Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

When driving on a Texas highway and a vehicle cuts in front of you, what is the defensive response?

Answer: Brake smoothly and increase your following distance

Smooth braking and increasing your following distance reestablishes a safe space buffer without escalating road rage.

What is the safest lane position on a multi-lane Texas highway under normal driving conditions?

Answer: The center lane to balance access and avoidance options

The center lane provides the most options for evasive maneuvers and reduces exposure to both merge conflicts and shoulder hazards.

A defensive driver notices their vision is blurred from fatigue on a long Texas road trip. What should they do?

Answer: Pull over safely and rest before continuing

Drowsy driving impairs reaction time as severely as alcohol; stopping and resting is the only safe solution.

When should a defensive driver use their horn?

Answer: To alert other drivers to a potential collision hazard

The horn is a safety device for alerting others to an imminent hazard, not for expressing frustration.

In Texas, what is the best defensive action when driving through a construction zone?

Answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, and stay alert for workers

Construction zones have reduced speed limits, unpredictable worker movements, and lane shifts that require extra caution.

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

Answer: Pull to the right edge of the road and stop

Texas law requires drivers to pull to the right and stop to give emergency vehicles a clear path.

A defensive driver encounters a flooded road in Texas. What is the safest course of action?

Answer: Turn around and find an alternate route

Just 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock a person down, and 12 inches can float many vehicles — turning around is always safer.