RI DMV Safe Driving Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When driving on a wet road in Rhode Island, what is the recommended minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?
- At least 4 seconds (Correct answer)
- 2 seconds
- 1 car length
- 10 feet
Correct answer: At least 4 seconds
Wet roads reduce traction, so you should increase the normal following distance to at least 4 seconds.
Question 2: What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?
- Ease off the accelerator and steer straight (Correct answer)
- Brake hard immediately
- Accelerate to regain traction
- Turn sharply toward the shoulder
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and steer straight
Easing off the gas and keeping the wheels straight lets the tires regain contact with the road.
Question 3: When approaching a curve, the safest technique is to:
- Slow down before entering the curve (Correct answer)
- Brake hard in the middle of the curve
- Accelerate into the curve
- Shift into neutral
Correct answer: Slow down before entering the curve
Reducing speed before the curve keeps the vehicle stable and prevents skidding while turning.
Question 4: To avoid glare from oncoming headlights at night, you should:
- Look toward the right edge of your lane (Correct answer)
- Look directly at the headlights
- Turn on your high beams
- Close one eye
Correct answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane
Glancing toward the right edge of the road keeps you on course while avoiding temporary blindness from glare.
Question 5: What is the proper hand position on the steering wheel recommended for modern vehicles with airbags?
- 9 and 3 o'clock (Correct answer)
- 12 o'clock with one hand
- 10 and 2 o'clock
- 6 o'clock with both hands
Correct answer: 9 and 3 o'clock
The 9 and 3 position provides good control and keeps your hands clear of the airbag deployment zone.
Question 6: If you miss your exit on a Rhode Island highway, you should:
- Continue to the next exit (Correct answer)
- Stop and back up on the shoulder
- Make a U-turn through the median
- Reverse slowly in your lane
Correct answer: Continue to the next exit
Backing up or turning around on a highway is extremely dangerous and illegal, so continue to the next exit.
Question 7: Which action best helps you maintain a safe space cushion around your vehicle?
- Adjusting speed and position to keep space on all sides (Correct answer)
- Driving in the left lane at all times
- Staying close to the vehicle ahead
- Matching the speed of traffic behind you exactly
Correct answer: Adjusting speed and position to keep space on all sides
Actively managing your speed and lane position preserves escape room on all sides of your vehicle.
RI DMV Safe Driving Techniques 2
When driving on a wet road in Rhode Island, what is the recommended minimum following distance behind the vehicle ahead?