Driving Safety and Laws

A comprehensive set of flashcards derived from a lecture covering driving health, techniques, road signs, law enforcement procedures, vehicle operation, and safety regulations.

What are the key health factors that may affect driving ability?

Vision, hearing, fatigue, medications, and both physical and mental health.

What must you do with your hands while controlling the vehicle?

Keep both hands on the wheel when possible.

What does hand-to-hand steering involve?

Starting with hands at 9 and 3 o'clock or 8 and 4 o'clock without crossing hands.

When is one-hand steering appropriate?

When backing up or operating vehicle controls that require one hand.

What are the requirements for signaling a turn?

Always signal at least 100 feet before turning, changing lanes, or stopping.

What should you do if your signal lights are not functioning?

Use hand-and-arm signals to indicate your intentions.

When should you use your vehicle's headlights?

When it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away, 30 minutes after sunset, and in adverse weather.

What are the three ways to warn drivers behind you of a hazard?

Turn on emergency flashers, tap the brake pedal lightly, or use hand signals.

What should you do if you need to stop because of vehicle trouble?

Turn on emergency flashers and pull off the road if possible.

What does a single solid yellow line mean?

Marks the center of a road with two-way traffic; do not pass if you are on the solid line side.

What do double solid yellow lines indicate?

No passing allowed; stay to the right unless certain conditions apply.

What does a broken yellow line signify?

You may pass if it's safe when the line is next to your driving lane.

What is the purpose of a single solid white line?

Marks traffic lanes going in the same direction, often on one-way streets.

What do double solid white lines indicate?

A lane barrier; do not change lanes over these lines.

What does a yield line look like?

A solid white line of triangles pointing towards approaching vehicles indicating where to yield.

How should you choose a lane when driving?

Use the left lane to pass and turn left, and the right lane to enter or exit traffic.

What is the procedure for changing lanes?

Signal, check mirrors, check blind spots, and ensure enough space is available.

What to do if your exit from a highway is approaching?

Signal five seconds before the exit and adjust speed as necessary.

What does a diamond symbol on the road surface signify?

An HOV lane, reserved for carpools and certain other vehicles.

What should you not do when making a left turn?

Do not turn wide and into another lane; ensure the way is clear and signal in advance.

What is required when you make a right turn against a red light?

You must come to a complete stop and yield to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

When is parking illegal on public transit bus lanes?

Always; you may only cross a bus lane to make a right turn.

What is parallel parking?

Parking in line with the road and other vehicles, requiring precise maneuvering.

What should children under 2 years use in a vehicle?

A federally-approved rear-facing child passenger restraint system.

What does a red traffic signal mean?

STOP; you may only turn right after stopping if there is no sign prohibiting the turn.

What do flashing yellow lights indicate?

Proceed with caution; you do not need to stop.

What is the first step when encountering a tire blowout?

Hold the steering wheel firmly and maintain speed if possible.

What factors may increase your risk of a collision?

Driver distractions, unsafe speed, improper turns, and failure to follow right-of-way rules.

What should you do if you are in a collision?

Stop, check for injuries, call 911 if hurt, and exchange info with other drivers.

What is the speed limit in a business or residential district?

Usually 25 mph unless otherwise posted.

What does California's Basic Speed Law state?

You can never drive faster than is safe given conditions, regardless of posted limits.

Under what condition is it illegal to use a cell phone while driving?

Using a handheld phone for calls or texting; must use hands-free mode.

What are the potential penalties for DUI?

Fines, jail time, license suspension, and possible vehicle impoundment.

What must you provide during a law enforcement stop?

Driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

What should you do if your vehicle stalls on the freeway?

Pull over to the right, stay inside your vehicle, and call for assistance.

What is the rule for carrying alcohol in a vehicle?

It must be sealed and stored where passengers do not sit.

What should you do when approaching railroad crossings?

Look, listen, and prepare to stop; do not proceed if the lights are flashing.

What does a 'No U-turn' sign indicate?

You must not make a U-turn at that location.

What is the fine for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights?

Fines can be up to $1,000.

What does a blue curb signify?

Parking for disabled persons with proper placards only.

What is the consequence for driving without insurance?

Your driving privilege can be suspended for up to four years.

What are two situations where you might be required to yield?

Pedestrians in crosswalks and vehicles at uncontrolled intersections.

What does an emergency vehicle's flashing lights require?

You must pull over to the right and stop until the vehicle passes.

What should you do if the traffic signal lights are not working?

Treat the intersection as if it is controlled by stop signs.

What is the role of the California Highway Patrol's Freeway Service Patrol?

Provides free roadside assistance for breakdowns during commute hours.

What is the legal age for drinking alcohol in California?

21 years old.

What type of lighting should be used in foggy conditions?

Low-beam headlights.

What safety measures should be taken when driving in the rain or on wet roads?

Slow down, use headlights, and increase following distance.

What does a broken white line indicate?

It separates traffic lanes going in the same direction.

What should you do to avoid tailgating accidents?

Use the three-second rule to maintain a safe following distance.

During heavy rain, what is the maximum speed you should drive if visibility is below 100 feet?

30 mph maximum.

What is the consequences of having an aggressive driving behavior?

Increased risk of a collision and possible legal action.

What does the term ‘No Zone’ refer to?

Blind spots around large trucks where smaller vehicles may not be visible to the truck driver.

What is the speed limit near railroad crossings if you cannot see the tracks?

15 mph.

What are the minimum liability insurance requirements in California?

$15,000 for one death/injury, $30,000 for multiple persons, and $5,000 for property damage.

What is considered a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front in good driving conditions?

At least three seconds or a vehicle length.

What should you do if you miss your exit on the freeway?

Continue to the next exit and do not make a last-minute lane change.

What does ‘HOV’ stand for?

High-Occupancy Vehicle.

What is the maximum legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) for drivers over 21?

0.08%.

What is prohibited when driving a vehicle close to a school?

Speeding and aggressive driving; always yield to children.

What does a flashing red light mean at a traffic signal?

Stop and proceed when safe.

When can you legally make a left turn against a red light?

From a one-way street onto another one-way street, unless prohibited.

What should you do when emergency flashers are activated on stopped vehicles?

Reduce your speed and pass with caution.

When can you legally back up a vehicle on a highway?

If it's safe and there is no prohibition; otherwise it’s illegal.

What is the main purpose of your vehicle's turn signals?

To communicate your actions to other road users.

What is the law concerning DUI for drivers under 21?

A BAC of 0.01% or higher may result in suspension of driving privileges.

What are the reasons law enforcement may pull you over?

Suspected traffic violations, unsafe driving, or for a traffic stop.

How should you react when driving in low visibility, like fog?

Reduce speed, use low-beam lights, and increase following distance.

What is the significance of a 'Yield' sign?

You must slow down and give way to other traffic.

What is the consequence of failing to yield to pedestrians?

Fines and points on your driving record.

What indicates a legal turn in a dedicated turn lane at a red signal?

You can turn right, but must stop and ensure it is safe.

What should you avoid when driving in high winds?

Sudden lane changes or aggressive steering.

What is the regulation when parking on hills?

Turn wheels to prevent rolling into the street.

What should you do if your brakes fail while driving?

Shift to a lower gear and use the emergency brake gradually.

When is it permissible to cross a solid white line?

It is not permissible to cross double solid white lines, do so only on broken lines.

What is the main role of the DMV?

To oversee vehicle registration, driver licensing, and ensure public safety on roads.

What is required when transporting animals in your vehicle?

Animals must be properly secured to prevent them from falling out.

Who must wear a seat belt in a vehicle?

All passengers must wear seat belts; the driver is responsible for minors.

How should you react to the sound of emergency vehicle sirens?

Pull over to the right and stop until they pass.