Road Safety and Defensive Driving Flashcards

When merging onto a freeway, what is the proper technique?

Answer: Match freeway traffic speed and merge smoothly when safe

Accelerate in the on-ramp to match freeway speed and merge when a safe gap exists, signaling your intention in advance.

What is the danger zone around large trucks where the driver cannot see you?

Answer: Directly in front, directly behind, and on both sides near the cab

Large trucks have four major blind spots: directly in front, directly behind, on the left near the cab, and a wide zone on the right side.

What should you do when you encounter a vehicle going the wrong way on the highway?

Answer: Move to the right lane and reduce speed

Move right, slow down, and use your horn and lights to warn the wrong-way driver while keeping yourself out of a head-on collision path.

Which condition most significantly increases stopping distance on a dry road?

Answer: Driving at twice the speed

Doubling your speed quadruples your stopping distance because kinetic energy increases with the square of velocity.

Why is it dangerous to drive in another driver's blind spot for extended periods?

Answer: The other driver may change lanes without seeing you

Staying in a blind spot makes you invisible to that driver, who may merge or change lanes directly into your vehicle.

You see a green traffic light ahead but a stopped vehicle at the intersection. What should you do?

Answer: Cover the brake and slow down to assess the situation

A green light does not guarantee a clear intersection; cover your brake and scan for hazards before proceeding.

What is the recommended action when driving through a work zone on a highway?

Answer: Slow down, obey posted work zone speed limits, and stay alert for workers

Work zones have reduced speed limits, narrowed lanes, and workers on foot; fines are often doubled for violations in these areas.