A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
The single biggest contributor to crashes is failing to see what's happening. Many drivers in crashes with motorcycles, bikes and pedestrians said they looked but didn't see. Keep your eyes moving: far ahead, to the sides, and behind.
Know the rule
Don't take your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds at a time. To look at a map, pull safely off the road first.
Don't rely on signals or signs to stop cross traffic — drinking or reckless drivers may not stop. Look to the sides near shopping centers, parking lots, construction, busy sidewalks, playgrounds and school yards.
Stopped at a stop sign, you find a parked van blocks your view to the left. Edge forward slowly until you can see. Cross-traffic drivers will see your front bumper before you see them, giving them time to slow or warn 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.
How many seconds ahead should you look down the road to avoid last-minute braking or turning?
At least 10 seconds
At least 4 seconds
At least 2 seconds
At least 20 seconds
Answer: At least 10 seconds
You should look down the road at least 10 seconds ahead to have time to react smoothly.
