Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

Your vehicle starts to skid on packed snow with the rear sliding right. You should:

Answer: Ease off the gas and steer gently to the right, in the direction of the skid

Steering in the direction the rear is sliding while easing off the accelerator helps the tires regain grip.

What does having an 'escape route' mean in defensive driving?

Answer: Always knowing an open space you can steer into if a hazard develops

An escape route is an open space around your vehicle you can use to avoid a sudden hazard.

When driving into low sun glare on a snow-covered road, you should:

Answer: Slow down, use sunglasses and your visor, and increase following distance

Reducing speed and using glare protection compensates for reduced visibility off snow and sun.

Another driver runs a red light as you enter an intersection on green. This shows why defensive drivers should:

Answer: Look left and right before entering any intersection, even with a green light

A green light gives you the right-of-way but never guarantees cross traffic will stop.

If your accelerator pedal sticks while driving, the first thing you should do is:

Answer: Shift to neutral and brake, steering to a safe stop

Shifting to neutral removes engine power so you can brake and steer safely to the shoulder.

How does fatigue affect your driving ability?

Answer: It slows reaction time and impairs judgment much like alcohol

Drowsiness slows reactions and clouds judgment in ways comparable to alcohol impairment.

In long winter darkness, a defensive driver in Alaska should:

Answer: Keep headlights clean, slow down, and scan for wildlife and pedestrians

Extended darkness reduces visibility, so clean lights, lower speeds, and active scanning are essential.