Hazard Awareness Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of hazard perception in driving?

Answer: To identify potential dangers early and take action to avoid them

Hazard perception is about scanning the road environment continuously to identify developing hazards early, giving you more time to react and take appropriate action to avoid collisions or dangerous situations.

You are driving on a residential street and see a ball rolling onto the road from behind a parked car. What hazard should you anticipate?

Answer: A child may follow the ball onto the road

A ball rolling onto the road is a classic predictor that a child may follow it without looking for traffic. You should immediately slow down, cover the brake, and be prepared to stop, especially in residential areas.

When driving in heavy rain, your stopping distance compared to dry conditions is approximately:

Answer: Doubled

In wet conditions, stopping distances are approximately doubled because tyres have less grip on wet road surfaces. This means you should at least double your following distance and reduce speed.

What is aquaplaning and what should you do if it occurs?

Answer: When tyres lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water; ease off the accelerator and do not brake sharply or steer suddenly

Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tyres and road surface, causing loss of traction and steering control. If it happens, ease off the accelerator gently, hold the steering wheel straight, and avoid sudden braking or steering inputs.

You notice a lorry ahead indicating to change lanes on a motorway. What hazard should you be aware of?

Answer: The lorry has large blind spots and the driver may not have seen you; give it plenty of space

Large vehicles have significant blind spots (areas the driver cannot see in mirrors). When a lorry indicates, maintain awareness that the driver may not see you, give it space, and be prepared for it to move into your lane.

What increased hazard should you expect when driving past a school during arrival or departure times?

Answer: Children crossing the road unpredictably, parked cars reducing visibility, and parents stopping suddenly

School zones during arrival and departure times present multiple hazards: children crossing unpredictably, reduced visibility from parked cars, vehicles stopping suddenly, and doors opening. Speed limits of 30 km/h often apply near schools.