Safe Driving Practices Flashcards

When driving through a work zone, you should:

Answer: Reduce speed, stay alert, and obey all posted signs and flaggers

Work zones require reduced speeds, full attention, and compliance with all signs and flagger directions to protect workers and drivers.

What is the 'three-second rule' used to determine?

Answer: A safe following distance behind the vehicle ahead

The three-second rule measures following distance by timing how long after the car ahead passes a fixed point before you pass the same point.

If your brakes fail while driving, what should you do FIRST?

Answer: Pump the brake pedal rapidly

Rapidly pumping the brake pedal can restore hydraulic pressure in some brake systems and should be the first action.

When is it legal to pass a vehicle on the right?

Answer: When the vehicle ahead is turning left and there is a clear lane to the right

Passing on the right is permitted when the vehicle ahead is making or waiting to make a left turn and the right lane or shoulder is wide enough.

What does it mean when a traffic signal is completely dark (not functioning)?

Answer: Treat the intersection as a four-way stop

A non-functioning traffic signal must be treated as a four-way stop — all drivers stop, then proceed in order of arrival.

What is the primary purpose of anti-lock braking systems (ABS)?

Answer: To prevent wheels from locking up so steering control is maintained during hard braking

ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing the driver to steer around obstacles while still decelerating.

You are driving behind a large truck and cannot see its side mirrors. This means:

Answer: You are in the truck's blind spot and should move out of it

If you cannot see the truck's mirrors, the truck driver cannot see you — you are in a blind spot and should reposition your vehicle.