Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

When following another vehicle on a dry road in good conditions, what minimum following distance does defensive driving recommend?

Answer: A three- to four-second gap

A three- to four-second following distance gives you enough time to perceive a hazard and stop under normal conditions.

You are driving on an icy Alaska highway and your following distance should be:

Answer: Increased to six seconds or more

Ice greatly increases stopping distance, so defensive drivers increase the gap to six seconds or more.

What is the best way to handle a tailgater who is following you too closely?

Answer: Slow down gradually or move over to let them pass

Easing off the accelerator or changing lanes lets the tailgater pass and removes the hazard behind you.

Scanning the road ahead while driving on a highway means looking:

Answer: About 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle

Looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead lets you spot hazards early enough to react smoothly.

A moose suddenly steps onto the road ahead of you at night. The best defensive response is to:

Answer: Brake firmly and stay in your lane if possible

Braking in your lane is safer than swerving, which can cause a rollover or head-on collision.

Which of these is the defining habit of a defensive driver?

Answer: Anticipating other drivers' mistakes before they happen

Defensive driving means expecting errors from others and preparing an escape plan in advance.

Before changing lanes, a defensive driver should:

Answer: Signal, check mirrors, and glance over the shoulder for blind spots

Mirrors leave blind spots, so a shoulder check is required before every lane change.