This chapter focuses on recognizing and managing risk before it becomes a crash — scanning for hazards, judging safe following distance and speed, and reacting correctly when things go wrong, such as skidding, hydroplaning, or a sudden vehicle failure.
Space and speed management are heavily tested: leaving at least twice your vehicle's length between you and the car ahead, slowing down for curves and wet or icy roads, and adjusting your following distance and speed when driving at night.
A common mistake is braking hard when a vehicle starts to skid or hydroplane — the correct response is to ease off the accelerator, steer in the direction the vehicle is moving, and let the tires regain traction rather than slamming the brakes.
What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?⌄
Take your foot off the accelerator, steer in the same direction the vehicle is moving, and gently press or pump the brakes (or let antilock brakes work) until you regain traction.
How much following distance should you leave from the vehicle ahead?⌄
Leave a distance of at least twice the length of your vehicle, and increase that distance further at night, in bad weather, or on slippery roads.
What are the three most common causes of collisions?⌄
Too much speed, too little space, and insufficient situational awareness — the chapter frames good hazard management around planning, communicating, checking, executing, and evaluating each change you make.