Defensive Driving Techniques Flashcards

Another driver cuts you off and makes an angry gesture. What is the best defensive response?

Answer: Avoid eye contact, give them space, and do not respond

Refusing to engage with an aggressive driver prevents road rage from escalating into a dangerous confrontation.

When merging onto an interstate from an entrance ramp, what should you do?

Answer: Accelerate to match the speed of traffic and merge into an open gap

Matching traffic speed on the ramp lets you slide into a gap smoothly without forcing other drivers to brake.

What is the biggest visibility risk when following a snowplow in Vermont?

Answer: Blowing snow clouds can hide the plow and its wing blade, so stay far back and never pass in a whiteout

Snowplows create clouds of blowing snow that hide the truck and its extended wing, so following far behind and passing only with clear sight lines is essential.

Which habit best protects you from distracted-driving crashes caused by other people?

Answer: Constantly scanning mirrors and anticipating that others may not see you

Defensive driving assumes other drivers may be distracted, so continuous scanning and anticipation let you react before their mistakes reach you.

You are approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing lights on a two-lane road where you cannot change lanes. What does Vermont's Move Over law require?

Answer: Slow down and proceed with caution past the scene

When moving over a lane is not possible, Vermont's Move Over law requires you to slow down and pass the emergency scene with caution.

Why should you avoid driving in another vehicle's blind spot for an extended time?

Answer: The driver may change lanes into you without ever seeing you

Lingering where a driver cannot see you invites a sideswipe if they change lanes, so pass through blind spots quickly or drop back.

Heavy fog suddenly reduces visibility to near zero. What should you do?

Answer: Use low beams, slow down, and if needed pull completely off the road and turn on hazard lights

Low beams reduce glare in fog, and if visibility becomes too poor to drive, pulling fully off the roadway with hazards on is the safest choice.