Sharing the Road, Special Situations, and Vehicle Safety
This domain covers the road users who need extra room and the situations that change the normal rules.
Vulnerable road users
Give pedestrians the right of way in crosswalks and when they are crossing with a signal. Pass bicyclists with at least three feet of clearance and do not honk at them. Motorcyclists are entitled to a full lane; never share a lane with a motorcycle. Around large trucks, avoid the blind spots on both sides, directly behind, and immediately in front; if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, the driver cannot see you. Never pass a school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm, in either direction, unless you are on a divided highway and the bus is on the opposite side.
Special situations
At railroad crossings, stop if lights flash, the gate is down, or a train is approaching; never try to beat a train. In work zones, slow down, obey flaggers, and expect narrowed lanes and fines doubled for violations. When an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and siren, pull to the right and stop until it passes. If your vehicle begins to skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go; do not slam the brakes. If a tire blows, hold the wheel firmly and slow gradually.
Vehicle safety
Maintain tires, brakes, lights, and wipers. Use seat belts and require passengers to buckle up. If your brakes fail, pump them and use a lower gear or the parking brake gradually.
Traps
Questions often test the school-bus rule and the divided-highway exception, plus the correct skid recovery technique.
Rule of thumb
When in doubt around trucks, buses, bikes, or trains, give more space and more time.