Driving :)

Explain BAC.

Blood Alcohol Concentration

Explain BAC.

Blood Alcohol Content

If you are confronted by a driver who is driving erratically or in an aggressive way, what are some things you should do?

(If the driver attempts to confront you, get out of the way and do not return hostility; avoid eye contact or gestures. Lock doors and close windows. If followed, find police or sheriff deputies. Report aggressive driving or road rage to the authorities.

What kinds of equipment are prohibited from being installed on your vehicle?

-A red light showing from the front-except on an emergency vehicle -A bell, siren, or exhaust whistle-except on an emergency vehicle -A muffler cut-out -Anything that extends more than three inches beyond the left side or six inches beyond the right side of the body, running board, or fenders of your car -Flashing red lights on the front-except on emergency vehicles, school buses, and church buses

At age 6 and 61lbs, does a child need to be in a restraint system? If so, what kind?

-All Children age 12 and under should ride properly restrained in the back seat! -Never place a rear-facing child safety seat in the front seat where a front mounted passenger air bag is present.

List the ABC's of airbag safety.

-Always slide the seat back as far as possible and sit back -Buckle everyone -Children 12 and under ride properly restrained in the back seat

Your cousin just turned 4 and weighs 39lbs. What kind of restraint system do you need for him?

-Belt positioning booster seat -Forward-facing -Belt positioning booster seats must be used with both lap and shoulder belt -Make sure the lap belt fits low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area and the shoulder belt fits snug crossing the chest and shoulder to avoid abdominal injuries

Describe the proper child restraint system for newborns:

-Birth to 1 year at least 20-22 lbs. -Infant only or rear-facing convertible . -Rear-facing only

What are seven ways you can make your car safer while you drive?

-Keep the doors locked and the windows at least three quarters of the way up. -When stopping, leave enough room to maneuver around other cars. -Drive in the centermost lane of traffic to deter car jackers. -Stay alert, especially when stopping or slowing down. -Avoid driving alone, especially at night. -In the event of car trouble, raise the hood and stay in the car with the doors locked and the hazard lights on. -Find a nearby phone to call for help when others are stranded on the road.

What are three safety measures you can take as you approach your car?

-Look for potential troublemakers lurking around the vehicle. -Have the keys ready to unlock the car. Lock the car immediately after entry. -Look underneath, around, and inside the car before getting in.

The key to security is attention to detail. Discuss 5 ways you can pay attention to detail and make your vehicle more secure.

-Never leave keys in the car, especially not in the ignition. -Keep all packages and valuables out of sight. Do not leave a wallet or checkbook in the car. -Always lock the car, even when parking at home. When parking in a garage, lock the garage too. -Memorize the car's license plate and VIN, or keep a written copy in your wallet. -Separate the car and house keys. When valet parking, give the valet the car keys only.

What are three ways to protect yourself and your vehicle when you arrive at your destination?

-Park in well lit areas with few or no obstructions to visibility. -If possible, park in a garage or lot that has an attendant. -Make sure there are no hazards before turning off the engine and exiting the car.

List three passenger protection technologies.

-Speed of the Vehicle -The Weight of the Vehicle -Impact Distance

Other than restrictions placed on your license, list and explain other methods used by the state to restrict drivers from irresponsible behaviors.

-be arrested -have to pay a fine -have to pay court costs in addition to attorney fees (legal costs) -have to pay additional insurance costs -lose your license and your driving privileges -serve time in jail

List and explain four ways that marijuana use can affect driving.

-loss of tracking ability -inappropriate following distance -lack of vigilacne -inappropriately divided

Other than driving infractions, what other actions can result in a suspended or revoked license?

-making a false statement to the DMV/DPS -voluntary or involuntary manslaughter -committing a drug offense (even if a motor vehicle is not involved) -eluding Police -being delinquent on child support payments -failing to pay for gasoline purchases

List five reasons why teens choose to drink.

-peer pressure -influence of parents -sociological factors -anxiety, frustration, etc. -to have a good time

What are the factors of driving that are affected by drug use?

-perception -judgement -coordination -vision -mood

Knowing that alcohol and drugs affect vision and space maintenance, explain how these effects can influence driving ability.

-searching/identifying -eye focus -doublevision and distance judgement -peripheral vision -visual acuity -color distiniction -night vision

States employ several restriction policies. List the restrictions that result in a loss of your license for any period of time.

-suspension -revocation -ignition interlock -vehicle impoundment -point accumulation (DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY PROGRAM)

Provide an example of five refusal skills when it comes to drug and alcohol use and driving.

1. Give a reason for saying no. 2. Use the right body language. 3. Show your concern for others. 4. Suggest something else. 5. Take action.

When a person is pronounced brain dead, is there any chance of survival?

A patient who is brain dead has no chance of recovery or survival, while the body may be kept alive on a machine, the patient is not truly alive because the brain is no longer functioning.

Why is it necessary to reduce speed as you enter a sharp curve?

A sharp curve requires more traction, which is why it is necessary to slow during curves.

What is UNOS and what does it do?

A special computerized national network, the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), based in Richmond, Virginia, coordinates organ distribution. Regional organ procurement agencies and recovery centers utilize UNOS to match donated organs and potential recipients.

What can you do before a family vacation to decrease the risk of distracted driving?

Adequate sleep is essential before a family vacation or road trip (be sure to also plan the trip and include directions and a map or GPS device).

Behind alcohol, what is the next most common drug found involved in accidents?

After alcohol, marijuana is the drug most often involved in crashes.

Define Predict with regards to the SIPDE system

After scanning the roadway and identifying a potential hazard, a driver needs to predict what might happen.

What are the five guidelines of the Smith System?

Aim High and Look Ahead, Keep Your Eyes Moving, Get the Big Picture, Leave Yourself a Way Out, and Make Sure Others See You

Why are airbags referred to as "supplemental restraints"? Why is it important to wear seatbelts with an active airbag?

Airbags are often referred to as supplemental restraint systems because they are supposed to be used in combination with safety belts.

Describe the history of airbags.

Airbags were introduced in the 1980's for testing purposes.

What are some chemical characteristics of Alcohol?

Alcohol (ethanol alcohol to be specific) is comprised of the following elements: two parts Carbon, six parts Hydrogen, and one part Oxygen.

How is alcohol processed in the body?

Alcohol is processed out of the body, or metabolized, primarily through the liver.

How does alcohol get into the tissues of the body?

Alcohol's attraction to water will cause the chemical to absorb into body tissues in proportion to the water content of those cells and tissues.

What does Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) light tells you?

Alert light illuminates prior to start; warning light after start.

Where should children under 12 ride in a vehicle? Why?

All children aged 12 and under should ride properly buckled in the back seat.

Describe an effective driving maneuver or margin when approaching parked cars to your left?

Allow more room by using your left lane position or try to drive in the left lane when parked cars are along the street.

What three strategies are presented to reduce your risk in areas of limited visibility?

Although you will slow down slightly, the value in Smart Braking is the reduction in reaction time to take your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal. You may also want to flash your lights or honk your horn as you approach a sharp curve in the road that you can not see around.

At what age may a child ride without in the car with seatbelts only? Are there any exceptions to the rule? If so, what?

Always read the child seat use and installation instruction manual. Read your vehicle owner's manual seat belt and child seat installation section.

What systems on an automobile should be serviced routinely?

Anything mechanical. Use some common sense evaluation. For example, it's important for such things as oil changes and tire rotations, but not so important to grease your transmission linkage. A lot of maintenance is just simple looking over your car regularly and doing what's needed to keep everything in working order.

Define Identify with regards to the SIPDE system

As a driver, you want to identify hazards BEFORE they enter your path of travel.

What are the four steps to searching a curve?

As you approach red lights, reduce speed, pay attention to signs and vehicles around you, and ease off the gas.

What is the minimum insurance required by your state?

At a minimum, these laws require liability insurance to pay on the driver's behalf certain injuries that may result from a collision.

Why do you need insurance?

At minimum, the purpose of auto insurance is to help pay the cost of damages to the other persons (or your own) car in the event of a collision.

How might you avoid driving in an aggressive manner yourself, or indulging in road rage behavior if another motorist makes mistakes that may frustrate you?

Avoid driving when upset or extremely tired. Avoid rush-hour traffic whenever possible. Plan routes and take a map along. Allow plenty of time for the trip. Obey traffic laws and assume that any mistakes made by other drivers are not intentional. Stay calm and relaxed. On a long trip, take periodic rest breaks.

What are two ways you can increase your awareness of two wheeled vehicle traffic?

Be alert for movement and for a partial profile of a rider. Train your ears to listen for the sound of the motorcycle engine, which is often louder than a car engine.

How can you use your vehicle's controls more safely?

Be familiar with them.

What is the proper sequence of events for starting a car with an automatic transmission?

Be sure the gear shift is in the (P)ark or (N)eutral position and the emergency brake is set. Place the key in the ignition switch. Depress the brake pedal before starting the engine. Start the engine and once it starts, immediately release the ignition switch. Repetitive failure to immediately release the ignition switch can result in damage to the starter and flywheel. Regardless of where you live and what temperature it is outside, you should give it a few minutes to warm up. This allows oil to flow through the engine before you start moving. Once the engine has warmed, depress the brake pedal and place the transmission into drive. Release the emergency brake. The vehicle is now ready to move forward. For most automatic transmissions, the vehicle will begin to move forward once you take your foot off the brake.

What age range is required to use a child safety restraint?

Be sure to secure infants and small children in child restraint systems that are recommended for the child's age and size. Be sure to consult the owner's manual and the directions for the safety seat for proper installation techniques.

The previous article cites that 16 year old drivers "are cited for more mistakes than anyone except drivers over 82." Why?

Because they are inexperienced, youthful risk takers, and do not have good risk perception.

Graduated Driver Licensing is an approach that is actually reducing teen collisions and deaths. According to the article, what is the key to an effective GDL law?

By devoting extra time to establishing good driving habits, you are helping your teens' brain develop. The time and attention you devote to instilling good, safe driving habits in your teen will create automatic responses that may very well save the life of your teen in an emergency situation.

As a driver, how can you conserve energy and natural resources through your transportation methods and habits?

Carpooling, mass transit, and cycling are great ways to reduce fuel use and fuel costs. If you commute to work or school 5 days a week, carpooling one day a week would result in a 20% reduction. Even a 10% reduction in fuel use can have a great benefit to your wallet and the environment.

Describe the four steps to performing a lane change.

Check the mirrors to ensure traffic is clear. When traffic is clear, or you can't wait any longer for traffic to clear, signal your intentions by turning on the indicator. After you are sure that adjacent traffic has had enough time to notice the turn indicator, give a head check by looking over your shoulder in the area of the blind spot. If clear, smoothly move the vehicle into the adjacent lane.

From your own observation, do you think children should be allowed in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags if they are restrained? Why or why not?

Children 12 and under should be seated in rear vehicle seats. This gives them the most protection in the event of a crash, and places them safely away from the airbag. If children must be placed in the front seat, move the seat as far back as possible.

Your best friend has a two year old sister who weighs 30 lbs. What kind of restraint system do you need for her?

Children over one year and at least 20 pounds may ride in a forward facing child safety seat in the back seat. Children should ride in a safety seat with full harness until they weigh about 40 pounds.

What are four instances when headlights are critical for driving?

Dawn and dusk are also times when headlights are critical and turn your headlights on whenever driving in bad weather or reduced visibility conditions.

Why is a tolerance to alcohol dangerous?

Developing a tolerance to alcohol is a sign of becoming physically dependent on it.

Define Execute with regards to the SIPDE system

Do it!

When passing another vehicle, how can you determine when it is safe to move back into your original lane?

Do not return to your lane until you can see the front end of the car you are passing in your rearview mirror.

How involved should I, the driver, be in routine auto maintenance?

Draining and replacing the transmission and brake fluids periodically is also a big help to a car.

A common myth holds that most teens who are good students and show responsibility in other areas of life will be good responsible drivers. What is wrong with this assumption?

Driving is a complex psychomotor task that requires painstaking development, just as tennis or playing the piano does. Experience and practice is vital.

What is the prevalent philosophy of driving in America?

Driving is a privilege and never an individual right.

Why are voice-activated, hands-free cell phones still a distraction?

Even voice activated and hands free devices create a mental distraction that interferes with the driver's ability to identify hazards, predict collisions, decide on collision avoidance strategies and execute precision maneuvers and anything that takes your mind off of the SIPDE process creates a greater risk for collisions.

What are four indicators that you should have your steering system checked by a professional mechanic?

Excess movement in the steering wheel Steering difficulty Shimmying, wobbling, shaking, or pulling to one side under normal driving conditions Squealing sounds when making turns

What are six steps to choosing a new car?

First, assess your needs. Second, assess the safety of available vehicles that meet your needs. Third, choose one of the top five vehicles and find its blue book value using Kelly Blue Book. Fourth, compare the blue book value to the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). Fifth, estimate the ongoing costs associated with the operation of the vehicle. Finally, let's consider resale or trade in value.

What can you do to prevent your own driving from becoming aggressive?

Follow the rules of the road!

What should you do if you become drowsy while driving?

Frequent stops to stand and stretch can also increase a driver's alertness, but the body will continue to demand sleep until it gets sleep. To prevent drowsy driving, avoid driving between midnight and 5 am and avoid long trips after a long, stressful day.

What are 6 requirements to obtain a learner's permit?

Generally must be at least 15 years old. Complete a driver license application form. Furnish proof of social security, residency, and original identification document certifying name and date of birth. Pass a multiple-choice sign and knowledge test. Pass a vision test. Have a digitized photo taken.

What are 6 requirements for a driver license?

Generally must be at least 16 years old. Hold a learner's permit for a minimum timeframe (usually 6 months to a year). Some states require successfully completion of an approved driver education program. Have parent/guardian permission. Generally, parents must certify that their child has driven a motor vehicle for 50 hours, at least 10 of which were after sunset.

What should you do if faced with an aggressive driver?

Get out of their way. Don't challenge them. Ignore them. Call 911. Pay attention to the road, and wear your seat belt.

What are the signs of a drowsy driver?

He may slow down and he will most likely drift out of his lane.

How can you determine if you are driving in someone's blind spot?

IF YOU CANNOT SEE THE OTHER DRIVER'S FACE IN HIS REARVIEW MIRROR, HE CAN'T SEE YOU!

What is the safest way to make a phone call from your car?

If a driver must use a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, the driver should pull over and stop the car or have a passenger use the device.

What is the rule of thumb to stay out of another driver's blind spot?

If you can't see the other driver's face in the left side mirror, then he can't see you, either.

What is a vehicle inspection and when is it required?

In most states, a new resident desiring to register his vehicle must obtain a vehicle inspection certificate and verification of the vehicle identification number by a state-approved vehicle inspection station prior to registration.

Define Decide with regards to the SIPDE system

In other words, as you drive, consider what options are available.

Why is it important to monitor and control your vehicle's margins to the sides?

Management of side margins can reduce the risk of collisions.

What does the "BGE" in BGE mirror settings stand for and how are BGE mirror settings different from traditional settings

Mirrors are aligned according to Blind spot and Glare Elimination (BGE) settings. Starting with the above mirror setting, adjust your side mirrors out approximately 15 degrees. This will widen your field of vision and reduce the mirror blind spot.

Describe how your normal braking system is different from your parking (or emergency) brake:

Modern vehicles are equipped with two braking systems: a dual hydraulic brake system and a mechanical brake system (parking or emergency brake).

How can you know if you are centered in your lane while driving?

More often you will need to be 3 feet from curb on your left side as you drive.

Why are neighborhoods particularly dangerous to drive in?

More pedestrians are struck by moving vehicles in neighborhood areas than any other place.

Provide an example of methods the community installs to reduce negative effects of transportation on the environment.

Most communities have fluid recycling available through local lube and tune stations. Additionally, the city may provide bussing or subway systems to reduce traffic, emissions, pollution, and waste.

What causes most frontal crashes?

Most frontal crashes result from lack of adequate margins to the front.

Do most religions favor or oppose organ and tissue donation?

Most religions support organ donation and no major religion opposes it.

How often should a new automobile be serviced? What about an older model?

New cars should be service according to the owners manual to keep from voiding your warranty. After the warranty expires, change the oil every 3000 miles. Rotate the tires every 5000 miles, etc. Use common sense and do whatever is needed to your car depending on driving habits and climate. A lot of this is common sense and just takes a little knowing your car.

Understanding that owning, driving and maintaining a vehicle has an effect on the environment, what resources can you use to ensure that you are doing your part to protect the environment?

New vehicle technologies will also help manage finite natural resources. Electric, hybrid, and bio-fuel technologies are still new, but the point the way to cars that will, someday, run entirely on cleaner, renewable fuels at an affordable cost.

With more than 300,000 over-the-counter drugs available, what is the best way to determine if taking the medication will affect your senses.

No matter what kind of medicine you are using, as a driver, you must read the warning label before taking the medicine and operating a vehicle. If you are warned against using heavy machinery, do not drive.

Are fuel additives helpful? Why or why not?

No. They are a scam and a complete waste of money. The reason I say this isn't becuase there aren't benefits. I say it because the cost don't add up with the tiny benefits that they do have. Because of present day marketing and the way marketing firms are allowed to make unproven claims such as high fuel economy, these companies charge way too much for additives that really do nothing more than what proper maintenance and good clean gas will do without the additive.

What can happen to a vehicle if it is not serviced regularly?

Not changing oil can cause engines to seize up. Not rotating tires can cause blowout and uneven tire wear, leading to higher cost to replace tires too soon. Not changing transmission fluid can cause transmission failure. Not checking brakes can cause you to have an unexpected brake loss. And the list goes on and on. Maintenance is important.

Why is seat belt use important?

Occupants are five times more likely to be killed in a crash when not buckled in.

What should you do with old car oil and fluids and why?

Oil can be recycled when it is stored properly in containers suitable containers for storing/transporting. Make sure there is not any residue such as bleach or other automotive fluids in the container. Most auto parts stores will take oil to be recycled, but some will regulate how often or how much you are able to recycle there, so it is a good idea to check with them.

What should I expect out of a routine service? What kinds of parts should be changed?

Oil change. Check all fluids and lubing all moving joints under the vehicle. Tune up including spark plugs, filters, plug wires, etc. Tire rotation. This all depands on how often you are talking about and what you mean by routine maintenance. Some mechanics will do a routine maintenance like oil changes and such that is needed at the time of service depending on conditions. Some mechanics will try and sell you on everything bumper to bumper including new valve stem caps if they can make the sell to you.

Explain the process of myelination and how it impacts a teen driver.

One of the last developments in the nervous system is the insulation of the nerves to make information travel faster through them. During teen years, the nerves connecting the areas of the brain that control impulsiveness, process good judgment, and regulate emotion are finally insulated for faster transmissions. Those nerves that do not yet have the insulation coating have a definite influence on the driving skills of the adolescent or teen. As a result, their abilities to maintain full attention, recognize potential dangers, evaluate risky situations, and make good decisions are challenged.

When are you permitted to pass a vehicle in front of you?

Passing should only be attempted when road markings allow and then only when it is safe to do so.

Identify three components of the HTS.

People Vehicles Roadways

Should pets in motor vehicles be harnessed? Why or why not?

Pets are another distraction that can usually be safely and easily managed. Many pet specialty stores have customized harnesses that buckle the pet into the vehicle.

Find the difference in how much your insurance would increase for a six-month period if you were involved in an accident compared to if you had no infractions on your driving record.

Policy 1 1993 Ford Taurus, one teenage driver on policy, 6 month quote = $542.00 Policy 2 1993 Ford Taurus, one teenage driver on substandard policy alone with ONE collision, 6 month quote = $2,093.46

How and when might one use acceleration to avoid a collision? Braking? Steering?

Proper vehicle space maintenance is the first step in avoiding collisions. Vehicle collisions, however, may involve multiple parties and a driver has to be prepared to maneuver out of the path of a potential collision. The three operator inputs (steering, braking, and acceleration) can be used to avoid potential collisions with other drivers when one can not control them with adequate margins.

What are "standard reference points"?

Reference points have been defined to help the new driver gain that spatial awareness. The points we use are standardized.

Drivers who cause road rage incidents harm not only their victims but also themselves and their families. How?

Road rage incidents are not simple traffic offenses. They are criminal offenses which may result in arrest and a jail sentence, increased insurance rates, possible loss of driving privileges and employment, as well as civil lawsuits brought by victims and their families.

What are two factors you must consider in operator maintenance of your car tires?

Routine operator maintenance on tires includes keeping proper inflation levels (usually 35 psi for radials and 32 psi for bias, check the manufacturers recommendations) and looking for uneven or unusual tread wear.

What is the "modified hand to hand" steering method and why is it better than hand over hand steering?

Should the airbag deploy, you want to be sure the hands are directed out or down, not in the driver's face.

How much time do you allow between applying your turn signal until the time you step on your breaks?

Signaling three to five seconds before you take an action gives him time to recognize that you are going to put on brakes.

What can a driver do to prevent their front margin from diminishing too rapidly?

Slowing will prevent the front margin from diminishing too rapidly.

Explain "smart braking".

Smart Braking is when you take your foot off of the accelerator and position it over the brake pedal.

How does your method of braking and acceleration impact the environment?

Smooth acceleration conserves gas and saves wear and tear on the vehicle. Accelerating uses more gas than driving at a constant speed. The harder you accelerate the more gas you use to reach your speed. Gentle braking makes for a more comfortable ride as well as extending the life of your brakes and saving wear and tear on your entire system. Your tires will wear better, your brakes will last longer, and your neck will feel better.

List 2 acceptable proofs of social security number.

Social security card Payroll check or check stub

List the 10 steps to securing your vehicle:

Stop in a legal, secure parking space Set parking brake Place gear selector in (P)ark Turn off any accessories used Secure windows Turn ignition switch to "off" "Lock" ignition and remove key Remove occupant restraints Check traffic prior to exiting vehicle Close and lock the doors

What are some of the factors that may contribute to aggressive or violent behavior by drivers?

Stress, frustration, crowded traffic situations, being insulated by our vehicles so we are not face to face with other drivers.

What kinds of tissues and organs are included in the donor program?

Technology now allows us to transplant at least 19 kinds of tissue or organ: skin, cornea, bone, bone marrow, blood, kidney, heart, lung, pancreas, liver, small bowel and heart valve.

What is implied consent and what are the penalties if you refuse to take a sobriety test?

Texas's "implied consent" law says that if you are lawfully arrested by an officer who has probable cause to believe that you have been driving or boating while intoxicated, then you consent to taking one or more chemical tests of your blood or breath for the purpose of determining your blood alcohol content (BAC). 1st Offense: 180 day license suspension 2d offense: 2 year license suspension 3rd Offense: 2 year license suspension

Who has the final authority over an organ donation?

They can address the issue with the surviving family members.

Who are the drivers that erupt into road rage behavior?

They can be anyone--male, female, young or old. Often they are motorists who are usually law-abiding but, when enraged by a traffic grievance, explode into violent behavior.

Explain the "pruning" process and how it impacts new drivers.

They found that the judgment and control center of the brain has a rapid growth spurt around age 10. Starting at age 12, the extra nerve connections begin dying off. The nerves that are used remain in use. The nerves that are not used are lost. This apparently allows the brain to become more efficient at the skills and routines that the body will actually use, without wasting space for what is unused. Researchers believe that teens who have not completed the pruning process simply do not have the brainpower to manage all of the available neural pathways and manage multiple thoughts, critical memories, and emotions well enough to make good decisions.

Explain how advanced frontal airbags work. Why are they so effective?

They must be rapidly deployed to be effective, so they release with incredible force. Airbags installed by the vehicle manufacturer deploy at speeds as high as 200 mph. Because airbags must provide a cushion of air immediately before impact, they are often placed in the steering wheel column or the dashboard.

Define Scan with regards to the SIPDE system

This is the process of looking at all the different events in the driving environment.

What does temperature light or gauge tells you?

This light/gauge warns you when the coolant in the engine is too hot or too low.

What does oil pressure warning light or gauge tells you?

This light/gauge warns you when the oil is not circulating at the proper pressure or there is not enough oil.

Why is it important to maintain good frontal margins when stopped at a stop sign with no vehicles in front of you?

This will protect the vehicle if it is hit from behind. Many drivers do not consider the front margin when they are stopped. Remember, a vehicle with a standard transmission may roll back before moving forward from a stop. This is especially important on steep hills.

What does brake system warning light tells you?

To show the parking brake is set before moving the vehicle. To alert you that part or all of the braking system is not working properly or, in some vehicles, the brake fluid is too low. If the brake system is not working properly, brake gradually to a stop, have the vehicle towed, and have the problem corrected.

Traditionally, professional driver education instructors have offered 30 classroom hours of study and 6 to 10 hours behind the wheel with the new driver. Has this approach reduced teen collisions? Why?

Traditional driver education courses have not worked well in developing great beginning drivers. The report cited statistics that show 16 year olds are ill prepared for the responsibility of driving.

How can you avoid becoming drowsy while driving?

Try to get a full night's rest before any day that will require more than 2 hours in the car.

How effective are side airbags and how do they work?

Two types of side airbags (also known as SIPS) have been developed to protect passengers during side collisions.

List 2 acceptable proofs of residency.

U.S. passport Transcript from a school, college or university in which the applicant is currently enrolled

How should you control your speed while descending a steep hill?

Using a lower gear as you descend the hill engages the engine and transmission in speed control and reduces the likelihood of brake failure from overheating.

What is the zone system of space management?

We will call our vehicle the "Central" position. The zones are then referred to as Front, Left Front, Right Front, Left Rear, Right Rear, and Rear.

What additional step should be taken when choosing a used car?

When considering a used car, be sure to look up its "CarFax" report. This report will tell you about the maintenance history of the vehicle and if it was ever in a collision. Additionally, take the vehicle for a test drive to a trusted mechanic and have it checked for any maintenance problems that should be fixed before you make the purchase.

If you are renting a vehicle for family or business travel, what can you do to make driving safer?

When driving a rental car or other unfamiliar vehicle, the driver should take time to learn where the in-dash controls are and what they do.

When exiting a private road or driveway, to whom must you yield the right of way?

When entering or crossing a road, street, or highway from a private road, alley, building, or driveway after stopping prior to the sidewalk, you shall yield the rightof- way of all approaching vehicles and pedestrians.

How do you decide which lane to turn into when turning right or left onto a multi-lane street?

When making a left turn from a turn lane, drivers should wait at the stop line until there is an opening in traffic; then pull forward and complete the turn.

When does left-turning traffic have the right of way?

When making a left-hand turn you must always yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

When traveling above the speed limit, what happens to your right of way?

When travelling above the speed limit, or otherwise breaking the law, a driver forfiets right-of-way.

How are the Smith System and SIPDE similar? How are they different?

Where the SIPDE method addresses potential hazards one at a time, the Smith System gives a broad overview of the driving environment.

What are three major areas in which a proficient driver must master performance skills?

control of the vehicle (operational), maneuvering the vehicle (guidance), and planning (navigational)

When does a pedestrian not have the right of way?

egally, pedestrians have the right-of-way at controlled intersections and in marked crosswalks; but the law also states that "no pedestrian shall unnecessarily stop or delay traffic while in a marked or unmarked crosswalk."

Define "Yield".

give right of way to other traffic

What are three common driving distractions you see in your family car?

reading a map, eating a sandwich, or talking on a cell phone

What are some unsafe driving behaviors that may trigger a violent response from other motorists?

tailgating; blocking lanes; high-beaming other cars; changing lanes without signaling; honking; making rude gestures at another driver

Name three instances when passing another vehicle is necessary.

Is this pass necessary? Is this pass legal and safe? Do I have enough time to pass safely?

What are some important maintenance steps I should take apart from bringing the vehicle in to a professional?

It's up to you to know when maintenance is needed on your car. The mechanic isn't coming to your house and taking it away to perform maintenance. Most of all though, listen to your car. Spend time with your car. What I mean is to listen for unusual noises. Open the hood on a regular basis and look for leaks, broken wires or hoses, or just anything out of the ordinary. There is so many times that an alert car owner can catch a minor problem before it becomes a major one. Too often people pay no attention to their cars until they just don't run at all anymore. Then they just can't understand why the repair bill is so high. Often times the bill would be cut in half or even better if they'd just paid attention and brought the car in BEFORE it completely tore up.

What are some safe driving techniques all drivers can use to avoid conflict on the road?

Keep your eyes on the road, pay attention, use turn signals, don't tailgate or block lanes. Pull over if your vehicle is holding up traffic, don't overuse the horn. In parking lots, look when backing up, don't take someone else's space, and don't hit vehicle doors. Be courteous even when others aren't.

How can you know when to stop backing your vehicle to avoid hitting a curb?

Knowing your rear limit will help you avoid collisions when you are backing your vehicle, lining up your rear bumper with a line or curb, parallel parking, or perpendicular parking.

Contrast right of way rules for 4 way stops with right of way rules for lane changes on multi-laned streets.

Lane changers must always yield to other traffic. At a four-way stop, each driver, takes their turn after yielding to other drivers.

What are four steps a parent can take to help their new teen driver reduce collisions and become a safer driver?

Limit passengers and night driving. Negotiate a contract of acceptable behavior with the new drivers. Have zero tolerance for moving violations or alcohol use. Everyone in the vehicle buckles up.

Describe four categories of the ignition electronics system:

The Ignition System- draws energy from the battery to create high voltage surges to set off combustion in the engines cylinders. The Charging System Stop Video- produces electrical power while the engine is running to operate all the electrical components and recharge the battery. This consists of a drive belt, alternator, voltage regulator, wiring, and battery. The Starting System- permits the driver to turn the ignition switch to activate an electric motor, Solenoid switch, wiring, and battery. The Accessory Circuits- power the lights, safety systems, and accessories. This system includes the fuse box, wiring, and any electrically powered equipment.

What makes the LATCH system different from earlier child restraint systems? Will all LATCH compliant vehicles work with all LATCH compliant restraint systems?

The Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) System is designed to make installation of child safety seats easier by requiring child safety seats to be installed without using the vehicle's seat belt system. All modern forward facing child safety seats built (not including booster seats) have to meet a strict head protection requirement, which calls for a top tether strap.

Explain the difference between Zero Tolerance and Use and Lose laws.

The Zero Tolerance Law specifies that if a minor has ANY detectable amount of alcohol in his or her system while operating a vehicle in public, the minor has committed the criminal offense of DUI—the minor's drivers license is immediately suspended and the officer can take the license on site. The term "Use and Lose" has been coined to describe laws that authorize driver licensing actions against persons found to be using or in possession of illicit drugs, and against young persons found to be drinking, purchasing or in possession of alcoholic beverages.

Can an individual choose which organs and tissues they would like to donate?

The donor is able to designate which organs and tissues he or she would be willing to donate.

What is the best rule for checking your following distance?

The easiest, most effective way to determine a proper following distance is by using the Three-Second Rule Stop Video.

List four factors that can affect alcohol's rate of absorption into the body.

The more alcohol, the faster it will absorb, the more water, the slower the alcohol will absorb. Foods, fatty foods in particular, slow the rate of absorption into the bloodstream. The size of the individual can also have an affect on the rate of absorption, insomuch as the size of the individual correlates to the water content in his body.

What reference point can you use to determine the front limit of your vehicle?

The position of the line with relation to your mirror or corner post is your reference point for your front limit.

Why do more collisions occur at controlled intersections than at uncontrolled intersections?

The primary reason is driver error.

How do seat belts work?

The seat belt system goes into action to control the energy load the occupant endures on impact.

What rights do medical personnel have when a person has indicated willingness to donate with a donor card?

The shortage of donors is due, in part, to the misconception that medical personnel only need the donor card to use tissues or organs. The fact of the matter is that the family must consent to organ donation. Even when a signed donor card is present, procurement organizations must get permission from the next of kin.

What is the difference between traditional side airbags and inflatable curtains?

These side airbags deploy from the edge of the inside roof downward toward the head area. Curtain and tubular side airbags are extremely effective with reducing the injury to the headand helping to keep passengers in the vehicle during a rollover crash.

Which is better, natural motor oil or synthetic? Can I switch between the two?

You can switch between the two but you can't mix them. As to which one is better, it depends on who you talk to. I personally think that synthetic is a waste of money. While I do realize the durability factors, I personally think the cost outweighs the benefits. However, there are certain motor oils that are tried and tested from my own experience that are better. For example, I put nothing but Castrol GTX in my own vehicles. On the other hand, I wouldn't put Pennzoil on a bicycle chain.

What does alternator/generator warning light or gauge tells you?

Your vehicle's electrical system is in trouble if this light comes on or the gauge shows "discharge" while the engine is running.