Safety Margins

Question 0

Stopping distances

Answer 0

Good, dry conditions- 2 seconds
Wet weather- 4 seconds
Icy weather- 20 seconds

Question 1

Stopping distance

Answer 1

Thinking distance + braking distance

Question 2

Heavy rain

Answer 2

Ease off the accelerator

Don’t brake until your steering feels normal again

Question 3

Hot and/or bright

Answer 3

Hot weather- the road surface may become soft- this could affect your braking and steering

Bright- dazzle your eyes, use arm signal if necessary. Other drivers may not be able to see your indicators flashing

Question 4

Freezing

Answer 4

Before driving- clear ice and snow from your windows, lights, mirrors and number plates.

When driving:
Keep your speed down
Brake gently and in plenty of time
Be prepared to stop and clean your windscreen by hand if the wipers can’t keep the windscreen clear

Question 5

Foggy

Answer 5

Fog reduces visibility

allow more time for journey
Slow down
Increase the gap between your vehicle and the one infront of you
Use dipped headlights, even in the day

Question 6

Windy

Answer 6

High winds can blow you of course

Greater effect on: 
High sides vehicles 
Vehicles towing trailers or caravans 
Motorcyclists 
Cyclists

Question 7

Skidding

Answer 7

Tyres lose grip on the road

To reduce skidding:
Drive at a low speed
In the highest gear you can use effectively

If you brake too hard and start to skid:
Take your foot off the brake, then press it again gently
Steer in the direction of the skid

Question 8

ABS

Answer 8

Anti locking braking system

Will help to prevent skidding caused by braking too hard for the conditions. It won’t reduce your cars stopping distance

Question 9

Contra flow system

Answer 9

Where one or more lanes have a direction of traffic against that of the rest of the carriageway.

You should:
Reduce your speed
Choose a suitable lane
Keep a safe distance behind the front vehicle

Question 10

Systematic approach

Answer 10

Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre, position, speed, look