Seat Belts, Highways, Sharing the Road and Tailgating

Question 1

For the safety of visually impaired pedestrians, drivers should stop within how many feet of the crosswalk?

Answer 1

5 feet

Question 2

What can you do to avoid tailgating?

Answer 2

follow the 3-second rule

Tailgating is the cause of most rear-end collisions. According to the rule, when the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point, like a sign, it should take your vehicle about three seconds to reach that same point.

Question 3

What are slow-moving vehicles?

Answer 3

vehicles that travel 25 mph or less

Slow-moving vehicles include:

Farm tractors;
Animal-drawn carts;
Road-maintenance vehicles

Question 4

What does the orange/red triangle at the back of a road maintenance vehicle mean?

Answer 4

it is a slow-moving vehicle

The orange/red triangle at the back of vehicles indicate that they are slow-moving. Farm tractors, animal-drawn carts, and road maintenance vehicles are some examples of slow-moving vehicles and they usually travel 25 mph or less.

Question 5

Which side of a one-way street must bicyclists use?

Answer 5

near to the right curb or edge of a one-way street

Question 6

What is the gap you should maintain when crossing or entering city traffic from a full stop?

Answer 6

a minimum gap of half a block

Question 7

What distance should you maintain with a bicyclist when you cannot change lanes to pass the bicyclist?

Answer 7

at least 3 feet

Question 8

What must you do when another driver in front of you makes a mistake?

Answer 8

keep a safe distance around your vehicle

When another driver makes a mistake, don’t react abruptly. Keep enough safe space on all sides of your vehicle. This space will give you room to brake or maneuver if necessary.

Question 9

True or False:

When sharing the road with other vehicles, you should constantly stare at the vehicle or the road ahead of you.

Answer 9

FALSE

Constantly staring ahead is not advisable. Besides scanning the road 10–15 seconds ahead of your vehicle, you should keep an eye on your rearview mirror, and check for blind spots.

Question 10

Why is looking only at the middle of the road not advisable?

Answer 10

You could miss what is happening on your flanks and behind you.

Question 11

What should you do to avoid a collision with a tailgater?

Answer 11

allow extra space ahead, slow down, merge into another lane

Allow extra space ahead and do not brake suddenly. Slow down gradually or merge into another lane to prevent a collision with the tailgater.

Question 12

What should you do to avoid being hit by a tailgater if you need to stop?

Answer 12

Brake slowly before stopping OR pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

Tap your brakes lightly a few times to warn the tailgater you are slowing down. If this does not work, pull off the road when it is safe and let the tailgater pass.

Question 13

A vehicle traveling at 55 mph brakes. Assuming that it has good tires, how much distance will it cover before the driver can bring the vehicle to a complete stop?

Answer 13

about 400 feet

Question 14

To increase visibility, the bicycle lanes are painted in which color?

Answer 14

bright green color

Question 15

What is a bicycle boulevard?

Answer 15

A designated preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic, intended to prioritize bicycle travel.

Question 16

What is a bike route?

Answer 16

A designated preferred route for bicyclists on streets shared with vehicle traffic, established by placing bike route signs and/or shared roadway markings.

Question 17

If you see a collision ahead, what must you do to warn the drivers behind you?

Answer 17

turn on emergency flashers, tap the brake pedal 3-4 times, signal with your hand

When you see a collision ahead, warn the drivers behind you by turning on your emergency flashers or tapping your brake pedal quickly 3 or 4 times. You can also use hand signals when slowing and stopping.

Question 18

When can you stop on the road?

Answer 18

Stop on the road only when it is required and necessary for safety purposes or for obeying the law.

Question 19

While driving on a freeway, how do you signal the drivers behind you that you need to pull over?

Answer 19

start braking early as a signal to the cars behind you

Question 20

What should you do if your vehicle breaks down and you need to stop but you are unable to pull off the road?

Answer 20

Stop where people can see you and your vehicle from behind. Do not stop on a slope or just around a curve.

Question 21

On a freeway, how can you signal an emergency stop to warn the other drivers?

Answer 21

lift the hood or place emergency flares or triangle

If it is safe, lift the hood to signal an emergency. Place emergency flares or triangles 200–300 feet behind the vehicle. This allows other drivers time to change lanes, if necessary.

Question 22

There are oncoming vehicles to your left and a row of parked vehicles to your right. What would be the best way for you to move forward?

Answer 22

a middle course between the oncoming and parked vehicles

If there are oncoming vehicles to your left and a row of parked vehicles to your right, the best thing to do is to split the difference. Steer a middle course between the oncoming cars and the parked cars.

Question 23

You are on a two-lane road with an oncoming vehicle approaching and a bicyclist ahead to your right. Would you drive between the vehicle and the bicyclist?

Answer 23

No

First, slow down and let the oncoming vehicle pass. Then, when it is safe, move to the left to allow plenty of room (at least 3 feet) to pass the bicyclist.

Question 24

How would you ensure safety if there are oncoming cars on your left side and a child on a bike on your right side?

Answer 24

Use as much of your lane to the left as possible until you pass the child.

The child is more likely to make a sudden move. Therefore, slow down and, if safe, use as much of your lane to the left as possible until you pass the child.

Question 25

How would you cross several freeway lanes?

Answer 25

one at a time

Question 26

While entering city traffic from a full stop, why is it important to leave a large gap to get up to the speed of the traffic?

Answer 26

to safely share the space with traffic

Question 27

True or False:

You should allow an extra cushion of space when sharing the road with trucks, buses, vans, and vehicles pulling campers or trailers.

Answer 27

TRUE

Question 28

What are some mistakes to avoid when driving around large trucks?

Answer 28

• Cutting off a truck in traffic to reach an exit or turn
• Lingering alongside a truck when passing
• Tailgating a truck
• Underestimating the size and speed of a truck

Question 29

What is the first thing you should do during an enforcement stop?

Answer 29

turn on your right signal

Turning on your right turn signal lets the officer know that you recognize his or her presence.

Question 30

What would you do if you miss a turn?

Answer 30

keep calm, continue onward, and work your way back

Whenever you miss a turn, keep calm and do not make any last second changes that may cause an accident.

Question 31

What is the 3-second rule?

Answer 31

According to the 3-second rule, when the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point, like a sign, it should take your vehicle about three seconds to reach that same point.

This rule helps avoid collisions from tailgating by giving drivers the time to recognize a hazard and respond safely.

Question 32

What is a divided highway?

Answer 32

A divided highway is a roadway divided by means of intermittent barriers, curbs, double-parallel lines, or “other roadway markings.”

Question 33

What should you do if you find yourself driving alongside another vehicle on a multilane road?

Answer 33

move ahead or pull back

Move ahead or pull back when you are driving in another vehicle’s blind spot.

Question 34

What should you do if a truck or bus is making a right turn where you also need to make a right turn?

Answer 34

wait, make your turn only after the truck or bus turns

If you try to insert your vehicle between a turning truck or bus and a curb, you may suffer a serious crash. Slow down and let the truck pass, then move ahead.

Question 35

What should you do when you see a school bus stopped on the road ahead to load or unload children?

Answer 35

Come to a complete stop. Wait to proceed until the lights have stopped flashing. Observe if the stop arm is withdrawn.

Question 36

Why is coasting in neutral illegal when going downhill in California?

Answer 36

Coasting down a hill is unsafe and illegal as:

• It prevents you from maneuvering to avoid a hazard or emergency.
• It restricts one from braking.

Question 37

What minimum distance should maintain from the traffic when crossing or entering highway traffic from a full stop?

Answer 37

a minimum gap of a full block

Question 38

How do you safely exit a freeway?

Answer 38

To safely exit a freeway:

• Signal your intention to exit.
• Look over your shoulder and change lanes one at a time.
• Maintain a proper speed for leaving the traffic lane.

Question 39

While sharing the road with a truck or an RV, what are some things you know about the vehicle to avoid a collision with it?

Answer 39

Some of the things one should know about a large vehicle include:

• its physical capabilities
• how it maneuvers

Question 40

True or False:

If a truck is following you on a multi-lane highway, you should avoid changing lanes.

Answer 40

FALSE

You can change lane to let the truck pass; however, DO NOT slow down or stop in front of the truck. The truck might not be able to stop in time to avoid crashing into your vehicle.

Question 41

True or False:

While sharing the road with a large truck, you should keep an eye on its turn signals.

Answer 41

TRUE

By keeping an eye on its turn signals, you can anticipate if the truck is going to make a turn or not, allowing you to slow down or speed up and maintain a safe distance from the large vehicle.

Question 42

If a large vehicle and a passenger vehicle are traveling at the same speed, which one would take longer to stop?

Answer 42

the large vehicle

The average passenger vehicle traveling at 55 mph can stop within 400 feet, whereas a large truck at the same speed may take almost 800 feet to stop.

Question 43

If the truck ahead of you appears to be turning left, what must you check before you start to pass it?

Answer 43

keep an eye on the truck’s turn signals

The truck driver may be turning right but first swinging wide, therefore, you should check the truck’s turn signals before you start to pass it.

Question 44

Where would you stop when people are boarding or leaving a streetcar or trolley where there is no safety zone?

Answer 44

behind the vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle platform

Stop behind the vehicle’s nearest door or vehicle platform and wait until all the people have boarded or reached a safe place.

Question 45

Can a person drive into an HOV lane with no passenger to avoid bumper to bumper traffic?

Answer 45

No

Driving into an HOV or carpool lane with no passenger is illegal. This is a violation under the California Vehicle Code 21655.5.

Question 46

True or False:

It is legal to pass a vehicle on the right shoulder.

Answer 46

FALSE

California law makes it illegal for a driver to pass on the right or drive on the shoulder of the road.

Question 47

What should you do if there’s not enough space to safely stay away from the freeway lanes when your vehicle is disabled?

Answer 47

When there is not enough space to stay away from the freeway lanes when your vehicle is disabled, you should:

• Use your emergency blinking lights at your discretion and as per the weather.
• Wait for the Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) for free emergency roadside assistance. Call them if need be.
• If the FSP can’t start your vehicle, it will be towed free of charge to a location approved by CHP.

Question 48

Would you drive alongside other vehicles at a freeway exit?

Answer 48

NO, avoid driving beside other vehicles at a freeway exit

A driver may decide to exit suddenly or swerve back into the freeway.

Question 49

On a freeway, what should a motorist never do when a driver ahead is signaling a left turn?

Answer 49

pass on the left

You should never pass on the left if the driver ahead is signaling a left turn.

Question 50

What should a motorist do when he is feeling drowsy on a freeway?

Answer 50

stop, avoid driving

A driver must avoid driving when he is drowsy or impaired in any way.

Question 51

Fill in the blanks.

If your vehicle breaks down on the freeway, safely pull your vehicle to the _____, and if you must exit the vehicle, exit on the ________ side of your vehicle.

Answer 51

If your vehicle breaks down on the freeway, safely pull your vehicle to the right, and if you must exit the vehicle, exit on the right side of your vehicle, away from the traffic.

Question 52

Choose the correct option.

If you get stuck on the freeway, Freeway Service Patrol would do the following things EXCEPT:

A. offer you a gallon of gas if you run out

B. assist vehicles involved in a collision

C. change a flat tire

Answer 52

B. assist vehicles involved in a collision

Freeway Service Patrol (FSP) will not assist vehicles that have been involved in a collision unless directed by California Highway Patrol (CHP).

Question 53

When can a bicyclist operate on a freeway?

Answer 53

Bicycles can operate on a freeway when there is no alternate route and bicycling is not forbidden by any signs.

Question 54

What would you do if you are approaching a stopped emergency vehicle displaying amber warning lights on a freeway?

Answer 54

move over a lane or slow down

Move over a lane, if safe to do so, or slow down when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck flashing amber warning lights, or a Department of Transportation (Caltrans) vehicle displaying emergency flashing or amber warning lights while stopped on the side of a state highway or freeway.

Question 55

What should a motorist do before they put on the seat belt?

Answer 55

adjust the seat

Question 56

Fill in the blank.

The lap belt should be adjusted so that it is snug and lies low across your _______ after fastening.

Answer 56

The lap belt should be adjusted so that it is snug and lies low across your hips after fastening.

Question 57

True or False:

You can wear the shoulder harness of a seat belt under your arm.

Answer 57

FALSE

Never wear the shoulder harness under the arm or behind the back. Wearing the harness the wrong way could cause serious internal injuries in a collision.

Question 58

At what speed should you enter a freeway?

Answer 58

at or near the speed of traffic

Question 59

What are High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes reserved for?

Answer 59

Carpools and other vehicles with more than one person in them

Question 60

What does a sign that says NEV ROUTE indicate?

Answer 60

watch out for slow-moving vehicles

Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs) are slow-moving vehicles and can reach a maximum speed of 25 mph.

Question 61

State three ways in which you can increase visibility while riding a motorcycle.

Answer 61

The following are some of the ways to increase visibility while riding a motorcycle:

• Wear a bright helmet and a bright motorcycle jacket.
• To change lanes, slightly roll off the gas, turn on the indicators, and look into the rear-view mirror.
• Always use headlights during daytime riding.

Question 62

How do you share road-space with other vehicles while riding a motorcycle?

Answer 62

Motorcyclists must be mindful of the following points while sharing road-space with other vehicles:

• Don’t ride too close to cars or motorcycles.
• Slow down if you see potholes or oil patches.
• Keep an eye on traffic lights and speed limits.