When stopping at a railroad crossing, you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail. Come to a complete stop if you can see a train or hear its whistle, if there is a stop sign, or if flashing lights, lowered gates, or a flagger indicate that a train is approaching. It is illegal to drive through, around, or under a lowered gate.

At an intersection of two similar roads without a traffic control device, a driver must yield to a vehicle approaching from the right.

Your ability to handle dangerous traffic situations depends largely on searching for and identifying problems before meeting them. Looking far ahead of your vehicle does not mean you should simply stare at the center of the road. You need to continually scan the entire road, including the sides of the road.

Annual inspections are required for all vehicles to ensure that they are in proper and safe running condition.

Your horn should be used to warn other drivers or pedestrians in situations where they may not see you. For example, if you think another driver is about to hit you, you should sound your horn.

This sign means that a traffic signal is ahead. You should slow down and be prepared to stop.

Your ability to stop is greatly affected by the condition of the road. You need to reduce your speed when road conditions are poor in order to maintain control of your vehicle. You will be at risk if you are driving too quickly on roads that are slippery and you need to stop.

In the state of Vermont, failure to stop for a stopped school bus is punishable by a substantial fine and the assessment of five points on your driving record. Always come to a complete stop when approaching a stopped school bus that is using its warning lights and stop arm. Use extra caution when driving where children may be present.

Distracted driving is extremely risky behavior that puts not only you and your passengers in danger, but also endangers pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists sharing the road. Focused attention on driving helps to prevent crashes.

When passing, you should always leave at least four feet of clearance between your vehicle and any vehicle that you are overtaking. Be especially cautious when passing a bicycle on the roadway.

Signal, check your mirrors, and check your blind spot before changing lanes or passing on an interstate. Only stop on the shoulder of the interstate in the case of an emergency and change lanes as infrequently as possible. Cruise control should not be used in heavy traffic or under poor weather conditions.

Alcohol dulls the parts of your brain that control inhibition, judgment, and self-control. As a result, you may feel stimulated, lively, and a bit giddy or foolish after consuming alcohol. Alcohol also impairs your reaction time, coordination, and balance. Your vision and ability to judge distance suffers after alcohol consumption, making it difficult to react to your surroundings.

If an aggressive driver cuts you off on the roadway, stay calm and get out of their way. Trying to get even with an aggressive driver risks escalating the situation and increasing the danger.

If an approaching driver fails to dim their high beams, glance toward the right side of the road. This will keep you from being blinded by the other vehicle’s headlights and will allow you to see enough of the road to stay on course until the other vehicle has passed.

Driving while impaired or intoxicated is a serious traffic safety problem. Safe driving is not possible when you drink alcohol or take other drugs. Driving under the influence is dangerous both to you and to others on the road.

This one-way sign indicates that traffic flows only in the direction of the arrow.

To avoid becoming fatigued while taking a long trip, stop every two hours for a short break. If you become drowsy, pull off the road and park in a safe place to take a nap, or find a room to stay for the night.

Alcohol is a depressant that negatively affects judgment, vision, concentration, understanding of reality, and reaction time. It is never safe to consume alcohol in any amount before getting behind the wheel of a car.

Develop a routine for entering and leaving your car. Before switching on the ignition, buckle your safety belt and see that all passengers do likewise.

If your vehicle goes into a skid, you should turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. As soon as the vehicle begins to straighten out, turn the steering wheel back the other way.