Section 3 - Basic Driving Flashcards
Before you drive, what should you have on you, what should you adjust, and what should you always be wearing?
- Permit/License and Registration
- Seat & Mirrors
- Seatbelt
What is Defensive Driving ?
Searching ahead by constantly observing your surroundings (watching front, sides, & rear) and being ready to change speed or change lanes
What steps can you take to manage risk and remain safe?
- Adjust your speed, position, and direction to
respond to road conditions. - Keep control of your vehicle.
- Increase the time you have to respond to
what is happening around you. - Let other drivers know what you plan to do
by using turn signals, etc. - Maintain a safe distance between your
vehicle and other people using the road. - Do not assume that other drivers will do what they are supposed to do.
- Always be careful.
What is the “right of way” and what does it mean to yield to it?
- Rules that help everyone keep safe on the road by letting others go first
- letting other vehicles, bicyclists,
or pedestrians move ahead of you or cross the road in front of you
Never assume you automatically have the right of way, so always consider the situation & circumstances. What are some situations where you must yield the right of way (intersections, driveways, highways, opposing lanes)?
- If at an intersection and the person either arrived before you OR arrived at the same time as you and they’re on the right of you
- If at an intersection with stops signs, yield to the right AND ALWAYS yield to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers
- Drivers on a road you’re entering from a driveway or private road
- Drivers on the highway if you’re just getting on or on a ramp
- Drivers in the opposing traffic lane, when you are making a left turn
What is the opposing traffic lane?
the one with vehicles going in the
opposite directio
What is the posted speed limit, how does it apply to driving in traffic, and when should you reduce speed?
- the maximum legal speed you can travel on a road under ideal (perfect) conditions
- drive at the same speed that most traffic is moving, up to the maximum speed
limit because if not, it encourages other vehicles to constantly pass you, increasing the chance of a crash - Sharp curves or hills when it’s hard to see, slippery roads, pedestrians & animals roads, shopping centers, parking lots, downtown areas, heavy traffic, narrow bridges and tunnels, toll plazas, schools, playgrounds, residential areas, and railroad grade crossings
What are railroad grade crossings?
when the railroad tracks are level with the road
What should be the distance (in seconds) between you and the vehicle in front of you vs the distance between you and vehicles that stop often like buses and delivery trucks?
- 3 to 4 seconds under ideal driving
condition - 4-5 seconds and possibly more
In regards to reference points, identify what it is and how it’s a recommended strategy when trying to maintain distance?
- an object ahead, like a bridge, overpass, sign, or mile marker
- Choose a reference point to determine if you are following at a safe distance. As the car in front of you passes that object, begin counting. If you reach 3+ before
your car reaches the object, you are
traveling at a safe distance
What does the distance it takes to stop your vehicle depend on regarding time and condition?
- The amount of time it takes you to identify a dangerous situation.
- Road type & condition
- Tire tread condition
- Brake condition
Always drive in a single lane AND STAY IN IT. You should always keep your vehicle on the right of the center of the road unless…
- You are passing another vehicle going in the same direction,
- There is a traffic sign or signal saying it is
okay to do so, or - There is something in the way that makes it
necessary for you to change your position
safely
What should you do when turning regarding observations, planning, and actions?
- Look for signs and signals allowing you to turn and your surroundings
- Plan for it before reaching the turning point
- Switch on turn signal and adjust speed
If U-Turns are legal, what should you do?
- turn on your left turn signal and stop and yield for traffic coming toward you and when it’s clear, turn into the outside or right-hand lane traveling in the opposite direction
• Ex. If trying to take a U-Turn in the left land, turn towards the opposing right land
If passing other vehicles is legal, what should you do?
- Estimate the time and space needed to pass
and be sure you can pass without getting in
the way of any other vehicle. - Use your turn signal before passing so drivers around you know what you plan to do.
- Leave plenty of space and go around the
other vehicle at a safe distance. - See both headlights of the passed vehicle in
your rear-view mirror before returning to the
lane you came from.
Typically, you pass on the left side of the vehicle, but when should you pass on the right?
- The other vehicle is about to make a left turn.
- You are on an unobstructed road with two
or more lanes moving in the same direction. - You are on an unobstructed one-way road
with two or more lanes.
What does unobstructed mean?
Unobstructed means there are no median
strips, signs, or other things in the way.
You must yield to the other car and not increase your speed when being passed. But, when can you not pass?
- When you are in a no-passing zone.
- Where the solid yellow line in the middle of
the road is on your side. - Where there are double solid yellow lines.
- When passing will interfere with the safe
operation of other vehicles. - When approaching the top of a hill or on a
curve and you cannot clearly see ahead. - When your view is obstructed as you come
within 100 feet of a bridge, elevated road, or
tunnel. - When crossing or within 100 feet of an
intersection or railroad grade crossing. - On the shoulder of the road, either to the right or to the left.
What should you do when parking regarding brakes & gears ?
- Set parking brake
- If a manual, put it in gear. If an automatic, park
What do you do when you see “stay right” signs?
drive in the right-hand lane or lanes unless you are passing a vehicle
