ME DMV Safe Driving Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving at night in Maine, at what distance should you dim your high beams for oncoming traffic?
- At least 500 feet (Correct answer)
- At least 200 feet
- At least 1,000 feet
- At least 100 feet
Correct answer: At least 500 feet
Maine law requires drivers to dim their high beams to low beams when within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle to prevent blinding the other driver.
Question 2: What is the most effective way to prevent drowsy driving on long trips through Maine?
- Take regular breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles (Correct answer)
- Drink coffee and continue driving
- Open the window for fresh air
- Turn up the radio volume
Correct answer: Take regular breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles
The most effective countermeasure for drowsy driving is stopping to rest. Taking breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles helps maintain alertness and prevents fatigue-related crashes.
Question 3: If your brakes fail while driving downhill on a Maine road, what should you do?
- Shift to a lower gear and look for an escape ramp or soft surface (Correct answer)
- Turn off the engine immediately
- Steer into oncoming traffic to slow down
- Jump from the vehicle
Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear and look for an escape ramp or soft surface
Downshifting uses engine braking to slow the vehicle. Looking for an escape ramp, soft ground, or an uphill road can help bring the vehicle to a stop safely.
Question 4: What is the safest lane position when driving near parked cars on a Maine city street?
- Stay toward the center of your lane to avoid opening doors (Correct answer)
- Drive close to parked cars to stay in your lane
- Straddle the center line
- Drive on the shoulder
Correct answer: Stay toward the center of your lane to avoid opening doors
Maintaining a position toward the center of your lane creates a buffer zone between your vehicle and parked cars, reducing the risk of being hit by an opening door.
Question 5: In Maine, what should you do when you encounter black ice?
- Avoid braking or steering suddenly and let the vehicle slow naturally (Correct answer)
- Brake firmly to stop quickly
- Accelerate to get past it
- Turn sharply to the shoulder
Correct answer: Avoid braking or steering suddenly and let the vehicle slow naturally
Black ice is nearly invisible and extremely slippery. Avoid sudden inputs and let the vehicle decelerate naturally. If you must brake, use very light, gentle pressure.
Question 6: What is the proper technique for scanning the road while driving in Maine?
- Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds and scan 12-15 seconds ahead (Correct answer)
- Focus only on the vehicle directly ahead
- Check mirrors once per minute
- Look only at the road immediately in front of your vehicle
Correct answer: Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds and scan 12-15 seconds ahead
Effective scanning involves checking mirrors every 5-8 seconds and looking 12-15 seconds ahead to identify potential hazards early and have time to react.
ME DMV Safe Driving Practices 2
When driving at night in Maine, at what distance should you dim your high beams for oncoming traffic?