FL DMV Defensive Driving and Safety Flashcards

In Florida, how does safe driving change in heavy traffic compared to normal conditions?

Answer: You should increase following distance since stop-and-go traffic increases rear-end risk

Heavy traffic's frequent stops make rear-end collisions more likely, so increasing following distance gives you more reaction time.

The primary purpose of Florida's basic speed law is:

Answer: To require driving at a speed safe for conditions, even below the posted limit

Florida's basic speed law requires driving at a safe speed for current conditions (weather, traffic, visibility), which may be slower than the posted limit.

In Florida, which of the following is a sign of driver fatigue that should cause you to stop driving?

Answer: Missing exits, drifting between lanes, or difficulty keeping eyes open

Missing exits, lane drifting, and heavy eyelids are classic signs of dangerous drowsiness that require pulling over immediately.

Florida law requires all front-seat occupants to:

Answer: Wear a properly adjusted seatbelt at all times

Florida requires all front-seat occupants to wear a properly adjusted and fastened seatbelt at all times while the vehicle is in motion.

What is the correct response in Florida if your vehicle begins to skid?

Answer: Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go and ease off the gas

Steering into the skid (toward where you want the front to go) helps realign the vehicle; braking or over-steering worsens the skid.

In Florida, what is the key advantage of the 'Smith System' of defensive driving?

Answer: It uses five habits to help drivers see farther, be seen, and have time to react

The Smith System's five habits — aim high, see the big picture, keep your eyes moving, leave yourself an out, and make sure others see you — reduce crash risk.