Segment One – End-of-Day Review (2024 Edition)

These vocabulary flashcards cover key terms, laws, technologies, and driving principles discussed in the Segment One End-of-Day Review, providing concise definitions for exam preparation.

Dutch Reach

Technique of opening a vehicle door with the far (right) hand so the driver naturally looks for bicyclists.

Vehicle Instrument Panel

Area containing gauges, warning lights, and indicators that provide vehicle status information.

Speedometer

Gauge that shows vehicle speed.

Tachometer

Gauge that displays engine revolutions per minute (RPM).

Odometer

Instrument that records total miles or kilometers traveled by a vehicle.

Fuel Gauge

Indicator that shows the amount of fuel remaining in the tank.

Temperature Gauge

Instrument that monitors engine coolant temperature.

Cruise Control

System that maintains a selected vehicle speed without driver foot on the accelerator.

Parking Brake Warning Light

Dashboard light indicating that the parking brake is engaged.

Enhanced Mirror Setting

Mirror adjustment method that reduces head and shoulder movement needed to check blind spots.

Dead Pedal

Left-side footrest that provides support and stability while driving.

Head Restraint

Seat feature positioned behind the middle of the head to reduce whiplash in rear-end collisions.

Inertia

Tendency of an object in motion to stay in motion; reason safety belts keep drivers in place during a crash.

Momentum

Quantity of motion; greater vehicle momentum makes stopping harder.

Coasting Deceleration

Slowing the vehicle by lifting off the accelerator without using brakes.

Controlled Braking

Gradual brake pressure used to slow the vehicle smoothly.

Threshold Braking

Maximum brake pressure applied without locking the wheels to achieve shortest stop.

Traffic Control Devices

Collective term for traffic signs, signals, and road markings.

Regulatory Sign

Sign that controls traffic movement by stating laws (e.g., speed limit, stop, yield).

Warning Sign

Yellow or orange sign alerting drivers to hazards or changes ahead.

Guide Sign

Green, blue, or brown sign providing route, service, or recreational information.

School Zone Sign

Yellow-green pentagon sign indicating reduced speed near schools.

No-Passing Zone Pennant

Yellow pennant-shaped sign placed on the left side of a two-lane road.

Stale Green Light

Traffic signal that has been green for a while and is likely to turn yellow soon.

Flashing Yellow Arrow

Signal telling drivers they may turn left with caution; oncoming traffic has the right-of-way.

Kelsey’s Law

Michigan law prohibiting Level 1 and 2 license holders from using cell phones while driving.

Implied Consent Law

Law stating licensed drivers agree to chemical testing for alcohol; refusal brings penalties.

Zero Tolerance Law

Law prohibiting drivers under 21 from having any measurable alcohol in their system.

Michigan Left

Traffic design where drivers turn right, make a U-turn, and then proceed straight, increasing flow and safety.

Move Over Law

Requires drivers to slow down and change lanes away from stopped emergency or service vehicles.

Peripheral Vision

Side vision that detects motion and gives a sense of speed.

Central Vision

Straight-ahead vision used for targeting and reading signs.

Field of View

Entire area a driver can see around the vehicle.

Line of Sight

Unobstructed path from driver’s eyes to a target area.

Perception Distance

Distance traveled from seeing a hazard to recognizing it.

PDA (Perceive–Decide–Act)

Driver process of detecting hazards, choosing a response, and executing it.

Following Distance

Space between your vehicle and the one ahead, measured in seconds.

Weave Lane

Expressway lane serving as both entrance and exit, creating conflict points.

Three-Point Turn

Turn-around maneuver involving pulling to the right, backing, and moving forward to reverse direction.

Roundabout

Circular intersection designed to reduce severe crashes; drivers enter after yielding and never change lanes inside.

Blind Spot

Area not visible in mirrors that must be checked by turning the head before lane changes.

Hydroplaning

Loss of traction when tires ride on a film of water, causing skidding.

ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System)

System preventing wheel lock-up; allows steering during hard braking.

ESC (Electronic Stability Control)

Technology that detects and reduces loss of traction by applying brakes to individual wheels.

Headlight Glare Recovery

Looking to the right edge of the lane when facing oncoming high beams to maintain vision.

Off-Road Recovery

Returning to the roadway after wheels drop off by holding the wheel firmly, slowing, and steering back gradually.

Weigh Station / Tractor-Trailer

Large commercial truck (semi) that requires extra space for turns and longer stopping distance.

Three-Foot Law

Minimum clearance drivers must give bicyclists when passing (at least 3 ft).

Blind Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Requirement to yield and stop for pedestrians using a white cane or guide dog.

Construction Zone Rear-End Crash

Most common collision type in work zones, emphasizing need for increased following distance.

Bridges & Overpasses (Ice)

Structures that freeze first and hide ice on cold, wet days.

Hydraulic Brake Failure

Total loss of braking power; driver should pump brakes, shift to lower gear, and use parking brake if needed.

Front-Tire Blowout

Failure causing vehicle to pull sharply; grip wheel firmly, steer straight, and decelerate gently.

Rear-Tire Blowout

Failure causing fishtail; ease off accelerator, steer where desired, and brake gently when stable.

TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

Technology that alerts drivers to low tire pressure but does not replace regular tire checks.

Penny Test

Using a penny to check tire tread depth; if Lincoln’s head shows, replace tire.

Hazard Lights

Flashing lights used to warn other drivers of a vehicle problem or breakdown.

Blind-Spot Monitoring

Driver-assist feature that warns of vehicles in adjacent lanes with a mirror icon or alert.

Adaptive Cruise Control

System automatically adjusting speed to maintain a set following distance.

Autopilot / Self-Driving Feature

Advanced driver-assist technology; the human driver remains responsible for control at all times.

Pre-Crash Warning

Technology activated to alert or prepare the vehicle when a collision risk is detected.

Most Important Part of a Vehicle

The driver, who makes all critical decisions and controls the car.

Daily Vehicle Check

Routine inspection of tires, lights, and controls for safety before driving.

Idle Acceleration

Using only engine idle power, without pressing the accelerator, typically for parking maneuvers.

Thrust Acceleration

Firm accelerator input used for quick speed increase, such as passing.

Yield Sign

Triangular sign instructing drivers to slow and give right-of-way if necessary.

Staggered Stop Line

Offset white stop line used at multi-lane intersections to improve visibility for large vehicles.

Glancing Blow

Collision where a vehicle strikes an object at an angle to reduce impact force.