Safe Driving Practices and Vehicle Control

373 questions

Question 341Question

When approaching an intersection where an oncoming vehicle is waiting to turn left with its front wheels turned sharply toward your lane, covering your brake and anticipating that a rear-end collision behind that vehicle could push it into your path is a key defensive driving practice.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True. Anticipating potential hazards like vehicles being pushed into oncoming lanes due to prematurely turned front wheels is a fundamental defensive driving practice.
Anticipating that a stationary vehicle with turned wheels can be knocked into your lane if struck from behind is a critical hazard identification skill. Preparing to stop by covering the brake significantly improves safety.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the vehicle positioning hazard.
Recognize that an oncoming vehicle waiting to turn left with its wheels turned left presents a high-risk trajectory if struck from behind.
Defensive driving relies on evaluating physical positioning and wheel angles to anticipate potential crash paths before they develop.
2
Determine the appropriate defensive response.
Cover the brake and prepare to slow down or stop.
Preemptively covering the brake eliminates reaction time delay, allowing the driver to stop safely if the oncoming vehicle is forced into their lane.

Key Concept

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation
Question 342Question

While traveling in the middle lane of a three-lane roadway, you observe a vehicle in the adjacent right lane drifting slightly into your lane while the driver repeatedly looks down. Simultaneously, another vehicle is tailgating you closely from behind. Which of the following actions represents the best defensive driving response to manage these hazards safely?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Ease off the accelerator to gradually increase space ahead and create a safety buffer around the drifting driver without sudden braking.

Answer

Easing off the accelerator to gradually increase space ahead and create a safety buffer around the drifting driver without sudden braking is the safest course of action.
Gradually easing off the gas pedal opens up a protective space cushion in front of your vehicle and creates time to react if the distracted driver strays further into your lane. Doing this smoothly without hard braking prevents terrifying or surprising the tailgater behind you.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify potential hazards surrounding your vehicle.
Recognize two active hazards: a distracted driver drifting from the right lane and a tailgater following closely behind.
Defensive driving requires continuously scanning 360 degrees around the vehicle to anticipate potential conflict points.
2
Evaluate response options against traffic safety principles.
Determine that hard braking risks a rear-end crash with the tailgater, while sudden steering without a shoulder check risks a side collision in the adjacent left lane.
Actions taken to avoid one hazard must not create a higher-risk hazard elsewhere.
3
Adjust speed smoothly to establish a maximum safety cushion.
Easiest and safest action is easing off the throttle to create forward space, allowing the drifting car to clear while giving the tailgater ample distance to react.
Controlling your speed and space cushion gives you time and options to react safely.

Key Concept

Hazard Anticipation and Space Cushion Management
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 343Question

You are driving in the right lane of a multi-lane roadway and notice traffic coming to a stop far ahead. A vehicle directly behind you is tailgating closely. Which of the following actions demonstrates proper defensive driving to minimize collision risk?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Tap your brakes lightly and ease off the accelerator early to decelerate gradually, expanding your front space cushion and giving the tailgater more time to stop.

Answer

Tap your brakes lightly and ease off the accelerator early to decelerate gradually, expanding your front space cushion and giving the tailgater more time to stop.
The correct action is to decelerate early and gradually by releasing the gas pedal and applying light brake pressure. This flashes brake lights to alert the driver behind early, extends their available stopping distance, and allows a larger cushion to be built in front of the vehicle to avoid sudden stops.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the multi-vehicle hazard context
Recognize that stopping traffic ahead paired with a tailgating vehicle behind creates a high-risk sandwich scenario.
Defensive driving requires anticipating hazards both ahead of and behind your vehicle simultaneously.
2
Adjust speed gradually and expand front buffer space
Lightly tapping the brake pedal illuminates brake lights early to alert the tailgater while easing off the accelerator smooths out deceleration.
Gradual braking extends the available stopping distance for the vehicle behind, while additional space in front allows a smoother, safer stop.

Key Concept

Hazard anticipation and space cushion management with tailgaters
Question 344Question

When driving in urban or highway traffic, defensive driving principles require scanning the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle, rather than focusing only on the vehicle directly in front of you.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True. Defensive driving requires scanning 10 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle to detect hazards early and maintain a safe visual lead.
Maintaining a visual lead of 10 to 15 seconds ahead—roughly one city block in town or a quarter-mile on highways—gives drivers time to identify potential conflicts early and make smooth speed or lane adjustments.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the standard visual scanning distance recommended for defensive driving.
Defensive driving guidelines specify maintaining a visual lead of 10 to 15 seconds ahead of the vehicle.
Looking far ahead helps drivers anticipate changes in traffic flow and hazards before they necessitate sudden braking or sharp steering changes.

Key Concept

Visual lead distance and hazard anticipation
Question 345Question

While driving on a multi-lane urban road, you observe a cascade of brake lights activating several vehicles ahead in your lane, even though the traffic light at the upcoming intersection is green. What is the safest defensive driving response?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Ease off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal while checking your rearview mirror to prepare for a safe stop.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator and cover the brake pedal while checking your rearview mirror to prepare for a safe stop.
Defensive driving requires scanning far ahead to anticipate potential hazards. Seeing brake lights cascade downstream indicates an obstacle or slowdown ahead. Easing off the gas and covering the brake prepares the driver to stop safely while checking rear traffic prevents abrupt maneuvers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify early hazard indicators downstream.
Recognize that multiple brake lights ahead signal a potential blockage or hazard regardless of the green light.
Defensive driving requires scanning 10 to 15 seconds ahead to spot hazards before they become immediate emergencies.
2
Adjust control inputs proactively.
Release the accelerator pedal and position your foot over the brake (cover the brake) without hard braking.
Covering the brake significantly reduces stopping distance if a full stop becomes necessary.
3
Check surroundings and rear space cushion.
Check the rearview mirror to assess trailing vehicles.
Monitoring behind ensures you can decelerate smoothly without getting rear-ended by tailgaters.

Key Concept

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 346Question

You are driving on a two-lane road approaching a steep hill crest where your forward line of sight is severely restricted. As you near the crest, which of the following is the safest defensive driving practice to anticipate potential hazards beyond your visual range?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Reduce your speed, cover the brake, and position your vehicle toward the right side of your lane.

Answer

Reduce speed, cover the brake, and stay toward the right side of your lane when approaching a blind hill crest.
When approaching a blind hill crest, defensive driving principles require adjusting your speed so that your stopping distance never exceeds your clear sight distance. Positioning your vehicle toward the right edge of your lane provides a safe cushion against oncoming vehicles that might be straddling the centerline, while covering the brake reduces reaction time if a hazard appears.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the visual restriction ahead.
Recognize that a hill crest prevents seeing stalled vehicles, pedestrians, or oncoming traffic beyond the top.
Defensive driving requires anticipating potential hazards that are currently out of view.
2
Adjust speed and vehicle position defensively.
Ease off the accelerator to reduce speed, cover the brake pedal for immediate reaction capability, and track toward the right edge of the lane.
This creates a safety buffer, lowers stopping distance below sight distance, and avoids oncoming vehicle drift.

Key Concept

Defensive sightline management and hazard anticipation at blind hill crests
Question 347Question

You are driving along a two-lane road and notice a commercial delivery van stopped on the right shoulder with its hazard lights flashing, partially obstructing your sightline of an upcoming crosswalk. As you approach this situation, which of the following actions represents the best defensive driving practice?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Reduce your speed, cover your brake pedal, and scan for pedestrians who may step out from in front of the stopped vehicle.

Answer

The driver should reduce speed, cover the brake pedal, and scan carefully for pedestrians who may emerge from around the stopped delivery vehicle.
When a stationary vehicle blocks the view of a crosswalk or sidewalk area, defensive drivers anticipate potential hidden hazards (such as pedestrians exiting from in front of the vehicle). Slowing down and covering the brake prepares the driver to stop instantly if necessary.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hazard and sightline obstruction
Recognize that a large parked vehicle blocks the view of potential pedestrians at the crosswalk.
Defensive driving requires anticipating hazards in areas where sight distance is restricted.
2
Adjust vehicle speed and readiness
Ease off the accelerator and place the foot hovering over the brake pedal (covering the brake).
Covering the brake significantly reduces total stopping distance by eliminating reaction lag time if an unexpected hazard appears.
3
Scan the area continuously
Look around and under the stopped vehicle for movement or signs of pedestrians.
Early detection allows for smooth, controlled stopping without emergency braking maneuvers.

Key Concept

Hazard anticipation and sightline management
Question 348Question

When driving past a row of parked vehicles on a city street, seeing exhaust smoke emerging from a vehicle's tailpipe serves as an early visual indicator that the vehicle is running and may pull out into traffic or open a door unexpectedly.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True
The statement is true because defensive driving relies on scanning for early warnings such as exhaust fumes, reverse lights, or turned front wheels, which indicate an occupied vehicle that could suddenly merge or open a door.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Scan the environment for visual clues indicating active vehicles.
Exhaust smoke or brake lights confirm that a driver is inside an operating vehicle.
Early hazard identification depends on detecting subtle indicators before a physical threat materializes.
2
Anticipate potential driver actions from the parked vehicle.
The vehicle might pull away from the curb, reverse, or have its door opened into your lane.
Defensive driving requires anticipating potential conflicts to maintain an adequate time and space buffer.

Key Concept

Recognizing early visual cues of occupied vehicles to anticipate potential road hazards
Estimated Time:45s
Question 349Question

When driving in urban traffic, defensive driving principles dictate that a driver should focus their primary visual attention exclusively on the vehicle directly in front of them to react quickly to sudden stopping.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: False

Answer

False. Defensive driving requires looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead across the entire traffic scene rather than fixing visual attention solely on the vehicle directly in front.
The statement is false because proper defensive driving requires scanning the road 10 to 15 seconds ahead in urban environments to identify potential hazards early. Fixating primary vision solely on the lead vehicle reduces situational awareness and limits reaction time to broader traffic events.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the visual scanning requirement in defensive driving.
Defensive driving protocols specify establishing a 10 to 15 second visual lead time.
Looking well ahead allows drivers time to identify potential hazards, pedestrians, and changing signals before emergency action is necessary.
2
Evaluate the effect of fixating on the immediate lead vehicle.
Target fixation on the lead vehicle creates 'tunnel vision' and eliminates reaction buffer for downstream hazards.
Relying only on the lead vehicle's actions reduces a driver to a reactive state rather than an anticipatory state.
3
Determine the accuracy of the statement.
The statement contradicts established hazard anticipation techniques.
Continuous systematic scanning—including far ahead, side-to-side, and via mirrors—is required for safe spatial awareness.

Key Concept

Visual Scanning Horizon and Visual Lead Time
Estimated Time:45s
Question 350Question

When approaching an intersection where another driver is stopped at a stop sign, establishing direct eye contact with that driver guarantees that they will yield the right-of-way.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: False

Answer

False. Establishing eye contact with another driver does not guarantee that they will yield the right-of-way.
The correct response is False because defensive driving requires maintaining a space cushion and covering the brake rather than relying on non-verbal cues like eye contact. A driver may look in your direction without registering your presence or misjudging your approach speed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the driving statement
The statement claims that establishing eye contact guarantees right-of-way compliance from another driver.
Evaluating whether non-verbal cues ensure traffic law compliance is essential for safe driving.
2
Apply defensive driving principles regarding hazard anticipation
Defensive drivers anticipate potential hazards by assuming other road users may fail to yield, misjudge speeds, or become distracted.
Eye contact can be misleading; a driver may look toward your vehicle without actively processing its approach or distance.
3
Determine statement accuracy
Because eye contact offers no absolute guarantee of driver behavior, relying on it as a guarantee is unsafe, making the statement False.
Never assume another driver will yield; cover your brake and monitor their movement until you have safely cleared the intersection.

Key Concept

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation
Estimated Time:45s
Question 351Question

You are driving through a suburban neighborhood and approaching an uncontrolled four-way intersection. Your view of the cross street to your left is obstructed by tall hedges, and another vehicle is approaching the intersection on the cross street from your right. Which of the following actions demonstrates proper defensive driving and hazard anticipation in this situation?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Cover your brake pedal, reduce speed, and scan the obstructed area to ensure the path is clear, yielding the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right if you arrive at the same time.

Answer

Cover your brake pedal, reduce speed, and scan the obstructed area to ensure the path is clear, yielding the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right if you arrive at the same time.
Defensive driving requires anticipating hidden hazards when visibility is limited. Covering the brake pedal reduces stopping distance if a vehicle unexpectedly appears from behind an obstruction. Furthermore, standard traffic laws require yielding to vehicles approaching from the right at an uncontrolled intersection when arriving simultaneously.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify sight obstructions and potential traffic conflicts.
Recognize that tall hedges obscure your view of traffic from the left and that a vehicle is approaching from your right.
Defensive driving requires early scanning to locate visual barriers and potential conflict points.
2
Adjust speed proactively by covering the brake pedal.
Take your foot off the accelerator and hover it over the brake pedal while slowing down.
Covering the brake eliminates reaction time delay if an unseen vehicle emerges from behind the obstruction.
3
Apply right-of-way rules before proceeding.
Yield to the vehicle approaching from the right if arriving simultaneously, proceeding only when the intersection is clear.
At uncontrolled intersections, drivers must yield to vehicles arriving first or approaching from the right.

Key Concept

Defensive Hazard Anticipation and Uncontrolled Intersection Right-of-Way
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 352Question

You are driving along a residential street near a playground when you observe a rubber ball roll out into the roadway from between two parked vehicles ahead. Which of the following is the most appropriate defensive driving action to take?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Immediately ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to stop, anticipating a child may follow the ball.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and prepare to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, anticipating that a child might run into the roadway after the ball.
Recognizing early clues—such as a ball rolling into the street—is a core principle of hazard anticipation. A defensive driver proactively covers the brake to eliminate reaction time lag and reduces vehicle speed in anticipation that a child or pet may run into the roadway.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the early hazard indicator.
Recognize that a ball rolling into the street strongly indicates an impending hazard, such as a child running out.
Defensive driving requires anticipating secondary risks before they fully materialize.
2
Reduce reaction time by covering the brake pedal.
Position the right foot over the brake pedal without depressing it completely, while releasing the accelerator.
Covering the brake eliminates perception-reaction delay, allowing faster stopping if an emergency brake is needed.
3
Assess surrounding traffic and prepare for a safe stop.
Check rearview mirrors to gauge following distance of rear vehicles while keeping focus on the roadway ahead.
Ensures you can stop safely without being rear-ended by tailgating vehicles.

Key Concept

Early Hazard Identification and Covering the Brake
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 353Question

When driving past a public transit bus stopped at the roadside, defensive driving principles require you to cover the brake and reduce speed because pedestrians frequently step into the street from directly in front of the vehicle where sightlines are blocked.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True. Defensive driving dictates reducing speed and covering the brake when passing a stopped bus because exiting pedestrians frequently cross from in front of the bus where visibility is severely restricted.
The statement is accurate because large stopped vehicles create blind zones where pedestrians may unexpectedly emerge. Proactively slowing down and covering the brake prepares the driver to stop safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the visual obstruction created by the stopped transit vehicle.
Recognize that the size of the bus completely blocks the view of the roadway directly in front of it.
Pedestrians who exit the bus often cross the street immediately in front of the bus rather than walking to an intersection.
2
Execute defensive driving hazard management.
Ease off the accelerator, position your foot over the brake pedal (covering the brake), and reduce vehicle speed.
Covering the brake eliminates reaction delay, enabling an immediate stopping response if a hidden hazard enters your travel path.

Key Concept

Hazard Anticipation Near Stopped Transit Vehicles
Estimated Time:45s
Question 354Question

When an oncoming vehicle unexpectedly drifts across the center line into your travel lane on a two-lane road, defensive driving protocols require steering to the left into the opposing lane if the right shoulder appears narrow.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: False

Answer

False. Defensive driving rules dictate that if an oncoming vehicle enters your lane, you must steer to the right toward the shoulder or off-road area, never to the left into opposing traffic.
The statement is false because defensive driving standards require drivers to steer toward the right shoulder or off-road area when avoiding an oncoming vehicle. Steering to the left into the opposing lane significantly increases the risk of a head-on impact if the oncoming driver suddenly corrects their path.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the head-on collision threat presented by the drifting vehicle.
An oncoming vehicle has crossed into your lane, creating an immediate conflict.
Recognizing severe hazards early allows time to execute safe evasive actions.
2
Evaluate potential escape paths and risks of steering left versus right.
Steering left risks a head-on crash if the drifting driver attempts to return to their proper lane or if trailing traffic is present.
Drifting drivers typically react by swerving back to their right (your left).
3
Select the proper defensive evasive maneuver.
Brake firmly and steer to the right shoulder or off the road.
Steering right keeps your vehicle away from the oncoming vehicle's natural recovery path and off-road objects are generally less severe than a head-on impact.

Key Concept

Evasive Steering and Head-On Hazard Response
Question 355Question

While driving through a commercial area, you notice a delivery truck parked at the right curb ahead with its hazard lights flashing, creating a sightline obstruction near an active storefront entrance. Which defensive driving action should you take as you approach the vehicle?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Reduce speed, cover the brake, scan beneath and around the truck for pedestrians or exiting traffic, and verify your blind spot before changing lanes or passing.

Answer

The correct action is to slow down, cover the brake, scan the area around and beneath the delivery truck for hidden hazards, and check blind spots before safely maneuvering around it.
When a large vehicle obscures your vision near foot traffic or driveways, defensive driving principles dictate lowering speed, covering the brake to eliminate reaction lag, and checking mirrors and blind spots prior to altering your path.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the visual hazard obstruction ahead
Recognize that the delivery vehicle blocks sightlines to pedestrians and exiting traffic.
Defensive driving requires anticipating hazards that cannot be fully seen.
2
Adjust speed and prepare for potential emergency braking
Easing off the accelerator and covering the brake reduces total stopping distance.
Lowering vehicle speed increases reaction time if a pedestrian steps into the road.
3
Perform spatial scanning and blind spot verification
Confirm surrounding lanes are clear via mirrors and head check before executing a lateral adjustment.
Lane changes around obstacles must never compromise adjacent traffic safety.

Key Concept

Hazard Anticipation and Visual Obstruction Management
Question 356Question

You are driving down a residential two-lane road at 25 mph. Up ahead, you notice a driver inside a parked vehicle along the right curb opening their door, while an oncoming vehicle approaches from the opposite direction. What is the safest defensive driving response to manage these potential hazards?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Reduce speed, cover the brake, and remain centered in your lane until the oncoming vehicle passes before giving the parked vehicle extra clearance.

Answer

Reduce speed, cover the brake, and remain centered in your lane until the oncoming vehicle passes before giving the parked vehicle extra clearance.
When encountering multiple hazards (a car door opening on the right and oncoming traffic on the left), a defensive driver reduces speed and covers the brake to gain reaction time. Remaining in your lane avoids a collision with oncoming traffic, and giving extra clearance after traffic clears ensures safety around the parked vehicle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify potential hazards
Recognize a dual hazard: a door opening into your travel path on the right and an oncoming vehicle on the left.
Defensive driving requires early identification of multiple conflicting hazards.
2
Prioritize hazard management and control speed
Cover the brake and reduce speed to give yourself time to stop if the door opens fully into your lane.
Slowing down increases reaction time and reduces stopping distance without entering oncoming traffic.
3
Execute spatial positioning safety
Wait until oncoming traffic clears before shifting lateral position away from the parked car.
Splitting hazards sequentially minimizes the risk of a head-on collision.

Key Concept

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 357Question

You are driving at 40 mph on an urban arterial road and approaching an intersection where the traffic signal has been green for a long distance ahead (a stale green light). As you near the point of decision, what is the most effective defensive driving procedure to anticipate potential hazards?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and scan the intersection for cross-traffic and potential signal changes.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator, cover the brake pedal, and scan the intersection for cross-traffic and potential signal changes.
Easing off the accelerator, covering the brake, and actively scanning the intersection is the proper defensive driving response to a stale green light. This prepares the driver to stop safely if the light changes while keeping total control of the vehicle.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hazard type
Recognize that a green light which has been green for a long time (a stale green) is highly likely to change to yellow soon.
Anticipating signal changes prevents emergency braking or running red lights.
2
Adjust vehicle control and speed profile
Remove your foot from the accelerator and place it hovering over the brake pedal (covering the brake).
Covering the brake eliminates reaction time delay if a stop becomes necessary.
3
Scan the environment
Check left, center, right, and rear-view mirrors for pedestrians, turning vehicles, or trailing drivers.
Scanning ensures total visual awareness of potential conflict points before entering the intersection.

Key Concept

Stale Green Light Response and Covering the Brake
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 358Question

When approaching a sharp, blind curve on a narrow two-lane roadway, defensive driving principles recommend positioning your vehicle close to the center line to improve your visual range around the bend.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: False

Answer

The statement is False. Defensive drivers maintain speed control and keep centered or slightly right within their lane when approaching blind curves to preserve a lateral space buffer against oncoming traffic.
Evaluating the statement as False is correct because proper defensive driving prioritizes keeping a lateral cushion away from oncoming traffic when vision around a curve is obstructed.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary hazard in the scenario
On blind curves, oncoming drivers may inadvertently drift over the center line due to sightline limitations or centrifugal force.
Hazard anticipation requires assuming limited sight distance conceals opposing traffic.
2
Evaluate lane positioning strategy
Hugging the center line reduces the lateral buffer to zero, elevating collision risk.
Proper spatial management dictates preserving maximum distance from potential head-on hazards.
3
Determine correct defensive driving action
Slow down before entering the curve and maintain a centered lane position.
This preserves control and safety cushions on both sides of the vehicle.

Key Concept

Spatial Management and Blind Curve Line Positioning
Question 359Question

You are driving in the center lane of a three-lane city street. Ahead in the right lane, a public transit bus is stopped at a bus stop, and you observe a bicyclist rapidly approaching the rear of the bus. Recognizing the potential hazard ahead, what is the most appropriate defensive driving action to take?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Reduce your speed, cover the brake, and prepare for the bicyclist to potentially merge into your lane to bypass the stopped bus.

Answer

Reduce your speed, cover the brake, and prepare for the bicyclist to potentially merge into your lane to bypass the stopped bus.
Defensive driving emphasizes predicting potential conflicts before they occur. Since the stopped bus obstructs the bicyclist's forward movement, a defensive driver anticipates that the bicyclist may swerve left into the center lane. Slowing down and covering the brake preserves reaction time and provides a safety cushion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Scan the road visual field ahead and identify potential hazards.
Recognize that the stopped bus blocks the bicyclist's lane, creating an impending hazard if the bicyclist decides to pass the bus.
Hazard anticipation requires predicting the logical actions of other road users when their path of travel is obstructed.
2
Adjust vehicle speed and position proactively before reaching the potential conflict point.
Covering the brake and slowing down creates a safe space cushion and reduces total stopping distance.
Proactive speed control ensures adequate time to react if the bicyclist swerves into your lane.

Key Concept

Defensive Driving and Hazard Anticipation
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 360Question

When followed closely by a tailgating vehicle on a two-lane highway, defensive driving principles advise increasing the following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead.

Show answer & explanation

Answer: True

Answer

True
The statement is True because when a tailgater compromises your rear space cushion, defensive driving strategy dictates increasing your front space cushion. By giving yourself extra following distance from the vehicle ahead, you can observe hazards earlier and brake smoothly, giving the driver behind you sufficient time to stop safely.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the hazard presented by a tailgating vehicle behind you.
A tailgater eliminates your rear safety cushion, leaving little to no stopping distance if you brake suddenly.
Tailgaters cannot react in time to unexpected deceleration.
2
Determine the defensive driving technique to compensate for reduced rear space.
Increase your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you to 4 seconds or more.
Expanding your front space cushion allows for gradual, gentle braking when reacting to road hazards ahead.
3
Evaluate the statement.
The statement accurately reflects defensive driving hazard management.
Gentle braking prevents the tailgater from colliding with the rear of your vehicle.

Key Concept

Tailgater Management and Space Cushioning
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