Hazard Perception Scenarios Flashcards

You are driving at night when an oncoming vehicle fails to dim its high beams. What should you do?

Answer: Look toward the right edge of the road and slow down

Looking toward the right edge of the road prevents temporary blindness from the glare while keeping you on track to continue safely.

You are approaching a highway on-ramp and notice a vehicle is merging at a much lower speed than highway traffic. What should you do?

Answer: Change lanes to the left or adjust your speed to allow the merge

Moving over or adjusting your speed to allow a slow-merging vehicle to join traffic prevents a dangerous speed differential collision.

While driving through a parking lot, a vehicle backs out of a space ahead of you. What is your best response?

Answer: Slow down and be prepared to stop

Slowing down and being ready to stop gives you reaction time since backing drivers often have limited visibility and may not see you.

You're following a car on a rural two-lane road when it slows down with no apparent reason. What should you anticipate?

Answer: The driver is preparing to turn left or stop for an unseen hazard

A vehicle slowing for no visible reason may be reacting to a hidden driveway, animal, or pedestrian you cannot yet see.

You are driving on a straight highway when you notice skid marks leading off the road into a ditch. What hazard does this indicate?

Answer: The road surface ahead may be slippery

Fresh skid marks often indicate a slippery road surface such as ice, oil, or loose gravel that caused a previous vehicle to lose control.

A large truck is making a wide right turn at an intersection ahead of you. You intend to go straight. What should you do?

Answer: Stay back and give the truck room to complete its wide turn

Large trucks require extra space for wide turns and can crush vehicles that are in the turn path between the trailer and curb.

You are driving on a wet road and feel your steering become light and unresponsive. What is most likely occurring?

Answer: Your vehicle is hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road, causing loss of steering control.