District of Columbia driving lesson · Safe Driving Fundamentals
Slowing down & driving defensively
A 3-minute lesson from the District of Columbia course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
Defensive driving means never counting on other drivers to do the right thing. Slow down where trouble is likely, keep an escape route in mind, and make yourself easy to see from behind.
You must slow down when:
Coming to an intersection, railroad grade crossing, curve, or the crest of a hill
Near playgrounds and schools, or where children are playing
Traveling on any narrow or winding roadway
There is danger to pedestrians
Weather, highway conditions or your own condition require slower speeds
Don't assume a driver with a flashing turn signal will turn, or that every driver will stop at a stop sign or red light. Some drivers deliberately run them.
If a collision seems inevitable, don't panic; try to steer out of it. Avoid a head-on hit and try to hit at an angle. Running into a ditch may be preferable to hitting another vehicle.
An oncoming car pulls out to pass and you doubt it has room to get back. Slow down and check the shoulder beside you so you know where you can go if it doesn't make it.
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.
If a collision seems inevitable, what does the handbook advise?
Brake hard and brace for a head-on hit
Try to hit at an angle, not head-on
Swerve into the oncoming lane
Accelerate to get past the danger
Answer: Try to hit at an angle, not head-on
If a collision seems inevitable, don't panic; steer out of it if you can, and do anything to avoid a head-on hit, trying to hit at an angle.