Whether we’re headed to work, picking up the kids or running errands, driving is part of everyday life. For many of us, being behind the wheel comes second nature, but driving isn’t always as simple as it seems.
What do you do if you hit a parked car? If a police officer or traffic controller tells you to go through a red traffic light, is it against the law? What’s the best practice for changing lanes? You may have thought that the day you got your driver’s license was the end of driver’ education, but we can all use a refresher from time to time. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions on different states’ permit tests. Can you pass the test?
Let’s start with an easy one that appears on many state tests. What shape is a stop sign? If you answered octagon, give yourself a point. But have you ever thought about why? According to ALLSTATE INSURANCE, the stop sign has its unique shape so drivers traveling in the opposite direction can easily identify it. The red color that we all know wasn’t part of the design until 1954. Before that, stop signs had white and then yellow backgrounds.
What about stopping at a roundabout? According to the DMV, when driving in a roundabout, drivers must yield to everything that is already moving through the traffic circle — cars, buses, bicycles, pedestrians, even animals if you’re in a horse-riding community.
Speaking of stopping, what should you do if a police officer tells you to disobey a red light or stop sign? According to the DMV, if a police officer is directing traffic through an intersection — perhaps after a large event or in a construction zone — and instructs you to proceed through a red light or stop sign, you must obey the officer.
When's the last time you did a lane change by the book? It’s easy to forget, but according to the DMV, there are four things you should always do when changing lanes: (1) signal, (2) check your mirrors, (3) check your blind spot in the direction you plan to move then finally (4) change lanes.
Here’s a scenario many of us aren’t sure about. When fog rolls in, will turning on your high beams increase visibility? Nope! In fact, high beams can reflect off fog and create glare, worsening visibility. Instead, according to the DMV, you should either turn on your windshield wipers and use your regular low-beam headlights or pull off to the side of the road until the fog dissipates. If your vehicle is equipped with fog lights, they may turn on for you automatically.
One final common question on this driver’s ed refresh is, what should you do if you’ve hit a parked car? Should you call 911? Nope. The DMV recommends that you first try to locate the owner. But if you can’t, you should leave a note on the car with your name and contact information and report it to the local police immediately.
Whether you’re 16 or 60, driving safely is important for everyone. And wherever you’re going, be sure to find CENEX® LOCATIONS on your way!