If worried, nervous, angry, or crying, a driver:
- Will drive no differently than they would if they were thinking more clearly.
- Can drive faster because they are more in touch with their senses.
- Should take the time to focus on driving before starting the engine. ✓
- Should call a friend to vent while driving.
Answer: C. Should take the time to focus on driving before starting the engine.
If you are worried, nervous, angry, or crying, you should take the time to focus and calm down before you start the engine.
Why this is the answer
The handbook explains that strong emotions like worry, anger, crying, or depression can keep your mind on other issues instead of the road, and can change how you react or overreact to what happens around you. Because of that, it says to take time to calm down and get focused before driving. That points straight to handling your emotional state first, before you begin driving.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Will drive no differently than they would if they were thinking more clearly. — The handbook says emotions can change how you react or overreact to driving situations, so your driving is affected, not unchanged.
- B. Can drive faster because they are more in touch with their senses. — Nothing in the handbook says emotions sharpen your senses or make faster driving acceptable; it says emotions can distract you from driving.
- D. Should call a friend to vent while driving. — Calling someone while driving would add a distraction, and the handbook instead tells you to calm down and focus before driving.
Remember it
Think of your feelings as part of your pre-drive check: settle your mind before you settle into the seat.