This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Direct Route Questions
In direct route questions, you’re required to head from one location using the most direct route, while following all the traffic laws. For example, you will not be allowed to make a right-hand–turn or a U-turn. In this type of question, you are given a scenario that describes your location and a location where you are headed. There might be some additional information, such as road closing, high water, or traffic jam problems. You are given multiple-choice answers to choose from. Let’s take a look at a couple of scenario questions to practice direct route questions.
Scenario 1
You and Officer Jones are at the intersection of Delaware Street and North Street. You both get a call for a person shot at the intersection of Capitol Street and Georgia Street.
Time is of value. You have to drive with emergency equipment and are required to take the most direct route to the crime scene. When answering the following question, refer to Figure 4.2. It is a six-block street grid. Washington Street runs east to west and divides the grid into north and south halves. Meridian Street runs from north to south and divides the grid into east and west halves. As you can see, north has been given for you. Based on this information, you need to determine other directions. Also given are your starting and stopping positions.
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Figure 4.2 Six-street grid for a crime scene.
- Which one of the following describes the most direct route?
- Go west on North Street to Pennsylvania Street, and then south on Pennsylvania Street to Georgia Street. Then go west on Georgia Street to Capitol Street.
- Go south on Delaware Street to South Street, and then go east on South Street to Capitol Street.
- Go south on Illinois Street to Georgia Street.
- Go south on East Street to Georgia Street and then west on Georgia Street.
Answer A is correct because Pennsylvania Street is the first street that allows you to travel southbound. Even though you are standing by Delaware Street, you cannot travel south because the street is one way going north. Therefore, you will see that answers B and C are incorrect because no southbound traffic is allowed on Delaware and Illinois streets. Choice D is also incorrect because it is not a direct route. Even though you will get there following the directions, it is a much longer route than answer A.
Scenario 2
You are at the intersection of Georgia Street and Delaware Street. You get a personal injury accident call at the intersection of Michigan Street and Capitol Street.
First off, remember that time is of value. You will have to drive with emergency equipment and are required to take the most direct route to the accident scene. Figure 4.3 is similar to Figure 4.2. It has been modified to fit scenario 2 so that the starting point and stopping point are different. It, too, is a six-block street grid. Washington Street runs east to west and divides the grid into north and south halves. Meridian Street runs from north to south and divides the grid into east and west halves. When answering the following question, refer to Figure 4.3. As you can see, north has been provided for you. Based on this information, you need to determine the other directions.
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Figure 4.3 Six-street grid for an accident scene.
- Which one of the following describes the most direct route?
- Go south on Delaware Street to South Street. Then go east on South Street to Capitol Street. Then go north on Capitol Street to Michigan Street.
- Go south on Capitol Street to South Street. Then go east on South Street to Delaware. Then go north on Delaware Street.
- Go west on Georgia Street to Illinois Street. Then go north on Illinois Street to Michigan Street. Then go west on Michigan Street to Capitol Street.
- Go north on Delaware street to Michigan Street. Then go east on Michigan Street to Capitol Street.
Answer C is correct because this choice gives you the most direct route. Answer A is incorrect because it asks you to go south on Delaware to South Street and then east on South Street to Capitol. If you refer to Figure 4.3, Capitol Street is west of Delaware Street. Answer B is incorrect because it asks you to go south on Capitol. If you follow these directions, it takes you away from your target location. Answer D is incorrect because it asks you to go north on Delaware Street and then east on Michigan Street. Michigan Street is one-way westbound. No eastbound traffic is allowed.