Speed Limits Flashcards
Rural interstate highways are located outside urban areas with a population of at least 50,000 people.
- Passenger vehicles may not exceed 70 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
- Trucks that are 26,000 pounds and heavier may not exceed 65 miles per
hour or the posted speed limit. - On a rural state divided highway, vehicles may not exceed 60 miles per
hour or the posted speed limit.
Rural Interstate Highway Speed Limits
Urban areas have a population of at least 50,000 people.
- On an urban interstate highway, vehicles may not exceed 55 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
- On a non-divided state highway, vehicles may not exceed 55 miles per
hour or the posted speed limit. - On county roads, vehicles may not exceed 55 miles per hour or the posted
speed limit. - In most urban residential areas, vehicles may not exceed 30 miles per hour
or the posted speed limit. - In alleys, vehicles may not exceed 15 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
Urban Speed Limits
If you are driving near a school, you must slow down to the lower posted speed limit for the school zone. Common hours for school zone speed limits are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, local authorities
may establish lower speed limits for school zones when children are present.
School Zone Speed Limits
Work site speed limits are always at least 10 miles per hour below the maximum established speed limit for the area. The maximum speed limit in a highway work zone will not exceed 45 miles per hour in any location.
Highway Work Zone Speed Limits
When not driving on an interstate or state highway, the maximum speed limit for a school bus is 40 miles per hour unless the posted speed limit is lower. The maximum speed limit for a school bus on an interstate or highway is
60 miles per hour or the posted speed limit.
School Bus Speed Limits
Excessive speed, even when conditions are ideal, is dangerous and increases the likelihood of an accident. Driving at the posted speed limit or in excess of
it during the following roadway conditions is even more dangerous:
- Bad weather and poor visibility.
- Slick or icy roads.
- Driving with worn tires.
- Unsafe vehicle conditions.
- Impaired physical condition.
- Hazardous conditions on road surface.
Reduce Speed in Dangerous Conditions
The following chart provides an indication of how fast a vehicle travels in one second at 35, 55, and 65 miles per hour.
A good rule for drivers to follow is to stay at least two to three seconds behind the vehicle ahead. When following a vehicle, watch for the vehicle ahead to
pass a fixed object and estimate how much time elapses before you pass the same object.
Many factors affect a vehicle’s ability to stop:
- Speed of vehicle.
- Weight of vehicle.
- Type and condition of brakes.
- Type and condition of tires.
- Physical condition of pavement.
- Slickness of pavement.
- Grade of road.
Braking and Following Distances
Sudden turns, lane changes or hard braking can cause a vehicle to skid. The procedure for correcting a skid is the same for both front-wheel-drive vehicles and rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
If your vehicle begins to lose traction or the rear wheels begin sliding sideways, ease off the gas pedal. Do not make a fast turn away from the direction of the
skid and do not steer too far, which could cause a spin.
If your vehicle has conventional brakes, turn the steering wheel in a controlled manner in the direction the rear of the car is sliding. When you regain traction, straighten the vehicle and proceed slowly.
If your vehicle has an anti-lock brake system (ABS), keep your foot on the brake pedal, maintaining firm and continuous pressure while steering normally.
Do not pump the brakes. A mechanical sound or noise and vibration or increased resistance in the brake pedal indicates that your ABS is working.
Skidding
Driving in winter weather presents a number of dangers due to ice, snow and very cold temperatures. Always clear your windows before driving. Ice on the roadway is a potentially dangerous condition that can cause a vehicle to lose traction.
Snow, especially when mixed with significant wind, poses a number of problems for drivers. Visibility may be substantially reduced.
Watch for drifting snow, particularly in rural areas where only a few inches of snow can cause roads to become impassable. Always watch for icy conditions
when there is snowfall on the ground, particularly at intersections, and use your headlights to be seen by other drivers. Be aware that moisture on ramps,
bridges and overpasses may occasionally freeze before other sections of the driving roadway. Stay a safe distance behind snowplows.
Always allow your vehicle’s engine plenty of time to warm up before driving in very cold conditions. Drive with a full tank of gas so that if stranded, the heater can remain in use for as long as possible. Brush the snow off your headlights and taillights frequently.
Consider carrying a winter survival kit in your vehicle that includes sand or strips of carpet for traction, booster cables, blankets, shovel, flashlight, extra
clothing, candles, matches, nonperishable snack food, and bottled water.
Winter Driving
Wet roadway surfaces can be dangerously slick, especially immediately following a rainfall. When you are driving on wet roads, your vehicle is actually traveling on a thin layer of oil, dirt, and water (hydroplaning).
Hydroplaning increases with speed and, at a point, your tires may be in contact only with the oil, dirt, and water. If this happens, there is no friction to brake, speed up, or turn, and a gust of wind, a change of road level, or a slight turn can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Do not drive on bald or badly worn tires. Slow down when there is heavy rain, standing water or slush on the road. If you are driving through water puddles, test your brakes by pumping them, which will also help to dry them. If the water is deeper than your tire treads, slow down. Use your headlights to be seen by other drivers.
Rain
Fog can greatly reduce your visibility of other vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signals. Drive cautiously and at reduced speeds. Do not use high headlight beams. Low headlight beams better illuminate the road and objects ahead. If fog closes in completely, and visibility is reduced to near zero, carefully pull off the road as far as possible, and stop. Headlights and flashing emergency signals
should be used while driving in fog.
Fog
Strong winds have high impact on high-profile vehicles. If a tornado is nearby, exit your vehicle immediately, go to a low lying area, take precautions to avoid rushing water, and cover your head.
High Winds
Flash flooding causes more deaths than any other weather event each year. Be especially alert at night or when driving on unfamiliar roads. If you are caught in a storm or come upon a hazardous situation, follow these rules:
- Do not drive around traffic barricades or past road-closed signs.
- Watch for bridges, culverts and roadbeds that may be washed away or
undermined by floodwaters. - Do not drive where water is over the road. The depth of water is not always
obvious and the water may hide washouts. - If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Flood
waters can rise rapidly and sweep a car and its occupants away.
Flash Flooding
