CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY INFORMATION 1
Address change 1
Obtain services online 1
Obtain information 1
Consider saving a life
by becoming an organ donor 2
Absolute sobriety 2
Wisconsin Graduated Driver Licensing
Supervised Driving Log, HS-303 2
This manual 2
DRIVER LICENSE 2
Requirements 3
Carrying the driver license and license
replacement 4
Out of state transfers 4
INSTRUCTION PERMIT 5
Restrictions of the instruction permit 6
PROBATIONARY LICENSE 6
Restrictions of the probationary license 7
The skills test 7
KEEPING THE DRIVER LICENSE 8
Point system 8
Habitual offender 9
Occupational license 9
Reinstating a revoked or
suspended license 9
Driver license renewal 9
Motor vehicle liability insurance
requirement 9
BEFORE YOU DRIVE 10
Plan ahead and save fuel 10
Check the vehicle 10
Clean glass surfaces 12
Adjust seat and mirrors 12
Use safety belts and child restraints 13
RULES OF THE ROAD 15
Traffic control devices 15
TRAFFIC SIGNALS 16
TRAFFIC SIGNS 18
Warning signs 18
Regulatory signs 20
Railroad crossing warning signs 23
Construction signs 25
Guide signs 25
PAVEMENT MARKINGS 26
Edge and lane lines 27
White lane markings 27
Crosswalks and stop lines 27
Yellow lane markings 27
Shared center lane 28
OTHER LANE CONTROLS 29
Reversible lanes 29
Reserved lanes 29
Flex Lane 30
METERED RAMPS 31
How to use a ramp meter 31
i
CONTENTSCOVER
RULES FOR DRIVING
ROUNDABOUTS 32
General information for
all roundabouts 32
Truck apron 32
Steps for driving a roundabout 32
Emergency vehicles in
the roundabout 32
Driving a one-lane roundabout 33
Driving a roundabout with
two or more lanes 34
GENERAL RULES ABOUT
TRAFFIC LANES 35
General driving 35
Passing 36
TURNING 36
Multiple turn lanes 36
Right turns 36
Left turns 38
U-turn 40
Y-turn 40
RIGHT-OF-WAY 41
Intersections 41
Passing 41
Pedestrians 41
Left turns/U-turns 42
Emergency vehicles 43
Move over or slow down law 43
Animals 43
Funeral processions 43
SCHOOL BUSES 44
PARK ING 45
How to park on a hill 45
No parking zones 46
How to parallel park 46
DIVERGING DIAMOND
INTERCHANGE (DDI) 47
Advantages of a Diverging
Diamond Interchange (DDI) 47
Navigating a Diverging
Diamond Interchange (DDI) 47
SAFE DRIVING TIPS 48
Starting 48
Accelerating 48
Steering 48
Stopping 49
SPEED LIMITS 49
SEEING WELL 50
Scanning 50
Watch out for deer 54
Use your lights 54
COMMUNICATING 55
Let others know you are there 55
Let others know what you are doing 58
ADJUSTING SPEED 59
Adjusting to road conditions 59
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS 60
ii
CONTENTSCOVER
ADJUSTING TO TRAFFIC 61
Keep pace with traffic 61
Entering traffic 61
Leaving traffic 61
Slow moving traffic 61
HOW WELL CAN YOU SEE 62
Tips you can follow to be a safer driver 62
CUSHION OF SPACE 64
Space ahead 64
Space behind 65
Space to the side 66
Space to merge 67
Space to cross or enter 67
Space to pass 67
Space for dangerous situations 69
Farm safety/rural driving 70
INATTENTIVE DRIVING 70
Distractions while driving 70
BE IN SHAPE TO DRIVE 72
Vision 72
Hearing 73
Fatigue 73
DRINKING AND DRIVING 74
Alcohol content 74
Why is drinking and driving
so dangerous? 74
If you drink, when can you drive? 74
Wisconsin’s alcohol laws 75
OTHERS DRUGS AND DRIVING 75
HEALTH 76
Some potentially dangerous health
conditions 76
Emotions 76
EMERGENCIES 77
Vehicle emergencies 77
Avoiding collisions 78
Protect yourself in collisions 80
CRASHES 80
If you are in a crash 80
If someone is injured 81
Report the crash 81
WHAT TO DO 82
What to do in case of a crash,
stalled vehicle or other emergency 82
What to do if you hit a deer 82
What to do when stopped by
law enforcement: general
guidelines for motorists 82
STUDY QUESTIONS 83
Questions 83
Answers 84
WISDOT CONTACT INFORMATION 85
Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) 85
Wisconsin State Patrol 85
iii
CONTENTSCOVER
PRELIMINARY
INFORMATION
Address change
The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
mails important correspondence to
your last known address. If you move,
please change your address at the DMV
within ten days of having moved.
Change your address online at
wisconsindmv.gov/online, by
telephone (608) 266-2353 or mail to
Division of Motor Vehicles, P. O. Box
7917, Madison, WI 53707-7917.
Obtain services online
wisconsindmv.gov/online
• Find your closest DMV
and check wait times
• Schedule, cancel or verify a
road test appointment
• Change your address
• Get a duplicate driver license
• See if your driver license is valid
• Check eligibility for an
occupational license
• Find out how long you
need SR22 insurance
• Check eligibility and reinstate
your driving privilege
• Get a duplicate or renew your ID card
• Title and register a vehicle
• Renew your license plates
• Apply for replacement license plate(s)
• Order a replacement title
• Check personalized plate
message availability
• Print a copy of your current
vehicle registration
• Find out when you’ll receive your title
• Check if there is a lien on a vehicle
• And more!
Obtain information
wisconsindmv.gov
• Acceptable documentation
• How to obtain a driver license
• How to obtain an
identification (ID) card
• REAL ID
• Fees
• Crashes and crash reports
• Medical concerns
• Driving schools
• Teen drivers
• Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)
• Parents and sponsors
• Driver handbooks
• Practice knowledge test
mobile application
• Motorcycle/moped license
• Occupational license
• Revoked or suspended driver license
• Traffic safety courses
• New residents
• Forms and publications
• Commercial drivers
• Points system
• Buy or sell a vehicle
• Transfer a vehicle
• Vehicle title/plates
• Vehicle emissions testing
• Special plates
• Vehicle title
• Title-registration service providers
• Lemon law
• And more!
1
CONTENTSCOVER
Have a question or need more information?
Email your question to driverrecords.
dmv@dot.wi.gov or call (608) 264-7447.
Consider saving a life by
becoming an organ donor
www.DonorRegistry.wisconsin.gov
You will be asked if you wish to register
as an organ, tissue and eye donor when
you apply for or renew your Identification
(ID) card, instruction permit or driver
license. Upon death, donors help save and
improve lives through transplantation,
therapy, research or education. If you are
18 or older, checking the box indicates your
legal consent for donation. Check the box
to include your name in the donor registry
every time you update your driver record.
Please share your decision with your family.
Absolute sobriety
Wisconsin has an Absolute Sobriety or “Not
a Drop” law. This means that drivers under
21 may not have a drop of alcohol in their
system when operating a motor vehicle.
Wisconsin Graduated Driver
Licensing Supervised
Driving Log, HS-303
Parents must certify that their teen has a
minimum of 50 hours of supervised driving,
with at least 10 hours at night. Keep track of
driving time and experience with a printable
supervised driving log or download a free
mobile app from the Parent’s Supervised
Driving Program. The more time you
spend practicing with your teen, the
better driver they will be on their own.
This manual
This manual is intended to inform the
user of the rules of the road (Wisconsin
state laws and administrative rules) and
provide important safety tips. Information
in this and other handbooks and manuals
published by the Division of Motor Vehicles
is not all-inclusive and is subject to change
at any time due to new or revised laws.
This manual gives you information
on driving rules and practices to help
you become a safe driver of a car
or light truck (Class D license).
If you want a Commercial Driver License
(CDL) to drive a commercial motor
vehicle (heavy truck, bus, Class A, B,
or C), you should study the Wisconsin
Commercial Driver’s Manual.
If you want a license to operate a
motorcycle (Class M license), you should
study the Motorcyclists’ Handbook.
DRIVER LICENSE
Wisconsin DMV issues REAL ID-
compliant driver licenses (marked with
a ) in accordance with the Federal
Real ID Act of 2005.
Beginning May 7, 2025 the Department
of Homeland Security will require
that you have REAL ID-compliant
identification to board federally-regulated
commercial aircraft or enter federal
facilities requiring identification. Don’t
get left behind without a REAL ID.
Learn more about REAL ID on the
Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
web site at wisconsindmv.gov.
2
CONTENTSCOVER
Requirements
Anyone who operates a motor vehicle
or motor-driven cycle on public
roadways in Wisconsin is required
to have a valid driver license.
You may obtain a Wisconsin Class D driver
license (cars and light trucks) if you:
1. Are at least 16 years of age.
2. Present proof of U.S. citizenship, legal
immigration status or legal temporary
visitor status in the U.S., such as a:
• Certified copy of your U.S.
birth certificate;
• Valid U.S. passport;
• Valid foreign passport with
appropriate immigration documents.
All documents presented as proof must be
original. Photocopies are not acceptable.
3. Present proof of your name and
date of birth, such as a:
• Certified copy of your U.S.
birth certificate;
• Valid U.S. passport;
• Valid foreign passport with
federal I-551 or I-94, arrival
and departure record.
Note: Hospital birth certificates,
notification of birth registration or
baptismal certificates are not acceptable.
If you were born in Wisconsin, you
can get a certified copy of your birth
certificate at any county Register
of Deeds or from Wisconsin Vital
Records Services. You will be charged
a fee. If you were born in another U.S.
state or territory, contact the state
or territory where you were born.
4. Present proof of your identity, such as a:
• Social Security card with
your signature;
• Valid Wisconsin or out-of-state
ID card with your photograph;
• U.S. Military ID card with
your photograph.
5. Present two (2) proofs of your
Wisconsin residency, such as:
• Utility bill for water, gas, electricity,
internet or telephone service with
your name and Wisconsin address;
• Financial statement for checking,
savings, brokerage, credit card
or loan account with your name
and Wisconsin address.
6. Provide your Social Security number
(SSN). Your SSN must correspond with
the number issued to you by the Social
Security Administration.
If you are not eligible for a Social
Security number, you must sign
a Social Security number non-
eligibility certification statement.
For a complete list of acceptable documents,
visit the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
web site at wisconsindmv.gov/DL-docs.
7. Pass required driver license tests.
Note: New Wisconsin residents with a
license from another state (which is valid
or expired less than 8 years) may be
able to get a Wisconsin license without
taking the knowledge or skills tests. Visit
wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
8. Turn in any driver license
and/or identification card
issued in another state.
9. Are not suspended or revoked
in another state.
3
CONTENTSCOVER
10. Meet the physical and medical
requirements for the type of driver
license for which you are applying.
11. Pay required fees.
12. If under 18, you must also:
• Have successfully completed an
approved driver education course;
• Have an adult sponsor (your parent
or legal guardian) certify their
sponsorship on your application.
Carrying the driver license
and license replacement
You must carry your license with
you while operating a motor vehicle.
If your license is lost or stolen, you
must obtain a duplicate license. Visit
wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
Out of state transfers
If you are under 18 and hold an instruction
permit from another state or country,
in order to get a probationary license
you will be required to meet the same
conditions as a Wisconsin resident.
If you surrender a license from another state
or country, some of the requirements for a
probationary license may be waived. Visit
wisconsindmv.gov for more information.
New Wisconsin residents with an out-of-
state license are required to apply for a
Wisconsin driver license within 60 days
of becoming a resident of Wisconsin.
Wisconsin allows certain exemptions from
its licensing requirements. For example:
• A person in the armed services may
operate a motor vehicle owned by,
or leased to, the federal government
without a Wisconsin driver license.
• A person from a state or territory
of the United States, or Canada,
who has not established residence
in Wisconsin, is at least 16 years
of age and has in their immediate
possession a valid driver license
issued to that person from their
home jurisdiction, may operate
a non-commercial vehicle.
• A commercial driver who is not
a resident of Wisconsin, has in
their immediate possession a valid
commercial driver license issued
to that person from another state
or territory of the United States, a
province of Canada, or Mexico, may
operate a commercial motor vehicle
in Wisconsin as long as the operation
complies with all restrictions and
endorsements on the license.
• A nonresident of the United States
who holds an international driving
permit or a valid driver license issued
by a signatory country to either the
1943 Regulation of Inter-American
Automotive Traffic or the 1949 Geneva
Convention on Road Traffic, may
operate a non-commercial vehicle.
This exemption applies for one year
after the person arrives in the U.S.
4
CONTENTSCOVER
INSTRUCTION PERMIT
If you have not previously held a driver
license, you must first get an instruction
permit at a DMV Service Center.
1. To get an instruction permit, you must:
• Be at least 15 years old;
• Pass the knowledge and highway
signs tests and vision screening.
Note: Take a practice knowledge
test on your mobile device at
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/
teen-driver/teen-hw-aply/
practicetestapp.aspx.
2. If you are under 18, you are required to:
• Have completed or be enrolled in an
approved behind-the-wheel driver
ed course which begins within
60 days of the date your driver ed
instructor certifies your application.
Note: If you have not completed
the classroom portion of driver
education, you must be within 60
days of starting behind-the-wheel.
• Have your adult sponsor sign
the application. The sponsor’s
signature must be witnessed
by either a notary public or an
authorized DMV employee.
Note: Your instruction permit is
valid for 18 months. If you need to
renew your permit or get a duplicate,
you will be asked to provide proof
that you are currently enrolled in or
have completed driver education.
3. Present proof of U.S. citizenship, legal
immigration status or legal temporary
visitor status in the U.S., such as a:
• Certified copy of your
U.S. birth certificate;
• Valid U.S. passport;
• Valid foreign passport with
appropriate immigration documents.
4. Present proof of your name and
date of birth, such as a:
• Certified copy of your U.S.
birth certificate;
• Valid U.S. passport;
• Valid foreign passport with
federal I-551 or I-94, arrival
and departure record.
Note: Hospital birth certificates,
notification of birth registration
or baptismal certificates are not
acceptable. If you were born in
Wisconsin, you can get a certified
copy of your birth certificate at any
county Register of Deeds or from
Wisconsin Vital Records Services.
You will be charged a fee. If you
were born in another U.S. state
or territory, contact the state or
territory where you were born.
5. Present proof of your identity, such as a:
• Social Security card with
your signature;
• Valid Wisconsin or out-of-state
ID card with your photograph;
• U.S. Military ID card with
your photograph.
6. Provide your Social Security number
(SSN). Your SSN must correspond
with the number issued to you by the
Social Security Administration.
If you are not eligible for a Social
Security number, you must sign
a Social Security number non-
eligibility certification statement.
5
CONTENTSCOVER
You may be required to show two
(2) proofs of Wisconsin residency.
For more information, including a
complete list of acceptable documents,
visit wisconsindmv.gov/DL-docs.
All documents presented as proof must be
original. Photocopies are not acceptable.
Restrictions of the
instruction permit
You may drive only when you are
accompanied by a person with two years
driving experience who holds a valid
regular (not probationary or occupational)
license and who sits in the front passenger
seat and is one of the following:
• A qualified instructor 19 or older. (Up
to three others may ride along if the
car is equipped with dual controls), or
• A parent, guardian or spouse
19 or older (your immediate
family members may ride
along in the back seat), or
• A person 21 or older. (If you are
under 18, this person must be
designated in writing by your parent
or guardian prior to accompanying
you while driving a vehicle.)
Note: If you are at least 16 years of age,
in addition to the licensed accompanying
driver, one other licensed person 25
years of age or more with at least 2 years
driving experience may occupy a seat in
the vehicle other than the front seat.
PROBATIONARY LICENSE
A probationary license is the first license
issued to new drivers regardless of age. It is
valid for two years from your next birthday.
Points are doubled for the second and
subsequent convictions for traffic violations.
To qualify for a probationary license,
all applicants must be at least 16 years old
and meet the driver license requirements
previously listed under Driver License. If
under 18, you must also meet the following
requirements:
1. Present proof of completing an
approved driver education class;
2. Have had an instruction permit
for a minimum of six months;
3. Have accumulated 50 hours of behind-
the-wheel driving experience (10 of
the 50 hours must be at night);
Note: Up to 5 hours of behind-the-wheel
driving experience with a qualified
instructor may be double counted. For
example, 3 hours will count as 6 hours.
4. Have had no moving traffic
violations resulting in a conviction
for the 6 months prior to the date
of application for this license;
5. Have your parent or adult sponsor
certify (on the driver license application)
the completion of 50 hours of
driving experience (10 at night);
6. Pass a driving skills test;
7. Pay the required fees.
6
CONTENTSCOVER
Restrictions of the
probationary license
If you are under 18, for the first 9 months of
holding your probationary license you will
have restrictions on who can ride with you.
From 5 a.m. to midnight, you can drive
alone and travel anywhere. In addition,
any number of your immediate family
members (including legal guardian) and
the following people can ride with you:
• One person who holds a valid
regular (non-probationary)
license with at least 2 years of
licensed driving experience and
who is one of the following:
◊ A qualified instructor or
spouse 19 or older, or
◊ A person 21 or older.
• One other person.
From midnight to 5 a.m.
• If driving between home,
school, and/or work you can
drive alone. The same people
listed above can be with you.
• If driving anywhere else, you
must have one of the following
people seated beside you:
◊ A parent or guardian.
◊ One person who holds a valid
regular (non-probationary)
license with 2 years of licensed
driving experience and who
is one of the following:
» A qualified instructor or
spouse 19 or older, or
» A person 21 or older.
◊ In addition, you can have any
number of your immediate
family members and one
other person ride with you.
Restrictions will be extended 6 months if:
• You are convicted of a moving
traffic violation (including
failure to fasten seat belt), or
• You violate any of the restrictions, or
• Your license is revoked or
suspended for any reason.
Note: The 9-month term of
the passenger and time-of-day
restriction stops while your operating
privilege is suspended or revoked.
It resumes again when your
operating privilege is reinstated.
The skills test
You must schedule an appointment for a
driving skills (road) test. Schedule your
appointment online at wisconsindmv.
gov/online or call (608) 266-2353.
Prior to the skills test, the examiner
will conduct a safety inspection of
the vehicle to be used for the test. The
following items will be inspected and
must be in safe operating condition:
• Brake lights
• Brakes
• Current license plate
• Defroster (if needed for
test conditions)
• Directional lights
• Doors
• Exhaust system
• Headlights
• Horn
• License plate light
• Mirrors
• Safety belts
• Speedometer
• Tail lights
• Tires
7
CONTENTSCOVER
• Windows
• Windshield wipers (if needed
for test conditions)
During the skills test, the examiner
will tell you where to drive. You will:
• Follow other traffic
• Change lanes
• Pass
• Back up
• Parallel park
• Make a Y-turn
• Pull over to the side of
the road and stop
• Turn left or right on divided highways,
two-lane or one way roads
• Move from a parked position
onto the roadway
The examiner will score your attention to
driving, how well you obey traffic rules,
handle the vehicle (including shifting if
the vehicle has manual transmission),
share space and communicate
with other users of the road.
KEEPING THE DRIVER
LICENSE
In order to keep your driver license, you
must drive safely at all times. You can
lose your driving privilege for:
• A conviction for driving under the
influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Refusing to be tested for alcohol
or other drugs if you are asked
to do so by a police officer.
• Leaving the scene of a crash
in which you are involved,
without identifying yourself.
• Failing to notify law enforcement
of a reportable crash in
which you are involved.
• Giving false information when
you apply for a driver license.
• Failing to settle a financial judgment
made against you for damages
resulting from a motor vehicle crash.
• Attempting to change the
information on your driver license.
• Failing to appear for a re-examination
when requested to do so by the DMV.
• Using a motor vehicle to commit
a felony or causing the death of
someone in a motor vehicle crash.
• Having too many demerit points
on your driving record.
• Letting someone else use
your driver license.
• Using someone else’s driver license.
Point system
Your driver record has zero points until
you are convicted of violating certain
traffic laws. Upon conviction, you are
given demerit points which become part
of your driving record. Probationary
license holders and those who do not have
any type of license (no matter what age)
including those who hold only an ID card,
will have their points doubled on their
second and subsequent convictions.
If you get 12 or more demerit points
within any 12-month period, your driving
privilege will be suspended or revoked.
8
CONTENTSCOVER
Habitual offender
If you are convicted of 4 or more major
traffic violations or 12 or more minor
violations within 5 years, the DMV will
declare you a habitual offender. (For
information about points and major vs.
minor violations, visit wisconsindmv.gov.)
Your driving privilege will be revoked for
a period of 5 years. Habitual offenders
may be eligible for an occupational
license after a two-year waiting period.
Occupational license
If your license is suspended or revoked, visit
wisconsindmv.gov or call (608) 261-0368
to check your eligibility for an occupational
license. If eligible, you will need to provide
proof of financial responsibility.
Provide proof by filing an SR22 insurance
certificate or showing that you have other
financial means to cover any damage
resulting from any future traffic crash. An
occupational license allows you to drive up
to 12 hours a day and up to 60 hours a week.
Reinstating a revoked
or suspended license
A revoked license can be reinstated after:
• The period of revocation is over, and
• You file proof of financial
responsibility with the Division
of Motor Vehicles, and
Note: Proof must be filed for
3 years from the date you
are eligible to reinstate.
• You present proof of identity (a
skills test may be required if you
have been suspended or revoked
for 8 years or more), and
• You pay a reinstatement fee.
A suspended license can be reinstated
at the end of the suspension period
after a reinstatement fee is paid.
Driver license renewal
Your probationary license will be valid
for 2 years from your next birthday. You
may renew your probationary license
up to 90 days before it expires. Upon
renewal you will be issued a regular
license valid for up to 8 years.
Motor vehicle liability
insurance requirement
No person may operate a motor vehicle in
Wisconsin unless the owner or operator
of the vehicle has liability insurance in
effect for the vehicle being operated.
One must present proof of insurance
(such as a valid insurance card) when
requested by a law enforcement officer.
The liability insurance must be issued by
an insurer authorized to conduct motor
vehicle liability business in Wisconsin if the
vehicle is registered in Wisconsin. A driver
of a vehicle registered in another state may
provide proof from an insurance company
in the state where the vehicle is registered.
Insurance coverage and limitations
are the responsibility of the driver
and owner of the vehicle if the proof
of insurance does not list the driver or
the specific vehicle being operated.
Law enforcement may request proof of
insurance at any traffic stop or crash.
Failure to have insurance could result in
up to a $500 fine. Failure to have proof of
insurance when requested could result in
a $10 fine. Any person who fraudulently
represents that they carry the required
9
CONTENTSCOVER
liability insurance or provides fraudulent
documents as proof could face fines of
up to $5,000. You may not be stopped
by law enforcement solely for purposes
of determining proof of insurance.
Proof of insurance includes, but is not
limited to, a valid insurance card showing
coverage levels and dates, a valid SR-22
insurance certificate, a letter from an
insurance company on company letterhead
explaining the benefits, a valid self-
insurance certificate issued by the DOT,
proof of bond or securities filed with the
DOT, proof the vehicle is owned or leased
by the US Government, Wisconsin or any
other state, or any county or municipality
in Wisconsin or any other state.
You are not required to show proof of
insurance when you apply for, or renew, your
license plates nor when you apply for, or
renew, your driver license. You do not have
to send insurance information to the DMV
unless you are asked for the information.
Section 344.61–344.67 Wis. Stats.
BEFORE YOU DRIVE
Your safety, and that of the public,
depends on what you do before driving,
including adjusting the seat and mirrors,
using safety belts, checking your
vehicle, maintaining a clear view and
securing items in and on the vehicle.
Plan ahead and save fuel
When planning a trip, running errands,
etc., you may wish to consider alternatives
to driving. To help you save fuel and
wear and tear on your vehicle:
• Take public transportation,
use car pools, ride share, bike
or walk whenever possible.
• Avoid driving during heavy
traffic periods. Stop-and-go
driving causes extra wear and
tear on the vehicle (and you).
• Start slowly; slow down gradually
and avoid unnecessary braking.
• Plan, and then combine your trips.
Make a list of the things you need
and the places you need to go. Go
to as many places as possible on
any one trip. Try to reduce the
number of places you need to go.
This will cut down on the number
of trips you need to make.
• Call ahead to make sure they
have what you need or what
you are picking up is ready.
By doing these things you can help
cut down on the amount of traffic on
the road, cut your travel costs and
save yourself time and effort.
Check the vehicle
It is the duty of the driver to make certain
the vehicle they drive is safe to operate.
How safely you can drive starts with the
condition of the vehicle you are driving. A
vehicle that is not in good condition is more
likely to break down or cause a collision
and costs more to run than one that is well
maintained. If a vehicle is in an unsafe
condition, you might not be able to get out
of an emergency situation when you need
to. A vehicle in good condition can give you
an extra margin of safety when you need it.
Your vehicle may be required to have
an emission inspection at an authorized
10
CONTENTSCOVER
inspection station. The DMV will notify
you if and when an inspection is needed.
You should follow your vehicle owner’s
manual for routine maintenance. Some
maintenance you can do yourself and some
must be done by a qualified mechanic.
A few simple checks can help
prevent trouble on the road.
Braking system: It is very dangerous
to drive if your brakes are not working
properly. If they do not seem to be working
properly, are making a lot of noise, smell like
they are burning, or the brake pedal goes
to the floor, have a mechanic check them.
Lights: Make sure turn signals, brake
lights, tail lights and head lights are
operating properly. These should be
checked from the outside of the vehicle.
Brake lights alert other road users that
you are stopping and turn signals let
them know you will be turning.
An out-of-alignment headlight may blind
other drivers and can shine where it does
not help you. If you are having trouble
seeing at night or if other drivers are
constantly flashing their headlights at you,
have a mechanic check the headlights.
Windshield and wipers: Damaged glass
can break more easily in a minor collision
or when something hits the windshield.
Have a damaged windshield replaced.
Windshield wipers remove rain and
snow from the windshield. Some vehicles
also have wipers for rear windows and
headlights. Make sure all wipers are in
good working condition. If the blades are
not clearing water very well, replace them.
Tires: Worn or bald tires can increase
your stopping distance and make
turning more difficult when the road is
wet. Unbalanced tires and low pressure
cause faster tire wear, poor gas mileage
and make the vehicle harder to steer
and stop. If your vehicle bounces, the
steering wheel shakes or the vehicle pulls
to one side, have a mechanic check it.
Worn tires can cause hydroplaning (riding
on top of water on the road) and increase
the chance of having a flat tire. Check tire
air pressure with an air pressure gauge
when the tires are cold. Check your vehicle
owner’s manual for the proper pressure.
Check the tire tread with a penny.
Stick the penny “head” first into the
tread. If the tread does not come at
least to Lincoln’s head (2/32"), the tire
is unsafe and you should replace it.
Steering system: If the steering is not
working properly, it is difficult to control
the direction of the vehicle. If your vehicle
is hard to turn, “wanders,” or does not turn
when the steering wheel is first turned,
have the steering checked by a mechanic.
Suspension system: The suspension
helps you control the vehicle and provides
a comfortable ride over varying road
surfaces. If your vehicle bounces after a
bump or a stop, or is hard to control, you
may need new shocks or other suspension
parts. Have a mechanic check it out.
Exhaust system: The exhaust system
helps reduce the noise from the engine,
helps cool the hot gases coming from the
engine, and moves these gases to the rear
of the vehicle. Carbon monoxide gases from
a leaky exhaust system can cause death
inside a vehicle in a very short time. Never
run the engine in a closed garage. If you
11
CONTENTSCOVER
sit in a vehicle with the engine running
for any length of time, open a window.
Some exhaust leaks are easily heard
but many are not. That is why it
is important to have the exhaust
system checked periodically.
Engine: An engine that runs poorly
can lose power that is needed for normal
driving and emergencies. It may not start,
may get poor fuel economy, pollute the air
and could quit when you are on the road,
causing a problem for you and other traffic.
Follow the procedures recommended in
your owner’s manual for maintenance.
Loose objects: Make sure there are no
loose objects in your vehicle. They could hit
someone in the event of a sudden stop or
crash. Make sure there are no objects on the
floor that could roll under the brake pedal
and prevent you from stopping your vehicle.
Horn: As a warning device, the horn
could save your life. If your horn
doesn’t work, get it fixed. Only use
your horn as a warning to others.
Clean glass surfaces
It is important that you are able to
see clearly in mirrors and through the
windows and windshield. Here are
some things you can do to help:
• Keep your windshield clean.
Bright sun or headlights on a dirty
windshield make it hard to see.
• Keep your windshield washer
container full. Use windshield washer
antifreeze when the temperature
could fall below freezing.
• Keep the inside of your windows
clean, especially if anyone has
been smoking in your vehicle.
Smoking causes a film to build
up on the inside of the glass.
• Clear snow, ice or frost from
all windows (front, sides and
back) before driving.
• Do not hang things from your
mirror or clutter up your windshield
with decals. Besides being illegal,
they could block your view.
• Keep your headlights, backup,
brake and taillights clean. Dirt
on the lenses can reduce the light
and your visibility by up to 50%.
Adjust seat and mirrors
You should always check the position
of the seat and mirrors before you
start to drive. Make any adjustments
before you move the vehicle.
• Adjust the seat so you are in a
comfortable driving position
and can clearly see the road. If
necessary, use a seat cushion.
• Adjust the rear view mirror and side
mirrors. You should be able to see
out the back window with the rear
view mirror and to the sides with
the side mirrors. A good adjustment
for the side mirrors is to set them
so that when you lean slightly
backward, you can see the rear
corners of your vehicle. Even though
you have your side mirrors set this
way, you still have “blind spots”.
• If you have a day/night mirror,
make sure it is set for the time
of day you are driving.
• Head restraints are designed to
prevent whiplash if you are hit
from behind. They should be
12
CONTENTSCOVER
adjusted so the head restraint
contacts the back of your head.
Use safety belts and
child restraints
Wisconsin law requires you and your
passengers to wear safety belts. If you are
under GDL and are convicted of failure to
fasten seat belt, your GDL restrictions will
be extended for an additional 6 months.
Before you begin driving, always
fasten your safety belts and make
sure all your passengers are using
safety belts or child restraints.
It is important for you and your passengers
to use safety belts. Studies have shown that
if you are in a crash while using safety belts,
your chances of being hurt or killed are
greatly reduced. Protect yourself by buckling
up every time you get into a vehicle,
whether you are the driver or a passenger.
If your vehicle has an automatic shoulder
belt, or two-part safety belt system, be
sure to wear both the lap belt and the
shoulder belt. If you wear only one belt and
you are in a collision, you could slide out
of it and be hurt or killed. Wearing both
belts greatly reduces your risk of injury.
The lap belt should fit snugly across your
hip bones just under your stomach. The
shoulder belt should be worn across the
chest. It should be snug enough that you can
fit your fist between the belt and your chest.
Never put the shoulder belt under your arm
or leave it so loose it hangs over your arm.
In addition to protecting you from injury,
safety belts help you keep control of
the vehicle when you are the driver. If
you are struck from the side or make
a quick turn, the force could push you
sideways. You cannot steer the vehicle
if you are not behind the wheel.
Safety belts should be worn even if your
vehicle is equipped with air bags. While
air bags are good protection against
hitting the steering wheel, dashboard
or windshield, they do not protect you if
you are hit from the rear or side (unless
your vehicle also has side-impact air
bags), or if the vehicle rolls over. An air
bag will not keep you behind the wheel in
these situations, but a safety belt will.
Generally, children must be properly
restrained in a child safety seat until they
reach age 4 and in a booster seat until
age 8. The law includes the following
four-step progression for effective
child safety protection in vehicles.
Rear-facing child safety seat in the
back seat* is required when the child:
• Is less than 1 year-old or
• Weighs less than 20 pounds.
13
CONTENTSCOVER
Forward-facing child safety seat in
the back seat* is required when the child:
• Is at least 1 year-old but
less than 4 years-old
• Weights at least 20 pounds
but less than 40 pounds.
*Child safety seat must be in the back seat
if the vehicle is equipped with a back seat.
Booster seat is required when the child:
• Is at least 4 years-old but
less than 8 years-old
• Weighs at least 40 pounds
but less than 80 pounds
• Is not 57 inches (4 feet,
9 inches) or taller.
Safety belt is required when the child:
• Is 8 years-old or older or
• Weighs 80 or more pounds or
• Is 57 inches or taller.
If because of age, weight or height a
child falls into more than one of the four
categories, the child must be transported
according to the requirements of the
more protective category listed above.
Never secure a child in the front passenger
seat, especially if your vehicle has an air
bag. If you are in a crash and the bag
deploys, your child could be injured. Some
vehicles have a switch which de-activates
the passenger side air bag; however,
studies show children are still safer in
the rear seat. A number of organizations
will lend you a child safety device if you
are unable to afford one. For further
information, call (800) 261-9467.
A child at least 4 years old who cannot
be properly restrained in a safety
belt because of a physical or medical
condition may be exempt from the
booster seat and safety belt laws.
There is no personal needs exemption
allowing a child to be removed from a
safety restraint to attend to the child’s
personal needs, such as feeding or
diapering, while the vehicle is moving.
Some people may have
misinformation about using safety
belts. Here are some facts:
Your safety belt helps keep you securely
in place in the event of a crash and better
able to escape the vehicle if necessary.
It takes less than a second to undo a safety
belt. Crashes in which a vehicle catches
fire or sinks in deep water seldom happen.
Even if that were to occur, however, your
safety belt helps protect you from crashing
into things inside your vehicle and being
knocked unconscious during the crash.
14
CONTENTSCOVER
Your chances to escape the vehicle are
much better when you are conscious.
Your safety belt helps protect you on
long trips, short trips, all trips.
Many traffic deaths happen within
25 miles of home. About 20% occur
on roads posted at less than 45 mph.
Your safety belt helps protect you no
matter the distance of your trip.
Your safety belt helps protect you from
being thrown out of the vehicle in a crash.
Your chances of not being killed or injured
in a crash are much better if you stay inside
the vehicle. Safety belts help keep you
from being thrown out of your vehicle, into
the path of another vehicle, onto the road
surface, into trees, posts, etc., where serious
injury is caused by this second impact.
If your vehicle gets hit from the side, your
safety belt helps keep you from being
thrown across the car into the crash point.
When a vehicle is struck from the side,
it will move sideways. Everything in
the vehicle that is not fastened down,
including the passengers, will tend to
be thrown toward the point of crash.
Your safety belt helps keep you from
being thrown into the crash point.
Your safety belt helps protect you
when you cannot protect yourself,
even when traveling at slow speeds.
At a slow speed of 25 mph, the force of
a head-on crash is the same as pedaling
a bicycle full speed into a brick wall or
diving off a three-story building onto the
sidewalk. No one can ‘brace’ oneself for
that. But your safety belt will help brace and
protect you—but only when you wear it!
RULES OF THE ROAD
Traffic laws establish where, when and
how fast you may drive. These laws
form the “rules of the road” and help
to keep traffic moving safely. Rules of
the road include traffic control devices,
right-of-way and parking rules.
Traffic control devices
Traffic control devices include traffic
signals, signs and pavement markings.
Traffic control can also be provided by
law enforcement, highway personnel
or school crossing guards. You must
obey directions from these persons,
even if their directions are different
than what traffic lights and signs say.
15
CONTENTSCOVER
TRAFFIC SIGNALS
Traffic signals are lights that tell you when
or where to stop or go. They are usually
at intersections and are red, yellow and
green, from top to bottom. Some locations
may have single yellow or red lights.
A steady RED traffic light means come
to a full stop. You must wait until the
traffic light turns green and there is no
crossing traffic before you may go.
If it is safe to do so, you may turn right
on red if no sign prohibits it. When the
roadway has two right-turn lanes, you
may also turn right on red from the left
most right-turn lane into the available
lane that is 2nd to the right most lane
for traffic moving to the right.
You may turn left on red if you are turning
from a one-way on to a one-way street.
When turning on red, stop first, yield
to all traffic including pedestrians,
bicyclists and cars and then proceed
safely, staying in your lane.
A flashing RED traffic light
means the same as a stop sign. You
must come to a full stop and then
may go when it is safe to do so.
A RED arrow means the same thing
as a red traffic light in Wisconsin.
A steady YELLOW traffic light means
the traffic light is about to change to
red. You must stop if it is safe to do so.
If you are in the intersection when the
yellow light comes on, do not stop but
continue through the intersection.
16
CONTENTSCOVER
A flashing YELLOW traffic light
means slow down, check for cross
traffic, and proceed with caution.
If you are turning in the direction of
the arrow, a YELLOW arrow means
you should stop if it is safe to do so.
A flashing YELLOW arrow means
turns are permitted but you must
first yield to oncoming traffic and
pedestrians, then proceed with caution.
A steady GREEN traffic light means
you can go through the intersection but
you must yield to emergency vehicles
and others as required by law. If you are
stopped and then the light turns green,
you must allow crossing traffic to clear the
intersection before you go ahead. If you
are turning left, a steady green traffic light
means you may turn, but only when safe
to do so. Oncoming traffic has the right-
of-way. Be alert for signs that prohibit left
turns. When turning right or left, watch for
pedestrians crossing in front of your vehicle.
A GREEN arrow means you can turn
in the direction of the arrow. There
should be no oncoming or crossing
traffic while the arrow is green.
Remember to watch for pedestrians.
If a traffic signal loses power
and malfunctions, proceed as if
the signal were a stop sign.
17
CONTENTSCOVER
TRAFFIC SIGNS
Traffic signs tell you about traffic rules, hazards, where you are, how to get to where you want
to go and where services are located. Each type of sign is identified by its shape and color.
Warning signs
These signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and most
are diamond shaped. They warn you about a special situation or that
a hazard is ahead. Some common warning signs are below.
Left to right: Intersection/Cross Road, Divided Highway, Slippery When Wet.
Left to right: Signal Ahead, Deer Crossing, Sharp Turn to the Left
Left to right: Right Lane Ends, Hill, Merge
18
CONTENTSCOVER
Regulatory signs
These signs are square, rectangular, or have a special shape and
are usually white or red with black, red, white or green letters or
symbols. They tell you the requirements for stopping, yielding, traffic direction,
lane use, turning, speed limits, parking and other special situations.
Some regulatory signs have a red circle with a red slash over a symbol. These
signs prohibit certain actions, i.e., no right turn, no left turn, no U-turn, etc.
DO NOT
ENTER
DO NOT ENTER is a square sign with a white horizontal line inside a red
ball that means you cannot enter. You will see this sign at openings to roadways
that you should not enter such as exit ramps where you would be going in the
wrong direction, in crossovers on divided roadways and on one-way streets.
20
CONTENTSCOVER
SPEED LIMIT SIGNS tell you the maximum speed allowed, the minimum speed
required, or of a change in speed limit. The maximum limit should be driven only
in ideal driving conditions. You must reduce your speed when conditions require
it. For example, you should reduce your speed for curves and when the roadway is
slippery (during rain, snow, icy conditions), or when it is foggy and difficult to see
clearly down the road. Some high speed roads have minimum speed limits and you
are required to travel at least this fast so you are not a hazard to other drivers. If
the minimum posted speed limit is too fast for you, you should use another road.
O N LY
O NLYO NLY
LANE USE CONTROL SIGNS tell you where you can turn or what direction
you can turn from a certain lane. They often use an arrow symbol. These signs
may be located on the side of the road or hanging over the lane of travel.
The ‘dot’ to the left of the arrow represents the island in the center of
a roundabout. It shows that the driver is required to drive counter-
clockwise around the island in the center to make a left turn.
Sometimes arrows are also painted on the road.
21
CONTENTSCOVER
NO
PASSING
ZONE
Pavement markings, along with the
optional NO PASSING ZONE SIGN
show where you can not pass. A yellow
pennant no passing zone sign facing you
on the left side of the road indicates the
beginning of a no passing zone. Passing
areas are based on how far ahead you
can see. Where it is permitted to pass,
you may do so only if it is safe.
STOP
A STOP SIGN has eight sides and is red
with white letters. You must come to
a full stop. You must wait until crossing
vehicles and pedestrians have cleared your
path. You can go only when it is safe to do
so. If you cannot see traffic from your first
stop, slowly move ahead and stop again
before entering the intersection. Check for
cross traffic and pedestrians before you go.
A YIELD SIGN is a downward
pointing triangle. It is red and white
with red letters. It means you must
slow down and yield the right-of-way to
traffic in the intersection you are crossing
or the roadway you are entering.
A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE SIGN
is reflective orange triangle on
the rear of a vehicle means it may be
traveling less than 25 mph. You may
see this sign on construction equipment
and, in rural areas, on farm vehicles or
horse-drawn wagons or carriages.
Note: The Amish are not required to use
this symbol for religious reasons nor
are bicyclists. However, both should still
have reflective material on the rear of the
vehicle. Slow down when approaching
a slow-moving vehicle and, if possible,
move over to the left to pass it.
22
CONTENTSCOVER
Railroad crossing
warning signs
RAILROAD CROSSING WARNING
SIGNS warn you that a train may be
near. Never try to beat a train across
the tracks. Never start to cross railroad
tracks if you will have to stop on the
tracks because there isn’t room for your
vehicle on the far side. It is wise not to
shift gears when crossing railroad tracks,
just in case your vehicle might stall.
Remember that trains are large, heavy and
may be moving faster than they seem.
R R
A ROUND YELLOW WARNING
sign with an “X” symbol and black
“RR” letters is placed along the road
before you get to a railroad crossing.
CROSSING
RAIL
ROAD
TRACKS
3
YIELD
A WHITE, X-SHAPED SIGN or
“CROSSBUCK” with “Railroad Crossing”
on it is located at the railroad crossing. This
sign has the same meaning as a “Yield”
sign. You must yield to crossing trains.
Crossings may have an “exempt” or “tracks
out-of-service” sign. “Tracks out-of-service”
means the crossing is no longer used by
trains. “Exempt” means certain vehicles
are not required to stop before crossing
tracks marked “exempt” or “tracks out-of-
service.” However, be cautious and look
both ways before crossing these tracks.
CROSSING
RAIL
ROAD
TRACKS
2
At some crossings, along with the
crossbuck sign, you will see side-by-side
lights that will flash alternately when a
train is approaching. When the lights are
flashing, you must stop and wait until the
train has passed and the track is clear.
23
CONTENTSCOVER
R R
CR O S S I NG
RAIL
ROAD
At some crossings there is also a crossing gate that will lower when a train is coming.
Do not drive around the gate or under a raising or lowering gate. Some crossings also
have a bell or a horn that will sound. Do not cross until the bell or horn has stopped.
CR OSS I NG
RAIL
ROAD
TRACKS
2
R R
Crossings with more than one train track will often post a sign showing the number
of tracks. These signs warn you there is more than one track and there may be more
than one train crossing. Not all crossings with more than one train track will have
these signs, so it is important to check for more than one track before crossing.
XYZ RAILROAD
REPORT PROBLEM
OR EMERGENCY
1
-
800
-
555
-
5555
X
-
ING
836 597 H
A blue REPORT PROBLEM OR EMERGENCY SIGN is at every
highway-railroad crossing. You will see the sign either on the black and
white cross buck or on the metal box near the crossing. The sign provides
a telephone number to call and report unsafe conditions such as:
• A car or truck is stuck on the railroad tracks
• Warning signal or crossing gate does not work at a railroad crossing
Use the sign to report any unsafe condition at a railroad crossing.
24
CONTENTSCOVER
Construction signs
Left to right: Road Workers Ahead, Road Work Ahead, Flagger Ahead
These construction, maintenance or emergency operations signs are generally diamond
or rectangular shaped, orange with black letters or symbols and warn you
about people working on or near the roadway. These warnings include reduced speed,
detours, slow moving construction equipment and lane closures. In work areas, traffic
may be controlled by a person with a sign or flag. You must obey these persons.
Traffic fines double in work areas.
Guide signs
Guide signs help you navigate and inform you of services
available. Some common types of Guide signs are:
DEVILS LAKE
STATE PARK
2 MILES
EXIT
NORTH AVE
WEST ST EAST ST
WEST
MADISON
Destination signs
DESTINATION SIGNS are square or rectangular and are green or brown with
white lettering. They show directions and distance to various places such as cities,
airports, and state lines, or to special areas such as parks, historical areas or museums.
25
CONTENTSCOVER
Left to right: Service signs:
Disabled Access, Hospital
SERVICE SIGNS are square or
rectangular and are blue with
white letters or symbols. They show
the location of various services like
rest areas, gas stations, campgrounds
or hospitals. Some disabled signs are
white with green letters and the
backgrounds on symbols are blue.
30
US
51
US
The shape and color of ROUTE
NUMBER SIGNS indicate the type
of roadway: Interstate, U.S., state, city
or county road. When planning a trip,
use a road map to determine your route.
During the trip, follow the route signs
to help you get to your destination.
Blue REFERENCE MARKERS
(sometimes called Enhancement Reference
Signs) are designed to improve emergency
responses to highway incidents. They help
with faster emergency response, faster
traffic incident clearance, fewer crash
related delays and fewer secondary crashes.
Reference markers are installed on the
right side or in the median. They may be
placed every one to two-tenths of a mile.
Each reference marker includes the
direction of travel, route number,
and mile number. The sign in
the example above means:
W: You are westbound
12: You are on Highway 12
254/2: You are at mile marker 254.2
PAVEMENT MARKINGS
Lines and symbols on the roadway divide it
into lanes, tell you when you may pass other
vehicles or change lanes, and which lanes
to use for turns. They define pedestrian
walkways and show where you must stop for
signs or traffic signals. Line colors tell you
if you are on a one-way or two-way roadway.
26
CONTENTSCOVER
Edge and lane lines
Lines along the side of the road show you
where the edge of the road is located. A
solid white line indicates the right edge
of the traffic lane on a road. A solid
or dashed yellow line indicates the left
edge of traffic lanes going in your
direction. If you ever find yourself with
yellow to your right and white to your
left, you are going the wrong way.
White lane markings
Multiple lanes of travel in the same
direction are separated by white
lane markings. You will find white
lane markings on freeways and
one-way streets, for example.
Dashed white lines between lanes of
traffic mean you may cross the lines to
pass or change lanes if it is safe to do so.
A solid white line between lanes of traffic
means you should stay in your lane
unless a special situation requires you to
change lanes. You should not cross the
line except to avoid a hazard or unless
you are turning within the next block.
Crosswalks and stop lines
Crosswalks define the area where
pedestrians may cross the roadway.
Crosswalks can be at intersections
or in the middle of the block. You
must yield to pedestrians in a
crosswalk (marked or unmarked).
Proceed cautiously when approaching
a crosswalk on multi-lane roads,
especially when one lane of traffic
has slowed or stopped.
When required to stop because of a sign
or signal, you must stop before the front of
your vehicle reaches the stop line. If there
is no marked stop line, stop before entering
the marked crosswalk on the near side of the
intersection. If there is no marked stop line
nor a marked or unmarked crosswalk, stop
at a point nearest the intersecting roadway
where you have a clear view of approaching
traffic, but before entering the intersection.
Yellow lane markings
Lines separating traffic moving in
opposite directions are yellow.
Two solid yellow lines between lanes
of traffic means neither side can pass.
Exceptions: 1.) You may cross a solid
yellow line to turn into a driveway if it is
safe to do so. 2.) You may pass a vehicle,
except an implement of husbandry or an
agricultural commercial vehicle, traveling
at less than half the speed limit at the
place of passing if it is safe to do so.
27
CONTENTSCOVER
Dashed yellow lines mean you may pass, but watch for oncoming traffic.
Some passing zones have signs that tell you where you cannot pass. Where there is both a
solid and a dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid
yellow line is on your side. If the dashed line is on your side, you may pass if it is safe to do so.
Shared center lane
Shared center lanes are reserved for
making left turns (or U-turns when they
are permitted) by vehicles traveling in
either direction. On the pavement, left-
turn arrows for traffic in one direction
alternate with left-turn arrows for traffic
coming from the other direction. These
lanes are marked on each side by solid
yellow and dashed yellow lines. Be sure you
enter the lane only if it is safe to do so.
28
CONTENTSCOVER
OTHER LANE CONTROLS
Reversible lanes
Some travel lanes are designed to carry traffic in one direction at certain times, and
in the opposite direction at other times. These lanes are called “reversible lanes”
and are usually marked by double-dashed yellow lines. Before you start driving in
them, check to see which lanes you can use at that time. There may be signs posted
by the side of the road or overhead. Special lights are often used. A green arrow
means you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means you cannot. A flashing
yellow “X” means the lane is only for turning. A steady yellow “X” means the use of
the lane is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is safe to do so.
Reserved lanes
On various roadways, one or more lanes may be reserved for special vehicles. Reserved
lanes are marked by signs stating the lane is reserved for special use. They often have
a white diamond posted at the side of the road and/or painted on the road surface.
It is illegal to travel in one of these lanes unless operating that type of vehicle, or
unless you must turn across the reserved lane in the next half of a block.
BUSES
ONLY
“Transit” or “buses” means the
lane is for bus use only.
BIKES
ONLY
“Bikes” means the lane is
reserved for bicycles.
29
CONTENTSCOVER
Flex Lane
Some highways allow the use of the shoulder as a travel lane when permitted by signs.
This shoulder use is called a Flex Lane and is separated from the adjacent lane by one
solid yellow line. Shoulder use may be limited to specific times of day based on traffic
volumes and special events. Wisconsin joins more than a dozen other states with part-
time shoulder use operation on the Madison Beltline (US 12/18) in Dane County.
SHOULDER USE
PERMITTED ON
GREEN ARROW
ONLY
MERGE ON YELLOW
Flex Lane is
OPEN
Regulatory
signage
END of Flex Lane;
merge to general
purpose lanes
Flex Lane is
CLOSING;
merge
to general
purpose lanes
Flex Lane is
CLOSED
Before you start driving in a Flex Lane, check to see if you can use it at that time. Signs
are posted by the side of the road or overhead, including dynamic message signs. A green
arrow means you can use the lane beneath it; a red “X” means you cannot. A yellow “X”
means the use of the shoulder is changing and you should move out of it as soon as it is
safe to do so. Traffic using the shoulder must merge into the adjacent lane when the Flex
Lane ends, which will be indicated by signs. If there is an incident along the Flex Lane
route that requires deactivation of the system, a series of signs prior to the incident will
display yellow and red X’s indicating Flex Lane users merge into the adjacent lane.
No trucks are permitted in the Flex Lane when it is open.
30
CONTENTSCOVER
METERED RAMPS
Some freeway entrance ramps have traffic
signals that function as ramp meters.
Ramp meters more evenly space the
number of vehicles merging with traffic
already on the freeway. This helps to
reduce congestion and the stop and go
traffic flow at freeway entrance points.
BUSES AND
4 RIDER
CAR POOLS ONLY
6 AM–9 AM MON–FRI
High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) lanes are
reserved for car pools and vehicles with
more than one person in them. Signs say
how many people must be in the vehicle
as well as the days and hours to which it
applies. For example, “HOV 4” means there
must be at least four people in the vehicle.
FREEWAY
B
A
C
D
HOW TO
USE A RAMP
METER
How to use a ramp meter
A. Ramp meter warning sign
As you enter a metered ramp, you will see
a “Ramp Metered When Flashing” sign.
If the sign’s yellow light is not flashing,
you can merge into traffic without
stopping or slowing down.
If the sign’s yellow light is flashing, it
means the ramp meter is operating.
You should follow these steps when
the ramp meter is operating.
B. Regular traffic lanes
Choose a traffic lane.
C. HOV lane
Certain vehicles can use the High
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) bypass lane on
the ramp. HOV lanes are for any vehicle
with two or more people, or motorcycles,
buses and emergency vehicles. HOVs must
still obey the traffic signal in their dedicated
lane. Generally, HOV lanes have little
or no waiting. If you are traveling alone,
you can be ticketed for using that lane.
31
CONTENTSCOVER
D. Stop line and signals
At the ramp signal, you should pull
completely up to the white stop line so
your tires will trigger the sensors in the
pavement to change the light from red
to green. Each lane on the ramp has its
own traffic signal. The traffic signals will
alternate between green and red. They
will allow one vehicle to pass through
for each green light. You should not try
to squeeze through with someone else
during one change to green. If you disobey
a ramp signal, you can be ticketed.
Other features
To keep traffic on the ramp from backing
up onto local streets, sensors in the
pavement will detect if a long line of
vehicles is forming on the ramp. The
sensor will trigger a computer to speed up
the green light. This will shorten the wait
time at the ramp meter. Cameras installed
on the ramps help to monitor traffic
flow or, if needed, to assist emergency
personnel in responding to a crash.
RULES FOR DRIVING
ROUNDABOUTS
wisconsinroundabouts.gov
General information
for all roundabouts
Roundabouts are becoming more common
in the U.S. because they provide safer
and more efficient traffic flow than
standard intersections. By keeping traffic
moving one-way in a counterclockwise
direction, there are fewer conflict
points and traffic flows smoothly.
Crash statistics show that roundabouts
reduce fatal crashes about 90%, reduce
injury crashes about 75%, and reduce
overall crashes about 35%, when compared
to other types of intersection control.
When driving a roundabout, the same
general rules apply as for maneuvering
through any other type of intersection.
Truck apron
Large vehicles need more space when
driving in a roundabout. A truck apron is a
paved area on the inside of the roundabout
for the rear wheels of large trucks to use
when turning, sometimes referred to as
off-tracking. Truck aprons are not to be
used by cars, SUVs or pickup trucks.
Steps for driving
a roundabout
1. Slow down. Obey traffic signs.
2. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists.
3. Yield to traffic on your left
already in the roundabout.
4. Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
5. Keep your speed low within
the roundabout.
6. As you approach your exit, turn
on your right turn signal.
7. Yield to pedestrians and
bicycles as you exit.
Emergency vehicles
in the roundabout
• Always yield to emergency vehicles.
• If you have not entered the
roundabout, pull over and allow
emergency vehicles to pass.
• If you have already entered
the roundabout, safely exit
the roundabout at the next
right, then pull over and allow
emergency vehicles to pass.
• Avoid stopping in the roundabout.
32
CONTENTSCOVER
Driving a roundabout with two or more lanes
Choose the proper lane before entering. As you get closer to the roundabout
entrance, it is very important to observe the signs and arrows to determine which
lane to use before entering a roundabout. Black and white signs on the side of the
road and white arrows on the road will show the correct lane to use. In general, if
you want to make a left turn, you should be in the left lane or other lanes that are
signed and marked as left turn lanes. If you want to make a right turn, you should
be in the right lane or other lanes that are signed and marked as right turn lanes. If
you want to go straight, observe the signs and arrows to see what lane is correct.
Left turns/U-turns: use left lane
• When approaching the
roundabout, use the left lane, or
other lanes that are signed and
marked as a left turn lane.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to all traffic on your left
before entering the roundabout.
• Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
• Stay in your lane.
• Use your right turn signal
to exit the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians in the
crosswalk at the exit.
34
CONTENTSCOVER
Going straight: use right lane or
left lane
• When approaching the
roundabout, choose the correct
lane for your desired exit.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to all traffic on your left
before entering the roundabout.
• Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
• Stay in your lane.
• Use your right turn signal
to exit the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians in the
crosswalk at the exit.
Right turns: use right lane
• When approaching the
roundabout, use the right lane,
or other lanes that are signed and
marked as a right turn lane.
• Yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk.
• Yield to all traffic on your left
before entering the roundabout.
• Enter the roundabout when
there is a safe gap in traffic.
• Stay in your lane.
• Use your right turn signal
to exit the roundabout.
• Yield to pedestrians in the
crosswalk at the exit.
Large vehicles
• Large vehicles need more
space in a roundabout.
• All drivers should be cautious and
avoid driving next to or passing
large trucks while approaching and
maneuvering through a roundabout.
• A truck apron is a paved area
inside a roundabout.
• It is for the rear wheels of large
trucks to use when turning.
• Trucks may cross into other
lanes or onto the truck apron.
• Truck aprons are not to be used
by cars, SUVs or pickup trucks.
GENERAL RULES ABOUT
TRAFFIC LANES
When there are no signs or markings
to control the use of lanes, there are
rules that indicate which lane is to
be used. These rules cover general
driving, passing and turning.
General driving
It is illegal and unsafe to back a vehicle
in any travel lane unless you are parallel
parking or completing a Y-turn. Drivers do
not expect a vehicle to be backing toward
them and may not realize it until it is too
late. If you miss your turn or exit on a
freeway, do not back up. Go on to the next
exit where you can exit and re-enter the
freeway to go back to the exit you missed.
Do not stop in travel lanes for any
reason (confusion, breakdowns, letting
out a passenger). Keep moving until
you can safely pull off the road.
On a road with two or more lanes traveling
in the same direction, stay in the right lane
except to pass. On a road with three or
more lanes traveling in the same direction,
stay as far to the right as practical.
As a general rule, never drive on an
unpaved shoulder of the road.
35
CONTENTSCOVER
Passing
You should never pass on the shoulder.
However, a paved shoulder may be used
to pass a stopped vehicle or one that is
slowing to make a left turn. On multi-
lane roads, the left-most lane is intended
to be used for passing slower vehicles. If
you pass on the right, the other driver
may have difficulty seeing you and might
suddenly change lanes in front of you.
TURNING
The safest way to make turns is to go from
one travel lane to the other as directly
as possible without crossing lane lines
or interfering with other traffic. Once
you have completed your turn, you can
change to another lane if you need to.
Do not drive in a reserved lane. Reserved
lanes or those marked for parking, or
restricted to buses, bicycles, or marked
for turns only, are not travel lanes except
for buses or bicycles. You should only
drive in them when you are within half
a block of where you plan to turn. When
you need to move into a restricted lane
to turn right and a bicyclist is beside or
ahead of you in that lane, slow down,
signal your lane change and move into the
restricted lane behind the bicyclist. Safely
make your turn when the lane is clear.
If you start turning at an intersection,
do not change your mind about turning.
Last second changes can cause a crash.
Complete your turn and go on to the next
intersection where you can turn and work
your way back to where you want to go.
Multiple turn lanes
If there are signs or lane markings that
allow for two or more turning lanes,
stay in your lane during the turn.
Right turns
After checking traffic to the rear and
signaling, move into the travel lane
farthest to the right. Before starting to
turn, look right and left. Remember to
yield the right-of-way, if necessary. Move
your vehicle around the corner and into
the travel lane farthest to the right.
36
CONTENTSCOVER
Do not swing wide as shown
in the examples above.
Avoid swinging wide to the left before
starting to make the turn. The driver behind
you may think you are changing lanes or
going to turn left and may try to pass you on
the right. If you swing wide as you complete
the turn, drivers in the far lane will not
expect to see you encroaching on their lane.
Watch for large trucks and buses
making right turns. In order to make
the turn, they may need to swing left
before turning right. Do not attempt
to pass these vehicles on the right.
37
CONTENTSCOVER
Left turns
Figure 1: One way onto one way
Figure 2: One way with multiple
turns onto one way
Figure 3: One way onto two way
Figure 4: Two way onto one way
On a left turn or U-turn, turn into the travel lane farthest to the left going
in your direction; (See Figures 1–4 for examples of the lanes to use when
making a left turn.) This way, you will cross the fewest lanes of traffic.
After checking traffic to the rear and signaling, move into the turn lane (if there is one) or
the travel lane farthest to the left. If there is a bicyclist ahead of you in the turn lane, slow
down and follow the bicyclist through the turn. Before starting to turn, look left, right,
across the intersection, then left again. Remember to yield the right-of-way, if necessary.
38
CONTENTSCOVER
Figure 5
Pull out toward the midpoint of the intersection. (See center dot in
Figure 5.) Wait, with wheels straight, until it is clear to turn. If the traffic
light turns red, complete the turn when it is safe. Keep just left of the
midpoint (center dot in Figure 5) of the intersection as you turn.
Don’t turn the wheels while you are waiting to make a left turn or U-turn. If your wheels
are turned and you are hit from behind, you could be pushed into oncoming traffic.
Figure 6: Two approaching left turns
Be sure to leave room for oncoming vehicles to turn left in front of you. (See Figure 6.)
Be aware of traffic approaching on your left. When you make a left turn,
avoid cutting the corner so sharply that you run into traffic approaching
on your left. When you make a U-turn, watch for cars turning right-
on-red that may not watch for you and yield as they should.
If you follow a bicyclist through a left turn, you may pass the bicyclist after you complete
the turn and it is safe to pass. Remember to give bicyclists at least three feet of space.
39
CONTENTSCOVER
U-turn
A U-turn is a turn within the road, made
in one smooth U-shaped motion, so as to
end up traveling in the opposite direction.
You may not make a U-turn:
• At any intersection where a police
officer is controlling traffic unless the
officer instructs you to make a U-turn.
• In mid-block on any street in a
business district or in mid-block
on a through (main) highway
in a residential district, except
where the street or highway is
divided and the turn is made at
a legal opening or crossover.
• At any place where signs
prohibit such turns.
• Upon a curve or upon the approach
to or near the crest of a grade on
any undivided highway where the
vehicle cannot be seen by the driver
of any other vehicle with 500 feet
approaching from any direction.
• At any place where a U-turn
cannot be made safely or without
interfering with other traffic.
Y-turn
This is used in the driving exam as a
test of skill and judgement. It is not
recommended for use in general driving,
but may be used in residential areas
on streets too narrow for a U-turn.
11
33
22
44
How to make a Y-turn
1. Check for traffic in your mirrors
and blind spot. Signal right. Pull
as far right as possible and stop.
2. Check traffic in mirrors and blind
spot. When the way is clear, signal
left. Make a left-angle turn to the
opposite curb or side of the road.
3. Check traffic to left and right. Turn
front wheels as far right as possible.
Looking behind the vehicle, back
far enough so the vehicle clears the
curb when you pull forward.
4. Check traffic to left and right and
proceed when the way is clear.
40
CONTENTSCOVER
RIGHT-OF-WAY
Vehicles or pedestrians are likely to
meet one another where there are no
signs or lights to control traffic. These
rules tell who goes first and who must
wait in different traffic situations. The
one who must wait is yielding right-
of-way to the one who goes first.
The law says who must yield the right-
of-way. It does not give anyone the right-
of-way. You should do everything you
can to keep from hitting a pedestrian
or another vehicle. This includes
bicycles and animal-drawn vehicles.
Intersections
At an intersection where there are no
signs or traffic lights, you must yield
to vehicles coming from the right.
At a four-way stop, the driver reaching the
intersection first goes first (after coming to
a complete stop.) If more than one vehicle
arrives at the same time, the vehicle on the
right goes first. You must yield to vehicles
already on the main road if you are entering
a road from a driveway, alley or roadside.
You must yield to traffic already in a
roundabout, traffic circle or rotary.
You must yield to cross traffic if
your roadway dead-ends.
Passing
When passing a vehicle traveling in the
same direction, you must yield to it even
if it is slowing or coming to a stop.
Pedestrians
You must yield where necessary
to avoid striking pedestrians
who are crossing the road.
You must yield to pedestrians
when you are entering or exiting a
driveway, alley or parking lot.
You must stop before crossing a sidewalk if
you are entering or crossing a highway from
a driveway, alley or parking lot. It is illegal
to drive on a sidewalk except to cross it.
41
CONTENTSCOVER
Pedestrians using a dog guide or carrying a white cane have absolute right-
of-way (even if not at an intersection.) Do not use your horn as it could startle
the blind pedestrian. If you see anyone in the roadway with a dog guide or a
white cane, stop at least ten feet away until the person is off the roadway.
Left turns/U-turns
Drivers making a left turn or U-turn must yield to vehicles
approaching from the opposite direction, including bicycles.
42
CONTENTSCOVER
Emergency vehicles
You must yield the right-of-way to police
vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances or other
emergency vehicles using a siren, air horn
or a red or blue flashing light. Pull over
to the right edge of the road or as near
to the right as possible and stop when
you see or hear an emergency vehicle
approaching from any direction. Follow
any instructions given over the emergency
vehicle’s loud- speaker. If you are in an
intersection, including a roundabout,
drive through the intersection before you
pull over. If the emergency vehicle
using lights or siren is on the other
side of a divided highway, you do
not need to pull over and stop.
You must not pass an emergency vehicle
that is about to back into, or is backing into,
the driveway entrance of a fire station. It
is illegal to pass or follow within 500 feet
of a moving emergency vehicle with its
red or blue lights on and siren operating.
This includes while driving on freeways
or other limited access highways.
Move over or slow down law
When approaching law enforcement or
other emergency vehicles, tow trucks,
road machinery, highway construction
or maintenance vehicles, public utility,
telecommunication carrier or cooperative
association vehicles stopped on or near
a highway and using flashing warning
lights, you must move into a lane not
nearest the stopped vehicle and travel in
that lane until you have safely passed the
stopped vehicle(s). If it is unsafe to move
into another lane, slow down until you
have safely passed the stopped vehicle(s).
Animals
People riding animals or driving animal-
drawn vehicles on a roadway have the same
rights and duties as motor vehicle operators.
To avoid scaring the animals, do not sound
your horn near them. Slow down and keep
a safe distance away while passing them.
You should yield the right-of-way to
livestock on or along the highway. However,
the person in charge of the livestock must
try to open the way for traffic. If the person
in charge of the animals gives a signal
of distress, you must stop or do what is
necessary to avoid injury or a crash.
Funeral processions
Only the first vehicle in a funeral
procession must obey traffic signs and
signals. Vehicles in the procession must
have headlights on. Do not cut into or
interfere with a funeral procession.
43
CONTENTSCOVER
SCHOOL BUSES
STOP
minimum 20 feet
STOP
minimum 20 feet
Two-lane highway
STOP
minimum 20 feet
STOP
minimum 20 feet
Multi-lane highway
You must stop a minimum of 20 feet from a stopped
school bus with its red lights flashing.
You must stop whether the school bus is on your side of the road, the opposite
side of the road or at an intersection that you are approaching.
After the school bus red lights have stopped flashing, watch for children along
the side of the road. Do not go until they have completely left the roadway.
44
CONTENTSCOVER
STOP
minimum 20 feet
Divided highway
Divided highways (roadways): Unless
signs say other-wise, you are not required to
stop for a school bus if you are driving in the
opposite direction on a divided highway.
PARKING
You are responsible for making sure your
vehicle is not a hazard when it is parked.
Whenever you park, be sure it is in a place
far enough from any travel lane to avoid
interfering with traffic and that is visible to
vehicles approaching from either direction.
• Park in a designated parking
area if possible.
• Always set your parking brake
when you park. Leave the vehicle
in the lowest gear if it has a manual
transmission, or in “park” if it
has an automatic transmission.
• A possible exception to this is during
cold weather when it is possible the
parking brake could freeze in the
“on” position. At such times, you may
choose to leave the parking brake
off. Your vehicle should still be left
in the lowest gear or in “park”.
• If parked on a rural highway, you
must leave at least 15 feet of road
width for other traffic to pass your
vehicle. Your vehicle must be visible
for at least 500 feet in either direction.
Your parking lights and taillights
must be on if it is dark outside.
• Get out of the vehicle on the curb
side if you can. If you have to use
the street side, check traffic before
you open the door. Shut the door as
soon as you can after getting out.
• Never leave the ignition key in
a parked vehicle. It is a good
habit to lock the doors whenever
you leave your vehicle.
• If you must park on a roadway,
park your vehicle as far away from
traffic as possible. If there is a curb,
park as close to it as you can.
How to park on a hill
Left to right: Down hill with or without
curb, Up hill with curb, Up hill without curb
1. Check for traffic in your mirrors and
blind spot. Signal right. Pull over as
far right as possible and stop. Slow
as you are moving out of traffic.
2. Turn your wheels sharply to the left if
there is a curb and you face uphill.
3. Turn your wheels sharply to the
right if there is no curb or if you
face downhill. See the illustrations.
This way, if your vehicle starts to
roll, it will roll away from traffic.
4. Set your emergency brake and place
your vehicle in park. If your vehicle
has manual transmission, shift into
45
CONTENTSCOVER
reverse if parking downhill or into
the lowest gear if parking uphill.
5. To resume travel, put your turn signal
on, check mirrors and blind spot. When
safe, pull out into your traffic lane.
No parking zones
There are many areas where you
cannot park. Check for signs which may
prohibit or limit parking. Some parking
restrictions are indicated by painted
curb markings (usually yellow).
Do not park in the following locations:
• In an intersection
• In a construction area if your
vehicle will block traffic
• Within 15 feet of a crosswalk
or intersection
• Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
• Within 25 feet of a railroad crossing
• More than one foot from the curb
• Within 15 feet of a fire station
driveway on the same side of
the street or directly across
from the entrance
• Within 4 feet of a driveway, alley, or
private road, or blocking the area
of the curb removed or lowered
for access to the sidewalk
• In front of a school (grades K–
eight) from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
on school days, or as posted
• On a bridge or overpass, or
in a tunnel or underpass
• On the wrong side of the
street (opposing traffic)
• In a space marked for the disabled,
unless you have a special parking
permit or plates for the disabled
• On the road side of a parked
vehicle (double parking)
• On railroad tracks
• Wherever a sign says you cannot park.
How to parallel park
1 2
3
4
Observe other traffic, pedestrians and
fixed objects throughout these steps.
1. Check traffic in rear-view mirrors
as you slow. Put your turn signal on.
Stop even with the vehicle ahead
and about 2 feet away from it.
2. Turn wheels right and slowly back
toward the vehicle behind. As the
front door passes the back bumper
of the vehicle ahead, straighten the
wheels and continue to back straight.
3. When clear of the vehicle ahead,
turn wheels sharply left and back
slowly to the vehicle behind. Be
looking to the sidewalk area and
towards the vehicle behind you.
4. Turn wheels right and pull toward the
center of the parking space. Straighten
wheels unless you are on a hill. When
the maneuver is finished, your vehicle
should be within 12 inches of the
curb or edge of the road, and at least
2 feet away from parked vehicles.
To resume travel, put your turn signal
on, check mirrors and blind spot. When
safe, pull out into your traffic lane.
46
CONTENTSCOVER
DIVERGING DIAMOND INTERCHANGE (DDI)
A Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI) is designed to intuitively guide
motorists through the interchange. This type of interchange has been shown to
increase capacity and safety, decrease congestion and minimize the cost of new
infrastructure. You will encounter the first DDI in Wisconsin at the I-39/90 and
WIS 11 (Avalon Road) interchange, south of Janesville. Find more information
at: http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/safety-eng/inter-design/ddi.aspx
Advantages of a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
Safety: Reduces the number of ways vehicles can collide by almost half
(14 compared to 26 for a conventional diamond interchange).
Greater capacity and efficiency: Accommodates more traffic than conventional
designs. Drivers make free-flow right and left turns onto the major freeway.
Easy navigation: Guides drivers with overhead signs,
pavement marking and traffic signals.
Meets the needs of all road users: Accommodates
large trucks, vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists.
When driving a DDI, the same general rules apply as for
maneuvering through any other type of intersection.
Navigating a Diverging Diamond Interchange (DDI)
• Drivers follow the signs, signals and pavement markings to cross through the
intersection at the first set of traffic lights. Traffic appears as if on a one-way street.
47
CONTENTSCOVER
• All left turns onto the freeway are free flow, meaning
vehicles do not stop to access the ramp.
• Vehicles going straight simply proceed through a second set of traffic lights.
• Pedestrians travel on designated walkways and cross only at the crosswalks.
• Bicyclists may choose to use the bike lane or pedestrian walkways and crosswalks.
SAFE DRIVING TIPS
No driver manual alone can teach you how to operate a vehicle or be a safe
driver. Driving requires skills you can gain only through instruction and
practice. The following offers some basic driving information.
Starting
Check your vehicle owner’s manual for how to best start your vehicle. Make
sure the parking brake is on before you start the vehicle. If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, it must be in neutral. In some vehicles, the clutch must be
depressed. For a vehicle that has an automatic transmission, you must put the shift
selector in “park.” On some vehicles, the brake pedal must also be depressed.
Accelerating
Accelerate gradually and smoothly. Trying to start too fast can cause the
drive wheels to spin and will cause your vehicle to slide. With a manual-
shift vehicle, practice coordinating use of the clutch and accelerator to
prevent killing or over-revving the engine when shifting gears.
Steering
Left to right: Correct hand position, Incorrect hand position, Incorrect hand position
Both hands should be on the steering wheel, except when making necessary
adjustments to the driving controls. To help avoid injury if your vehicle’s air bag
goes off, it is best to hold the steering wheel with your right hand at 3:00 and
your left hand at 9:00. Never drive with your hands at the top of the steering
wheel or with your hands, thumbs, fingers or arms resting on the center of
the steering wheel. It is recommended not to wrap your thumbs around the
steering wheel spokes. When you complete a turn, straighten out the steering
wheel by hand. Letting it slip through your fingers could be dangerous.
48
CONTENTSCOVER
Look well down the road (10 to 15 seconds
ahead) and on both sides of the road, not at
the road just in front of your vehicle. Look
for traffic situations where you will need to
steer before you get to them. This way, you
have time to steer smoothly and safely.
Stopping
Be alert so you know well ahead of time
when you will need to stop. Stopping
suddenly is dangerous and usually means
a driver was not paying attention. When
you brake quickly, you could skid and lose
control of your vehicle. You also make
it harder for drivers behind you to stop
without hitting you, especially if the road
is slippery and/or there is a large vehicle
behind you that cannot stop quickly.
Try to avoid panic stops by seeing events
well in advance. By slowing down or
changing lanes, you may not have to
stop at all and if you do, you can make
a more gradual and safer stop.
Do not coast (transmission in neutral
or clutch depressed) while driving.
Stay in “gear” so you have the braking
power of the engine available.
SPEED LIMITS
Maximum speeds in Wisconsin,
unless otherwise posted:
15 mph: Within a school zone or
school crossing when children and/
or a crossing guard are present, in an
alley, or passing a safety zone where a
bus has stopped to load or unload.
25 mph: On residential
and business streets.
35 mph: In outlying parts of cities
or villages, or semi-urban districts
outside cities or villages.
55 mph: On any highway or freeway in
Wisconsin, except on multi-lane freeways
and expressways posted for 65 or 70 mph.
65 mph: On rural interstate highways
and some posted freeways and
expressways. Look for speed limit signs.
70 mph: On some posted freeways and
expressways. Look for speed limit signs.
Speed limits are posted on many roads.
Posted speed limits do not tell you at
what speed you should drive. They only
say you cannot go faster than the speed
shown. By law, you must go slower if
conditions make the posted speed unsafe.
It is illegal to exceed the posted speed
limit. Racing on the highway and
driving recklessly are not allowed.
You may not exceed the speed
limit to pass another vehicle.
Speeding does not save you much time. If
you travel 20 miles at 66 mph in a 55 mph
zone, you only save 3.6 minutes. You can
be stopped and ticketed, in which case you
would lose more than 3.6 minutes, and
you will be assessed points and a fine.
Wisconsin law says you must not drive
so slowly that you interfere with the
normal and reasonable movement
of traffic. You can be ticketed for
impeding traffic. Some highways have
minimum posted speed limits.
49
CONTENTSCOVER
SEEING WELL
Most of what you do in driving depends
on what you see. To be a good driver,
you need to see well. The single biggest
contributor to crashes is failing to see what
is happening. You must look down the road,
to the sides and behind your vehicle, and
be alert for unexpected events. At night
and at other times when it’s hard to see and
be seen, you must use your headlights.
You must be alert to what is going on around
you. Many crashes occur because drivers do
not pay enough attention to their driving.
Do not take your eyes off the road for more
than a few seconds at any one time. If you
need to look at a map, pull safely off the
road before you try to look at it. Do not try
to read the map while you are driving.
Remember that cars and trucks are not the
only “users” of the road. In many crashes
with motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians,
drivers say they looked but did not see them.
Never underestimate the size or speed
of an approaching truck or bus. Because
of their large size, they often appear to
be traveling at a slower speed than they
actually are. Give them extra room.
Do not slow down just to look at a crash,
someone getting a ticket or other roadside
activity. This could cause you to be in a
crash. If you take your eyes off the road
to look at something, you could run into a
vehicle ahead that has slowed or stopped.
When you pass these roadside activities,
keep your eyes on the road and get past
them as soon and as safely as you can.
Scanning
To be a good driver, you must know
what is happening around your vehicle.
You must look ahead, to the sides and
behind the vehicle. Scanning helps you
see problems ahead, vehicles and people
that may be in the road by the time you
reach them, signs warning of problems
ahead and signs giving you directions.
Top: Look one quarter mile ahead,
Bottom: Look one block ahead
Look ahead
In order to avoid last-minute braking or the
need to turn, you should look well down the
road. By looking well ahead and being ready
to stop or change lanes if needed, you can
drive more safely, save on fuel, help keep
traffic moving at a steady pace and allow
yourself time to see better around your
vehicle and alongside the road. Looking well
down the road will also help you to steer
straighter with less weaving. Safer drivers
tend to look 10 to 15 seconds ahead of their
vehicle. How far is this? It is the distance
your vehicle will travel in 10 to 15 seconds.
50
CONTENTSCOVER
In the city, 10 to 15 seconds is about one
block. When you drive in city traffic, you
should try to look at least one block ahead.
On the highway, 10 to 15 seconds is about
4 city blocks, or a quarter of a mile.
How do you know how many seconds
you are looking ahead? Here is how to
figure how far ahead you are looking.
1. Find a non-moving object like a
sign or tree near the road about as
far ahead as you are looking.
2. Start counting: one-thousand-one,
one-thousand-two, one-thousand-
three, etc., until you reach the object.
3. The number of seconds you have
counted is the number of seconds
you were looking ahead.
You can be a safer driver by looking well
ahead. You can reduce the need to stop or
turn quickly. The less you have to stop or
turn quickly, the less likely you are to run
into someone or have someone run into you.
By looking well ahead, you can save on
fuel. Every time you have to stop quickly,
it takes time and fuel to get your vehicle
back up to speed. Drivers who look ahead
can slow down gradually, or change
lanes to avoid unnecessary braking
that leads to lower miles-per-gallon.
Traffic flows more smoothly when everyone
looks well ahead. Making driving changes
before the last moment gives drivers behind
you more time to react. The earlier you
act, the less often someone behind you has
to quickly react to your vehicle. By seeing
needed driving changes early, you can
drive more safely and that helps drivers
behind you drive more safely, too. It also
keeps traffic moving at a steady pace.
Look to the sides
Because other vehicles or pedestrians
may cross or enter your path anytime,
you should look to the sides to make sure
no one is coming. This is especially true
at intersections and railroad crossings.
Intersections
Intersections are any place where traffic
merges or crosses. They include cross
streets, side streets, driveways and
shopping center or parking lot entrances,
and railroad crossings. Before you enter
an intersection, look to both the left
and right for approaching vehicles and/
or crossing pedestrians. If stopped, look
to both the left and right just before you
start moving. Look across the intersection
before you start to move to make sure
the path is clear all the way through the
intersection, and that you will not block it
if you have to stop. Then look left again.
Do not rely on traffic signals or signs to
tell you that no one will be crossing in
front of you. Some drivers do not obey, or
may not notice, traffic signals or signs. At
an intersection, look left and right, even
if other traffic has a red light or a stop
sign. This is especially important just
after the light has turned green. This is
when people on the cross street are most
likely to hurry through the intersection
before the light changes to red. Individuals
who have been drinking and reckless or
aggressive drivers may also run red lights.
51
CONTENTSCOVER
STOP
Make sure you can clearly see crossing
traffic before entering a controlled
intersection (one with a stop sign or
light). If you are stopped and your view
of a cross street is blocked, slowly move
ahead and stop again before entering
the intersection. Check for cross traffic
and pedestrians before proceeding.
If you are coming to an uncontrolled
intersection, slow down so you can safely
see up and down the cross street before
crossing it. If your view is blocked at an
uncontrolled intersection, be prepared to
brake, if needed, as you slowly edge forward
until you can see up and down the cross
street. By slowly moving forward, crossing
drivers can see the front of your vehicle
and it gives them a chance to slow down
and warn you that they are approaching.
Whenever there is a lot of activity along
the side of the road, there is a good chance
that someone will cross or enter the road.
Therefore, it is very important to look to the
sides when you are near shopping centers
and parking lots, construction areas, busy
sidewalks, playgrounds and school yards.
Railroad crossings
As you approach any railroad crossing
slow down and look up and down the
tracks to make sure a train is not coming.
Do not assume a train is not coming
even if you have never seen one at that
crossing before. Assuming a train is not
coming is one of the leading causes of
fatalities at railroad crossings. Make
sure there is room for your vehicle on
the far side before you cross the tracks.
At crossings with more than one track, wait
until the passing train is well down the
track before starting to cross. Another train
may be hidden by the one that just passed.
Be especially watchful if you are following
a bicyclist or motorcyclist across railroad
tracks. They may swerve in order to
cross the tracks at a 90° angle so their
tires don’t get caught in the tracks.
Look behind
Besides watching traffic ahead of you, you
must check traffic behind you. Check your
mirrors every 6 to 8 seconds. You will need
to check more often than that when traffic
is heavy. This is the only way you will
know if someone is following too closely
or coming up too fast, and it will give you
time to do something about it. It is very
important to look for vehicles behind you
when you change lanes, slow down, back
up, or are driving down a long or steep hill.
When going down a long or steep hill,
check your mirrors frequently. Vehicles
often build up speed going down a steep
grade. Be alert for large trucks and buses
behind you that may be going too fast.
52
CONTENTSCOVER
When changing lanes
Whenever you want to change lanes, you
must check to make sure there are no
vehicles in the lane you want to enter.
You must check for traffic to the side and
behind your vehicle before you change
lanes. Changing lanes includes changing
from one lane to another, merging onto
a roadway from an entrance ramp, and
entering the roadway from the curb or
shoulder. When changing lanes, you should:
• Look in your rear view
and side mirrors.
• Make sure there are no vehicles
in the lane you want to enter.
• Make sure nobody is
about to pass you.
Blind spots
Look over your shoulder in the direction
you plan to move. Be sure no one is near
the rear corners of your vehicle. These
areas are called blind spots because
you cannot see them in your mirrors.
To see vehicles in your blind spot, you
need to turn your head and look.
Check quickly
Do not take your eyes off the road ahead
for more than an instant. Traffic ahead
of you could stop suddenly while you are
looking to the sides, rear or over your
shoulder. Also, use your mirrors to check
traffic while you are preparing to merge
or pull onto the roadway. This way you
can keep an eye on vehicles ahead of
you at the same time. Just before you
change lanes, check over your shoulder for
traffic in your blind spot. You must keep
track of what traffic is doing in front of
you and in the lane you are entering.
Check the far lane, if there is one, as
someone in that lane may be planning to
move into the same lane you want to enter.
Check for other road users. Remember, there
are other road users such as motorcycles,
bicycles and pedestrians that are harder to
see than cars and trucks. Children may run
or ride out into the road without looking.
Be especially alert when you are entering
the roadway from the curb or driveway.
Signal before you change direction.
53
CONTENTSCOVER
When you slow down
You must check behind your vehicle
whenever you slow down. This is very
important when you slow down quickly
or at points where a driver following you
would not expect you to slow down, such
as private driveways or parking spaces.
When you back up
It is hard for you to see behind your vehicle.
Try to do as little backing as possible.
Where backing is necessary, here are some
hints to help you back your vehicle safely.
• Check behind your vehicle
before you get in it. Children or
small objects often cannot be
seen from the driver’s seat.
• Do not depend on your rearview
or side mirrors to see things
around you. You should turn and
look directly through the rear
window. Place one hand over
the passenger seat if needed.
• Back slowly: no faster than a slow
walk. Your vehicle is much harder
to steer while you are backing.
• Whenever possible, use a person
outside the vehicle to help you back.
• When you are done backing up,
scan around you, left and right,
before moving into traffic.
Watch out for deer
The number and severity of collisions
between motor vehicles and deer continues
to increase. In fact, deer are the third most
commonly struck object in Wisconsin, with
other vehicles and fixed objects topping
the list. However, there are some things
you can do to reduce your risk of hitting
a deer. Be especially alert for deer in
October and November, the months with
the highest number of car/deer crashes.
• Deer are most active in the dusk
to dawn hours, so you should be
especially alert while driving during
those times. Scan the sides of the road
to watch for the reflection of your
vehicle headlights in the eyes of deer.
• If you see such a reflection on the
side of the road, slow down. Blow the
horn and be ready to stop. Always
watch for more than one deer.
• While deer crossings typically occur
in rural settings, deer sometimes
wander into towns or even cities.
Deer may cross anywhere, anytime.
Use your lights
It is much harder to see at night.
Here are some things you can do
that will help you see better:
• Use your high beams whenever there
are no oncoming vehicles. High beams
let you see twice as far as low beams.
It is important to use high beams on
unfamiliar roads, in construction
areas, or where there may be
people along the side of the road.
54
CONTENTSCOVER
500 feet
500 feet
• Dim your high beams whenever
you come within 500 feet (about
a one block distance) of an
oncoming vehicle, including
horse-drawn carriages.
• Use your low beams when you are
closer than 500 feet behind another
vehicle or when in heavy traffic.
• Use the low beams in fog or when
it is snowing or raining hard. Light
from high beams will reflect back,
causing glare and making it more
difficult to see ahead. Some vehicles
have fog lights that you should
also use under these conditions.
• Do not drive at any time with only
your parking lights on. Parking
lights are for parking only.
• If a driver approaching you fails to
dim their headlights, you may flash
your high beams to let them know.
If they still don’t dim the lights, look
toward the right side of the road. This
will keep you from being blinded by
the other vehicle’s headlights and
will allow you to see enough of the
edge of the road to stay on course
until the other vehicle has passed.
Wisconsin law: You must have your
headlights on when driving from half
an hour after sunset to half an hour
before sunrise, and at any other time
you cannot see a vehicle or person on
the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.
COMMUNICATING
Crashes often happen because one driver
does not see another driver, or when
one driver does something another
driver does not expect. It is important
for you to let other road users know you
are there and what you plan to do.
Let others know
you are there
Some drivers do not always pay
attention to what is going on around
them. It is important for other road
users to know you are there.
Use headlights
Besides helping you see at night, headlights
help other people see you at any time.
Remember to turn on your headlights
whenever you have trouble seeing
others. If you have trouble seeing them,
they will have trouble seeing you.
On rainy, snowy or foggy days, it is
sometimes hard for other drivers to
see your vehicle. In these conditions,
headlights make your vehicle easier to
see. A good rule to follow is if you turn on
your wipers, turn on your headlights.
Turn on your headlights when it begins to
get dark. Even if you turn them on a little
early, it will help other drivers see you.
55
CONTENTSCOVER
Whenever it’s necessary to drive with your
lights on, use your headlights. Parking
lights are for parked vehicles only.
When driving away from a rising or setting
sun, turn on your headlights. Drivers
coming toward you may have trouble
seeing your vehicle because of the glare.
Your headlights will help them see you.
Daytime running lights
Some newer vehicles have headlights that
are on anytime the vehicle is running. They
are called daytime running lights. These
lights make it easier for others to see the
vehicle, even in daylight. It helps to reduce
the chance of a crash. However, daytime
running lights are not meant to replace the
use of headlights for night driving or when it
is foggy, raining or snowing. If your vehicle
does not have daytime running lights, you
can get the same effect by manually turning
your headlights on. Just remember to turn
them off when you turn the engine off.
Use your horn
People cannot see you unless they are
looking your way. Your horn can get their
attention. Use it whenever it will help
prevent a crash. If there is no immediate
danger, a light tap on the horn should be
all you need. Give your horn a light tap:
• When a person on foot or on a
bicycle appears to be moving
into your lane of travel. However,
pedestrians and bicyclists
crossing at an intersection
have the right-of-way. Do not
use your horn in these instances,
but do yield the right-of-way.
• When you are passing a driver who
starts to turn into your lane.
• When a driver is not paying attention
or may have trouble seeing you.
• When coming to a place where
you cannot see what is ahead:
a steep hill, a sharp curve or
exiting a narrow alley.
If there is danger, do not be afraid to sound
a SHARP BLAST on your horn. Do this:
• When another vehicle is in
danger of hitting you.
• When you have lost control of
your vehicle and are moving
towards someone.
When NOT to use your horn
You should not use your horn in
the following circumstances:
• Encouraging someone to drive
faster or get out of the way.
• Informing other drivers of an error.
• Greeting a friend.
• Around blind pedestrians.
• Around animal-drawn vehicles or
animals being herded on the roadway.
Use emergency signals
If your vehicle breaks down on a
highway, make sure other drivers can
see it. All too often, crashes occur
because a driver did not see a stalled
vehicle until it was too late to stop.
56
CONTENTSCOVER
200-300 feet
Try to warn other road users that your
vehicle is there. Place emergency flares
or triangles behind it. This allows other
drivers to change lanes if necessary.
If available, use your cellphone to notify
authorities that your vehicle or another
has broken down. Many roadways have
signs that tell you the telephone number
to call in an emergency. If you are having
vehicle trouble and have to stop:
• Get your vehicle off the road and
away from traffic, if at all possible.
• Turn on your (4-way)
emergency flashers to show
you are having trouble.
• Try to stop where other drivers
have a clear view of your vehicle
if you cannot get completely off
the road. (Do not stop just over
a hill or just around a curve.)
• Stand off of the road where
you are safe from traffic. Use
emergency flares or other warning
devices if you have them.
• Never stand in the roadway. Do
not try to change a tire if it means
you will be in a traffic lane.
• Raise the hood or tie a white cloth
to the antenna, side mirror or door
handle to signal an emergency.
Stay out of the blind spot
Drive your vehicle where others can see you.
Do not drive in another vehicle’s blind spot.
Try to avoid driving in the area on either
side of and slightly to the rear of another
vehicle where you will be in their blind spot.
Either speed up or drop back so the other
driver can see your vehicle more easily.
When passing another vehicle, get
through the other driver’s blind spot
as quickly as you can. The longer you
stay there, the longer you are in danger
because they may not see you.
No-Zone
No-Zone
No-Zone
No-Zone
Never stay alongside or right behind a large
vehicle such as a truck or bus. Many drivers
think truck drivers can see the road better
because they sit twice as high as the driver
of a car. While truckers can see ahead
better, and trucks have bigger mirrors, they
have very serious blind spots. A car can
disappear from their view while it is up to
20 feet in front of the cab, on either side
of the truck (especially alongside the cab),
and up to 200 feet behind! These areas are
all part of what is called the “No Zone”.
Drivers who travel in the “No Zone”
restrict a trucker’s ability to take action
to avoid a dangerous situation—and the
possibility of a crash is increased. A good
rule of thumb for drivers sharing the
57
CONTENTSCOVER
road with a truck or bus is, if you can’t
see the truck or bus driver in their
side mirror, they can’t see you.
Let others know what
you are doing
Generally other drivers expect you to
keep doing what you are doing. You must
warn them when you are going to change
direction or slow down. This will give
them time to react, if needed, or at least
to not be surprised by what you do.
Signal when you change direction
Signaling gives other drivers time to react
to your moves. You should use your turn
signals before you change lanes, turn
right or left, merge into traffic or park.
Get into the habit of signaling every
time you change direction. This includes
signaling before beginning to pass another
vehicle, and before completing the pass.
Signal even when you do not see anyone
else around. It is easy to miss someone
who needs to know what you are doing.
Signal 100 feet before your intended
turn. Be careful that you do not signal
too early, though. If there are streets,
driveways or entrances between you
and where you want to turn, wait until
you have passed them to signal.
If another vehicle is about to enter the street
between you and where you plan to turn,
wait until you have passed it to signal your
turn. If you signal earlier, the other driver
may think you plan to turn where they
are and they could pull into your path.
After you have made a turn or lane
change, make sure your turn signal
is off. If you don’t, others might
think you plan to turn again.
Signal when you slow down
Your brake lights let people know that you
are slowing down. Always slow down as
early as it is safe to do so. If you are going to
stop or slow down at a place where another
driver may not expect it, quickly tap your
brake pedal 3 or 4 times to let those behind
you know you are about to slow down.
Signal when you slow down:
• To turn off a roadway which does not
have separate turn or exit lanes.
• To park or turn just before an
intersection. Traffic following
you may expect you to continue
into the intersection.
• To avoid something in the road, or
for stopped or slowing traffic that
a driver behind you cannot see.
Hand signals
Sometimes, in addition to using your
turn signals, hand and arm signals may
be used. An example would be when
bright sunlight can make it hard for other
drivers to see your flashing turn signals,
or when driving an antique vehicle (one
manufactured before July 1, 1958) that
may not be equipped with turn signals.
LEFT RIGHT STOP
When using hand and arm signals,
these are the standard positions:
Left turn: Hand pointing straight out.
Right turn: Hand pointing up.
Stop or slow down: Hand pointing down.
58
CONTENTSCOVER
ADJUSTING SPEED
The faster your vehicle is going, the more
distance it will take to turn, slow or
stop. For example, stopping at 60 mph
does not take twice the distance it takes
at 30 mph, as one might think. It takes
over three times the distance! Driving
safely means obeying speed limits, but
adjusting your speed for road and traffic
conditions, and how well you can see.
Adjusting to road conditions
There are various road conditions where,
to be safe, you need to slow down. For
example, slow down before a sharp curve,
when the roadway is slippery or when
there is standing water on the road.
The only contact your vehicle has with
the road is through the tires. How good
the tires grip the road depends on the
type and condition of the tires, and the
type and condition of the road surface.
Many drivers do not pay enough attention
to the condition of their tires or to the
condition of the roadway. It is important
that your tires be in good condition and
have enough air in them. See your vehicle
owner’s manual for correct tire pressure.
Your tires do not have as much traction on
gravel or dirt roads as they do on concrete
or asphalt roads. When driving on gravel
or dirt, you need to slow down. It will take
you much longer to stop on gravel or dirt
and it is much easier to skid when turning.
Curves
A vehicle can travel much faster in a straight
line than it can in a curve. It is easy to go
too fast in a curve. If you go too fast, the
tires will not be able to grip the road and
your vehicle will skid. Always slow down
before you enter a curve so you do not
have to brake while in the curve. Braking
in a curve can cause your vehicle to skid.
Slippery roads
Slow down at the first sign of rain, snow
or sleet. They make the roadway slippery.
When the road is slippery, your vehicle’s
tires do not grip as well as they do on a dry
road. How slow should you go? On a wet
road, you should reduce your speed about
10 mph. On packed snow, you should cut
your speed in half. On ice, you must slow to
a crawl. It is very dangerous to drive on ice.
If at all possible, do not drive
when the roads are icy
Some road surfaces are slippery at
certain times or places. Here are some
clues to help you spot slippery roads:
• Shady spots can be icy on cold,
wet days. These areas freeze
first and dry out last.
• Overpasses and other types of
bridges can have icy spots, even when
other pavement is not icy. This is
because bridges do not have earth
underneath them to help insulate
them against the cold so they freeze
sooner than other roadways.
• When the temperature is around
the freezing point, ice can become
wet. This makes it more slippery
than at colder temperatures.
59
CONTENTSCOVER
• If it starts to rain on a hot day,
the pavement can be very slippery
for a while. Heat causes the oil
in the asphalt to come to the
surface. The road is more slippery
until the oil is washed off.
Water on the roadway
When it is raining or the road is wet, most
tires have good traction up to about 35
mph. However as you go faster, your tires
will start to ride up on the water, like water
skis. This is called “hydroplaning.” In a
heavy rain, your tires can lose all traction
with the road at about 50 mph. Wide tires
or tires that are bald or badly worn will lose
traction at much lower speeds. The best
way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow
down in the rain or when the road is wet.
If it feels like your tires have lost traction
with the surface of the road, you should:
• Ease your foot off the gas pedal.
• Keep the wheels straight. Only
try to turn if it’s an emergency.
If you must turn, do it slowly,
or your vehicle may skid.
• Do not try to stop or turn until your
tires are gripping the road again.
WINTER DRIVING SAFETY
TIPS
Each year about 30 snowstorms drop about
50 inches of snow in Wisconsin. Winter
driving calls for special precautions.
First is worst. In the first storm of
the season, most drivers have forgotten
their safe winter driving skills. They’ll
drive too fast and try to stop too quickly.
Go slowly. Increase following distances.
Drive defensively. Relearn your skills.
Go slowly. Drive well below the posted
speed limit. Posted limits are intended
for summer months on dry pavement.
Avoid sudden, sharp turns. Use light
braking by gently pumping the brakes.
Plan ahead. Plan on trips taking
extra time. Leave earlier. Consider
an alternate route. STAY HOME
if conditions are too bad.
Use your head, use your feet. Never
use cruise control on slippery roads.
Lighten up. Turn on your headlights.
To prevent glare, avoid using your
high beams during a night storm.
Wear your seat belt.
Give snow plows room. Snowplows are
wide. They often need to operate very close
to the center line. Sometimes they throw up
clouds of snow, which affects your vision.
Slow down and give them as much room as
possible. On roads with a posted speed limit
of 35 mph or more, the law requires drivers
to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow
when its red or amber lights are on.
60
CONTENTSCOVER
ADJUSTING TO TRAFFIC
On a roadway with multiple lanes going in
the same direction, crashes involving two
or more vehicles often happen when drivers
go faster or slower than other vehicles.
Keep pace with traffic
If you are driving faster than other traffic,
you will need to keep passing others. Each
time you pass someone, there is a greater
chance for a collision. The vehicle you are
passing may change lanes or, on a two-lane
road, an oncoming vehicle may suddenly
appear. Slow down and keep pace with other
traffic. Speeding does not save more than
a few minutes for each hour of driving.
Going much slower than other vehicles can
be just as bad as speeding. It is dangerous
and you can be ticketed for impeding traffic.
It tends to make vehicles bunch up behind
you and causes other traffic to pass you.
If vehicles are lined up behind you, pull
over when safe to do so and let them pass.
You should either drive faster or consider
using a road with slower posted speeds.
Entering traffic
ENTRANCE
ACCELERATION LANE
TRAFFIC FLOW
MOVE LEFT IF PRACTICAL
MERGE
MEDIAN
Entrance ramp
When you merge with traffic, try to enter
at the same speed that traffic is moving.
High-speed roadways generally have an
acceleration lane with the entrance ramp
to give you time to build up your speed.
Use the lane to reach the speed of other
vehicles before you merge into traffic. Do
not drive to the end of the lane and stop or
you will not have enough room to get up to
the speed of traffic. Also, drivers behind
you will not expect you to stop. If they are
watching the traffic on the main road, you
may be hit from the rear. If you have to wait
for space to enter a roadway, slow down on
the ramp so you have some room to speed
up before you have to merge. You must yield
to traffic already moving on the roadway.
Leaving traffic
EXIT
DECELERATION LANE
TRAFFIC FLOW
MEDIAN
Exit ramp
Keep up with the speed of traffic as
long as you are on the main road. If the
road on which you are traveling has exit
ramps, do not slow down until you move
onto the exit ramp. When you turn from
a high speed, two-lane roadway, try not
to slow down too early if you have traffic
following you. Tap your brakes quickly
but safely and reduce your speed.
Slow moving traffic
Some vehicles cannot travel very fast or
have trouble keeping up with the speed of
traffic. If you spot these vehicles early, you
have time to change lanes or safely slow
down. Slowing suddenly can cause a crash.
61
CONTENTSCOVER
Watch for large trucks and small cars on
steep grades or when they are entering
traffic. They can lose speed on long or steep
uphill climbs and it takes longer for them
to get up to speed when they enter traffic.
Farm tractors, animal-drawn vehicles
and roadway maintenance vehicles
usually go 25 mph or less. Generally,
these vehicles should have a slow-moving
vehicle sign on the back. Slow down when
approaching a slow moving vehicle and, if
possible, move over to the left to pass it.
Bicyclists should have reflectors or
lights on their bikes. However, some
bikes may not have this equipment.
Be especially watchful for bikes.
Trouble spots
Wherever people gather or traffic is heavy,
your room to move is limited. You need
to lower your speed to have time to react
in a crowded space. Here are some of the
places where you may need to slow down:
Shopping centers, parking lots and
downtown areas are busy areas with
vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists stopping,
starting and moving in different directions.
Rush hours often have heavy traffic
and drivers may be in a hurry.
Narrow bridges and tunnels
force vehicles approaching each
other closer together.
Toll plazas may cause vehicles to
change lanes and prepare to stop, and
then speed up again when leaving the
plaza. The number of lanes could change
both before and after the plaza.
Schools, playgrounds and
residential streets often have children
present. Always watch for children
crossing the street, or running or riding
into the street without looking.
Railroad crossings require you to
make sure there are no trains coming
and that you have room to cross.
Some crossings are bumpy so you
should slow down to cross safely.
HOW WELL CAN YOU SEE
If something is in your path and you need
to stop, you need to see it in time to be able
to stop. It takes much longer and farther to
stop than many people think. If you have
good tires and brakes, and the road is dry:
• At 50 mph, it can take about 400 feet
to react to something you see and
to bring your vehicle to a stop. That
is about the length of a city block.
• At 30 mph, it can take about
200 feet to stop. That is almost
half a city block in length.
If you cannot see 400 feet ahead, it means
you may not be driving safely at 50 mph.
If you cannot see 200 feet ahead, you
may not be driving safely at 30 mph. By
the time you see an object in your path, it
may be too late to stop without hitting it.
Tips you can follow to
be a safer driver
Some things limit how well you see.
Darkness: It is harder to see at night.
You must be closer to an object to see it
at night than during the day. You must
be able to stop within the distance you
can see ahead with your headlights. Your
headlights will let you see about 400 feet
ahead. You should drive at a speed that
allows you to stop within this distance.
62
CONTENTSCOVER
Rain, fog or snow: In very heavy rain,
a snowstorm or thick fog, you may not
be able to see much more than 200 feet
ahead. When you cannot see any farther
than that, you cannot safely drive faster
than 30 mph. In a very heavy downpour,
you may not be able to see well enough to
drive. If this happens, pull off the road in a
safe place and wait until the rain lets up.
Hills and curves: You may not know
what is on the other side of a hill or just
around a curve, even if you have driven
the road many times. If a vehicle is stalled
on the road just over a hill or around a
curve, you must be able to stop. Whenever
you come to a hill or curve where you
cannot see over or around it, adjust your
speed so you can stop if necessary.
Parked vehicles: Vehicles parked along
the side of the road may block your view.
People may be ready to get out of a vehicle or
walk out from between parked vehicles. Give
parked vehicles as much room as you can.
Animals: Many deer are hit by cars,
especially in October and November.
Be especially cautious when you see
“Deer Crossing” signs, especially during
the dusk to dawn hours when deer are
most active. If you see a deer, reduce
speed and sound the horn. Look for
other deer following the one you see.
Animal-drawn vehicles: Animal-drawn
vehicles move slowly. Slow down when
approaching an animal-drawn vehicle and,
if possible, move over to the left to pass it.
4 second sight distance
04030201
Sight-distance rule: Drive at a speed
where you can always safely stop. To tell
if you are driving too fast for conditions,
use the “Four Second Sight Distance
Rule.” Pick out a stationary object as far
ahead as you can clearly see (e.g. a sign
or a tree). Start counting “one-thousand-
one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-
three, one-thousand-four.” If you reach
the object before you finish saying “one-
thousand-four,” you need to slow down
because you are going too fast for your
sight distance. You must not drive so fast
that you cannot stop in your sight distance.
If you do, you are not driving safely and
could injure or kill yourself or others.
You should also use the “Four Second Sight
Distance Rule” at night to make sure you
are not “over-driving” your headlights.
Speed limits: You must comply with speed
limits. They are based on the design of the
road, and the type of vehicles that use them.
They take into account things you cannot
see, such as side roads and driveways
where vehicles may suddenly pull out, and
the amount of traffic that uses the road.
Remember, speed limits are posted for
ideal conditions. If the road is wet or
icy, if you cannot see well, or if traffic
63
CONTENTSCOVER
is heavy, you must slow down. Even if
you are driving under the posted speed
limit, you can get a ticket for traveling
too fast under these conditions.
CUSHION OF SPACE
You must always share the road with
others. The more distance you keep
between yourself and everyone else, the
more time you have to react. This space
is like a safety cushion. The more you
have, the safer you will be. This section
describes how to make sure you have
enough space around you when you drive.
Space ahead
Rear-end crashes are very common.
They are caused by drivers following
too closely (tailgating) to be able to
stop before hitting the vehicle ahead
when it suddenly slows or stops.
Professionals believe a safe following
distance should be no less than four seconds
under ideal conditions. Here is an easy way
to find out if you are following too closely.
Following-distance rule
Watch for when the rear of the vehicle ahead
passes a sign, tree or any other stationary
point. Consider it to be your “mark.”
SECONDS
4
Count the seconds it takes you to reach
the same mark. (“One-thousand-one,
one-thousand-two, one-thousand-
three, one-thousand-four.”)
You are following too closely if you pass
the mark before you finish counting.
If so, drop back and then count again
at another mark to check the new
following distance. Repeat until you are
following no closer than the minimum
recommended following distance.
A minimum four second following
distance is recommended under ideal
driving conditions. However, in the
following situations, you may need
more distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle in front to be safe:
On slippery roads. Because you need
more distance to stop your vehicle on
slippery roads, you must leave more
space in front of you. If the vehicle
ahead suddenly stops, you will need
the extra distance to stop safely.
When the driver behind you wants
to pass. Slow down to allow room in
front of your vehicle. Slowing also will
allow the pass to be completed sooner.
64
CONTENTSCOVER
When following motorcycles or
bicyclists. If the cycle should fall, you need
extra distance to avoid hitting the rider. The
chances of a fall are greatest on wet or icy
roads, gravel roads or metal surfaces such
as bridges, gratings or railroad tracks.
When following drivers who cannot
see you. The drivers of trucks, buses,
vans or vehicles pulling campers or trailers
may not be able to see you when you are
directly behind them. This “blind spot” to
the rear of large trucks can extend for 200
feet! They could stop suddenly without
knowing you are there. Large vehicles also
block your view of the road ahead. Falling
back allows you more room to see ahead.
When you have a heavy load or are
pulling a trailer. The extra weight
increases your stopping distance.
When it is hard for you to see
because of darkness or bad
weather. You need to increase your
following distance so you can see ahead,
or have time to stop if it’s necessary.
When being followed closely. You
should allow extra room so you will be able
to stop without being hit from behind.
When following emergency vehicles.
Police vehicles, ambulances and fire
trucks need more room to operate.
When approaching railroad
crossings. Leave extra room for vehicles
required to come to a stop at railroad
crossings, including transit buses, school
buses or vehicles carrying hazardous
materials (gasoline tankers, etc.)
When stopped on a hill or incline.
Leave extra space because the vehicle ahead
may roll back when it starts moving.
Space behind
It is not always easy to maintain a safe
distance behind your vehicle. However,
you can help a driver behind you
maintain a safe distance by keeping a
steady speed and signaling in advance
when you have to slow down or turn.
Try to find a safe place out of traffic if you
need to stop to pick up or let off passengers.
If you want to parallel park and there is
traffic coming behind you, put on your turn
signal, pull next to the space, and allow
vehicles behind you to pass before you park.
If you are driving more slowly than other
traffic on a multi-lane road, drive in the
right most travel lane. When you have
to drive so slowly that you slow down
other vehicles, pull to the side of the road
when safe to do so and let them pass.
There are “turnout” areas on some two
lane roads you can use. Other two lane
roads sometimes have “passing lanes.”
45 55 65
Every now and then you may find yourself
being followed too closely or being
“tailgated” by another driver. If you are
being followed too closely and there is a
right lane, move over to the right. If there
is no right lane, wait until the road ahead is
65
CONTENTSCOVER
clear and passing is legal, then slowly reduce
speed. This will encourage the tailgater to
drive around you. Never slow down quickly
to discourage a tailgater. All that does is
increase your risk of being hit from behind.
The increased risk of being hit from
behind is especially true if you are being
followed by a large truck or bus, neither
of which can stop as quickly as a car.
Give large vehicles extra room to move.
Space to the side
You need space on both sides of your vehicle
to have room to turn or change lanes.
Avoid driving next to other vehicles
on multi-lane roads. Someone may
crowd your lane or try to change lanes
and run into you. Move ahead or
drop back from the other vehicle.
Keep as much space as you can between
yourself and oncoming vehicles. On a
two lane road, this means not crowding
the center line. In general, it is safest
to drive in the center of your lane.
Make room for vehicles entering a roadway
with two or more lanes. If there is no one
next to you, move over to the next lane.
Keep extra space between your vehicle and
parked cars. Someone could step out from
a parked vehicle or from between vehicles,
or a parked vehicle could suddenly pull out.
Give extra space to pedestrians and
bicyclists, especially children. They can
move into your path quickly and without
warning. Do not share a lane with a
pedestrian or bicyclist. Wait until it is
safe to pass in the adjoining lane. Bicycles
are vehicles, and are entitled to a full
traffic lane. Give a bicycle at least
three feet of room when you pass.
Give snowplows as much room as possible.
They often need to operate very close to
the centerline, and sometimes throw up
clouds of snow affecting your vision.
“Split the difference” between two
hazards. For example, steer a middle
course between oncoming traffic and
parked vehicles. However, if one is more
dangerous than the other, leave a little
more space on the dangerous side. For
66
CONTENTSCOVER
example, if the oncoming vehicle is a
semi-truck, leave a little more room
on the side the truck will pass.
When possible, take potential hazards one
at a time. For example, if you are meeting
or passing a bicycle or a motorcycle and an
oncoming vehicle is approaching, slow down
and let the vehicle pass first so you can give
extra room to the bicycle or motorcycle.
Space to merge
Anytime you want to merge with other
traffic, you need a gap large enough to safely
move into the flow of traffic. You need a
minimum four-second gap whenever you
change lanes, enter a roadway or when
your lane merges with another travel lane.
Do not try to merge into a gap that is too
small. A small gap can quickly become
even smaller. Enter a gap that gives you
a big enough space cushion to be safe.
If you want to cross several lanes, take
them one at a time. Like going up or down
stairs one step at a time, it is safest and
easiest to merge one lane at a time. It is
very difficult to determine that all the
lanes are free and safe to cross. If you
wait until all the lanes are clear, you can
tie up traffic and even cause a crash.
Space to cross or enter
When you cross traffic, you need a large
enough gap to get all the way across
the road. When you enter traffic, you
need enough space to first turn or
enter and then to get up to speed.
When you cross traffic, you need room to
get all the way across. Stopping halfway
across is only safe when there is a median
divider large enough for your vehicle. Do
not stop in a divider where part of your
vehicle will be in the way of other traffic.
If you are turning left, make sure
there are no vehicles or pedestrians
blocking your path. You do not want
to be caught waiting for a path to clear
while you are stopped across a lane
with vehicles coming toward you.
Never assume another driver will share
space with you or give you space. For
example, do not turn just because an
approaching vehicle has a turn signal on.
The driver may plan to turn after they pass
your vehicle or they may have forgotten to
turn off the signal after a prior turn. This
is particularly true of motorcycles, as their
signals often do not cancel by themselves.
Wait until the other driver actually starts
to turn and then go if it is safe to do so.
When you cross railroad tracks,
make sure you can cross without
having to stop on the tracks.
Space to pass
Whenever signs or road markings permit
you to pass, you will need to judge whether
you have enough room to safely pass.
Do not count on having enough time to
pass several vehicles at once. Be safe. As
a general rule pass only one vehicle
at a time and pass on the left side.
Do not linger in the passing lane. Get
around the vehicle as quickly as possible
and move safely back into your lane. You
may not exceed the speed limit to pass.
Oncoming vehicles
At a speed of 55 mph, you need about 10
seconds to pass. That means you need a
10-second gap in oncoming traffic and sight
67
CONTENTSCOVER
distance to pass. You must judge whether
you will have enough space to safely pass.
At 55 mph you will travel over 800 feet in
10 seconds; so will an oncoming vehicle.
That means you need over 1,600 feet
or about one-third of a mile to safely
pass. It is hard to judge the speed of
oncoming vehicles at this distance.
It can be especially hard to judge the
speed of large trucks, which, because
of their size, often appear to be moving
slower than they really are. A vehicle
that is far away generally appears to be
standing still. In fact, if you can actually
see that it is coming closer (getting larger),
it may be too close for you to pass.
At night, it is especially hard to judge
distance and speed of oncoming
traffic. If you are not sure, wait to
pass until you are absolutely
sure there is enough space.
Hills and curves
You need to be able to see at least one-
third of a mile or about 10 seconds ahead.
Anytime your view is blocked by a curve
or a hill, you should assume there is
an oncoming vehicle just out of sight.
Therefore, you should treat a curve or a hill
as you would an oncoming vehicle. This
means you should not start to pass if you are
within one-third of a mile of a hill or curve.
Intersections
It is dangerous to pass where a vehicle is
likely to enter or cross the road. Such places
include intersections, railroad crossings
and shopping center entrances. While you
are passing, your view of people, vehicles
or trains can be blocked by the vehicle you
are passing. Also, drivers turning right into
the approaching lane will not expect to find
you approaching in their lane. They may
not even look your way before turning.
Passing large trucks
A typical car is 15 feet long. A multiple-
trailer truck can be 75 feet long or
longer. It can take much longer to pass
a truck than it would to pass a car;
therefore, you must have more clear
road ahead before you can safely pass.
Lane restrictions
Before you pass, look ahead for road
conditions and traffic that may cause other
vehicles to move into your lane. You might
lose your space for passing because of:
• People or animals near the road,
• A narrow bridge or other situation
that causes reduced lane width,
• A patch of ice, pot hole or
something on the road.
Space to return
Do not pass unless there is enough
space in front of the vehicle you want
to pass. Do not count on another
driver to make room for you.
Before you return to the driving lane, be
sure to leave enough room between you
and the vehicle you have passed. When
you can see both headlights of the vehicle
you just passed in your rear-view mirror,
it is safe to return to the driving lane.
Railroad grade crossing
Do not pass if there is a railroad
grade crossing ahead.
68
CONTENTSCOVER
Space for dangerous
situations
You should give extra room to
certain drivers and other road
users. Some are listed here.
Those who cannot see you
Anyone who cannot see you may enter your
path without knowing you are there. Those
who could have trouble seeing you include:
• Drivers at intersections or driveways
where their view is blocked by
buildings, trees or other vehicles
• Drivers backing into the
roadway or backing into or
pulling out of parking spaces
• Drivers whose windows are steamed
up or are covered with snow or ice
• Pedestrians with umbrellas
in front of their faces or with
their hats pulled down
• Pedestrians with white canes
and/or dog guides.
People who are distracted
45 55 65
Even when others can see you, allow
extra room or be extra cautious if you
think they may be distracted. People
who may be distracted include:
• Delivery persons
• Construction workers
• Children
• Drivers who are not paying
attention to their driving.
People who may be confused
NORTH WEST SOUTH
45 55 65
People who are confused may
cause an unsafe situation. People
who may be confused include:
• Persons driving cars with out-
of-state plates (especially at
complicated intersections)
• Drivers who slow down for
what seems like no reason
• Drivers looking for street
signs or house numbers
• Pedestrians who have been drinking.
Large vehicles and wide loads
Large trucks and buses cannot accelerate,
stop, or change direction as quickly as
smaller vehicles. Give large vehicles extra
room to move on the road, including
in roundabouts where they are making
turns or going through the roundabout.
69
CONTENTSCOVER
Sometimes extra-wide loads
are transported on highways. Give
vehicles transporting wide loads
as much room as possible.
Drivers in trouble
If another driver makes a mistake (drivers
who pass you when they do not have enough
room, for example), do not make it worse.
Slow down and let them safely return to
the driving lane. If another driver needs
to suddenly change lanes, slow down and
let them merge. These gestures will keep
traffic moving smoothly and safely.
Farm safety/rural driving
You should be aware of special hazards
in rural areas. These may include slow
moving tractors, horse driven wagons
or carriages, people on horseback, farm
machinery exiting fields or on the roadway,
wide machinery, debris on the road, and
livestock on or crossing the highway. Farm
machinery operators may have difficulty
seeing or hearing other traffic, and the
machinery may not have brake lights or turn
signals. Use caution and exercise patience
when farm machinery is on the road.
No one may let a child under the age of 16
years of age operate a farm tractor or self
propelled farm machinery on the highways
unless the child has successfully completed
a tractor and machinery operation safety
training course and is certified to operate
such a vehicle. Check with your local
Technical College for these courses.
You should yield the right-of-way to
livestock on or along the highway. Be
courteous to and aware of people riding
horseback or driving a horse drawn carriage
or wagon. You can help to avoid scaring
the horse by slowing down and keeping a
safe distance away while passing them.
INATTENTIVE DRIVING
Distractions while driving
Being distracted from, or not giving your
full attention to your driving, can cause
you to strike a pedestrian, crash, leave the
roadway, not notice a hazard or danger,
or miss important traffic signs or signals.
Anything that takes your attention away
from driving can lead you to make a
poor choice while driving. This includes
distractions by passengers. Studies show
that when a teen driver has another teen in
the vehicle, the chances of being in a crash
double. That’s why graduated driver license
restrictions limit the number of passengers
in a vehicle. It reduces distractions for the
teen driver. Your concentration should
be completely on your driving and what
is around and ahead of your vehicle.
Texting while driving is
against the law in Wisconsin.
Section 346.89(3) Wis. Stats.
70
CONTENTSCOVER
All distractions can endanger safety.
Wisconsin law states that no driver
may engage in any activity other than
driving that interferes or reasonably
appears to interfere with safe driving.
Section 346.89(1) Wis. Stats. Texting
is especially alarming because it takes
your eyes off the road, your hands off
the wheel and your mind off of driving.
Texting while driving is against the law in
Wisconsin. Section 346.89(3) Wis. Stats.
Concentrate completely on driving:
Avoid using a cell phone, eating, drinking,
putting on makeup, shaving, brushing your
teeth, reading, writing, using a computer,
smoking, changing CDs, looking for things
on the floor, trying to find change for
tolls, etc. Plan ahead and take care of as
many of these things as you can before you
start driving. Otherwise, wait until you
get to where you are going, or pull over in
a safe location to do them. For example,
if you need to read a map or directions,
pull over to the side of the road in a safe
place. Stop until you are ready to give
your complete attention to driving.
Keep your stereo or radio at a volume low
enough so you can hear things outside
your vehicle. If the volume is too loud,
you may not be able to hear a siren, horn
honking, screeching tires or other things
that would lead you to react to an emergency
or hazard in order to prevent a crash. Do
not drive with headsets or earphones that
cover or go in both ears. They make it too
hard to hear emergency horns or sirens.
Talking on a cell phone can increase
your chances of being in a crash
by as much as four times because
it distracts your attention from
driving. If you have a mobile device, don't
use it while driving. Even with hands-free
equipment, using a mobile device takes
your attention away from driving and
can cause you to be less likely to notice
a dangerous situation. If you need to use
your mobile device, pull over to the side
of the road in a safe place to use it.
If you have a probationary
license or instruction permit,
using a cell phone while
driving is against the law
in Wisconsin, except
to report an emergency.
Section 346.89(4) Wis. Stats.
If you have a Probationary license or
Instruction Permit, using a cell phone
while driving is against the law in
Wisconsin except to report an emergency.
Section 346.89(4) Wis. Stats.
No driver may use a
handheld mobile device when
driving through a road
work zone, except to
report an emergency.
Section 346.89(4m) Wis. Stats.
No driver may use a handheld mobile
device when driving through a road work
zone, except to report an emergency.
Section 346.89(4m) Wis. Stats.
Children or pets can also be distracting. Pets
should always be in a carrier, or you should
have a passenger hold the animal while you
are driving. If children do not behave in
71
CONTENTSCOVER
the vehicle, pull over to the side of the road
in a safe place to deal with the situation.
BE IN SHAPE TO DRIVE
Driving safely is not always easy. It is, in
fact, one of the most complex things that
people do. It is also one of the few things
we do regularly that can injure or kill us. It
is worth the effort to be a careful driver.
Being a safe driver takes a lot of skill and
judgment. This task is even more difficult
when you are just learning to drive. Driving
can easily take every ability you have. If
anything happens so you are not up to your
ability, you may not be a safe driver. Your
ability to be a safe driver depends on being
able to see clearly, not being overly tired, not
driving while using drugs, being generally
healthy and emotionally fit to drive. In other
words, being in “shape” to drive safely.
Vision
Good vision is a must for safe driving.
You drive based on what you see. If
you cannot see clearly, you will have
trouble identifying traffic and road
conditions, spotting potential trouble
or reacting in a timely manner.
Vision is so important that Wisconsin
law requires you to have at least 20/40
vision in at least one eye, with or without
corrective lenses. You will be required
to pass a vision screening before you get
a driver license and at each renewal.
Side vision: You need to see “out the
corner of your eye.” This lets you spot
vehicles and other potential trouble on
either side of you while you look ahead.
Because you cannot focus on things to the
side, you must also use your side mirrors
and glance to the side if necessary.
Judging distances and speeds: Even if
you can see clearly, you still may not be able
to judge distances or speeds very well. Many
people have problems judging distances and
speeds. It takes a lot of practice to be able
to judge both. It is especially important in
knowing how far you are from other vehicles
and judging safe gaps when merging
and when passing on two lane roads.
Night vision: Many people who can see
clearly in the daytime have trouble seeing
at night. It is more difficult for everyone
to see at night than in the daytime. Some
drivers have problems with glare while
driving at night, especially the glare of
oncoming headlights. If you have problems
seeing at night, don’t drive more than is
necessary and be very careful when you do.
Because seeing well is so important to
safe driving, you should have your eyes
checked every year or two by an eye
specialist. You may never know you have
poor vision unless your eyes are tested.
If you need to wear glasses or contact
lenses for driving, remember to:
• Always wear them when you drive,
even if it is only for short trips. If
your driver license says you must
wear corrective lenses, you could
get a ticket if you are stopped
and you are not wearing them.
• Try to keep an extra pair of glasses
in your vehicle. If your regular
glasses are broken or lost, you
can use the spare pair to drive
safely. This can also be helpful
if you do not wear glasses all
the time and misplace them.
72
CONTENTSCOVER
• Avoid using dark glasses or tinted
contact lenses at night, even if you
think they help with glare. The
problem is they reduce the light
that you need to see clearly.
Hearing
Hearing can be helpful to safe driving. The
sound of horns, a siren or screeching tires
can warn you of danger. A hearing problem,
like bad eyesight, can come on so slowly that
you may not notice it. Drivers who know
they are hearing impaired can adjust and be
safe drivers. These drivers learn to rely more
on their vision and tend to stay more alert.
Studies have shown the driving records of
hearing impaired drivers are just as good
as those of drivers with good hearing.
Fatigue
You cannot drive as safely when you are
tired as when you are rested. You do not
see as well, nor are you as alert. It takes
you more time to make decisions and you
may not always make good decisions. You
can be more irritable and can be more
easily upset. When you are tired, you could
fall asleep behind the wheel and crash,
injuring or killing yourself or others.
There are things you can do to help keep
you from getting tired on a long trip:
• Try to get a good night’s
sleep before you leave.
• Do not leave on a trip if you are
already tired. Plan your trip so you
can leave when you are rested.
• Do not take any medicine that
can make you drowsy.
• Eat lightly. Do not eat a large
meal before you leave. You can get
sleepy after eating a big meal.
• Take breaks. Stop every hour or so
or when you need to. Walk around,
get some fresh air and have some
coffee, soda or juice. The few
minutes spent on a rest break can
save your life. Allow for plenty of
time to safely complete your trip.
• Try not to drive late at night when
you would normally be asleep.
Because your “inner body clock”
will be telling your body it is time
to be sleeping, you may have
trouble staying awake and alert.
• Never drive if you are sleepy. It is
better to stop and sleep for a few
hours than to take the chance that
you can stay awake. If possible,
switch driving with someone so
you can sleep while they drive.
Studies show that a person who has been
awake for 18 hours is as impaired for
driving as a person with an alcohol content
(AC) of .05. A full 24 hours of being awake
causes impairment nearly equal to that
of an AC of .10: above the legal limit.
73
CONTENTSCOVER
DRINKING AND DRIVING
Alcohol content
Alcohol is involved in 40–50% of traffic
crashes in which someone is killed. If you
drink alcohol, even a little, your chances
of being in a crash are much greater
than if you did not drink any alcohol.
Alcohol content Increased risk*
.02 x 2
.04 x 8
.06 x 8
.08 x 16
.10 x 32
*Compared to 0.00 alcohol content
Every .02 increase in alcohol concentration
(AC) nearly doubles the risk of being in a
fatal crash. AC is the percentage of alcohol
in your body and is usually determined
by a breath, blood or urine test.
No one can drink alcohol and drive safely,
even if they have been driving for many
years. Because they are still learning
to drive, new drivers are more affected
by alcohol than experienced drivers.
Because drinking alcohol and then driving
is so dangerous, the penalties are very
high. People who drive after drinking risk
arrest, heavy fines, higher insurance rates,
loss of their driving privilege and jail.
Why is drinking and
driving so dangerous?
Alcohol reduces all of the important skills
you need to drive safely. Alcohol goes
from your stomach into your blood and
to all parts of your body. It reaches your
brain in 20 to 40 minutes. Alcohol affects
those areas of your brain that control
judgment and skill. Drinking alcohol is
very dangerous because it affects your
judgment. Good judgment is important to
driving but in this case, judgment helps
you to know when to stop drinking. In a
way, it is as if alcohol puts good judgment
on hold. You do not know when you have
had too much to drink until it is too late.
Alcohol slows your reflexes and reaction
time, reduces your ability to see clearly
and makes you less alert. As the amount
of alcohol in your body increases, your
judgment worsens and your skills
decrease. You will have trouble judging
distances, speeds and the movement
of other vehicles. You will also have
trouble controlling your vehicle.
If you drink, when
can you drive?
The best advice is do not drive if you
drink alcohol. Even one drink of alcohol
can affect your driving. With two or
more drinks in your bloodstream, you
are impaired and could be arrested.
An alcohol “drink” is one and a half
ounces (one shot glass) of 80-proof
liquor, straight or with a mixer, 12
ounces (a regular size can, bottle, mug
or glass) of beer or a 5 ounce glass of
wine. Specialty drinks can have more
alcohol in them and may be the same as
having several 5-ounce normal drinks.
For the average adult, it may take up
to two hours for your body to get rid of
each drink. There is no way to quickly
74
CONTENTSCOVER
sober up. Coffee, fresh air, exercise or
cold showers will not help. Time is the
only thing that will sober you up.
There are ways of dealing with social
drinking situations. Arrange to go with
two or more people. Agree ahead of time
which one of you will not drink alcohol.
You can rotate among the group being the
“designated driver”. Otherwise, use public
transportation or a cab, if available.
There are ways to slow down the effects
of drinking alcohol. The best way is to
increase the amount of time between
drinks. Another way is to eat before and
while you are drinking. Food slows down
how fast alcohol gets into your body. Starchy
foods like potato chips, pretzels, bread and
crackers are best. Remember, food only
slows when the alcohol gets into your body,
it will not keep you from getting drunk.
Wisconsin’s alcohol laws
Operating While Intoxicated (OWI):
You can be arrested for operating while
intoxicated if you have a Prohibited Alcohol
Concentration (PAC), or a detectable amount
of a restricted controlled substance, in your
blood. If you are found guilty of an OWI
violation and it is your first conviction, you
will be fined. Your driving privilege will be
revoked for at least six months and you'll
face other sanctions. The penalties become
more severe for a second conviction. You
face a minimum one-year revocation. You
will spend time in jail. All vehicles that
have your name on the title or registration
may be subject to immobilization or
Ignition Interlock Device (IID.) If it is your
third or greater conviction, your vehicle
could be seized. OWI convictions remain
on your driving record for 55 years.
Implied Consent: If a police or traffic
officer asks you to take a PAC test, you must
comply. If you refuse, the officer must arrest
you for violation of the Implied Consent
Law. You will lose your driving privileges for
at least one year and face other sanctions.
Absolute Sobriety or “Not a
Drop”: Drivers under age 21 can
be arrested for driving with any
amount of alcohol in their body.
OTHERS DRUGS AND
DRIVING
Besides alcohol, there are many other
things that can affect your ability to drive
safely. Many prescription drugs and even
medications you buy without a prescription
for headaches, colds, hay fever or other
allergies or those to calm nerves can make
you drowsy and affect your driving. Pep
pills, “uppers,” and diet pills can make
you feel more alert for a short time. Later,
however, they can cause you to be nervous,
dizzy, unable to concentrate and they can
affect your vision. Prescription drugs can
affect your reflexes, judgement, vision
and alertness in ways similar to alcohol.
If you will be driving before you take
a medication, check the label for
warnings about its side effects. If you
are not sure whether it is safe to take the
medication and drive, ask your doctor
or pharmacist about any side effects.
Never drink alcohol while you are taking
medications. Medications may multiply the
effects of alcohol or have additional effects
of their own. These effects not only reduce
75
CONTENTSCOVER
your ability to be a safe driver, but could
cause serious health problems, even death.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of
any drugs (including prescription drugs)
that may negatively affect your driving.
Under Wisconsin’s Drugged Driving
law, use of ANY measurable amount of a
controlled substance is considered to be
operating impaired and will be treated the
same as an Operating While Intoxicated
(OWI) offense. Examples of restricted
controlled substances are marijuana,
heroin, LSD, PCP, cocaine, hallucinogens,
narcotics and methamphetamine.
Illegal drugs affect your ability to be a safe
driver and are not good for your health.
For example, studies have shown that
people who use marijuana make more
mistakes, have more trouble adjusting
to glare and get arrested for traffic
violations more often than other drivers.
If you are stopped and an officer believes
you are under the influence of a controlled
substance, they may ask you to take a
blood test which will be used to identify a
detectable amount of a controlled substance.
Refusal to take this blood test will be
treated the same as refusal to take a test
for alcohol. Your license will be revoked.
Should you have a valid prescription
for a controlled substance, you can
claim a defense by providing proof
you had a valid prescription for that
drug at the time of the incident.
HEALTH
Many health problems can affect your
driving: a bad cold, infection or virus.
Even little problems like a stiff neck, a
cough or a sore leg can affect your driving.
If you are not feeling well and need to
go somewhere, let someone else drive.
Some potentially dangerous
health conditions
Epilepsy: As long as it is under medical
control, epilepsy generally is not dangerous.
In Wisconsin, you may drive if you are
under the care of a doctor and have
not had a seizure for three months.
Diabetes: Diabetics who take insulin
should not drive when there is any chance
of an insulin reaction, blackout, convulsion
or shock. Such a situation could result
from skipping a meal or snack, or from
taking the wrong amount of insulin. It
is also a good idea to have someone else
drive for you during times when your
doctor is adjusting your insulin dosage. If
you have diabetes, you should also have
your eyes checked regularly for possible
night blindness or other vision problems.
Heart condition: People with heart
diseases that can cause fainting or a heart
attack should not get behind the wheel.
If you are being treated by a doctor for
a heart condition, ask if the condition
could affect your ability to drive safely.
Emotions
Emotions can have a great effect on your
ability to drive safely. You may not be able
to drive well if you are overly worried,
excited, afraid, angry or depressed.
If you are angry or excited, give yourself
time to cool off. If necessary take a short
walk, but stay off the road until you
have calmed down. If you are worried,
“down”, or upset about something, try to
76
CONTENTSCOVER
keep your mind on your driving. Some
people find listening to the radio helps.
If you are impatient, allow extra time for
your driving trip. Leave a few minutes early.
If you have plenty of time, you will not tend
to speed or do other things that can result
in a traffic ticket or cause a crash. Don’t be
impatient about waiting for a train to cross
in front of you. Driving around lowered
gates or trying to beat the train can be fatal.
EMERGENCIES
All drivers, sooner or later, will find
themselves in an emergency situation. As
careful as you are, there are situations
that could cause a problem for you.
If you are prepared, you may be able
to prevent any serious outcomes.
Vehicle emergencies
There is always a chance of a vehicle
problem while driving. You should
follow the recommended maintenance
schedule listed in your vehicle owner’s
manual. Following these preventive
measures greatly reduces the chance your
vehicle will have a problem. Possible
vehicle failures and what you can
do if they happen are listed below.
Brake Failure
If your brakes stop working:
• Pump the brake pedal several times.
This will often build up enough
brake pressure to allow you to stop.
• If that does not work, use the
parking brake. Apply the parking
brake slowly so you will not lock the
wheels and cause a skid. Be ready
to release the brake if your vehicle
does start to skid (by holding in the
brake release button or holding the
foot brake release, you can avoid
having the parking brake lock up).
• If that does not work, start shifting
to lower gears and look for a safe
place to slow to a stop. Make sure
your vehicle is off the roadway. Do
not drive a vehicle without brakes.
Tire blowout
If a tire suddenly goes flat:
• Tightly hold the steering wheel and
keep the vehicle going straight.
• Gradually slow down. Take
your foot off the gas pedal but
don’t apply the brakes until the
vehicle has almost stopped.
• Do not stop on the road if
at all possible. Pull off the
road in a safe place.
Power failure
If the engine dies while you are driving:
• Keep a strong grip on the
steering wheel. Leave key in the
“on” position. Be aware that the
steering wheel may be difficult
to turn, but you can turn it.
• Pull off the roadway. The brakes
will still work, but you may have to
push very hard on the brake pedal.
Headlight failure
If your headlights suddenly go out:
• Try the headlight switch a few times.
• If that does not work, put on the
emergency flashers, turn signals
or fog lights if you have them.
• Pull off the road as soon as possible.
77
CONTENTSCOVER
Gas pedal sticks
If the engine keeps going faster and faster:
• Keep your eyes on the road.
• Quickly shift to neutral.
• Pull off the road when safe to do so.
• Turn off the engine.
Leaving your vehicle on the
roadside
Contact the nearest law enforcement agency
if your vehicle breaks down and you must
leave it for any period of time. Be sure to
get it off the roadway and onto the shoulder
so it is out of the way of other traffic.
Avoiding collisions
When it looks like a collision may happen,
many drivers panic and fail to act. In
some cases they do act, but they do
something that does not help to reduce
the chance of the collision. There is
almost always something you can do to
avoid a crash or to reduce the impact of
a crash. In avoiding a collision, you have
three options: stop, turn or speed up.
Stopping quickly
Many newer vehicles have Anti-lock
Braking System (ABS). Be sure to read
your vehicle owner’s manual on how to
use ABS. ABS will help you stop with
less or no skidding by keeping the wheels
from locking up. In general, follow these
guidelines if you need to stop quickly.
With ABS
• Press on the brake pedal as hard
as you can and keep pressing on
it. You will feel the brake pedal
pushing back when the ABS is
working. You will also hear the noise
ABS makes when it is working.
• Do not let up on the brake pedal. ABS
will only work when the brake pedal
is pushed down hard and held there.
Without ABS
• Apply the brakes as hard as you
can without locking them (you
can cause the vehicle to go into
a skid if you brake too hard).
• You will feel the vehicle start
to skid if the brakes lock up.
If that happens, quickly ease
off the brake pedal a little.
• As soon as the vehicle stops
skidding, push down on the brake
pedal again. Keep doing this
until the vehicle has stopped.
Turning quickly
In most cases, you can turn the
vehicle quicker than you can stop
it. You should consider turning
in order to avoid a collision.
Make sure you have a good grip with both
hands on the steering wheel. Once you have
turned away or changed lanes, you must
be ready to keep the vehicle under control.
Some drivers steer away from one collision
only to end up in another. Always steer in
the direction you want the vehicle to go.
With ABS
A valuable feature of ABS is that you can
turn your vehicle while braking with less
or no skidding. Do not “jerk” the steering
wheel (steer violently) while braking if you
have ABS. Doing so may send you farther
to the side than intended, because the
vehicle will continue to respond to steering
input while ABS is working. Practice
using ABS in an empty parking lot so
you know how the vehicle will respond.
78
CONTENTSCOVER
Without ABS
If you do not have ABS, you must use
a different procedure to turn quickly.
You should step on the brake pedal,
then let up and turn the steering wheel.
Braking will slow the vehicle, put more
weight on the front tires, and allow for
a quicker turn. Do not lock up the front
wheels while braking or turn so sharply
that the vehicle can only plow ahead.
Remember, generally it is better to run
off the road than to crash head-on into
another vehicle. Do not swerve into
the opposing lane; turn to the right,
going off the roadway if necessary.
Speeding up
Sometimes it is best or necessary to
speed up to avoid a collision. This
may happen when another vehicle is
about to hit you from the side or from
behind and there is room in front of
you to get out of danger. Be sure to slow
down once the danger has passed.
Dealing with skids
Any road that is safe under normal
conditions can be dangerous when it is
wet or has snow or ice on it. High speeds
under normal conditions also increase the
possibility of a skid if you must suddenly
turn or stop. Skids are caused when the
tires can no longer grip the road. Because
you cannot control a vehicle when it is
skidding, it is best to keep your vehicle
from skidding in the first place.
Left: Turn back to straighten,
Right: Turn into the skid
If your vehicle begins to skid:
• Stay off the brake: Until the
vehicle slows, your brakes will
not work. Using them could
cause you to skid more.
• Turn the steering wheel in the
direction you want the vehicle
to go. As soon as the vehicle begins
to straighten out, turn the steering
wheel back the other way. If you
do not do so, your vehicle may
swing around in the other direction
and you could start a new skid.
• Continue to turn the steering
wheel: left and right, until the
vehicle is again moving down
the road under your control.
79
CONTENTSCOVER
CRASHES
Do not stop at a crash unless you are
involved or unless emergency help has not
yet arrived. Keep your attention on your
driving and keep moving, watching for
people who might be in or near the road.
Never drive to the scene of a crash, fire or
other disaster just to look. You may block
the way for police, firefighters, ambulances,
tow trucks and other rescue vehicles.
No matter how good a driver you are, there
may be a time when you are involved in a
crash. If you are involved in a crash you
must stop. If you are involved in a crash
with a parked vehicle, you must locate
the owner or leave a note. If any person
is injured or killed, the police must be
notified. It is a crime for you to leave a
crash site where your vehicle was involved
if there is an injury or death and before
police have talked to you and gotten all the
information they need about the crash.
You may want to carry a basic
vehicle emergency kit. These kits
have emergency flares or reflectors,
first aid supplies and basic tools.
If you are in a crash
• Stop your vehicle at or near the crash
site. If your vehicle can be moved,
Protect yourself in collisions
Try everything you can to keep from
getting hit. However, you may not always
be able to avoid a collision. If it looks like
nothing will work, try to lessen any injuries
that could result from a crash. The most
important thing you can do is to use your
lap and shoulder belts. Besides your safety
belts, there are a couple of other things that
could help prevent more serious injuries.
Hit from the rear
If your vehicle is hit from the rear, your
body will be thrown backwards. Press
yourself against the back of your seat and
put your head against the head restraint.
Be ready to apply your brakes so you will
not be pushed into another vehicle.
Hit from the side
If your vehicle is hit from the side, your
body will be thrown toward the side
that is hit. Air bags will not help in this
situation (unless your vehicle is equipped
with side-impact air bags which will help).
Your lap and shoulder belts are needed
to help keep you behind the wheel. Get
ready to steer or brake to prevent your
vehicle from hitting something else.
Hit from the front
If your vehicle is about to be hit from
the front, it is important to try to have a
“glancing blow” rather than being struck
head on. This means that if a collision is
going to happen, you should try to turn
the vehicle. This will help to avoid a head
on collision. If your vehicle has an air
bag, it will inflate. It will deflate following
the crash, so be ready to prevent your
vehicle from hitting something else.
80
CONTENTSCOVER
get it off the road so it does not block
traffic or cause another crash.
• Do not stand or walk in
traffic lanes. You could be
struck by another vehicle.
• Turn off the ignition of wrecked
vehicles. Do not smoke around
wrecked vehicles. Fuel could have
spilled and fire is a real danger.
• If there are power lines
down with wires in the road,
do not go near them.
• Make sure other traffic will not be
involved in the crash. Use triangles,
flares or other warning devices
to alert traffic to the crash.
If someone is injured
Get help: Make sure the police and
emergency medical or rescue squad
have been called (call 911). If there is
a fire or downed power lines, tell the
police about it when they are called.
Aid the injured: Do not move the
injured unless they are in a burning
vehicle or in immediate danger of being
hit by another vehicle. Moving a person
can make their injuries worse. However,
Wisconsin law protects you from civil
suits if you give aid to the injured.
First help anyone who is not already
walking and talking. Check for breathing
first, then check for bleeding.
If there is bleeding, apply pressure
directly on the wound using your hand
or a cloth. Even severe bleeding can
almost always be stopped or slowed
by putting pressure on the wound.
Do not give an injured person
anything to drink, not even water.
To help prevent an injured person from
going into shock, cover them with a
blanket or coat to keep them warm.
Report the crash
Get the names and addresses of all
people involved in the crash, including
injured persons, and any witnesses.
Exchange information with other
drivers involved in the crash. (Name,
address, driver license number, vehicle
information [license plate, make, model
and year of vehicle] and insurance
company and policy number, if available.)
Record any damage to vehicles
involved in the crash.
If requested, provide information to the
police or other emergency officials.
Try to find the owner if a crash involves a
parked vehicle. If you cannot find them,
leave a note in a place where it can be easily
seen with information on how the owner can
reach you, the date and time of the crash.
You must report a crash to a law
enforcement agency if there is an injury, a
death or property damage of $1,000 or more
to any one person’s property, or property
damage of $200 or more to government
property (example: signs, guard rails, etc.,
[government vehicles, if $1,000 or more
damage]). The law enforcement agency
will file a crash report with State Patrol.
If the law enforcement agency does not
investigate the crash or file a report, you
need to file the report online at www.
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/safety/crsh-rpt/
default.aspx within ten days of the crash.
81
CONTENTSCOVER
WHAT TO DO
What to do in case of
a crash, stalled vehicle
or other emergency
1. Locate the nearest reference
marker (see Reference Markers).
2. Make sure you are in a position
to safely make a call.
3. Dial 911.
4. Be ready to answer questions:
• What is your location? (Give
the information from the
reference marker.)
• What is your wireless phone number?
• Describe the problem.
• Depending on your answers to
these questions, you may be
asked for more information.
What to do if you hit a deer
• First, make sure your vehicle is still
safe to drive. If not, get assistance.
• If your vehicle can be moved,
get it off the road so it does not
block traffic or cause a crash.
• Record the time, place and
other circumstances of the
incident for insurance and
crash reporting purposes.
• If you hit a deer, you are entitled
to keep it. If you do not want the
deer, the next motorist on the
scene is entitled to the deer. In
either case, before the deer can be
taken, law enforcement will need
to issue a tag for the deer. Contact
the Sheriff’s Office or local Police
Department to obtain a tag.
• If you decide to leave the deer,
you should notify a local law
enforcement agency of the
location where the deer was hit,
especially if the deer is not dead.
What to do when stopped
by law enforcement: general
guidelines for motorists
Getting pulled over by a law enforcement
officer can be a difficult experience.
Following some simple guidelines
will enhance safety for motorists
and law enforcement, and in many
cases, will get you back on your way
as soon as possible. Things for drivers
and passengers to keep in mind:
• State law (§346.19) requires you to
pull over immediately when you
observe emergency lights approaching
from either direction. Move out
of the lane of traffic and stop as
near as possible on the right-hand
shoulder of the roadway. Do not
continue traveling to a location you
believe is more suitable to stop; a
police officer may be responding
to another incident (crash, robbery,
medical emergency, etc.) and
drivers who remain in the traffic
lane can inhibit law enforcement
from assisting those in need.
• When stopped by a police officer,
try to stay calm. Remember, the
top priority for law enforcement
is the safety and well-being of the
travelling public. Law enforcement
officers are trained to consider the
totality of a situation before making
any enforcement-related decisions.
• Place your vehicle in park. Turn off
the ignition and put the keys on
the dashboard in front of you.
82
CONTENTSCOVER
• Do not exit the vehicle (unless
asked to do so). At night or during
low-light conditions, turn on your
vehicle’s interior dome light. Also,
the officer will likely shine a bright
light into your vehicle. This is to
keep you and the officer safe.
• Place your hands in plain sight,
preferably on top of the steering
wheel. Keep movements to a
minimum. Refrain from reaching
into your clothing, purse, glove box,
console, etc. to locate your license,
registration or insurance cards. Wait
for the officer to request such items.
• When the officer arrives at your
window (this could be the driver or
passenger side), comply with any
orders. Provide clear and concise
answers to the officer’s questions.
• Be polite and patient. The officer
may need time to verify your
identification, etc. If you are given a
citation, don’t argue. You will have
an opportunity before a judge or
court to express any concerns.
• Always merge carefully when
entering a highway.
STUDY QUESTIONS
These questions will help you study
what you have learned from reading this
handbook. First, try to answer the questions
without looking at the answers. The
answers are listed next to the questions.
Questions
1. At an intersection, drivers turning
left must yield to what?
2. How far ahead should you look when
you are on the open highway?
3. How can you see if there is a
car in your blind spot?
4. At what times does Wisconsin law
say you must turn on headlights?
5. When else would you turn
on your headlights?
6. What is a good rule of thumb for
turning on your headlights?
7. You plan to pull into a driveway
just beyond an intersection.
When should you signal?
8. Name two places where you are
likely to find slippery spots.
9. You are on a freeway entrance and have
to wait for a gap in traffic before you can
enter the roadway. What should you do?
10. What does a yellow sign mean?
11. What does an orange sign mean?
12. Under most conditions, what is the
minimum safe following distance?
13. Name some conditions in which you
need extra following distance.
14. What should you do if you are in an
intersection and you hear a siren?
15. How do safety belts help you
keep control of your car?
16. What should you do if you are involved
in a crash with another car?
17. How many drinks does it take
to affect your driving?
18. What drugs can affect your
ability to drive safely?
19. What is “implied consent”?
83
CONTENTSCOVER
Answers
1. Pedestrians and vehicles
approaching from the opposite
direction, including bicycles.
2. Ten to 15 seconds.
3. Look over your shoulder.
4. Wisconsin law says between half-
an-hour after sunset and half-an-
hour before sunrise and when you
cannot see a vehicle or person on the
roadway at a distance of 500 feet.
5. On rainy, snowy or foggy days, when it
begins to get dark, and when driving
away from a rising or setting sun.
6. A good rule to follow is to turn
on your headlights when you
need to turn on your wipers.
7. After you cross the intersection.
8. In shady spots and on
overpasses and bridges.
9. Slow down on the entrance ramp to wait
for a gap, then speed up so you enter at
the same speed that traffic is moving.
10. Yellow signs warn of a special
situation or a hazard ahead.
11. Orange signs warn of
construction work ahead.
12. A minimum of four seconds is the
recommended following distance
under ideal conditions.
13. Driving on slippery roads.
The driver wants to pass.
Following a motorcycle.
Following drivers who cannot see
you (trucks, buses, vans or vehicles
pulling campers or trailers).
Have a heavy load or are pulling a trailer.
It is hard to see.
Being followed closely.
Following emergency vehicles.
Approaching railroad crossings.
Stopping on a hill or incline.
14. Drive through the intersection, then pull
over to the right side of the road and stop.
15. They protect you from injury
and, as a driver, keep you behind
the wheel if you are hit from the
side or make a quick turn.
16. Stop at or near the crash site. If your
vehicle can be moved, get it off the road.
Do not stand or walk in traffic lanes.
Turn off the ignition of wrecked vehicles.
Stay away from downed power lines.
Use triangles, flares or other
warning devices to alert traffic.
If someone is injured, get help.
Help anyone who is not already
walking and talking.
Get names and addresses of persons
involved and of witnesses.
Exchange information with
other drivers involved.
Contact the police and give them
information on the crash.
If it is a reportable crash, file a report
with the State Patrol within ten days
if the police did not file a report.
17. Even one drink of alcohol
can affect your driving.
18. Almost any drug, prescription
or over-the-counter, can affect
your ability to drive.
19. You will honor any request
by police to take an alcohol
concentration or other drug test.
84
CONTENTSCOVER
wisconsindmv.gov
BDS126, Ch. 346 Wis. Stats.
April 2023
WISDOT CONTACT
INFORMATION
Division of Motor
Vehicles (DMV)
• Obtain driver licensing and
vehicle registration information
online at wisconsindmv.gov
• Obtain DMV services online at
wisconsindmv.gov/online including:
◊ Schedule, cancel or verify your
appointment for a skills (road) test
◊ Change your address
◊ Request your driver
or vehicle record
◊ Apply for a duplicate driver
license or ID card
◊ Check the status of
your driver license
◊ Look up your vehicle title transfer
◊ Renew your license plate
◊ And more!
• Email your driver license/ID
card questions to information.
dmv@dot.wi.gov
• Email your vehicle titling/
license plate questions to
vehiclequestions@dot.wi.gov
• Telephone DMV at (608) 264-7447
• Find your local DMV Customer
Service Center, hours of operation and
directions at wisconsindmv.gov/online
Publication notes
The Wisconsin Department of
Transportation intends the products and
services it offers are accessible to all. Please
contact a DMV Customer Service Center
if you need accommodations or do not
understand any part of this publication.
You may reproduce the Wisconsin
Motorists’ Handbook in whole or in part
for yourself or for others. You may charge
others the actual or reasonable costs to
reproduce the Motorists’ Handbook. You
may not delete, add, alter or otherwise
change the Motorists’ Handbook without
the express written consent of the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
Wisconsin State Patrol
Southwest region: (608) 374-0513
Southeast region: (262) 785-4700
Northeast region: (920) 929-3700
North central region: (715) 845-1143
Northwest region: (715) 839-3800
Wisconsin State Patrol office
locations and contacts:
wisconsindot.gov/Pages/about-wisdot/
who-we-are/dsp/loc-contact.aspx
85
CONTENTSCOVER
