Safe Driving

What is visual search while driving?

Look ahead, scan to both sides, and check behind regularly to detect hazards early.

What are the components of total stopping distance?

Perception distance + reaction distance + braking distance.

What is perception time/distance?

Time/distance to recognize the need to stop.

What is reaction time/distance?

Time/distance to react and move the foot from accelerator to brake.

What is braking distance?

Distance/time required for the brakes to slow and stop the vehicle after braking begins.

How do you check a four-second following distance?

When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed point, count four seconds; if you reach it sooner, increase following distance.

When should following distance be increased?

At night or in poor visibility, on slippery roads, behind large vehicles/trailers, and behind vehicles required to stop at railroad crossings.

How do you reduce side-space risks?

Avoid lingering in blind spots, avoid crowding center lines, make room for merging vehicles, and give extra space to pedestrians, children, cyclists, and tractor-trailers.

How should you manage speed on curves?

Reduce speed before entering the curve; avoid abrupt braking/steering while in it.

What should you do on slippery roads?

Reduce speed and increase following distance; make smooth, gradual inputs.

What is hydroplaning?

Tires ride on a film of water and lose road contact/traction.

What should you do if hydroplaning?

Ease off the accelerator, keep steering steady, avoid sudden braking/turning, and allow traction to return.

What should you do when approaching a flooded roadway?

Do not drive through water if depth/road condition is uncertain; stop and find another route.

When is a horn useful?

Briefly alert pedestrians/cyclists moving into your lane, a driver starting to turn into your lane, or a driver who may not see you.

When should you avoid unnecessary horn use?

Do not use it aggressively or when it could startle or confuse others.

What should you do to prevent hot-car injury to children?

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle; check the back seat every trip, lock the vehicle, and use a reminder.

You see a child alone in a hot vehicle. What does the manual advise?

Call 911; check unlocked doors and seek the parent while making the call. If the child is distressed or unresponsive, take action to remove them; stay until help arrives.

What should you do about pets in vehicles?

Do not leave pets in dangerous heat; secure pets so they cannot distract the driver.

Scenario: You reach a fixed point three seconds after the vehicle ahead. Is the gap enough?

Not by the manual’s four-second method; increase the gap and recheck.

Scenario: Your vehicle begins to hydroplane. What should you do?

Ease off the accelerator, keep steering steady, and avoid abrupt braking or steering until traction returns.