BC Study Topic 2: Driver's Responsibility and Vehicle Controls

Independent study summary—not an ICBC publication or official guide chapter. Confirm current rules in ICBC’s Learn to Drive Smart and applicable law.

Driver Responsibilities

A smart driver always puts safety first. This means being in good condition to drive, making wise decisions, and taking responsibility for actions on the road. Be alert and focused while driving.

• Legal Responsibilities: Understanding the importance of following traffic laws and regulations.
• Moral Responsibilities: Being courteous and considerate to other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
• Environmental Responsibilities: Minimizing the environmental impact by driving efficiently and maintaining your vehicle properly.

Fitness to Drive

• Physical Fitness: Importance of being physically fit to drive, including good vision and hearing. Do not drive if you have an injury or illness that affects your ability to think clearly or react quickly. Never drive when overtired; even if you don't fall asleep, your reaction time will be slower.
• Mental Fitness: Being mentally alert and not distracted, stressed, or tired. Avoid driving when feeling angry or frustrated, as it can cloud your judgment and slow reaction times.
• Substance Use: Understanding the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that causes mental confusion and slow reaction times, increasing the risk of serious accidents.

Vehicle Familiarity

• Vehicle Knowledge: Knowing your vehicle’s controls, features, and maintenance requirements.
• Pre-trip Inspections: Conducting regular checks on your vehicle’s condition, including tires, lights, brakes, and fluid levels.

Driver Attitude

• Positive Attitude: Maintaining a positive and responsible attitude towards driving.
• Risk Awareness: Recognizing and avoiding risky driving behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving, and distracted driving.

Seats and Seat Adjustments

• Adjust the driver’s seat:
• Set the seat height to see over the steering wheel.
• Position the seat to reach the pedals comfortably.
• Adjust the backrest angle for lumbar support.
• Distance from the driver’s airbag should be 25cm (10 inches).
• Passenger seats: Ensure passengers adjust their seats for comfort and proper posture.
• Seat Belts:
• Buckle up before driving. It’s a law in B.C., else you will be fined.
• Ensure the lap belt sits low across the hips and the shoulder belt crosses the chest and shoulder.
• Child Seats (Child Restraints):
• Use age-appropriate child seats (rear-facing for infants, forward-facing for toddlers).
• Secure child seats according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Ensure proper installation and buckling.
• Rear-Facing Car Seat:
• Age: Birth to 12 months.
• Weight: 9kg(20 lbs)
• Details: Always use a rear-facing car seat for infants.
• Forward-Facing Car Seat with Harness:
• Age: Must be over one year old
• Weight: Up to 18kg(40 lbs).
• Details: Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible. Transition to a forward-facing car seat with a harness once they outgrow the rear-facing seat.
• Booster Seat (Belt-Positioning):
• Age: Required until at least nine years old or 145 cm (4’9”), whichever comes first.
• Weight: Above 18kg (40 lbs).
• Details: Use a booster seat until your child is big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. The lap belt should lie snugly across the upper thighs, not the stomach. The shoulder belt should cross the chest and shoulder, not the neck or face.
• Seat Belt Only: It’s recommended you keep children in the back seat until 12 years of age for their safety.
• Adjust mirrors:
• Rearview mirror: Position to see the entire rear window.
• Side mirrors: Minimize blind spots by adjusting them correctly.
• Airbags: If your vehicle has airbags, position your seat to be at least 25 cm (10 inches) away from the steering wheel.