SECTION 3: Safe Driving

What should be the first response to decreased visibility and dangerous road conditions?

Reducing your speed and increasing your space cushion by doubling your normal following distance.

When driving in heavy fog, what should you do?

Use low-beam headlights in heavy fog and look for road edge markings to guide you. Slow down as well.

At sunset, as soon as light begins to fade, what should you immediately do?

Turn on your headlights to make your vehicle more visible to others. You must use headlights from sunset to sunrise.

When driving in light rain or drizzle, what should you do?

Turn on your windshield wipers to improve visibility; using wipers for sprinkles may smear the windshield and make it harder to see, so make sure you have windshield washer fluid.

What does Virginia law require motorists to use headlights during inclement weather such as rain, fog, snow or sleet when visibility is reduced to how many feet?

500 feet

What is dangerous driving behavior defined by Virginia law?

 The intent to harass, intimidate, injure or obstruct another person while committing one or more traffic offenses such as failing to stop or yield the right-of-way, avoiding a traffic control device or failing to give way to an overtaking vehicle.

What do you do if you see an aggressive driver?

Protect yourself and stay out of the way Don’t challenge the aggressive driver by speeding up or trying to out-maneuver him. Avoid eye contact and ignore his gestures and shouting.

What could happen to you if you are convicted of reckless driving?

Your license could be suspended for ten days or for as long as six months.

On highways, what headlights should you use?

use high-beam headlights, unless another vehicle is within 500 feet coming toward you.

If you are driving on slippery surfaces and you need to stop, what should you do?

release the accelerator and apply brakes gently.

Why should you watch for ice on bridges?

Bridges freeze before other road surfaces

Virginia law requires motorists to use headlights during inclement weather when visibility is reduced to….?

500 feet.  

When rain begins, when are roads more likely to be slippery?

the first half-hour

When do you have the most traction and control of your vehicle?

when the front tires are rolling.

When driving on packed snow, what should you do?

Apply brakes gently. Slow down before stopping or turning.

When is the only time a driver should use their cell phones?

 to report a crash or emergency or the vehicle is lawfully parked or stopped.

What accounts for roughly 17% of all traffic crashes in Virginia?

driver distraction

How much greater a chance do you have of being in a crash if you drive after drinking?

seven times greater

What is also the equivalent of a shot of liquor or a five-ounce glass of wine?

Twelve ounces of beer 

Between what hours of the day are 3 out of 10 drivers drunk?

10 PM - 2 AM

What percentage of drivers arrested for DUIs are social to moderate drinkers?

nearly 50%

If you are a driver 21 or older, you are considered to be driving under the influence when your blood alcohol content is….?

.08% or higher

If under age 21, you can be convicted of illegal consumption of alcohol if your BAC is at least ____ but less than .08%.

0.2%

If your driving is impaired, you can still be convicted of a DUI with a BAC lower than…?

.08%

What can combining alcohol with other drugs do to your driving ability?

It multiplies the effects of both and can have a disastrous effect on your ability to drive.

What should you do if you are involved in a traffic crash?

• Stop at the scene

• Move vehicles from the road

• Be careful exiting the vehicle

• Give any help you can if someone is injured, do not move an injured person from a vehicle

• Report the crash to the police as quickly as possible

• Exchange information with other people involved in the crash as soon as possible

What information should you exchange with other people involved in a crash?

• Name

• Address

• Driver’s License

• Plate Numbers

• Name & Address of those who were injured

What should you do when an unattended vehicle or property is damaged in a crash?

You must make a reasonable effort to find the owner. If you cannot locate anyone, leave a note that can be found easily with your name, telephone number, the date and time of the crash, and a description of the damage. You must also report the crash to the police within 24 hours.

What should you do to avoid hitting a deer or other large animal?

• Be alert at dusk and dawn, especially in the fall

• slow down if you see one, they frequently travel in groups, so there are likely others nearby

• use your horn to scare them away

• If a collision with an animal is unavoidable, brake firmly and stay in your lane.

What should you do if you DO end up hitting a large animal?

Report it to law enforcement