SECTION 3: Safe Driving (Rules of the Road)

Hand position on the steering wheel

8 and 4

Perception time

The time it takes you to recognize a hazard

Braking distance

The distance your car travels after you apply the brakes, also affected by how fast your car is traveling.

Reaction distance

The distance your vehicle travels between the time you recognize the problem and the time you apply the brakes.

What are the three things affected by weather, visibility, and your mental and physical condition?

Braking distance, Perception time, Reaction distance

What is the braking distance when going 35 MPH on dry pavement?

135 feet

What is the braking distance when going 25 MPH on dry pavement?

85 feet

What is the braking distance when going 45 MPH on dry pavement?

195 feet

What is the braking distance when going 55 MPH on dry pavement?

265 feet

What is the braking distance when going 65 MPH on dry pavement?

344 feet

Being convicted of reckless driving is considered…?

a misdemeanor criminal offense 

What might the court do when convicted of reckless driving?

The court may require a fine, suspend your driving privilege and/or impose a jail sentence.

The maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles ️in school, business and residential areas.

25 MPH

The maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles for unpaved roads.

35 MPH

The maximum speed limit for passenger vehicles and motorcycles for for all other roads.

55 MPH

Under what conditions will a law enforcement officer charge you with reckless driving?

If you are driving 20 or more miles per hour (MPH) above the speed limit, or over 85 MPH.

When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights on a highway…..

Proceed with caution and, if reasonable, with due regard for safety and traffic conditions, change to a lane not next to the vehicle. 

When passing stationary vehicles that have activated vehicular hazard warning signal flashers, displayed caution signs, or been marked with properly lit flares or torches….

You are required to make a lane change and proceed with caution.

What do you do if you are passing stationary vehicles in the process of trash collection on a highway of at least four lanes?

• Change to a lane not next to the vehicle.

• If on a highway of fewer than four lanes or if you are unable to change lanes, slow down to 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and pass at least two feet to the left of the vehicle.

What to do if passing a stationary mail vehicle?

Proceed with caution and maintain a safe speed for highway conditions.

What are drivers required to do for stationary vehicles displaying hazard lights, warning signs, or flares?

Drivers are required to also change lanes and proceed with caution 

What is the measure of distance not permitted to park where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm?

500 feet 

How much distance should you keep from an emergency vehicle when its lights are flashing?

Never follow closer than 500 feet

When police, fire and rescue vehicles or ambulances approach you from behind your vehicle using a siren, flashing lights or both, you must…

Immediately yield the right-of-way. Safely pull over to the right edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.

What should you do when emergency vehicles approach you in the opposite lane on an undivided highway?

you must pull over to the edge of the road and stop until the emergency vehicle passes. 

What should you do while inside a roundabout?

Stay in your lane until you are ready to exit. 

When you are being passed, what should you do?

Don’t speed up. Maintain a steady speed or slow down.

When passing another vehicle remember to….

Check the traffic ahead of you, behind you and in your blind spot before you attempt to pass. Signal and then accelerate to pass. Return to the right lane as soon as you can see the front of the passed vehicle in your rearview mirror.  

When passing another vehicle….

It is against the law to exceed the speed limit as you pass.

You may pass on the right if…. 

The vehicle you are passing has signaled and is making a left turn. 

You may not pass on the right if….

You must drive off the pavement or main portion of the roadway to get around the other vehicle.

What should you do when approaching or passing a person riding a bicycle, moped, or power-assisted bicycle or other device?

Reduce speed and pass at least three feet to the left. 

When is passing unlawful and unsafe?

• on hills, curves, at intersections or railroad crossings, except on roads with two or more lanes of traffic moving in the same direction

• off the pavement or on the shoulder of the road

• when a school bus is stopped to load or unload passengers on a public road (unless a physical barrier or unpaved median separates traffic going in either direction) or on a private road

• when a solid line marks the left side of your lane 

• when approaching a crosswalk and the vehicle ahead of you or the lane next to you is stopped

What is Over-correcting?

When the driver turns the steering wheel more sharply than expected, causing the rear wheels of the vehicle to slide toward the outside of the turn. This may result in the loss of vehicle control.

What should drivers do to avoid over-correction?

A driver should remain alert at all times. Reduce speed and use extra caution while driving on curved roads. If you veer off the road, curved or straight, do not panic. Gradually reduce your speed, look in the direction you want to go, slowly steer back onto the roadway.

How do you make a right turn?

Be in the lane furthest to the right and use turn signal 3 or four seconds, 100 feet, before the turn. Then brake smoothly before and during the turn.

How do you make a left turn?

 Be in the furthest left lane possible, turning into the leftmost lane on the intersecting road.  If left turn lanes are provided, you should choose the lane that will best serve your needs. Signal your intent to turn at least 3 to 4 seconds, 100 feet, ahead of the turn. When the way is clear, make the left turn, yield to any vehicles (including bicycles and pedestrians) approaching from the opposite direction.

Hand Signals: Left Turn

Hand Signals: Right Turn

Hand Signals: Slow or Stop

What is a space cushion?

Space around your vehicle gives you distance to react in emergencies and avoid a crash. Create a space cushion around your vehicle by staying in the middle of your lane. Make sure there is enough room ahead of your vehicle and behind it for other vehicles to pass or stop safely.

Following distance on a dry surface going under 35 MPH?

2 seconds

Following distance on a dry surface going 35-45 MPH:

3 seconds

Following distance on a dry surface going 46 - 70 MPH:

4 seconds

When two vehicles are approaching each other and signaling to turn left

both vehicles should turn in front of each other so that the passenger sides of the vehicles are beside each other.

When are you never allowed to make a U-turn?

Highway

In business districts, cities and towns, where is the only place you are allowed to make a U-turn?

Intersections

What are blind spots?

danger areas where vehicles around you cannot be easily seen.

The best way to see a car in your blind spot is….

By quickly turning your head and glancing over your shoulder to ensure the way is clear before changing lanes or passing another vehicle. 

What is a No-Zone?

A truck’s large blind spot

How far should you park from the curb?

one foot

On a two-way street, which side of the road should you park on?

right side

On a one-way road, which side of the road should you park on?

either side

How would you position your wheels parking downhill with curb?

Turn front wheels right

How would you position your wheels parking uphill with curb?

Turn front wheels left

How would you position your wheels parking downhill with no curb?

Turn front wheels right

How would you position your wheels parking uphill with no curb?

Turn front wheels right

Places you cannot park

• beside another parked vehicle (double parking)

• on the hard surface of a road when no curb is present

How many feet must you keep between your car and a fire hydrant when parking?

15 feet

What is the minimum legal distance you must park from an intersection?

20 feet

What is the minimum legal distance you must park from where fire trucks or equipment are stopped answering an alarm?

500 feet

What is the minimum legal distance you must park from a railroad crossing?

50 feet

What is the minimum legal distance you must park from an entrance to a fire, ambulance or rescue squad station?

15 feet

What should you do if you are being tailgated?

If possible, move over to another lane, or gently tap your brakes to flash your brake lights and slow down. 

What do you do when passing in front of a truck?

Look for the entire front of the truck in your rearview mirror before pulling in front. And then, maintain your speed.

How often should you be using your review mirror to check traffic behind you?

approximately every 10 seconds