Hazard Perception Basics Flashcards

Hazard perception while driving means:

Answer: Scanning the road to spot and respond to possible dangers early

Hazard perception is the skill of scanning ahead, to the sides and behind, identifying potential dangers early and responding in time. Good drivers look well ahead and plan for the unexpected.

You are driving past a row of parked cars. The main hazard to watch for is:

Answer: A car door opening or a pedestrian stepping out between them

Near parked cars, watch for doors opening, pedestrians (especially children) stepping out, and cars pulling out. Leave space where possible and be ready to slow or stop.

You see a ball roll onto the road from between parked cars in a suburban street. You should:

Answer: Slow down and be ready to stop, as a child may follow the ball

A ball on the road is a warning that a child may run out after it. Slow down, cover the brake and be ready to stop. Anticipating hidden hazards is a key driving skill.

To check your blind spots before changing lanes, you should:

Answer: Do a quick head check over your shoulder as well as checking mirrors

Mirrors do not show everything. Before changing lanes or merging, check your mirrors, indicate, then do a head check over your shoulder to cover the blind spot where a vehicle, cyclist or motorcyclist may be.

Approaching a pedestrian crossing where people are waiting on the kerb, you should:

Answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop to let them cross

Pedestrians waiting near a crossing are a clear hazard. Slow down and be ready to give way and stop, as they may step onto the crossing at any moment.

When driving in heavy traffic, scanning well ahead beyond the car in front helps you to:

Answer: Spot brake lights, stopped traffic or hazards early so you can respond smoothly

Looking several vehicles ahead lets you anticipate braking, stopped traffic or obstructions early, so you can ease off and respond smoothly rather than braking suddenly.

You are about to drive through an area with cyclists sharing the road. A safe approach is to:

Answer: Give them plenty of space and a minimum safe passing distance when overtaking

Cyclists are vulnerable road users. When overtaking you must leave a safe passing distance (at least 1 metre at 60 km/h or less, 1.5 metres above 60 km/h) and watch for them at intersections.

Driving at night, you should reduce your speed because:

Answer: Reduced visibility means hazards appear with less warning

At night your vision is reduced and hazards such as pedestrians or animals appear with less warning. Drive so you can stop within the distance your headlights light up the road.