Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

What is the recommended following distance under normal driving conditions in Connecticut?

Answer: At least 3 seconds behind the vehicle ahead

Connecticut DMV recommends maintaining at least a 3-second following distance under normal conditions to give adequate time to react and stop.

When should you increase your following distance beyond the standard recommendation?

Answer: During rain, snow, or fog

Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility and road traction, requiring a greater following distance to stop safely.

Which defensive driving technique best helps you avoid being in a dangerous situation before it develops?

Answer: Scanning the road 12–15 seconds ahead

Scanning 12–15 seconds ahead allows you to identify and respond to hazards before they become emergencies.

What should you do if you find yourself in a skid on a slippery road?

Answer: Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the accelerator

Steering in the direction you want to travel and gently reducing throttle helps regain vehicle control during a skid.

What is the safest way to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road in Connecticut?

Answer: Signal, check mirrors, accelerate swiftly, and return when you can see the passed vehicle in your mirror

Signaling, checking mirrors, passing swiftly, and only merging back when the passed vehicle is visible ensures a safe pass.

How does fatigue affect a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely?

Answer: It can impair judgment and reaction time as severely as alcohol intoxication

Research shows that severe fatigue impairs driving ability to a degree comparable to legal intoxication, slowing reaction time and impairing judgment.

When merging onto a Connecticut highway, which action best demonstrates defensive driving?

Answer: Match the speed of highway traffic and merge smoothly into a gap

Matching highway speed and merging smoothly into an available gap minimizes disruption and reduces collision risk.