Adverse Driving Conditions Section 10

Reduced Visibility Windows Most important rule is Keep Your Windows Clean!

Moisture Build-up turn on front defroster switch on rear defroster a/c or heater will help open windows as needed

Other Problems

Sun Glare try to avoid looking at sun use visors Drive with low beams on to increase other driver’s visibility of you. Other drivers may miss your signal or even not see your vehicle because of severe glare.

Dawn and Dusk Dawn and dusk driving can create a dangerous situation. Drive with low beams on to increase other driver’s visibility of you.

Night Use high beams to see further down the road only if over ½ mile or more behind another vehicle. Switch to low beams the moment you see an oncoming car or you the taillights of a vehicle you are approaching or the taillights of a vehicle that just passed you.

Night If an oncoming driver fails to switch to low beam, Flick your headlights Slow, move to lane position 3, and glance at the right edge of the road. Look ahead with quick, frequent glances. Do not stare into oncoming high-beams! Be ready to adjust to unseen situations after the car passes.

Night Overdriving your headlights means? driving at a speed that makes your stopping distance longer than the distance lighted by your headlights. Use the 4-second stopping rule.

Fog Always use low beams, high beams reflect more light back and reduce visibility. Fog may reduce your ability to judge distances. Avoid dangers by –slowing and –increasing cushion around your vehicle.

Rain Use windshield wipers Keep defrosters on high Keep low beams on

Wet Roadways Rainfall Roads are most slippery at the beginning of the rainfall. Oil rises to the top and the rain has not washed it off the roadway. Hydroplaning When a tire loses road contact by rising up on top of the water.

Wet Roadways Deep Water If you do not know how deep the water is, DON”T DRIVE THROUGH IT! Floods cause more deaths than any other weather condition, 60% are vehicle related.

If You See Deep Water Estimate depth by watching other vehicles. Look at objects such as hydrants, fence posts, parked vehicles. Proceed slowly if the water is just over your rims. Try to drive on the higher, center of the road. Tap brakes to create friction to help dry brakes. Continue after water until brakes are normal.

Ice Be ready for the worst when ice forms

Ice Ice on bridges –bridge and overpasses freeze first because of air circulation Black ice –forms in thin sheets and is very difficult to see. Ice in tire tracks –snow can back down into ice in the normal driving tracks.

Snow reduces visibility covers road markings makes steering more difficult increases danger of sliding increases braking distance

Snow Driving techniques –General gentle acceleration gentle steering gentle braking –Rocking drive forward a little, then drive back a little, repeat sequence to work out of snow

Cold Weather Check exhaust for leaks and blockage Do not race (rev) a cold engine Do not set parking brake

Things you need for the cold Look and listen for traffic reports Keep windows clean Respect lower speeds Keep a safe following distance Avoid cruise control What should I keep in my car? Blanket Flares Extra clothes

Skidding Skidding is when the tires lose all or part of their grip on the road. Remember –A locked or spinning wheel provides no steering control –Never give up trying to correct a skid.

Types of Skidding Over-Power Skid – applying to much power – let off the accelerator Over-Braking Skid (Non- ABS) – locking wheels during braking – let up on brakes Front-wheel Skid – front wheels lose traction – release accelerator, continue to steer

Types of Skidding Rear-Wheel Skid (fishtailing) – rear wheels lose traction – release accelerator, steer in direction of skid. Skidding in a Curve – probably skidding off the road – reduce speed and correct for type of skid and steer for an off-road path of travel that is as safe as possible.

Other Adverse Weather Conditions

Wind can reduce vehicle control strong blast after a truck passes or after driving out from under a bridge

Hot Weather Overheating, if temperature light goes on –turn off a/c –turn on heat –stop if light stays on and cool engine Never remove a radiator cap when engine is hot!

Other Situations gravel roads –loose rocks act like “marbles”. –use well packed paths leaves –wet leaves on the road reduce traction construction areas –heavy equipment mud, dirt, or sand on roadway. Use extra caution in these areas.

The End