Vehicle Operation & Safety Flashcards

When driving in heavy rain, you should turn on your headlights because:

Answer: It helps you see better and makes your vehicle more visible to others

Florida law requires headlights when wipers are in use due to rain, smoke, or fog, improving both visibility and conspicuity.

What is the proper technique for steering out of a skid on a slippery road?

Answer: Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go

To correct a skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, which helps realign the tires with the direction of travel.

A vehicle's stopping distance consists of which two components?

Answer: Reaction distance and braking distance

Total stopping distance equals reaction distance (time from seeing hazard to applying brakes) plus braking distance (distance traveled while braking).

When should you use your vehicle's horn?

Answer: Only as a safety warning to avoid a collision

Horns should only be used as a safety device to warn others of danger, not as an expression of anger or frustration.

At what blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a driver under 21 considered legally impaired in Florida?

Answer: .02 or higher

Florida has a zero-tolerance law for drivers under 21; a BAC of .02 or higher results in a license suspension.

When parallel parking, you should position your vehicle before backing in at an angle of approximately:

Answer: Parallel and 2–3 feet from the car ahead

Begin parallel parking by positioning your vehicle parallel to the car ahead and about 2–3 feet away before backing in at an angle.

Which of the following is the safest way to handle a tire blowout at highway speeds?

Answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and steer straight

During a blowout, grip the wheel firmly, gradually ease off the accelerator, and steer straight — sudden braking can cause loss of control.