Chapter 7 - Speed and Maintaining a Safe Following Distance Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
1
Q

What is the normal maximum speed in a built-in area?

A

The max speed limit speed is normally 50km/h, unless a sign indicates a different speed limit, e.g. 70km/h

Note - Obviously you may encounter specifc section in a built-up area where the speed limit is lower –> 30km/h zone and 15km/h on private premises/play street

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the normall speed limits on motorways, trunk roads and all other roads outside a built-up area?

A

Motorways - 130km/h

Trunk road - 100km/h

All other roads - 80km/h

Note - this is just a rule of thumb –> if signs/electronic board indicates something else you must take the given value as the max speed limit.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Is the maximum speed on motorways always 130km/h?

A

The standard max speed is 130km/h

But…

In many places there is a lower maximum speed in force –> this is indicated by electronic/road signs.

Sometimes the lowering of max speed occurs for a specific time period –> e.g. during peak hours

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the max speed for microcars within and outside built-up areas?

A

Speed limit for microcars within and outside built-up areas is 45km/h

The same applies to motorised handicapped vehicles

Keep this in mind when approaching such vehicles

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the max speed on all roads outside built-up area when driving with a trailer or caravan?

A

80km/h

Note - if you maximum permitted mass of your trailer or caravan is below 3,500kg –> your speed limit on motorways and trunk roads is 90km/h

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are recommended speed signs?

A

Recommended a certain speed –> if you drive at these speeds you will normally be fine

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Why is it important to stick to speed limits/recommended speed apart from safety?

A

Allows for smooth flow of traffic –> you might benefit from a green wave of traffic lights

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Important circumstances when you just be aware and adjust your speed?

A
  1. Around schools –> children may cross roads unexpectedly
  2. Weather conditions
  3. Condition of the road –> not always in good repair
  4. Level of fatigue
  5. Unfamiliarity of the situation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What should you do before slowing down?

A

Before slowing down, look in your mirrors to observe the distance between yourself and traffic behind you.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Why is driving quicker not always a good idea?

A

In order to gain time you need to drive quick for a long period –> often not the case as there is traffic

Plus…

  1. Higher petrol consumption
  2. Greater risk of an accident
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What are the risk of driving at the maximum speed furing a long journey?

A

Misleading habituation

Drive too long on the motorway and then enter the built-up area –> you will have a tendency of driving too fast

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What does it mean to maintain a safe following distance? What is the rule of thumb?

A

Law states - you must drive in a way that allows you to stop within the distance of the road which is free ahead of you –> in practise this is not possible

General rule of thumb –> 2 second rule –> The distance between yourself and the vehicle infront should be equal to the distance you drive in two seconds.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Easy way to calculate the rule of thumb for safe following distance?

A

Divide your speed in km/h by 2 and add 10%

Example when driving at 80km/h

80/2 = 40 + 10% = 44 metres

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Important thing to remember when someone pulls in front of you or overtaking?

A

Make sure you apply the two-second rule to ensure that the vehicles around aren’t too close

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Under what circumstances should you increase the safe-following distance?

A
  1. When there is a risk of aquaplaning –> basically too much water on the road surface
  2. Wintry conditions
  3. Driving down a steep hill
  4. Driving in fog
  5. Driving a heavily loaded vehicle
  6. You are tired
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What happens to the stopping distance if you increase your speed?

A

Greater your speed –> Greater the stopping distance

Effect is progressive

Double speed = Braking distance increases fourfold

17
Q

What two things make up the stopping distance?

A

Reaction time + Braking time = Stopping distance

18
Q

What is reaction time? What is the average reaction time? How do you calculate it?

A

Reaction time –> time between you realise that you need to brake and for you actually to apply the brake

Average reaction time = 1 second

Reaction time distace = half the distance of the two second rule.

Calculation

(Speed in Km/h / 2 + 10%) / 2

  1. Speed divided by 2
  2. From the answer obtained - calculate 10% and add
  3. Divide by 2
19
Q

What is the definition of braking distance? What is the formula?

A

Braking distance = Distance you cover from the moment uou apply the brakes until you come to a standstill.

If your brakes are in good working oder you can use the following rule:

[(Speed in Km/h / 10) x (Speed in Km/h / 10)]/2 = Braking distance

20
Q

What is the stopping distance? How to calculate it?

A

The stopping distance is the distance you cover from the moment you become aware of a dangerous situation to the moment you have come to a complete standstill.

Stopping distance = Reaction time dis. + Braking distance