Vision Zero, DC Traffic Safety, and Driver Licensing Practice Flashcards

A comprehensive set of practice questions based on Vision Zero, DC traffic safety, HAWK/RRFB signals, pedestrian/bicycle safety, licensing processes, and driving rules to help prepare for the exam.

What is Vision Zero?

A multinational road traffic safety project aiming to have no fatalities or serious injuries in road traffic; started in Sweden in 1997 and has been implemented internationally; many US cities have plans in development.

What are the five critical emphasis areas identified in the DC Highway Safety Plan?

High-Risk Drivers; Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; Engineering/Facilities Infrastructure; Special Vehicles; Special Target Areas.

Approximately what fraction of traffic-related deaths are alcohol-impaired?

About one-third.

What factors affect blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels?

How quickly you drink; body weight; food in the stomach; alcohol concentration; medications; fatigue, stress, and mood.

What is drowsy driving and how can it be prevented?

Operating a vehicle while drowsy due to sleep deprivation; prevent by getting adequate sleep, avoiding driving when sleepy, and pulling off the road if needed.

What are common distractions while driving?

Eating and drinking; using a cellphone or smartphone; texting; grooming; reading; using navigation; adjusting the radio/MP3; talking to passengers.

What does Sharing the Road mean in Vision Zero?

All road users (drivers, bicyclists, pedestrians, commercial vehicles, etc.) share the road and must follow rules to ensure safety.

Why is the definition of ‘drivers’ broadened in Vision Zero?

To include bicycles, buses, motorcycles, light trucks, and other non-rail vehicles, expanding the scope of traffic safety.

What is the Dutch Reach method?

Open the car door with the hand farthest from the door to turn the body and better see approaching bicyclists, reducing ‘doorings.’

How far should bicyclists ride from parked cars to avoid door openings?

At least three feet to stay out of the door zone.

What is a HAWK signal and what is its purpose?

HAWK stands for High-Intensity Activated crossWalk; it is a pedestrian signal beacon that stops traffic to allow pedestrians to cross safely, and may automatically detect pedestrians.

Where are HAWK signals commonly used in DC, and what is their accessibility feature?

Used on streets with un-signalized crosswalks as part of the coordinated system; often equipped with Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) that provide audible and vibrating feedback for crossings.

What is an RRFB and how does it function?

Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon; a pedestrian-activated device with flashing yellow lights to improve crosswalk visibility; activated by a push button or pedestrian detection; drivers must stop for pedestrians.

What should you know about the DC driver knowledge examination process?

The exam tests knowledge of traffic laws, signs, and safe driving practices; it may be taken at a DC DMV service center and is available in multiple languages; audio/visual options exist.

What does GRAD stand for and what are its three stages?

Gradual Reinforcement of Adult Drivers; Learner Permit, Provisional License, Full Driver License.

What are some key GRAD restrictions for Learner Permit holders?

You must be accompanied by a licensed driver 21+; you cannot drive alone; wear seat belts; no compensation or commercial driving; no mobile devices; limited to no other passengers.

What are the requirements and restrictions for Provisional License holders in the GRAD program?

To obtain a provisional license, you must be 16 or 17 years old, have held a learner permit for at least six months, and have 40 hours of supervised driving practice. Restrictions typically include a nighttime driving curfew between 11 PM and 6 AM, and limits on the number of passengers under 21 years old (often no more than one non-family passenger). No mobile device use is allowed.

What are the requirements for obtaining a Full Driver License in the GRAD program?

To obtain a full driver license, you must be at least 17 years old, have held a provisional license for at least 12 months, and have not accumulated any traffic violations during the provisional period.

What is the purpose of the points system in DC for driving offenses?

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses a points system to track driving offenses. Points are assessed for moving violations and other infractions, leading to penalties like license suspension or revocation if a certain number of points are accumulated within a specified period.

What are typical Road Skills Test requirements and retest rules in DC?

You must have a learner permit; test administered by DMV; bring required documents and vehicle; if you fail, you must wait 72 hours before retesting; after six failures, a 12-month wait before retesting.

What general steps should you follow when involved in a motor vehicle crash?

Stop; remain at the scene; aid the injured; identify yourself and vehicle information; provide insurance information; leave a note if unattended; report the crash to your insurer.