5 Dollar Traffic School - D
What is the average cost for a severe injury in a collision?
$247,000
Covering the brake means ______.
... holding your foot above the brake pedal, without actually touching it, in case you need to brake. Cover the brake by placing your foot over the brake pedal without actually touching it. Cover at intersections and where there are hazards
What is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California?
Alcohol and Drugs (DUI): Year after year hundreds are killed by people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It is, in fact, the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California. In 2003, drunk driving killed 1,274 people. The number steadily decreased every year until it reached 1,072 deaths and 24,343 injuries in 2010. But in 2011, the death toll unfortunately started climbing up again. In 2013 it was back up to 1,197 deaths. Oddly enough, injuries continued to decrease slightly in 2011, 2012 and 2013. DUI remains the number one cause of traffic fatalities in California.
When considering passing a slow vehicle on a two-way road, how far away should the oncoming vehicle be from you before you make your move?
As a general rule the oncoming car should be at least 10-12 seconds away - At 55 mph, this is 1600 feet, or 1/3 of a mile. If the car is any closer, trying to make a pass could end up in a head on collision. If you are driving 50 to 55 mph, you need a 10-12 second gap in oncoming traffic in order to complete the maneuver. At that speed your car and the oncoming car will each travel 800 feet. So you need at least 1600 feet (1/3 of a mile) between your vehicle and any oncoming vehicle to pass safely. It's difficult to judge the speed of a vehicle that far away because it will look like it is standing still. In fact, if you see it moving closer to you then that should tell you that it is too close for you to start passing. If you have the slightest doubt, do not attempt the pass! Be patient and wait for another opportunity.
What is California's cell phone law?
As of July 1, 2008 it is illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone while driving. If you are over 18, you may use a hands-free device while driving. If you are under 18, you cannot talk on any wireless device, handheld or hands-free. The law makes an exception for emergency situations. While operating the vehicle, the driver's hand may only be used to work a handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device only if 1) the device is mounted on the vehicle's windshield the same way a portable Global Positioning System (GPS) is mounted. It may also be mounted on the vehicle's dashboard or center console in a way that does not affect the driver's view of the road and 2) the driver's hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver's finger. This law does not apply to an emergency service professional while operating an authorized emergency vehicle while performing his or her duties.
What can you do to lessen the chances of being in an aggressive driving situation?
Avoid rush hour, give yourself time (don't leave at the last minute where you speed to rush to the destination so you can arrive on time), drive in the appropriate lane (if you drive slow, don't get in the fast lane), don't follow too closely (it can trigger other drivers), don't make gestures (can escalate the situation), don't use your horn as a weapon (purpose of horn is to warn others of an emergency or your presence not to annoy them) If you are already in a bad mood, don't get behind the wheel. Take some time to calm down.
What is the best way to deal with a distracted driver?
Be on the lookout for these kinds of drivers so you can avoid them. Avoid these drivers. Don't try to drive behind them or in front of them. If you are driving behind them, you might want to consider changing lanes. They might finally notice an obstacle and brake without any warning. You could then be responsible for rear-ending the other driver. Avoid driving next to them as well. The distracted driver might decide to swerve to avoid something on the road, but forget to scan the area for other drivers. Driving in close proximity to these drivers is a hazard. You have already seen that they are not paying attention. Avoid these drivers as you would any other hazard.
What can a pedestrian do if there is no sidewalk?
By law, if you are walking in an area outside of a business or residential district and there are no sidewalks, you are required to walk facing traffic on the left-hand side of the road. The only exception to this law is if you have no safe place to cross the street to get to the left side then you may walk on the right side of the road with traffic. For safety reasons anytime there are no sidewalks it is best to walk in the direction facing traffic even if you are within a business or residential district. It's only by facing the cars that you can ensure that drivers see you. This is also the best way to see a problem, such as a possible collision, before it happens. Also, stay as far to the side of the road as possible so that you are away from traffic.
______ is an example of driving on the wrong side of the road.
Cutting the corner on a left turn (turning too soon and cutting the corer of the lane for oncoming traffic) Entering a left turn lane too early (don't enter the left turn lane until you see the markings.)
Which drivers are most likely to be in a deadly crash?
DUI and speeding - drunk drivers are more likely to speed and then cause a deadly crash because of it
How much does a DUI cost over ten years?
DUIs are also very expensive offenses. The trial and attorney fees could range between $5,000 to $8,000 and more. Fines and penalties on average cost about $4,000. And of course, your insurance rates will skyrocket. Over the course of ten years you could be paying an extra $20,000 to $30,000 for car insurance. Over a ten-year period, all of these expenses could add up to over $40,000! Keep in mind that this is only for the DUI itself. This doesn't include any of the costs associated with causing a crash while under the influence, such as hospital expenses. The victim or his family could also file a lawsuit against you and if they win, you can lose everything you have.
What should you do if your car hydroplanes?
Do not make any sudden moves such as braking or turning. This could make you skid. Gently ease your foot off the gas until the car slows down. Your tires should touch the road soon thereafter. If you need to brake, do it gently by pumping the brakes.
Why should you be afraid of legal problems after a collision that was your fault even if you have insurance?
Even if you have insurance, the other driver can sue you for negligence and win. If someone dies because of the collision, the victim's family can sue you for wrongful death The cost of a collision can be more than the insurance coverage (especially minimum insurance)
For safety reasons anytime there are no sidewalks it is best to ______.
For safety reasons anytime there are no sidewalks it is best to walk in the direction facing traffic even if you are within a business or residential district. It's only by facing the cars that you can ensure that drivers see you.
What is the purpose of your car's lights?
Headlights act as the driver's eyes. They help other drivers see you and help you see the road and other cars at night or during unfavorable weather conditions. Taillights make the vehicle visible to drivers behind you both at night and during the day. They help warn itgers where you Break lights tell drivers that you are slowing down or stopping.
What should you do if you approach a school bus with red signal lights flashing?
If you approach a school bus that has stopped with red signal lights flashing from either direction, you have to stop and wait for them to stop flashing before you move. The flashing lights tell drivers that passengers are loading or unloading. You cannot pass the bus or otherwise move until the lights are no longer flashing.
What happens if you are caught driving without insurance?
If you are caught driving without any insurance, you could be fined up to $200 on your first conviction. In addition, you could have your car impounded and your license suspended. If you get into a collision and don't have any insurance you might have to pay out of pocket for any injuries or damages
If you double your driving speed what happens to your stopping distance (the distance it takes to stop the car)?
If you double your speed, the braking distance is quadrupled. This means that it will take four times the distance to stop your car.
What is California's Anti Gridlock Law?
It is illegal to enter an intersection or railroad crossing if you don't have enough room to get across
When can children move on to using a safety belt instead of a child safety seat?
Once the child is at least eight years old OR at least 4 feet 9 inches tall she/he may use an appropriate safety belt instead. Children under the age of two who weigh less than 40 pounds and are less than 40 inches tall must be secured in a rear facing child safety seat that meets federal safety standards, in the back of the vehicle. Children who exceed these age, weight or height minimums, do not have to be placed rear-facing (they may be placed forward-facing), but must still be secured in a child safety seat appropriate for their size and age, in the back of the vehicle. The court may exempt the parent/guardian from these requirements (with written proof) if the child is physically unfit to be placed in a rear-facing child safety seat because of a medical condition, or because of the child's size. (VC 27360) Exceptions are also made in the case of a life-threatening emergency or if the child is being transported in an authorized emergency vehicle. If there is no child safety seat available, the child must be secured by a seatbelt.
What is a seat belt pretensioner?
Pretensioners automatically tighten the belt to prevent the individual from jerking forward in a collision or at a sudden stop. You no longer have to pull the adjustable strap to fit your body.
______ is an example of road rage.
Road rage is a criminal offense and a form of assault. Road rage is attempting to injure or kill another driver because of an incident on the road. Road rage became a problem in the United States in the 1980s, with the increasing road congestion. Some people actually got out of their cars and started fighting or shooting each other on a regular basis! car duels, physical fights outside the car, gun and crossbow shootings, intentional break checks to cause an accident, reaching into the other person's car and throwing their dog into oncoming traffic, striking a car with a golf club
______ is an example of aggressive driving.
Speeding, tailgating (following too closely), erratic and sudden lane changes, and failing to obey traffic signs and signals are all examples of aggressive driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines aggressive driving as "when individuals commit a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property."
What is the leading cause of injuries in traffic collisions in California?
Speeding. In 2013, 436 people were killed as a result of speeding and 48,050 people were injured. That makes it the #1 cause of car crash injuries.
Which is the most dangerous kind of distracted driving?
Texting in particular is by far the most dangerous since it combines all three types of distractions - visual, manual, and cognitive. We usually think of cell phones as the worst kind of distraction and this is true. Even if you're just talking on the phone, using a hands-free set, your mind is still distracted and you put yourself and others at risk.
What is the purpose of the DMV point system?
The DMV point system, called NOTS (Negligent Operator Treatment System), was designed to keep track of drivers' offenses so they can suspend or revoke a license if needed. If you can't follow the rules of driving safely, you will lose your privilege to drive. The system adds points to the driver's record for convictions involving a moving vehicle violation (traffic tickets) and at-fault collisions. These points stay on your record for 36 months. To keep track of bad drivers.
As vehicle technologies advance ______?
The laws have to change accordingly Increases distracted driving Cars drive differently than they used to
What could happen if you drive in another car's blind spot?
The other driver may not turn his or her head as they should and end up hitting you while switching lanes. Also, it doesn't give you the opportunity to maneuver in case of an emergency. If John had decided to drive alongside other cars on the freeway, he would not have had room to switch lanes and the car behind him may have crashed into him.
You should give up your right-of-way when ______.
The other driver refuses to give it to you even though he is supposed to It helps you avoid a crash with another car or pedestrian
How does minimum insurance (minimum liability coverage) work?
This type of insurance pays for the damages done to another person's vehicle or body and only for the amount of the coverage. In other words, if you are at fault for a crash and only have a $15,000 liability policy, your insurance will only pay for $15,000 of the damages done to the other person and their car. Anything more than the $15,000 is your responsibility. Your own medical expenses and car repairs are your own responsibility too.
How does having headlights on during a sunny day help you drive safer?
This will help other drivers see you and may help you avoid a head-on collision. it allows your car to be more noticeable to other drivers
What is a traffic break?
Traffic breaks are most often created by an officer driving back and forth across all the lanes with his lights flashing. If you see an officer creating a traffic break, you must yield to the officer. The officer is likely trying to stop traffic so they can remove an object from the roadway. Do not try to drive past the officer! Wait for the CHP to clear the road and to end the traffic break.
Why do traffic laws exist?
Traffic laws reduce chaos, keep traffic moving and give all road users a common understanding of how the road should be used. Most importantly, though, their primary purpose is to keep everyone safe.
What can you do to communicate with other road users?
Turn signals, Eye contact, Flashing headlights, Horn
What is California's Anti Gridlock Law? The purpose of the California's Anti Gridlock Law is to ______.
What happens when drivers enter the intersection on a green light when the lanes are already backed up? The light turns red and, since the cars are still stuck in the intersection, other traffic can't get through. Gridlock! When passing through an intersection, you have to keep in mind California's anti-gridlock law. It is your responsibility to make sure you have enough space on the other side of the intersection or railroad crossing before entering the intersection. Blocking an intersection is not only inconsiderate to other drivers, but it is also dangerous and illegal. prevent intersections from getting backed up
If you have auto insurance, can you still be sued after an collision that was your fault? (All of the above)
Yes, if property damage is more than your insurance, the other driver can sue you for negligence and win Yes, if the cost of a collision is more than your insurance coverage Yes, if someone dies because of the collision, the victim's family can sue you for wrongful death
When do you NOT have to stop for a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing?
You don't have to stop if the bus is on the opposite side of a physical barrier or divider such as a divided highway or multi-lane highway.
When should you be courteous to other road users?
You should always be courteous and treat others the way you want to be treated. Being courteous means being polite and considerate. Remember, you are sharing the road, so not only should you think about yourself but about everyone else on the road. After all, if you're a courteous driver, it means you're a safe driver.
What does the US Department of Transportation list as the most likely cause of collisions?
alcohol and drugs (most common), distracted driving, sleepy drivers, speeding (primary factor in 31.9% of fatal and injury collisions - reported by the California Highway Patrol)
What are center left turn lanes for?
allows you to make a legal left turn into a street or driveway
What should you do to get over a pothole safely if you can't maneuver around it?
brake before your wheels get to the pothole and then release the brake pedal as you are rolling over the pothole. Braking directly over a pothole can seriously damage your car's suspension system.
What are some types of vehicle technology advancements?
dashboards, cell phones, navigation systems, driving techniques, braking systems
What can you do to protect yourself from an aggressive driver?
do NOT engage with the aggressive driver - never argue or make eye contact with an aggressive driver and leave them plenty of space.
What is distracted driving? Distracted driving is ______.
driving while doing other, non-driving activities at the same time. It means that you are not giving driving your full attention, thus increasing your chances of a collision. The US Department of Transportation lists three types of distractions: Visual distraction: taking your EYES off the road Manual distraction: taking your HANDS off the wheel Cognitive Distraction: taking your MIND off driving If you are doing anything else while driving, your brain is weighed down with too many activities. It means that you are doing each activity more slowly and it's going to take you longer to react to any change on the road.
Pedestrians with white canes and seeing eye dogs should always ______.
have the right-of-way
What is the proper head and body position when going in reverse?
in reverse, your left hand should be at the top of the steering wheel and your head turned so you could see out of the back window Before getting into your vehicle always check behind the car (for kids, broken glass, or any other objects that might damage your car). When reversing always place your left hand at 12 o'clock on the steering wheel. The position of your head should match the direction into which you are backing up. When backing into a right turn or going straight, turn your torso and head to the right until you can see out the rear window. When backing into a left turn, place your right hand at 12 o'clock and turn your torso and head to the left until you can see to the left rear. It is important that you actually turn your body to look out the back window; do not simply rely on the rearview mirror. There are blind spots that won't allow you to have a complete view of the back of the car. As you're backing up you should check all around the car as well. The only way you can do this is if you turn your head. The rearview mirrors are not enough!
A pedestrian with a white cane ______.
is blind and should always be give the right-of-way blind or partially blind pedestrians always have the right-of-way. These people can be identified by their white canes or seeing eye dogs.
What are blind spots?
large areas around your car that you cannot see using your mirrors
Two-way left turn lanes are:
located in the middle of a two way street marked by two lines on each side - the inner line is a broken line and the outer one is solid. The two lines indicate that this is not a regular traffic lane, so don't use it as one! (you can only drive in this lane for 200 feet) used to make a legal left turns into a street or driveway
When is it ok to leave a child unattended in a car?
never leave a child six years of age or younger unattended in a car, unless there is someone who is at least 12 years old to supervise. This is considered child endangerment and a possible felony. You could be jeopardizing the safety and the life of the child and even others around the vehicle. A child's own curiosity can also pose a threat. Kids love playing with buttons and knobs. The temptation to touch and press is heightened in adult environments, especially cars. Even if a child has been in a car with you dozens of times, and on each occasion, you've told them that they shouldn't touch anything, once you're away, a child's curiosity can take over. What if he or she shifts the car into neutral? The car would roll away, endangering the child's life and the lives of those around them. Why would you take this chance?
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at ______.
pedestrians have the right-of-way when crossing at corners or other crosswalks, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of the block. This also applies to street corners with or without traffic lights, and whether or not the crosswalks are marked by painted lines.
Wet roads are ______.
slippery roads! This is especially true when it first starts to rain because the oil and dust on the road have not washed away yet. Slow down when it first starts to sprinkle or drizzle. Continue to drive slowly once the rain gets heavier so you can avoid hydroplaning and the problem of decreasing visibility. Slowing down will increase your ability to see and give you precious time to react effectively to a possible problem. Since it takes longer to stop and slow down in the rain the only way you can ensure that you will be able to stop safely is if you are driving slowly. Make sure you follow the three-second plus rule to leave a generous space in front.
What should you do if your tire blows out while you are driving?
stay calm and do not slam on the brakes > grip the steering wheel firmly and steer to keep your vehicle in a straight line > once you have control of the car, ease off the gas pedal to start slowing down > activate your turn signal, and press the brakes gently to slow down even more > steer slowly off the road as far away from traffic as possible > park your car and turn on your hazard lights.
What is a space cushion?
the empty area to the front, back and sides of your vehicle. The bigger the space cushion, the more options you have to maneuver out of a problem nearby.
Why should you be extra careful around motorcycles?
they are small/less visible and they can easily skid out in poor weather conditions can seem to appear out of nowhere so watch out for them be sure to allow at least a four-second following distance when driving behind a motorcycle. If you follow too closely, you might distract the rider from paying attention to the road.
The reason we have traffic laws is ______.
to keep everyone safe.
What do tire treads do?
treads are designed to push water, snow, hail, sleet, mud, and more out from under the tire so that it stays grounded and touching the pavement. they help grip the road and help reduce the plausibility of your vehicle sliding/skidding/hydroplaning?
Adult drivers age 18 and over may:
use a hands-free device while driving
What happens to you when you try to drive when you are drowsy?
when you are drowsy, you have a slower reaction time and it takes you longer to process information. Not only are you slower to respond to changes in your environment, but you are also likely to have blurry vision. In fact, research has proven that sleepiness also impairs driving by increasing the driver's carelessness.
