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?

Use it to warn pedestrians that you are approaching

Hold it down whenever someone cuts you off

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

Use it frequently to remind others to drive properly

2 / 25

What effect do heavy meals have on a driver?

They tend to make a person drowsy

They have no effect on driving

They make a person more patient

They improve alertness

3 / 25

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

It saves fuel compared to shutting off the engine

It has no meaningful effect on fuel costs

It only affects maintenance, not fuel costs

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

4 / 25

As speed increases, what else increases?

The lifespan of the tires

The potential for collisions and fuel consumption

The effectiveness of the brakes

The driver’s reaction time

5 / 25

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

It reduces emissions

It helps clean the fuel system

It wastes fuel and can cause engine damage

It improves engine performance

6 / 25

How should you respond to other drivers’ mistakes?

Confront them at the next stop

Assume they are targeting you

Try to block them from changing lanes

Don’t take them personally

7 / 25

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

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

Short calls are fine if traffic is light

Hands-free calls are encouraged while driving

Texting is acceptable at red lights

8 / 25

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

Turn off your lights and try to hide

Drive to a police station, bus yard, or school

Stop and confront the driver following you

Drive to a secluded area

9 / 25

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

Honk repeatedly to show your displeasure

Follow them closely until they move over

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

Speed up and cut them off to teach them a lesson

10 / 25

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

Rev the engine to peak RPM between shifts

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

Shift randomly based on sound only

Shift as late as possible to maximize power

11 / 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

12 / 25

When might pumping the gas pedal be appropriate?

To keep the engine from stalling at stoplights

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

Whenever you want to accelerate quickly

To warm up the engine at every start

13 / 25

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

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

It lets you follow other vehicles more closely

It allows you to drive faster in heavy traffic

It removes the need to use mirrors

14 / 25

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

Getting fresh air and breathing deeply and slowly

Ignoring your feelings until you arrive

Eating a heavy meal before driving

Turning the music up loudly

15 / 25

How can you save fuel when using auxiliary equipment?

Turn off energy-consuming equipment when not required

Leave rear heaters on at all times

Use all fans on high to clear windows faster

Keep electric defrost running continuously

16 / 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 more fuel than restarting the engine

Ten seconds of idling uses less fuel than restarting

17 / 25

How should tires be maintained for safety and efficiency?

Keep them inflated to their recommended pressure

Ignore pressure as long as the tires look fine

Keep them slightly underinflated for comfort

Overinflate them to reduce rolling resistance

18 / 25

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

Change lanes often to gain position

Brake frequently to keep speeds low

Constantly accelerate to stay ahead of others

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

19 / 25

Which of the following is a consequence of excessive idling?

Increased fuel costs, engine wear, and fuel emissions

Longer engine life with fewer repairs

Lower fuel consumption

Reduced engine wear and cleaner emissions

20 / 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

Drive faster and ignore the threat

Step outside to confront the person

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

21 / 25

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

Talk on your phone while driving to distract yourself

Speed so you can get home faster

Focus on other drivers’ mistakes

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

22 / 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

23 / 25

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

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

Slow down slightly and talk briefly

Hold the phone low so others can’t see it

Text instead of talking to save time

24 / 25

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

Ignore traffic signs when you feel stressed

Use your horn frequently to alert other drivers

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

Drive faster so you can get away from other drivers

25 / 25

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

Aggressively, to make sure others respect your right of way

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

By constantly changing lanes to get ahead

As slowly as possible, regardless of traffic conditions

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.