Louisiana Driver's Education – Lecture Review

Why should a motorcyclist often ride in the left portion of their lane?

To gain a better view of traffic and road situations and to be more visible to other motorists.

What following distance should you keep when driving behind a motorcycle?

At least a four-second following distance.

Why must motorists avoid sharing a lane with a motorcycle?

Because motorcycles are entitled to the full width of the lane to maneuver around hazards.

What is the most common location for car–motorcycle collisions?

Intersections, usually because a driver fails to see the motorcycle and turns into its path.

Why can a motorcycle’s single headlight or taillight be deceptive at night?

It can blend in with other vehicle lights, causing drivers to misjudge the motorcycle’s distance.

What is the minimum stopping distance for a fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling 55 mph on a dry road?

About 290 feet.

If you cannot see a truck driver’s face in the truck’s mirror, what does that mean?

You are in the truck’s blind spot (No-Zone) and the driver cannot see you.

Why should you never cut in front of a large truck?

The open space in front of the truck is its safety cushion; the truck may not be able to stop if you brake suddenly.

When following a truck in good weather, how much space should you leave?

At least a 4–5 second gap, and more in poor conditions.

What lane should you use to pass a large truck, and what visual cue tells you it’s safe to pull back in?

Always pass on the left; wait until you can see the entire front of the truck in your rear-view mirror.

What is the safest action when a truck signals a wide right turn?

Stay back and do not attempt to squeeze between the truck and the curb; wait until the turn is complete.

List two effects of air turbulence around large trucks.

It can push your vehicle sideways and reduce steering control, especially on windy days.

How long may you legally drive in a shared center left-turn lane in Louisiana?

No more than 200 feet.

What markings identify a shared center left-turn lane?

A solid yellow centerline with broken yellow lines on either side of it.

What speed range should you target when entering a roundabout?

Approximately 15–20 mph.

Who has the right-of-way inside a roundabout or traffic circle?

Circulating traffic; entering vehicles must yield.

When approaching a roundabout intending to turn left, how should you signal?

Signal left while approaching; after passing the third-quarter point, signal right to exit.

What are the three parts of any corner?

Entry, apex (mid-corner), and exit.

Why is ‘slow in, fast out’ the safer strategy for cornering?

Entering slightly slower provides a safety margin and allows a smoother, quicker exit.

What hand positions are recommended for proper steering through corners?

Both hands at the nine-and-three o’clock positions.

Explain the relationship between speed and cornering force.

Cornering force increases with the square of speed; doubling speed quadruples the force.

Name the three elements of space management.

Speed control, lane position, and communication.

What should you do if you miss your interstate exit?

Continue to the next exit, re-enter the interstate, and return; never stop or back up.

Where should you slow down when leaving an interstate?

In the deceleration lane, not on the travel lane of the interstate.

According to statistics, what percentage of crashes involve some factor of driver behavior?

About 95 %.

How does an anti-lock braking system (ABS) help in emergencies?

It automatically pumps the brakes, allowing you to steer while braking hard without wheel lockup.

Describe the correct manual-brake technique for an emergency stop without ABS.

Pump the brakes: press firmly, release as skid starts, then re-apply rapidly until stopped.

What is the preferred object to hit if a collision cannot be avoided?

Something that will give way (e.g., shrubs) and at an angle, rather than a hard object head-on.

Why is tailgating a motorcycle compared to an 18-wheeler tailgating a car?

Because the size difference magnifies the danger; even a minor tap can destabilize the motorcycle.

List two early symptoms of carbon-monoxide poisoning.

Yawning and dizziness (upset stomach is another).

At what water depth can most passenger cars lose control or stall?

Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most cars and cause loss of control.

How much moving water can carry away most vehicles?

About two feet of rushing water.

What first step should you take if steam is coming from under your hood?

Pull over safely, turn off the engine, and wait for it to cool; do not open the radiator cap.

Why must you remove a disabled vehicle from the travel lane if possible (Louisiana “Move It” law)?

To reduce congestion and prevent secondary crashes.

What should you do when approached by an emergency vehicle using lights and siren?

Yield, pull parallel to the right edge or curb, and stop until the vehicle passes.

What personal safety action is recommended after a breakdown on a highway at night?

Turn on interior dome light and place reflective triangles or flares 100 ft behind the car.

Which three driver behaviors are specifically impaired by alcohol?

Judgment, reaction time, and vision (including depth perception).

How long after alcohol consumption does it typically reach the brain?

About 20 minutes.

Why is coffee or a cold shower ineffective at sobering a driver?

Only time and liver metabolism remove alcohol from the bloodstream; stimulants don’t reduce BAC.

Why should you keep headlights on low beam when following a truck at night?

High beams reflect off the truck’s multiple mirrors and can blind the truck driver.

What should you do before connecting jumper cables to a dead battery?

Remove vent caps, cover vents with a cloth, turn off all accessories, and ensure cars aren’t touching.

If you cannot see a truck’s side mirrors while following, what must you do?

Back off; you are too close and the driver cannot see you.

What is the safest lane to avoid crashes with trucks near weigh stations or on hills?

Avoid the right lane if possible; large trucks will be merging or moving slowly there.

Explain ‘squeeze play’ when a truck is turning right.

A truck swings left before turning right; cars that try to slip between the truck and curb risk being crushed.

What hazard may cause a motorcyclist to change lane position suddenly