Video lessons · Unit 10: Defensive driving

Look Far Ahead

Where do your eyes go when you drive? Grandpa explains it in one minute.

What you'll learn

• Kiddo, where do you look when you drive?
• Too close. Look far: about 10 to 15 seconds ahead. You'll see trouble before you reach it.
• And every 5 to 8 seconds, check your mirrors. Before changing lanes, look over your shoulder.
• You still look! Left, right, left. A green light doesn't stop a distracted driver.
• Hands at 9 and 3. And in an emergency stop with ABS, press hard and hold it, even if it shakes.
• Defensive driving means expecting others to make mistakes... and having a plan for when they do.

Test yourself: 5 exam-style questions

1. 1. How far ahead should you look while driving?

   1. Only at the bumper of the car in front
   2. About 2 or 3 seconds, the time it takes to brake
   3. About 10 to 15 seconds ahead
   4. As far as possible, ignoring what's close
   Show answer

   Answer: About 10 to 15 seconds ahead

   Look far and you'll spot trouble before it shows up, kiddo.

2. 2. In city driving, looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead is about…

   1. One block
   2. Up to the next traffic light that's green
   3. Two or three cars ahead of yours
   4. A quarter mile
   Show answer

   Answer: One block

   In town, about a block. That's where you spot who's braking.

3. 3. On the highway at higher speeds, looking 10 to 15 seconds ahead is about…

   1. About 100 feet in front of your car
   2. A quarter mile
   3. One block
   4. As far as your low beams reach at night
   Show answer

   Answer: A quarter mile

   The faster you go, the farther you look. About 1/4 mile.

4. 4. How often should you check your mirrors while driving?

   1. Only when you're about to change lanes
   2. Every minute, so you don't get distracted from the road
   3. Once when you start and once when you park
   4. Every 5 to 8 seconds
   Show answer

   Answer: Every 5 to 8 seconds

   Quick glances, often. That way you know who's behind you.

5. 5. Your mirrors look clear. Why still look over your shoulder before changing lanes?

   1. Because mirrors make cars look farther away
   2. To let the driver behind know you're moving
   3. Because mirrors have blind spots
   4. Because the examiner wants it, that's all
   Show answer

   Answer: Because mirrors have blind spots

   A whole car fits in a blind spot. Quick look, then eyes back ahead.