Chapter 1- Basics

The highway transportation system is made up of roadway users, vehicles, and roadways. The purpose of the HTS is to move people and cargo from one place to another in a safe and efficient manner.

Drivers who use the HTS are the most important element in making sure the HTS is safe and efficient. Federal, state, and local government agencies help regulate the HTS.

A driver needs to interact successfully with people, learn the physical skills of driving so well that they become habits, and use mental skills to make decisions using the IPDE Process.

The four steps of the IPDE Process are identify, predict, decide, and execute.

Your attitude will guide you as you enter into and adjust to new driving and social situations.

Collisions and traffic jams are examples of breakdowns in the HTS.

Three major causes of collisions are breaking traffic laws, not slowing in adverse weather conditions, and operating a defective vehicle.

Drivers can help protect our environment by recycling used materials, car pool, and by using fuel efficient driving habits and buying and maintaining fuel efficient vehicles.

The graduated driver's license program gives you advantages by providing a more systematic quality practice driving time.

The key driving concepts in a quality driver education program are: driving is a decision making process based on the IPDE Process; your driving will be greatly influenced by your attitude; safety belts must be worn at all times; and never drink and drive