One of the steps to recovering from an accelerator failure is to change gears to neutral.

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Question 11

One of the steps to recovering from an accelerator failure is to change gears to neutral.

Answer: a) True

This statement is correct. Shifting your vehicle into neutral is a critical and highly recommended step when dealing with a stuck accelerator pedal. An accelerator failure, where the pedal becomes stuck in the down position, causes the engine to continue supplying power to the wheels, leading to uncontrolled acceleration. This creates an extremely dangerous situation that requires a swift and calm response.

By shifting the transmission into neutral, you effectively disconnect the engine from the drivetrain. While the engine itself might continue to race and rev loudly, it will no longer be able to transfer power to the wheels and make the car go faster. The vehicle will stop accelerating and begin to coast, losing speed due to friction and air resistance. This action gives you back a crucial element of control. Once in neutral, you can firmly and steadily apply the brakes to slow down the vehicle and safely steer it to the side of the road.

It is important to remember not to turn the engine off immediately while the car is still moving at a high speed. Shutting off the engine can lock the steering wheel and will disable your power steering and power brakes, making the car significantly more difficult to control and stop. The proper sequence is to first shift to neutral, then brake to a safe stop, and only then turn off the ignition. This procedure is a fundamental part of emergency driving safety taught to all drivers.

Question 12

In Georgia, drivers must leave at least 3 feet of space between their vehicle and a bicycle when passing.

Answer: a) True

This statement is true. The state of Georgia has a specific law in place to enhance the safety of bicyclists on the road. This regulation, formally known as Georgia Code § 40-6-56, is often referred to as the “Three Foot Law.” It mandates that the driver of a motor vehicle must leave a safe distance, defined as not less than three feet, when overtaking or passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction.

The purpose of this law is to protect a vulnerable road user from the dangers of a close pass. A vehicle passing too closely can cause a collision or create a significant wind blast that can destabilize a cyclist, potentially causing them to lose control and crash. Bicyclists often need to maneuver within their lane to avoid road hazards such as potholes, gravel, debris, or storm drains. The three foot buffer zone provides the cyclist with adequate space to react to these conditions without the risk of being struck by a passing car.

Failure to provide this minimum clearance is a traffic violation. This law underscores the principle of sharing the road safely and acknowledges that cyclists have a right to operate on the roadway. Adhering to the three foot rule is a simple yet vital measure that drivers must take to prevent serious accidents and ensure the well being of everyone using the road.

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