Series 3-26: Road Rage

The “Road Rage” section of the Alberta School Bus Knowledge Test educates drivers on recognizing, preventing, and managing aggressive driving behaviors.

Alberta School Bus Test - SERIES 3-26: Road Rage

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What is the goal of safe, smooth driving in relation to traffic flow?

Change lanes often to gain position

Constantly accelerate to stay ahead of others

Minimize speed changes by being in harmony with traffic tempo and in sync with traffic lights

Brake frequently to keep speeds low

2 / 25

When might pumping the gas pedal be appropriate?

Whenever you want to accelerate quickly

To keep the engine from stalling at stoplights

To warm up the engine at every start

For cold weather starts or when a vehicle has been standing idle for days

3 / 25

How should you respond to other drivers’ mistakes?

Assume they are targeting you

Confront them at the next stop

Don’t take them personally

Try to block them from changing lanes

4 / 25

If you must use a cell phone while operating the bus, what should you do?

Text instead of talking to save time

Find a safe, off-road location to park, then make your call

Hold the phone low so others can’t see it

Slow down slightly and talk briefly

5 / 25

How can you save fuel when using auxiliary equipment?

Leave rear heaters on at all times

Turn off energy-consuming equipment when not required

Keep electric defrost running continuously

Use all fans on high to clear windows faster

6 / 25

Which of the following is a consequence of excessive idling?

Longer engine life with fewer repairs

Reduced engine wear and cleaner emissions

Lower fuel consumption

Increased fuel costs, engine wear, and fuel emissions

7 / 25

Which of the following helps combat the warning signs of stress while driving?

Ignoring your feelings until you arrive

Getting fresh air and breathing deeply and slowly

Turning the music up loudly

Eating a heavy meal before driving

8 / 25

In the example given, if a school bus idles one hour per day for 200 days, what is one cost implication?

It only affects maintenance, not fuel costs

It saves fuel compared to shutting off the engine

It consumes a significant amount of fuel that adds to operating costs

It has no meaningful effect on fuel costs

9 / 25

What is the professional position on cell phone use while operating a school bus?

Texting is acceptable at red lights

Hands-free calls are encouraged while driving

Cell phones have no place in a school bus operator’s ear while operating the bus

Short calls are fine if traffic is light

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What should you do if you are being physically threatened while in the bus?

Step outside to confront the person

Let the person onto the bus to calm them down

Drive faster and ignore the threat

Stay in the bus, secure the doors, and contact the police

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How should you drive to reduce the chance of road rage and improve safety?

In a courteous and considerate manner, giving way at busy intersections and merges

Aggressively, to make sure others respect your right of way

As slowly as possible, regardless of traffic conditions

By constantly changing lanes to get ahead

12 / 25

How should tires be maintained for safety and efficiency?

Keep them slightly underinflated for comfort

Overinflate them to reduce rolling resistance

Keep them inflated to their recommended pressure

Ignore pressure as long as the tires look fine

13 / 25

What are companies increasingly implementing regarding engine operation?

Policies on idling that should be followed

Requirements to rev the engine before shutting off

Policies to disable automatic shut-down systems

Rules requiring the engine to idle at all stops

14 / 25

What is the recommended technique for shifting gears in a manual transmission?

Shift randomly based on sound only

Rev the engine to peak RPM between shifts

Shift as late as possible to maximize power

Shift at engine speed just high enough for progressive upward shifting, near peak torque

15 / 25

What should you do if someone’s driving annoys you?

Speed up and cut them off to teach them a lesson

Follow them closely until they move over

Don’t compete or retaliate; leave traffic enforcement to the police

Honk repeatedly to show your displeasure

16 / 25

What is a recommended response if you realize you have made a driving mistake?

Say “Sorry”; an apology can reduce the risk of conflict

Ignore it and keep driving

Speed away so the other driver can’t react

Argue with the other driver if they confront you

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What is a potential effect of unnecessary pumping of the gas pedal or revving the engine?

It wastes fuel and can cause engine damage

It improves engine performance

It reduces emissions

It helps clean the fuel system

18 / 25

As speed increases, what else increases?

The potential for collisions and fuel consumption

The effectiveness of the brakes

The driver’s reaction time

The lifespan of the tires

19 / 25

Why is it important to look 12 seconds ahead and maintain a four-second following distance?

It lets you follow other vehicles more closely

It provides the necessary space to slow down, accelerate, or change lanes safely and smoothly

It removes the need to use mirrors

It allows you to drive faster in heavy traffic

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What effect do heavy meals have on a driver?

They have no effect on driving

They make a person more patient

They improve alertness

They tend to make a person drowsy

21 / 25

What is the recommended use of the horn to avoid escalating conflicts?

Use it to warn pedestrians that you are approaching

Hold it down whenever someone cuts you off

Use it frequently to remind others to drive properly

Avoid honking unless absolutely necessary, and tap it lightly if you must use it

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If you think you are being followed, what is the safest action?

Stop and confront the driver following you

Drive to a police station, bus yard, or school

Drive to a secluded area

Turn off your lights and try to hide

23 / 25

How does ten seconds of idling compare to restarting the engine in terms of fuel use?

Ten seconds of idling uses less fuel than restarting

They use exactly the same amount of fuel

Idling only uses fuel if accessories are on

Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine

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Which of the following is a recommended strategy to help avoid road rage conflicts?

Use your horn frequently to alert other drivers

Ignore traffic signs when you feel stressed

Drive faster so you can get away from other drivers

Plan your route in advance so you are less likely to get lost

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What is a recommended way to avoid bringing stress into your driving?

Talk on your phone while driving to distract yourself

Make a conscious decision not to take your problems with you when driving

Speed so you can get home faster

Focus on other drivers’ mistakes

Your score is

This section emphasizes the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism when faced with hostile drivers or stressful traffic situations. School bus drivers are tested on techniques to avoid escalating conflicts, such as keeping a safe distance, not responding to provocation, and focusing on safe driving practices. Understanding how to defuse potentially volatile situations protects both students and other road users. By mastering this section, drivers demonstrate their ability to remain calm and responsible, ensuring a safe and respectful environment on the road.