Safe Driving Practices and Defensive Driving Flashcards

What should you do when you are being tailgated on a Massachusetts road?

Answer: Gradually slow down and safely let the tailgater pass when possible

If you are being tailgated, the safest response is to increase your following distance ahead and allow the tailgater to pass by reducing speed or changing lanes.

What is the proper use of high-beam headlights in Massachusetts?

Answer: Use high beams on unlit rural roads but switch to low beams within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 300 feet when following another vehicle

Massachusetts requires switching from high to low beams within 500 feet of oncoming vehicles and within 300 feet when following another vehicle to avoid blinding other drivers.

What action should you take when driving through a flooded roadway in Massachusetts?

Answer: Never drive through flooded roads — turn around and find an alternate route

Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 2 feet can sweep a vehicle away — the safest action is always to turn around and find another route.

When is it legal to use a mobile phone without a hands-free device in Massachusetts?

Answer: Only to call 911 in an emergency

Massachusetts prohibits handheld mobile phone use while driving except to call 911 in an emergency — hands-free use is required for all other calls.

What is the danger zone around large commercial trucks where you should avoid lingering?

Answer: The four large blind spots: directly in front, directly behind, and on both sides near the cab

Large trucks have four major blind spots — directly in front, behind, and on both sides — where the driver cannot see your vehicle; avoid these areas.

What should you do if you encounter a wrong-way driver on a Massachusetts highway?

Answer: Steer to the right, reduce speed, and call 911 when safely stopped

When facing a wrong-way driver, immediately move as far right as possible, reduce speed, and call 911 as soon as you are safely stopped.