Drivers Quiz

Correct! Though it seems strange, when it comes to preventing car accidents, think of distance in terms of time rather than space. The 3-second rule is generally a good measure of how far behind another car you should stay. To determine this, pick a marker like a sign or a tree, note when the car ahead of you passes the marker, and count how many seconds it takes for you to pass the marker. In bad weather or when your visibility is poor, increase the number of seconds.

Correct! If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, assume they can’t see you either.

Correct! Loud music has been found to slow reaction time while driving. Interestingly though, moderate and quiet music was found to improve driving performance.

Correct! Seat belt saves lives. According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, 66% of fatalities in auto accidents may have been prevented by wearing seat belts.

Correct! In 2020 most of the fatal car accidents happened between 6 pm - 9 pm (18%), followed closely by both 3 pm - 6 pm and 9 pm - midnight (16% each). Saturdays from 9 pm - midnight was the deadliest 3-hour period throughout the year.

Correct! A study showed that driving after about 17 hours of being awake is equivalent to having a blood alcohol content of .05. Though 17 hours of being awake may seem long, it is not uncommon to find yourself in this situation for work, family, or social reasons. Being awake longer than 17 hours or having numerous nights of poor sleep caused even worse performance. 

Correct! All of the above. Should the brakes fail, having the wheel turned towards the curb, pulling forward until the front wheel is against the curb, and pulling the emergency brake will ensure the car rolls towards the curb and comes to a stop. If you are facing uphill, turn the wheel toward the road so the front wheels will roll toward the curb.

Correct! Teens are the most susceptible to getting into car accidents. From age 16 to 19, you are more likely to speed and engage in dangerous driving habits and make driving errors due to lack of experience.

Correct! The best way to avoid accidents is to be aware of what other cars are doing around you, increase the distance between vehicles, and safely change lanes when necessary.

Correct! Though wearing headphones while driving is distracting and affects your ability to hear your surroundings, some states do not have laws against wearing them. It is highly recommended that you avoid wearing headphones while driving to prevent accidents.

Correct! By looking at the right edge of your lane, you should be able to safely follow the lane, ensuring safety for both of you. Flashing your high beams back at them increases the risk of an accident as their vision would also be impeded.

Correct! According to NHTSA, approximately 52% of all accidents occurred within a 5-mile radius of home. Likely because it's the most common area where drivers are driving and may be overconfident or more easily distracted on familiar roads.

Correct! Marijuana affects judgment, motor coordination, decision-making, and reaction time—all of which are important skills for safe driving - which is why every U.S. state has marijuana-impaired driving laws. 

Correct! When officers are parked on the side of the road, they are at high risk of being struck by drivers not paying attention or not moving over. That’s why it’s essential to slow down and change lanes if you see an officer or another vehicle parked on the side of a busy road.

Correct! Though if you guessed all 50 states, we wouldn't blame you. Texting while driving is incredibly reckless, so the only states that don't yet have laws against it are Missouri and Montana.

Correct! Driving slower and with more distance between cars decreases the chance of accidents in any driving conditions but is especially important in ice and snow.

Correct! It is imperative to let emergency vehicles get to where they are going as quickly as possible. When you hear their sirens or see one approaching from behind, stay calm, safely pull over to the side of the road, and allow them to pass.

Correct! Studies show that fatal car accidents are twice as likely for men than women as there are more male drivers on the road, and they are more likely to engage in risky driving behavior like speeding and tailgating.

Correct! Driving on a flat tire is dangerous and can cause structural damage not only to the wheel but also to the brakes and alignment. You should slow down, pull over immediately and replace the tire or call for assistance.

Correct! Studies from NHTSA in 2018 showed that approximately 15% (276,000 total) of auto accidents that result in injury are caused by distracted driving.