Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

Which action best prevents being hit from behind when you must slow suddenly?

Answer: Tap your brakes early to flash your brake lights as a warning

Early, gentle braking flashes your brake lights and gives following drivers time to react.

A driver behind you is showing signs of road rage. You should:

Answer: Avoid eye contact, don't respond, and let them pass safely

Disengaging and letting an aggressive driver pass defuses the situation and keeps you safe.

When passing a truck on a two-lane highway, a defensive driver should:

Answer: Ensure clear oncoming traffic, pass quickly without speeding excessively, and avoid lingering in the blind spot

Completing the pass efficiently while staying out of the truck's blind spots minimizes exposure to danger.

What is the safest way to handle a tire blowout at highway speed?

Answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually before pulling over

Hard braking after a blowout can cause loss of control, so slow gradually while steering straight.

Why should you avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot?

Answer: The driver may change lanes into you without seeing you

If a driver cannot see you, any lane change they make could cause a collision.

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on an Alaska highway, you must:

Answer: Move over a lane if safe, or slow down significantly if you cannot

Alaska's move-over law requires vacating the adjacent lane or slowing down for stopped emergency vehicles.

Cruise control should NOT be used when:

Answer: Roads are wet, icy, or slippery

Cruise control can cause loss of traction control on slippery surfaces because it maintains speed through a skid.