1. T-8.0 WV Driver Education Topic 1 Visibility in Adverse Conditions Topic 2 Extreme Weather Conditions Topic 3 Protecting Occupants Topic 4 Roadway and Vehicle Technology Topic 5 Traction Loss Concerns Basic Driver Responsibilities: Adverse Conditions

2. T-8.1 Changing Visibility at Night Limitations placed on gathering information Limitations placed on gathering information Limitations placed on processing information Limitations placed on processing information Night driving factors Night driving factors – reduced illumination – ability of the eyes to adjust to glare

3. T-8.2 Changing Visibility at Night Distance you can see ahead is limitedDistance you can see ahead is limited Headlights provide limited illumination of off-road areasHeadlights provide limited illumination of off-road areas Loss of contrast and impaired distance judgmentLoss of contrast and impaired distance judgment Glare from lights of oncoming and following vehicles and glare recovery timeGlare from lights of oncoming and following vehicles and glare recovery time

4. T-8.3 Properly aligned low beams –Beam hits roadway 100 to 150 feet ahead –Illuminates area 300 to 500 feet ahead –Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect light beam distance –Maximum safe speed 40 to 45 mph based on ability to stop within lighted area Headlight Alignment and Speed

5. T-8.4 Headlight Alignment and Speed Properly aligned high beams –Beams hit roadway 350 to 500 feet ahead –Illuminate area road 500 to 1800 feet ahead –Load, load distribution, and vehicle height affect light beam distance –Maximum safe speed 65 to 70 mph, based on ability to stop within lighted area

6. T-8.5 Nighttime Precautionary Measures Clean windshield inside and outClean windshield inside and out –Special problem of windblown sand/dirt particles –Diffused light gives appearance of halo around headlights of oncoming vehicle. Clean all lightsClean all lights –50 to 90 percent loss of headlight efficiency due to road grime Reduce daytime speedReduce daytime speed Increase following intervalIncrease following interval Look to right of oncoming vehiclesLook to right of oncoming vehicles

7. T-8.6 Nighttime Precautionary Measures Turn off interior convenience lightsTurn off interior convenience lights Proper use of high/low headlight beamsProper use of high/low headlight beams Use parking lights only when parkedUse parking lights only when parked If stopped beside road, take appropriate safety measuresIf stopped beside road, take appropriate safety measures Use day/night switch on rear view mirrorUse day/night switch on rear view mirror

8. T-8.7 Driving in Drifting Fog –Reduce speed –Make sure headlights are on low beam to reduce reflected glare –Turn on windshield wipers –Turn on defroster or air conditioner Visibility Limitations in Fog

9. T-8.8 Visibility Limitations in Fog Driving in Heavy Fog –Reduce speed, but do not stop in a travel lane –Turn on emergency flashers –Look for an exit from the highway –If impossible to leave highway stop beyond end of guard railstop beyond end of guard rail back up to outboard of the guardrailback up to outboard of the guardrail turn off all lightsturn off all lights wait for fog to liftwait for fog to lift

10. T-8.9 Reduce speed imposed by ability to stopReduce speed imposed by ability to stop Do not stop in travel lane or shoulderDo not stop in travel lane or shoulder Turn headlights to low beamsTurn headlights to low beams Turn on emergency flashers when below speed limitTurn on emergency flashers when below speed limit Maintain appropriate lane positionMaintain appropriate lane position Visibility Limitations in Bad Weather

11. T-8.10 Precautions in Bad Weather Turn on windshield wipersTurn on windshield wipers Be alert for vehicles stopped in roadwayBe alert for vehicles stopped in roadway Be prepared for effects of gusting or strong steady crosswindsBe prepared for effects of gusting or strong steady crosswinds Make steering, acceleration, and braking actions gently and smoothlyMake steering, acceleration, and braking actions gently and smoothly

12. T-8.11 Precautions in Bad Weather In severe snow conditions, look for exit from highway and turn on radio for weather reportIn severe snow conditions, look for exit from highway and turn on radio for weather report If impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the outboard end of guardrailIf impossible to leave highway, stop beyond the outboard end of guardrail Use cell phone or radio to check conditionsUse cell phone or radio to check conditions Smoke, ice, and snow require use of windshield washerSmoke, ice, and snow require use of windshield washer

13. T-8.12 Low Water Crossings Flash Flooding ConditionsFlash Flooding Conditions A Tennessee ProblemA Tennessee Problem Not Specific to Time of YearNot Specific to Time of Year Dangerous ConditionDangerous Condition

14. T-8.13 Low Water Crossings Nearly 50% of flash flood fatalities are vehicle relatedNearly 50% of flash flood fatalities are vehicle related Search for flood prone areasSearch for flood prone areas –highway dips –bridges –low areas Largest and heaviest of vehicles will floatLargest and heaviest of vehicles will float Six inches of water may cause loss of controlSix inches of water may cause loss of control

15. T-8.14 Low Water Crossings Two feet of water carries most carsTwo feet of water carries most cars Hidden danger awaits most motoristsHidden danger awaits most motorists Visibility is limited at nightVisibility is limited at night Heed all flood warningsHeed all flood warnings Heed all flash flood watches and warningsHeed all flash flood watches and warnings Keep aware of road conditions through news mediaKeep aware of road conditions through news media

16. T-8.15 Hot and Cold Temperatures Additional demand on vehicle systemsAdditional demand on vehicle systems –High temperatures of summer –Low temperatures of winter If not addressed…If not addressed… –Impairs your ability to assess conditions –Impairs your ability to respond in a timely manner –Creates conditions of increased risk

17. T-8.16 Tires for balance, alignment, appropriate type and depth of treadTires for balance, alignment, appropriate type and depth of tread –Minimum legal 2/32 of an inch tread depth inadequate on all wet surfaces Tire inflationTire inflation –Keep track of cold tire pressure (noted inside driver door) –Maximum tire pressure indicated on tire sidewalls Radiator coolant, hoses, and connectionsRadiator coolant, hoses, and connections Cold Weather Precautions

18. T-8.17 Cold Weather Checks Heater, defroster, and air conditioner systemHeater, defroster, and air conditioner system Drive belts for tension and wearDrive belts for tension and wear Winterized windshield wiper fluidWinterized windshield wiper fluid Windshield wiper bladesWindshield wiper blades Lights and glass areas are clear and cleanLights and glass areas are clear and clean

19. T-8.18 Tire inflation needs special attentionTire inflation needs special attention –Underinflated tires are subject to heat and pressure buildup –Especially when driving for extended distances at higher speeds The air conditioner, radiator coolant, hoses, connections, and drive belts need special attentionThe air conditioner, radiator coolant, hoses, connections, and drive belts need special attention –Due to the extra load placed on the engine –Due to the extra load placed on the cooling system Hot Weather Checks

20. T-8.19 Safety Restraints for Adults Safety Belt –Snug lap belt after fastening across hips or thighs –Adjust center post mounting for height if vehicle is equipped with device –Belt over top of shoulder and across chest distributes force in event of crash –Check frequently for snug fit

21. T-8.20 Safety Restraints for Adults Safety Belt –Keep seat back in upright position avoids submarine effect in frontal crash –Movement of belted occupant in a crash –Types of locking devices

22. T-8.21 Safety Restraints for Adults Air Bags in dash or steering wheel –No passenger under 12 years of age in front seat –Protects against head and chest injuries –Speed of inflation is critical –Driver should adjust seat for minimum 10 inch clearance between chest and steering wheel

23. T-8.22 Safety Restraints for Adults Air Bags in dash or steering wheel –Raise seat or adjust steering wheel to direct air bag toward chest and facial area –Hand position should be at 9 and 3 or lower –Avoid 10 and 2 for blow hole burn prevention

24. T-8.23 Safety Restraints for Adults Air Bags for side impact protectionAir Bags for side impact protection –Upper door frame –Seat edge/door panel Head RestraintsHead Restraints –Proper adjustment to avoid neck injury –Seat position to aid in vehicle control

25. T-8.24 Safety Restraints for Youth Belt and Seat Restraint UseBelt and Seat Restraint Use –Safest if seated in back seat –Infant seats/rear facing/birth to 20 lbs. –Child seats up to 40 lbs. –Booster seats up to 5 feet in height Head RestraintsHead Restraints –Proper adjustment to avoid neck injury –Seat position

26. T-8.25 Occupant Protection Adjustable Shoulder-belt Mount Head Restraint Air Bag Crash Sensors Gases Vent Opening

27. T-8.26 Restraints Protect Protect Against Ejection from VehicleProtect Against Ejection from Vehicle Protect Against Fire and Water ImmersionProtect Against Fire and Water Immersion Protect Child from ImpactProtect Child from Impact –instead of holding child on your lap Protect Occupants at Point of Impact Protect Occupants at Point of Impact

28. T-8.27 Movement of Belted Occupant Head = 1.9 ft. Chest = 1.3 ft. Pelvis = 1.2 ft. In 31 MPH Crash

29. T-8.28 Types of Belt-Locking Systems Normal Conditions Emergency Conditions Seat Belt Ratchet Mechanism PendulumPendulum Bar Bar Sudden Car Movement

30. T-8.29 Lap belt low across hips low across hips snug across hips snug across hips avoids internal injuries avoids internal injuries Shoulder belt Shoulder belt over collar bone and chest over collar bone and chest avoids shoulder dislocation avoids shoulder dislocation avoids rib cage damage avoids rib cage damage Adjusting Belts for Proper Fit

31. T-8.30 Highway Safety Design Features Elimination of grade intersectionsElimination of grade intersections Wide clear shoulders and wide lanesWide clear shoulders and wide lanes Rumble strips installed at the road edge to alert driversRumble strips installed at the road edge to alert drivers Redesign of median barriersRedesign of median barriers Traffic calming devicesTraffic calming devices Occupant Protection Highway Design Features Include:

32. T-8.31 Breakaway sign support postsBreakaway sign support posts New design guard rails with ends that reduce penetration of guardrail into vehicleNew design guard rails with ends that reduce penetration of guardrail into vehicle Crash attenuators such as vinyl liquid or sand filled drumsCrash attenuators such as vinyl liquid or sand filled drums Highway Safety Design Features Occupant Protection Highway Design Features Include:

33. T-8.32 Highway Safety Design Features Protected left and right turn baysProtected left and right turn bays Collector/distributor lanes on high speed, high density highwaysCollector/distributor lanes on high speed, high density highways –separates slower moving entering/exiting traffic from the higher speed through movement traffic flow Message signs to alert drivers to problemsMessage signs to alert drivers to problems Occupant Protection Highway Design Features Include:

34. T-8.33 Automotive Technology Anti-Lock Brakes Anti-Lock Brakes Traction Control Devices Traction Control Devices Suspension Control Devices Suspension Control Devices Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Crumple Zones Crumple Zones Door Latches Door Latches Glass Glass Headlights Headlights

35. T-8.34 Controlling Consequences Avoid head-on collisionsAvoid head-on collisions Drive off road rather than skid off roadDrive off road rather than skid off road Hit something soft rather than something hardHit something soft rather than something hard

36. T-8.35 Controlling Consequences Hit something going your way rather than something stationaryHit something going your way rather than something stationary Hit stationary object with glancing blowHit stationary object with glancing blow Hit stationary object rather than an approaching objectHit stationary object rather than an approaching object Steer to avoid oncoming trafficSteer to avoid oncoming traffic

37. T-8.36 Ice, snow or frostIce, snow or frost Wet, particularly first 15 minutes of rain after a long dry period when drops of oil and rubber particles have collected on surfaceWet, particularly first 15 minutes of rain after a long dry period when drops of oil and rubber particles have collected on surface Hard rain or water standing on roadHard rain or water standing on road Mud near farm entrances, construction sites, and truck crossingsMud near farm entrances, construction sites, and truck crossings Condition of the Road Surface

38. T-8.37 Condition of the Road Surface Wet leavesWet leaves Broken or uneven road surfaceBroken or uneven road surface Sand or gravel frequently found on curves in rural areasSand or gravel frequently found on curves in rural areas Curve banked the wrong way, if flat, loss of traction can occur on dry surface but more likely when slipperyCurve banked the wrong way, if flat, loss of traction can occur on dry surface but more likely when slippery

39. T-8.38 Traction Loss Causes Condition of the Vehicle Condition of the Vehicle Brakes unevenly adjustedBrakes unevenly adjusted –Brakes pulling in one direction or the other can cause a skid, as can wheels out of alignment when brakes are applied Tires with worn treadTires with worn tread –Front and rear pairs not matched to size –Front and rear tread depth or type Different pressure on opposite sides have effect similar to uneven brake adjustment since one tire will drag more than othersDifferent pressure on opposite sides have effect similar to uneven brake adjustment since one tire will drag more than others

40. T-8.39 Driver Actions Traction Loss Causes Sudden steering action on a slippery surfaceSudden steering action on a slippery surface Abrupt or sudden changes in vehicle speedAbrupt or sudden changes in vehicle speed Panic stop or applying brakes too hard on hill, curves, or slippery surfacesPanic stop or applying brakes too hard on hill, curves, or slippery surfaces Sudden engagement of clutch on slippery surfaceSudden engagement of clutch on slippery surface Most driver-induced skids are caused byMost driver-induced skids are caused by –excessive speed –coupled with excessive steering input –or improper braking when turning –same actions at normal speed on ice/snow or on roadways covered by sand, gravel or water

41. T-8.40 Traction Loss Considerations Sudden shifts of vehicle balance causes traction lossSudden shifts of vehicle balance causes traction loss –Left, Right, Forward, or Backward Simultaneous steering, braking and/or acceleration creates sudden shifts in vehicle balanceSimultaneous steering, braking and/or acceleration creates sudden shifts in vehicle balance Traction loss compounds crash consequencesTraction loss compounds crash consequences

42. T-8.41 Traction Loss Considerations When Brakes Are Applied Too Hard or Quickly Weight Moves to Front of the CarWeight Moves to Front of the Car Weight Movement or Brake Force CausesWeight Movement or Brake Force Causes –noticeable drop of the hood –noticeable rise of the rear deck –forward movement of driver and passengers Direction of Travel Hard/Quick Braking Force or Weight Movement Vehicle Movements

43. T-8.42 Traction Loss Considerations When Acceleration is Applied Too Hard or Quickly Weight Moves to the Rear of the CarWeight Moves to the Rear of the Car Weight Movement or Acceleration Force CausesWeight Movement or Acceleration Force Causes –noticeable rise of the hood –noticeable drop of the rear deck –rearward movement of driver and passengers Hard/Quick Acceleration Force or Weight Movement Vehicle Movements Direction of Travel

44. T-8.43 Traction Loss Considerations When Steering is Applied Too Hard or Quickly Weight Moves to the Opposite Corner of the CarWeight Moves to the Opposite Corner of the Car Weight Movement Causes aWeight Movement Causes a –noticeable drop and tilt of the hood –noticeable rise and tilt of the rear deck –driver and passenger movement to the car’s corner Direction of Travel Hard/Quick Steering Force or Weight Movement Vehicle Movements

45. T-8.44 Traction Loss to Front Tires Vehicle Keeps Moving Straight Ahead in Spite of Steering Efforts Means Traction is LostVehicle Keeps Moving Straight Ahead in Spite of Steering Efforts Means Traction is Lost Technical Term is “Understeer”Technical Term is “Understeer” Driver Must Visually Identify Unusual MovementDriver Must Visually Identify Unusual Movement Vehicle Weight Tends to Push Front Wheels Straight Ahead Regardless of Steering InputVehicle Weight Tends to Push Front Wheels Straight Ahead Regardless of Steering Input Intended Path of Travel Actual Path of Travel

46. T-8.45 Front Traction Loss Correction Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel Activate ABS, if Vehicle has SystemActivate ABS, if Vehicle has System –Ease off Conventional Brake System –Reestablish Rolling Traction Ease off Steering InputsEase off Steering Inputs –Quick Steering Creates More Traction Loss –Allows Tire Tread to Point Toward Path of Travel Jab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not Available (ABS performs this function automatically)Jab/Stab Brake to Move Weight Forward if ABS is not Available (ABS performs this function automatically) Targeted Path of Travel Lift Eyes to Path of Travel

47. T-8.46 Traction Loss to Rear Tires Identified visually as front of vehicle moves left or right of travel path without steering input in that directionIdentified visually as front of vehicle moves left or right of travel path without steering input in that direction Technical term is “Oversteer”Technical term is “Oversteer” Reduced Traction Rear Tires Assume Steering PositionReduced Traction Rear Tires Assume Steering Position Vehicle Weight Tends to Push Rear Wheels Left or Right Without Steering InputVehicle Weight Tends to Push Rear Wheels Left or Right Without Steering Input Intended Path of Travel Actual Path of Travel Rear Tire Movement

48. T-8.47 Direct Vision to Targeted Path of TravelDirect Vision to Targeted Path of Travel Activate Traction Control System, if EquippedActivate Traction Control System, if Equipped –Ease off brake or accelerator if not equipped –Reestablishes rolling traction Steer Toward Targeted Path of TravelSteer Toward Targeted Path of Travel Adjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path of Travel to an Open Space AreaAdjust Steering Input as Needed to Maintain Targeted Path of Travel to an Open Space Area Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) will Move Weight to Rear. (Traction Control System will adjust the speed and brakes automatically while activated)Light Progressive Acceleration (2 mph is goal) will Move Weight to Rear. (Traction Control System will adjust the speed and brakes automatically while activated) Rear Traction Loss Correction On Targeted Path Off Targeted Path

49. T-8.48 Off-Road Recovery Do not panic and steer too muchDo not panic and steer too much Ease off accelerator and activate ABSEase off accelerator and activate ABS Align edge line of roadway to middle of carAlign edge line of roadway to middle of car Check traffic to front and rearCheck traffic to front and rear If traffic is clear, return to roadway with one wheel at a time to prevent crossing roadwayIf traffic is clear, return to roadway with one wheel at a time to prevent crossing roadway Limit steering inputs to less than 1/2 turn of wheelLimit steering inputs to less than 1/2 turn of wheel Use less input when the edge of road is highUse less input when the edge of road is high Target center of lane to avoid crossing over to other laneTarget center of lane to avoid crossing over to other lane