Chapter 4 & 5 Study Guide
1. Define a Safe Path of Travel. The area around a vehicle that is free of obstacles and allows
for safe maneuvering.
2. Define Total Stopping Distance and list the 3 steps that make it up. The distance a
vehicle travels from the time a driver perceives a need to stop until it comes to a complete stop.
It consists of:
● Perception Distance
● Reaction Distance
● Braking Distance
3. Define Orderly Search Pattern and give a 10 step example. A systematic method of
scanning the roadway and surroundings for hazards. Steps:
i. Look ahead
ii. Check mirrors
iii. Scan intersections
iv. Observe pedestrians
v. Watch for signals
vi. Check blind spots
vii. Look for road signs
viii.Monitor traffic flow
ix. Assess road conditions
x. Anticipate potential hazards
4. Define Impact Force and list the 3 main factors that determine the amount of Impact
Force. The force exerted when two objects collide. Factors determining Impact Force:
● Speed of the vehicles
● Weight of the vehicles
● Duration of the impact
5. Define Sight Distance, Field of Vision and Depth Perception
● Sight Distance: The distance a driver can see ahead
● Field of Vision: The area visible to the driver
● Depth Perception: The ability to judge distances between objects.
6. What are the 2 main types of Driving Zones? Open Zones and Closed Zones
7. What are the 6 Driving Zones (areas located around your vehicle)? front, rear, left front,
right front, left rear, and right rear
8. What are the 2 types of Conflicts? Vehicle conflicts and Pedestrian conflicts
9. Which is worse, a Quick Stop or a Slow Stop? A quick stop
10. Define Perception Distance. The distance a vehicle travels while a driver perceives a
hazard.
11. List 5 Energy Absorbing Car Features
● Crumple zones
● Airbags
● Seat belts
● Impact-absorbing bumpers
● Energy-absorbing steering columns
12. List 4 factors that contribute to Braking
● Distance Speed
● Road conditions
● Vehicle weight
● Brake condition
13. What is the Average Reaction Time of a driver? ¾ of a second
14. Draw and Label the 3 types of Tire Inflation.
● Under-inflated
● Properly inflated
● Over-inflated
15. Define Tread, Friction and Traction
● Tread: The part of the tire that makes contact with the road.
● Friction: The resistance between two surfaces in contact.
● Traction: The grip between tires and the road.
16. Define Separating Hazards, Minimizing Hazards and Compromising Hazards.
● Separating Hazards: Keeping hazards apart to avoid conflict.
● Minimizing Hazards: Reducing the risk posed by hazards.
● Compromising Hazards: Adjusting driving behavior to accommodate hazards.
17. What is Kinetic Energy and what are the 2 parts of it?
● Mass of the object
● Velocity of the object
18. List the 5 steps to the SMITH SYSTEM.
● Aim high in steering
● Get the big picture
● Keep your eyes moving
● Leave yourself an out
● Make sure they see you
19. If you are traveling 65 mph, how long will it take you to stop your vehicle?
Approximately 4 seconds (depends on conditions)
20. Define Reaction Time and Reaction Distance.
● Reaction Time: The time it takes to respond to a hazard.
● Reaction Distance: The distance traveled during the reaction time.
21. Define Braking Distance
● Braking Distance: The distance a vehicle travels while braking to a stop
22. Define Gravity.
● The force that attracts a body toward the center of the earth.
23. Know how to change the Stopping Distance based on the change in Weight and
Speed (math problems). Stopping distance increases with weight and speed
● Weight: 2x the weight is 2x the stopping distance
● Speed: 2x the speed is 2² the stopping distance
24. Know your Signs.
