Section 1: Alertness Flashcards
What are the things must you be aware that’s happening around you while you’re driving?
- Other road users
- Pedestrians
- Signs and road markings
- !Weather conditions
- The area you’re driving through
What must you do as you drive on the roads?
Keep scanning road ahead and to the sides, assessing changing situations.
What must you do as you drive on the roads?
Keep scanning road ahead and to the sides, assessing changing situations.
What should you do before you move off in your car?
1) Use your mirrors to check how your actions will affect traffic behind you.
2) Look around for a final check, including checking the blind spots around your car.
3) Signal if necessary.
What does a blind spot mean?
The area behind you that you’re unable to see in mirrors.
What do you do when you’re unable to see behind you when reversing?
Ask someone to guide you to make sure that you reverse safely.
What do you do when your view is blocked by parked cars when coming out of a junction?
Move forward slowly and carefully until you have a clear view.
What must you look out for when overtaking?
- Vehicles coming towards you.
- Whether you’re near a junction - vehicles could come out of the junction while you’re overtaking.
- Narrowing roads - there may not be enough space for you to overtake.
- Bends or dips in the road - difficult to see traffic coming towards you.
- Road signs that mean you MUST NOT overtake.
What must you check before you overtake?
- That it’s safe, legal and necessary.
- You have enough time to complete the overtaking manoeuvre.
- You have a clear view of the road.
What do you do to make your presence known to other road users?
- Switch on your lights when it’s starts to get dark, even if the street lights aren’t on.
- When you can’t be seen, such as at a hump bridge, your horn may need to be used.
Why must you stay well back when following a large vehicle?
- Helps the driver see you in their mirrors - if you can’t see a large vehicle’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you.
- Improves view of the road ahead - important when planning to overtake the vehicle.
What do circle shaped signs do?
They give orders.
What do triangle shaped signs do?
They give warnings.
What do rectangle shaped signs do?
They give information.
What must you do when you see a road sign/marking?
- Follow their advice.
* Slow down off necessary.
What is a dual carriageway?
A road that has a central reservation to separate the carriageways.
What is a central reservation?
An area of land that separates opposing lanes of traffic.
What must you do when turning right into a dual carriageway?
Check that the central reservation is wide enough for your vehicle to stop in, especially when towing a trailer.
If the central reservation is deep enough to protect the full length of your vehicle then go in the central reservation until there is a safe gap in the traffic of the road.
If the central reservation isn’t deep enough, then wait until it’s clear on both sides of the traffic.
What should you do when approaching traffic lights that have been green for some time?
Prepare to stop because they may change.
What will make anticipation (prediction) more difficult when driving and factors you need to be more aware of?
- Very wet or windy weather
- Poor lighting
- Heavy traffic volume
- Route you’re driving is new to you
What type of vulnerable road users do you need to watch out for?
- Pedestrians - especially younger, older or disabled people who may need more time to cross the road.
- Cyclists - Always pass slowly and leave plenty of room, especially if the cyclist is young and inexperienced in dealing with traffic.
- Motorcyclist - Difficult to see.
- Horses - May be startled by the noise of your vehicle, pass by slowly and leave plenty of room.
Why must you always plan your journey?
- So you know which route to take.
* Have regular rest stops.
How do you avoid tiredness during driving?
- Don’t drive continuously for more than 2 hours.
- Keep fresh air circulating in the air.
- If you start to feel sleepy, leave at the next exit. Find a legal and safe place to stop and take a break.
Why aren’t caffeinated drinks a good idea when it comes to fighting drowsiness?
Because it’s only a short-term solution. It’s better off having a proper rest, if possible then take a short nap.
What can be distracting whilst you’re driving?
- Mobile phones
- Music players
- Navigation systems
- Passengers (especially when joking about or arguing)
- Incidents happening on the road.
Is using a mobile phone illegal while driving?
Yes, it increases the chance of being involved in a collision. Even a hands free phone isn’t safe as it can divert your attention.
What must you do if you don’t want to be distracted by your phone?
Switch it off or leave it on voicemail/driving mode (if your phone has it). Wait until you’re parked legally in a safe place until you can use your phone.
What must you do with a navigation system before driving off and using it?
Make sure you stop in a safe place before programming the system.
What are the factors that you aren’t fit to drive?
- Being too tired
- Being too ill
- Being too emotional
- Under the influence of drugs and alcohol
