Hazard Awareness Flashcards

In NZ, what is the danger of sun strike and how should you manage it?

Answer: Bright sun in your eyes can temporarily blind you — slow down, use your visor, and pull over if you cannot see clearly

Sun strike (sun glare) occurs when the sun is low on the horizon, typically in the early morning and late afternoon. It can temporarily blind you. Use your sun visor, keep your windscreen clean, slow down, and if necessary pull over until you can see safely.

What are the particular hazards of driving on gravel roads in New Zealand?

Answer: Reduced traction, longer stopping distances, flying stones, dust reducing visibility, and corrugations that affect steering

NZ gravel roads present multiple hazards: reduced tyre grip, longer stopping distances, loose stones that can be thrown by passing vehicles (damaging windscreens), dust clouds reducing visibility, and corrugations that reduce steering and braking control.

In NZ, what should you do if an animal is on the road ahead?

Answer: Slow down, prepare to stop, and do not sound your horn as it may startle the animal into unpredictable movement

When encountering an animal on a NZ road, slow down and prepare to stop. Do not sound your horn, as this may frighten the animal into unpredictable behaviour, potentially into your path. Be patient and wait for it to move.

What hazard awareness should NZ drivers have around schools and playgrounds?

Answer: Children are unpredictable and may run onto the road without looking — slow to the posted school zone limit and be prepared to stop at any time

Children near schools and playgrounds are unpredictable and may run onto the road without warning. NZ drivers must slow to the posted school zone speed (40 km/h when signs are active) and be prepared to stop at any time.

In NZ, what is the danger of driving through a tunnel?

Answer: Eyes need time to adjust from bright light to dark, reduced visibility, limited escape routes, and amplified noise can mask hazards

When entering a NZ tunnel, your eyes need time to adjust from bright light to darker conditions, visibility is reduced, there are limited escape routes in an emergency, and road noise is amplified, which can mask important sounds.

What is the 'SIPDE' process used in NZ hazard awareness training?

Answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute — a systematic approach to identifying and responding to driving hazards

SIPDE stands for Scan (look around), Identify (spot hazards), Predict (what could happen), Decide (what to do), Execute (carry out your decision). It is a systematic hazard awareness process taught in NZ driver education.