TDC Road Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended following distance when driving at highway speeds in good weather conditions?
- 1 second
- 2 seconds
- 3 seconds (Correct answer)
- 5 seconds
Correct answer: 3 seconds
The 3-second following distance rule provides adequate reaction time and braking distance at highway speeds in normal conditions.
At highway speeds, a 3-second following distance gives drivers enough time to perceive a hazard, react, and apply the brakes. In adverse conditions such as rain, fog, or night driving, this distance should be increased to 4-6 seconds.
Question 2: When approaching a pedestrian crossing where someone is waiting to cross, a driver must:
- Honk to warn the pedestrian
- Speed up to clear the crossing quickly
- Slow down and prepare to stop (Correct answer)
- Flash headlights to signal the pedestrian
Correct answer: Slow down and prepare to stop
Drivers are legally required to slow down and yield to pedestrians at designated crossings.
Philippine traffic law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at marked crossings. Slowing down and preparing to stop ensures the driver can safely yield if the pedestrian steps onto the road.
Question 3: What should a driver do first if their vehicle breaks down on a busy road?
- Leave the vehicle immediately and walk to the nearest gas station
- Turn on hazard lights and move the vehicle to the shoulder if possible (Correct answer)
- Wait inside the vehicle with the engine running
- Wave down other drivers for help
Correct answer: Turn on hazard lights and move the vehicle to the shoulder if possible
Activating hazard lights and moving off the road reduces the risk of a collision with other vehicles.
When a vehicle breaks down, the first steps are to activate hazard lights and steer to the road shoulder or a safe area. Once stopped, place an early warning device at least 4 meters behind the vehicle.
Question 4: Which of the following is the most common cause of road accidents in the Philippines?
- Mechanical failure
- Poor road conditions
- Human error and reckless driving (Correct answer)
- Animal crossings
Correct answer: Human error and reckless driving
Studies consistently show that human error accounts for the vast majority of road accidents.
According to the MMDA and PSA, human error is responsible for over 85% of road accidents, including speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, and failure to obey traffic signals.
Question 5: A driver should check their mirrors:
- Only when changing lanes
- Only before making a turn
- Regularly every 5-8 seconds while driving (Correct answer)
- Only when they hear a horn behind them
Correct answer: Regularly every 5-8 seconds while driving
Regular mirror checks every 5-8 seconds help maintain situational awareness of surrounding traffic.
Defensive driving techniques recommend checking mirrors every 5-8 seconds to maintain awareness of traffic around the vehicle, helping identify potential hazards early.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a rumble strip on the road?
- To indicate a speed zone change
- To alert drowsy or inattentive drivers that they are drifting out of their lane (Correct answer)
- To mark a construction zone
- To indicate a pedestrian crossing ahead
Correct answer: To alert drowsy or inattentive drivers that they are drifting out of their lane
Rumble strips create vibrations and noise to warn drivers who may be drifting due to drowsiness or inattention.
Rumble strips are textured patterns on the road surface that produce a tactile vibration and audible rumbling when driven over, placed along lane edges and center lines to alert drifting drivers.
TDC Road Safety 2
What is the recommended following distance when driving at highway speeds in good weather conditions?