What Every Driver Must Know

Chapter 7: Emergencies and

Special Situations

Did you know that . . . ?

• In 1930, Fisher Body introduced the slanted
windshield to reduce glare from the lights of
oncoming traffic at night.

• In 1955, Ford Motor Co. announced that seat belts

would be offered as a factory-installed option.

• In 1974, the first mass-produced air bags were

offered as an option in some Cadillacs and
Buicks.

Safe driving
Safe driving involves more than learning the basics If you are an older driver, you have years of
of operating a vehicle and memorizing the rules of experience but may face difficulties brought about
the road. Safe driving also requires good judgment by health and aging challenges. Research indicates
and reflexes, experience, patience and common older drivers can improve their driving ability through
sense. It is your best defense as a driver. additional training, enabling them to maintain their
driver’s license while driving safely. AAA RoadWise
If you are a young teen driver, Driver and AARP Driver Safety programs both offer
you may feel uncertain about in-person and online driver refresher courses. To find
your skill behind the wheel. Your the testing and refresher courses nearest you, visit
understanding and judgment may Michigan.gov/AgingDriver.
not be as well developed as an
experienced driver’s. As you practice
driving, first on the driver education
Aggressive driving
range, then with your parents, Aggressive drivers run stop signs and red lights, speed,
guardians or another designated tailgate, weave their vehicles in and out of traffic,
licensed adult 21 or older, and pass on the right when it is not legal to do so and
later, once you are licensed to may make improper hand gestures. They sometimes
drive without supervision, your skill yell at you, honk their horns or flash their headlights.
and confidence will grow.
If you respond equally, the situation can out of control
If you are a middle-aged driver, you and escalate into road rage, in which a weapon or
may have become complacent the vehicle itself is used to assault the other driver.
about your driving ability after
years of driving. However, driving The exact number of traffic crashes caused by
on “autopilot” may actually leave aggressive drivers is unknown, but the National
you vulnerable on the road because Highway Traffic Safety Administration has estimated
you are not really attuned to your driving 66 percent of all traffic fatalities are caused by
environment and its potential risks. aggressive driving behaviors.

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 What Every Driver Must Know
Are you an aggressive driver? If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther
down the road, stop a safe distance from the crash
Do you: scene, wait for the police to arrive and report the
• Merge improperly? Failing to merge smoothly driving behavior witnessed.
disrupts the flow of traffic. Always try to merge
smoothly when entering the expressway or
turning from one road to another. If you see other
Take care at intersections
drivers making an ill-advised merge or turn, slow Crashes at intersections result in more traffic fatalities
down and give them room. Getting angry will not and serious injuries than on any other portion of the
help and your anger could adversely affect your road. Being alert and cautious at intersections will
judgment, resulting in a crash. A driver may be help keep you safe.
wrong, but how important is it to prove you are
right? Do not risk injury or death because you feel
you have been wronged when driving. It is much
Intersections
wiser to back off and allow the driver to merge. • As you approach an intersection, check for
oncoming and cross traffic, other highway
• Drive slowly in the left lane? Use all lanes properly users, pedestrians, signals, signs and pavement
and obey the speed limit. If you are using the markings, the condition of the roadway and
left-hand lane to pass slower traffic and someone areas of limited visibility.
tailgates you, move back into the right-hand lane
when it is safe to do so and allow the faster traffic • Be alert for vehicles and pedestrians that may
to move ahead. Driving in the left-hand lane and disregard a traffic signal or other traffic control
allowing traffic to build up behind you increases device and proceed through an intersection
the chances aggressive drivers may take careless without stopping or yielding the right of way.
risks attempting to get around you. Anytime you are not sure what other drivers are
going to do, be safe and let them go first.
• Tailgate? This is another aggressive-driver trait. If
other drivers tailgate you, pull over and let them • Keep alert and look twice for smaller vehicles
pass. It is better to have these unsafe drivers in approaching an intersection, such as motorcycles,
front where you can see them rather than having bicycles and mopeds. Because of their size, it may
them driving on your rear bumper. be difficult to judge their speed and distance.
Protect these riders by being courteous and
• Make inappropriate gestures? Never gesture at allowing them to clear the intersection safely.
other drivers when you become angry. If another
driver is gesturing to you when you have made • Be especially cautious if you cannot see the road
a driving error, let him or her know you are sorry. or traffic clearly at an intersection because of trees,
Everyone makes mistakes. Returning gestures or buildings, piles of snow or other obstructions. Edge
becoming angry will not correct your mistake. It forward slowly until you can see past whatever
will only serve to make both of you angrier and is blocking your view. Once the intersection is
increase the risk of confrontation or a traffic crash. clear or traffic signals indicate you may proceed,
continue driving with care.
Always remember that safe driving is affected by
your driving attitude and your ability to control your
stress and anger. Do not let an aggressive driver’s
Freeway driving
behaviors provoke you to the point where you feel Freeway traffic flows in the same direction and does
compelled to react in kind. not have stops or intersections. Pedestrians, small
motorcycles of 124 cc or less, mopeds, bicycles,
If confronted by an aggressive driver, attempt to all-terrain vehicles and slow-moving vehicles are not
get out of the way, avoid eye contact and ignore allowed on freeways.
gestures or verbal attacks. If safe to do so, call the
police and report the aggressive driver. • An entrance ramp allows traffic to enter the

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 What Every Driver Must Know
freeway. Often, an exit ramp will be next to Here’s what state law says about merging: “When
the entrance ramp. Look for “Do Not Enter” a vehicle approaches the intersection of a highway
and “Wrong Way” signs and speed limit signs. from an intersecting highway or street which is
The entrance ramp usually merges into an intended to be, and is constructed as, a merging
acceleration lane allowing you to increase your highway or street, and is plainly marked at the
speed to match freeway traffic speed. intersection with appropriate merge signs, the
vehicle shall yield right of way to a vehicle so close as
• Signal and check for freeway traffic by using the to constitute an immediate hazard on the highway
vehicle’s rearview and side-view mirrors and quick about to be entered and shall adjust its speed so as
glances over your shoulder. Choose a safe space to enable it to merge safely with the through traffic.”
to enter and then merge into traffic, yielding the MCL.257.649(7).
right of way to vehicles on the freeway. Do not
count on other drivers to let you in. Got it?

• On a two-lane freeway, drive in the right lane Translation: If you are the vehicle merging onto
except when passing, exiting to the left, allowing (in this case) the freeway, you are the one who
another vehicle to merge onto the freeway, must adjust speed and placement so as to merge
when the lanes are heavily congested with traffic safely and avoid a crash with traffic already on the
or when emergency vehicles or construction freeway. This applies whether you are entering a
workers are on the shoulders. freeway or exiting the freeway and merging into a
lane of traffic.
• On a freeway with three or more lanes of travel
in the same direction, you may drive in any lane.
However, if driving at or near the minimum speed
Leaving a freeway
limit, stay in the lane with the slower moving traffic. • Most freeway exits have a special deceleration
lane to slow down in when exiting the freeway.
• Merge signs are placed near freeway entrances Watch for exit ramp signs that indicate which
to alert you to traffic entering the freeway. lane to use when exiting the freeway. Make sure
Always watch for vehicles merging onto the to check for traffic and use your turn signal to let
freeway. Adjusting your speed or moving safely other drivers know that you are moving over into
into another lane will allow drivers to enter the the exit-ramp lane.
freeway smoothly and safely.
• Avoid slowing down on a freeway when exiting.
• Always watch for drivers who suddenly slow down Wait until you are fully in the deceleration lane
when approaching an exit or swerve into the exit before reducing your speed and then slow down
lane unexpectedly. gradually. Many ramps have sharp curves, so it
is important to obey the posted exit ramp speed
• Never stop on a freeway except for an emergency. limit.
If you must stop, turn on the emergency hazard
flashers, slow down gradually and pull all the way • If you miss your exit ramp, never back up, turn
off the pavement as soon as safely possible. around or use a median crossover. Instead, drive
to the next exit. Get back on the freeway and
return to the exit you want. Never use the crossover
A word about merging lane in the median. It is only for emergency and
Few topics of discussion get motorists’ blood boiling Michigan Department of Transportation vehicles.
quicker than the proper way to merge. What is
proper and legal? How should you merge? Merging
onto a freeway entails fast-moving traffic, and, if the
Freeway fatigue
roadway is also congested, say at rush hour, merging • One of the greatest dangers in freeway driving is
can be all the more difficult. fatigue. On long trips you can become sleepy or
hypnotized by the constant hum of the wind, tires

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 What Every Driver Must Know
and engine. If necessary, let someone else drive. • Try an emergency stop in your lane only if there is
enough room and you cannot pull off the road.
• Do not rely on coffee or “stay awake” drugs. If
you feel tired, stop and take a 10-minute break at • If you cannot stop before hitting another vehicle,
least every two hours. Pull off the highway at the try to steer around it. Do not turn more than
next exit. Find a motel or rest area and relax. needed to avoid a crash.

• If you must drive, keep shifting your eyes from one

area of the road to another. Check your mirrors.
Bad weather
Look at objects near and far, left and right. Preventive maintenance prior to the winter season is
the best way to ensure safe travel. Regularly check
fluid levels such as power steering, brake, windshield
Cruise control washer and oil.
• Cruise control is best suited for use in rural areas
where there is not much traffic. Make sure the antifreeze is strong enough to prevent
freezing of the engine and fresh enough to prevent
• Set the cruise control at or below the posted speed rust. In cold weather, you may also want to change
limit. This steady pace saves gasoline and allows the windshield washer fluid to one containing an
for acceleration to pass slower moving vehicles antifreeze agent.
without blocking the left lane for extended
periods. Leave extra time and drive more slowly when it
is foggy, raining or snowing, and conditions are
• Acceleration does not cancel the cruise control hazardous. Allow greater following distance in bad
setting – depressing the brake pedal will. weather. In cold weather, bridges and underpasses
freeze before the road does.
• Using cruise control in heavy traffic, near large
numbers of exit and entrance ramps or when
roads are slippery from rain, snow or ice is not
Rain and fog
recommended. This could require the constant When it begins to rain, the
resetting of the cruise control to the point you are roads are most slippery
distracted, increasing your risk of being involved during the first half hour.
in a crash. Most vehicle manufacturers do not This is because oil dropped
recommend using cruise control when towing from passing vehicles has
heavy loads. not been washed away.
Be especially cautious
at intersections where oil
If an oncoming vehicle is in deposits may be heavier.
your lane Slow down and allow at least twice the normal
following distance.
• If there is time, tap the horn to warn the other
driver.
Brakes may become wet after driving through deep
water or during heavy rain. Test them, as they may
• Brake hard, but do not lock the wheels if your
pull to one side or the other, or they may not hold at
vehicle does not have anti-lock brakes.
all. Slow down and gently push on the brake pedal
until the brakes work properly again.
• Look for an escape route on the right edge of the
road.
When your tires ride on top of the water on a wet
road, you are hydroplaning, which can result in a loss
• Try not to go to the left since the other driver may
of control. Worn tires, low tire pressure or driving too
see you and return to his or her proper lane.
fast contribute to hydroplaning.

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 What Every Driver Must Know
If a flooded road is blocked off by safety barricades, • To prevent a skid in vehicles with standard brakes,
do not drive around them. The barricades are there use steady pressure on the brakes without locking
because it is unsafe for vehicles. There may be debris them. This method allows the wheels to turn,
or power lines in the water or the road may have maintaining steering control.
been washed away. If there are no barricades
in place at a flooded road, consider finding an • If the vehicle has full anti-lock brakes, maintain
alternate route. If you do try to drive through, do brake pressure and steer.
so with extreme caution. In addition to the hazards
already mentioned, deep water can damage your
vehicle’s engine.
If your vehicle begins
skidding
Drive slowly in fog. Turn on the low-beam headlights
• Take your foot off the accelerator.
and be prepared to stop quickly.
• Turn the front wheels only enough to keep them
If fog becomes so thick that you cannot see at all,
pointed in the direction you want to go and no
pull off the road. Turn on the four-way emergency
farther.
flashers and wait for the fog to lift.
• Be prepared for a secondary skid in the opposite
direction.

• Again, turn the wheels in the direction you want

to go. Then straighten the wheels to bring the
vehicle under control.

Braking
How and when you use your brakes will depend
on the road and traffic conditions and the type of
brakes on your vehicle.

• Under normal conditions, you apply a steady, firm

push on the brake pedal to slow and stop your
vehicle.
Ice, snow and other slippery
conditions • In extreme conditions, such as on snow, ice or in
an emergency stop on dry pavement, how you
Remember when driving on ice and snow, drive
brake depends on your braking system.
slowly. Driving in snow and ice requires extra
attention. In cold weather, be alert and listen for
• With anti-lock brakes, apply the brake with hard,
snowmobiles, watch for trail or crosswalk signs along
firm pressure from the start and maintain this
the roadway and be prepared to stop. You will not
pressure until you have stopped. You may feel or
have the same stopping power in slippery conditions
hear vibrations or pulsations, this is normal.
as you will when road conditions are dry and clear.
• In a vehicle without anti-lock brakes, apply the
• When driving on snow or a slippery road, slow
brakes just hard enough to not lock the wheels. If
down gradually.
the wheels do lock, release pressure and apply the
brakes again. This method of braking is sometimes
• Test your vehicle’s brakes lightly to get a feel for
referred to as “threshold” or “controlled” braking.
the road. Most skids happen when a driver tries
to turn too quickly or stops suddenly on slippery
pavement.

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 What Every Driver Must Know
Stopping distances • Headlights must be on any time there is not
enough daylight to see people and vehicles
Your stopping distance can be affected by fatigue,
clearly at 500 feet. It is illegal to use only parking
how well you pay attention, the type and weight of
lights when headlights are required.
your vehicle, the condition of your tires and brakes,
the type of road surface and the weather.
• You should be able to stop within the clear
distance you can see ahead. When driving at
• To estimate how much time and space you have
night, it is critical to drive within the range of your
for stopping on either dry or wet pavement,
headlights.
follow this general rule. A 3- to 4-second following
distance is required. When the rear of the vehicle
• It is illegal to use or even flash high-beam headlights
ahead passes a sign or any other stationary
within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Also, dim
point, calculate the time it takes you to reach
your lights for pedestrians and cyclists.
the same spot by counting “one-thousand one,
one-thousand two, one-thousand three.” You
• If oncoming drivers do not dim their headlights,
are following too closely if you pass the mark
keep your eyes on the right edge of the road
before you finish counting for 3 seconds. When
ahead. Do not look directly into oncoming
speeds are increased, or during adverse driving
headlights. The glare may blind you for several
conditions, increase your following distance up to
seconds. A dirty windshield will make headlight
6 seconds or more if necessary.
glare worse.
• Wet pavement requires more stopping time and
• Do not use high beams when behind other
space. To make a smooth stop, increase pressure
vehicles. Bright lights shining in their rearview
on the brake pedal gradually and just before you
mirrors can be distracting.
stop, reduce the pressure.

• Look down the road 20-30 seconds. This rule

means always look ahead of the vehicle to
spot potential hazards and avoid last-second
reactions. This defensive driving technique and
higher-level visual and anticipatory driving skill will
assist you in staying safer on the road.

• Anticipate problems ahead and be prepared

to react in time. Keep a safe distance behind
another vehicle. Under poor or slippery driving
conditions, allow even more time to stop.

Driving at night
Nighttime driving is hazardous because your visibility
is reduced.
Emergency situations
Knowing how to handle the unexpected and being
• Headlights must be turned on one half-hour after prepared for emergencies when you are driving is
sunset until one half-hour before sunrise and at the best defense for safeguarding lives and property.
other times when visibility is reduced. Use your low
beams when it is foggy, raining or snowing during During the five-year period from 2014 to 2018, about
the day. If you are having trouble seeing other 10 percent of all pedestrian-related traffic crash
vehicles, they will have trouble seeing you. Turn fatalities involved a roadside emergency. Generally,
on your headlights whenever you are in doubt. the safest thing to do if you are involved in a roadside
emergency is to stay in your car, with your seat belt

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 What Every Driver Must Know
buckled, until help arrives. For more information, visit Your best defense against
Michigan.gov/StayinYourCar.
deer
• Stay aware, awake, alert and sober.
Crashes
Whether you are stopping at the scene of a crash • Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are your
to provide help or are involved in one yourself, it is best defense in any collision.
important to understand your responsibilities.
• Be especially alert in fall and spring, but remember
If you are involved in a crash, do not drive away. that vehicle-deer crashes can occur at any time
Leaving the scene of a crash is against the law of the year.
and punishable by fines, jail time or both. Penalties
for fleeing increase if alcohol was involved or if the • Watch for deer crossing signs.
crash resulted in injuries or fatalities.
• Slow down if you see one deer. Deer frequently
Help secure medical aid for the injured. travel in groups. Chances are there are others
nearby.
Vehicles involved in
crashes that do not result in • Be especially alert for deer at dawn and dusk.
serious injury or death shall be moved
from the main roadway by the • Do not rely on gimmicks. Deer whistles, flashing
driver or a passenger with a your high-beam headlights or honking your horn
valid driver’s license if the will not deter deer.
vehicle can be driven and it
is safe to do so. Select a safe
location, such as the shoulder,
If a vehicle-deer crash is
median, or a parking lot near the unavoidable
crash site.
• Do not veer for deer; stay in your lane.
Exchange names, addresses, driver’s license
numbers, registration and insurance information with
the other drivers involved in the crash.

Notify the police if there are injuries or property

damage exceeding $1,000.00.

Vehicle – deer crashes

About 60,000 vehicle-deer crashes happen in
Michigan each year and officials suspect that as
many as half are unreported. Vehicle-deer crashes
are costly. The average crash results in $2,100 in
damages, usually to the vehicle’s front end. Annual
costs for these crashes statewide are estimated at
$130 million. If you hit a deer, report it to local law • Brake firmly.
enforcement, the county sheriff’s office, Michigan
State Police or Michigan Department of Natural • Hold onto the steering wheel with both hands.
Resources. They can provide a permit to keep it.
• Come to a controlled stop.

• Steer your vehicle well off the roadway.

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 What Every Driver Must Know
Driving requires you to plan • An alternate adjustment method can further reduce
blind spots. While seated in the driver seat, lean left
ahead to stay safe to touch your head to the driver side window; adjust
• Keep your vehicle in good working condition. the left outside mirror to barely show the rear edge
of the vehicle. Then lean right to position your head
• Make sure you have enough gas to get to your above the center console or in line with the rearview
destination. mirror; adjust the right outside mirror to barely show
the rear edge of the vehicle.
• Tell people your route and estimated arrival time
at your beginning and ending stops.
Do not take risks
• Check for clean headlights, taillights and brake • Never turn the ignition to the “lock” position while
lights. Make sure all lights and turn signals work your vehicle is in motion or the steering will lock.
properly. You can be ticketed for defective or Once the steering locks, if you try to turn the
missing equipment. steering wheel, you will lose control of the vehicle.

• Clean the windshield and windows. • When driving, keep doors and windows locked.
Stay alert for danger. If available, take freeways
• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and rather than streets through high-crime areas.
check them for any damage or wear.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Is there a police or
• Check in front and behind the vehicle for objects, fire station, service station or other business open
animals or people in your path. nearby if you should need help?

• Have your vehicle identification number etched • Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
on the car window and main parts to help prevent
it from being stolen for parts. • Never leave keys in the car or ignition.

• Alarms and interlocks to prevent other kinds of car • Close a sunroof at night and in high-risk areas.
theft can also discourage amateur carjackers.
• Do not get out to fix a flat tire. Try to drive slowly
to a service station or store with a well-lighted
Before starting the engine parking lot and telephone for service.
• Make sure you are seated comfortably in the
driver’s seat. • Choose the safest route to any destination.

• Make sure you and all passengers are properly • Park as close to that destination as possible.
buckled up.
• When returning to your car, have your keys ready,
• Check mirrors and look again for anything in your be aware of your surroundings and of people who
path. appear to be in the wrong place, seem suspect
or whose demeanor makes you uncomfortable.
• Most cars have at least two blind spots, areas Before entering the car, check the interior for
to the left and right rear of the vehicle that you possible intruders.
cannot see with your sideview mirrors. Adjust the
inside rearview mirror so you can see the center of
the road and any traffic behind the vehicle.
If you are approached or
threatened while in your car
• To minimize blind spots, adjust the left and right
• If someone acting suspiciously approaches your
outside mirrors to see the edges of the vehicle
vehicle, try to drive away or sound the horn.
when seated in a normal driving position.

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 What Every Driver Must Know
• Stay inside the locked car. your vehicle. Do not argue about the reason for the
stop or if you are issued a ticket. If you believe the
• If you are in trouble, use a mobile phone if officer’s conduct was inappropriate, cooperate with
available. any directions you are given and follow up with a
call to the officer’s supervisor. If you feel the stop or
• If a carjacker wants the vehicle, give it up without the ticket is inappropriate, discuss the matter with
a fight. A car can be replaced but personal safety the court, not the officer.
is priceless. Stay calm. Get a good description of
the carjacker. After the stop, make sure you and your passengers are
safely buckled up. Check for traffic and pedestrians
before driving away. Use your turn signal and follow
If your car becomes disabled all laws when pulling onto the road. The officer may
Pull as far off the traveled portion of the roadway remain with lights activated until you have safely left.
as possible. Activate your four-way emergency
lights and stay inside your vehicle with your seat
belt securely fastened. It is recommended that a
In conclusion
professional with the proper training and equipment Putting into practice the information found in this
assist with your disabled vehicle to keep you and manual is a good step toward becoming a better
your occupants in the vehicle safe. informed driver. Concentrate on your driving. A
momentary distraction can lead to a crash. Keep
If you must leave your vehicle, be extremely aware
your attention on the road and remember these tips
of passing traffic and walk directly to a safe location,
to help keep safe:
far away from the traveled portion of the roadway.
Remember that it is dangerous and illegal for a
• Drive defensively and stay alert to what others
pedestrian to walk on the freeway.
around you are doing.

If you are pulled over • Obey all traffic control devices and traffic laws.
If a law enforcement officer signals you to pull over,
• Always obey a law enforcement officer’s orders.
pull off on the right side of the road as soon as it is
An officer’s directions take priority over other
safe to do so and stop. The officer may want you to
traffic control devices.
move your vehicle to a different location for safety’s
sake. Stay calm, maintain your composure, follow
• Be courteous to others.
the officer’s orders and do not make any movements
or take any actions that could escalate the situation.
• Use your turn signals.
Stay in your car with your seat belt on. Turn on the
• Avoid looking at any one thing for more than a
interior lights if it is dusk or dark outside. Open your
few seconds.
window. Keep both hands empty and in plain sight
on the steering wheel. Ask your passengers to keep
• Drive cautiously and increase your following
silent and keep their hands clearly visible and empty.
distance at night, during bad weather, rush hour,
during maneuvers such as lane changes and
Do not appear angry, confrontational or accusatory.
when approaching intersections.
Speak with the same respect you expect in return.
Take your license, registration and insurance card
• Do not drive when you are tired.
out only when the officer asks for them. Let the
officer know where these items are located before
you retrieve them.

The officer should inform you of the reason for the

stop. In some cases, the officer may ask you to exit

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 What Every Driver Must Know
Notes

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 What Every Driver Must Know

Safe Driving Knowledge Test

Did you know that . . . ?

• On July 1, 1919, Michigan issued its first driver’s
license to Michigan Governor Albert Sleeper.

• In 1934, the Automobile Club of Michigan worked

with school systems to develop the nation’s first
high-school driver education class.

• Following is a sample safe driving knowledge

test. Can you answer all 10 questions correctly?
(The answers are found in “Resources.”)

1. City driving is more dangerous than expressway b. The weather is bad and roads are slippery.
driving because of the:
c. Traffic is slow in your lane and cars are in the
a. Lower speed limits. left lane.

b. Narrower driving lanes. d. Traffic is light and cars are merging onto the
expressway from the right.
c. Cross traffic and pedestrians.
4. Before turning left, it is important to:
d. Worse road conditions in bad weather.
a. Sound your horn.
2. You come to an intersection with a flashing red
light. You must: b. Yield to oncoming vehicles.

a. Slow down and drive carefully through the c. Swing to the right side of your lane.
intersection.
d. Wait until oncoming traffic has a red light.
b. Turn either right or left since the road is
blocked ahead. 5. When entering an expressway behind several
other vehicles, it is MOST important to:
c. Stop at the intersection and wait for a flashing
green light. a. Keep your eyes on the vehicle in back of you.

d. Stop at the intersection, then proceed as b. Adjust the position and speed of your vehicle
traffic allows. to the flow of traffic.

3. You are driving in the right lane on an expressway. c. Stay as close as possible to the vehicle in
You should probably move into the left lane front of you.
when:
d. Cancel your turn signal.
a. Traffic is heavy but moving steadily.

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 What Every Driver Must Know
6. To reduce the effects of headlight glare at night, 9. When approaching a work zone with a “Where
you should look: Workers Present 45” sign, drivers should:

a. Straight ahead. a. Slow down immediately.

b. Over your shoulder. b. Drive at a safe speed for conditions (up to

the posted speed limit), watch for construction
c. At the center of the road. workers and slow down to 45 mph or lower where
workers are present.
d. To the right edge of the road.
c. Merge to the right lane.
7. You are coming to an intersection with a yellow
flashing light. You should: d. All of the above.

a. Stop and wait for the light to change. 10. While driving on a two-lane road without bicycle
lanes, you encounter a bicyclist traveling in the
b. Make a U-turn; the intersection is closed. same direction. What is the safest way to pass
the bicyclist?
c. Drive carefully through the intersection.
a. Slow down and wait until there is no traffic
d. Prepare to stop; the light is about to turn red. approaching, then pass the bicyclist leaving him
or her sufficient space.
8. When changing lanes, you can check your blind
spot by: b. Continue driving straight, it is the bicyclist’s
responsibility to get out of your way.
a. Using the inside rearview mirror.
c. Do not pass the bicyclist until you come to a
b. Using the outside rearview mirror. traffic signal or stop sign.

c. Using both inside and outside rearview d. Honk to let the bicyclist know you are about
mirrors. to pass.

d. Turning your head and looking over your

shoulder.

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 What Every Driver Must Know
Notes

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