Road Safety and Defensive Driving Flashcards

A driver cuts you off in traffic. What is the safest response?

Answer: Take a deep breath, back off, and maintain safe following distance

Engaging an aggressive driver escalates danger; the safest response is to back off and avoid further interaction.

What does scanning the road 12–15 seconds ahead while driving allow you to do?

Answer: Anticipate hazards early enough to react safely

Looking 12–15 seconds ahead gives you time to process potential hazards and choose a safe response before reaching them.

When is it legal to pass another vehicle on the right side?

Answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and the right lane is clear

You may pass on the right when the vehicle ahead signals a left turn and there is a clear, paved lane to the right.

What is the correct procedure for a four-way stop when two vehicles arrive at the same time facing each other?

Answer: The vehicle turning left yields to the vehicle going straight

At a four-way stop, a driver turning left must yield to the oncoming driver going straight or turning right.

How should you adjust your driving when being tailgated by another driver?

Answer: Increase following distance in front of you to allow more stopping room

Increasing your forward following distance when tailgated gives you extra stopping room in case of a sudden stop, reducing rear-end collision risk.

Which of the following best describes carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning risk for drivers?

Answer: It is a risk when idling in an enclosed space like a garage

Carbon monoxide from exhaust is odorless and can rapidly incapacitate or kill when a vehicle idles in an enclosed space such as a garage.

What action should you take if your brakes fail while driving?

Answer: Pump the brakes, downshift, and use the parking brake gradually

Pumping the brakes may rebuild hydraulic pressure; downshifting uses engine braking, and the parking brake can slow the vehicle gradually without locking it.