Space Management and Hazard Perception Cheat Sheet - Quick Reference Guide
Quick reference for exam-critical information from Sections 2.7-2.9: following distance formula, overhead clearance, off-tracking, hazard perception, and distracted driving laws.
Following Distance Formula
The Rule
Below 40 mph: 1 second per 10 feet of vehicle length
Above 40 mph: Add 1 extra second
Quick Calculation
| Vehicle Length | Below 40 mph | Above 40 mph |
|---|---|---|
| 30 feet | 3 seconds | 4 seconds |
| 40 feet | 4 seconds | 5 seconds |
| 50 feet | 5 seconds | 6 seconds |
| 60 feet | 6 seconds | 7 seconds |
| 70 feet | 7 seconds | 8 seconds |
How to Measure
- Vehicle ahead passes fixed point
- Count "one thousand-and-one..."
- Stop when YOU reach that point
- Compare to required seconds
Space Around Vehicle
| Space | Key Point |
|---|---|
| Ahead | Most important; 1 sec/10 ft rule |
| Behind | Increase YOUR distance if tailgated |
| Sides | Stay centered; avoid traveling alongside others |
| Overhead | Empty vehicles are HIGHER than loaded |
| Below | Watch railroad tracks, drainage channels |
Overhead Clearance Rules
| Fact | Remember |
|---|---|
| Posted heights | May be inaccurate (repaving, snow) |
| Empty vs loaded | Empty = HIGHER |
| Before backing | Get out and check for wires, branches |
| When in doubt | Take another route |
Turning Space (Off-Tracking)
What Is Off-Tracking?
Rear wheels follow shorter path than front wheels = rear cuts the corner.
Right Turn Rules
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Turn slowly | Swing wide LEFT to start |
| Keep rear close to curb | Let vehicles pass on right |
| Turn wide as you COMPLETE | Turn wide at the START |
Left Turn Rules
- Reach center of intersection before turning
- Use right lane if two turn lanes available
- Watch for off-tracking hitting vehicles on left
Dealing with Tailgaters
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Increase YOUR following distance | Speed up |
| Signal early | Flash brake lights |
| Slow down gradually | Make sudden moves |
| Stay right when slow | Play games |
Hazard Types
Road Hazards
| Hazard | Danger |
|---|---|
| Work zones | Narrow lanes, workers, sudden stops |
| Drop-offs | Tilt vehicle, hard to steer |
| Railroad tracks | Low trailers can get stuck |
| Off-ramps | Posted speed may be unsafe for trucks |
Driver Hazards
| Type | Clues |
|---|---|
| Impaired | Weaving, drifting, wrong stops |
| Confused | Hesitation, map-looking, sudden stops |
| Blocked vision | Frosted windows, rental trucks |
| In a hurry | Cutting in front |
Pedestrian Hazards
- Children playing
- Joggers/cyclists with backs to traffic
- Headphone wearers
- People near buses or ice cream trucks
Distracted Driving Laws
Cell Phone Rules
| Prohibited | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Holding phone for calls | Hands-free within reach |
| Multi-button dialing | Single-button dialing |
| Reaching from seat for phone | Voice-activated dialing |
| Emergency calls only (hand-held) |
Texting Rules
Completely prohibited:
- Typing text
- Reading text
- Email, instant messaging
- Web browsing
Penalties
| Offense | Driver Disqualification |
|---|---|
| 2nd offense (3 years) | 60 days |
| 3rd+ offense (3 years) | 120 days |
| Fine Type | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Driver per violation | $2,750 |
| Employer | $11,000 |
Crash Risk Statistics
| Activity | Risk Increase | Eyes Off Road | Distance at 55 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dialing | 6x greater | 3.8 seconds | 306 feet |
| Texting | 23.2x greater | 4.6 seconds | 371 feet |
371 feet = length of football field
Key Facts to Memorize
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Following distance base | 1 sec per 10 feet |
| Add above 40 mph | +1 second |
| Empty vehicle height | HIGHER than loaded |
| Texting crash risk | 23.2x |
| Dialing crash risk | 6x |
| Texting eyes off road | 4.6 seconds |
| 2nd phone/text offense | 60-day disqualification |
| 3rd phone/text offense | 120-day disqualification |
| Driver fine max | $2,750 |
| Employer fine max | $11,000 |
Quick Quiz
Q: Following distance for 40-foot truck at 45 mph?
A: 5 seconds (4 base + 1 for over 40 mph)
Q: Empty or loaded truck is higher?
A: Empty (no weight compressing suspension)
Q: Swing wide LEFT or RIGHT to start right turn?
A: Neither—keep rear to curb, turn wide to COMPLETE
Q: What is off-tracking?
A: Rear wheels cut the corner (shorter path than front)
Q: Texting crash risk increase?
A: 23.2 times greater
Q: Can you use hands-free phone while driving CMV?
A: Yes, if within close reach and single-button/voice activated
Q: Cell phone penalty for 2nd offense in 3 years?
A: 60-day disqualification
Q: What to do when tailgated?
A: Increase YOUR following distance, signal early, slow gradually
Q: Are hands-free phones safer than hand-held?
A: No—both reduce attention by 39%
Q: Maximum driver fine for phone/text violation?
A: $2,750 per violation
Memory Tricks
Following Distance: "10 feet = 1 second, 40+ = 1 more"
Off-Tracking: "Rear cuts in, so turn wide at the END"
Empty Vehicles: "Less weight = rides HIGH = more clearance problems"
Texting Risk: "23 times = 2-3 seconds = football field blind"
Next Steps
- Memorize the following distance formula
- Know that empty = higher clearance needed
- Remember: turn wide at END not START
- Know distracted driving penalties: 60/120 days
Ready to test your knowledge? Start practicing with our Space and Hazard questions.