Safe Driving Practices Flashcards

Your vehicle starts to skid on a wet road with the rear end sliding to the right. What should you do?

Answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go

Easing off the gas and steering in the direction you want to travel helps the tires regain traction and straighten the vehicle.

What does hydroplaning mean?

Answer: Your tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose road contact by riding on top of standing water, eliminating steering and braking control.

If your accelerator sticks while driving, what should you do first?

Answer: Shift to neutral and apply the brakes

Shifting to neutral disconnects engine power from the wheels so you can brake and steer safely to the roadside.

A tire blows out while you are driving on the interstate. What is the correct response?

Answer: Grip the wheel firmly, ease off the gas, and slow gradually before pulling off the road

Holding the wheel steady and slowing gradually prevents loss of control after a blowout, while hard braking can cause a spin.

When driving in fog, which lights should you use?

Answer: Low-beam headlights

Low beams aim light at the road, while high beams reflect off fog droplets and reduce visibility further.

Your brakes fail while driving down a hill. Which action should you try first?

Answer: Pump the brake pedal rapidly to build pressure

Pumping the brake pedal may restore enough hydraulic pressure to slow the vehicle before using the parking brake or a lower gear.

If your vehicle's right wheels drift off the pavement onto the shoulder, you should:

Answer: Ease off the gas, keep steering straight, and return to the road when it is safe at a slower speed

Slowing down and easing back onto the pavement prevents the overcorrection rollovers that occur when drivers yank the wheel.