In many collisions involving motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, drivers have reported seeing but failing to avoid them. These road users are often harder to spot due to their smaller size, speed, and less noticeable lighting. Always stay alert for them.

A red and white triangular yield sign indicates that you should slow down and yield the right-of-way to any vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection. Be prepared to stop if necessary.

The merge ahead sign warns that two lanes of traffic are about to merge into one.

“No zones” refer to the large blind spots around trucks and other large vehicles. Avoid driving in these areas for your own safety.

Extend the space between you and the car ahead when visibility is limited (like behind trucks), in poor weather, in dense traffic, when following vulnerable vehicles like bikes or motorcycles, or if someone is tailgating you.

When parking uphill on a street with a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb and set your parking brake. This way, if the vehicle rolls, it will roll into the curb.

If you’re driving someone under 18 in Virginia, you’re legally responsible for making sure they’re buckled up correctly, whether they’re in the front or back seat.

Warning signs, typically yellow with black markings, warn drivers about an upcoming traffic signal. Drivers should be prepared for changes in light or cross-traffic conditions.

Fatigue can impair your driving abilities much like alcohol does. For instance, staying awake for 18 hours can impair you similarly to having a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. Staying awake for 24 hours equates to a 0.10% blood alcohol level.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) allows the holder to operate large vehicles like tractor-trailers, buses, tank vehicles, school buses with 16 or more passengers, or vehicles transporting hazardous materials. A regular driver’s license is for operating smaller vehicles or trucks that weigh less than 26,001 pounds and do not require a CDL.

Vehicles displaying the slow-moving vehicle emblem, a reflective orange triangle, are moving at speeds of 25 mph or slower. Always be cautious when approaching these vehicles.

Warning signs, typically yellow with black markings, prepare drivers for upcoming hazards and road conditions. This sign indicates possible cross traffic from bicycles.

Always approach railroad crossings carefully and ensure there is no train coming before crossing. If there’s a flagger present, follow their directions.

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing your vehicle to lose traction. Poor tire conditions, such as low pressure or worn tread, can increase the likelihood of hydroplaning, as can speeding.

A crossroad sign warns that an intersection is ahead.

This is a “Keep right” sign. It indicates that a traffic island, median, or barrier is ahead and that drivers must keep to the right of it.

If you become stranded during a snowstorm, stay inside your vehicle and wait for assistance. You are more likely to be found if you remain in the car, and it may be unsafe to walk in the storm.

Railroad crossing signs warn drivers of approaching trains. Always obey railroad crossing signals and never attempt to bypass barriers or ignore the warning signs.

Circular traffic signs indicate the approach of a railroad crossing. This particular sign warns drivers to be cautious and look out for an approaching train when nearing the crossing.

When stopping on the road at night, turn on your emergency flashers and leave your low beams on to make your vehicle more visible to other drivers.

Driving too fast on slippery roads, particularly in turns, is extremely dangerous. Slow down when navigating curves in these conditions.

When making a left turn, wait for oncoming traffic to clear before proceeding. You can enter the intersection to prepare if the light is green and there’s no vehicle ahead of you turning left.

Large vehicles often travel slower than the posted speed limit, particularly when going uphill. Use caution when approaching these vehicles from behind, and never attempt to pass on hills with poor visibility, as passing in such areas is illegal.

Bicycles are treated like any other vehicle on the road, meaning they have the same rights and responsibilities. Bicyclists must follow all traffic laws just like drivers of motor vehicles. However, they are not allowed on interstate highways or freeways.

You are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections, whether marked or not. You must also give the right-of-way to organized groups like funeral processions and military convoys without interfering.

Warning signs, typically yellow with black markings, prepare drivers for upcoming road conditions and hazards. This sign alerts drivers to an approaching sharp turn, urging them to reduce their speed.

Alcohol impairs judgment, vision, concentration, reality perception, and reaction times. It is unsafe to drive after consuming alcohol, regardless of the amount.

For your safety, keep enough space around your vehicle to react to any potential hazards, without crowding other vehicles in adjacent lanes.

Speed limit signs indicate the maximum or minimum safe speed for driving on a particular road. These limits are based on ideal conditions, and you must adjust your speed if conditions require it.

If a transit vehicle signals to re-enter the main roadway after stopping to load or unload passengers, you must yield. Change lanes, slow down, or stop to allow the bus to safely merge back into traffic.

This sign marks the beginning of a one-way street or ramp. You must not continue driving in the current direction.

This sign indicates that the road ahead curves to the right and then to the left. You should slow down to be able to negotiate these curves safely.

It is illegal to drive so slowly that you disrupt the flow of traffic. Driving too slowly may result in a citation, as it can create hazards for other drivers.

To avoid driving impaired, arrange for a designated driver, use public transportation, or take a cab. Coffee or cold showers won’t speed up alcohol elimination from your system.

A left arm and hand extended downward signals the intention to stop. Adjust your driving accordingly if you see this hand signal from another driver.