OMV Special Situations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: While driving at night, an oncoming vehicle's high beams are blinding you. What should you do?
- Flash your high beams repeatedly at the other driver
- Look toward the right edge of the road and slow down (Correct answer)
- Stare straight ahead and maintain speed
- Move to the center of the road to give yourself more space
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of the road and slow down
Looking toward the right edge line lets you track your lane while avoiding the direct glare.
Question 2: You are being tailgated on a two-lane road. The safest response is to:
- Brake suddenly to warn the driver
- Speed up to create more distance between you and the tailgater
- Gradually slow down and move to the right to let the driver pass (Correct answer)
- Turn on your hazard lights and maintain speed
Correct answer: Gradually slow down and move to the right to let the driver pass
Slowing and moving right invites the tailgater to pass safely without escalating the situation.
Question 3: You notice your vehicle pulling strongly to one side when braking. This most likely indicates:
- Uneven tire inflation or a brake defect on one side (Correct answer)
- You are oversteering the wheel
- The road surface is slanted
- Your seat position is affecting your brake pressure
Correct answer: Uneven tire inflation or a brake defect on one side
Pulling to one side under braking is a classic sign of uneven tire pressure or a faulty brake on that side.
Question 4: A child runs into the street ahead of you. After braking as hard as possible and still unavoidable collision is certain, you should:
- Swerve hard into oncoming traffic
- Steer toward the least-hazardous available area while braking (Correct answer)
- Close your eyes and brace for impact
- Sound the horn and release the brakes
Correct answer: Steer toward the least-hazardous available area while braking
Steering toward the safest available area (e.g., a curb) while braking minimizes harm.
Question 5: You are driving in heavy rain and your windshield wipers cannot keep up with the downpour. What should you do?
- Continue driving with your hazard lights on
- Pull off the road safely and wait for rain to lessen (Correct answer)
- Drive in the left lane to follow other vehicles' tire paths
- Open your window to improve air circulation
Correct answer: Pull off the road safely and wait for rain to lessen
If you cannot see adequately, pulling off and waiting is the only safe option.
Question 6: When approaching a low-clearance bridge or underpass, a driver should:
- Flash lights to warn oncoming trucks
- Compare the posted height clearance with the vehicle's height before entering (Correct answer)
- Slow to 15 mph regardless of clearance
- Straddle the center line to gain extra clearance
Correct answer: Compare the posted height clearance with the vehicle's height before entering
The posted clearance height must exceed the vehicle's height or the driver risks a serious collision.
Question 7: You are driving on a mountain road and your brakes begin to fade on a steep descent. What should you do?
- Pump the brakes rapidly to restore pressure
- Shift to a lower gear to use engine braking and look for a runaway ramp (Correct answer)
- Steer toward the mountain side of the road
- Turn off the engine to reduce speed
Correct answer: Shift to a lower gear to use engine braking and look for a runaway ramp
Engine braking in a lower gear reduces reliance on overheated brakes, and runaway ramps exist for exactly this emergency.
OMV Special Situations 3
While driving at night, an oncoming vehicle's high beams are blinding you.
What should you do?