Class 7 Highway Driving 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What are the dangers of driving in the blind spots of large trucks on Alberta highways?
- There are no blind spots on modern trucks
- The truck driver cannot see you, increasing the risk of being sideswiped or cut off (Correct answer)
- Blind spots only exist on the left side of trucks
- Blind spots are only an issue at night
Correct answer: The truck driver cannot see you, increasing the risk of being sideswiped or cut off
Large trucks have significant blind spots on all four sides — the right side is the largest. If you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, they likely cannot see you. Stay out of these zones.
Question 2: In Alberta, what should you do when you see a 'PASSING LANE AHEAD' sign on a highway?
- Move to the left lane immediately
- Prepare for an additional lane where slower traffic should keep right and faster traffic may pass on the left (Correct answer)
- Slow down as the road is narrowing
- Speed up to pass before the lane ends
Correct answer: Prepare for an additional lane where slower traffic should keep right and faster traffic may pass on the left
A 'Passing Lane Ahead' sign means an additional lane is about to begin, allowing faster vehicles to pass slower ones. Slower vehicles should keep right, and passing vehicles use the left lane.
Question 3: What should you do if you experience a tire blowout while driving on an Alberta highway?
- Brake hard and steer to the shoulder immediately
- Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and gradually steer to the shoulder (Correct answer)
- Speed up to stabilize the vehicle
- Turn off the engine immediately
Correct answer: Grip the steering wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and gradually steer to the shoulder
During a blowout, grip the steering wheel firmly to maintain control, ease off the accelerator gradually (do not brake hard), and steer carefully to the shoulder. Hard braking can cause a spin.
Question 4: In Alberta, what is the purpose of rumble strips along highway shoulders and centre lines?
- To mark the boundary of construction zones
- To alert drivers through vibration and noise that they are leaving their lane (Correct answer)
- To improve traction in wet weather
- To indicate areas where wildlife crosses frequently
Correct answer: To alert drivers through vibration and noise that they are leaving their lane
Rumble strips are grooves cut into the pavement that create noise and vibration when driven over. They warn drivers who are drifting out of their lane, helping prevent head-on and run-off-road collisions.
Question 5: On Alberta highways, what should you do if an oncoming vehicle is in your lane and a head-on collision seems imminent?
- Close your eyes and brace for impact
- Steer right toward the shoulder or ditch — never steer into oncoming traffic (Correct answer)
- Steer left into the oncoming lane to go around them
- Speed up to get past them quickly
Correct answer: Steer right toward the shoulder or ditch — never steer into oncoming traffic
If a head-on collision is imminent, steer right toward the shoulder or ditch. Going into the ditch is much safer than a head-on collision. Never steer left into oncoming traffic.
Question 6: In Alberta, what does a 'DIVIDED HIGHWAY BEGINS' sign warn you about?
- The highway is ending
- The road ahead will split into two separate roadways divided by a median (Correct answer)
- Traffic from a side road will merge
- Construction is dividing the road temporarily
Correct answer: The road ahead will split into two separate roadways divided by a median
This sign warns that the road ahead will split into two separate roadways separated by a median or barrier. You should keep to the right side of the divider.
Class 7 Highway Driving 3
What are the dangers of driving in the blind spots of large trucks on Alberta highways?