California Driver Safety and Road Rules

Flashcards covering seat belt laws, child safety restraint requirements, speed laws, emergency procedures, and distracted driving rules based on the lecture notes.

Seat Belt Ticket (Under 16)

A ticket may be issued to the driver if a passenger under $16$ years old is not wearing a seat belt.

Pregnant Passenger Seat Belt Placement

The lap belt should be adjusted snug and low under the abdomen, and the shoulder strap should be placed between the breasts and to the side of the abdomen’s bulge.

Rear-facing Child Passenger Restraint System

Required for children under $2$ years old, under $40$ pounds, and under $3$ feet $4$ inches tall.

Child Restraint System (Age and Height)

Required for children under $8$ years old or less than $4$ feet $9$ inches tall, typically in a rear seat.

Air Bag Safety Distance

At least $10$ inches from the airbag cover, measured from the center of the steering wheel to the breastbone.

Unattended Child Law

Illegal to leave a child $6$ years old or younger unattended in a vehicle unless supervised by a person at least $12$ years old.

Basic Speed Law

A California law stating you may never drive faster than is safe for current road conditions, regardless of the posted speed limit.

California Highway Maximum Speed (General)

Unless otherwise posted, the ideal maximum speed limit is $65\,mph$.

California Highway Maximum Speed (Two-lane Undivided)

The maximum speed limit is $55\,mph$ for two-lane undivided highways and vehicles towing trailers.

Bicyclist Passing Distance

Drivers must allow plenty of space, at least $3\,feet$, when passing a bicyclist.

Tire Blowout Response (NHTSA)

Hold the steering wheel with both hands, maintain speed if safe, gradually release the accelerator, and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.

Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)

A program by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that provides free roadside services such as a gallon of gas, jump starts, and changing flat tires during commute times.

Dial 511

The number to call for Freeway Service Patrol assistance or information if a vehicle becomes disabled on the freeway.

Railroad Track Emergency (Train Approaching)

Exit the vehicle immediately and run away from the tracks diagonally in the direction the train is coming from, then call $911$.

Minor Cell Phone Exception

Minors are prohibited from using cell phones while driving except to make a call for emergency assistance.

Cell Phone Mounting

A device must be mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or center console and cannot block the driver's view of the road.

Carbon Monoxide

A deadly, odorless gas released from a vehicle's exhaust pipe; symptoms of poisoning include tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and ringing in the ears.