Driver's Safety & Rules: Ohio Traffic Laws & Defensive Driving

What is the proper positioning for a seat belt?

The lap belt should be low and snug across the hip bones, and the shoulder strap should be against the chest.

What are the car seat requirements for children up to 4 years old?

Children must be in a car seat with a 5-point harness.

What is the booster seat requirement for children up to 8 years old?

Children must use a booster seat until they are 4'9" tall.

What is the recommended hand position on the steering wheel?

The recommended hand position is at 9-3 or 8-4 o'clock.

What is the minimum following distance in good weather?

The minimum following distance is 3-4 seconds.

What is the recommended following distance behind motorcycles?

Increase the following distance to at least 5 to 6 seconds.

What does S.I.P.D.E. stand for in driving safety?

Search, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute.

What are the five principles of the Smith System?

1. Aim high in steering, 2. Get the big picture, 3. Keep your eyes moving, 4. Leave yourself an out, 5. Make sure others see you.

What is the maximum speed limit on interstate highways in Ohio?

70 mph.

What is the speed limit in active school zones?

20 mph.

What are the practice hour requirements for new drivers in Ohio?

50 hours total, with 10 hours at night.

What is the legal drinking age in all states?

21 years old.

What is the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for drivers over 21?

0.08.

What is Ohio's policy on underage drinking and driving?

Ohio has a zero tolerance policy for minors consuming alcohol.

What are the effects of alcohol on driving?

Alcohol impairs judgment, reasoning, coordination, and slows reaction time.

What is the primary offense related to distracted driving?

Texting while driving.

What are the consequences of a first offense for distracted driving?

2 points on the license and up to a $150 fine.

What is peripheral vision?

The ability to see out of the corners of the eyes while looking straight ahead.

What happens to visual acuity as speed increases?

Visual acuity decreases as speed increases.

What is the visual search area recommended for awareness while driving?

20-30 seconds ahead.

What should you mainly see in your door mirror adjustment?

You should not mainly see the sides of your vehicle.

Why do trucks have larger blind spots?

Trucks have larger blind spots, referred to as No Zones, which should be avoided.

Why are motorcycles difficult to see in blind spots?

Motorcycles are difficult to see due to their smaller size.

What is the first action to take when visibility is reduced?

The first action is to slow down.

What type of headlights should be used in fog, rain, and snow?

Use low beam headlights.

What does 'overdriving headlights' mean?

It means you are unable to respond properly to hazards once they appear in your headlights due to your speed.

What should you do when oncoming vehicles have their high beams on?

Look to the right edge of the roadway as a guide; do not turn on your high beams.

What is the risk of hydroplaning?

The risk increases with speed; proper tire inflation helps prevent it.

What should you do if you encounter standing water while driving?

Do not drive into it; an average car can be swept off the road in 12 inches of water.

What is the minimum tread depth for tires in Ohio?

The minimum tread depth is 1/16 inch.

What is the procedure for a tire blowout?

Grip the steering wheel firmly, slow down, and pull onto the shoulder without braking immediately.

What should you do before starting your vehicle?

Check gauges and warning lights, ensure the steering wheel is unlocked, and depress the brake.

What is the best way to turn a vehicle?

Brake as you approach, coast going in, and accelerate gently halfway through the turn.

What should you do when parallel parking?

Wheels should be 6-12 inches from the curb.

What should you do when parking downhill?

Turn the front wheels to the right or towards the curb.

What is the right-of-way rule at a four-way stop?

The vehicle that arrives first has the right of way.

What should you do at an uncontrolled intersection?

Treat it as a four-way stop.

What should you always do for pedestrians?

Always yield to pedestrians, regardless of road type, weather, or time of day.

What are three important considerations regarding pedestrians?

1. Age 2. Their activity 3. The location