Hazard and Risk Perception flashcards

Front

Before signalling to turn right, a driver should first check their mirrors. Why is this the correct sequence?

Back

To be aware of traffic and road users who may be affected by the manoeuvre — The correct sequence is Mirror–Signal–Manoeuvre. Checking mirrors first tells you who is close behind or alongside, so you can signal and manoeuvre safely without cutting across or startling other road users.

Front

When scanning the road ahead, how far ahead should a driver aim to look on an open road?

Back

About 12 seconds of travel time ahead — Drivers are advised to scan roughly 12 seconds ahead so they have time to identify hazards early and react smoothly rather than braking suddenly.

Front

What is a 'blind spot' on a vehicle?

Back

An area around the vehicle not visible in either the interior or exterior mirrors — Blind spots exist where the mirrors give no coverage, typically to the rear-sides of the vehicle. Drivers must turn their head to check these areas before changing lanes or pulling out.

Front

You are about to change lanes on a dual carriageway. After checking your mirrors and signalling, what additional check should you make?

Back

Check your blind spot by glancing over your shoulder — Mirrors do not cover blind spots. A shoulder check (glancing over your shoulder) before the manoeuvre confirms no motorcycle or cyclist is alongside in the space mirrors cannot show.

Front

When passing a parked car, why should you check your mirrors and look ahead carefully before steering out?

Back

A door may open or a pedestrian may step out from between vehicles — Parked vehicles hide pedestrians and cyclists; a door opening ('dooring') can cause a serious collision. Scanning ahead and checking mirrors lets you time the pass safely.

Front

What is the minimum safe passing distance when overtaking a cyclist on a road with a speed limit of 50 km/h or less?

Back

1 metre — Under Irish road traffic legislation, drivers must give at least 1 metre of clearance when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 50 km/h or less.

Front

What is the minimum safe passing distance when overtaking a cyclist on a road with a speed limit above 50 km/h?

Back

1.5 metres — Where the speed limit exceeds 50 km/h, drivers must give at least 1.5 metres of clearance to cyclists. Higher speeds mean greater impact force if something goes wrong.

Front

You see a group of children near the footpath ahead. Which of the following is the best action?

Back

Slow down and be ready to stop; children can step into the road without warning — Children are unpredictable and can dart into the road suddenly. Reducing speed and being prepared to stop is the safest response.

Front

Why are elderly pedestrians considered a higher-risk group near roads?

Back

They may move slower, have reduced hearing or vision, and misjudge vehicle speeds — Age-related reductions in mobility, hearing and vision mean elderly pedestrians may step out or cross slowly, making it harder for them to judge gaps in traffic.

Front

You are approaching a school at 3:30 pm on a weekday. What should you expect and do?

Back

Slow down; there may be many children crossing or getting into cars — School opening and closing times bring large numbers of children on foot and on bicycles. Speed must be reduced and extra caution applied.

Front

When following a motorcyclist, why should you leave a greater following distance than you would for a car?

Back

Motorcyclists can brake very quickly and a rear impact would be catastrophic for them — Motorcyclists are highly vulnerable; rear-end collisions at low speed can cause fatal injuries. A larger gap gives you more time to react if they brake suddenly.

Front

You see a horse and rider ahead on a country road. What is the safest action?

Back

Slow down significantly, pass wide and slow, avoiding sudden sounds — Horses are easily startled by noise and fast-moving objects. Slow speed, generous lateral clearance, and no sudden sounds or lights reduce the risk of the horse bolting.

Front

When should you use your front and rear fog lights?

Back

Only when visibility is seriously reduced (generally below 100 metres) — Fog lights should only be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres. Using them in clear conditions dazzles other drivers and is illegal. You must switch them off when visibility improves.

Front

When driving in fog, which lights should you use?

Back

Dipped headlights and front/rear fog lights when visibility is seriously reduced — Full beam reflects off fog and reduces visibility. Dipped headlights with fog lights improve your visibility to others without the reflection problem.

Front

How do stopping distances change on a wet road compared to a dry road?

Back

They roughly double — Water reduces tyre grip significantly. Overall stopping distances (thinking distance plus braking distance) approximately double on a wet road compared to a dry one.

Front

What is aquaplaning and when is it most likely to occur?

Back

Loss of steering and braking when tyres ride on a film of water at speed — Aquaplaning happens when water builds up in front of the tyres faster than it can be displaced, lifting them off the road. It is most likely at higher speeds during heavy rain.

Front

If you feel your vehicle start to aquaplane, what is the correct action?

Back

Ease off the accelerator gently and hold the steering straight until grip returns — Sudden braking or steering inputs can make the skid worse. Easing off the accelerator gradually reduces speed so the tyres can regain contact with the road surface.

Front

What is black ice and why is it particularly dangerous?

Back

A thin, transparent layer of ice on the road surface that is almost invisible — Black ice is nearly transparent, taking on the colour of the road. Drivers often cannot see it until they have already lost grip, making it one of the most hazardous winter road conditions.

Front

On a road with a thin layer of ice, by approximately how much does your braking distance increase compared to a dry road?

Back

Up to ten times — Ice dramatically reduces tyre friction. Braking distances can be up to ten times longer on ice than on a dry road, so a large speed reduction and large following gap are essential.

Front

When driving in snow, what tactic best helps maintain vehicle control?

Back

Drive slowly in a high gear with gentle acceleration and braking — Using a higher gear at low speeds reduces wheelspin. Smooth, gentle inputs to the accelerator, brakes, and steering keep the tyres gripping in snow.

Front

At night, when should you switch from full beam headlights to dipped headlights?

Back

When an oncoming vehicle appears or when following closely behind another vehicle — Full beam dazzles oncoming drivers and the driver ahead in your mirrors. Dip headlights whenever an oncoming vehicle is visible or when you are following another vehicle.

Front

What should you do if an oncoming driver dazzles you with their full beam headlights?

Back

Slow down, look towards the left edge of the road, and stop if necessary — Flashing full beam in retaliation dazzles the oncoming driver and creates a serious risk of a head-on collision. Instead, slow down, look towards the left edge of the road, and stop if necessary.

Front

What is the main advantage of dipped headlights over sidelights at night?

Back

They illuminate the road much further ahead, allowing earlier hazard detection — Sidelights (parking lights) have very limited range and are not intended for driving. Dipped headlights illuminate the road adequately so the driver can identify hazards in time to react.

Front

What is the thinking distance component of stopping distance?

Back

The distance the vehicle travels from when the driver perceives a hazard to when the foot reaches the brake — Thinking (or reaction) distance is the distance covered during the driver's reaction time — from seeing the hazard to pressing the brake. It increases with speed and with driver fatigue or distraction.

Front

On a dry road at 100 km/h, which factors increase overall stopping distance?

Back

Driver fatigue, worn tyres, and higher speed — Fatigue lengthens reaction time; worn tyres reduce braking grip; higher speed increases both reaction distance and braking distance. All three raise overall stopping distance.

Front

On a long motorway journey, how often should a driver plan to take a rest break to manage fatigue?

Back

At least every 2 hours — Driving fatigue builds gradually. A rest break of at least 15 minutes every 2 hours is recommended to maintain alertness. Waiting until you actually feel sleepy is too late.

Front

Which of the following is the BEST remedy when you feel drowsy while driving?

Back

Stop safely, have a caffeinated drink, and take a short nap of around 15–20 minutes — Fresh air and loud music only delay the onset of sleep temporarily. Caffeine combined with a short nap is the most effective way to restore alertness before continuing.

Front

How does driving while tired affect a driver?

Back

It impairs reaction time in a way similar to alcohol — Severe sleep deprivation produces impairment comparable to alcohol intoxication. Reaction time, decision-making, and hazard perception all deteriorate significantly when a driver is tired.

Front

At a zebra crossing, a pedestrian has stepped onto the crossing. What must the driver do?

Back

Give way immediately to the pedestrian — Once a pedestrian has stepped onto a zebra crossing, the driver must stop and give way. Pedestrians have priority as soon as they are on the crossing.

Front

What type of road users are permitted to use a toucan crossing?

Back

Pedestrians and cyclists — 'Toucan' stands for 'Two can cross' — both pedestrians and cyclists are permitted to cross simultaneously at a toucan crossing.

Front

At a pelican crossing, the amber light is flashing. What should a driver do?

Back

Give way to any pedestrians still on the crossing, then proceed if clear — A flashing amber at a pelican crossing means give way to pedestrians already on the crossing. Once the crossing is clear, drivers may proceed.

Front

You are driving at 50 km/h in a residential area when you see a ball roll into the road. What should you anticipate?

Back

A child may follow the ball into the road without looking — A ball or other toy entering the road is a strong indicator that a child may follow instantly without looking. Immediate speed reduction is essential.

Front

On a narrow country road, you approach a sharp bend. What is the primary hazard to anticipate?

Back

An oncoming vehicle or slow-moving agricultural vehicle on your side of the road — Narrow country roads often have blind bends where oncoming traffic or large slow-moving farm vehicles may appear suddenly or occupy more than their lane width.

Front

You are driving on a rural road and a tractor is blocking your path. What should you do?

Back

Stay well back, wait for a safe, clear, straight stretch before overtaking — Agricultural machinery is wide and slow. Drivers must be patient, stay back to see the road ahead, and only overtake on a straight, clear section with no oncoming traffic.