Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

What is the danger of 'target fixation' when driving defensively?

Answer: Looking at a hazard causes you to steer toward it

Target fixation occurs when a driver stares at a hazard and unconsciously steers toward it instead of away from it.

A defensive driver notices the sun is in their eyes while driving west in Texas. What is the best adjustment?

Answer: Pull down the visor and increase following distance

Using the visor reduces glare while increasing following distance compensates for reduced visibility and reaction time.

What is the safest way to merge onto a Texas highway using an acceleration lane?

Answer: Match highway traffic speed and merge into a gap

Matching highway speed and finding a safe gap minimizes speed differences that cause rear-end collisions during merging.

In Texas, what should a defensive driver do when approaching a curve at night?

Answer: Slow down before the curve and stay in your lane

Slowing before a curve ensures proper control and keeps headlight beams aimed in the direction of travel.

Which situation requires a defensive driver to increase following distance beyond the standard two-second rule?

Answer: Following a motorcycle in light rain

Motorcycles stop faster than cars and are more vulnerable in wet conditions, requiring extra space to react safely.

Why should a defensive driver avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot on a Texas highway?

Answer: The other driver may change lanes without seeing you

Vehicles have blind spots where mirrors don't show adjacent traffic, so lingering there risks being sideswiped during a lane change.

What is 'space cushion' management in defensive driving?

Answer: Maintaining safe distance on all sides of your vehicle

A space cushion is a buffer of open space maintained on all sides of the vehicle to allow time and room to react to hazards.