Road Safety and Defensive Driving Flashcards

When following a large truck on the highway, what is the recommended minimum following distance?

Answer: 4 seconds

A minimum 4-second following distance is recommended behind large trucks because they block your view and need more stopping distance.

What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet road?

Answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer gently

When hydroplaning, ease off the gas and steer gently in the desired direction to allow tires to regain road contact without skidding.

Which of the following is an example of aggressive driving behavior?

Answer: Tailgating a slow-moving vehicle

Tailgating is aggressive driving that increases crash risk by eliminating the safe following distance needed to stop in time.

At an uncontrolled intersection with no signs or signals, who has the right of way?

Answer: The driver coming from the right

At an uncontrolled intersection, you must yield to the vehicle approaching from your right.

What is the safest action when you realize you missed your highway exit?

Answer: Continue to the next exit

Missing an exit means you should continue safely to the next exit rather than making dangerous last-minute maneuvers.

When driving at night, when should you switch from high beams to low beams?

Answer: Within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle

High beams must be dimmed within 500 feet of oncoming traffic to prevent blinding other drivers.

Which maneuver is most effective when a tire blows out at highway speed?

Answer: Hold the wheel firmly and ease off the gas

During a blowout, grip the wheel firmly, ease off the accelerator, and allow the vehicle to slow gradually before steering to safety.