1. Alertness Flashcards
To understand rules surrounding Alertness on the road
What must you do before any manoeuvre (e.g.: moving off, stopping, turning, changing lanes)?
Check mirrors to see how it will affect the traffic behind you and do a blind spot check
Signal if necessary
What should you do if you cannot see behind you when reversing?
Ask a reliable person to guide you
What should you do if you cannot see when emerging from a junction because your view is obstructed by parked cars?
Move forward slowly and carefully until you have a clear view
What must you ensure before overtaking?
- You have a clear view of the road
- You have enough time to complete the manoeuvre safely
How can you make your presence known in the dark?
Putting your lights on
How can you make your presence known over a hump bridge or view obstruction?
Consider using your horn
What must you check when turning right onto a dual carriageway?
Check the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle
How do you know that a large vehicle can see you?
You can see their mirrors
Why must you keep well back from large vehicles?
The driver may not be aware of your presence
Who may be classified as a more vulnerable road user?
Pedestrians (especially when hidden or approaching a crossing)
Cyclists
Motorcyclists (may be obstructed by the blind spot)
How should you overtake cyclists?
Pass slowly and leave plenty of room
How can you ensure you have full control over the vehicle whilst breaking?
Maintain both hands on the steering wheel
What must you keep in mind if traffic lights have been green for a long time?
Be prepared to stop as the lights may change
What should you do when planning a journey?
Know which route you are taking
Plan regular stops
What’s the maximum time you should drive for continuously?
2 hours
How can you prevent drowsiness?
Keep fresh air circulating
Take rests
Do not drive continuously for >2 hours
Stop if necessary at a safe and legal spot
What is the effect of driving whilst drowsy?
Driving tired leads to a 3x increase in the probability of being involved in a collision or near-miss
What distractions can take your mind of driving?
- Arguing/ joking passengers
- Loud music
- Objects hanging in the car
- Starting or adjusting music/ radio
- Looking at a map
- Talking into a microphone
How far would you travel if you took your eyes off the road for a second at 60mph (96km/h)?
27m
What should you do with you phone whilst driving?
Using your phone is illegal. Switch it off or put it on voicemail.
When can you use your phone?
When parked in a safe place
What must you wait until stopped to do?
Retrieve any messages
Make any calls
Send/ receive texts
Go online
Where should you set your navigation devices?
Stopped in a safe place
Is it ok to use a hands-free phone when driving?
It may still be distracting as the other person cannot see the road. It is better not to use the phone at all.
What should you do if you/ navigation system gets lost?
Turn into a side road as soon as possible, stop and check a map
What do yellow (or red) lines at intervals across the road mean?
They encourage the drivers to reduce speed likely due to a hazard (e.g.: roundabout) or a speed limit reduction
What is a blind spot?
Areas hidden from the driver by the car’s bodywork or areas not covered by mirrors
Which road users have the greatest right to use the road?
None, everyone has the same right
What must you do when passing horses?
Keep very low speed
Give them ample birth
Horses are very easily frightened
What should you do if there are animals on the road?
Stop and switch of the engine if necessary or asked to do so.
What should you do if driving a slow moving vehicle and a queue is forming?
Pull over and allow the traffic to pass
How might you help other users anticipate your actions?
Signal correctly
Take up correct positioning at junctions or in one-way systems
