AK DMV Safe Driving Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving on an icy Alaska highway, what is the recommended following distance behind the vehicle ahead?
- At least 6 seconds or more (Correct answer)
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds
- One car length
Correct answer: At least 6 seconds or more
On ice and snow, stopping distances increase dramatically, so you should extend your following distance to 6 seconds or more.
Question 2: If your vehicle begins to skid on ice, what should you do first?
- Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
- Turn the wheel opposite the skid and accelerate
- Shift into park
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go
Releasing the accelerator and steering toward your intended path helps the tires regain traction without locking the wheels.
Question 3: What is the safest action when a moose suddenly steps onto the road ahead of you at night?
- Brake firmly and stay in your lane if possible (Correct answer)
- Swerve sharply into the oncoming lane
- Speed up to pass before it crosses
- Flash your high beams and honk continuously
Correct answer: Brake firmly and stay in your lane if possible
Braking firmly while staying in your lane is safer than swerving, which can cause loss of control or a head-on collision.
Question 4: When should you use your headlights in Alaska?
- Any time visibility is reduced, and from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise (Correct answer)
- Only after midnight
- Only when other drivers flash their lights at you
- Only during snowstorms
Correct answer: Any time visibility is reduced, and from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise
Headlights are required from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise and whenever visibility is limited.
Question 5: What does an extended following distance help you avoid when driving behind a snowplow?
- Reduced visibility from blowing snow and sudden plow movements (Correct answer)
- Getting a ticket for tailgating only
- Engine overheating
- Losing radio reception
Correct answer: Reduced visibility from blowing snow and sudden plow movements
Snowplows throw up snow clouds and can stop or shift suddenly, so extra distance protects your visibility and reaction time.
Question 6: Which of the following is the best defense against drowsy driving on long rural Alaska routes?
- Stopping to rest or switching drivers before you become fatigued (Correct answer)
- Turning up the radio volume
- Opening the window slightly
- Drinking one cup of coffee every four hours
Correct answer: Stopping to rest or switching drivers before you become fatigued
Only rest or a fresh driver truly counters fatigue; tricks like loud music provide only brief, unreliable alertness.
Question 7: When approaching a curve on a wet or icy road, when should you reduce your speed?
- Before entering the curve (Correct answer)
- At the middle of the curve
- Only if you feel the tires slip
- After exiting the curve
Correct answer: Before entering the curve
Slowing before the curve keeps traction available for steering, since braking within a curve on a slick surface can cause a skid.
AK DMV Safe Driving Practices 2
When driving on an icy Alaska highway, what is the recommended following distance behind the vehicle ahead?