Safety Margins Flashcards
How should you drive downhill safely?
- Select a lower gear
- Brake gently
What is coasting?
When you travel in neutral or with the clutch pressed down
What is your stopping distance?
The distance your car travels from the moment you realise you need to brake to the moment your vehicle stops
What makes up the stopping distance?
The thinking distance and the braking distance
20 mph stopping distance
3 car lengths (12m)
30 mph stopping distance
6 car lengths (23m)
40mph stopping distance
9 car lengths (36m)
50 mph stopping distance
13 car lengths (53m)
60 mph stopping distance
18 car lengths (73m)
70mph stopping distance
24 car lengths (96m)
What is the time gap in wet conditions?
4 seconds
What is the time gap in dry conditions?
20 seconds
What should you do when driving in freezing conditions?
- Use the highest gear possible
- Break gently and ahead of time
- Be prepared to clean snow off of the windshield
What should you do when driving in fog?
Use dipped headlights unless the visibility is less than 100m in which case you use fog lights
What is aquaplaning?
When your tyre leaves the surface of the road and skates on a film of water. This can cause the steering to be light and the tyres make no sound
What do you do if you aquaplane?
- Ease off the accelerator
- Don’t brake until you are off the water
Why is hot weather dangerous?
Because the road can become soft which can affect the grip of the tyres which means the steering and braking could be affected. The sun can also dazzle drivers
What should you do when driving in high winds?
Drive slowly and give pedestrians more space in case they are blown off course
How can you reduce the risk of skidding?
Drive at low speed with as high a gear as possible
What do you do if you start skidding?
- Release the footbrake and reapply it gently
- Steer gently in the direction of the skid
What is the ABS system?
The anti brake locking system which reduces skidding if there is an emergency brake
What should you do if you are driving a vehicle with ABS?
Apply footbrake rapidly and don’t release the brake until it has stopped
What is the ESC?
It’s the electronic stability control and it compromises the ABS and traction control system to stop the car from skidding sideways
What is a contraflow system?
It’s where you have a lane that is travelling in the opposite direction than it usually would
What should you do when you enter a contraflow system?
- Reduce speed
- Chose the appropriate lane in good time
- Keep correct separation distance
How would you park your car safely downhill?
Apply the parking brake firmly and turn your steering wheel towards the curb so your car doesn’t roll downhill
What can happen if you travel long distances when coasting?
You can reduce your control
