44 | Section 2 Driving & Safety -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------- Monarch SE 2004
The co-pilot will perform just as important a job as the driver. When guiding
the driver, the co-pilot should be located safely at the left rear corner of the
motorhome, facing forward, while remaining visible in the roadside mirror at all
times. The co-pilot should make a conscious effort to maintain sight of the driver
through the roadside mirror as the front of the motorhome maneuvers.
If the driver loses sight of the co-pilot, stop the backing up process until the
co-pilot returns to view. To avoid mishaps, the co-pilot should be focused only on
what the driver is doing, with brief observation moments. The driver should
receive directions only from the co-pilot. If necessary, stop the backing up process
to have co-pilot inspect other areas or angles of concern. Use of walkie-talkies will
aid in guidance.
When the co-pilot is guiding the driver, only five clearly defined signals should
be used, with only one signal given at a time. Flailing arms with indecisive signals
only confuse the driver. Signals should be given with purpose and confidence.
Directional signals are directing travel of the rear of the motorhome.
If the desired direction is left, the co-pilot points left. For example: The co-pilot
will use his/her right arm and forefinger pointing distinctly left with arm and
finger held on a horizontal plane, indicating desired direction of travel of the rear
of the motorhome. This type of directional signal is easily discerned in the mirror
by the driver. The directional signal given will remain steady until desired
movement is completed.
The five directional signals are as follows:
1. Co-pilot uses left hand and arm held
horizontal, with forefinger pointing right,
to direct rear of motorhome to the right.
2. Co-pilot uses right hand and arm held
horizontal, with forefinger pointing left, to
direct rear of motorhome to the left.
3. Co-pilot uses both arms and hands parallel
with thumbs pointing up and to rear in a
waving vertical motion. This signals the
driver to maintain a straight back direction.
4. Co-pilot holds arms horizontally, hands open
with palms facing one another. Start with a
wide separation, gradually closing distance
of hands, in a rate appropriate to vehicle
speed, to indicate amount of distance to the
stop point.
5. Closed fists indicates STOP.
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