California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Safe Driving PracticesMedium
You are driving on a freeway and observe an open space in the lane next to you. To ensure you maintain a safe space cushion, you should avoid driving in another vehicle's:
- ALane of travel
- BFollowing distance
- CPassing zone
- DBlind spot
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Blind spot
Driving in another vehicle's blind spot means the other driver cannot see you, which is extremely dangerous if they decide to change lanes. Maintaining a safe space cushion involves not only front and rear distance but also avoiding blind spots of surrounding vehicles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. It's obvious you shouldn't drive in another vehicle's lane of travel; this question is about maintaining a space cushion *around* other vehicles.
- B. Following distance refers to the space *behind* another vehicle, not a general space cushion around it.
- C. A passing zone refers to an area where passing is permitted, not a specific dangerous zone to avoid regarding space cushions.
Avoiding Blind Spots
To maintain a safe space cushion and avoid collisions, drivers should actively avoid driving in the blind spots of other vehicles.
- Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that cannot be seen in mirrors.
- If you can't see the other driver's face in their mirror, they likely can't see you.
- When passing, move through blind spots quickly and safely.
Memory trick: If you can't see their eyes, they can't see your disguise (car).