How Good of a Driver Are You? Take the Quiz.
Being a good driver usually just means you pay full attention to the road. It means watching what’s ahead and behind you. Unfortunately, it also means having to pay attention to what other motorists are doing too. This is especially true on California freeways and boulevards, where drivers seem to try crazier stunts with each passing year.
Being a conscientious driver can’t keep you out of all accidents. But that extra check of the mirrors or glance at the speedometer might be the difference between a fender bender and a devastating head-on collision.
California Highway Safety Check-Up Test
There are certain habits that most safe drivers practice. There are a few practices that separate safe drivers from reckless drivers. Take this simple roadway safety check to see if you are being as safe as possible behind the wheel:
Answer: Many people think aggressive driving is only when a motorist pulls out a gun or gets out of a car for a physical confrontation. But AAA goes over several other actions that could make you guilty of aggressive driving. They report that speeding in heavy traffic, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, and cutting in front of drivers and then slowing down can all cause confrontations and lead to accidents. Good drivers should avoid ever using headlights or brakes to “punish” other drivers.
Answer: The DMV’s California Driver’s Handbook states that you should make it as easy as possible for that driver to pass. Safe drivers will avoid accelerating and keep their cars steady in the lane as the vehicle passes. Never accelerate to avoid being passed.
Answer: No. The California DMV details how the speed limit posted along a highway isn’t always the speed limit. California’s “basic speed law” indicates that drivers must never travel faster than is safe for current conditions. That safe speed may be much different from the current posted speed limit. Good drivers slow down at the first sign of trouble. Those factors can include bad weather, and the presence of a cyclist or pedestrian using the roadway. The number of cars on the freeway and the speed of other vehicles also determine how fast your top speed should be.
Answer: U-turns are allowed in many places, but there are certain spots where the maneuver is prohibited according to the California DMV. Don’t make these turns where “No U-turn” signs are posted. Never make a U-turn at a railroad crossing or in front of a fire station. Don’t make them if you can’t see clearly at least 200 feet in both directions due to a curve, weather, or any other reason.
Answer: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends inspecting tires at least once a month and before long trips. Check tires after they’ve had a chance to rest and cool off at least three hours after the last use. Replace tires that have worn tread or are too old. Some manufacturers suggest getting tires replaced every six years regardless of how much they’ve been used. Good drivers maintain safe vehicles.
Answer: The California DMV recommends that drivers use turn signals in these and other situations:
- During the last 100 feet before reaching the turning point (left or right turn).
- Before every lane change.
- At least 5 seconds before you change lanes on a freeway.
- Before pulling up to the curb or away from the curb.
Good drivers know to use a turn signal even if they don’t see other vehicles around. Always assume that there are motorists you can’t see.
Answer: The CDC reports on the dangers of distracted driving. Nine people are killed by distracted driving on U.S. roads each day. There are three main types of distraction:
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
You may have noticed that a cell phone can cause all three types of distraction. Never hold a cell phone while driving.
Answer: The guidelines vary depending on who you ask. Some experts use the rule of thumb of keeping one car length between you and the car ahead for every 10 mph you are going. State Farm Insurance recommends using the “three-second rule.” It means leaving three seconds of time between each car. You would count off the time when the car ahead of you passes a stationary object until the time you pass the object. You should count off three to four seconds before you reach the same object.
Answer: Defensive driving is all about anticipation. Amazon and FedEx drivers will be making a lot of stops. Rideshare drivers can whip over to the curb to pick up a passenger at any moment. These employees will also use their cell phones and computers a lot to find addresses and keep up with orders. Stay plenty of car lengths behind these on-the-clock drivers until you can safely pass. This extra caution will prevent a lot of accidents.
Answer: Safe drivers know that traveling at a turtle’s pace can put you at risk of accidents just like speeding can. In normal conditions, when you travel at speeds well below the posted speed limit you can catch approaching drivers by surprise. They may not brake in time to avoid hitting you. It may be their fault, but you still don’t want to create a situation for an accident or injury. Going slow puts you in close proximity to more cars, SUVs, and trucks as they try to pass you. This only increases the chances of a scary collision.
A word for California car accident victims injured in accidents…
Being a “good” driver doesn’t guarantee you’ll never be in an accident. But that extra care you show will almost always mean you will steer clear of many more accidents than a careless or reckless driver ever will. Hopefully, this quiz served as a good reminder for what drivers should keep in mind as they merge onto dangerous California streets each day.
If you or a loved one are forced into a collision, contact Maison Law’s California Car Accident Lawyers to get a free, no-obligation case consultation. This confidential case review is a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to demand full compensation from an unhelpful auto insurance company.
