Safe Driving Practices Flashcards

Under North Carolina's Move Over law, what must you do when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane highway?

Answer: Move into a lane not adjacent to the vehicle, or slow down if you cannot change lanes

North Carolina law requires drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles or slow down when a lane change is not possible.

What is the recommended minimum following distance under normal driving conditions?

Answer: At least a two-second gap behind the vehicle ahead

A minimum two-second following distance gives you time to perceive and react to hazards ahead under normal conditions.

You are driving on a two-lane road at night and an oncoming vehicle's high beams are blinding you. What should you do?

Answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane and slow down

Glancing toward the right edge of the road keeps you in your lane while avoiding the glare of oncoming high beams.

When must you use your headlights in North Carolina?

Answer: From sunset to sunrise and whenever your windshield wipers are in use

North Carolina law requires headlights from sunset to sunrise and any time wipers are in use due to rain, fog, or snow.

What is the safest way to handle a tailgater on a two-lane road?

Answer: Slow down slightly or pull over to let them pass

Letting a tailgater pass removes the hazard, while brake-checking or speeding up increases the risk of a crash.

Before changing lanes on a highway, you should signal, check your mirrors, and then do what?

Answer: Glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot

Mirrors cannot show the blind spot beside your vehicle, so a quick shoulder check is required before moving over.

Which action best describes defensive driving?

Answer: Anticipating other drivers' mistakes and being ready to react

Defensive driving means expecting errors from others and maintaining space and awareness so you can respond safely.