Adverse Driving Conditions
Section 10
Reduced Visibility
WindowsMost 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