Safety Margins and Hazard Awareness Flashcards by Alexandros Georgiou

When you’re travelling downhill, control your speed by…

Selecting a lower gear

Breaking gently

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What does it mean to ‘coast’ and why should you not do it?

To ‘coast’ is to travel in neutral with the clutch pressed down - don’t do it, because it reduces your control

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What is stopping distance?

It’s the distance your car travels from the moment you realise you must brake to the moment the vehicle stops

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What gap should you leave between your vehicle and the one infront?

2 second gap

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Stopping distance in rainy conditions

2 x dry, good condition

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Stopping distance when icy

10 x dry, good conditions

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When driving, what preparations should you make considering the weather conditions?

Consider whether your journey is really necessary.
Use the highest gear you can
Brake gently and in plenty of time
Be prepared to stop and clean snow from your windscreen by hand if the wipers can’t keep it clear

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What things should you consider for driving in fog?

Allow more time for your journey
Slow down
Increase the gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you
Use dipped headlights even in daylight - if the visibility falls below 100m, yes fog lights

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What should you do while aquaplaning>

Ease off the accelerator

Don’t break until your steering feels normal again

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What should you do after driving through deep water like a ford or a flood?

Test your brakes, and if necessary, dry them out by pressing lightly on the brake pedal as you go along.

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Why is hot weather dangerous for driving?

The road surface could become soft and your tyres might not grip so well, affecting your braking and steering.

Bright sunlight can dazzle (other drivers might not be able to see your indicators) so consider giving arm signals as well

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What should you do during high winds with high-sided vehicles/motorcyclists/cyclists?

Take care - allow them extra room and then check your left side as you pass them.

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How can you reduce the risk of skidding and wheel spin?

Driving at a low speed

In as high a gear as possible

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What’s a good way to not be taken by surprise for hazards on the road?

Scan the road ahead for clues such as road signs and markings
Slow down gradually before you reach the hazard, such as a bend
Avoid sudden steering movements

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What should you do if you start to skid?

Release the foot brake and reapply it gently

Steer smoothly in the direction of the skid - if the back of the car skids to the right, steer carefully to the right.

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The ABS (anti-lock braking system) reduces the risk of skidding if you have to brake in an emergency. Wheel speed sensors anticipate when a wheel is about to lock.

If you’re driving a vehicle with ABS….

Apply the foot brake rapidly and firmly

Don’t release the brake pedal until you’ve stopped

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Where may ABS be less effective for steering while braking?

Where there’s surface water

Where there’s a loose road surface

What is the ESC?

Electronic stability control - it compromises the functions of ABS and traction control system, and aims to prevent a vehicle from skidding sideways.

It detects the risk of a skid at an early stage and provides selective braking intervention to restore the vehicle stability.

What happens when a temporary contraflow is in operation?

You’ll be travelling close to ongoing traffic, sometimes in narrow lanes.

What should you do when entering a contraflow system?

Reduce speed in good time
Choose an appropriate lane in good time
Keep the correct separation distance

Why should you keep well left before a right-hand bend?

It’ll improve your view of the road ahead and gives you an earlier indication of hazards.

How can you park safely on a downhill slope?

Apply the parking brake firmly and turn the steering wheel towards the kerb.

What are the benefits of a four-wheel-drive vehicle?

It has improved road holding. The extra grip helps when travelling on slippery or uneven roads.

When should you not overtake?

Where your view ahead is blocked
When approaching a junction
If you’re intending to turn off the road shortly afterwards

Why are there so many speed humps around?

They’re normally found in built-up areas to improve the safety of the area - slow down as you approach and drive over them.

How should you respond to static hazards?

Take a mental note of their existence | Slow down and get ready to stop if necessary

How should you treat traffic lights that are out of order?

Like an unmarked crossroad - proceed with caution

What should you watch out for (parked cars)?

Watch out for: Children dashing out from between the cars Car doors opening Cars moving away

What should you do at junctions?

Pull forward slowly until you can see down the road. You could see reflections of traffic in shop windows. Don’t block them.

What should you do when lanes are closed?

Be ready for cars cutting in front of you and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Take extra care on two-way roads that have a third lanes in the centre (both directions can use this for overtaking)

What should you do if you’re driving on a motorway or a dual carriageway and you see a hazard ahead?

Briefly use your hazard warning lights to warn the traffic behind

If your vehicle has broken down and is causing an obstructions, what should you do?

Use your hazard warning lights

What should you consider for cyclists?

They may wobble or swerve to avoid drains or potholes At junctions or traffic lights, give them time to turn or pull away Before you turn left, check for cyclists filtering on your left

What should you think about when you see a bus at a bus stop?

People may get off the bus and cross the road | The bus may be about to move off. School buses might stop at places other than bus stops.

If you’ve been drinking alcohol, what could this cause while driving?

Reduces concentration, coordination and control Gives a false sense of confidence Reduces your judgement of speed Slows down your reactions

Eyesight rules while driving

If you can’t find your glasses if you need them to drive, don’t drive. Don’t wear tinted glasses at night. You MUST tell the licensing authority if your eyesight deteriorates or you suffer from an illness which may affect your driving

How do I deal with inconsiderate drivers

Wait if necessary to allow the other driver to move out of the way. If you feel upset, stop and take a break if you can. Have good anticipation skills - it’ll help prevent these situations becoming more serious incidents.

How do you prevent the car behind driving too closely?

Move over and let the car through if you can. If there’s no room and the driver behind seems to be ‘pushing’ you, increase your distance from the car in front. This will lessen the risk of a road traffic incident involving several vehicles.

What do I do if a car is about to reverse out in front of me?

Reduce your speed and be prepared to stop (and horn if not between half 11pm and 7am, otherwise flash your headlights)

What do I do if I take the wrong route and find myself in a one-way street

Don’t try to turn round. Continue to the end of the road and then find a safe place to turn around.