道路標識世界

A manual transmission is a gearbox in which the driver manually selects the appropriate gear, normally using a gear lever and clutch pedal.

The clutch temporarily disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing the driver to start, stop and change gears smoothly.

With a manual transmission, the driver selects and changes gears. An automatic transmission normally selects the appropriate gears automatically without requiring a conventional clutch pedal.

An automatic transmission is a gearbox that automatically selects and changes gears without requiring the driver to operate a conventional clutch pedal.

With an automatic transmission, gear changes are handled automatically, while a manual transmission normally requires the driver to operate a clutch and select each gear manually.

No. Different designs include conventional automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions and dual-clutch systems, although they can all operate without the driver manually controlling a clutch during normal driving.

A throttle is a control that regulates how much power an engine or motor produces.

In most cars, the throttle is controlled using the accelerator pedal. Motorcycles and some other vehicles commonly use a twist-grip throttle.

They are closely related but not exactly the same. The accelerator is the driver's control, while the throttle refers more broadly to the system that responds to that input and regulates engine or motor power.

A tachometer is an instrument that measures and displays the rotational speed of an engine or motor, usually in revolutions per minute.

RPM means revolutions per minute and indicates how many complete rotations the engine's crankshaft makes in one minute.

No. A tachometer shows engine rotational speed, while a speedometer shows the vehicle's road speed.

A steering wheel is the driver's main control for changing the direction in which a vehicle travels.

Turning the steering wheel operates the vehicle's steering system, which changes the direction of the steered wheels.

Normally, no. Steering should be smooth and controlled because sudden movements can destabilise the vehicle or create danger for other road users.

Power steering is a system that assists the driver's steering effort, making the steering wheel easier to turn.

Vehicles may use hydraulic, electro-hydraulic or electric power steering, depending on their design.

Steering may become considerably heavier or a warning may appear. The driver should maintain control, reduce speed safely and have the steering system checked as soon as possible.

Scanning means continuously observing different parts of the traffic environment so that hazards and changes can be detected early.

A driver should regularly observe the road ahead, mirrors, intersections, side areas, vulnerable road users and relevant blind spots.

Scanning helps drivers identify hazards earlier and gives them more time to adjust speed, position or direction safely.

A vehicle mirror allows the driver to observe traffic and other road users behind or beside the vehicle.

An interior rear-view mirror normally provides a view through the rear window, while exterior side mirrors provide views along the sides and towards the rear of the vehicle.

Check your mirrors regularly and particularly before changing speed or direction, changing lane, overtaking, merging, turning or stopping.

Yes. Mirrors should be adjusted from the normal driving position before setting off so that they provide the intended view of traffic behind and beside the vehicle.

No. Even correctly adjusted mirrors can leave areas that are not visible to the driver. These are commonly called blind spots.

Yes. Where necessary, use a brief direct observation in addition to the mirrors before moving sideways so that a cyclist, motorcycle or other vehicle hidden from the mirrors is not overlooked.

Yes. A cracked, loose, missing or badly adjusted mirror can reduce the driver's view of surrounding traffic and should be repaired or replaced when necessary.

Some vehicles use approved camera-based indirect-vision systems instead of or in addition to conventional mirrors. Whether such a system is legally permitted depends on the vehicle's approval and local technical requirements.

Checking the mirrors can help detect cyclists, motorcyclists and other approaching road users before a door is opened into their path.

Yes, according to the applicable vehicle requirements. Motorcycles normally have one or more rear-view mirrors so that the rider can observe traffic behind without turning around for extended periods.

The two-second rule is a method for checking whether you are leaving enough following distance behind the vehicle ahead.

Choose a fixed roadside point. When the vehicle ahead passes it, count two seconds. Your vehicle should not reach the same point before two seconds have passed.

No. A greater following interval should be used when conditions such as rain, snow, ice, poor visibility or reduced tyre grip increase stopping distance.

Reaction distance is the distance travelled while the driver recognises a hazard and reacts. Braking distance is the distance travelled after the brakes are applied until the vehicle stops. Together they form the stopping distance.

Higher speed increases both reaction distance and braking distance. Braking distance increases particularly quickly as speed rises, so even a relatively small increase in speed can considerably increase the distance needed to stop.

Stopping distance can increase because of higher speed, wet or icy roads, worn tyres, poor brakes, downhill gradients, heavy loads and delayed driver reactions caused by fatigue, distraction, alcohol or other impairments.

Braking distance is the distance a vehicle travels after the brakes are applied until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. It does not include the distance travelled while the driver is reacting to a hazard.

Braking distance increases rapidly as speed increases. If a vehicle is travelling faster, considerably more distance is normally required to bring it to a stop.

Braking distance can increase because of wet, icy or loose road surfaces, worn tyres, poor brakes, heavy loads and downhill gradients. Drivers should reduce their speed and leave more space when conditions reduce braking performance.

Common fuels include petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG. Some vehicles can also use biofuels or other alternative fuels, while electric vehicles obtain their energy from a battery rather than conventional fuel.

Check the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and the fuel information shown near the filler opening or on the vehicle. Fuel pumps are normally labelled to help drivers identify compatible fuels.

Smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic, maintaining an appropriate speed, correct tyre pressure, avoiding unnecessary loads and keeping the vehicle properly maintained can help reduce fuel consumption.

Good fuel economy means that a vehicle uses relatively little fuel for the distance travelled. When consumption is expressed in litres per 100 kilometres, a lower number generally indicates better fuel economy.

Smooth acceleration, maintaining a steady appropriate speed, anticipating traffic, avoiding unnecessary braking and acceleration, and selecting an efficient gear can all help reduce fuel consumption.

Fuel economy can be affected by tyre pressure, vehicle weight, roof racks, mechanical condition, air conditioning and other electrical loads. Proper maintenance and removing unnecessary loads can improve efficiency.

A fuel gauge shows the approximate amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle's tank. Most gauges use a scale between empty and full.

The low-fuel warning light indicates that the amount of fuel remaining has reached a low level. The driver should refuel soon rather than relying on the remaining reserve.

No. A fuel gauge provides an approximate reading. The indicated level can vary because of vehicle movement, road gradient, tank shape and the design of the fuel-level sensor.

Petrol is a liquid motor fuel used mainly in spark-ignition engines. It is called petrol in many countries and may contain ethanol or other renewable components.

The octane rating indicates the fuel's resistance to uncontrolled combustion or engine knocking. Vehicles should use petrol with at least the octane rating specified by the manufacturer.

E5 and E10 indicate the permitted ethanol content of petrol. E5 contains up to 5% ethanol by volume, while E10 contains up to 10%. Drivers should check whether their vehicle is compatible with the selected fuel.

Diesel is a liquid motor fuel designed primarily for compression-ignition engines. These engines compress air until it becomes hot enough to ignite the injected fuel.

The letter B identifies diesel containing biodiesel components. The number indicates the maximum percentage of biodiesel in the fuel, so B7 may contain up to 7% and B10 up to 10% biodiesel.

No. Compatibility depends on the vehicle and engine. Drivers should follow the manufacturer's specifications before using fuels such as B10, higher biodiesel blends or synthetic diesel.

Diesel exhaust fluid is used in vehicles equipped with an SCR system. It is injected into the exhaust gases to help reduce nitrogen oxide emissions produced by the diesel engine.

No. Diesel exhaust fluid is not a fuel and must never be poured into the diesel tank. Vehicles that use it have a separate DEF tank, usually identified by a dedicated filler cap.

Refill the DEF tank with fluid that meets the specification required by the vehicle manufacturer. Do not ignore the warning, because some vehicles can restrict operation or prevent restarting if the DEF supply becomes empty.

Coverage depends on the policy. Liability insurance generally covers injury or damage caused to other people, while optional forms of insurance may also cover damage to the insured vehicle, theft, fire or other risks.

Many countries require at least a minimum level of motor liability insurance before a vehicle may be used on public roads. The exact requirements and exemptions depend on national law.

Liability insurance primarily covers damage or injury for which the insured driver is legally responsible toward others. Comprehensive or similar optional cover can also protect the insured vehicle against risks such as theft, fire, vandalism or accidental damage, depending on the policy.

A first aid kit provides basic materials that can be used to treat injuries or control bleeding while waiting for professional medical assistance.

No. Requirements vary between countries and vehicle types. Some countries require motorists to carry an approved first aid kit, while others only recommend having one.

Yes. Its contents should remain complete, clean and usable. Used items should be replaced, and products with expiry dates should be checked periodically.

A fire extinguisher can help control a small fire before it spreads, provided it is safe to use. If a fire is already large or spreading rapidly, occupants should move away from the vehicle and contact the emergency services.

No. Requirements vary between countries and vehicle types. Some countries require extinguishers in passenger cars or particular commercial vehicles, while others only recommend carrying one.

It should be securely mounted in an accessible location and protected from damage. Drivers should also check its condition, seal and expiry or service information according to the applicable requirements.

High-visibility clothing is designed to make the wearer more noticeable to other road users. Safety vests typically combine fluorescent material for daytime visibility with retro-reflective material that becomes particularly visible when illuminated at night.

It should be worn whenever leaving a vehicle in a situation where approaching traffic could present a danger, particularly after a breakdown or emergency and in conditions of poor visibility.

This depends on the country. Some countries require a reflective vest to be carried in the vehicle and worn in specified breakdown or emergency situations, while others only recommend it.

A towing rope is used to connect a disabled vehicle to a towing vehicle so that it can be moved when ordinary towing is legally and safely permitted.

It should be attached only to the towing points specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Attaching it to bumpers, suspension parts or other unsuitable components can cause damage or create a dangerous failure.

No. Some vehicles cannot safely be rope-towed because of their transmission, steering, braking system or drivetrain, and national traffic rules may prohibit rope towing on certain roads. The vehicle manufacturer's instructions and local rules should therefore be checked first.

First aid aims to preserve life, prevent an injury or illness from becoming worse and provide appropriate immediate care until professional medical assistance becomes available.

First check that it is safe to approach. Assess the casualty, contact the emergency services when necessary and provide appropriate assistance within your level of knowledge and training.

No. An injured person should generally not be moved unnecessarily because movement can worsen certain injuries. Moving the casualty may be necessary when remaining in the location creates an immediate danger, such as fire or approaching traffic.

A guardrail is intended to reduce the severity of run-off-road crashes by containing or redirecting vehicles and shielding road users from more dangerous roadside hazards.

Guardrails are commonly installed beside hazards such as steep slopes, bridges, fixed objects, dangerous roadside obstacles or locations where vehicles leaving the roadway could face particularly serious consequences.

No. Hitting a guardrail can still cause serious injury or vehicle damage. The barrier is used when it is expected to reduce the consequences compared with reaching the hazard located behind it.

A cable barrier is designed to contain or redirect a vehicle that leaves its intended path. It is commonly used to prevent vehicles from reaching dangerous roadside hazards or entering opposing traffic lanes.

A cable barrier uses tensioned steel cables and is relatively flexible when struck, while a conventional guardrail normally uses a shaped steel beam supported by posts. Both are vehicle-restraint systems intended to reduce the consequences of certain crashes.

No. Its performance depends on factors such as vehicle type, speed, impact angle and the design and condition of the barrier. Like other safety barriers, it is intended to reduce crash severity rather than guarantee that every vehicle will be stopped.