Handling Emergency Situations Part 1
When is nightime, according to the Driver's Handbook?
The period that begins one hour after sunset and ends one hour before sunrise.
Note: You must use your headlights at night or when you cannot see clearly for 150m in front of you.
List the steps involved in emergency braking (i.e., stopping or slowing quickly)
1. Press down hard on the brake pedal, but not hard enough to cause the wheels to lock.
2. If the wheels lock, quickly release the brake pedal and press hard again.
3. Look and steer in the direction you want to go.
Note: If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS) you must use a steady hard pressure on the brake pedal.
What must you do if you are involved in a collision?
- Stay at the scene!!
- If anyone is injured, or if damages to all property involved in the accident appear to be $2,000 or more, the accident must be reported to the police immediatley.
- If the other driver asks for your information, you must provide them with your driver's licence and registration.
What is the "two second" rule?
It is used to make sure that you are not following too closely behind a vehicle. It is calculated by watching the back of the vehicle ahead of you passes a fixed object. Count to two. If you pass the same object before you are finished counting, you are following too closely.
Note: When weather conditions are poor, you should increase your following distance.
What do you do if you see a school bus stopped on a non-divided highway?
If alternating amber lights, pass with extreme caution and be prepared to stop.
If alternating red lights, do not pass. you must come to a complete stop and wait for it to load and unload its students.
Can drivers under the Graduated Driver Licensing program consume any alcohol before driving?
No! Drivers licensed under the Graduated Driving Licensing Program (GDL) are restricted from operating a vehicle when any amount of alcohol has been consumed.
Violators will have their licence suspended automatically for 30 days.
What should be done in case of a mechanical breakdown on a highway?
1. Change lanes safely to move off the road
2. Try to get to the nearest exit
3. Turn on the hazard lights and raise the hood
4. All occupants should leave the car and move to a safe location.
5. Don't stop on a bridge or at an underpass.
Most skids (loss of tire traction) are the result of driver error. When are they most likely to happen?
Skids occur when...
- Turn too sharply
- Turn at too great a speed
- Brake too hard
- Accelerate too fast
- Drive too fast for the road conditions
Note: When in a skid, keep your foot off the brake pedal and steer in the direction you want to go
What should you do when you pass an emergency vehicle with its light flashing?
- Slow down to half the posted speed limit.
- Change lanes if necessary.
- Be prepared to stop.
Note: A police officer's directions must always be obeyed.
What is meant by the term "space cushion"?
It is the area around your vehicle when you leave enough space between yourself and the vehicle ahead, behind and to either side.
Note: Most rear end collisions could be avoided by allowing more room.
What do you do if you see a school bus stopped on a divided highway?
If alternating amber lights, pas with extreme caution and be prepared to stop.
If alternating red lights, drivers on the same side cannot pass. You must come to a stop before you reach the bus, and you must not move ahead until the flashing lights are turned off.
Drivers approaching the school bus from the front can proceed with caution.
What happens to drivers with Graduated Driver's Licences when they accumulate demerit points?
6 or more demerit points:
- Your licence will be suspended for 1 month
- You must pay a demerit point reinstatement fee
- You will be in the Probationary stage for an additional 6 months
12 or more demerit points:
- Your licence will be suspended for 3 months
- You must pay a demerit point reinstatemnet fee
- You will be in the Probationary stage for an additional 6 months
15 or more demerit points:
- Your licence will be suspended for 6 months
- You must paya. demerit point reinstatement fee
- You will be in the Probationary stage for an additional 12 months
What must be done if you get a flat tire while driving?
1. Take your foot off the gas and let the engine slow down
2. Hold the steering wheel firmly
3. When the vehicle has slowed, apply gentle pressure to brakes
4. Look for a safe place to move off the road
5. Turn on your hazard warning lights
When should you use low beams?
1. 150 m behind another vehicle
2. 300 m in front of an oncoming vehicle
3. During poor weather conditions including rain, snow, smoke and fog
What is hydroplaning?
When a thin layer of water builds up between your tires and the road surface causing the vehicle to skid.
It is important to be well rested before you drive. If you are feeling tired, what should you do?
Stop for a rest
What must you do when an emergency vehicle approaches you from any direction and is sounding its siren?
1. Immediately move clear of any intersection.
2. Drive as close as possible to the curb or edge of the roadway.
3. Stop until the emergency vehicle has passed.
The first thing that a drink of alcohol affects is judgment. What will help you sober up after drinking?
The only thing that sobers you up is time.
Note: Medications can also impair driving, with side effects ranging from drowsiness or dizziness to poor judgment and decreased motor skills. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any new medication that is prescribed to you. Be aware of the effects on your driving and general health.
What should you do if your headlights don't work?
1. Turn headlights off and on
2. Use hazard lights if they still don't work
3. Slow down and pull off the road in a safe place
Where should you look when an oncoming vehicle's lights are shining in your eyes?
Look somewhat down and to the right edge of your driving lane
What is black ice?
When moisture freezes on the road surface. Usually drivers can't see it. It looks shiny and black.
Why should you allow more following distancewhen driving behind a motorcycle?
- They stop quickly
- Poor road conditions can cause them to lose control
Note: Even though motorcyclists often drive in the left portion of their lane, you should always pass them (and cyclists) as if they were vehicles, allowing as much space as possible. You should never share a lane with a motorcycle.
How far away should you follow an emergency vehicle that has its lights and siren operating?
150 m
How many braking systems are there on all vehicles?
Two seperate braking systems are required on all vehicles.
Note: Water on the brake drums will reduce braking efficiency. If you have to drive through water, place a slight drag (i.e., pressure) on brakes before entering the water.
What does "overdriving" your headlights mean?
Driving at a speed that does not let you see an object in time to stop.
Note: If you have dimmed your headlights, slow down. You should always keep your stopping distance within your sight distance.
Where should you look when trying to avoid a collision with an animal?
Look aheadand scan the side of the road for animals.
- Be careful at dusk and dawn since it is harder to see the animals.
- Look for sudden unusual spots of light on or near the road at night. This may be the reflection of your headlights on an animal's eyes.
Why should you be cautious when sharing the road with larger vehicles?
- They have large blind spots, so they may not be able to see you when backing up or driving
- They need extra room to turn
- A car driving beside a large vehicle is in an area of air turbulence, so the car may be harder to handle
Note: "No zones" are a truck's blind spots. If you can see the driver's face in the side mirror, then they can see you too.