Motor vehicle accidents are the largest single cause of accidental deaths both on and off the job and are a major cause of serious injuries. Defensive driving is an approach to driving that helps you save fuel, brakes, tires, and more importantly – lives. A defensive driver anticipates driving hazards and knows how to react to them.
This course will provide you with information on how to become a defensive driver and prepare you for the unexpected during bad weather, night hours, heavy traffic, as well as emergency situations you might encounter while driving.
To be a defensive driver, you must keep your mind free of distractions and your attention focused on your driving.
Watch for and recognize accident-causing factors. You must be able to size up traffic situations as far ahead as possible, or at a minimum of 15 seconds ahead.
A series of cones marks off roadworks obstructing a suburban road. A worker in a hard hat and yellow vest holds up a Stop sign to help direct traffic flow. A number of construction vehicles present additional hazards.
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to implement several defensive driving techniques:
After completing this topic, you should be able to
The National Safety Council advises that you regularly check a number of vehicle parts:
An SUV type vehicle is displayed.
Defensive driving starts with good vehicle maintenance. You should refer to the owner's manual for maintenance tips.The National Safety Council advises you to regularly check a couple of components, which include belts and operating fluids.
Select each component of your vehicle you're advised to check for more information about it.
Which items are on the list of things the National Safety Council advises you regularly check?
Options:
Among the items you are advised to check are mirrors, headlights, and operating fluids.
Correct answer(s):
The inside of your car should be well-maintained as well. All items should be secured so they do not become projectiles during a sudden maneuver.
The use of seat belts is commonly a company policy and plays an important role in job safety. Additionally, most states mandate the use of seat belts. Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt correctly whenever your vehicle is in motion. Your seat belt serves several key safety purposes:
Air bags are supplemental restraint systems that are not meant to replace seat belts, but work as a secondary safety device.
When a collision occurs, the air bag inflates in less than one twentieth of a second, cushions occupants, and prevents them from crashing into the dashboard or steering wheel.
An airbag cushions the driver of a vehicle involved in a collision.
Air bags may not be appropriate for all passengers. Children and small adults can be injured if not seated properly. Be sure to check the vehicle's manual for more information.
A baby is secured in a car seat fastened to the rear seat of a vehicle.
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. There are several problematic effects of using alcohol and drugs, which include slowed reflexes and poor judgment. Alcohol and drugs can also lead to decreased concentration and impaired vision.
Only time will sober you up. You must wait at least one hour per drink before driving.
Every person will process alcohol at different rates, and there is no way for you to know if you are sober. If you consumed alcohol, you should plan on not driving. Call a ride service, taxi, or designate a sober driver.
Even if you have just one drink before driving, you could pose a significant risk to others and yourself. If you have consumed alcohol, only time will sober you up. It takes about an hour for the body to get ride of one standard rink from the circulatory system.
In the United States, a standard drink contains roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol, which is found in 1.5 ounces of 80-proof liquor (40% alcohol), 5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol), or 12 ounces of regular beer (5% alcohol). Larger or stronger drinks will require additional time for you to sober up.
What is the minimum time period you should wait before driving after consuming a single alcoholic beverage?
Options:
You must wait at least one hour per drink before driving. Even if you have just one drink before driving, you could pose a significant risk to others, and yourself.
Correct answer(s):
Statistics indicate that fatigue-related crashes are more likely to result in a fatality than a serious injury.
Fatigue is comparable to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and results in the loss of alertness and poor driving. Deterioration in driving occurs long before falling asleep.
Driver fatigue is dangerous, and the most appropriate action you can take is to get off the road. Access the job aid Guidelines to Avoid Fatigue for information.
Selecting the link title opens the resource in a new browser window.
Job Aid
The National Safety Council provides several tips to assist you in avoiding driver fatigue. You should always get enough rest before traveling and never start a trip late in the day. It's also important to never drive alone, avoid night driving and to take frequent breaks. You should adjust your car's environment, watch your posture, and never use cruise control.
What is the most likely cause of fatigue while driving?
Options:
Driving alone is the most likely cause of fatigue while driving.
Correct answer(s):
Multi-tasking while driving has become commonplace. Here are some tips to help you manage personal and work-related distractions while driving. Be familiar with the car's equipment, such as the windshield wipers and headlight switches. This is especially important if you have a new car or rental vehicle. You should be able to perform basic tasks without taking your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel.
Do not take notes or read while driving, and pull over to eat or drink. By stopping, you will also give yourself a break to avoid fatigue.
An image depicts the prohibited behavior of reading while driving.
Do not engage in emotionally charged conversations. Such discussions can result in aggressive or erratic driving behavior.
Using a cell phone while driving – even a hands-free model – can be dangerous, and in some areas, illegal. The safe control of your vehicle is your responsibility no matter what speed you are traveling. Turn off your cell phone before driving and use your voice mail service. This will allow you to retrieve any calls you may miss.
You should also refrain from "texting" or "text messaging," for any purpose. Texting, in this instance, means reading from or entering data into any handheld or other electronic device, including for the purpose of SMS texting, e-mailing, instant messaging, obtaining navigational information, or engaging in any other form of electronic data retrieval or electronic data communication.
Texting is illegal is some states and federal employees are prohibited from text messaging while driving on official business or while using government-supplied equipment.
Federal employees who violate this prohibition may be subject to disciplinary action determined by their employing agency.
There are a number of other guidelines for safe driving that should also be observed:
You are away on business in an unfamiliar town and are driving in a rental car. You are running late for your appointment with an important client.
Which actions are a way of minimizing distractions while driving?
Options:
Option 1: This is a correct option. Using a cell phone while driving – even a hands-free model – can be dangerous, and in some areas, illegal. You should turn off your cell phone before driving and use your voice mail service.
Option 2: This is an incorrect option. Do not take notes or read while driving, and pull over to eat or drink. By stopping, you will also give yourself a break to avoid fatigue.
Option 3: This is a correct option. You should be familiar with the equipment in your car, such as the windshield wipers and headlight switches. This is especially important if you have a new car or rental vehicle. You should be able to perform basic tasks without taking your eyes off the road and your hands off the wheel.
Option 4: This is an incorrect option. Do not engage in emotionally charged conversations. Such discussions can result in aggressive or erratic driving behavior.
Option 5: This is an incorrect option. You should pull over to eat or drink. By stopping, you will also give yourself a break to avoid fatigue.
Correct answer(s):
Aggressive driving is a traffic offense and can be defined as following too closely, speeding, making unsafe lane changes, failing to signal intent to change lanes, and other forms of negligent driving.
The trigger for the aggressive driver is usually traffic congestion coupled with a tight schedule. As a result, the aggressive driver generally commits multiple violations in an attempt to make up time.
To avoid this behavior, leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
What is the most common cause for aggressive driving?
Options:
The most common cause of aggressive driving is a tight schedule combined with traffic congestion. Attempting to make up time, the driver can commit multiple traffic violations.
Correct answer(s):
Road rage is a criminal offense. This occurs when a traffic incident escalates into some type of violence. There are several tactics you can use to avoid road rage: avoid aggressive drivers, be courteous, avoid confrontation, and focus on the road.
Late for work and driving recklessly, Terry cut off Mike. Mike, still fuming from being fired and feeling as though he had taken enough, pursued and caught up with him. Dueling in their cars at speeds up to 90 mph, the two men crossed the median hitting two oncoming vehicles. Terry alone survived the accident.
Match the factors that lead to this accident with their solutions.
Options:
Targets:
To avoid tight schedules, leave with plenty of time to get to your destination. Signal and make sure you are clear to enter the lane to avoid unsafe lane changes. Do not be angry at being cut off, instead avoid aggressive drivers. Don't challenge another driver, but be courteous.
Correct answer(s):
Target 1 = Option B
Target 2 = Option C
Target 3 = Option D
Target 4 = Option A
To manage distractions, plan your route before leaving. If you do not know where you are going, study a road map to avoid unnecessary stress and distractions.
Do your grooming before leaving. Do not rely on the time in your vehicle to take care of your personal routine such as applying make-up, combing your hair, or shaving.
An image depicts the prohibited behavior of a man shaving his face while driving.
Defensive driving starts with good vehicle maintenance. Remember to thoroughly check your vehicle before embarking on a journey. All items need to be secured and seat belts need to be worn. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly forbidden. Beware of driver fatigue, and do not multi-task or use a cell phone while driving. Do not drive aggressively or become involved in road rage.
After completing this topic, you should be able to
When driving, 90% of the information you process about the road and surroundings is through your eyes. Looking ahead will help you see things early and will allow you more time to react, the same goes for checking behind you. Do you know when to check your rearview mirror?
Drag the statements describing when you should check behind you to the rearview mirror.
There are five statements on one side. Three of these can be dragged under an image of a rearview mirror.
Options:
Targets:
You should check the traffic behind you about every ten seconds, before you back up, and when you change lanes. It will not really help to check the rearview mirror only every ten minutes or after merging.
The three correct options display below the rearview mirror: about every ten seconds, before backing up, and when changing lanes.
You should use your rearview mirror to check the traffic behind you every ten seconds or so, as well as when you are changing lanes, and before backing up.
Correct answer(s):
Target 1 = Option A, B, D
Defensive drivers focus their eyes 10 to 15 seconds ahead. In the city, that equals approximately one block. Avoid staring at the middle of the road. Scan from side to side checking for directional signs, cars, or people that might be in the road by the time you reach them.
On the freeway, be ready for changes in traffic conditions. Watch for signals from other drivers.
Expect merging vehicles at on-ramps and interchanges.
Be prepared for rapid changes in road conditions and traffic flow.
As you look ahead, think about what will, or might happen on the road. Be alert for vehicles on either side, to the front, and to your rear. Use your mirrors. Leave enough space for safe stops. Leave a distance of 4 seconds between you and the car in front of you. Always leave yourself a way out. Mistakes cause accidents. To protect yourself, know which lanes are clear so you can use them if you need to.
Scanning is important to collect all of the information that you will need to drive safely. To scan means to look at the entire scene for anything that might come into your path.
Scanning the road helps prevent fixed stares that can cause you to miss important information. Continuously scan ahead, to the sides, and behind you.
What is the minimum distance in seconds a defensive driver scans ahead?
Options:
The minimum distance in seconds a defensive driver scans ahead is between 10 and 15 seconds. Scanning the road helps prevent fixed stares that can cause you to miss important information.
Correct answer(s):
Use your mirrors to check the traffic behind you frequently – about every ten seconds. This will alert you if someone is moving up too quickly or tailgating you. If you feel the vehicle behind you is following too closely, slow down and let the tailgater pass or change lanes if possible. By doing this, you will allow enough room for both yourself and the driver behind to stop safely if an emergency situation arises.
Check the traffic behind you when changing lanes, merging, backing up, slowing down quickly, or driving down a steep grade. Never take your eyes off the road in front of you for more than an instant.
When merging, check for an opening early, and keep an eye on the traffic in front of you to make sure vehicles have not slowed down or stopped.
You must yield the right of way to through traffic and stop if necessary. Through traffic is not required to yield to any entering traffic.
Blind spots are danger areas that cannot be seen in your mirrors on either side of your vehicle.
Quickly turn your head to check for other vehicles in your blind spots before changing lanes or passing another vehicle. Also, check for other drivers who also may be moving into the same lane. Avoid driving in someone else's blind spot. This can be just as dangerous as not checking your own. Speed up or drop back; but never stay in the other driver's blind spot.
Be alert to trucks and buses on the road. Driving mistakes around them often have tragic consequences.
Trucks and buses have significant blind spots called "No-Zones." No-Zones are the areas where cars either disappear into blind spots or are so close that they restrict the truck or bus driver's ability to stop or maneuver safely.
Access the job aid Truck No-Zones for more information.
Selecting the link title opens the resource in a new browser window.
Job Aid
Lingering in the No-Zones greatly increases the potential for a fatal crash. It's important to recognize No-Zones, which include rear blind spots and side blind spots, especially when backing up and passing.
This is a typical multi-lane highway, with vehicles in various positions on the roadway.
Click each vehicle that is either in the blind spot of another vehicle or in a Truck's No-Zone.
A section of a three-lane highway with cars and trucks in each lane, all traveling in the same direction, heading north. Lane one, the leftmost lane, contains a blue car and a black truck. The blue car is in the lead, about five car lengths ahead of the truck. Lane two, the middle lane, contains two cars, white and yellow. The white car is in the lead. The yellow car is several car lengths behind the white car. Lane three is the right lane and contains an orange truck and a red car. The red car is directly behind the truck. The white car in lane two is slightly ahead of the blue car in lane one. The yellow car in lane two is driving next to the black truck in lane one.
Options:
Option 1: The red car is following too closely behind the orange truck and is in the truck's rear blind spot No-Zone. Not only is it impossible for the truck driver to see the red car, but the driver of the red car has also cut off his or her own view of the traffic ahead.
Option 2: The orange truck is not in anyone's blind spot at the moment. It is traveling a safe distance from all the cars it can see.
Option 3: The black truck is passing the yellow car, but is not in its blind spot.
Option 4: The blue car is currently in the blind spot of the white car. If the driver is passing the white car, he or she should continue at the passing speed to complete the pass. If the driver is at a traveling speed in that position, he or she will not be seen by the driver of the white car, which could cause an accident.
Option 5: The white car itself is not in a blind spot. However, it is affected by the blue car, which is in its blind spot. In addition to checking her mirrors, the driver of the white car will need to be sure to look over her left shoulder to make sure there is no vehicle in her blind spot, before moving into the left lane.
Option 6: The yellow car is not in another vehicle's blind spot.
Correct answer(s):
What should you do to avoid a collision caused by not checking your blind spots or being in another's blind spot?
Options:
Option 1: This is an incorrect option. You should always check for other drivers who may also be moving into the same lane as you. It is possible to get into a collision if you do not look out for this.
Option 2: This is a correct option. You should quickly turn your head to check for other vehicles in your blind spots before changing lanes or passing another vehicle.
Option 3: This is an incorrect option. You should avoid driving in someone else's blind spot. This can be just as dangerous as not checking your own. Speed up or drop back; but never stay in the other driver's blind spot.
Option 4: This is a correct option. Trucks and buses have significant blind spots called No-Zones. These are areas where cars either disappear into blind spots or are so close that they restrict the truck or bus driver's ability to stop or maneuver safely.
Option 5: This is an incorrect option. You should be alert to trucks and buses on the road. Driving mistakes around them often have tragic consequences. However, you should not linger in the No-Zones as this greatly increases the potential for a fatal crash.
Correct answer(s):
When you maintain a safe following distance, you have more time to react. Use the four-second rule as a minimum following distance. Apply this rule by following three key steps:
If you reach the mark before you have counted off four seconds, you are following too closely. Slow down and increase your following distance. The four-second rule applies only under normal conditions.
In bad weather, under poor road conditions, or when following large trucks such as tractor trailers, you may need to increase your following distance to more than four seconds for extra space.
What is the four-second rule used for?
Options:
The four-second rule is used to maintain a safe following distance for the purposes of minimizing accidents.
Correct answer(s):
So far, you've learned several guidelines related to defensive driving habits and traffic awareness. Using your mirrors and looking ahead will ensure you know what is happening around you so that you can follow three essential guidelines. These include maintaining a safe following distance using the four-second rule, always leaving a way out, and avoiding driving in blind spots and truck No-Zones
Can you recognize when the three guidelines – maintaining a safe following distance, leaving a way out, and avoiding driving in blind spots and truck No-Zones – are not being executed correctly?
Identify the cars that illustrate poor driving habits in the roadway shown by dragging them to the incorrect driving habit they represent. Each car may match more than one poor driving habit. Each poor driving habit may be exhibited by more than one car. Not all cars will be used.
A section of a three-lane highway with cars in each lane, all traveling in the same direction. Lane one, the leftmost lane, contains two cars – red and silver. The red car is in the lead about four car lengths ahead of the silver car. Lane two, the middle lane, contains four cars – blue, green, white, and brown. The blue car is in the lead, closely followed by the green car, which is closely followed by the white car. The brown car is about two car lengths behind the other. Lane three is on the right and contains two cars – the lead car is the orange car which is four car lengths ahead of the black car.
Options:
Targets:
The cars whose drivers are practicing each of the poor driving habits are shown. Notice that some of the drivers are guilty of more than one bad habit.
Continue to the next page to learn more about the problems on this stretch of road.
The green and white cars are following too closely. The green car has no way out. The red, green, orange, silver, and white cars are in someone else's blind spot.
You have more time to react if you leave enough space between you and the vehicle in front of you. The green and white cars are following too closely to the cars in front of them.
The green car in lane two is boxed in by the four cars around it and has no way out if something were to happen.
Avoid driving in another driver's blind spot. If the other driver can't see you, he or she may unknowingly move into your lane. Because of the crowding in this roadway, there are five cars in someone else's blind spot: the red and silver cars in lane one, the green and white cars in lane two, and the orange car in lane three.
Correct answer(s):
Target 1 = Option D, E
Target 2 = Option D
Target 3 = Option A, B, D, E, G
Let's take a moment to review the issues at play in this three-lane roadway.
A section of a three-lane highway with cars in each lane, all traveling in the same direction, heading north. Lane 1, the leftmost lane, contains 2 cars – red and silver. The red car is in the lead, about 4 car lengths ahead of the silver car. Lane 2, the middle lane, contains 4 cars, blue, green, white, and brown. The blue car is in the lead, closely followed by the green car, which is closely followed by the white car. The brown car is several car lengths behind the blue car. Lane 3 is the right lane and contains 2 cars – the lead car is the orange car which is about 5 car lengths in front of the black car.
These cars are now positioned to illustrate good driving habits. They are maintaining safe following distances, avoiding other driver's blind spots, and leaving themselves a way out, if needed.
The eight cars traveling in the same direction on the three lane highway are maintaining appropriate distances from the cars in front of, behind and to the left or right of them so that no one is traveling too closely, and no one is boxing anyone else in.
Before you pass another vehicle, you must first make sure that you can do so safely. There are a number of areas in which you cannot legally pass. These include school zones, railroad crossings, and intersections. Additional areas in which you can't legally pass include behind signaling stopped buses, tunnels and bridges, and any section of the roadway with a solid white line.
In order to pass another vehicle safely, first make sure you are following at the proper distance. Under good conditions, this is four seconds. Next, you need to look around your vehicle to check for other motorists. Look ahead of the vehicle you will be passing to make sure that there is enough space. Check all of your mirrors and blind spots to make sure no one is attempting to pass you.
Once you have determined it is safe to pass follow five main steps:
Most accidents occur at intersections. As you approach an uncontrolled intersection, never assume the other driver is going to yield. Cover your brake with your foot and prepare to stop. Anticipate light changes by covering the brake when the light has been green for a while.
When stopped at an intersection, wait to make sure the traffic has stopped and pedestrians are clear of the road. Never assume that they are clear.
Scan the entire intersection before proceeding. Always look for and yield to pedestrians crossing.
When approaching an intersection, what should you never do?
Options:
To ensure safety, never assume the other driver is going to yield. Rather, cover your brake with your foot and prepare to stop.
Correct answer(s):
Most collisions between motor vehicles and trains occur when drivers fail to obey railway warning signs and devices.
A sign at a railway crossing with a passing train states that you should keep the crossing clear.
Some drivers believe that they can "beat the train." However, a freight train weighing nearly 10,000 tons cannot stop or even slow down in time to avoid hitting you.
Drive defensively at railroad crossings and remember these three things: stop, look, and listen. Access the job aid Negotiating Train Crossings for more information on negotiating railroad crossings
Selecting the link title opens the resource in a new browser window.
Job Aid
Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions is the single largest factor contributing to fatalities. Speeding reduces your ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, increases the distance necessary to stop your vehicle, and decreases the time you have to react to dangerous situations.
It is a simple concept – the faster you drive, the less time you have to react. One second can make a big difference.
Consider this statistic: a car moving at 30 miles per hour will travel 44 feet in just one second!
A car moving at 60 miles per hour will travel 88 feet in just one second!
Which statement about speed is not true?
Options:
Speed actually decreases your ability to safely steer and is more dangerous.
Correct answer(s):
When it looks like a collision may happen, many drivers panic and fail to act. In some cases they do act, but do something that does not help to reduce the chance of a collision. There is almost always something you can do to avoid a crash, or reduce the results of a crash. To avoid a collision, you generally have three options. You should either stop, turn, or speed up.
Many newer vehicles have ABS, or antilock braking system. Make sure you read the vehicle owner's manual on how to use the ABS. The ABS will allow you to stop without skidding.
In general, if you need to stop quickly with ABS, depress the brake pedal as hard as you can and keep pressing. You might feel the brake pedal pushing back when the ABS is working. Do not let up on the brake pedal.
The ABS system will only work with the brake pedal pushed firmly down. One advantage of having ABS is that you can turn your vehicle while braking without skidding. This is helpful if you must turn and stop at the same time
Without ABS, you must use a different procedure. Step on the brake pedal, then release, and turn the steering wheel. Braking will slow the vehicle, and it puts more weight on the front tires, allowing for a quicker turn. Do not lock up the front wheels while braking, or turn so sharply that the vehicle goes into a skid.
If you must stop quickly and you do not have an antilock braking system, you can cause the vehicle to go into a skid if you brake too hard.
Apply the brakes as hard as you can without locking them up. If the brakes lock up, you will feel the vehicle start to skid. Quickly let up on the brake pedal.
As soon as the vehicle stops skidding, push down on the brake pedal again. Keep doing this until the vehicle has completely stopped.
In most cases, you can turn more quickly than you can stop to avoid a collision.
Make sure you have a good grip with both hands on the steering wheel. It is best to have your hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions. This puts you in a better position to make sudden avoidance maneuvers.
The driver's hands are on the horizontal, directly opposite each other at the same positions of the nine and a three on a clock face.
Once you have turned away or changed lanes, you must keep your vehicle under control. Some drivers steer away from one collision only to end up in another.
If you are driving a vehicle with a high center of gravity, such as a sport utility vehicle, or SUV, van, minivan or truck, remember that they may be more prone to rolling over during sharp turning. These vehicles typically ride higher off the ground than cars, and therefore have higher centers of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
Rollover accidents are among the most dangerous types of crashes and are more likely to result in fatalities than other types of crashes.
The majority of rollover crash victims nationwide – 80% – were not wearing seat belts. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, or NHTSA, urges everyone to wear seat belts at all times while in a vehicle.
The NHTSA issued a specific warning for users of 15-passenger vans. Loading a 15-passenger van causes the center of gravity to shift rearward and upward, increasing the likelihood of a rollover.
You are traveling on a two-lane highway in a car equipped with ABS. It has just started raining. There are large trucks in front of and behind you. The truck immediately in front of you, responding to a wreck that you cannot see, stops abruptly. You do not have clear visibility to the shoulder of the road.
What should you do?
Options:
In this instance, to remain safe, it is best to apply your brakes and stay in the lane you are traveling in. Since you do not have clear visibility to the shoulder, you should not pull off on to it, there could be debris or the vehicles involved in the wreck on the shoulder.
Correct answer(s):
Sometimes it is best or necessary to speed up to avoid a collision. This may happen when another vehicle is about to hit you from the side or from behind, and there is room to the front of your vehicle to get out of danger. You should slow down once the danger has passed.
There are a number of actions you can take to avoid a collision. Be aware of what is happening around you. Look out for signals from other drivers. Leave enough space around you to maneuver and always leave yourself a way out. Continuously scan all around you and use your mirrors. Know your blind spots and avoid driving in someone else's blind spot. Be aware that trucks and buses have significantly larger blind spots than cars.
Maintain a safe following distance by following the four-second rule. Ensure that you pass other vehicles safely and be aware of what happens at intersections and railroad crossings. Do not speed. When driving near trucks and buses be aware that they have significant No-Zones. When a collision is imminent, either stop, turn, or speed up safely, depending on the circumstances, to avoid it.
After completing this topic, you should be able to
Traffic fatalities are three times more likely to occur at night than during the day. Yet many of us are unaware of night driving hazards or do not know how to handle them. Why is night driving so dangerous? Ninety percent of your reaction time depends on your vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are all compromised after sundown.
Twilight is one of the most difficult times to drive because your eyes have not yet adapted to the growing darkness.
Start observing night driving safety as soon as the sun goes down. The National Safety Council recommends several guidelines when driving at night: keep lights and windows clean; have headlights properly aimed, and turn on headlights when in doubt. According to the guidelines, you should also reduce speed, increase your following distances, and keep headlights on low beams when following. Don't overdrive your headlights. Avoid glare by watching the shoulder or edge of the road, and make frequent stops
Why is night driving so dangerous?
Options:
Ninety percent of your reaction time depends on your vision, and vision is severely limited at night. Depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision are all compromised after sundown.
Correct answer(s):
When bad weather affects driving conditions, you must adjust your speed and driving habits. Driving on wet or slippery roads is not the same as driving on dry surfaces.
You can easily begin to skid and lose control of your vehicle when stopping too quickly or making too sharp a turn.
You can prevent weather-induced skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid.
If you find yourself in an oversteer skid with your car turning too much, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction the car is skidding. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the rear of your car in line with the front.
In an understeer skid – when your car refuses to turn and is sliding – carefully adjust your steering wheel until you regain some grip at the front wheels.
When it is raining or the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 miles per hour. However, as you go faster, your tires will start to ride up on the surface of the water, like water skis. This is called "hydroplaning." Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way.
When hydroplaning, your car loses contact with the road, and you are in danger of skidding or drifting out of your lane, or off the road.
To avoid hydroplaning: keep your tires properly inflated, maintain proper tire tread, slow down, avoid puddles, and drive in tire tracks left by vehicles in front of you. If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This reaction could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again.
Which factor contributes to hydroplaning?
Options:
Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way, which occurs when one accelerates through puddles.
Correct answer(s):
When driving in fog, slow down and use your headlights. Avoid closely following another driver's taillights. This is a recipe for disaster.
Because you cannot see very far ahead, you will have little or no warning if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. This can be made worse by slippery roads which often accompany fog.
Stay well back and allow yourself plenty of room to stop. When stopping, keep your foot on the brake pedal until you know that the driver behind you has seen you.
Although using your lights will make you more visible to others, there are times they can cause problems. Avoid using your high beams in fog at night as the light will reflect back off the fog and reduce your visibility. Apart from blinding the drivers in front of you, your high beams can throw a shadow in front of their vehicles making it harder for them to see the road.
Even though your lights may reflect off fog, do not drive with your lights off. Other drivers may only be able to see your headlights in dense fog.
What should you do when driving in the fog?
Options:
Option 1: This is a correct option. You should slow down and stay well back from the car in front as visibility will be reduced in fog. This will give you more time to stop if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
Option 2: This is an incorrect option. Although using your lights will make you more visible to others, using your high beams in fog at night is very dangerous. The light will reflect back off the fog and reduce your visibility. Your high beams may also blind the drivers in front of you, as they can throw a shadow in front of other vehicles, making it harder for them to see the road.
Option 3: This is a correct option. You should avoid closely following another driver's taillights. Because of the poor visibility, you will have little warning if the vehicle stops suddenly. This can be made worse by slippery roads which often accompany fog.
Option 4: This is an incorrect option. You should not drive with your lights off. Using your lights will make you more visible to others, who may only be able to see your headlights in dense fog.
Correct answer(s):
Strong winds can make it difficult to handle a vehicle, push a vehicle sideways, or blow debris that can strike you. Gusts are often worse than sustained winds because you are unaware of them and cannot predict their strength. Be aware of wind in adverse weather conditions, especially on exposed areas such as bridges, overpasses, hilltops, and open straightaways on highways.
If you are caught in an area where there is a strong wind blowing, keep a firm grip on the steering wheel, anticipate gusts, and slow down or pull off the road and wait for the wind to subside.
Winter weather can present numerous driving challenges. Keeping your vehicle in good mechanical order is the first step in avoiding problems. The National Safety Council suggests you get a pre-winter inspection that includes checking the ignition, wiring, brakes, hoses, battery, and fan belts.
The pre-winter inspection should also evaluate the heater, defrosters, wipers, tires, lights, and antifreeze.
When driving in snowy conditions, increase your following distance and double the four-second rule.
If your wheels begin to spin, ease off the gas. Wheel-spin "polishes" the snow and ice, making it more slippery and increasing your chances of skidding out of control.
Water can run across road surfaces and freeze leaving a sheet of ice. This is often referred to as "black ice." Be careful in shaded areas and remember that overpasses and bridges freeze before road surfaces. Gently test your brakes from time to time. This will give you a feel for the surface conditions and available grip.
Climbing hills can also pose problems on icy roads. Always leave plenty of space between yourself and the car ahead before starting your ascent. Stop and wait for a clear road if necessary. Otherwise, you may find yourself literally stuck behind less skillful drivers. Use low gears to help hold your vehicle back when descending slippery hills. Try to avoid using your brakes or changing gears while descending steep grades.
When making a long trip in poor weather conditions, you should take breaks more often than normal. The extra concentration needed will make you tired more quickly. Start long trips with a check on the weather conditions and forecasts.
Remember that in high or exposed areas, such as mountain crossings or wide plains, roads can become impassable quickly.
Select the job aid Equipment for Winter Weather Driving for information on what you should do if you become stranded in winter weather.
Selecting the link title opens the resource in a new browser window.
Job Aid
There are a number of adverse conditions that require extra care when driving. Our eyes are not used to driving at night and during twilight so we need to adapt our driving accordingly. Driving in rain brings with it the risk of skidding and hydroplaning and driving in fog makes it difficult to see ahead and so you have little warning if another vehicle stops suddenly.
Driving in strong winds can make it tricky to handle vehicles and there is the risk of being struck by debris. Driving in wintry conditions can be challenging with risks including wheel-spin, black ice, and hills. Drivers should ensure their vehicles are well-maintained.
After completing this topic, you should be able to
One in every eight drivers will be involved in an accident this year. The National Safety Council offers advice if you are involved in a traffic accident:
What steps do you think you should take if you are involved in a collision?
Options:
If you are involved in a collision, it is important to get the names of all involved, write down the other driver's license number, and obtain a copy of the police report.
Correct answer(s):
If you're involved in an accident, you should follow four additional steps:
If you need to report an emergency, most dispatchers will ask for facts. It's best if you have the following details ready: the location of the emergency, and the nature of the emergency. It is almost impossible to provide accurate information and drive safely at the same time. Pull over, turn your hazard lights on, and stop. Stay on the line until the dispatcher has enough information to be able to send help.
Experiencing a flat tire, tread separation, or blowout while traveling on an interstate or other high-speed roadway can present special dangers. The National Safety Council offers eight tips for coping in such situations. Don't slam on your brakes; slow down gradually. Signal your intentions and steer as your vehicle slows down. Turn on your emergency flashers. Evaluate your level of safety. Raise your hood, and don't stand next to your vehicle.
What is the correct response if you experience a flat tire when driving on an interstate?
Options:
To avoid an accident, you should slow down gradually if you experience a flat tire when driving.
Correct answer(s):
There are a number of actions to take if you experience a flat tire, blowout, or similar emergency on a high-speed roadway. You should not slam on your brakes, but you should slow down gradually. Always signal your intentions and turn on your emergency flashers. Raise your hood but don't stand next to your vehicle.
If you need to report an emergency, have the details of the location and nature of the emergency ready. Pull over, turn your hazard lights on, and stop. Stay on the line until the dispatcher has enough information to be able to send help. The best way to prepare for unpredictable events is to drive defensively and remember to obey the rules of the road. Always maintain good vision ahead of and around your vehicle.
© 2019 Skillsoft Ireland Limited