Drive Right Chapter 8 Study Guide

4/15/2008

Drive Right Chapter 8 Study Guide

 

How many cyclist fatalities occur each year?	About 2,000.
Why should drivers of larger vehicles protect motorcyclists?	Unlike the driver of a larger vehicle, a motorcyclist has little or no protection when conflicts occur. Some motorcyclists can be inexperienced at riding, and can therefore be very dangerous. Gauge their skill levels before attempting to pass them.
How would you use the IPDE Process when sharing the roadway with motorcyclists?	a.       Identify – Search all zones for motorcycles, which are harder to see. Do not be surprised by the sudden appearance of a motorcycle. b.      Predict – Anticipate actions of motorcyclists that might enter your path. c.       Decide - Base your decisions on the problems that confront the motorcyclist, d.      Execute – Carry out your actions.
Where should one look for motorcyclists?	a.       At intersections or driveways b.      Turning left as you are approaching an intersection c.       In your blind spots d.      Tailgating e.      Passing a vehicle on the right or left
How should you pass a motorcyclist?	Never tailgate a cyclist before passing. The appearance of a very close vehicle in the cyclists’ rearview mirror could cause some unexpected action and result in conflict. When you plan to overtake and pass a motorcyclist, stay well back until you start to pass.
When should you increase your following distance when behind a motorcyclist?	A motorcyclist’s balance and stability depend on two small areas of tires that grip the roadway. Water, sand, oil, wet leaves, potholes, or loose gravel reduce traction and can make motorcycle control even more uncertain.
Why should you make a motorcyclist aware of you?	When following a motorcyclist, do not assume the cyclist is aware of your presence. Traffic and wind noises make it more difficult for the cyclist to hear. Protective helmets worn by cyclists might also muffle some traffic sounds. The small size of the mirrors on the handlebars and the vibration of the motorcycle can restrict the motorcyclist’s view to the rear. Keep extra space in your front zone when you think a cyclist is unaware of your presence.
How does braking and accelerating differ for motorcyclists?	A vehicle driver needs only to step on the foot brake to stop a vehicle. However, a motorcyclist must operate separate brakes for front and rear wheels. A lever on the right handlebar operates the front brake. This brake supplies most of the braking power for stopping. A foot pedal controls the rear brake. A cyclist must coordinate both foot and hand brakes carefully for maximum braking. If either brake is applied too hard it can lock and cause loss of control.
How does loss of balance affect how a motorcyclist rides?	Unlike four-wheel vehicles, a motorcycle might have difficulty remaining upright while in motion. Be alert and anticipate that the cyclist can lose control, especially if the roadway is wet or covered with oil drippings.
What kind of protective equipment should a rider wear?	a.       Helmet – The headgear worn to reduce or prevent head injuries. b.      Eye-Protection – Goggles or a face shield. c.       Heavy shoes or boots. d.      Full-length pants and jacket made of durable material. e.      Full-fingered gloves.
What are some special riding problems that motorcyclists can run into?	a.       Adverse weather conditions b.      Motorcyclist crossing railroad tracks c.       Motorcyclists carrying passengers
How can motorcyclists help other drivers be aware of them?	a.       Ride in groups b.      Be visible in traffic c.       Take added precautions at night, when it is much harder for a driver to see them
What are some responsibilities of bicyclists?	a.       Wear a helmet for protection. b.      Know and follow the laws regarding roadway riding, lane position, and sidewalk riding. c.       Obey all signs, signals, and laws. d.      Wear light-colored clothing and have lights and reflectors on bicycles when riding at night. e.      Do not wear earphones while bicycling. Wearing earphones while bicycling or driving a motor vehicle is illegal in many states. f.        Keep bicycles in safe operating condition.
How can a driver prevent conflicts with bicyclists?	a.       Check rear zones and signal early when you plan to slow or stop. b.      Help others identify a bicyclist by adjusting your position. At night, use low-beam headlights so that others can see the cyclist. c.       Reduce speed and increase space when you are unsure of a bicyclist’s control. d.      Look for bicyclists before opening the street-side door of your vehicle.
What is a moped?	A moped is a two-wheeled vehicle that can be driven by either a motor or a pedal.
What is a motor scooter?	A motor scooter is a low-powered two-wheeled vehicle. It is more powerful than a moped. A motor scooter is similar to a motorcycle, though most motor scooters require no shifting.
What are some restrictions on mopeds and motor scooters?	Most states require moped and motor scooter operators to have an operator’s license. Mopeds and motor scooters are restricted from certain high-speed roadways. Both the speed and the acceleration of mopeds are limited. Because they do not accelerate to traffic speed as quickly as a motorcycle or other vehicles, they may be unable to keep up with the traffic flow.
What are some responsibilities of moped and motor scooter drivers?	a.       Wear protective clothing. At night, wear clothing that has reflective tape on it. b.      Have the headlight on at all times. c.       Position the vehicle in the lane so it can be seen by others. d.      Keep a space cushion between themselves and other vehicles. e.      Use extra care when riding on wet or slippery surfaces. f.        Concentrate on the driving task and use the IPDE process.
Where can you expect to see pedestrians?	a.       Alleys and driveways b.      Business districts c.       Residential areas d.      Jogging areas
Why should you use extra caution for pedestrians?	Many pedestrians who do not drive are not fully aware of traffic laws and signals. Children and older people are most at risk. Children are less visible to drivers and often lack the judgment to know when it is safe to cross streets. Older people may not hear or see well and may be unaware of possible conflicts. Other adult pedestrians may just get careless. They are drivers of vehicles and fully understand traffic laws. However, they are in a hurry or are trying to escape bad weather, they may take chances and forget the risks involved.
What are some guidelines about parking lot use?	a.       Obey parking-lot speed limits. b.      Follow the routes for traffic flow. Do not drive diagonally across parking-lot lines. c.       Be alert for pedestrians, bicyclists, roller-bladers, and skateboarders. d.      Avoid tight parking spaces. Try to avoid parking in end spaces. e.      Drive far enough into the space so the front or rear of your vehicle will not extend into the path of moving traffic. f.        Position your vehicle properly in the parking space. g.       Secure the vehicle properly. h.      Continually scan in all directions when backing out of a parking space. If vision is blocked by a large vehicle, tap the horn before you back out. i.         Watch for others who may back out toward you and may not see your vehicle. The drivers in the picture nearly collided because they were not aware that the other driver was backing out.
What is a recreational vehicle?	A recreational vehicle is a type of vehicle used mainly for pleasure and travel.
What steps should you follow to clear the way for an emergency vehicle?	Always yield to emergency vehicles with sirens and flashing lights – regardless of the direction the vehicle is traveling. When you see the lights or hear the siren, pull over to the right as far as possible. Stop if there is space and it is safe to do so. If you are in heavy traffic, move in the direction other drivers are moving. Leave as much space for the emergency vehicle as possible. Some drivers become careless about their response to emergency vehicles. They fail to pull over or stop. Not only are they putting themselves and the emergency vehicle at risk, but they may be harming others who are waiting for the emergency vehicle.
What is a tractor trailer?	A truck that has a powerful tractor that pulls a separate trailer is called a tractor trailer.
What is a tractor-semitrailer?	The most common size tractor trailer is the tractor-semitrailer. This is a tractor that pulls one trailer and is commonly called an ‘eighteen wheeler’.
What is a no-zone?	Large blind spots where truck drivers cannot see other vehicles and where most collisions occur.
What precautions should you take when following a large truck?	When drivers travel in a truck’s no-zones, they put themselves at a high degree of risk because they cannot be seen by the truck driver. When you are following a large truck, increase your following distance to allow clear sight distance ahead. Stay far enough back so you can see the side view mirrors of the truck. If you can’t see one of the driver’s side view mirrors, then the driver can’t see you.
How should you pass large trucks?	a.       Check front and rear zones, signal a lane change, and change lanes smoothly. b.      Stay in lane position 2 during the passing maneuver, and complete your pass as quickly as possible. c.       After you can see both headlights in your rearview mirror, signal check over your right shoulder, and return to the right lane. CAUTION: In many trucks the front no-zone can extend over 20 feet. Be sure you are well beyond that distance before you return to the right lane. d.      Do not slow during or after completing the pass. Maintain your highway speed.
How should one meet large trucks?	When you meet a large truck, move to lane position 3. Look well ahead and drive in a straight line. Try to choose a meeting point where the shoulder offers an escape path. Hold the steering wheel firmly because you might encounter a wind gust as you meet the larger vehicle.