Section 11: Safe Driving Flashcards
How far ahead should you be scanning the road?
10-15 seconds
beyond the vehicle ahead
What is tailgating?
following too closely
How do you avoid tailgating?
follow the three-second rule
What should you do if a tailgater is behind you?
allow extra space ahead
slow down gradually or merge into another lane
What do you do if a driver wants to pass you?
Allow enough distance in front to give them space
What vehicles should you give more space?
motocycles/bicycles
towing vehicles
large vehicles that block the view
buses
railroad vehicles
When should you drive alongside vehicles?
Not on multilane streets or freeway exits
How should you check at intersections?
Look left, right, and left again
How do you check blindspots?
look over the shoulder and out the window
When should you check your blindspots?
changing lanes
turning at intersections
merging with traffic
backing up
leaving a parking space
parallel parking
pulling out
opening your door
How do you see what is behind you?
checking the rearview and side mirrors
When should you check behind your vehicle?
changing lanes
reducing speed
turning into a side road or driveway
stoping ot park
driving down a hill
backing up
What should you do when backing up?
move slowly
check front and back
check blind spots
When should you turn off your high-beam headlights?
if it is illegal or if someone is too close
What lights should be used when it is raining at night?
low-beam
What lights should be used when it is raining at night?
low-beam
What should you do when another vehicle’s lights are too bright?
look towards the edge of the lane
When does highway construction primarily take place?
at night
What are more difficult to see at night?
pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycles
What should you do when you see a vehicle with one light?
drive to the right
How do you adjust your speed on a wet road?
5 to 10 mph
How should you drive when there is packed snow?
reduce speed by half
How should you drive on ice?
crawl
How fast can you drive when you cannot see past 100 feet?
30 mph
How fast should you drive in heavy rain?
50 mph
What is hydroplaning?
tires look contact with the road and slide on the water
What should you do when you vehicle begins to hydroplane?
slow down gradually
What are the dangers of water on the road or flooding?
being swept off the road
floating debris
the road collapsing
vehicle malfunctions
electrocution
What should you do if you have to drive through a flooded road?
drive slowly and check your brakes
What should you do when driving in high winds?
reduce speed
do not use cruise control
maintain firm hand position
How do you drive in heavy fog or smoke?
drive slowly
use low-beam headlights
increase following distance
avoid crossing or passing
When can you pass a vehicle on a hill?
If the curve is at least 1/3 mile ahead
How do law enforcement use traffic breaks?
slowing traffic to remove hazards
respond to emergencies
prevent collisions in heavy fog/traffic
What do officers do during traffic breaks?
turn on rear emergency lights and weave across lanes
What should you do during a traffic break?
turn on emergency flashers
decrease speed to match the officer
do not drive past
When can you get a ticket for a seatbelt?
If you or a passenger younger than 16 is not wearing one
How should children 2 or younger be secured?
a rear-facing seat
What is the exception for children 2 or younger?
more than 40 pounds
taller than 3 feet and 4 inches
What are the requirements for children shorter than 4’9” or younger than 8
federally-approved car seat
When can children under 8 sit in the front?
In a proper seat
there are no front facing back seats
a seat cannot properly be installed
medical reasons
What is the seating requirement for people 8+ or at least 4’9”
federally-approved seat belts
How far away should you be from the air bags?
10 inches
When can children be left alone in a vehicle?
If someone 12+ is present
How do you prevent skidding?
drive slowly (near curves and intersections)
avoid fast turns and quick stops
maintain good space
How should you drive down a steep hill?
in low gear
What should you do if you start to skid?
slowly releasing the gas
durn the steering wheel in the skid direction
do not use brakes
How can you dry your brakes?
press the gas and brakes simultaneously
How do you get out of a locked wheel skid?
release the brakes
straighten front wheels
What should you do if you drift onto the pavement?
Grip the steering wheel firmly
remove your foot from the gas
brake gently
check traffic
steer back
What should you do if you gas gets stuck?
shift to neutral
apply the breaks
focus on the road and traffic
honk horn and turn on emergency flasher
try to drive off the road
stop and turn off
What do you show in a collision?
driver’s license
vehicle registration
insurance information
current address
What should you do if you are are in a collision?
contact law enforcement within 24 hours
insurance agent/legal representative
When must you report a collision to the DMV?
there is more than $1000 damage
anyone was injured
What happens if you are in a collision and do not have proper insurance coverage?
license can be suspended for up to four years
What should you do if your vehicle stops working?
pull over on the right
exit away from traffic
stay inside with seat belt
use emergency flashers
When is it safer to get out of your vehicle?
not enough space on the shoulder
there is a guardrail
there is a designated pedestrian area
When does the CHP FSP provide free roadside services?
commute time
What will the FSP do if you get stuck on the freeway?
provide gallon
jup start
refill radiator and tape hoses
change tire
report collision to CHP
tow
What will the FSP not do?
tow to a private service or home
recommend companies
tow motorcycles
What should be done if the vehicle breaks down on railroad tracks?
get out
run at 45 degrees
call 911/emergency notification system
How do you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
check the exhaust system
crack a window when engine is running
