Mixed Deck — All WYDOT Topics Flashcards

When following a WYDOT snowplow, the minimum safe following distance is:

Answer: At least 200 feet (approximately 4 car lengths)

You should maintain at least 200 feet behind a snowplow because blowing snow reduces visibility and sand or salt can damage your windshield.

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a safe following distance while driving?

Answer: To allow sufficient time to react to sudden stops by the vehicle in front

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for defensive driving because it provides the driver with enough time and space to react to sudden stops or hazards created by the vehicle in front. This reaction time is essential for safely applying brakes or maneuvering to avoid a collision. It prevents rear-end collisions and allows for better overall situational awareness.

What is the speed limit for trucks over 26,000 lbs on Wyoming rural interstates?

Answer: 70 mph

Large trucks (over 26,000 lbs) are limited to 70 mph on Wyoming rural interstates, which is 10 mph less than the passenger vehicle maximum.

If you witness a serious accident on a Wyoming highway where people appear injured, you should:

Answer: Stop safely away from the scene, call 911, and render first aid only if you are trained to do so

Stop safely nearby, call 911 immediately, and offer first aid only if trained — untrained movement of injured persons can cause additional harm.

What is the purpose of using headlights during daylight hours, especially in Wyoming?

Answer: To enhance vehicle visibility to other drivers

Using headlights during daylight hours, especially in conditions like those often found in Wyoming (e.g., snow, fog, or open roads), significantly increases a vehicle's visibility to other drivers. This makes it easier for oncoming traffic or vehicles merging from side roads to spot your car, reducing the risk of collisions. It's a simple yet effective defensive driving technique that enhances overall road safety.

What is the maximum daytime speed limit for passenger vehicles on Wyoming interstate highways?

Answer: 80 mph

Wyoming allows a maximum speed of 80 mph on most rural interstate highways during the day for passenger vehicles.

What is the correct action for a driver who encounters a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign on an undivided highway?

Answer: Stop regardless of the direction of travel

On an undivided highway, all drivers, regardless of their direction of travel, must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights and an extended stop sign. This law is critical for protecting children boarding or exiting the bus by creating a safe zone around it. Failing to stop can result in severe penalties and endanger lives.

Under WYDOT safety guidelines, what is the recommended action when a driver needs to use a phone?

Answer: Pull completely off the road to a safe location before using the device

WYDOT recommends pulling completely off the road to a safe location before using any wireless device.

If a Wyoming DUI involves a BAC of 0.15% or higher, the offense is typically treated as:

Answer: An aggravated DUI with enhanced penalties

A BAC of 0.15% or higher is considered an aggravated DUI in Wyoming, triggering enhanced fines, longer suspensions, and mandatory IID installation.

What is the primary purpose of Wyoming's 24/7 Sobriety Program?

Answer: To require repeat DUI offenders to submit to twice-daily alcohol testing as a condition of staying out of jail

The 24/7 Sobriety Program requires participants (usually repeat offenders) to test twice daily for alcohol as an alternative to incarceration.

In Wyoming, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death is classified as:

Answer: A felony hit-and-run offense

Leaving the scene of a fatal accident in Wyoming is a felony hit-and-run that can result in significant prison time.

What resource does the Wyoming State Library provide to help residents understand Wyoming traffic laws?

Answer: Access to the Wyoming Driver's Manual and official DMV publications

The Wyoming State Library provides public access to the Wyoming Driver's Manual and official DMV resources to help all residents understand state traffic laws.

For drivers under 21 years old, Wyoming enforces a 'zero tolerance' BAC limit of:

Answer: 0.02%

Wyoming's zero tolerance law sets a 0.02% BAC limit for drivers under 21, which is essentially zero given normal testing margins.

When approaching an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of a Wyoming highway with lights activated, you must:

Answer: Move over one lane away from the vehicle or slow to a safe speed if unable to move over (Move Over Law)

Wyoming's Move Over Law requires drivers to move one lane away from stopped emergency vehicles or slow significantly if a lane change is not possible.

What does a flashing yellow light at a Wyoming intersection typically mean?

Answer: Proceed with caution

A flashing yellow light means slow down and proceed with caution, as cross traffic may be present.

What is the primary goal of defensive driving?

Answer: To avoid accidents and reduce risks

The primary goal of defensive driving is to proactively anticipate and avoid potential hazards on the road, thereby preventing accidents and minimizing risks. This involves being constantly aware of your surroundings, anticipating the actions of other drivers, and being prepared to react safely to unexpected situations. By taking a proactive approach, drivers can significantly enhance their safety and the safety of others.

When should a driver use the "three-second rule" instead of the "two-second rule"?

Answer: In adverse weather conditions

The 'three-second rule' is an extension of the 'two-second rule' and is specifically recommended for maintaining a safe following distance in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, ice, or fog. These conditions reduce visibility and significantly increase stopping distances, so a longer following distance provides the extra time and space needed to react safely and prevent collisions, enhancing safety when conditions are poor.

According to traffic safety research cited by WYDOT, distracted driving contributes to approximately what share of all traffic crashes in the United States?

Answer: About 25 percent of all crashes

Traffic safety research consistently estimates that driver distraction is a factor in approximately 25 percent of all motor vehicle crashes nationwide.

When must you yield to a pedestrian in Wyoming?

Answer: At all crosswalks, both marked and unmarked, when the pedestrian is in or entering your lane

Wyoming law requires drivers to yield to pedestrians at all crosswalks — both marked and unmarked — when they are in or entering the driver's lane.

If a Wyoming driver is in a crash and evidence shows they were texting at the time, what additional consequence may apply?

Answer: The texting violation can serve as evidence of negligence in a civil lawsuit

Evidence of texting while driving at the time of a crash can be used to establish driver negligence in civil liability proceedings.