Driver's Ed Final Study Guide

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.

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 three kinds of Traction Control Systems?

-Engine and Brake Traction Control Systems -Brake Traction Control System -Engine Only Traction Systems

Other than boredom, distractions, fatigue, and illegal drugs and alcohol, what else can affect a driver's reaction time?

-Operator error -Faulty pedestrian performance -Faulty automotive equipment -Hazardous driving conditions

List three passenger protection technologies.

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

Define traction and describe the three types of traction.

-Static traction has the greatest grip but least efficiency of motion. An example of a vehicle in static traction is a parked car on a flat surface. -Rolling traction has less grip than static traction but it allows you to accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle. This is the physical state you want your car in while in motion. -Sliding traction affords you the least control in a car but the greatest efficiency of motion. Sliding traction is desirable if you are skiing but it must be avoided in a car.

How can you fight drowsiness when you're driving at night?

-Using food and drink to stay alert -Playing music -In-car activities -Medical help

List seven (7) components common to most brake systems.

-master cylinder -rear brakes -brake pedals -brake lines -front brakes -drum brake -disk brake

Define Powerskid

A power skid is the result of having too much power on the drive wheels for the traction of the road surface.

Explain the difference between a power skid and braking skid and explain what you should do with each of them.

A power skid is the result of having too much power on the drive wheels for the traction of the road surface. Generally, letting up off the accelerator will cause the car to straighten itself. A braking skid occurs when braking is too great for the road surface. Simply stated pick a target where you want to go (a point on your original path of travel) and steer toward that target.

Define Oversteer

A rear wheel skid is known as oversteer.

Define Sideswipe

A sideswipe collision refers to an impact that "swipes" along the "side" of your vehicle. This is typically the least damaging type of collision. To say that a sideswipe collision is not as severe as the other collisions is not to say that it is a pleasant experience.

Explain why a bald tire or a tire with little tread is unsafe.

A tire with worn or bald tread has very little adhesion to the road surface.

Define ABS

ABS is a computer-controlled system that determines if your wheels are about to lock up and then adjusts the brake torque to prevent locking.

What is Active Yaw Control?

AYC systems use a computer to limit understeer and oversteer through a closed loop algorithm. These systems monitor steering input and adjust the brakes to correct yaw torques to the vehicle and do not have high-speed limitations.

Why do accidents happen?

Accidents happen because of interruptions in traffic flow.

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.

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.

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.

List the proper sequence for entering a Freeway.

As motorists drive onto the acceleration lane, they must get up to the speed of traffic, signal, find an opening and then merge.

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.

List some things that you can do as a cautious driver to ensure the safety of construction workers and yourself when driving through work zones.

Be on the lookout for vehicles and pedestrians well ahead in your intended path of travel. Your lower speed and increased awareness will enable you to take appropriate action to avoid collisions.

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.

Define Roll

Changes in balance from side to side, therefore, are referred to as changes in the vehicle's "roll."

Define Pitch

Changes in balance to the front and rear of the vehicle such as the examples above are referred to as changes in "pitch."

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.

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.

You are driving a pickup truck loaded with a very expensive antique wardrobe. You do not want to drive too fast but you can only get to your destination by driving on a highway. You know that driving too slow is hazardous to other drivers. What do you do?

Drive in the right lane.

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.

How does driving below the speed limit create a hazard for other drivers?

Driving under the speed limit (during optimum conditions) can also be hazardous to other motorists. When vehicles travel under the speed limit, other cars will usually pile up behind them and begin tailgating. Typically, they will then begin to pass. Passing drivers have to divide their attention between the slow vehicle, oncoming traffic and vehicles behind them.

Explain the difference between a front-wheel skid and a rear-wheel skid and how to correct each or them.

Front-wheel skid is loss of traction while a rear wheel skid isknown as oversteer. To steer out of a front wheel skid, identify a visible target on your intended path of travel and turn your steering wheel toward it. To steer out of a rear wheel skid, steer toward your targeted path and use light acceleration as the rear tires regain their grip. Steering and counter steering toward your desired path will help prevent a 180 or 360 spin. Light acceleration will transfer weight to help the rear tires regain traction.

Why is it important to use headlights at dusk - even if you do not think you need them to see?

Headlights are not only necessary to help illuminate your own path, but are also imperative to help other drivers see your vehicle and react in a timely manner.

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 should you do if you experience a tire blowout?

If a blowout occurs, grip the steering wheel firmly and STAY OFF THE BRAKE. Braking will put the car into a skid.

If an accident is imminent, what can still be done to avoid a head-on collision?

If an accident is imminent, whenever possible, strike the object from an angle rather than head-on. This is called a near-frontal collision.

Define Broadside

If another vehicle is about to run head-on into the side of your vehicle, this is called a broadside collision.

If you experience engine failure what steps can be taken to regain power?

If it starts, power steering and braking should return almost instantly. If it won't start, try to get off the road as quickly as possible.

When the accelerator is stuck and you must shut off your engine, what could happen if you turn the key too far?

If the engine must be shut down while the car is moving, be careful not to turn the key so far as to lock the steering wheel.

Explain the different maneuvers for stopping a car with Anti-Lock Brakes compared to a car without Anti-Lock brakes.

If you do not have ABS then press the brake gradually until the vehicle comes to a stop. If the tires begin to skid, let off the brake until traction and control are regained. Press the brake again until it begins to lose traction again and then let up. However, if your vehicle has an Anti-Lock Braking System, apply firm pressure to the brake and the pumping occurs automatically.

What should you do if your vehicle experiences brake failure?

Immediately, pump the brakes rapidly several times. This will usually build up enough pressure to slow or stop your vehicle. If this does not work, quickly shift to a lower gear and apply the parking brake.

Explain what "over-driving the headlights" is and provide an example.

In areas where street lighting is poor or non-existent, illumination will not extend beyond your headlights. For example, when driving at night, let's say that headlights will allow a driver to see clearly 250 feet ahead. At 50 mph, an object in the roadway would be illuminated with enough distance still remaining to avoid striking it. However, at 65 mph, 260 feet is needed to stop. This would be over 10 feet beyond visible range. At that speed, it would be nearly impossible to stop in time to avoid a collision.

Define Powersteer

In automobiles, power steering or steering assist system helps drivers steer by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.

In rain and fog, should you drive with high beams or low beams?

In rain and fog, drivers should use their low beams lights.

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?

Define ESP

It selectively applies any one of the vehicle's brakes to reduce the discrepancy and help the driver retain control and stability.

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.

What should you do when your tires drop off the pavement?

Let the vehicle move right until the wheels on the shoulder are 12 to 18 inches from the road edge. Look for a spot where the road surface appears to be no more than 2 inches above the shoulder. Signal your intent (signal left). Move the steering wheel 1/8 of a turn to the left. As soon as you feel the right front tire contact the road edge, steer back to the right ¼ to ½ of a turn. Turn the wheel straight without braking or accelerating.

What does looking ahead help you to do when driving?

Looking well down the road, one can usually notice conditions that will require traffic to slow or stop.

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.

Explain why a driver could get a speeding ticket for going 58mph in a 60mph zone during a blizzard.

Many people cruise along at their normal speed, not realizing that rain or snow has doubled or tripled their stopping distance.

Why are bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas more likely to be slick?

Moisture will freeze sooner on a bridge or overpass than on other areas. Shaded areas are places where the ice and snow do not have an opportunity to melt as quickly as in sunny areas.

What causes most frontal crashes?

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

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

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 is the difference between RWAL and ABS?

RWAL is very similar to ABS except that RWAL does not allow braking and steering.

What is the most slippery time of a rain shower?

Remember: it is most slippery during the first few minutes of rain.

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.

Define SCS

SCS adjust vehicle balance at struts or shock absorbers through adjustment of fluid or air pressure when too much weight is suddenly transferred to a given shock or strut.

What is the most common mistake made when the tires of a car drift off the side of the road?

STAY OFF THE BRAKE unless absolutely necessary.

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

Slowing will prevent the front margin from diminishing too rapidly.

Name three factors that affect the speed limit in a given area?

Some factors are: how well intersecting traffic can see cross traffic, whether there are hills and curves, or the number of cars that interact at a given intersection.

When are high beams not appropriate?

Sometimes, however, high beams will not improve your visibility. In fact, it will do the opposite. This happens in fog, heavy rain, and snow. In these situations, the light from your high beams will reflect back from the fog/rain/snow and cause glare. The glare will make it more difficult to see ahead.

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.

Define TCS

TCS are designed to activate brake sensors, which do not allow the wheels to spin.

What are access roads?

The American Heritage Dictionary defines them as, "a local road that runs parallel to an expressway or interstate highway and that provides access to the property bordering it."

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.

In the event of a bee sting or similar unexpected occurrences, what are the safest, most appropriate steps to take?

The best time to deal with this emergency is while the car is stopped, not while it's moving.

What rules should you follow if you have to pull over because of extremely poor visibility?

The best way to compensate for this problem is to slow down.

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.

If it is unavoidable to hit an object in the road, what should you do?

The first action to take is to slow down. Whenever possible, center the vehicle over the object, so as not to drive over it with the tires. If it cannot be centered, press on the brake until the object is about to be driven over. Release the brake pedal and slowly drive over the object.

As soon as you are experiencing a problem, what three steps should you follow to reduce the risk of an accident?

The first order of business is to warn other drivers that a problem is being experienced. The best way to do that is by using the emergency flashers. The next order of business is to get out of the main stream of traffic as quickly as is safely possible. Once off the road, leave the emergency flashers on and place flares or reflective triangles at least 100 feet behind the vehicle for city traffic, and as much as 200-300 feet for expressways.

What is your primary goal when parking on a hill?

The guiding principle to parking on a hill is, "prevent your vehicle from rolling into traffic."

In the event that your accelerator becomes stuck what should you try to do before turning off the engine?

The power must be immediately shut down, or you risk destroying the engine.

How do seat belts work?

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

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.

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 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.

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 should you do if a car in oncoming traffic does not turn off his high beams and they are within 200 feet of your vehicle?

This will result in two drivers who cannot see the roadway.

How are brakes the most effective?

Though steering out of the path of a collision is the preferred action, there may be times when it will not be possible to steer out of trouble. In these cases, there's only one option -- stop in time to avoid a collision.

What are two important reasons to take extra care and reduce your speed in construction zones and work zones?

Traction -As stated above, sand or gravel on the road as well as uneven surfaces and the type of material use in the make of the road surface can all reduce your control of the automobile by affecting traction. Traffic -Both vehicular and pedestrian traffic may be increased in construction zones. Your first concern is proper care and attention to the highway workers. Your second consideration is the compressed margins around your car.

What are the two main factors that affect traction?

Traction is governed by two main factors: road conditions and tire conditions.

Generally how is the vehicle's traction lost?

Traction loss generally occurs when there is an inappropriate steering, braking, or acceleration for the driving conditions.

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 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.

What is the difference between warning lights and gauges?

Warning lights are sometimes called "idiot lights," because by the time the light illuminates on the dash, the problem is often too severe to quickly rectify. A gauge is usually a meter with a needle or digital readout of the current status of a system, such as the electric or cooling system.

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.

In a short paragraph, using your own words, explain how to parallel park a vehicle. Draw a diagram if necessary.

When approaching the parking space, turn on your turn signal and check traffic.Stop adjacent to the parking space. This allows you to check if your car fits and prevents traffic behind you from blocking the space. Pull forward and stop adjacent to the vehicle you are going to park behind. There should be a 2 to 3 feet distance between vehicles. Also, the back part of the front seats of both vehicles should be in line. Shift to reverse, check traffic again, and back slowly turning your steering wheel rapidly in the appropriate direction. Continue backing until the driver is adjacent to the rear bumper of the car you are parking behind. Continue backing slowly while turning the steering wheel rapidly back to center steer. Continue until the corner of your front bumper is in line with the rear bumper of the vehicle you are parking behind. Continue backing slowly into the parking space turning your steering wheel rapidly in the appropriate direction. Stop before touching the bumper of the vehicle to your rear. Shift to drive, and center the vehicle in the parking space.

How can you protect yourself against the blindness that accompanies looking at oncoming high beams?

When others do not switch to low beam, try looking at the right edge of the roadway. This will allow you to see the road markings or reflectors along the edge of the roadway. Using these markings as a guide will help keep the car safely on the right side of the roadway.

According to police officers throughout the nation, what are the two leading reasons why motorists speed?

When people are late for work or an appointment, they often take many more chances with their driving than they otherwise would. Strong emotional upset is another significant factor in explaining why a lot of experienced motorists drive excessively fast. When you think about it, these two factors are closely linked. Relax and leave early.

Define Yaw

Your rear wheels will begin to slide around to one side or the other. Changes of vehicle balance that result in such a spinning motion are referred to as changes in "yaw".

What are some common low visibility conditions in your area? Do you live near a winding road? Hills? Do you experience heavy rains or snowfall? Do your regularly cross any fog covered bridges? Identify times when you should not drive in these low visibility conditions.

fog; no; no; heavy rains; no; mostly in the beginning

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