Chapter 10: Special Driving Conditions

If your Car stalls on a railroad track, and if you see the train approaching, what should you do? a. Get everyone out of the car and run toward the train but away from the track at a 45-degree angle. b. Get everyone out of the car and run "down the track," in the same direction as the train. c. Get everyone out of the car and run away from the tracks at a 90 degree angle. d. Any of the above.

a. Get everyone out of the car and run toward the train but away from the track at a 45-degree angle. Note: For any reason if you stall on the tracks, get out of the car even if you do not see a train, get away from the tracks at 45-degree angle towards the train. Locate the Emergency Notification System sign and call the number provided, telling them about the stalled vehicle.

When you drive at night you an reduce the problem of glare from the headlights of an approaching car by: a. Looking to the lower right side of your lane" b. Having the inside lights on to make the amount of light equal c. Looking at the spot on the lower edge of the steering wheel d. Wearing glasses with lightly tinted lenses

a. Looking to the lower right side of your lane" Note: To help avoid the glare of approaching high beams from vehicles at night, move your eyes to the right. Use the road edge as a guide until the approaching vehicle passes by.

Which of the following is true about roadways on bridges and overpasses in cold, wet weather? a. They tend to freeze before the rest of the road does. b. They do not freeze because they are made of concrete. c. They tend to freeze after the rest of the road does. d. They are safest to drive on, during winter season.

a. They tend to freeze before the rest of the road does. Note: When freezing rain or snow begin to fall, remember that bridges, ramps and overpasses will freeze first

If your brake pedal suddenly sinks to the floor, you should first: a. Try to pump it to build up the pressure b. Shift into neutral and shut the engine off c. Try to raise it by hooking your toe under it d. Apply the parking brake hard to stop the car

a. Try to pump it to build up the pressure Note: If your brake pedal suddenly goes to the floor (break fails), try pumping it to increase pressure. If that does not help, use your emergency or parking brake - but use it gently. If you shift to a lower gear, it will help your vehicle decrease speed.

Why is driving on an expressway different from driving on an ordinary street? a. You must think faster and handle your vehicle more effectively b. Trucks have to go slower on the expressways c. There is more of a tendency to exceed the speed limit d. There is more of a tendency to "tailgate"

a. You must think faster and handle your vehicle more effectively Note: Expressway driving normally combines higher speeds with heavy traffic. The higher speed and amount of traffic require you to think faster and handle your vehicle in a more efficient manner than in most other conditions.

You have just left an expressway and are starting to drive on an ordinary highway. You should: a. Check your tires for correct pressure b. Check your speedometer to keep at the lower speed limit c. Stay twice as far behind other cars d. Change gradually to the lower speed limit

b. Check your speedometer to keep at the lower speed limit Note: After you leave an expressway, look for speed limit signs and check your speedometer to be sure you are driving within the posted limit. You are not likely to be on a 55 mph (88 km/h) road.

If you drive past your exit on an expressway, you should: a. Pull onto the shoulder, then back up to the exit b. Drive to the next exit and leave the expressway c. Make a U-turn at the nearest emergency turn area d. Make a U-turn at the next service area

b. Drive to the next exit and leave the expressway Note: If you enter an expressway going a different direction than you intended, or at the wrong exit, or you drive past your exit, stay on the expressway until the next exit. After you exit the expressway, you can figure out where you need to go and (if necessary) get back on the expressway. IT IS DANGEROUS to back up on an entrance or exit ramp, or to try to cross a median

When driving at night, it is most important for you to: a. Use your high beams at all times b. Drive within range of your headlights c. Be ready to brake more quickly d. Watch for cars at intersections

b. Drive within range of your headlights Note: You should drive slower than you would in daylight. Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within that distance. Be considerate when you use your high beams. Your headlights must be on low beam when you are within 500 feet (150 m) of an oncoming vehicle or within 200 feet (60 m) of a vehicle ahead of you, even if the vehicle ahead is in a different lane.

When your right wheels run onto a soft shoulder, what is the best way to get back on the highway? a. Apply the brakes firmly and steer gently to the left b. Ease your foot off the gas and brake gently c. Steer hard to the left and then gently to the right d. Apply the brakes firmly and stop completely

b. Ease your foot off the gas and brake gently

If your wheels move off the pavement, the proper thing to do is: a. Pull the steering wheel back immediately. b. Ease your foot off the gas pedal and brake gently to decrease the vehicle speed. c. Shift into 1st gear, then apply the brakes d. All of above.

b. Ease your foot off the gas pedal and brake gently to decrease the vehicle speed. Note: If your wheels move off the pavement, do not pull the steering wheel back. Ease your foot off the gas pedal and brake gently. When your vehicle has decreased speed, check for traffic behind you, then turn carefully back onto the pavement.

If you loose a wheel while driving, the proper thing to do is: a. Speed up to gain traction and then pull to the right b. Hold the steering wheel firmly, and ease up on the gas c. Apply the brakes, then shift into neutral d. Shift into neutral, then apply the brakes

b. Hold the steering wheel firmly, and ease up on the gas Note: If you loose a wheel while driving, hold the steering wheel tight and slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. Do not use your brake until your vehicle is controlled.

If a tire blows out, the proper thing to do is: a. Speed up to gain traction and then pull to the right b. Hold the steering wheel firmly, and ease up on the gas c. Apply the brakes, then shift into neutral d. Shift into neutral, then apply the brakes

b. Hold the steering wheel firmly, and ease up on the gas Note: If a tire blows out, hold the steering wheel tight and slowly take your foot off the gas pedal. If your vehicle skids, handle it as you would on ice or snow. Do not use your brake until your vehicle is controlled.

If an approaching train is near enough or going fast enough to be a danger, you must: a. slow down and proceed with caution b. Not cross the tracks until the train has completely passed c. Cross the tracks at your own risk d. Find an alternative route across tracks

b. Not cross the tracks until the train has completely passed

What vehicles must stop at all railroad crossings? a. Pickup trucks b. School buses and passenger buses carrying passengers c. Motorcycles d. Vehicles towing a trailer

b. School buses and passenger buses carrying passengers Note: School buses with or without passengers, other buses with passengers on board and vehicles with explosives or flammable cargo must stop at all railroad crossings.

If traffic prevents you from crossing all the way across a set of railroad tracks, you may proceed only when: a. An approaching train is not moving fast enough to be a danger b. There is room for your vehicle on the other side c. At least one half of your vehicle can cross the tracks d. No trains are in sight

b. There is room for your vehicle on the other side Note: If other traffic prevents you from going fully across, wait and go across only when there is room. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt to cross any railroad tracks unless you are certain your entire vehicle will clear all of the tracks at the crossing.

When attempting to stop on a slippery road, the best action to take is: a. Apply the brakes quickly and firmly b. Apply the brakes in slow, steady strokes c. shift to a lower gear, do not use the brakes d. Shift into neutral, do not use the brakes

b. apply the brakes in slow, steady strokes Note: To prevent skids on slippery roads, brake early, carefully and gently. "Press" your brakes in slow, steady strokes. Allow the wheels to keep turning. If they begin to lock up, decrease pressure on the brake pedal. As your vehicle decreases speed, you can also shift into a lower gear

What is the appropriate action to take when approaching a railroad crossing that does not have signals (such as lights or crossing gates)? a. Always bring the car to a complete stop b. slow down and be prepared to stop c. Do nothing; all railroad crossings have signals d. Increase speed to get across the tracks quickly

b. slow down and be prepared to stop Note: Some railroad crossing do not have gates or flashing lights. When approaching unmarked, or passive, grade crossings, slow down and be prepared to stop. Before you cross, be sure that a train is not coming.

Expressways have "expressway entrance lanes" (acceleration lanes) so that drivers can: a. Test their brakes before driving at expressway speeds b. Stop at the end to wait for a traffic opening c. "Reach the proper speed before blending with traffic d. Test the pickup of their cars

c. "Reach the proper speed before blending with traffic Note: Unless there is a STOP or YIELD sign or traffic light on the expressway entrance ramp, use the ramp to accelerate to expressway speed and blend with traffic. Signal, then look over your shoulder for traffic already on the expressway. If necessary, slow down to safely merge into traffic.

When you get ready to leave an expressway, you should begin to use your turn signal: a. Just as you get to the exit ramp b. 50 feet before the exit ramp c. 100 feet before the exit ramp d. When you see cars behind you in the exit lane

c. 100 feet before the exit ramp Note: Make sure to signal your exit at least 100 feet (30 m) before you reach the exit ramp. When you are on the exit ramp of expressway, decrease your speed. There is often a lower speed limit displayed for the ramp.

A railroad crossing indicate that you must stop, at least [ ] from the tracks. a. 05 feet. b. 10 feet. c. 15 feet. d. 20 feet.

c. 15 feet

Driving within the range of your headlights indicates you can stop your vehicle within about how many feet? a. 250 feet b. 300 feet c. 350 feet d. 400 feet

c. 350 feet Note: At night, your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within that distance. This is called "driving within the range" of your headlights.

Which type of wheel drive vehicles normally handle better in ice and snow. a. A front-wheel drive vehicle or a rear-wheel drive vehicle. b. A four-wheel drive vehicle or a rear-wheel drive vehicle. c. A front-wheel drive vehicle or, a four-wheel drive vehicle. d. Only a four-wheel drive vehicle.

c. A front-wheel drive vehicle or, a four-wheel drive vehicle. Note: Although front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles normally handle better in ice and snow, they do not have flawless traction; skids can occur without a warning. Do not let the ability to better handle a front-wheel or four-wheel vehicle make you drive faster than the road conditions dictate. Front-Wheel Drive: This means that the power from the engine is delivered to the front wheels Rear-Wheel Drive: This means that the engine power is delivered to the rear wheels which in turn push the car forward Front-Wheel Drive: A transmission system which provides power directly to all four wheels of a vehicle

When should you use your headlights: a. One hour before sunset until one hour after sunrise. b. Anytime you can't see at least two miles ahead. c. Anytime you have trouble seeing others or being seen. d. Half hour before sunset until half hour after sunrise.

c. Anytime you have trouble seeing others or being seen. Use Your Headlights when: - One-half hour after the sun sets to one-half hour before the sun rises. - In darkness and when visibility does not allow clear recognition of a person or vehicle from a distance of 1,000 feet. - Any time conditions, that may prevent you from seeing other vehicles and Also to increase your vehicle's visibility to others while driving.

Which of the precautions to be taken before winter arrives, is not true. a. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition. b. Make sure your vehicle has good snow tires. c. You can combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. d. Tires with metal studs can be used from October 16 through April 30.

c. Can combine radical and non-radical tires on the same vehicle

If another vehicle is approaching head on in your lane, the proper thing to do is: a. increase speed, pull over to the right and sound your horn b. Increase speed, pull over to the left and sound your horn c. Decrease speed, pull over to the right and sound your horn d. Decrease speed, pull over to the left and sound your horn

c. Decrease speed, pull over to the right and sound your horn Note: If another vehicle is approaching head on in your lane, than decrease speed, pull over to the right and sound your horn to warn the other driver. Do not turn into the left lane. If you do, the other driver may suddenly recover and pull back into that lane, causing a head-on collision.

Your car starts to skid on a slippery road. You should: a. Brake quickly and keep the wheel straight b. Lock your brakes until you have come to a complete stop c. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go d. Steer toward the side of the road to get off the wet pavement

c. Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go

Night driving is dangerous because: a. Some traffic signs are less visible at night b. More vehicles are on the road at night c. The distance we can see ahead is reduced d. Street lights tend to blur our vision

c. The distance we can see ahead is reduced Note: Night driving is more dangerous because the distance you can see ahead or to the side is reduced. You should drive slower than you would in daylight. Your headlights cover about 350 feet ahead. It is important that you drive at a speed that allows you to stop safely within that distance.

Which of the following statements applies to all driving emergency situations? a. Always slow down gradually b. Your first reaction is the best reaction c. Think before you act d. Apply your brakes immediately

c. Think before you act Note: The most important rule in any emergency is do not panic. You have a better chance in an emergency if you do not let fear take over. In most emergencies, you will have a second or two to think before you act.

If your vehicles headlight fail, the proper thing to do is: a. Drive slowly and carefully to reach safe distance to get help. b. Use horn to warn other vehicle to leave the roadway safely. c. Try emergency lights, parking lights and directional signals to leave the roadway safely. d. All of above.

c. Try emergency lights, parking lights and directional signals to leave the roadway safely. Note: If your headlights suddenly go out, try your emergency lights, parking lights and directional signals. These may continue to work and can give you enough light to leave the roadway safely. If your headlights begin to dim, drive to a service station or pull off the road and go for help.

You are getting on a highway which has a very short entrance lane. The safest way for you to enter the flow of traffic would be to: a. Use as much ramp as possible to get up to cruising speed b. Use the left lane of the highway to get up to cruising speed c. Wait for a large gap in traffic then speed up quickly d. Get up to cruising speed gradually so other cars will see you

c. Wait for a large gap in traffic then speed up quickly Note: If the entrance lane / ramp is too short to allow acceleration to expressway speed, the safest method to enter is to stop and wait for a large space in traffic. Then enter the expressway and accelerate quickly.

This is a warning that you are approaching: a. An intersection b. a crosswalk c. a railroad crossing d. a blasting zone

c. a railroad crossing

When you drive in heavy fog during daylight hours you should drive with your: a. Headlights off b. Parking lights on c. Headlights on low beam d. Headlights on high beam

c. headlights on low beam Note: Headlights on high beams reflect rain, fog and snow as it falls. This makes it even harder for you to see. For better visibility during these weather conditions, keep your headlights on low beam.

If you see smoke come from under the hood, the proper thing to do is: a. Pull off the road and park your vehicle b. Turn off the ignition c. Get away from the car and call the fire department. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above

Hydroplaning normally occurs: a. At higher speeds b. lf your tires thread are worn c. Of your tires are not inflated properly d. All of the above

d. All of the above Note: In heavy rain, your tires can begin to ride on the water that is on top of the road pavement. This is called "hydroplaning" and can cause complete loss of traction and control of steering. If your vehicle begins to lose traction, decrease your speed even more. Good tires with deep tread help to prevent hydroplaning.

How to avoid collision with deer: a. Be careful when you drive at dawn and dusk b. Deer-vehicle collisions occur during the months of October, November and December c. Drive carefully at places marked with deer crossing signs d. All of the above

d. All of the above Note: Two-thirds of all deer-vehicle collisions occur during the months of October, November and December. This is also the time when deer breed and when they travel the most. Daily deer activity is highest at dawn and dusk. Areas where there have been many deer-vehicle collisions often are marked with deer crossing signs.

Which statement is true for night driving? a. lf an approaching driver does not dim the headlights, flash your headlights to high beam for a second, then return to low beam. b. To reduce glare from the lights of following vehicles, switch your inside rear view mirror to the "night" position. c. Keep the interior roof light off and dim the dashboard lights. d. All of the above.

d. All of the above.

If your steering fails, the proper thing to do is: a. Hold the steering wheel firmly, and ease up on the gas b. Apply the brakes, then shift into neutral c. Shift into 1st gear, then apply the brakes d. Slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and the brake pedal.

d. Slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and the brake pedal. Note: If your vehicle suddenly will not respond when you steer, slowly take your foot off the gas pedal, turn on your emergency lights and keep your foot off the brake pedal while it is safe to do so. The balance of the vehicle will allow it to continue going straight, but a sudden change in speed could send it out of control. As the vehicle decreases speed, you can brake very carefully to bring it to a stop.

You may drive around or under a gate that is being lowered or raised at a railroad crossing: a. As long as an approaching train is not too close b. lf your vehicle can do so without damaging the gate c. lf you first look carefully in both directions d. Under no circumstances

d. Under no circumstances Note: Do not go across the tracks until the lights and bell have stopped and the crossing gates are completely up. Do not drive around or under a gate that is moving up or down. you must remain stoped, at least 15 feet (5 m) from the tracks.