Essential Defensive Driving Tips and Guidelines

How often should defensive drivers check their mirrors?

Every 10 seconds.

At 45 miles per hour, how far ahead should you signal before turning?

200 feet.

What should you do if you plan to turn but are not in the proper lane?

Continue to the next intersection, then turn.

What is the most common type of accident on a highway?

A rear-end collision.

What should you avoid using when driving behind someone?

High beams.

How can you dry wet brakes?

Gently apply the brakes.

What does 'Don't hang out in the No zone' refer to?

Not being in truckers' blind spots.

What should you do when approaching a railroad crossing?

Slow down and prepare to stop.

What should pedestrians wear at night to be visible?

Something white.

When is it appropriate to use high beams?

When driving on a highway and no car is approaching.

When are slippery roads most likely to occur?

When it has just begun to drizzle.

What should you do when traveling behind a farm vehicle on a two-lane road?

Wait until the farm vehicle has the chance to pull over to the side, then pass with caution.

What do large trucks (tractor trailers) have that affects visibility?

Large blind spots to the side and rear.

What should you do when preparing to make a right-hand turn?

Turn on your turn signal and approach the right-hand side of the road.

What is a 'shoulder check'?

A quick glance over your shoulder on the side in which you intend to turn or change lanes.

What should you do if you get tired on a long trip?

Stop and rest.

How often should you plan to stop and rest on a long trip?

Every 100 miles.

What should you use in densely packed snow?

Chains or snow tires.

What headlights should you use during heavy snow or fog?

Low-beam headlights.

What percentage of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related highway deaths?

38%.

What happens if you accumulate 7 or more points on your traffic record?

You may attend a Driver Improvement Clinic to deduct three points from your driving record.

What traffic conviction adds the highest number of points to your driving record?

Passing a stopped school bus that is loading or unloading children.

What are secondary roads characterized by?

Steeper hills and sharper curves than primary roads.

What is the default speed limit in cities and towns unless otherwise posted?

35 miles per hour.

What must you do to have a revoked driver license restored?

Visit a driver license office, pay a restoration fee, and reapply for a license.

At a 4-way stop, who has the right of way when three vehicles arrive at the same time?

The car on the right.

What might indicate a problem with a vehicle's suspension system?

If it sways freely, leans heavily to one side during a turn, or seems to bounce continuously.

What should you do if you experience a breakdown?

Pull over to the side of the road and raise the hood of your car.

How can you maintain a safe driving distance from the car in front of you?

Use the two-second rule.

What should you find out before driving if you take medication?

What effect the medicine has.

What should you do before passing another vehicle?

Look ahead to ensure there is enough room to pass.

What should you do when driving down a very steep hill?

Shift into a lower gear to control your speed.

What should you do if you run off the side of the road?

Gradually take your foot off the gas pedal.

What is the maximum speed of farm equipment on rural highways?

15-20 mph.

What should you do when driving into a circle?

Yield to cars already in the circle.

What should you do if you are in a crash?

Move your car off of the road.

What are school buses required to do at railroad crossings?

Stop at all railroad crossings.

What should you be alert for in city traffic?

Drivers who make quick stops.

What happens if there is no sign indicating no turn on red?

You can turn right on red after stopping and ensuring the turn can be made safely.

What is the consequence for an underage person aiding in the purchase of alcohol?

A one-year driver license revocation.

What blood alcohol concentration leads to immediate license revocation?

0.08 percent.

What should you do when approaching a road that is blocked from view?

Stop and proceed with caution.