Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

What is the main danger of 'highway hypnosis' on long, straight roads?

Answer: You become drowsy and inattentive without realizing it

Monotonous driving dulls attention and can put a driver into a trance-like, unresponsive state.

Before pulling out to pass, checking your mirrors is not enough because:

Answer: A vehicle may already be overtaking you in your blind spot

A faster vehicle already passing you can be hidden in your blind spot and invisible in mirrors.

You encounter dense fog while driving. A defensive driver should:

Answer: Slow down, use low-beam headlights, and be ready to pull off the road if visibility fails

Low beams reduce glare in fog, and reduced speed matches your stopping distance to what you can see.

Which situation is a clue that the driver ahead of you may be impaired?

Answer: Weaving within the lane, inconsistent speed, and delayed reactions at lights

Weaving, erratic speed, and slow responses are classic warning signs of an impaired driver to keep away from.

If a vehicle approaches you head-on in your lane, your best defensive action is to:

Answer: Slow down, sound your horn, and steer right toward the shoulder

Moving right keeps you out of the path the other driver is most likely to return to.

Loose gravel on rural Alaska roads requires a defensive driver to:

Answer: Reduce speed, avoid sudden steering or braking, and increase following distance

Gravel reduces traction and thrown rocks are a hazard, so smooth inputs and extra distance are essential.

What should you do before backing out of a parking space?

Answer: Walk around or look behind the vehicle, then back slowly while checking all directions

Cameras and mirrors have blind zones, so checking all around before and during backing prevents collisions.