Vehicle Safety and Emergencies Flashcards

What is hydroplaning, and how can it be prevented?

Answer: Loss of traction when tires ride on a film of water; prevented by reducing speed in wet conditions

Hydroplaning occurs when water lifts the tires off the road surface; maintaining lower speeds and proper tire tread minimizes the risk.

When driving in dense fog, you should use:

Answer: Low-beam headlights or fog lights

High beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility; low beams or dedicated fog lights illuminate the road without causing glare.

Which action should you take FIRST when your vehicle begins to skid?

Answer: Steer into the direction of the skid

Steering into the skid (the direction the rear is sliding) helps realign the vehicle and restore traction.

What is the primary purpose of the vehicle's Electronic Stability Control (ESC)?

Answer: To automatically apply brakes to individual wheels to prevent skidding and loss of control

ESC detects loss of steering control and selectively brakes individual wheels to help the driver maintain directional control.

If you are involved in an accident with injuries, your immediate priority after ensuring your own safety is to:

Answer: Call emergency services (911) as quickly as possible

Calling emergency services immediately ensures that trained medical personnel arrive as quickly as possible to assist injured parties.

What should you check regularly to maintain effective braking performance?

Answer: Brake fluid level and brake pad thickness

Low brake fluid or worn brake pads directly reduce stopping power and must be monitored and replaced on schedule.

If you are driving and a pedestrian is struck by your vehicle, you are legally required to:

Answer: Stop immediately, render assistance, and report the accident to authorities

Leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a serious criminal offense; you must stop, assist, and report.