Take this safe driving quiz to check yourself!

Do you know that statistically, a driver with 10 years of experience is more likely to fail a standard driving test than one who has just received their license?

It is because we tend to get a bit too confident and even arrogant on the road with time, invent our own safety rules and make judgments according to our previous experience rather than whatever traffic rules tell us.

But are you sure that another driver has the same experience and will behave the same as you on the road? Those rules and regulations exist for a reason. They are aimed to keep all the drivers and their passengers as well as pedestrians equally safe on the road and unify the traffic to prevent all sorts of accidents.

Take our short quiz to make sure that you remember all those essential regulations and see where you may need to refresh your knowledge.

• The speed limit is:
  1. The maximum legal speed limit you can travel on the road under ideal conditions
  2. A guideline to how fast you should travel on the road at all times
  3. The minimum speed you can travel on the road

  Answer – 1. The posted speed limit provides for the ideal conditions only and may turn out too high in case of rain, ice, road works, etc.

• What is the minimum gap you should allow between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you under ideal driving conditions?
  1. At least 5 seconds
  2. At least one car length
  3. At least 2 seconds

  Answer – 3. The “Two Second” or “Two Mississippi” rule helps you define the minimum gap you should allow between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Choose a fixed object that a car in front of you passes and count “One Mississippi, Two Mississippi” before your car passes the same spot.

• Traveling behind another vehicle on a wet road, you should:
  1. Keep a closer distance
  2. Make sure to travel at the same speed
  3. Keep a longer distance than you would do traveling on a dry road

  Answer – 3. It will take longer to stop your vehicle on a wet road. Make sure to at least double the distance you would normally observe.

• What is the speed limit on a road under construction?
  1. The speed limit shown on the temporary road work signs
  2. It is not allowed to travel on roads under construction repair
  3. 20 miles per hour

  Answer – 1. The speed limit is determined by many factors and may vary from one area to another. Therefore, you should observe the speed limit market on the temporary road work signs.

• Drinking and driving are dangerous because:
  1. You can lose your license if caught by the Police
  2. It can affect your ability to judge the speed and distance on the road
  3. It can cause aggressive driving behavior

  Answer – 2. Driving under the influence, you are likely to lose concentration and fail to judge the speed of your vehicle and distance between other objects adequately.

• To avoid “drivers’ fatigue,” you should:
  1. Never drive at night
  2. Keep driving anyway, and the fatigue passes by itself with time
  3. Take regular breaks during a long road trip and get out of the car to stretch your legs and switch your mind

  Answer – 3. Provided that you sleep 7-8 hours per day, stay hydrated, and take regular breaks, you will avoid “drivers` fatigue.” Once you feel tired, never try to “tough it out.” Stop for a break or even a short nap.

• Using a mobile phone during driving is:
  1. OK, if you are sure that you won’t lose concentration
  2. One of the most common reasons for car accidents in the United States
  3. Legal in 3 states

  Answer – 2. Mobile phone use while driving is a reason for over 1.5 million car accidents all over the United States, which lead to almost 400,000 severe injuries every year. 

• Driving over the speed limit is dangerous because:
  1. You have less time to react to a hazard
  2. You are more likely to get a concussion in case of an accident
  3. The wheels of your car wear out quicker

  Answer – 1. The faster you travel, the less time you have to react in case of an emergency or unexpected hazard

• You should not try to pass a vehicle in front of you if:
  1. It is a much bigger vehicle than yours
  2. To pass it, you have to go over the speed limit
  3. On a hill or a curve

  Answer – 3. On a hill or a curve, you don’t see the traffic in front of you clearly. Therefore it is particularly dangerous to change a lane or try to pass another vehicle in such areas.

• Driving over the speed limit is:
  1. OK, once you go less than 5 MPH over the speed limit
  2. Illegal
  3. Allowed if the traffic is low

  Answer – 2. Going any amount over the speed limit is illegal under all circumstances, even if it’s only 5 MPH.

Final thoughts

Do you want to ensure your safety and comfort on the road? Your knowledge of traffic and safety rules is as important as the condition of your car. Make sure to contact OHS Body Shop or visit one of our branches located all over Montana’s Greater Flathead Valley, in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls and Polson. Here you will find qualified mechanics, quality products, and all the necessary services to make sure that your driving experience is as smooth as it can be.