Section 5. An Introduction to Driving Flashcards
Why is vision important to driving?
Having good vision allows you to notice hazards in different types of lighting, judge distances, adjust to traffic speed, and read road signs.
Why is hearing important to driving?
It allows you to hear horns, sirens, motorcycles, or screeching tires that may alert you of hazards.
How can fatigue and drowsiness affect your driving?
It can affect your vision and increase reaction time to hazards.
Increased reaction time means reacting much slower than usual
Why is physical and mental health important to driving?
Having an alert and clear state of mind will allow you to quickly decide the correct course of action in any type of traffic situation, including unexpected ones.
How can medication affect your driving?
Prescription and over-the-counter medications can make you an unsafe driver. Some medicines can make you sleepy, nauseous, or blur your vision. It is your responsiblity to know the effects of the medications you take.
True or False
Are physicians required to report patients to DMV if they believe the patient has medical conditions that may affect their ability to drive safely?
True
True or False
Is it critical to keep both hands on the wheel whenever possible when driving?
True
Having both hands on the steering wheel will allow you to exercise far more control of the vehicle in case of a sudden emergency.
Hand-to-Hand Steering
To use this steering wheel method:
1. Start with your hands at 9 and 3 o’clock or 8 and 4 o’clock.
2. Do not cross your hands over the middle of the steering wheel.
3. Keep your hands in these positions, even when making turns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pS3ECPrplKo
Hand-Over-Hand Steering
Use this steering wheel method when you turn at low speeds, park, or need to recover from a skid. To use this method:
1. Start with your hands at 8 and 4 o’clock.
2. Reach across the steering wheel to grasp the opposite side.
3. Let go of the steering wheel with your other hand.
4. Reach across the arm still holding the wheel, grip the wheel, and pull up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mm56SYOYR0&t=17s
One-Hand Steering
There are only two situations that may require steering with one hand:
- When you are turning while backing up to see where you are going behind you. Place your hand at the 12 o’clock position on the steering wheel.
- When you are operating vehicle controls that require you to remove a hand from the steering wheel.
Why are signals, horns, and headlights important when driving?
They allow the driver to communicate with other drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
When should you use signals?
Always signal when you:
- Turn
- Change lanes
- Slow down
- Stop
When you brake, the rear signal lights turn on
You should signal…
- At least 100 feet before you turn.
- Before every lane change.
- At least five seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.
- Before pulling next to the curb or away from the curb.
- Even when you do not see other vehicles around you.
- When you are almost through the intersection if you plan to turn shortly after crossing the intersection.
Remeber to turn off your signal lights when you no longer need them.
Horns are helpful because they…
Let other drivers know you are there or warn others of a hazard. Use your horn to:
- Avoid collisions.
- Alert oncoming traffic on narrow mountain roads where you cannot see at least 200 feet ahead.
Headlights are helpful because they…
Help you to see what is in front of you while also making it easier for other drivers to see your vehicle. Use your headlights:
- When it is too dark to see from 1,000 feet away.
- Beginning 30 minutes after sunset (7:50 p.m.).
- Until 30 minutes before sunrise (6 a.m.).
- In adverse weather.
- When conditions prevent you from seeing other vehicles.
- On mountain roads and tunnels (even on sunny days).
- When a road sign states that headlights must be on.
- To help other drivers see your vehicle, especially when the sun is low on the horizon.
