Defensive Driving Flashcards

When following a large truck on a New Jersey highway, which technique best reduces your risk?

Answer: Increase following distance to at least 4 seconds

Large trucks have massive blind spots and longer stopping distances, so a 4-second following distance gives you time to react.

A vehicle cuts in front of you aggressively. The best defensive response is to:

Answer: Ease off the accelerator and increase following distance

Easing off the gas re-establishes a safe following distance without creating additional hazards.

What is the primary purpose of the 'two-second rule' in defensive driving?

Answer: To ensure adequate stopping distance behind the vehicle ahead

The two-second (or more) rule ensures you have enough space to stop if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly.

Under New Jersey law, when must you use headlights during daytime?

Answer: Whenever visibility is reduced to 500 feet or less

NJ law requires headlights when you cannot see at least 500 feet ahead, including during fog, rain, or other low-visibility conditions.

Which scanning technique best helps a defensive driver identify hazards early?

Answer: Scan 12–15 seconds ahead while checking mirrors every 5–8 seconds

Looking 12–15 seconds ahead and checking mirrors regularly gives you time to plan responses before hazards become emergencies.

When driving in heavy rain on a New Jersey road, hydroplaning is most likely to occur:

Answer: At highway speeds when tread depth is low

Hydroplaning risk increases with speed and worn tires, since there is less tread to channel water away from the contact patch.

A defensive driver approaching a green traffic light should:

Answer: Cover the brake and scan for conflicting traffic

Covering the brake and scanning for cross-traffic lets you respond instantly if someone runs a red light or a pedestrian steps out.