Risk Perception Flashcards

You notice that the car ahead is weaving slightly within its lane on a rural road. What should you do?

Answer: Increase your following distance, do not attempt to overtake, and be prepared for unpredictable movements from that driver

Weaving can indicate a distracted, fatigued, or impaired driver. Increase your following distance to give yourself more reaction time, avoid overtaking as the driver's movements are unpredictable, and consider pulling over to create distance.

What is the greatest risk when driving through a flooded section of road?

Answer: The water may be deeper than it appears, causing the engine to stall or the car to be swept away

Flooding poses severe risks: the depth may be hidden, fast-flowing water can sweep a vehicle away, water ingestion can destroy the engine, and brakes become less effective when wet. Just 30 cm of flowing water can move a car. If in doubt, do not drive through.

Why should you be particularly cautious when driving past parked vehicles in an urban area?

Answer: Doors may open suddenly, pedestrians may step out from between vehicles, and vehicles may pull out without warning

Parked vehicles create multiple hazards: doors opening suddenly (dooring), pedestrians — especially children — stepping out from between vehicles, drivers pulling out without checking mirrors, and reduced visibility of the road ahead.

You are approaching a green traffic light that has been green for some time. What should you consider?

Answer: The light may change to amber soon; be prepared to stop safely rather than accelerate through

A 'stale' green light that has been green for a while is likely to change soon. Be prepared to stop safely rather than rushing through. Check your mirrors for following traffic, cover the brake, and be ready to stop if the light changes to amber.

What is 'target fixation' and why is it dangerous?

Answer: The tendency to steer towards whatever you are looking at; dangerous because if you focus on a hazard, you may drive into it

Target fixation is a natural tendency where your vehicle follows your gaze. If you fixate on a hazard (tree, wall, oncoming vehicle), you tend to steer towards it. The solution is to look where you want to go, not at what you want to avoid.

What additional risks should you be aware of when driving on roads with farm vehicles?

Answer: They travel much slower than other traffic, may turn suddenly into fields without indicating, and may leave mud or debris on the road

Farm vehicles travel slowly, often without indicators or lights, may turn suddenly into fields, are often wider than they appear, and may deposit mud on the road that reduces grip. These hazards are especially common on rural Irish roads in agricultural areas.