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

1 / 25

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

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

Hold it down whenever someone cuts you off

Use it to warn pedestrians that you are approaching

Use it frequently to remind others to drive properly

2 / 25

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

Hold the phone low so others can’t see it

Slow down slightly and talk briefly

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

Text instead of talking to save time

3 / 25

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

Shift randomly based on sound only

Shift as late as possible to maximize power

Rev the engine to peak RPM between shifts

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

4 / 25

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

5 / 25

Which of the following is a consequence of excessive idling?

Lower fuel consumption

Reduced engine wear and cleaner emissions

Longer engine life with fewer repairs

Increased fuel costs, engine wear, and fuel emissions

6 / 25

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

Idling only uses fuel if accessories are on

They use exactly the same amount of fuel

Ten seconds of idling uses less fuel than restarting

Ten seconds of idling uses more fuel than restarting the engine

7 / 25

What effect do heavy meals have on a driver?

They make a person more patient

They tend to make a person drowsy

They improve alertness

They have no effect on driving

8 / 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

Speed away so the other driver can’t react

Argue with the other driver if they confront you

Ignore it and keep driving

9 / 25

As speed increases, what else increases?

The driver’s reaction time

The effectiveness of the brakes

The potential for collisions and fuel consumption

The lifespan of the tires

10 / 25

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

Getting fresh air and breathing deeply and slowly

Eating a heavy meal before driving

Turning the music up loudly

Ignoring your feelings until you arrive

11 / 25

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

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

Talk on your phone while driving to distract yourself

Speed so you can get home faster

Focus on other drivers’ mistakes

12 / 25

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

Follow them closely until they move over

Speed up and cut them off to teach them a lesson

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

Honk repeatedly to show your displeasure

13 / 25

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 helps clean the fuel system

It improves engine performance

It reduces emissions

14 / 25

How can you save fuel when using auxiliary equipment?

Use all fans on high to clear windows faster

Leave rear heaters on at all times

Keep electric defrost running continuously

Turn off energy-consuming equipment when not required

15 / 25

When might pumping the gas pedal be appropriate?

Whenever you want to accelerate quickly

To keep the engine from stalling at stoplights

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

To warm up the engine at every start

16 / 25

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

Let the person onto the bus to calm them down

Step outside to confront the person

Drive faster and ignore the threat

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

17 / 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 allows you to drive faster in heavy traffic

It removes the need to use mirrors

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

18 / 25

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

Short calls are fine if traffic is light

Hands-free calls are encouraged while driving

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

Texting is acceptable at red lights

19 / 25

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

Drive to a police station, bus yard, or school

Drive to a secluded area

Turn off your lights and try to hide

Stop and confront the driver following you

20 / 25

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

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

Change lanes often to gain position

21 / 25

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

It has no meaningful effect on fuel costs

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

It saves fuel compared to shutting off the engine

It only affects maintenance, not fuel costs

22 / 25

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

Drive faster so you can get away from other drivers

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

Ignore traffic signs when you feel stressed

Use your horn frequently to alert other drivers

23 / 25

What are companies increasingly implementing regarding engine operation?

Policies to disable automatic shut-down systems

Requirements to rev the engine before shutting off

Policies on idling that should be followed

Rules requiring the engine to idle at all stops

24 / 25

How should you respond to other drivers’ mistakes?

Try to block them from changing lanes

Assume they are targeting you

Confront them at the next stop

Don’t take them personally

25 / 25

How should tires be maintained for safety and efficiency?

Keep them inflated to their recommended pressure

Overinflate them to reduce rolling resistance

Ignore pressure as long as the tires look fine

Keep them slightly underinflated for comfort

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.