Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

In heavy rain, your following distance should be increased to at least how many seconds?

Answer: Four or more seconds

Wet pavement lengthens stopping distance, so doubling the normal two-second gap keeps a safe buffer.

What is the correct response if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

Answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight until traction returns

Gently reducing speed lets the tires regain contact with the road, while braking or sharp steering can cause a skid.

A truck's blind spots, or 'No-Zones,' are largest in which areas?

Answer: Directly behind and along the sides of the truck

Large trucks cannot see vehicles lingering behind them or beside their trailers, so pass quickly and stay visible.

What should a defensive driver do before changing lanes?

Answer: Signal, check mirrors, and glance over the shoulder to check the blind spot

Mirrors alone leave blind spots, so a head check is required to confirm the lane is clear.

You are being passed by another vehicle on a two-lane highway. What should you do?

Answer: Maintain or slightly reduce your speed to help them pass safely

Holding a steady or slightly slower speed shortens the time the passing driver spends in the oncoming lane.

Why is driving while fatigued considered dangerous even if you stay awake?

Answer: Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment much like alcohol

Drowsiness reduces alertness and reaction speed, producing impairment comparable to alcohol intoxication.

When approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a multi-lane highway in North Carolina, the Move Over law requires you to:

Answer: Move over one lane away if possible, or slow down if you cannot

North Carolina's Move Over law requires changing lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles or slowing down when a lane change is unsafe.