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Arkansas driving lesson · Safe Driving Basics

Seat belts & basic vehicle control

A 3-minute lesson from the Arkansas course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Safe Driving Basics
Checkpoint questions
6
Source pages
55, 56

Safe driving starts before you roll: a properly worn belt, a good seat position, and smooth control of the gas, brake and wheel. "Buckle up before you start up."

Know the rule

Fasten your safety belt before you start the engine, and check that it's worn properly.

Handbook p. 55 ↗

Wearing your seat belt correctly:

  • Diagonal strap across your upper chest, never slipped behind your back
  • Lower strap across your upper thighs, not your abdomen
  • Sit up straight and all the way back in the seat
  • Belts flat, not twisted, across chest and thighs
  • Slide the metal end into the latch until it clicks, then tug to test it
Handbook p. 55 ↗

Know the rule

Seat belts spread crash forces over two areas of the body; the lap belt sends force to the pelvis. Without the diagonal strap in place that's impossible. If it's uncomfortable, buy a padded seat belt cover.

Handbook p. 55 ↗

Know the rule

Adjust the seat to a comfortable distance from the steering wheel so you can see out all windows. The farther you sit from the dashboard, typically the safer you are in a collision.

Handbook p. 55 ↗

Know the rule

Press the gas pedal slowly and smoothly. Pressing too fast can spin the drive wheels or make the car slide, especially on wet pavement.

Handbook p. 56 ↗

Know the rule

Grip the steering wheel with your hands on opposite sides, so you can turn without taking your hands off the wheel.

Handbook p. 56 ↗

Know the rule

For sharp turns, such as around a corner, use the hand-over-hand technique. Don't turn the wheel in the palm of your hand, and straighten the wheel when you finish the turn.

Handbook p. 56 ↗

Know the rule

Know the speed limits, obey speed limit signs, and check your speedometer often.

Handbook p. 56 ↗

Know the rule

Sudden stops are dangerous and a sign of an inattentive driver: hard braking can make you skid and lose control. Scan ahead, and slow down or change lanes early to avoid stopping suddenly.

Handbook p. 56 ↗

Put it into practice

Your lap belt rides up over your stomach and the shoulder strap rubs your neck. Pull the lap belt down onto your upper thighs, sit all the way back, and use a padded cover on the shoulder strap instead of tucking it behind you.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

What should you do with your seat belt before starting the engine?
  1. Adjust it after starting the car
  2. Fasten it only on highways
  3. Fasten it
  4. Leave it loose until you are moving

Answer: Fasten it

Your safety belt should be fastened before the engine is started: buckle up before you start up.

Handbook p. 55 ↗
Where should the diagonal seat belt strap cross your body?
  1. Tucked behind your back
  2. Across your neck
  3. Under your arm
  4. Across the upper chest

Answer: Across the upper chest

The diagonal strap should cross the upper chest; slipping it behind your back reduces its protection.

Handbook p. 55 ↗
Where should the lower seat belt strap sit?
  1. Across the upper thighs, not the abdomen
  2. Across the abdomen area for better support
  3. Loosely across the lap
  4. Wherever feels most comfortable

Answer: Across the upper thighs, not the abdomen

The lower strap must fit across the upper thighs to properly distribute crash force to the pelvic area.

Handbook p. 55 ↗
How should you press the accelerator pedal?
  1. Quickly, to merge faster
  2. Slowly and smoothly
  3. In short, hard bursts
  4. Firmly, to build speed quickly

Answer: Slowly and smoothly

Acceleration should be pressed slowly and smoothly to keep control of the vehicle.

Handbook p. 56 ↗
What technique should you use to steer through a sharp turn, such as an intersection corner?
  1. The hand-over-hand technique
  2. Turning the wheel within your palm
  3. One-handed steering only
  4. Push-pull steering with small moves

Answer: The hand-over-hand technique

Sharp turns should be handled with the hand-over-hand technique rather than turning the wheel in your palm.

Handbook p. 56 ↗
The lower seat belt strap should sit across your abdomen for the best protection.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

The lower strap should sit across the upper thighs, not the abdomen, to protect the pelvic area properly.

Handbook p. 55 ↗
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