Alertness, attitude & safety Flashcards
What to check before overtaking?
- clear view of road ahead
2. enough time to carry out manoeuvre safely
How often should you take a break on the motorway?
At least every 2 hours
What are some exmaples of distractions when driving?
- objects hanging in the car
- starting or adjusting any music or radio
- looking at a map
- talking into a microphone
What do yellow lines painted across a road at intervals represent?
reduce speed
seen as you approach a hazard or speed change sign
What is a blind spot?
Areas that are hidden from the driver, either by the car’s bodywork or areas not covered by the mirrors.
How much of a gap should you leave between you and the vehicle in front (in seconds)?
Good, dry conditions –> 2-second gap
Wet weather –> 4-second gap
Icy weather –> 20-second gap
What is tailgating?
Driving too close to the vehicle in front.
When is it appropriate to sound the horn?
If there’s danger and if you need to let others know you’re there
Which break should you use in a queue at night?
Handbrake as footbrake can dazzle driver behind you
Which emergency services use a blue flashing light?
fire police ambulance coastguard bomb disposal mountain rescue blood transfusion
Who uses a green flashing light?
Doctors on an emergency call
What are the different types of crossings?
Zebra - pedestrians get priority
Pelican - pedestrian controlled, flashing amber light
Puffin - electronically controlled, sensors to ensure lights don’t change until pedestrian has safely crossed. Steady amber light.
Toucan - cyclists can cross at same time as pedestrians
What’s the diamond shaped sign with a number (30) in it?
Speed sign for trams
When is it appropriate to flash your lights?
Only to show other road users that you’re there.
Why is diesel fuel particularly dangerous spilt?
It’s slippery.
What parts of your car should you check on a regular basis?
- lights, brakes, steering, exhaust system, seat belts, horn, speedometer, wipers, washers
- oil and water levels
- brake fluid
- battery level - may need topping up with distilled water to just above the cel plates
- windscreen
- tyre pressures - check once a week when they’re cold
- tyre condition - tread
What effects do under-inflated tyres have?
steering will feel heavy
increased fuel consumption
braking
What must the tyre tread be?
at least 1.6 mm deep across the central three-quarters of the breadth of the tyre and around the entire circumference
it’s illegal to drive with tyres that have deep cuts in the side walls
What can cause uneven wear on the tyres?
Faults in:
- braking system
- suspension
- wheel alignment
What happens if the wheels are unbalanced?
Steering can vibrate
When should the ABS warning light go out?
When driving at 5-10 mph (8-16 km/h)
How do you check the condition of the shock absorbers?
Bounce the vehicle by pressing down hard on each corner. Should not bounce a lot on letting go.
When must you consult a garage asap?
steering wheel vibrates
vehicle pulls to one side when you brake
Children under what age must wear a suitable restraint?
14
When to use dipped lights?
poor visibility
When to use fog lights?
thick fog
Which direction should you park your car in on a two-way road at night?
in the direction of the traffic
Over what speed limit should you have your parking lights on when parking?
30 mph
When can you use your hazard lights?
- when you’ve broken down
- to warn of queuing traffic on a motorway or dual carriageway
What additional measures can you take to avoid robbery?
- fit an anti-theft alarm or mobiliser
- use a visible security device such as a steering wheel or handbrake lock
- have the vehicle registration number etched on the windows
- install a security-coded radio
- join a vehicle watch scheem in your area
Where must you avoid parking?
- in front of property entrance
- at or near a bus stop
- near the brow of a hill
- lowered kerb for wheelchair access
- on a bend or opposite a side road
What % of emissions does road transport account for?
20%
When does your car need to pass an emissions test as part of its MOT?
if more than 3 years old (4 in NI)
When should you avoid using your horn?
In built up areas between 11.30 pm and 7 am
What is dry steering?
When you turn the steering wheel whilst the car is not moving - wears out the tyres and steering mechanism
Name 3 traffic-calming measures.
- road humps
- road narrowings
- chicanes
What do red lines on the side of the road mean?
Cannot stop
What is brake fade?
Brake becomes less effective due to overheating
