Road Safety & Defensive Driving Flashcards

Which type of intersection is statistically the most dangerous for crashes?

Answer: Left-turn intersections without dedicated signals

Unprotected left turns across oncoming traffic are among the leading causes of intersection collisions due to misjudging gaps and speed.

When parking on a downhill slope without a curb, you should turn your front wheels:

Answer: To the right (toward the road edge)

Turning wheels to the right on a downhill with no curb ensures that if the vehicle rolls, it will move away from traffic.

What should a driver do when approaching a flashing red traffic signal?

Answer: Stop completely, then proceed when safe

A flashing red light must be treated the same as a stop sign — come to a complete stop before proceeding when it is safe.

What is the main danger of driving while fatigued?

Answer: Reduced reaction time and risk of microsleep

Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and can cause microsleep episodes where the driver is unconscious for several seconds.

When a school bus displays flashing red lights and a stop arm, traffic on a two-lane road must:

Answer: Stop in both directions until lights stop flashing

On a two-lane undivided road, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus activates its red lights and stop arm.

What is the correct response when an emergency vehicle with lights and siren approaches from behind?

Answer: Pull to the right and stop

Drivers must pull to the right edge of the road and stop to allow emergency vehicles an unobstructed path.

How does carrying extra passengers affect vehicle stopping distance?

Answer: It increases stopping distance due to greater momentum

Added weight increases the vehicle's momentum, which requires more braking force and distance to bring it to a complete stop.