Roadcraft defintions

Question 1

System of Car Control definition

Answer 1

The system of car control is a way of approaching and negotiating hazards that is methodical, safe and leaves nothing to chance. It involves careful observation, early anticipation and planning and a systematic use of the controls to maintain your vehicle’s stability in all situations.

Question 2

How does roadcraft define a hazard

Answer 2

‘Anything which is an actual or potential danger’

Question 3

Define Actual danger

Answer 3

‘Where the law or the rule of the road places the onus upon the driver to ensure that it is safe before they continue.’

Question 4

Define potential danger

Answer 4

‘Where common sense or road sense suggests that certain safety precautions be taken before entering the danger area’.

Question 5

The 5 things to do when approaching a hazard

Answer 5

Observe, Anticipate, Prioritise, Decide what to do, Act

Question 6

What is the safe driving rule

Answer 6

Always drive so that you can safely stop within the distance you can see to be clear on your own side of the road.

Question 7

What is the purpose of a driving plan

Answer 7

The purpose of a driving plan is to put you in the correct position at the correct speed, in the correct gear at the correct time

Question 8

What should be considered in the driving plan

Answer 8

• What can be seen
• What cannot be seen
• What might reasonably be expected to happen
• Which hazard represents the greatest threat
• What to do if things turn out differently from expected.

Question 9

The 3 things to do when you see a road sign

Answer 9

Observe, understand, and react

Question 10

What is the tyre grip trade off

Answer 10

There is a limited amount of tyre grip available. This is shared between accelerating, braking and steering forces.

Question 11

Define acceleration sense

Answer 11

Acceleration sense is the ability to vary the vehicle speed in response to changing road and traffic conditions by accurate use of the accelerator, so that you use the brakes less or not at all.

Question 12

Why does a skid develop

Answer 12

A skid develops when one tyre or more losses normal grip on the road, causing an involuntary movement of the vehicle. This happens when the grip of the tyre on the road becomes less than the force or forces acting on the vehicle.

Question 13

What is the limit point

Answer 13

The limit point is the furthest point to which you have an uninterrupted view of the road surface.

On a Left HB drive the limit point is where the edge of the road meets the central white line/ centre of road.

Question 14

What is a double apex

Answer 14

A corner which has a ‘tightening’ curve. In this bend the curve that the driver initially sees on the approach continues to tighten so the curve is much sharper than expected

Question 15

When is a pulling vehicle most stable

Answer 15

A moving vehicle is most stable when its weight is evenly distributed, its engine is just pulling without increasing road speed, and it’s travelling in a straight line.

Question 16

What are the three forces that reduce stability

Answer 16

Accelerating, braking, steering.

Question 17

How does crown camber effect steering on a left hand bend

Answer 17

On a left-hand bend, camber increases the effect of your steering because the road slopes down in the direction of the turn.

Question 18

How does crown camber effect steering on a right hand bend

Answer 18

On a right-hand bend, camber reduces the effect of steering because the road slopes away from the direction of the turn.

Question 19

What is super elevation

Answer 19

Super elevation is where the whole width of the road is banked up towards the outside edge of the bend, making the slope favourable for cornering in both directions (similar to banking on a race track).

Question 20

What should you consider when position your vehicle for cornering

Answer 20

When positioning your vehicle for cornering you need to consider Safety, stability and view however you should always be prepared to sacrifice your road position for safety.

Question 21

How does the limit point help you judge the appropriate speed for a bend

Answer 21

The limit point gives you a systematic way of judging the correct speed to use through a bend. If the bend tightens, the limit point will appear to move closer so reduce your speed accordingly.

Question 22

What should you do with information

Answer 22

Take, use and give

Question 23

What is brake gear overlap

Answer 23

Brake gear overlap is the simultaneous use of the gears and brakes. BGO is commonly misused but if used correctly as part of a planned approach it can be beneficial.

Question 24

What is understeer and what is oversteer

Answer 24

Understeer is the tendency of a vehicle to turn less, and oversteer is the tendency of a vehicle to turn more, in response to a given turn of the steering wheel.

Question 25

What are the three situations where brake gear overlap might be apprpriate

Answer 25

• Going downhill
• Into a sharp right or left turn with a vehicle close behind or approaching
• Low speed junctions with a vehicle close behind or approaching

Question 26

What is a single stage overtake

Answer 26

Where you’re able to overtake immediately- approaching overtaking and returning to your side of the road in one continuous manoeuvre

Question 27

What is a three stage overtake

Answer 27

Where other hazards require you to take up a following position before you can safely overtake

Question 28

What are the 5 overtaking specific hazards to consider

Answer 28

Junctions
Lay-bys
Driver attitude
Road surface
Weather conditions (standing water)

Question 29

How much of a gap should you leave when overtaking cyclists and horses

Answer 29

1.5m when overtaking cyclists
2m when overtaking horses (less than 15mph)

Question 30

stopping distance formula

Answer 30

Thinking distance + Braking distance = Stopping distance

Question 31

The 5 benefits of leaving “tyres and tarmac”

Answer 31

• Allows you room to pull out and around the vehicle if it stalls or breaks down
• Enables you to see further up the road
• Leaves a space for filtering motorcycles and cycles to use
• Gives you a buffer if the vehicle in front rolls back towards you if you are facing uphill
• It gives you an escape route if a vehicle is approaching from behind and is unable to stop in time.

Question 32

Give 3 observation links

Answer 32

Cluster of lamp posts = look out for a roundabout ahead

Single lamp post = Look out for the exit point of a junction

No gap in trees ahead = Look out for the road to bend

Question 33

Things to consider when overtaking

Answer 33

• Don’t overtake with no view
• Don’t cause others to alter speed/position
• Allow plenty of time
• Be prepared to abort
• Avoid conflict
• Don’t overtake 3 abreast
• Do not overtake on the Nearside

Question 34

Stopping distances

Answer 34

20mph - 40ft (2)
30mph - 75ft (2.5)
40mph - 120ft (3)
50mph - 175ft (3.5)
60mph - 240ft (4)
70mph - 315ft (4.5)
100mph - 600ft (6)

Question 35

3 statutory exemptions for police

Answer 35

• Speed limit
• Red lights
• Keep left bollards

Question 36

4 causes of a skid

Answer 36

• Too fast for the circumstances
• Harsh acceleration
• Excessive or sudden breaking
• Coarse steering

Question 37

What does “anticipating” hazards do

Answer 37

Anticipating hazards gives you extra time. The more time you have to react to a hazard the more likely it is that you can deal with it safely.

Question 38

POWDERS

Answer 38

• Petrol
• Oils
• Water
• Damage
• Electrics
• Rubber
• Servicing

Question 39

What are the 5 benefits of a good following position

Answer 39

You have a better view of the road ahead which can be extended on both sides

You can see when it’s safe to move up into the overtaking position

You can extend the braking distance of the car behind if they are following closely behind

You have time to react if the car in front brakes suddenly

You get less spray from the vehicle in front in wet conditions,

Question 40

When can you cross a solid white line

Answer 40

You may only cross it if you can see it’s safe to do so, and:

You need to turn into a property or side road, OR

You’re overtaking a parked vehicle or a cyclist, horse or road maintenance vehicle that is travelling at 10mph or less.