Georgia DDS Practice Test

What does it mean when a vehicle's brake lights are illuminated?

1. The driver is turning

2. The driver is stopping or slowing down

3. The driver is accelerating

4. There is a malfunction with the vehicle

The correct answer is: The driver is stopping or slowing down

When a vehicle's brake lights are illuminated, it signals to other drivers that the vehicle is either stopping or slowing down. This is an important safety feature designed to alert following vehicles of a change in speed, allowing them to react accordingly. Brake lights serve as a warning system, indicating that the vehicle's driver is applying the brakes, which could be to stop at a traffic light, yield to a pedestrian, or slow for another hazard on the road. Understanding this helps maintain proper distance and enhances overall road safety. The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose of brake lights. A driver turning would typically use turn signals instead. Acceleration would not activate brake lights, as this indicates that the vehicle is increasing speed rather than decreasing it. Lastly, if there were a malfunction with the vehicle, it would not necessarily cause the brake lights to illuminate; such an issue could involve numerous other components independent of standard braking operations.