TDC - Theoretical Driving Course Defensive Driving and Road Courtesy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching an intersection with no traffic signals or signs, which vehicle has the right of way?
- The larger vehicle
- The vehicle on the left
- The vehicle that arrives first, or the vehicle on the right if arriving simultaneously (Correct answer)
- The vehicle traveling faster
Correct answer: The vehicle that arrives first, or the vehicle on the right if arriving simultaneously
At uncontrolled intersections, the first vehicle to arrive has priority; if two arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right goes first.
Philippine traffic law follows the first to arrive, first to proceed rule. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the right has priority. Defensive drivers approach all uncontrolled intersections at reduced speed.
Question 2: What is the SIPDE method used in defensive driving?
- Stop, Inspect, Park, Drive, Exit
- Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute (Correct answer)
- Signal, Inspect, Proceed, Decelerate, Engage
- Steer, Indicate, Position, Decelerate, Evaluate
Correct answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute
SIPDE stands for Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, and Execute.
SIPDE is a continuous cycle: Scan for hazards, Identify specific threats, Predict what could happen, Decide on the best response, Execute the action smoothly and safely.
Question 3: When being tailgated by an aggressive driver, the safest action is to:
- Brake suddenly to teach them a lesson
- Speed up to increase the gap
- Gradually slow down and allow them to pass (Correct answer)
- Turn on your hazard lights and stop
Correct answer: Gradually slow down and allow them to pass
Allowing an aggressive tailgater to pass removes the dangerous situation without escalation.
Ease off the accelerator to slow down slightly and move to the right lane if possible. Never brake suddenly as this can cause a rear-end collision. Road courtesy means prioritizing safety over ego.
Question 4: What is a 'space cushion' in defensive driving?
- The airbag system in the vehicle
- A safe buffer of space maintained around the vehicle in all directions (Correct answer)
- The gap between the seat and steering wheel
- Padding on the dashboard for crash protection
Correct answer: A safe buffer of space maintained around the vehicle in all directions
A space cushion is the clear area maintained around your vehicle that provides time and distance to react.
The front cushion should be at least 3 seconds of following distance. Side cushions are maintained by centering in the lane. Experienced drivers constantly adjust their space cushion based on conditions.
Question 5: How should you respond to a driver who is trying to merge into your lane?
- Speed up to close the gap
- Flash your headlights aggressively
- Ease off the accelerator and create space for them to merge safely (Correct answer)
- Honk your horn repeatedly
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and create space for them to merge safely
Allowing vehicles to merge smoothly improves traffic flow and reduces collision risk.
Easing off the accelerator to create a gap allows safe merging. The zipper merge concept, where vehicles alternate, is the most efficient method. Aggressive blocking increases congestion and accident risk.
Question 6: Why should drivers avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot?
- It is illegal in all situations
- The other driver may not see you and could change lanes into your vehicle (Correct answer)
- It wastes fuel
- Blind spots only exist on trucks
Correct answer: The other driver may not see you and could change lanes into your vehicle
Lingering in a blind spot means the other driver may not be aware of your presence.
Every vehicle has blind spots at the rear quarter panels. For trucks, they are much larger. A defensive driver avoids lingering in these zones by speeding up or slowing down to move out.
TDC - Theoretical Driving Course Defensive Driving and Road Courtesy 2
When approaching an intersection with no traffic signals or signs, which vehicle has the right of way?