Ch. 5 · Driving Method

Applying the brakes in several separate applications causes the brake lights to flash, which serves as a signal to following vehicles and helps prevent rear-end collisions.

[True / False · Medium]

Answer: ✓ True

Explanation

Chapter 5, Section 4, 3(2) of the Rules of the Road states that applying the brakes in several separate applications causes the brake lights to flash, serving as a signal to following vehicles and helping prevent rear-end collisions. This is especially effective when road surfaces are slippery.

Driving school curriculumStage 1 – Topic 7: Safe speed and following distance

Hikari

Pumping the brakes just seems inefficient. Wouldn't steady pressure be better?

Misaki

This statement is true. Applying brakes in separate applications makes your brake lights flash, which alerts drivers behind you and helps prevent rear-end collisions.

Hikari

Oh, so it's a communication tool, not just about stopping?

Misaki

Exactly. It's especially useful on slippery roads — the flashing is a clear warning signal.

Source: Ch. 5 Driving Method · Section (第４節安全な速度と車間距離) · 3(2) ブレーキは数回に分けて使いましよう。この方法は、道路が滑りやすい状態のときには、とりわけ効果的です。また、数回に分けて使えば、ブレーキ灯が点滅し、後車への合図となつて追突事故防止に役立ちます。

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Source content excerpted from the NPA “Rules of the Road” instructional manual, in the public domain under Japanese Copyright Act Article 13(2). Explanations are AI-assisted and copyrighted by the MenkyoQuest editorial team.