part 3

[Virtual Presenter] If you find your eyes closing or going out of focus, struggle to hold your head upright, or can't stop yawning while driving, these could be warning signs that you're feeling drowsy and need to take immediate action to ensure your safety on the road. As a responsible driver, it's vital to maintain your alertness and concentration while behind the wheel. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's imperative to pull over and take a break or switch drivers to avoid the risks associated with drowsy driving, which can lead to accidents and put both yourself and others in harm's way. Prioritizing your safety and the safety of those around you is crucial..

[Audio] Drunk or drugged driving arrests occur annually, affecting thousands of individuals on Maryland's roads. Impaired driving impairs our ability to operate a vehicle, and so does distracted driving, which can stem from various factors such as cell phone use, eating, or attending to children. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to be the focused driver and prioritize driving. Prior to departing, create a plan to return home safely and appoint a sober driver. Furthermore, impaired driving carries severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and court expenses. Moreover, it can lead to life-threatening injuries or fatalities. By making informed choices, we can circumvent these calamitous outcomes. For additional information, visit ZeroDeathsMD.gov..

[Audio] When approaching an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or other service vehicle that is stopped on the road, you must move to a lane that is not immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle. If it is not possible to move over, you must slow down to a safe speed and prepare to stop if necessary..

[Audio] When passing a truck, never attempt to cut in along its right side as it starts to turn. This could result in being trapped between the turning truck and the curb. Since the truck or bus driver cannot see your vehicle directly behind them, if they suddenly brake or come to a stop, you would have nowhere to go..

[Audio] Motorcycles are smaller and harder to see, especially in blind spots. Always check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or merging. Be patient and courteous when driving near a group of motorcyclists. Remember, motorcyclists have the same rights and privileges as any other driver on the road. Don't assume they will automatically stop or slow down; instead, anticipate their actions and adjust your driving accordingly. By being attentive and respectful, you can help prevent accidents and ensure a safer ride for everyone..

[Audio] As you approach a bicyclist, slow down. Don't honk your horn. Bicyclists can usually hear an approaching vehicle and loud noises can startle them, causing a crash. Expect bicyclists on the road, including on all types of roads, except interstate highways, and bridges and tunnels with tolls. Bicycles don't have turn signals, so bicyclists use hand and arm signals to tell you what they plan to do. They may ride at intersections and traffic circles, in all kinds of weather, and at all times of the day and night. Don't follow a bicycle too closely, remembering that small holes, glass, and other hazards can be especially dangerous to bicyclists. Bicycles can stop and move quickly, so a bicyclist may swerve or change speed to avoid a road hazard that a motor vehicle driver cannot see. Bicyclists may ride out in the travel lane, where motorists also drive..

[Audio] Never make a right turn from a through lane immediately after passing a bike on a shoulder or bike lane. A through lane is a lane that continues straight. Entering the road from driveways or near parked cars. Obey speed limits in school zones and residential areas so you have time to see, and drive safely around, young bicyclists. Try to make sure there are no bicycles on your right or in your right blind spot when you turn right. Before starting a right turn, move as far to the right as possible within the bike lane, shoulder, or right turn lane. When turning, yield to bicycles like you do with any other vehicle. Mopeds and scooters may be ridden on any road with a posted maximum speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less. They may ride with any other vehicle going straight. Do not turn left immediately in front of a bicycle. Look closely for bicycles before you move right to pass a vehicle that is turning left. When a road narrows for a bridge, parked cars, or other obstructions on the right, be prepared for a bicyclist riding on the shoulder to merge left into the travel lane. Be especially careful around mopeds and scooters at intersections when they may be turning or going straight..

[Audio] Always keep your vehicle sensors clean and damage-free. Many vehicles use sensors and cameras to identify possible dangers. These technologies include Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assistance, and Blind Spot Warning. Never rely solely on these systems to operate your vehicle. Instead, stay alert and aware of your surroundings by regularly checking your mirrors and cameras. Remember, these technologies have limitations and may not function properly in certain conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog. They may also respond differently depending on the type of vehicle you're driving. Stay focused and in control of your vehicle at all times..

[Audio] Whenever you are in a crash, turn on your emergency flashers or flares to alert other drivers. Move your vehicle away from the road as close as possible to where the accident occurred. This helps ensure your safety and prevents traffic congestion. Obtain essential details from the other driver(s) involved in the crash. Provide the same information to the other driver(s). This includes name, address, phone number, license plate number and state, driver's license number, vehicle make and model, and insurance information. Do not relocate the vehicles. Request witness names, addresses, and phone numbers. Record the crash site, date, time, number of vehicles involved, weather conditions, and road conditions. Take notes if possible. Document any damage to the vehicles. In case of an injury, including a pedestrian or cyclist, stay at the scene and dial 911 to summon police, firefighters, and ambulances. Report the number of individuals involved, the nature of the injury, and the location of the crash. Only depart once the authorities give you permission..

[Audio] If you hit an unattended vehicle or other unattended property, you must stop your vehicle as close as possible to the scene, find a safe place, and inform the owner of the vehicle or property about the incident. If you cannot locate the owner, leave a note with your contact details. Always prioritize your own safety and the safety of others during this process..

[Audio] If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, stay calm and follow these steps. Pull over to the side of the road as far away from traffic as possible. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. Next, turn off your engine and radio to show you're cooperating. Roll down your window so you can talk to the officer, but stay seated and keep your seatbelt fastened. Keep your hands visible on the steering wheel, avoiding any movements that might seem suspicious. If the officer gives you a citation, don't argue - you'll have your chance to present your case in court. Also, remember to follow Maryland's Move Over Law, which requires you to slow down or move over when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Violating this law can result in fines and points on your license..

[Audio] Motorcyclists are often injured in crashes due to lack of protection. They are injured in nearly 75% of crashes involving a car or truck. Drivers and riders have a shared responsibility to ensure road safety. Always check twice before merging, changing lanes, or pulling into traffic. Pedestrian and bicyclist safety is crucial, as many unnecessary injuries and deaths occur due to drivers or pedestrians being drunk, unfamiliar with vehicle laws, or not paying attention. Both drivers and bicyclists must learn to share the road and prioritize safety. By slowing down, paying attention, and staying alert for pedestrians and bicyclists, we can create safer roads for everyone..

[Audio] Driving is a privilege, not a right. The Motor Vehicle Administration has the authority to impose restrictions on your license to ensure you drive safely. A driving restriction is a limitation of your driving privileges. These restrictions may be based on the type of license you have or be imposed because you broke motor vehicle laws. Driving a motor vehicle in violation of these restrictions is a serious offense, and you could lose your driving privileges..

[Audio] If your license is suspended, you temporarily lose the privilege of driving a motor vehicle. A restricted license might be provided by the MVA in certain situations. With a restricted license, you can only drive for a specific purpose, such as going to and from work and school. If your license is revoked, you cannot drive a motor vehicle until the MVA decides you can safely drive again. There is a minimum waiting period before requesting reinstatement, which the MVA can deny. The MVA can also suspend, revoke, refuse, or cancel your license if you break motor vehicle laws. If this occurs, the MVA will send you a notice explaining the planned action and its reasons. You can ask for an administrative hearing to argue against the action. If your license is suspended, revoked, refused, or canceled, you must surrender your license to the MVA. Without a license, you won't be able to drive. The suspension or revocation period begins when the MVA receives your license..

[Audio] If you have a conviction or "Probation before Judgment" (PBJ) for a moving violation while holding a Provisional License, you will face certain penalties. As an adult, if you are 18 years of age or older and have a Provisional License, you will have to complete a driver improvement program, and/or driver improvement program. In case of a second offense, your driver's license will be suspended for 30 days. On the third or more offenses, your license will be revoked, and after the suspension or revocation ends, an employment and education only restriction will be placed on your driver's license. Similarly, minors under 18 years old with a Provisional License will face different penalties for moving violations. They will have to complete a driver improvement program for the first offense, and subsequent offenses will result in suspensions and restrictions on their licenses..

[Audio] Parking on any part of an access aisle next to a disability parking space, even if you have a disability license plate or placard, is prohibited. This includes the area where people in wheelchairs or other mobility devices use to get in and out of their vehicle. Furthermore, using a disability placard after its expiration date, using a disability license plate or placard without the person with the disability present and without proper identification, or engaging in any fraud or misrepresentation when applying for a disability license plate or placard is also illegal..

[Audio] If you have a mental health condition that may affect your ability to drive, you must notify the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) when you apply for or renew your driver's license. This includes conditions such as schizophrenia, dementia, diabetes that has caused a low blood sugar episode, epilepsy or seizures, a heart condition that has caused a loss of consciousness in the past six months, stroke, sleep apnea or narcolepsy, a history of traumatic brain injury, a condition that causes weakness, shaking, or numbness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, or an eye problem that prevents a corrected minimum visual acuity of 20/70 in at least one eye or binocular field of vision of at least 110 degrees. Additionally, if you have a condition that causes you to have dizzy spells, fainting, or blackouts, you must also report it to the MVA. Furthermore, if you have a condition that causes you to have weakness, shaking, or numbness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet, you must also report it to the MVA. Finally, if you have a condition that causes you to have difficulty concentrating or memory problems, you must also report it to the MVA..