Module 9: Topic 1
Visibility
1. Driving at Night:
a. Dirt on the lens of headlights can reduce light by up to _____ percent.
b. How can you check to see if the lights are working properly?
c. How far do high beams let us see?
d. What is the sight distance rule?
e. When driving at night, drivers need to leave more ________than they would in the
daytime.
2. Visibility:
a. The distance a driver can see ahead is limited and headlights do not illuminate offroad areas.
b. Visibility is also compromised by the ___________ from other vehicles.
3. Headlights:
a. High beam headlights
 Used when safe and legal at speeds of ___________ mph
b. Low beam headlights
 Used in bad weather or when following or meeting
another car at night - safe at speed of __________ mph
4. Night Driving Skills:
a. Adjust speed to distance illuminated by headlights
b. Keep your eyes ____________ searching ahead and at edges of the roadway
c. Flash lights once quickly if oncoming vehicle is using high beams
5. Night Driving Risks:
a. Reduces ability to see risks
b. Requires eyes to adjust quickly to glare
c. Places limitations on gathering and processing information in time
d. The distance you can see ahead is shorter - especially at higher speeds
e. Headlights provide little illumination of off-road areas
f. Ability to judge distances is compromised
g. The glare from oncoming and following vehicles impairs vision
h. Must drive “blind” while recovering from the glare
6. Driving Tips for Poor Visibility:
a. ________speed to accommodate shortened sight distance
b. Use _______________ flashers when traveling below speed limit
c. Maintain appropriate lane position
d. If stopping distance longer than sight distance, slow down and don’t drive “blindly”
into the darkness.
7. Safety Tips for Driving at Night:
a. Before passing, the driver passing can flash his/her headlights to warn the other
driver.
b. When two vehicles are ______ by _______, the passing driver may switch to high
beams and the driver being passed should switch to low beams.
c. Be alert for pedestrians walking on unlit roadways.
d. If you must walk on a dark roadway due to vehicle breakdown or another reason,
carry a white handkerchief or wear _______-colored clothing or reflective clothing
to increase your chances of being seen.
e. In snow, wear ________ clothing to create a contrast.
Module 9: Topic 2
Severe Weather Conditions
1. Drifting Fog:
a. Reduce speed
b. Turn on ______ beam headlights
c. Turn on windshield wipers
d. Turn on defroster or air conditioner
2. Heavy Fog:
a. Reduce speed
b. Turn on emergency flashers and fog lights
c. _________ stop in a travel lane
d. Look for an exit from the highway
e. If impossible to leave the highway, stop beyond the _____ of guardrail as far to the
right of the road as possible, and turn ______ lights and wait for fog to lift.
3. Visibility Limited by Rain and Snow:
a. Keep headlights clean
b. Turn on the defroster to remove ice and condensation
c. Clear the windshield and rear windows
d. Reduce Speed
e. Turn headlights to low beam
f. Turn on windshield wipers
g. Be alert for vehicles stopped in roadway
h. Be prepared for effects of gusting winds
i. Make adjustments gently and smoothly
4. Sources of Glare
a. Other vehicle headlights
b. Paper on the dashboard
c. Snow covered landscape
d. The sun at dawn or dusk
5. Reducing Glare
a. Look to the ______ edge of roadway
b. Do not place paper on dashboard
c. Wear ____________ during the day
d. Adjust sun visors and mirrors
e. Clean window
6. Describe how the conditions listed below affect a driver’s ability to see and what adjustment
a driver should make to better cope with these conditions:
1. Sun glare:
2. Driving at night:
3. Fog:
4. Rain:
5. Snow:
7. Driving in Snow:
a. In severe snow conditions look for an exit on highway
b. Check weather report
c. If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond outboard end of guard rail
d. Use cell phone to check conditions
e. Snow may require use of windshield washer fluid
8. Strong Winds:
a. Keep a _______ grip on the steering wheel
b. __________ speed
c. Adjust lane position
d. Do not over steer
e. Stay off the brake
f. Prepare to counter steer
g. Make all steering, accelerating, and braking actions gently and smoothly
h. Check for debris in roadway and oncoming traffic
9. Low water crossings:
a. Flash flooding conditions are unpredictable
b. Not specific to a time of year
c. Affects braking, steering and engine systems
10. Flash Flood Dangers:
a. Nearly ______% of flash flood fatalities are vehicle related
b. Search for flood prone areas:
 Highway dips
 Bridges
 Low areas
c. Most vehicles will float
d. Very little water on the road surface can cause loss of control
e. ________ feet of water will “carry” most cars
f. Because visibility is limited at night, driving during flooding conditions is very
dangerous
g. Heed all flash flood watches and warnings
h. Monitor road conditions through the news media
11. Hot and Cold Temperatures:
a. Vehicles are designed to operate in a wide range of temperatures, from very hot to
extremely cold.
b. Extreme conditions cause stress on vehicle parts sensitive to temperature change
c. Make sure to check tires, fluids, and belts
12. Cold Weather Driving Tips:
a. Check your _______________
b. Check your cooling system
c. Check your windshield wipers
d. Check your tire tread
e. Check your gas
f. Check your windshield washer reservoir
g. Check radiator coolant, hoses, and connections
h. Clean snow off of your entire car
13. Hot weather checks
a. ______________ tires are subject to excessive flexion causing pressure buildup,
especially when driving for extended distances at higher speeds.
b. The air conditioner, radiator coolant hoses, connections, and drive belts need special
attention due to the extra load placed on these cooling
systems.
Module 9: Topic 3
Occupant Protection
1. Occupant Protection:
a. Occupant protection refers to safety features designed to protect occupants of motor
vehicles in the event of a crash. These systems can be 'active' or ‘passive.’
b. Wearing a safety belt is your best defense for preventing severe life-altering injuries:
 Slows occupant’s rate of deceleration in a frontal crash and keeps occupants
securely in place
2. Airbags:
a. The driver side airbag is located in the center of the steering wheel and the passenger
side airbag is located inside the dashboard.
b. Side airbags that inflate during side collisions are usually located within the seat.
c. Curtain airbags are installed above the side windows, in the headliner, on both sides.
d. Knee airbags are located in front of the legs of the driver and front seat passenger.
 They are concealed within the steering column or the lower part of the dashboard
and deploy during frontal impacts.
e. Driver and front passenger air bags are designed to inflate in a frontal impact.
 Drivers should sit at least ______inches from the air bag because it inflates to six or
seven inches in size at speeds up to _______ mph.
 If you can, tilt the steering wheel to point the air bags at your _______, not your
face.
f. Always wear a safety belt and secure children in the rear seat.
g. To reduce forearm and hand injuries, place hands on the _______ half of the steering
wheel, with knuckles on the outside and thumbs along the inside of the rim of the
wheel.
h. Side impact air bags are designed to protect the ______ and ______ in side impact
collisions.
 Care should be taken not to sit too close to the door or to lean towards the air bag.
3. How do you adjust your seat and steering wheel hand position to protect you from the
airbag?
4. We learned in Module 2 that adjusting the head restraints protects us from whiplash.
Module 9: Topic 4
Highway Safety Design
1. Roadway Safety Design:
a. ____________ sign support posts
b. ________________ with ends angled away from roadway and buried
c. _______ attenuators - such as vinyl liquid or sand filled drums
d. Protected left and right turn bays
e. Collector/distributor lanes on high speed, high density highways
f. Variable message signs alerting drivers to weather conditions, construction, and traffic
problems
Module 9: Topic 5
Vehicle Design and Technology
1. How do you think vehicle design and technology make a vehicle safer?
2. New Advances:
a. All-wheel drive
b. Antilock braking systems
c. Electronic stability control
d. Telematics (i.e. OnStar)
e. Tire pressure monitoring
f. Active head restraints
g. Adaptive cruise control
h. Adaptive headlights
i. Advanced airbags
j. Advanced seat belt pre tensioner
k. Fatigue warning
l. Forward collision warning systems
m. Lane departure warning systems
n. Side view assist
o. Park assist and back over prevention
3. In Module 3 we learned about anti lock braking systems (ABS).
a. What is the primary task of ABS?
b. What are the ABS rules?
c. What may you notice when using ABS brakes?
4. Electronic Stability System (ESP):
a. What is the electronic stability program designed to do?
b. During an over-steering or skidding condition (rear-wheel lock-up), the ESP system
applies the brake to which wheel?
c. During an under-steering or sliding condition (front-wheel lock-up), the ESP system
applies the brake to which wheel?
Answer:
5. Functions of Tires:
a. Tires are air-filled cushions designed to reduce the effect of road hazards and
irregularities on the vehicle and are designed to flex and give as they meet the road
surface.
b. Absorb shocks caused by road hazards
c. Provide Traction — enables drivers to accelerate, brake and steer
d. Tires ratings are indicated on the sidewall of the tire
6. Traction:
a. Measured by the ability to stop a car in straight-ahead motion on a wet surface tires graded A have the best traction performance, B grading is an above average
rating and C indicates the tire meets government standards.
b. Temperature —tire’s ability to withstand heat. Tires graded A are the most heatresistant and less likely to suffer a blowout under the same conditions as tires with
grades of B or C.
c. Tread wear rating — the higher the tread wear rating, the greater the mileage – a
tire with a tread wear rating of 150 is expected to last 50 percent longer than one
graded at 100.
7. After watching the tire safety video, list 3 things you learned about tires.
Module 9: Topic 6
Dangerous Road Conditions
1. Dangerous Road Conditions:
a. Ice, snow, or frost/sleet
b. Wet--particularly the first 15 minutes of rain after a long dry period when oil and
rubber particles have collected on the road surface and mix with water
c. Heavy rain or standing water
d. Mud near farm entrances, construction sites, and truck crossings
e. Wet leaves
f. Broken or uneven road surface
g. Sand or gravel - frequently found on curves in rural areas
2. Slippery Conditions:
a. Ice on the road
b. Dangerous curves and turns
c. Roads with slippery when wet warning signs
d. Most dangerous when the temperature is near freezing
e. Just after a rain has fallen on a hot day
f. Heavily traveled intersections when raining
3. Controlling Consequences:
a. _______ off road rather than skid off the road
b. Hit something ______ rather than something hard
c. Hit something going your way rather than something stationary
d. Hit stationary objects with a glancing blow
e. Hit a stationary object rather than an approaching object
f. Steer to avoid oncoming traffic and head on collision
4. Preventing Loss of Traction:
a. __________ speed
b. ___________ space
c. Make gradual changes to speed
d. Avoid abrupt changes in direction
e. Find the best path
5. Causes of Traction Loss
a. Road surface conditions
b. The condition of the vehicle
c. Actions of the driver
6. Signs of Hydroplaning:
a. Standing water
b. Raindrops that bubble when they hit the road
c. Slushing sound
d. Sensation that the steering wheel is loose or disconnected from the vehicle
e. A vehicle ahead that is not leaving a track
7. Preventing Hydroplaning:
a. _________down when there is water standing on the surface of the pavement.
b. Tires should be properly __________ and have adequate tread.
c. ___________ following distance, particularly when behind a large truck.
d. Drive in the tracks left by any vehicle ahead.
8. If Hydroplaning Occurs:
a. Ease off the ______________ gradually
b. ______________ speed until your tires regain traction.
c. Do not ___________ until traction has been restored.
d. Steer no more than necessary, continue to ______ and steer where you want to go.
9. What do you know about skids?
a. When do most skids occur?
b. What are the steps to recover from a skid?
c. What is the best way to handle skids?
10. Causes of Skids
a. Slippery surfaces
b. ____________ too hard
c. ____________ too hard
d. Steering too much or too quickly
e. Entering a curve with too much speed
11. Preventing skids:
a. Apply the brakes in a __________ and progressive manner
b. Make smooth, precise steering wheel movements
c. Slowing down well in advance of curves
d. Maintaining speeds appropriate for conditions
12. Types of skids:
a. There are two main types of skidding:
 ________-steering (fishtailing)
 ________-steering (plowing)
13. Front wheel loss of traction:
a. Called “Under steer” and is when the vehicle moves straight ahead in spite of steering
input
 Look and steer toward intended path
 Smoothly ease up on accelerator
 Smoothly apply brakes to regain traction
 Do not steer more than necessary
14. When Brakes are Applied Too Hard or Too Quickly:
a. Vehicle weight shifts to the front causing:
 A noticeable drop of the hood
 A noticeable rise of the rear
 Forward movement of driver, passengers and items in vehicle
15. Correcting Front Traction Loss:
a. Direct vision to targeted path of travel (look where you want to go)
b. Activate ________ (if vehicle equipped)
 Ease off conventional brake system
 Reestablish rolling traction (wheels rolling/not sliding)
c. Ease off steering inputs
 Abrupt steering can create traction loss
 Steer toward intended path of travel
d. Jab/Stab brake to move weight forward if no ABS
 (ABS performs this function automatically)
16. Rear-Wheel Loss of Traction:
a. This is called an “over steer” when vehicle moves sideways without any additional
steering input
• Look and __________ toward intended path
• Ease off the accelerator and avoid using the brakes
• Continue to steer and counter-steer until the vehicle is traveling straight
• Use a light and progressive acceleration if the vehicle does not recover
17. Acceleration and Traction Loss:
a. When acceleration is applied too hard or too quickly weight moves to the rear of the car
causing:
• A noticeable rise of the hood
• A noticeable drop of the rear
• Rearward movement of driver and passengers
18. Causes of Traction Loss:
a. Brakes __________ adjusted - Brakes pulling in one direction or the other can cause a
skid - as can wheels that are out of alignment when brakes are applied
b. Unevenly worn tire __________
 The size of the front and rear tires do not match.
 The tread depth or the front and rear tire type are not the same.
19. Driver Actions that Cause Loss of Traction:
a. Sudden steering movements on a slippery surface
b. Abrupt and sudden changes in vehicle speed
c. Panic stop or applying the brakes too hard on a hill, curve or slippery surface
d. Suddenly engaging the clutch on a slippery surface
20. Traction Loss – Shifts in Vehicle Weight:
a. Sudden shifts of vehicle weight (left, right, forward or backward) will cause loss
of traction.
b. Simultaneous steering, braking and/or acceleration creates sudden shifts in
vehicle balance.
21. When Steering is Applied Too Hard or Quickly Weight Moves to the Opposite Side of the
Car:
a. Vehicle weight shift causes:
• A noticeable ______ and tilt of the hood
• A noticeable rise and tilt of the rear
• Driver, passenger, items in car move towards the car’s corner
22. Managing Rear Traction Loss:
a. Look at desired/targeted path of travel
b. Activate traction control system or
c. Ease off brake or accelerator
d. Reestablish rolling traction to rear wheels
e. Steer toward targeted path of travel
f. Apply light progressive acceleration (2 mph is goal) to shift weight to the Rear
g. Traction control system will adjust the speed/braking automatically when
activated)
Module 9: Topic 7
Emergency Recovery & Controlling Consequences
1. What do you think causes run off the road crashes?
2. Run-Off the Road Crashes: Recognize, React, And Recover
a. What are some reasons run-off the road crashes occur?
b. What increases the risk of being in a run-off the road crash?
c. What is the #1 tip from America’s best drivers when it comes to run-off the road
crashes?
d. What steps should you take if you run-off the road?
3. Causes of Run Off the Road Crashes:
a. _________ or distractions
b. Drowsiness
c. Steers onto the shoulder to avoid a collision and tries to return to the roadway
d. Vehicle may collide with a vehicle in the next lane, or drive off the far side of the road
4. Off road recovery
a. To return to the pavement safely:
 Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel
 Slow down, ease off the accelerator and allow the vehicle to slow ________ - avoid
braking
 ________ the edge of the pavement, after speed is reduced and there is a gap in
traffic .
 Steer back to the road with _______inputs, do not over steer
 Return to the pavement ________ wheels at a time, as soon as the front tire is back
on the roadway, counter-steer quickly left or right as necessary to stay in the correct
lane
b. Blocked Roadside: If an object beside the road such as a tree, bridge abutment or
pedestrian forces the driver to return to the road quickly, he/she has little time to slow
down, to do this the driver should:
 Steer left or right so the off-road wheels are about 12 inches away from the edge of
the pavement
 Remove his/her foot from the accelerator and stay off the brakes. Turn the steering
wheel quickly about one-eighth turn toward the roadway
 Immediately, as the outer wheel makes contact with the edge of the pavement,
counter-steer about a quarter turn and make steering corrections to straighten
vehicle
5. Reminders:
a. Do not panic and steer abruptly
b. Ease off accelerator
c. DO ______ BRAKE
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Get both wheels off the pavement
Steer the vehicle parallel to the roadway
If clear, ease back on to the roadway one wheel at a time
_______ steering inputs to less than 1/8 of a turn of the wheel
Use even less input when edge of road is high
Target the center of the adjacent lane to avoid a “Slingshot” maneuver into oncoming
traffic
6. Evasive Maneuvers:
a. With ABS brakes, how can you stop quickly?
b. What is the safest maneuver if there is enough room?
c. What are the steps for making quick turns?
d. If there is a car beside you in the left lane and you need to avoid a car ahead, what should
you do?
7. When do you use Evasive Steering?
a. When there is __________ to the side
b. When stopping distance is questionable
c. When there are cars close behind
8. Procedures for Evasive Steering:
a. Turn the wheel __________ degrees
b. Counter-steer immediately
c. Turn the wheel back to the original straight-ahead position
9. Evasive Braking:
a. If the vehicle has ABS:
 __________ press brake pedal until the vehicle stops
 May feel pedal pulse back against foot
b. If the vehicle does not have ABS:
• Apply firm, steady pressure just short of lockup
• Ease up on brakes if wheels lock, then apply the brakes again
10. Evasive Acceleration:
a. Used less frequently
b. Can be used to avoid crashes at intersections and in merging situations
c. May move point of impact to rear of vehicle if you can’t get out of the way
11. Controlling Consequences
a. Avoid __________collisions
b. Drive off the road rather than skid off the road
c. Hit something __________
d. Hit something going in the __________ direction
e. Hit stationary object with glancing blow
f. Hit stationary object rather than approaching object
Module 9: Topic 8
Reporting Crashes
1. What are the four things that need to be done in the event of a crash?
a. What should you do to protect the scene?
b. What should you do to take care of anyone who is injured?
c. What information should you get from the other driver if involved in a crash?
2. What should you do?
a. __________ immediately
b. Aid the injured
c. Prevent further damage
d. Send for __________
e. Exchange __________
f. Record witnesses’ names and addresses
g. Notify __________ agent
Module 10: Topic 1
Vehicle Warning Systems
Warning Symbol
What does it mean?
_____________________
_____________________
It warns you when the coolant
in the engine is too hot or too
low.
HOT
_________________________________
It warns you when the oil is
not circulating at proper
pressure or there is not
enough oil.
_________________________________
When the “ALT” light comes
_________________________________
on or the gauge shows
“discharge” while the engine is
running, the vehicle’s electrical
system is not functioning
properly.
The engine must now use
electricity stored in the
battery.
ALT
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
This warning light serves two
purposes:
(1) indicates the parking brake is
set; and
(2) alerts you that part or all of
the braking system is not working
properly; or, (3) in some vehicles,
the brake fluid is low
The ABS light comes on when you
start the vehicle indicating the
ABS system is functioning
normally. If the light stays on, or
comes on while you are driving,
there is a problem.
When you start the engine, this
light should illuminate
momentarily indicating the
system is activated. If the air bag
readiness light stays on or comes
What should you do if you get a
warning light?
If temperature warning light comes
on or the gauge reads too hot,
don’t drive the vehicle - seek
professional help.
Caution: Never attempt to remove
the radiator cap when the engine is
hot - the pressure and hot steam
may cause severe upper torso and
facial burns.
When the oil warning light comes
on it is recommended that you stop
at the nearest service center and
have the oil level checked.
The alternator is not generating
enough electricity to charge the
battery.
Turn off as many electrical devices
as possible. (i.e., the radio,
heater/AC, etc.)
Have this checked without delay. If
the battery is drained, the car can
shut off.
If the parking brake is set, than take it
off.
If it is not the parking brake, stop as
soon as possible. Have the vehicle
towed and the vehicle repaired.
It should be checked by a qualified
mechanic
If the air bag system in your vehicle is
not working properly, it can be
dangerous as the air bags:
 May NOT inflate in a crash or
SERVICE
on while you are driving, it is a
warning that there is a problem.

May spontaneously inflate
while you are driving.
ENGINE SOON
The SERVICE ENGINE or CHECK
ENGINE light should flash for a
few seconds when you start
DOOR
OPEN
If the light stays on, there may be a
problem - make an appointment to
get it checked.
the engine and then go out.
This warning light will
_________________________________
illuminate when starting the
engine and then goes out. If
this light remains on, one or
more of the vehicle doors is
not completely latched. If it
comes on while driving,
LOW
someone has opened a door or
FUEL
the door latch was not
properly fastened.
_
The fuel gauge measures how
________________________________
much fuel is in the vehicle's
fuel tank. When the fuel level
is low, the fuel warning light
will come on and stay on until
you add more fuel to the tank.
Pull off the road as soon as possible
to secure the door.
Get more fuel immediately.
Module 10: Topic 2
Vehicle Malfunctions
Type of Malfunction
_________________________________
_________________________________
What happens to
the vehicle?
This occurs when
you hit a curb or
sharp object.
What should the driver do?
1.
2.
3.
4.
You have a defective 5.
tire
6.
Or
7.
You have an underinflated tire that
8.
builds up heat and
explodes or loses its
seal to the rim while
the tires are rotating.
Grip the wheel firmly
Foot off accelerator
DO NOT BRAKE
Allow vehicle to slow
Check traffic
Turn on flashers
Drive to a protected
area
Change tire
If a front tire blows
out, the vehicle will
pull sharply in the
direction of the
blowout.
If a rear tire blows
out, the vehicle will
wobble and pull
slightly in the
direction of the flat
tire
The accelerator will
not return to idle
_________________________________
_________________________________ when you release it
and the engine is
racing.
Accelerator failure is
caused by either a
broken spring or the
pedal getting stuck in
the down position.
1. Shift to Neutral (engine
may race but no harm
done)
2. Search for an escape
path
3. Steer smoothly and
brake gently
4. Pull off the roadway
and park
5. Turn off the vehicle.
Caution — DO NOT
In either case, you no
turn the ignition off
longer have control
while the vehicle is
over the vehicle’s
moving--this may lock
speed.
the steering wheel
6. Have the pedal repaired
before driving again
_________________________________
_________________________________
When the engine
stalls, the steering
mechanism will still
1. Shift to neutral
2. Look for escape path
3. DO NOT BRAKE
HARD
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
work but will require 4. Pull off roadway
more effort.
5. Restart engine
6. If unsuccessful, raise
hood and turn on
emergency flashers.
1. Turn off AC
2. Turn on heater
3. Pull off roadway if all
else fails
4. Turn engine off
5. DO NOT OPEN
RADIATOR
6. Seek help
The most likely
1. The vehicle can still be
cause of steering
steered
failure is a loss of
2. It will require much
power steering. This
more effort on the
can happen if a
driver’s part.
hydraulic pipe breaks
or is cut by debris
from the road.
Total Brake Failure
— Pump the brake
pedal to try to build
up brake pressure –
after 3 or 4 pumps
you will know if the
brakes are going to
hold.
.
Power Brake
Failure — is the loss
of power when the
booster unit assisting
the brakes no longer
functions.
1. Rapidly pump the
brakes
2. Shift to lower gear
3. Activate the hazard
lights to warn others
4. Apply parking brake
5. Find “soft” crash area
NEVER use water
on an engine fire —
water will NOT put
out an oil or fuel fire
- in fact, it may even
aid in spreading the
fire.
1. Quickly steer the
vehicle out of traffic
and away from
buildings and people.
2. Get everyone out of the
vehicle and have him or
her move at least 100
feet away.
3. If the engine is on fire,
call the fire department
and leave the hood
closed.
Use an A-B-C-type
fire extinguisher.
4. If the passenger
compartment is on fire,
smother it, use a fire
extinguisher, or call the
fire department.
Module 10: Topic 3
Handling Special Vehicles & Pulling a Trailer
Two of the most important things to have when you tow are basic common sense and the
ability to adjust your driving.
1. Handling Large Vehicles:
a. Weigh more than a passenger vehicle
b. Affect the ability to __________________, turn and slow down:
 Allow enough space to get up to speed
 Slow down in advance of turns
 Allow more space between vehicles
c. Do not exceed load limits
d. Practice driving where there is no traffic
e. Allow a _________________in traffic before pulling out
f. Check both side mirrors to be sure the trailer does not intrude into adjoining lane
g. Roads that curve right
 Allow more _________________ from edge of pavement
 Keep toward the center line
h. Roads that curve left
 Stay to the right so you do not cross the center line
Vehicle
Normal Following
Distance
Additional Following
Distance
Total Following Distance
Automobile with no
trailer
Automobile with 20-foot
trailer
_________________
None needed
3 to 4 seconds
_________________
2 seconds
5 to 6 seconds
35-foot motor home
_________________
2 seconds
5 to 6 seconds
2. Backing a Trailer by Turning Steering Wheel in Direction Driver Wants to Turn:
a. Back slowly and look directly over your shoulder through the rear window
b. Keep your hand at the _________________ of the steering wheel
c. To move the trailer left, move your hand to the _________________
d. To back to the right, move your hand to the _________________
3. Backing a Trailer by Turning Steering Wheel in the Opposite Direction:
a. To back to the left, turn the steering wheel to the right
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
Straighten the wheel
Turn the wheel in the opposite direction
Straighten the wheel
Turn the steering wheel to the right
Straighten the wheel and back the towing vehicle and trailer
4. Errors to Avoid When Backing:
a. Turning the steering wheel too far
b. Holding the steering wheel in a turned position too long if trailer starts to
_________________
5. Essential Equipment for Towing:
a. Additional equipment
 Heavy-duty suspension
 Increased-capacity cooling system
 High-ratio axle
 Oversize mirrors
b. Emergency equipment
c. Trailer hitch
d. Hitch ball
6. Connecting a Trailer:
a. Ball and coupler combinations – sized correctly for tight fit
b. Safety chains – crossed beneath the coupler and connected to the hitch
c. Breakaway chains – hooked to hitch or frame member
d. Electrical connections – set up so lights function properly
7. Pre Trip Check:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Attach tongue of trailer to hitch
Snap locking mechanism
Put lock pin in place
Connect electrical wires
Check Brakes and Lights
8. Loading a Trailer Properly:
a. The rear of the vehicle should support 10 – 15% of the trailer load.
b. Arrange _________ of weight in the front half of trailer and _________ in rear.
c. Make sure trailer is level.
9. Pulling Heavy Loads:
a. The larger the load, the _________________ it will take to stop
b. _________________ following distance and test your stopping power
c. Use caution
d. Slow down
10. Jackknifing a Trailer:
a. Common when backing – will damage the hitch and the trailer
b. Occurs when angle between vehicle and trailer is less than ________ degrees
c. Back slowly and keep steering wheel movements to a minimum
d. If you get in trouble, pull _________________.