, and also stores important information about the problems.

11. Environmental Concerns Ways Drivers Can Help • Keep up with routinevehicle maintenance • Watch for your check engine light • Use alternative transportation such as public transportation, walk, carpool, or ride a bike when possible. • Shop by phone, mail or Internet • Combine your errands into one trip

12. Environmental Concerns Responsible choices you can make • Drive 55 miles per hour instead of 65 mph to improve gas mileage by about 15% • Inflate tires properly to improve gas mileage by about 3% • Receive maintenance checks and engine tune-ups regularly • Repair all vehicle leaks promptly • Fill the gas tank during cooler evening hours to minimize evaporation • Avoid spilling gas and “topping off” the tank • Always be sure to replace the gas cap tightly

13. ECOLOGY AND YOU • There is growing concern about the environment. • New laws on the global, national, and state level aim at keeping our environment safe for us and future generations. 

14. ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY • NEVER throw garbage from your vehicle.

15. ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY • Most states' Departments of Transportation have a special program in place to reduce the roadside trash problem. • The Adopt-A-Highway program allows a group to take responsibility for keeping a section of the highway trash-free. • Your school group, family, or business name will be put on an official-sign marking your adopted section.

16. ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY • The Adopt-A-Highway program provides a way to show pride in your community. • Picking up trash along the roadway is an easy, team-building project that takes no financial commitment and only a few hours of work. • Adopt-A-Highway coordinators supply people with safety training, vests, road work signs, and trash bags to help get the job done. 

17. RECYCLING • Used motor oil, antifreeze, and oil filters should be recycled. • Many oil change or automotive service centers will accept used motor oil for recycling. • Recycling used motor oil, oil filters, and antifreeze helps protect the environment by keeping these toxic substancesout of our water supply.

18. RECYCLING Batteries • Spent (dead) automotive batteries can be returned to sellers. • These old lead acid batteries must not be discarded in landfills.

19. RECYCLING Tires • When tires are improperly stockpiled or illegally dumped, they trap rainwater and become breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents. • Another problem with tire storage piles is that they pose a major fire hazard and are extremely difficult to extinguish. • Burning tires release toxic gases into the air and leave behind a hazardous oily residue that pollutes streams and ground water. 

20. Before You Drive • A short trip can be as simple as driving to a neighborhood store or to a downtown restaurant. • No matter where you’re going, you want to arrive safely and on time. • To minimize pollution and save time and money, ask yourself the following two questions before any short trip.

21. Trip Planning • Is this trip needed? • If you must drive, try to combine several small trips into one. By combining trips, you reduce travel time resulting in less wear on your vehicle and increased fuel economy.

22. Trip Planning 2. Do I have enough time? • It is very difficult and often dangerous to try and make up time as you drive. Always allow extra time for delays caused by bad weather or heavy traffic.

23. Trip Planning • Even if your trip only involves a few miles, you should make travel plans in advance so that your trip doesn’t turn into a problem situation. • By preparing your vehicle and knowing your route and destination, your trip will be smooth, efficient, and economical.

24. Trip Planning • To ensure a safe and problem-free trip, you must know how to plan and be familiar with different trip-planning resources. • While planning your trip, you must consider the number of miles you want to travel each day, the roadways you want to use, construction zones, weather, and your need for overnight accommodations.

25. Trip Planning Global Positioning System (GPS) • The Global Positioning System can calculate your exact position anywhere Earth. • The GPS receiver can also map out a route to a destination. • By simply entering your destination you will receive real-time directions, with a map and your current location on the screen.

26. Electronic Resources Internet • A number of websites are available to help you plan a long trip. • After entering the address of your starting and ending locations, the website will produce a map of turn-by-turn directions. • With added tools such as distance calculators and various other trip-related needs, the Internet has been a convenient tool to plan a trip.

27. Print Resources Print Resources • Print resources include maps, guide books, and telephone directories. • You can find resources for planning a trip at bookstores, auto clubs, and state tourism offices.

28. Vehicle Preparation • Preparation of your vehicle is essential for ensuring a safe trip. • Familiarize yourself with your vehicle and any maintenance procedures you will encounter on the road, such as checking the oil level and changing a flat tire. • Be sure you pack all the necessary items you’ll need for emergencies or hazardous weather.

29. Vehicle Preparation • The amount of preparation you undertake on a vehicle before you leave on your trip is obviously dependant on the type of trip you’re going on and the age of vehicle. • It makes sense to buy your vehicle several months in advance so you get used to driving it and also have a better understanding of any potential problems before you start your trip preparation. • When planning a road trip, there are 10 tips to keep in mind.

30. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 1. Plan your route in advance and obtain any necessary maps, or use a GPS for your vehicle. • It is always a great idea to have your route planned out if you are traveling for any length of time.

31. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 2. Prepare your vehicle for the trip. • You will want to make sure that your vehicle is up to the trip before you even pack. • It is a good idea to check fluid levels, change the oil, check tire pressure, and maybe even clean it inside and out. • You will also want to make sure that you have emergency equipment (jumper cables, flares, etc.) in your trunk or in the back of your vehicle.

32. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 3. Plan what you willtake with you. • While you are packing, keep in mind how much space you have in your vehicle. • Also keep in mind how many people will be traveling with you. • You don't want to have to try and squeeze everything in at the last minute.

33. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 4. Plan your stops along the way. • Plan frequent stops for food, drinks, restroom breaks, and fun, especially if you are traveling with small children. • Not all of your stops need to be planned, but having at least a few planned stops will help you schedule your trip more easily.

34. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 5. Have a passengerconfirm hotel reservations or other lodging plans as you are traveling. • It is always a good idea to have at least one other passenger with you; he or she will serve as your navigator as well - just in case you get lost.

35. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 6. Provide people who are staying at home with your itinerary and ensure that they have your cell phone number. • You will want to let at least one person at home know of your itinerary. • If something happens, he or she will know how to contact you.

36. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 7. Bring a cooler with drinks and snacks for passengers. • It will save you both time and money. • You won't have to stop quite as often for snacks and drinks.

37. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 8. Clean out the vehicle each evening once you arrive at your hotel or destination. • When you head out on your way every morning, the last thing you will want to do is to clean out the vehicle before you leave. • You might be in a hurry to get on your way. • Taking a few minutes to clean out the vehicle each evening after a day of traveling will help keep it clean, and will alert you to any stops that you might have to make (more snacks or drinks).

38. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 9. Use your traveling time to confirm your itinerary and play games. • Inevitably, there will be long, boring stretches on the highway. • These are great for having the other person go through and confirm your itinerary. • If you have kids traveling with you, there are plenty of easy car games that are fun for all ages.

39. 10 Tips for Preparing for a Road Trip 10. Take turns driving. • One of the biggest reasons to take another person with you is that you can take turns driving. • No one person should have to do all of the driving.

40. Long Distance Driving Tips • If it's within an hour of your normal sleep schedule, go to sleep. Whether or not you know it, your reaction time is slower. • The military did a study where they attached watches that tracked movements. • Later, they drilled soldiers with reaction tests • During periods of the day where they typically slowed down their wrist movements i.e. sleep/rest, their reaction times were slower even when they were awake.

41. Emergency Equipment • Long-distance travel requires special equipment for use in emergencies. Be sure to pack the following items as you prepare your vehicle for the trip: • Extra oil, antifreeze, and windshield-washer fluid • An unused, easily operated fire extinguisher • First-aid kit, flares or reflectors, and a flashlight • Jumper cables or battery charger and spare fuses • A pair of mechanic’s gloves, and basic tools such as an adjustable wrench, screwdriver, and pliers.

42. Winter-Driving Equipment • If your trip takes you into remote or mountain areas in winter weather, you will want to pack these additional items: • Blankets, sleeping bags, and additional warm clothing • Tire chains or all-weather tires with good tread • Plenty of water and non-perishable, no preparation food, such as energy bars, granola and dried fruit • A window ice scraper and small shovel

43. Recreational Vehicles • Driving a recreational vehicle, using a rental truck, and pulling a camping trailer are examples of special vehicles and trailers. • You will have to use additional precautions when driving these vehicles because of their large size.

44. Recreational Vehicles • A vehicle equipped for vacations and extended travel is called a recreational vehicle, or RV. • These vehicles are usually equipped with beds, bathrooms, and kitchens. • A camper on a pickup truck, a trailer, and a motor home are all examples of recreational vehicles.

45. Recreational Vehicles • Driving an RV is different than driving a passenger vehicle or pickup trucks because of its size and weight. • An RV, is larger, heavier, and harder to maneuver than a four-door passenger car. • Therefore, there are special considerations you must take when driving a recreational vehicle.

46. Recreational Vehicles 1. Limited Vision • Your vision is limited in recreational vehicles, since you do not have a rear window. • RV’s usually have larger side mirrors that increase the view to the sides of the vehicle. • You can see from the narrow field visibility how important it is for RV drivers to pay attention to their surroundings and drive cautiously.

47. Recreational Vehicles 2. Backing • Although newer RV’s may have rearview cameras to help you see when backing up, you must pay extra attention to your surroundings. • Whenever possible, avoid backing. Instead, drive around the block or turn around in a large, open parking lot. • If you must back the vehicle, get another person to stand behind the vehicle to guide you.

48. Recreational Vehicles 3. Maneuvering • A recreational vehicle is much heavier and less maneuverable than the average passenger vehicle. • It will take longer to accelerate, slow down, and make turns.

49. Recreational Vehicles 4. Crosswinds • Large vehicles are more difficult to control in high winds. • During windy conditions, it is wise to slow down or stop because the vehicle can be affected by the wind. • Be ready to make steering adjustments. • Under extremely windy conditions, some roadways may close temporarily to large vehicles such as RV’s and trailers.

50. Recreational Vehicles 5. Remember Your Size • Hitting an overhead object like a low, drive through ceiling can cause extensive damage. • Observe posted maximum clearance signs whenever you are in a parking lot or garage. • Check your routes for height and weight restrictions on bridges and tunnels.