Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

What does the acronym SIPDE, often taught in defensive driving, stand for?

Answer: Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute

SIPDE describes the defensive process of scanning, identifying hazards, predicting conflicts, deciding on an action, and executing it.

Why should you leave extra space when stopped behind a vehicle at a traffic light?

Answer: So you can steer around it if it stalls or you must move for an emergency vehicle

Stopping where you can see the rear tires of the car ahead touch the pavement gives you an escape path if that vehicle stalls or danger approaches from behind.

In winter conditions common in Vermont, what is the best way to handle a skid on ice?

Answer: Ease off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go

Releasing the accelerator and steering where you want to go helps the tires regain traction and brings the vehicle back under control.

When passing a bicyclist on a Vermont road, what clearance must you give?

Answer: At least 4 feet of clearance

Vermont law requires drivers to pass vulnerable users such as bicyclists with at least four feet of clearance.

What is the main danger of driving with cruise control on wet or icy roads?

Answer: The system may keep applying power during a loss of traction, worsening a skid

Cruise control can maintain throttle while the tires hydroplane or slip, so it should be turned off on slick surfaces.

At night, an oncoming driver fails to dim their high beams. What should you do?

Answer: Look toward the right edge of your lane and slow down

Glancing toward the right edge of the road keeps you on course while avoiding temporary blindness from glare.

Which action best reduces your risk when driving through an intersection on a green light?

Answer: Cover the brake and glance left, right, then left again before entering

Even with a green light, checking cross traffic protects you from red-light runners, who cause many intersection crashes.