DTT Hazard Awareness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'blind spot' in driving and how should you manage it?
- An area not visible in mirrors that requires a head check before changing lanes or merging (Correct answer)
- A spot on the windscreen that obstructs view, fixed by cleaning
- An area behind the car only visible using a reversing camera
- A section of road with no street lighting
Correct answer: An area not visible in mirrors that requires a head check before changing lanes or merging
Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen in any mirror. Before changing lanes, merging, or manoeuvring, you should perform a quick head check (shoulder check) to ensure no vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian is in your blind spot.
Question 2: You are approaching a bend on a country road. What should you consider?
- Reduce speed before the bend, position correctly, look for oncoming traffic or hazards, and be able to stop within the distance you can see (Correct answer)
- Maintain your speed and stay in the centre of the road
- Sound your horn to warn others
- Accelerate through the bend to maintain stability
Correct answer: Reduce speed before the bend, position correctly, look for oncoming traffic or hazards, and be able to stop within the distance you can see
On Irish country roads, bends can hide hazards such as oncoming traffic, cyclists, animals, or debris. You should reduce speed before entering the bend (not during), position left in your lane, and ensure you can stop within the visible distance.
Question 3: What additional hazards should you be aware of when driving at night?
- Reduced visibility, fatigue, dazzle from oncoming headlights, and difficulty judging speed and distance (Correct answer)
- Night driving is safer because there is less traffic
- Headlights eliminate all visibility issues
- Speed limits are higher at night
Correct answer: Reduced visibility, fatigue, dazzle from oncoming headlights, and difficulty judging speed and distance
Night driving presents several hazards: significantly reduced visibility, driver fatigue, dazzle from oncoming headlights, difficulty judging distances, and reduced visibility of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. Drive slower and increase following distances.
Question 4: You see black ice on the road ahead. What should you do?
- Reduce speed very gently, avoid sudden braking, steering, or acceleration, and keep movements smooth and gradual (Correct answer)
- Brake firmly to stop before reaching the ice
- Accelerate to drive over it quickly
- Steer sharply to avoid the icy patch
Correct answer: Reduce speed very gently, avoid sudden braking, steering, or acceleration, and keep movements smooth and gradual
Black ice is extremely dangerous because it is nearly invisible and very slippery. The safest approach is to reduce speed gradually, avoid sudden inputs (braking, steering, or acceleration), and maintain a gentle, steady path. Sudden movements will cause loss of control.
Question 5: When driving behind a cyclist on a narrow road, what is the safest approach?
- Stay behind at a safe distance until it is safe to pass, then leave at least 1.5 metres clearance when overtaking (Correct answer)
- Sound your horn to move them off the road
- Pass closely at speed to minimise time alongside them
- Drive on the footpath to get around them
Correct answer: Stay behind at a safe distance until it is safe to pass, then leave at least 1.5 metres clearance when overtaking
Cyclists are vulnerable road users. Wait behind at a safe distance until you can see far enough ahead to pass safely. When overtaking, leave at least 1.5 metres of clearance and pass at a safe speed. Do not intimidate cyclists with horn use or close passing.
Question 6: What hazard does fog present and how should you adjust your driving?
- Severely reduced visibility; use dipped headlights and fog lights, reduce speed, increase following distance, and be prepared to stop within the distance you can see (Correct answer)
- Fog only reduces visibility slightly; maintain normal speed
- Use full-beam headlights to see further in fog
- Fog makes roads more slippery; brake firmly
Correct answer: Severely reduced visibility; use dipped headlights and fog lights, reduce speed, increase following distance, and be prepared to stop within the distance you can see
Fog can dramatically reduce visibility. Use dipped headlights (full beam reflects off fog and worsens visibility), switch on fog lights, reduce speed significantly, increase following distance, and listen for traffic. Never drive faster than your visibility allows.
DTT Hazard Awareness 2
What is the 'blind spot' in driving and how should you manage it?