Drivers Education Unit 4 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Places where one road meets or crosses another are called intersections.

True

Most intersections do have traffic control devices.

True

When approaching an intersection with a 4-way stop, assume that all drivers will obey the right of way rules.

False

Before entering an intersection, scan and search all four corners to make sure nothing will block your route.

True Signup and view all the answers

When you come to any railroad crossing you should always slow down.

True Signup and view all the answers

A railroad crossing with no lights flashing does not necessarily mean that it is safe to cross without looking first.

True Signup and view all the answers

You should stop on railroad tracks only if the vehicle ahead of you has stopped.

False Signup and view all the answers

A complex intersection can contain five to six lanes, multiple turning lanes, and arrow signals.

True Signup and view all the answers

Very few collisions take place in complex intersections.

False Signup and view all the answers

Side impact collisions occur when a vehicle is hit by another vehicle from the side.

True Signup and view all the answers

What do you call the movement where vehicles exit the expressway to the right and stop at an intersecting road?

Diamond Signup and view all the answers

What type of interchange is used where a freeway intersects a busy surface street?

Cloverleaf Signup and view all the answers

When approaching a roundabout, you should ______.

Slow down Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if other vehicles are in the roundabout?

Yield Signup and view all the answers

When entering and exiting a roundabout, scan for pedestrians and ______.

bicyclists Signup and view all the answers

Traffic movement in a roundabout is always ______.

counterclockwise Signup and view all the answers

Unless otherwise posted, the speed in a roundabout is generally ______.

20 mph or less Signup and view all the answers

What should you do for maximum safety when crossing an intersection from a stop?

Allow an 8 second gap Signup and view all the answers

How can you manage visibility, time, and space in intersections?

By scanning four corners, signals, markings, roadway features, motorized vehicles, and non-motorized highway users. Signup and view all the answers

What process should you follow if your car stalls on a set of railroad tracks?

Immediately check in both directions for trains. If no train is approaching, calmly try to restart your engine. If a train is coming, leave your vehicle at once. Signup and view all the answers

Once a train has passed what should you do before proceeding across a set of railroad tracks?

Look for ways and process to drive across the tracks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated cost of intersection-related crashes in America in a year?

More than 2.8 million intersection related crashes Signup and view all the answers

Each year, approximately how many auto deaths are caused by side impact crashes?

More than one third of all deaths to vehicle occupants occur in side impact crashes Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of through lanes on an interchange?

Designed for drivers staying on the same turnpike or interstate highways. Signup and view all the answers

When driving behind a cyclist, reduce your following distance.

False Signup and view all the answers

The risk of a serious or fatal injury to a driver of a motorcycle involved in a collision is low.

False Signup and view all the answers

Two-wheeled vehicles are most difficult to spot when they approach from behind on a highway.

True Signup and view all the answers

Drivers of pickups, sport utility vehicles, or vans can see farther ahead than drivers of cars.

True Signup and view all the answers

Higher headlights on a sport utility vehicle can cause more glare.

True Signup and view all the answers

If you see an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, you should pull to the left and let it pass.

False Signup and view all the answers

Truck drivers have excellent visibility ahead.

True Signup and view all the answers

A truck tends to lose speed when going downhill.

False Signup and view all the answers

You should use the 2-second rule when following a bus.

False Signup and view all the answers

Ground viewing is defined as ______.

Searching beneath parked vehicles as much as you can, as you drive, searching for any sign of movement. Signup and view all the answers

What are the responsibilities that pedestrians have to do to ensure safety when close to or crossing a roadway?

Pay attention to motor vehicles, signs, signals, and rules; never assume a driver will see you & stop; pause before crossing; cross only at intersections. Signup and view all the answers

All vehicles must yield the right of way to a police car if it's using its ______.

siren Signup and view all the answers

__________ are more difficult to spot than other vehicles.

Motorcycles Signup and view all the answers

According to the law, motorcyclists have _____________ rights as other motorists.

the same Signup and view all the answers

Light trucks are usually __________ than most cars.

heavier Signup and view all the answers

Truck tires tend to be _____ efficient on wet pavement.

less Signup and view all the answers

Large trucks take ______ distance to stop than most cars.

more Signup and view all the answers

A large tractor trailer often appears to be traveling ______ because of its large size.

slower Signup and view all the answers

If you double your speed, you will need about four times the distance to stop.

True Signup and view all the answers

Vehicle braking distance is the distance your vehicle travels after you see a problem and before you apply the brakes.

False Signup and view all the answers

Total stopping distance is the distance it takes from the moment you see a problem until your vehicle is stopped.

False Signup and view all the answers

The amount of distance you need to stop the car increases with speed.

True Signup and view all the answers

The condition of the road surface affects total stopping distance.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the force that causes an object to move in a circle?

centripetal force Signup and view all the answers

What is centrifugal force?

Doesn't really exist (not a real force). Signup and view all the answers

Inertia is defined as ______.

The tendency of an object to resist a change in motion. Signup and view all the answers

Friction is the resistance to motion between ______.

two objects when they touch. Signup and view all the answers

What is traction?

Friction between a vehicle's tires and the road surface. Signup and view all the answers

Adhesion in automotive terms refers to ______.

sticking together, in automotive terms, traction or friction. Signup and view all the answers

What is momentum?

The energy of motion; the product of weight and speed. Signup and view all the answers

Kinetic energy is defined as ______.

the energy of motion. Signup and view all the answers

The center of gravity is the point around which ______.

an object's weight is evenly distributed. Signup and view all the answers

Braking is a result of friction between the brake linings and your foot.

False Signup and view all the answers

Braking distance is greater on a smooth road.

False Signup and view all the answers

Your braking distance decreases if you are going downhill.

False Signup and view all the answers

Your ability to steer a vehicle depends partly upon the condition of the vehicle's suspension.

True Signup and view all the answers

Perception distance, reaction distance, & braking distance make up total stopping distance.

True Signup and view all the answers

Directional control is a vehicle's ability to hold a straight line or to continue in a particular direction.

True Signup and view all the answers

A banked road is higher on the inside of curves than on the outside.

False Signup and view all the answers

A crowned road is higher in the center of the road than on the edges.

True Signup and view all the answers

What precautions should you take when driving in fog?

Drive with low beam headlights, reduce speed, increase distance, be alert for sudden movements. If fog gets very dense, signal, pull off the road, and wait for conditions to improve. Signup and view all the answers

Headlights from an oncoming vehicle can have a blinding effect.

True Signup and view all the answers

When driving during dusk dawn hours, you should use your parking lights.

False Signup and view all the answers

At night, you should decrease the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.

False Signup and view all the answers

The sun's glare is most dangerous to drive at noon.

False Signup and view all the answers

When driving in snow, you should follow the tire tracks of the vehicle ahead of you because the tracks are dryer and give better traction.

True Signup and view all the answers

To prevent skids, you should change speeds as rapidly as possible.

False Signup and view all the answers

Roads are not very slick during the first 15 minutes of rainfall.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is hydroplaning?

Occurs when the vehicle's tires may completely lose contact with the road and move on a thin film of water. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Intersections and Traffic Control

Intersections are points where roads meet or cross.
Most intersections use traffic control devices to regulate flow.
Assume that drivers may not follow right-of-way rules at four-way stops.
Always scan all four corners before entering any intersection to ensure a clear path.
Slow down at railroad crossings to assess safety.

Railroad Crossings

A crossing with no lights flashing may still be unsafe without looking first.
Never stop on railroad tracks unless the vehicle ahead has stopped.
Immediately check for trains if your car stalls on tracks; leave if a train approaches.

Collision Statistics

Approximately 2.8 million crashes occur annually at intersections in America.
Side impact collisions claim more than one-third of auto deaths.
Complex intersections are prone to a high number of collisions, with nearly 1 million annually.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts require drivers to slow down and yield to existing traffic before entering.
Traffic always moves counterclockwise in roundabouts.
Maintain a speed of 20 mph or less unless posted otherwise.

Vehicle Dynamics

Traction is vital for vehicles navigating roads, influenced by weight and speed.
Light trucks typically weigh more than standard cars.
Larger vehicles like trucks can take more distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles.

Driving Challenges

Visibility challenges include motorcycles being hard to spot, especially from behind.
Drivers of pickups and SUVs tend to see farther ahead, but higher headlights may cause glare.
The perception, reaction, and braking distances collectively determine total stopping distance.

Weather and Road Conditions

First 15 minutes of rainfall create the slickest road conditions; take extra caution.
Reduce speed and increase following distances in adverse conditions, such as fog or snow.
Avoid making rapid changes in speed to help prevent skids.

Safety and Responsibility

All vehicles must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
Pedestrians should always be attentive to vehicles and follow designated crossing rules.
When driving near cyclists, maintain a safe following distance.

Headlight Usage

Use low beam headlights in fog and high beam headlights only when appropriate to maximize visibility.
Increase following distance at night to enhance reaction time to potential hazards.

Additional Terms

Centripetal Force: Driving force that keeps an object moving in a circular path.
Inertia: Object's resistance to changes in motion, relevant in vehicle handling.
Hydroplaning: Occurs when tires lose contact with the road due to water, increasing the risk of loss of control.

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Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards from Drivers Education Unit 4. This unit covers essential terms and concepts about road intersections and traffic control devices. Improve your understanding of right of way rules and safe driving practices.