Absolute Speed Limit
the maximum or minimum posted speed at which one may drive under normal conditions in good weather
Actual Physical Control
A person can be charged with "driving under the influence" of alcohol or some other drug if they have the ability to move their vehicle
Advisory Speed Limit
a speed limit that advises drivers that an adjusted speed is necessary for a short period of time
Anti-Lock Braking System
a vehicle braking system that is designed to keep vehicles wheels from locking when brakes are applied with greater than normal force
Basic Speed Law
any speed under the absolute limit that is safe for existing road, weather, or traffic conditions
Blind Spot
areas to the sides and rear of a vehicle that the driver can not see with the use of either side or rear view mirrors
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
the percentage of alcohol found in a person's blood at any given time
Carbon Monoxide
a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas
Centrifugal Force
a natural law that tends to push a vehicle out of a curve and into a straight path
Contrast Sensitivity
the ability to see under difficult conditions such as glare from oncoming headlights, heavy snow conditions, and even driving at night
Disc Brake System
a system where brake pads are pressed against a flat metal wheel
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Driving when your senses and judgment are impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
Hand Position
Refers to the hand placement on the steering wheel while driving
Highway Hypnosis
a state of unawareness, often caused by long periods of high speed driving
Hydroplaning
Condition which the tires of a moving vehicle ride on a cushion of water causing loss of control in both steering & braking.
Implied Consent
The law stating that any licensed driver cannot legally refuse to be tested for alcohol or drug use while behind the wheel or in "actual physical control" of a vehicle
Over-Driving-Your-Headlights
Driving so fast at night that a driver is unable to stop within the range of their headlights
Peer Influence
the ability to influence individual behavior among members of a group
Reversible Traffic Lane
traffic lane where the flow of traffic can change during different times of the day
SIPDE
basic principles of defensive driving
S-scan
I-identity
P-predict
D-decide
E-execute
Space Margin
cushion of space a driver tries to maintain around their vehicle ; increases as speed goes up
Synergistic effects of combining two or more drugs
ingesting two or more different kinds of drugs (increases the effect of 1 drug)
Threshold Braking
braking just to the point of your wheels locking up on vehicles equipped with non-ABS braking systems
Total Stopping Distance
The distance to bring a vehicle to a complete stop from the time of perception until the wheels actually stop rolling
Visual Acuity
a drivers ability to see clearly under normal conditions
Velocitizing
The sensation of moving more slowly than one actually is as a result of driving at a fast speed for a long period of time
Following Distance
the amount of distance between you and the car ahead of you; 2-second rule
Tracking
steering in a straight line; car wheel is at dead center
Prima Facie
latin for change; a speed limit that changes for different times of the day