WVSDB Defensive Driving Training Part 1--the Basics

Paying attention to traffic conditions around you is not a driving distraction because it is an essential part of safe driving. Being aware of the traffic conditions allows drivers to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road. While talking or texting on cell phones, eating and drinking, and playing with the radio or CD player can divert the driver's attention from the road, paying attention to traffic conditions is necessary for maintaining situational awareness and preventing accidents.

The statement clearly states that talking or texting on cell phones while driving a school, rental or personal vehicle on school business is not permitted. This implies that the correct answer is True, indicating that it is indeed not allowed to use cell phones while driving in these specific situations.

It is important to prioritize safety while driving, especially when it comes to school business. Making or taking a phone call can be distracting and increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, pulling off the road in a safe area to make or take a phone call ensures the driver's full attention is on the call and not on the road, reducing the chances of any mishaps.

The driver has the ultimate responsibility for safely backing the vehicle. As the person operating the vehicle, the driver is in control of the steering, acceleration, and braking, making them ultimately responsible for ensuring the safety of the maneuver. The person guiding the driver may provide assistance and instructions, but the final decision and execution of the backing process lies with the driver.

When a railroad crossing gate is down and the warning lights are flashing, a driver should not proceed across the railroad tracks. This is because the gate and flashing lights indicate that a train is approaching and it is unsafe to cross the tracks. It is important for drivers to wait until the gate is lifted and the lights stop flashing before proceeding to ensure their own safety and avoid any potential accidents or collisions with trains.

The best defense a driver has when near pedestrians or small vehicles is slowing down. This is because slowing down allows the driver to have more time to react to any unexpected movements or actions by pedestrians or small vehicles. It also gives the driver more control over their vehicle and reduces the risk of collisions or accidents. By slowing down, the driver can ensure the safety of themselves, pedestrians, and small vehicles on the road.

When drivers are fatigued, it is important for them to pull over and rest to ensure their safety on the road. Fatigue can impair a driver's reaction time, decision-making abilities, and overall alertness, increasing the risk of accidents. Taking breaks and getting enough rest can help prevent drowsy driving and potential accidents. Therefore, the statement "When fatigued, drivers need to pull over and rest" is true.

Increasing speed while driving at night does not reduce hazards, but rather increases the risk of accidents. Driving at a higher speed reduces the driver's ability to react to unexpected situations, decreases visibility, and increases the distance required to stop the vehicle. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

When driving at night, visibility is reduced, making it harder to see obstacles or hazards on the road. By increasing the following distance, the driver allows for more reaction time in case the vehicle in front suddenly stops or encounters an obstacle. Slowing down helps to compensate for reduced visibility and gives the driver more time to react to any unexpected situations. Using extra caution is necessary because the driver needs to be more vigilant and attentive due to the limited visibility. Therefore, it is important for the driver to increase following distance, slow down, and use extra caution when driving at night.

When driving in a road construction zone, it is important for the driver to adhere to all special or posted speed limits. This is necessary to ensure the safety of both the driver and the workers in the construction zone. Additionally, maintaining a safe following distance is crucial as it allows the driver to have enough time to react to any sudden changes or hazards in the road. Therefore, the statement "the driver should drive at or under all special or posted speed limits and maintain a safe following distance" is true.

Soft shoulders and severe pavement drop-offs can cause rollover type accidents because when a vehicle veers off the road, the soft shoulder or sudden drop-off can cause the tires to lose traction, leading to a loss of control. This loss of control can result in the vehicle rolling over, especially if the driver overcorrects or tries to regain control abruptly. Rollover accidents can be very dangerous and often result in serious injuries or fatalities. Therefore, it is important to be cautious and aware of these road conditions to prevent such accidents.

When in doubt about the clearance of an underpass, it is important to take precautions. Getting out of the vehicle and visually inspecting the underpass can help determine if it is safe to proceed. This is because sometimes the height clearance may not be accurately indicated, and it is better to be safe than sorry. Alternatively, finding an alternate route can also be a wise decision if there is uncertainty about the clearance.

Defensive drivers are responsible for maintaining a positive attitude and being in good physical health when driving. This is because having a positive attitude helps drivers stay calm and focused, enabling them to make better decisions on the road. Additionally, being in good physical health ensures that drivers have the necessary physical capabilities to operate a vehicle safely. Therefore, it is important for defensive drivers to prioritize their mental and physical well-being to ensure safe driving practices.

Fatigue is one of the most dangerous factors that affect driver ability. When a person is tired, their reaction time slows down, their attention span decreases, and their decision-making skills are impaired. This can lead to poor judgment on the road, increased risk of accidents, and decreased overall driving performance. Therefore, fatigue poses a significant threat to driver safety.

The most common complaint lodged by the general driving public against other drivers is tailgating. Tailgating refers to driving too closely behind another vehicle, which can be dangerous and increase the risk of accidents. It is a common behavior that many drivers find frustrating and threatening, as it reduces the time and space available to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. Tailgating is considered aggressive driving and is often seen as a violation of traffic rules and etiquette.

Slowing down while negotiating curves and turns is important because it allows the driver to have better control over the vehicle and make any necessary adjustments. By reducing speed, the driver can react to any unexpected obstacles or changes in the road conditions, ensuring a safer and smoother maneuver. This not only helps to prevent accidents but also allows for a more comfortable driving experience. Therefore, the statement "The most important thing to remember in order to successfully negotiate curves and turns is to slow down so that you can make needed adjustments as needed" is true.

The correct answer is "you" because ultimately, each individual has the responsibility to ensure their own safety and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents. While others, such as the other person or a police officer, may play a role in accident prevention, it is ultimately up to the individual to be aware of their surroundings, follow safety guidelines, and make responsible decisions to avoid accidents.

A defensive driver should anticipate actions of other drivers and take evasive action as necessary at an intersection. This means being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians, predicting their movements, and being prepared to react quickly to avoid any potential collisions or accidents. Defensive driving involves being proactive and cautious, rather than assuming that other drivers will always follow the rules of the road. It is important to prioritize safety and make decisions that minimize the risk of accidents at intersections.

A good defensive driver is someone who is able to navigate intersections without getting into accidents. This suggests that they are skilled at observing their surroundings, anticipating potential hazards, and making safe decisions while driving. By successfully navigating intersections without incident, they demonstrate their ability to effectively respond to the challenges and risks that come with driving in traffic. Therefore, the statement "Getting into and out of intersections without an accident is the mark of a good defensive driver" is true.

Failure to pass safely indicates that the driver made a wrong decision or used poor judgment. Passing unsafely can result in accidents, collisions, and endangering the lives of other drivers on the road. Therefore, it is true that failure to pass safely indicates faulty judgment on the part of the driver.

Driving at night can be dangerous due to various factors such as reduced visibility, increased risk of encountering drunk drivers, and the potential for encountering wildlife on the road. However, the most dangerous hazard of driving at night is fatigue. Fatigue can impair a driver's reaction time, decision-making abilities, and overall alertness, increasing the risk of accidents. The darkness and lack of natural light during nighttime can also contribute to drowsiness. Therefore, it is important for drivers to be aware of the dangers of fatigue and take necessary precautions, such as taking breaks, getting enough sleep, and avoiding driving during late hours, to ensure their safety on the road.

Fatigue is known to have a negative impact on drivers' ability to react quickly and accurately perceive their surroundings. When drivers are fatigued, their reaction times become slower, making it more difficult for them to respond to unexpected events or hazards on the road. Additionally, fatigue can impair drivers' perception, causing them to have reduced awareness of their surroundings and potentially miss important visual cues. Therefore, it is true that fatigue can reduce drivers' reaction times and perception.

Drivers need to pay attention to potential road hazards and take evasive action when necessary. This statement is true because it is crucial for drivers to be aware of potential dangers on the road, such as potholes, debris, or other vehicles, in order to avoid accidents. By remaining vigilant and being prepared to react quickly, drivers can help ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Defensive drivers use various techniques to navigate around fixed objects and special intersections. They observe items around their vehicle that may cause problems, check for adequate clearance, and analyze situations around driveways, alleys, and plant entrances. However, they do not engage in aggressive behavior such as speeding up and cutting off other drivers. This behavior goes against the principles of defensive driving, which prioritize safety and avoiding conflicts on the road.

When merging onto a highway, drivers are expected to not signal at the last moment. Signaling at the last moment can confuse other drivers and make it difficult for them to anticipate the merging action. It is important for drivers to signal well in advance to indicate their intention to merge, giving other drivers enough time to adjust their speed and create an opening in the traffic. This helps in ensuring a safe and smooth merging process.

Defensive driving refers to the practice of being cautious and aware while driving to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of oneself and others on the road. It is a responsibility that every driver should uphold to maintain road safety. By being attentive, following traffic rules, and anticipating potential hazards, drivers can contribute to reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a safer driving environment. Therefore, it is true that defensive driving is everyone's responsibility.

Evasive maneuvers refer to quick actions taken by a driver to avoid a collision or accident. Even if a vehicle enters your lane of traffic, it is possible to avoid an accident by performing evasive maneuvers such as swerving, braking, or accelerating. These actions can help create space and prevent a collision from occurring. Therefore, the statement is true.

Lighting which illuminates the road is not a nighttime driving hazard because it helps improve visibility and reduces the risk of accidents. Drunk drivers, poor lighting, and animals in the road are all hazards that can make driving at night more dangerous.

During the hours of midnight and 3 AM, drivers should be especially wary of other motorists. This is because these hours are typically associated with late-night or early-morning driving, when there is a higher likelihood of encountering drunk or drowsy drivers on the road. Additionally, visibility may be reduced during these hours, making it more difficult to spot hazards or other vehicles. Therefore, drivers should exercise extra caution and remain vigilant during this time period.

When a driver encounters a deer in the road on a dark, rainy night and cannot avoid hitting it, the safest option is to slow down and drive through the animal. Swerving to the right or crossing the center line and swerving to the left can potentially lead to a collision with other vehicles or objects on the road, causing further damage or harm. Slowing down reduces the impact force and increases the chances of minimizing damage to both the vehicle and the driver.

When driving through a road construction zone, it is important to slow down and use headlights and four-way flashers. This is necessary to ensure the safety of both the driver and the construction workers. By slowing down, the driver has more time to react to any unexpected hazards or changes in the road conditions. Using headlights and four-way flashers increases visibility, making it easier for other drivers and construction workers to see the vehicle. It is crucial to exercise caution and be alert in road construction zones to prevent accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

The correct answer is "all of the above". This means that in order to drive any vehicle for business purposes for the school, the employee must have a valid driver's license, an annual motor vehicle report, and the employee's certificate of insurance if using a personal vehicle for business travel.

The driver needs to be aware of other vehicles in the path to ensure a safe and smooth turn. They also need to consider the complete configuration of the turn, such as the angle, visibility, and any obstacles that may affect the maneuver. Being aware of these factors helps the driver make informed decisions and take necessary precautions while turning.

All of the given options are signs of driver fatigue. Uncontrollable yawning, inability to remember the last several miles driven, eyes closing or not focusing, head dropping, and short term memory loss are all indicators that a driver is experiencing fatigue. These signs can be dangerous as they impair the driver's ability to stay alert and react quickly, increasing the risk of accidents. It is important for drivers to recognize these signs and take appropriate measures to rest and regain their alertness before continuing to drive.

Reduced visibility while driving at night can be attributed to several factors. One factor is reduced visual acuity, which refers to a decrease in the sharpness and clarity of vision. This can make it harder to see objects clearly, especially in low light conditions. Another factor is reduced peripheral vision, which is the ability to see objects and movement outside of the main area of focus. This can make it difficult to detect objects or hazards in the periphery while driving at night. Additionally, difficulty adjusting from light to darkness can also contribute to reduced visibility. When transitioning from a well-lit area to a darker environment, it takes time for the eyes to adjust, leading to temporary reduced visibility. Therefore, all of these factors can contribute to reduced visibility while driving at night.

When exiting a highway, drivers are expected to signal their intentions to exit early, check their mirrors constantly, reduce speed and exit. However, they are not expected to change into the exit lane at the last minute. This is because changing lanes at the last minute can be dangerous and disrupt the flow of traffic. It is important for drivers to plan their exit in advance and smoothly transition into the exit lane to ensure the safety of themselves and other drivers on the road.

A defensive driver prioritizes safety and takes proactive measures to avoid accidents. They are aware of their surroundings, maintain a safe following distance, and anticipate potential hazards. By adopting defensive driving techniques, such as staying alert and obeying traffic laws, they minimize the risk of collisions. Thus, it can be inferred that a defensive driver will indeed avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle at all costs.

When entering a main thoroughfare from a side street, alley, driveway, or highway ramp in town, it is important to make a full stop at any crosswalk before proceeding. This is to ensure the safety of pedestrians who may be using the crosswalk. Additionally, another full stop should be made before actually moving into traffic to ensure that it is clear and safe to do so. By following these steps, drivers can avoid accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

A defensive driver can avoid being encroached upon by taking into account blind spots or limited sight distance, being observant when another driver makes an abrupt lane change, and avoiding entrapment in merging traffic by preplanning and being willing to yield. By doing all of these things, the driver can anticipate and react to potential hazards on the road, reducing the risk of being encroached upon by other drivers.

Good visibility and lighting is not a hazard of night driving because it helps drivers see the road and potential hazards more clearly. Fatigue, animals on the road, and drunk drivers are all hazards of night driving because they can increase the risk of accidents and make it more difficult for drivers to react in time.

The statement is false because road debris such as tire recaps, metal or lumber can indeed damage tires, tire rims, electrical systems, or brake lines. These objects can puncture or tear the tires, causing a flat tire or blowout. They can also damage the rims, causing them to become bent or cracked. Additionally, if the debris comes in contact with the electrical systems or brake lines, it can cause damage or malfunction. Therefore, it is important to avoid road debris to prevent potential damage to these components.

The statement is false because when driving, you should always keep to the right except when passing or when getting into position to turn left. This is the standard rule of the road in countries where driving is on the right side. Keeping to the left is typically followed in countries where driving is on the left side.

Motorists need to be aware of all of the above conditions/hazards when approaching a bridge or overpass. The height of the vehicle is important as it should not exceed the clearance height of the bridge or overpass. The actual height of the bridge or overpass may be less than the posted height due to factors like packed snow or repaving, so motorists should be cautious. Additionally, the load weight of the vehicle is crucial as it can affect the stability and safety while crossing the bridge or overpass. Therefore, being aware of all these conditions is necessary to ensure a safe passage.

When you meet another vehicle on the road, you should keep to the right, not pull to the left to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Pulling to the left can cause a head-on collision with the oncoming vehicle. Keeping to the right ensures that both vehicles can safely pass each other without any risk of collision.

When being passed, you should be aware of the actions of other drivers and give way if the other driver begins to sideswipe you. This means that you should pay attention to the movements and intentions of the driver passing you, and if they start to move into your lane or come too close to your vehicle, you should yield and allow them to pass safely. Cutting the other driver off is not a safe or courteous behavior when being passed.

If a driver suspects they are sharing the road with a drunk or impaired driver, the best course of action is to reduce speed and let the motorist pass. This is the safest option as it allows the impaired driver to move ahead and potentially avoid any potential accidents or dangerous situations. Speeding up and staying in front of the driver can escalate the situation and increase the risk of a collision. Decreasing the following distance may not be enough to prevent an accident if the impaired driver makes sudden or unpredictable maneuvers. Ignoring the other driver is also not recommended as it could put oneself and others at risk.

The driver should check the room ahead to ensure there is enough space to pass safely. They should also check whether there is adequate space to move back into their lane after passing to avoid any collisions. Additionally, they should signal their intentions to inform other drivers of their actions. Checking whether the other driver is talking on their cell phone is not mentioned as a condition that needs to be checked prior to passing.

Drunk or impaired motorists often exhibit erratic driving behavior, such as swerving or drifting between lanes. They may also weave in and out of traffic lanes, indicating a lack of control over their vehicle. Sudden braking can also be a sign of impairment, as it may indicate a delayed reaction time or poor judgment. Maintaining a constant rate of speed is not typically associated with drunk or impaired driving, as impaired drivers may struggle to maintain a consistent speed.

At speeds up to 40 miles per hour, vehicles should space themselves three seconds apart. This is because maintaining a proper following distance is crucial for safe driving. A three-second gap allows enough time for the driver to react to any sudden changes in the road or traffic ahead. It also provides a buffer in case the vehicle in front suddenly brakes or stops. By keeping a three-second distance, drivers can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a smoother flow of traffic.

The core concept of defensive driving includes avoiding distractions, acting in time, staying alert, recognizing the hazard, and understanding the defense. These principles are essential for maintaining a safe driving environment and preventing accidents. By avoiding distractions, such as texting or talking on the phone, drivers can keep their focus on the road. Acting in time means being proactive and taking necessary actions to prevent potential accidents. Staying alert involves being aware of one's surroundings and being prepared for unexpected situations. Recognizing hazards allows drivers to anticipate and respond appropriately, while understanding the defense refers to knowing how to implement defensive driving techniques to avoid accidents.