Bikes or Motorcycles
On most motorcycles, what control do you operate with your left hand?
The clutch.
What color are most fire trucks in the United States?
Red! (Even though you sometimes see white or yellow ones).
What are those white or yellow painted lines on the road that show you where to cross the street?
A crosswalk!
What is the famous, specific color of almost every school bus in the U.S. and Canada?
School Bus Yellow
What do you call the part of the semi-truck where the driver sits, and what do you call the part it pulls?
The part the driver is in is the "tractor" (or cab), and the part it pulls is the "trailer."
What is "counter-steering" on a motorcycle, and when is it used
It's the technique used to turn at medium and high speeds. To turn right, you slightly push the right handlebar forward (or pull the left one)
What's the main difference between a regular police car and an "unmarked" police car?
A regular police car is obvious it's got all the "police" decals, paint, and a light bar on the roof.
At a crosswalk light, what does the solid red "hand" symbol mean?
Don't walk!
What's the difference between the yellow flashing lights on a school bus and the red flashing lights?
Yellow flashing lights mean the bus is about to stop.
Why do semi-trucks have so many wheels (often 18 of them)?
To spread out the weight of the super heavy load they're carrying. This prevents them from damaging the roads and gives them better traction and braking.
What is the name of the component on a bicycle that you use to change gears?
It's called a "derailleur" or "gear shifter."
You know that blue, spiky star symbol you see on the side of ambulances? What's that for?
That's the "Star of Life," and it's the official symbol for emergency medical services
What's the common name for crossing the street in the middle of the block where there isn't a crosswalk?
Jaywalking.
Why do most big school buses have those really tall, padded seats, but usually no seatbelts?
It's a safety design called "compartmentalization." The high, energy-absorbing seats are packed closely together to create a protective "compartment," like eggs in a carton, to protect kids during a crash.
When you see a sign on a hill that says "Truckers: Use Low Gear," what are they trying to prevent?
They're trying to prevent the truck's brakes from overheating and failing. Using a low gear (called "engine braking") helps slow the truck down without them having to ride the brakes the whole way.
What does "ABS" stand for on a motorcycle, and what does it do?
It stands for "Anti-lock Braking System
Why do emergency vehicles use both flashing lights and a loud siren?
It's a two-part system! The lights are for people to see them coming (especially at night or in their mirrors), and the siren is for people to hear them (like at intersections or when a driver isn't paying attention).
If a car is turning right at a green light, but you also have the "walk" symbol to cross that same street, who is supposed to go first?
You (the pedestrian)! The car is supposed to yield to you.
What are those black metal "stripes" or ridges that run along the side of a school bus for?
They're called "rub rails," and they're made of strong steel. They're there to help protect the side of the bus from being punctured or crushed during a collision.
What's a "sleeper cab"?
It's a truck cab that has a small sleeping compartment (with a bed, etc.) built in right behind the driver's seat, so the driver can live and sleep in the truck during long-haul trips.
What is the main difference between a road bike and a mountain bike
A road bike is designed for speed on pavement, with thin tires and curved handlebars. A mountain bike is built for rough terrain, with wide, knobby tires and usually has suspension.
Why do some extra-long fire trucks (the ones with the huge ladder) look like they have a steering wheel on the very back?
: Because they do! That's called a "tiller truck," and a second firefighter sits back there to steer the rear wheels.
What are those bright yellow (or red) bumpy sections on the sidewalk ramp right before you step into the street?
They're called tactile paving (or warning strips). They're designed to help visually impaired people feel with their feet or a cane that they've reached the edge of the sidewalk.
Why do school buses have all those different mirrors (like 6 or 7) all over the front?
They're all for covering the "danger zones." These are the blind spots right in front of the bumper and along the sides where a small child could be walking and be completely invisible to the driver.
What is a "Jake brake" (or engine brake), and what does it sound like?
It's a special system in the engine that truckers use to slow down without using their regular brakes. It's famous for making that loud, rumbling "BRAP-BRAP-BRAP" noise you hear, which is why many towns have signs banning them.