Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

When merging onto an interstate, a defensive driver should:

Answer: Use the acceleration ramp to match the speed of highway traffic before merging

Matching traffic speed lets you merge smoothly into a gap without forcing other drivers to brake.

What is the biggest danger of a 'space cushion' being closed on all sides of your vehicle?

Answer: You lose escape routes if a sudden hazard appears

Being boxed in leaves no room to steer or brake safely, so defensive drivers adjust speed to keep open space around them.

You see a ball roll into the street in a residential area. What should you assume?

Answer: A child may run into the street after it, so slow down and prepare to stop

Objects entering the road in neighborhoods often mean children are close behind, so slowing early is critical.

How should you cross railroad tracks defensively when there are no gates or signals?

Answer: Slow down, look and listen in both directions, and cross only when clear

Trains cannot stop quickly, so you must verify the tracks are clear before committing to cross.

In fog so thick that you can barely see, the safest action if you cannot exit the road is to:

Answer: Pull completely off the roadway, stop, and turn on your hazard lights

Stopping fully off the road with hazards on removes you from traffic that cannot see you in time.

Why should you make eye contact with other drivers or pedestrians at intersections?

Answer: It confirms they see you before you proceed

Eye contact helps verify that another road user is aware of you, reducing the chance they pull out or step in front of you.

A defensive driver treats the right-of-way as something to be:

Answer: Yielded when necessary to avoid a crash, even when legally yours

The right-of-way is given, not taken; avoiding a collision always outweighs insisting on your legal priority.