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Questions and Answers

What are some types of vehicle technology advancements?

dashboards, cell phones, navigation systems, driving techniques, braking systems

What is a seat belt pretensioner?

Pretensioners automatically tighten the belt to prevent the individual from jerking forward in a collision or at a sudden stop.

Why do traffic laws exist?

Traffic laws reduce chaos, keep traffic moving and give all road users a common understanding of how the road should be used, primarily to keep everyone safe.

The reason we have traffic laws is ______.

to keep everyone safe. Signup and view all the answers

How does minimum insurance work?

This type of insurance pays for the damages done to another person's vehicle or body and only for the amount of the coverage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the average cost for a severe injury in a collision?

$247,000 Signup and view all the answers

Why should you be afraid of legal problems after a collision that was your fault even if you have insurance?

Even if you have insurance, the other driver can sue you for negligence and win. Signup and view all the answers

What does the US Department of Transportation list as the most likely cause of collisions?

alcohol and drugs, distracted driving, sleepy drivers, speeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the DMV point system?

The DMV point system, called NOTS, was designed to keep track of drivers' offenses so they can suspend or revoke a license if needed. Signup and view all the answers

How much does a DUI cost over ten years?

over $40,000 Signup and view all the answers

A pedestrian with a white cane ______.

is blind and should always be given the right-of-way. Signup and view all the answers

What can a pedestrian do if there is no sidewalk?

If there are no sidewalks, you are required to walk facing traffic on the left-hand side of the road. Signup and view all the answers

For safety reasons anytime there are no sidewalks it is best to ______.

walk in the direction facing traffic. Signup and view all the answers

Pedestrians with white canes and seeing eye dogs should always ______.

have the right-of-way. Signup and view all the answers

As vehicle technologies advance ______?

the laws have to change accordingly. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to you when you try to drive when you are drowsy?

You have a slower reaction time and it takes you longer to process information. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you are caught driving without insurance?

You could be fined up to $200 and could have your car impounded and your license suspended. Signup and view all the answers

What can you do to communicate with other road users?

Turn signals, Eye contact, Flashing headlights, Horn Signup and view all the answers

When should you be courteous to other road users?

Always, and treat others the way you want to be treated. Signup and view all the answers

When is it ok to leave a child unattended in a car?

Never, unless there is someone who is at least 12 years old to supervise. Signup and view all the answers

Why should you be extra careful around motorcycles?

They are small/less visible and can easily skid out in poor weather conditions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the proper head and body position when going in reverse?

Your left hand should be at the top of the steering wheel and your head turned to see out of the back window. Signup and view all the answers

What are blind spots?

Large areas around your car that you cannot see using your mirrors. Signup and view all the answers

When considering passing a slow vehicle on a two-way road, how far away should the oncoming vehicle be from you before you make your move?

At least 10-12 seconds away. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your car hydroplanes?

Gently ease your foot off the gas and steer to keep your vehicle in a straight line. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do to get over a pothole safely if you can't maneuver around it?

Brake before your wheels get to the pothole and then release the brake pedal as you are rolling over it. Signup and view all the answers

What could happen if you drive in another car's blind spot?

The other driver may not see you and could hit you while switching lanes. Signup and view all the answers

How does having headlights on during a sunny day help you drive safer?

It allows your car to be more noticeable to other drivers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best way to deal with a distracted driver?

Be on the lookout for these kinds of drivers and avoid them. Signup and view all the answers

Covering the brake means ______.

placing your foot over the brake pedal without actually touching it. Signup and view all the answers

You should give up your right-of-way when ______.

the other driver refuses to give it to you even though he is supposed to. Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading cause of injuries in traffic collisions in California?

Speeding. Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California?

Alcohol and Drugs (DUI). Signup and view all the answers

What is the leading cause of traffic injuries in California?

Speeding. Signup and view all the answers

Which drivers are most likely to be in a deadly crash?

Drunk drivers who are also speeding. Signup and view all the answers

If you double your driving speed what happens to your stopping distance?

The braking distance is quadrupled. Signup and view all the answers

______ is an example of driving on the wrong side of the road.

Cutting the corner on a left turn. Signup and view all the answers

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at ______.

corners or other crosswalks. Signup and view all the answers

______ is an example of aggressive driving.

Speeding, tailgating, erratic lane changes, failing to obey traffic signs. Signup and view all the answers

______ is an example of road rage.

Trying to injure or kill another driver because of an incident on the road. Signup and view all the answers

What can you do to lessen the chances of being in an aggressive driving situation?

Avoid rush hour, give yourself time, drive in the appropriate lane. Signup and view all the answers

What can you do to protect yourself from an aggressive driver?

Never argue or make eye contact with an aggressive driver and leave them plenty of space. Signup and view all the answers

Which is the most dangerous kind of distracted driving?

Cognitive Distraction. Signup and view all the answers

Distracted driving is ______.

driving while doing other, non-driving activities at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

What is California's cell phone law?

It is illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone while driving. Signup and view all the answers

Adult drivers age 18 and over may:

use a hands-free device while driving. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of your car's lights?

Headlights help you see the road at night and help other drivers see you. Signup and view all the answers

What do tire treads do?

Treads are designed to push water, snow, hail, sleet, mud, and more out from under the tire. Signup and view all the answers

When can children move on to using a safety belt instead of a child safety seat?

Once the child is at least eight years old OR at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if your tire blows out while you are driving?

Stay calm and do not slam on the brakes. Signup and view all the answers

What are center left turn lanes for?

Allows you to make a legal left turn into a street or driveway. Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you approach a school bus with red signal lights flashing?

You have to stop and wait for them to stop flashing. Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of California's Anti Gridlock Law is to ______.

prevent intersections from getting backed up. Signup and view all the answers

When do you NOT have to stop for a stopped school bus with red signal lights flashing?

If the bus is on the opposite side of a physical barrier. Signup and view all the answers

What is California's Anti Gridlock Law?

It is illegal to enter an intersection if you don’t have enough room to get across. Signup and view all the answers

What is a traffic break?

Traffic breaks are created by an officer driving back and forth across lanes with lights flashing. Signup and view all the answers

What is a space cushion?

The empty area to the front, back, and sides of your vehicle. Signup and view all the answers

Wet roads are slippery roads.

True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vehicle Technology Advancements

Key advancements include dashboards, navigation systems, and enhanced braking systems.
Driving techniques have also evolved alongside technology improvements.

Seat Belt Pretensioners

Automatically tighten seat belts during collisions or sudden stops to protect occupants from jerking forward.

Purpose of Traffic Laws

Designed to reduce chaos, facilitate traffic flow, and ensure safety for all road users.

Minimum Insurance Coverage

Covers damages to other vehicles or individuals up to the policy limit. Additional costs beyond coverage are the driver's responsibility.

Cost of Severe Injuries in Collisions

Average cost for severe injuries due to a collision is approximately $247,000.

Legal Implications of Collisions

Even with insurance, drivers can be sued for negligence or wrongful death if at fault in a collision.

Leading Causes of Collisions

Most common causes include alcohol, drugs, distracted driving, and speeding. Speeding is a primary factor in 29% of fatal collisions.

DMV Point System

The system keeps track of driving offenses to determine if licenses should be suspended or revoked.

DUI Expenses

Total costs over ten years can exceed $40,000, including trial fees, fines, and increased insurance rates.

Pedestrian Right-of-Way

Pedestrians identified by white canes or seeing-eye dogs always have the right-of-way.

Walking Without Sidewalks

Pedestrians must walk facing oncoming traffic when no sidewalks are available, ensuring visibility to drivers.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Walking against traffic in non-sidewalk areas enhances safety by allowing pedestrians to see approaching vehicles.

Impact of Vehicle Technology on Laws

Advancements in vehicle tech lead to changes in laws to address risks of distracted driving.

Drowsy Driving Effects

Drowsiness slows reaction times, impairs vision and increases driver carelessness.

Driving Without Insurance Penalties

Fines of up to $200 for first offenses, potential license suspension, and personal liability for collisions.

Communication with Road Users

Use signals, eye contact, flashing headlights, and the horn for effective communication on the road.

Courteous Driving

Being courteous fosters a safer driving environment and enhances overall road safety.

Leaving Children Unattended in Cars

It is illegal to leave children aged six and under alone in a vehicle without supervision from a person aged 12 or older.

Caution Around Motorcycles

Due to their smaller size and visibility issues, special care should be taken near motorcycles on the road.

Proper Reversal Technique

Use left hand at the top of the wheel and turn to see through the back window when reversing.

Blind Spots

Areas around vehicles that cannot be seen using mirrors, posing a risk during lane changes.

Passing Slow Vehicles

Ensure oncoming vehicles are 10-12 seconds away before attempting to pass on a two-way road, roughly 1/3 mile at high speed.

Responding to Hydroplaning

Ease off the gas, avoid sudden braking, and guide the vehicle gently back on track when hydroplaning occurs.

Navigating Potholes

Slow down before reaching a pothole and release brakes while rolling over to minimize potential vehicle damage.

Driving in Blind Spots

Avoiding blind spots ensures visibility and reduces the risk of collisions when other vehicles switch lanes.

Using Headlights in Daylight

Activating headlights during sunny days increases vehicle visibility, enhancing safety for all road users.

Dealing with Distracted Drivers

Stay alert to potential distracted drivers on the road and adjust routes to avoid potential collisions.

Covering the Brake

Place foot over the brake pedal in preparation for potential stops without applying pressure initially.

Yielding Right-of-Way

Prioritize safety and avoid collisions by giving up your right-of-way when necessary.

Speeding and Traffic Collisions

Speeding is the leading cause of injuries in California traffic collisions, accounting for thousands of injuries annually.

Alcohol and Drugs as Leading Causes of Fatalities

DUI remains the foremost reason for traffic deaths in California with significant yearly fatalities.

Drivers at High Risk

Drunk drivers who exceed speed limits are most likely to be involved in fatal accidents.

Impact of Driving Speed on Stopping Distance

Doubling speed quadruples the necessary stopping distance, increasing collision risks.

Wrong-Side Driving Example

Cutting the corner during a left turn is categorized as driving on the wrong side of the road.

Pedestrian Rights at Crosswalks

Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks regardless of traffic signals.

Examples of Aggressive Driving

Actions such as speeding, tailgating, and erratic lane changes are defined as aggressive driving.

Road Rage

Road rage is a severe offense where drivers attempt to injure or kill others due to traffic incidents.

Reducing Aggressive Driving Incidents

Avoiding peak traffic times, driving calmly, and refraining from aggressive gestures lower the risks of confrontations.

Protecting Against Aggressive Drivers

Maintain distance and avoid engagement with aggressive drivers for personal safety.

Most Dangerous Distracted Driving Type

Cognitive distraction, which diverts mental focus away from driving, is the most hazardous distraction type.

Definition of Distracted Driving

Engaging in non-driving activities while driving diminishes attention and increases collision probabilities.

California Cell Phone Law

Handheld cell phone use while driving is illegal; hands-free devices are permitted for adults, while minors may not use any device.

Purpose of Car Lights

Headlights illuminate the road ahead and signal intentions to other drivers, enhancing safety.

Importance of Tire Treads

Tire treads expel water and debris, ensuring better traction on various surfaces to prevent skidding.

Transitioning from Child Safety Seats

Children can switch to safety belts when at least 8 years old or 4 feet 9 inches tall; specific age and size criteria must be met for safety.

Blowout Response

Maintain calm, steer straight, and gradually slow down if a tire blowout occurs; then, safely move off the road.

Center Left Turn Lanes

Designated lanes allow for making legal left turns into streets or driveways to enhance traffic flow.

School Bus Stop Regulations

Mandatory to stop for school buses with flashing red lights until deactivated.

California Anti Gridlock Law

Prevents traffic congestion by prohibiting entry into intersections without sufficient clearance.

Exceptions to Stopping for School Buses

No stop required if the bus is on the opposite side of a divided highway.

Role of Traffic Breaks

Conducted by officers to manage traffic flow and clear hazards from the roadway, requiring driver compliance.

Space Cushion

Refers to the area around the vehicle that ensures safety and space from other vehicles.

Wet Roads

Present increased risks due to slippery conditions requiring cautious driving.

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