Basic Mechanics, Safety Elements, and Accidents – DGT Summary

Exclusive content for the DGT theoretical exam focused on:

  • basic vehicle mechanics

  • active and passive safety elements

  • traffic accidents

  • basic maintenance

  • frequent errors in the exam


1. BASIC VEHICLE MECHANICS

Engine

It is the element that:

  • generates the energy to move the vehicle

πŸ’‘ DGT Key:

A failure of the engine can prevent safe circulation.


Braking System

Allows:

  • reduce speed

  • stop the vehicle

Types of braking:

  • service brake (pedal)

  • parking brake (hand)

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

The service brake is the main one.


Tires

Function:

  • the only contact with the road

Risks:

  • wear

  • incorrect pressure

  • lack of tread

πŸ’‘ DGT Key:

Worn tires increase the risk of accidents.


Steering

Allows:

  • control the vehicle's trajectory

A failure can cause:

  • loss of control


Suspension

Function:

  • absorb irregularities of the road

  • maintain stability


2. SAFETY ELEMENTS

Active Safety

Prevents accidents.

Includes:

  • brakes

  • tires

  • lights

  • steering

  • suspension

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

Active safety acts before the accident.


Passive Safety

Reduces damage in case of an accident.

Includes:

  • seatbelt

  • airbags

  • headrests

  • vehicle structure

πŸ’‘ DGT Key:

Passive safety acts during the accident.


Seatbelt

Mandatory for:

  • driver

  • passengers

Functions:

  • prevent projection

  • reduce injuries


Airbags

Function:

  • protect in collisions

Do not replace the seatbelt.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

The airbag always complements the seatbelt.


Headrests

Function:

  • prevent cervical injuries


Bodywork

Absorbs impact energy to protect occupants.


3. TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS

Main Causes

  • distractions

  • inadequate speed

  • alcohol and drugs

  • fatigue

  • poor vehicle condition

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

The human factor is the main cause of accidents.


Types of Accidents

Frontal Collision

High severity.


Rear-end Collision

One vehicle hits another from behind.


Off-road

Loss of vehicle control.


Runover

Vehicle hits a pedestrian or cyclist.


Consequences of Accidents

  • injuries

  • material damage

  • fatalities


Behavior After an Accident

PAS (Protect, Alert, Assist)

Protect

Prevent new accidents.

Alert

Call emergency services.

Assist

Help the injured without putting yourself at risk.

πŸ’‘ Frequently asked:

Do not move the injured unless there is a serious danger.


4. BASIC MAINTENANCE

Vehicle Inspection

Must check:

  • tires

  • brakes

  • lights

  • fluid levels


Vehicle Fluids

  • oil

  • coolant

  • brake fluid


Tire Pressure

Must be checked:

  • regularly

  • when cold


Lights

Must work correctly to:

  • see

  • be seen


5. DRIVING SAFETY

Safety Distance

Allows:

  • stop the vehicle without collision

πŸ’‘ Rule:

Higher speed β†’ greater distance.


Proper Speed

Must adapt to:

  • road conditions

  • weather

  • traffic


Preventive Driving

Consists of:

  • anticipating risks

  • avoiding dangerous situations


6. FREQUENT ERRORS IN THE EXAM

  • confusing active and passive safety

  • thinking that the airbag replaces the seatbelt

  • forgetting PAS in accidents

  • not checking tires correctly

  • ignoring the importance of the human factor


7. DGT TRICKS

Active Safety

Prevents accidents.

Passive Safety

Reduces injuries.

PAS

Protect β†’ Alert β†’ Assist.

Tires

They are key to safety.

Human Factor

Main cause of accidents.


ULTRA FAST SUMMARY

Basic Mechanics

Brakes, tires, steering, suspension.

Active Safety

Prevents accidents.

Passive Safety

Reduces damage.

Accidents

Main cause: human factor.

PAS

Protect, alert, and assist.