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Questions and Answers
What is the proper way to wear a lap belt while pregnant?
What is the proper way to wear a lap belt while pregnant?
In a crash, what is the first direction a person will be thrown if a car is impacted on the driver's side?
In a crash, what is the first direction a person will be thrown if a car is impacted on the driver's side?
Children under the age of 8, or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, should be secured in a:
Children under the age of 8, or shorter than 4 feet 9 inches, should be secured in a:
Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for a child under 8 to ride in the front seat of a vehicle?
Which of the following is NOT a valid reason for a child under 8 to ride in the front seat of a vehicle?
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What is the primary reason a child under 2 years old should not ride in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle?
What is the primary reason a child under 2 years old should not ride in the front seat of an airbag-equipped vehicle?
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What is the recommended minimum age for a child to use a standard safety belt without a booster seat?
What is the recommended minimum age for a child to use a standard safety belt without a booster seat?
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What is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether a child is ready for a booster seat?
What is the most important factor to consider when deciding whether a child is ready for a booster seat?
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Which of the following organizations can help you with the installation of a child passenger restraint system?
Which of the following organizations can help you with the installation of a child passenger restraint system?
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What should you do if fog becomes too thick to drive safely?
What should you do if fog becomes too thick to drive safely?
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What is the purpose of law enforcement traffic breaks?
What is the purpose of law enforcement traffic breaks?
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What increases your chance of survival during a collision?
What increases your chance of survival during a collision?
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How should a shoulder harness be worn for maximum safety?
How should a shoulder harness be worn for maximum safety?
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What should you do if your passenger is under 16 years old and not wearing a seat belt?
What should you do if your passenger is under 16 years old and not wearing a seat belt?
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What is a critical risk if a vehicle collides and you are not wearing a seat belt?
What is a critical risk if a vehicle collides and you are not wearing a seat belt?
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When should you not brake suddenly while following a patrol vehicle during a traffic break?
When should you not brake suddenly while following a patrol vehicle during a traffic break?
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What happens to a person’s body during a collision if they are not secured by a seat belt?
What happens to a person’s body during a collision if they are not secured by a seat belt?
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What is the minimum recommended distance a driver should maintain from their vehicle's airbag cover?
What is the minimum recommended distance a driver should maintain from their vehicle's airbag cover?
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What is the primary reason why leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is dangerous?
What is the primary reason why leaving a child unattended in a vehicle is dangerous?
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Which of these factors should NOT be considered when determining the safe speed for driving in California?
Which of these factors should NOT be considered when determining the safe speed for driving in California?
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Why is it important to maintain a distance of at least 10 inches from the passenger-side air bag?
Why is it important to maintain a distance of at least 10 inches from the passenger-side air bag?
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What is the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways?
What is the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways?
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Which of these factors is NOT mentioned in the text as a reason to reduce speed while driving in California?
Which of these factors is NOT mentioned in the text as a reason to reduce speed while driving in California?
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What is the main advantage of using an airbag in addition to a seatbelt?
What is the main advantage of using an airbag in addition to a seatbelt?
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Why is it particularly important to be mindful of children seated next to a side airbag?
Why is it particularly important to be mindful of children seated next to a side airbag?
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What should you do if you start to skid on a slippery surface?
What should you do if you start to skid on a slippery surface?
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What is the main reason to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset?
What is the main reason to avoid driving during sunrise and sunset?
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Which of the following is NOT a recommended step to prevent skidding on a slippery surface?
Which of the following is NOT a recommended step to prevent skidding on a slippery surface?
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What should you do if a vehicle with one light drives toward you?
What should you do if a vehicle with one light drives toward you?
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What is the best way to manage sun glare while driving?
What is the best way to manage sun glare while driving?
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What type of skid is usually caused by braking too hard when going too fast?
What type of skid is usually caused by braking too hard when going too fast?
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What is the recommended action if you start to skid and your vehicle is equipped with ABS?
What is the recommended action if you start to skid and your vehicle is equipped with ABS?
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What is a skid?
What is a skid?
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What should you do if you encounter a flooded road while driving?
What should you do if you encounter a flooded road while driving?
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Which precaution should you NOT take when driving in high winds?
Which precaution should you NOT take when driving in high winds?
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What is an appropriate action to take if driving in heavy fog?
What is an appropriate action to take if driving in heavy fog?
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What driving condition is most dangerous due to hidden hazards and vehicle issues?
What driving condition is most dangerous due to hidden hazards and vehicle issues?
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When driving in high winds, which is NOT a recommended practice?
When driving in high winds, which is NOT a recommended practice?
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Which of the following should you avoid when driving through heavy smoke?
Which of the following should you avoid when driving through heavy smoke?
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What is a key action to take after driving through flooded water?
What is a key action to take after driving through flooded water?
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Why is it important to avoid using high-beam headlights in fog?
Why is it important to avoid using high-beam headlights in fog?
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What should a driver do if their vehicle stalls on a railroad track with a train approaching?
What should a driver do if their vehicle stalls on a railroad track with a train approaching?
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Which of the following is a forbidden action for minors while driving?
Which of the following is a forbidden action for minors while driving?
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What is the safest practice regarding cell phone use while driving?
What is the safest practice regarding cell phone use while driving?
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What should a driver do if a train is not approaching and their vehicle is on the tracks?
What should a driver do if a train is not approaching and their vehicle is on the tracks?
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Which of these is considered a common distraction while driving?
Which of these is considered a common distraction while driving?
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What is the suggested action if a driver must return or make a call while driving?
What is the suggested action if a driver must return or make a call while driving?
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How should drivers approach the use of new vehicle technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems?
How should drivers approach the use of new vehicle technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems?
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What is illegal for adult drivers concerning cell phone use while driving?
What is illegal for adult drivers concerning cell phone use while driving?
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What is the recommended distance to maintain from the vehicle ahead to allow for a safe following distance?
What is the recommended distance to maintain from the vehicle ahead to allow for a safe following distance?
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Why is it crucial to avoid staying in another driver's blind spot?
Why is it crucial to avoid staying in another driver's blind spot?
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What should you do if a tailgater is following you closely?
What should you do if a tailgater is following you closely?
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When is it especially important to create more space in front of your vehicle?
When is it especially important to create more space in front of your vehicle?
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What is the primary reason to scan your surroundings while driving?
What is the primary reason to scan your surroundings while driving?
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What is the recommended scanning distance ahead of your vehicle?
What is the recommended scanning distance ahead of your vehicle?
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What should you do when a vehicle merges in front of you too closely?
What should you do when a vehicle merges in front of you too closely?
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Why is it important to keep space between your vehicle and parked vehicles?
Why is it important to keep space between your vehicle and parked vehicles?
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In which of these situations should you check your blind spots before proceeding?
In which of these situations should you check your blind spots before proceeding?
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What is the recommended action when driving at night and encountering a vehicle with overly bright headlights?
What is the recommended action when driving at night and encountering a vehicle with overly bright headlights?
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Which of these is NOT a recommended practice when driving at night?
Which of these is NOT a recommended practice when driving at night?
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Why is it important to check traffic behind you frequently when driving?
Why is it important to check traffic behind you frequently when driving?
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What is the primary reason to reduce speed in highway construction zones at night?
What is the primary reason to reduce speed in highway construction zones at night?
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Which of these is NOT a recommended action when checking your blind spots?
Which of these is NOT a recommended action when checking your blind spots?
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When should you use your high-beam headlights?
When should you use your high-beam headlights?
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What is the primary reason to avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights at night?
What is the primary reason to avoid looking directly into oncoming headlights at night?
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What is the purpose of scanning your surroundings while driving?
What is the purpose of scanning your surroundings while driving?
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When is it particularly important to create space between your vehicle and the one in front of you?
When is it particularly important to create space between your vehicle and the one in front of you?
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What does the three-second rule help a driver ensure?
What does the three-second rule help a driver ensure?
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Why is it critical to avoid driving in another driver's blind spot?
Why is it critical to avoid driving in another driver's blind spot?
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What should a driver do when a tailgater is behind them?
What should a driver do when a tailgater is behind them?
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How can a driver reduce hazards from parked vehicles?
How can a driver reduce hazards from parked vehicles?
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What color represents blind spots in the chart related to driving safety?
What color represents blind spots in the chart related to driving safety?
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What should you do if you notice a vehicle merging closely in front of you?
What should you do if you notice a vehicle merging closely in front of you?
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What should you do first if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?
What should you do first if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?
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How can you prevent hydroplaning while driving?
How can you prevent hydroplaning while driving?
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What is the maximum safe speed in heavy rain if visibility is less than 100 feet?
What is the maximum safe speed in heavy rain if visibility is less than 100 feet?
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When stuck in snow, what should you do while trying to free the vehicle?
When stuck in snow, what should you do while trying to free the vehicle?
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What is one of the first steps to take if your vehicle is stuck in mud?
What is one of the first steps to take if your vehicle is stuck in mud?
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Which action should be avoided when your vehicle starts to hydroplane?
Which action should be avoided when your vehicle starts to hydroplane?
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Why is it important to carry snow chains when driving in snowy areas?
Why is it important to carry snow chains when driving in snowy areas?
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What is a potential danger of driving in heavy rainfall?
What is a potential danger of driving in heavy rainfall?
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What is the minimum distance a driver should maintain from the airbag cover for safety?
What is the minimum distance a driver should maintain from the airbag cover for safety?
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Why is it dangerous to leave a child unattended in a vehicle?
Why is it dangerous to leave a child unattended in a vehicle?
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What does the Basic Speed Law in California require drivers to do?
What does the Basic Speed Law in California require drivers to do?
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Which of the following is a situation where a driver should reduce their speed?
Which of the following is a situation where a driver should reduce their speed?
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What is a risk for children seated next to a side airbag?
What is a risk for children seated next to a side airbag?
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What should you do if you find yourself unable to maintain the recommended distance from an airbag?
What should you do if you find yourself unable to maintain the recommended distance from an airbag?
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What is the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways?
What is the ideal maximum speed limit on most California highways?
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What factor does NOT influence your speed according to California driving laws?
What factor does NOT influence your speed according to California driving laws?
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What should you do to check your blind spots before changing lanes?
What should you do to check your blind spots before changing lanes?
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When driving at night on open country roads, what headlights should you use?
When driving at night on open country roads, what headlights should you use?
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What is a recommended action when approaching another vehicle with bright headlights at night?
What is a recommended action when approaching another vehicle with bright headlights at night?
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What should you NOT do when checking your blind spots?
What should you NOT do when checking your blind spots?
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Which scenario necessitates checking behind you regularly?
Which scenario necessitates checking behind you regularly?
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In which situation should you switch to low-beam headlights?
In which situation should you switch to low-beam headlights?
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What is the primary purpose of checking what is behind you while driving?
What is the primary purpose of checking what is behind you while driving?
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What should you do if an oncoming vehicle’s lights are too bright?
What should you do if an oncoming vehicle’s lights are too bright?
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What action should you take if your vehicle becomes disabled on the freeway?
What action should you take if your vehicle becomes disabled on the freeway?
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Which statement is true regarding the actions to take in extreme cold conditions?
Which statement is true regarding the actions to take in extreme cold conditions?
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What should you do after calling for roadside assistance if your vehicle is disabled?
What should you do after calling for roadside assistance if your vehicle is disabled?
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Under what circumstance is it safer to exit your vehicle on the freeway?
Under what circumstance is it safer to exit your vehicle on the freeway?
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What service does the California Highway Patrol Freeway Service Patrol (CHP FSP) NOT provide?
What service does the California Highway Patrol Freeway Service Patrol (CHP FSP) NOT provide?
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What should you NOT do if your vehicle stops working on the freeway?
What should you NOT do if your vehicle stops working on the freeway?
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If the CHP FSP cannot start your vehicle, what is the next action they will take?
If the CHP FSP cannot start your vehicle, what is the next action they will take?
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What is an appropriate action if you are waiting for assistance after your vehicle has become disabled?
What is an appropriate action if you are waiting for assistance after your vehicle has become disabled?
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Study Notes
Air Bags
- Air bags enhance safety, functioning as a supplement to seat belts.
- Maintain a distance of at least 10 inches from airbag covers to ensure safe deployment.
- Measure from the steering wheel center to your breastbone; seek dealer advice if unable to maintain distance.
- Passengers should also sit at least 10 inches away from the passenger-side air bag; side air bags pose risks to children.
Unattended Children and Pets
- It is illegal to leave children aged six or younger unattended in a vehicle.
- Children may be left with someone who is at least 12 years old.
- Leaving children or animals in a hot vehicle is dangerous as temperatures can rise rapidly, leading to dehydration or heat stroke.
Manage Your Speed
- Adhere to California's Basic Speed Law: never drive faster than safe for road conditions.
- Speed should adapt to road factors such as vehicle count, surface conditions, presence of bicyclists/pedestrians, weather, and traffic congestion.
- Unless posted otherwise, maximum speed on most California highways is 65 mph.
Seat Belt Usage
- Ensure lap belts fit snugly across hips; reposition if necessary to prevent sliding during a crash.
- Pregnant individuals should wear lap belts low beneath the abdomen and position shoulder straps correctly.
Child Restraint System and Safety Seats
- Children require federally-approved child passenger restraint systems based on age, height, and weight.
- Children under 2 years old should use a rear-facing restraint; they cannot sit in front seats of airbag-equipped vehicles.
- Children under 8 or less than 4 feet 9 inches tall must be secured in the rear seat.
- Exceptions for front seat placement include lack of rear seat and medical reasons.
Traffic Situations
- In thick fog, pull off the road, activate emergency flashers, and wait for conditions to improve.
- Law enforcement uses traffic breaks to manage conditions safely; drivers should turn on flashers, match officer speed, and maintain distance.
Protect Yourself and Your Passengers
- Wearing seat belts is mandatory for drivers and passengers, with fines applicable for non-compliance.
- Proper seat belt use can significantly increase survival chances during collisions.
- Correct usage includes wearing the shoulder strap across the shoulder and chest, avoiding slack, and not placing straps under the arm or behind the back.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
- Awareness of surroundings enhances decision-making and hazard reaction while driving.
- Visual zones around vehicles:
- Green: Area ahead
- Blue: Area beside
- Yellow: Blind spots
- Red: Area behind
Scanning Your Surroundings
- Maintain a scanning habit, looking at least 10 seconds ahead to avoid hazards and last-minute maneuvers.
Tailgating (Following Too Closely)
- Tailgating restricts visibility, increasing collision risks during sudden stops.
- Employ the three-second rule to maintain a safe following distance for reaction time.
- If merged in closely, ease off the accelerator to create space ahead.
Knowing What is at Your Side
- Stay aware of surrounding vehicles and avoid remaining in their blind spots.
- Accommodate merging vehicles, regardless of right-of-way.
- Maintain distance from parked vehicles to allow safe maneuvers.
- Always check for oncoming traffic at intersections, even with stop signs or red lights.
Blind Spots
- Blind spots prevent visibility on sides and slightly behind the vehicle.
- Check blind spots by turning your head to look over shoulders before:
- Changing lanes
- Merging
- Backing up
- Pulling out from parking
Knowing What is Behind You
- Constantly check mirrors and physically turn your head to see behind before changing lanes or slowing down.
Understanding Road Conditions
Darkness
- Use high-beam headlights in rural or dark areas, dimming them when approaching other vehicles.
- Adjust driving speed and distance under dim conditions.
Sun Glare
- Clean windshield to minimize glare and use polarized sunglasses.
- Avoid driving during sunrise or sunset when glare is intensified.
Skids
- Skids occur when tires lose traction; control may be compromised.
- Slippery Surface Skids: Caused by ice or snow; slow down, and leave space in front. If skidding occurs, remove foot from accelerator and steer in skid direction.
- Locked Wheel Skids: Result from hard braking; apply firm pressure on brakes for vehicles with ABS.
High Winds
- Higher risks for larger vehicles; reduce speed, maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel, and avoid cruise control during gusty conditions.
Fog or Heavy Smoke
- Avoid driving in heavy fog; if necessary, drive slowly with low-beam headlights, increase following distance, and use windshield wipers as needed.
Disabled Vehicles on Railroad Tracks
- If vehicle stops on tracks with an approaching train, exit and run away diagonally from the tracks and call 911.
Avoid Distractions
- Common distractions include phone use, adjusting music, and interacting with passengers.
- Handheld cell phone use is illegal while driving; use only in hands-free mode when necessary.
Minors and Cell Phones
- Minors are prohibited from using cell phones or electronic devices while driving, except to call for emergency help.
Familiarize with New Technology
- Technological advancements are leading to more self-driving and ADAS-equipped vehicles.
Awareness of Surroundings
- Essential for safe driving to make informed decisions and react to hazards.
- Color-coded vehicle zones:
- Green: Ahead
- Blue: Next to
- Yellow: Blind spots
- Red: Behind
Scanning the Road
- Continuously scan the road 10 seconds ahead to anticipate hazards.
- Tailgating hinders visibility and reaction time; use the three-second rule for safe following distance.
- Create space ahead when being tailgated and safely change lanes to allow a driver to pass.
Side Awareness
- Avoid staying in another driver’s blind spot and alongside other vehicles.
- Make room for vehicles entering freeways and be aware of rapid changes from other drivers.
- Keep a safe distance from parked vehicles and always check both ways at intersections.
Blind Spots
- Areas around the vehicle not visible through mirrors, typically at sides and slightly behind.
- Always check blind spots by turning your head before changing lanes, merging, or backing up.
Rear Awareness
- Frequently check traffic behind using rearview and side mirrors to avoid rear-end collisions.
- Important when changing lanes, turning, or adjusting speed.
Understanding Road Conditions
- In darkness, utilize high-beam headlights carefully; dim them for oncoming traffic.
- Reduce speed in poor visibility conditions, such as rainstorms or at construction sites.
- Keep mirrors and lights clear of mud and snow to maintain visibility.
Hydroplaning
- Occurs when vehicles lose contact with the road due to water.
- To prevent, drive slowly and steer clear of standing water; ease off accelerators instead of braking if hydroplaning occurs.
Stuck in Snow or Mud
- Shift to low gear and avoid wheel spinning.
- Use forward and backward motions to free the vehicle; place materials under tires for extra traction if needed.
Flooded Roads
- Be cautious of excessive water; flooding can occur suddenly.
Airbags
- Important safety feature; maintain at least 10 inches distance to ensure effectiveness.
- Special care for children near airbags to prevent serious injury.
Unattended Children and Pets
- Illegal to leave children under six unattended in a vehicle; can only be left with someone at least 12 years old.
- Vehicles can heat up quickly, posing dangers to unattended children and pets.
Speed Management
- Basic Speed Law in California: Never exceed safe driving speed, considering conditions and surroundings.
- Key factors: road surface, weather, traffic volume, and pedestrian presence; adapt speed accordingly.
Overheating Conditions
- In extreme heat, monitor the vehicle’s temperature; avoid high speeds and excessive AC use.
- In extreme cold, ensure the engine has proper antifreeze levels and use defrosters to prevent fogging.
Disabled Vehicle Protocol on Freeway
- Pull over to the right shoulder and exit safely away from traffic.
- Dial 511 for roadside assistance, return to the vehicle if needed, and use emergency flashers.
California Highway Patrol Freeway Service Patrol (FSP)
- Offers free roadside assistance during commuter hours.
- Services include providing gas, jump-starting batteries, towing to permitted locations, and reporting collisions.
- FSP will not tow to private businesses or service motorcycles.
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Description
Learn about the safety precautions to take when it comes to air bags in vehicles, including safe distances and additional measures to ensure safety.