Driving in Adverse Conditions

1
Chapter 12

• Driving in Adverse Conditions

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Chapter 12 Overview

• Chapter 12 presents techniques and suggestions
  for driving in a wide variety of adverse
  conditions. Students will find out about
  problems related to bad weather. You will learn
  steps to use when driving at night and under
  other conditions of reduced visibility. You will
  learn how to deal with reduced traction and how
  to take steps to correct various types of skids.
  Other exceptional weather conditions, especially
  winter driving conditions, is described.

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Chapter 121 Reduced Visibility

• This section will focus on how adverse conditions
  reduce visibility and what drivers can do to
  compensate.
• Section 1 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Tell how to use the IPDE Process to manage
  risks in bad weather.
• 2. Explain what you can do to help others see
  you at dawn and dusk.
• 3. Describe the special techniques you can use
  for night driving.
• 4. Explain the procedure to use at night when an
  oncoming driver fails to use low-beam headlights.

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Chapter 12.1 Vocabulary

• At the conclusion of this section, I will be able
  to define
• 
  
• 1. overdriving headlights

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12.1 Reduced Visibility

• Whenever visibility is reduced you will need more
  time to use the IPDE process. You can do the
  following to help you travel safely
• 1. slow down
• 2. scanning all around you to identify hazards
  early
• 3. be prepared for others to move into your path
  of travel
• 4. position your vehicle so there is more space
  cushion around you
• 5. maneuver your vehicle gently so others will
  know what you are doing

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Your Vehicle Windows

• Keep your windows clean. Dirty windows can slow
  the IPDE Process.
• Watch for moisture buildup on the inside.
• Icy or snow covered windows should always be
  cleared before driving.
• Watch for film build-up on the inside (i.e.,
  vapors, cigarette smoke, etc).
• Also, be sure to keep your headlights and
  taillights clear of ice, snow, dirt, etc.

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Sun Glare

• Can be blinding at times
• Using your low beam headlights may help you be
  seen more easily
• Shadows may cause difficulty in seeing or being
  seen
• Sun glare may cause you to not see taillights
  and/or signals of the car in front of you or
  yours not to be seen.

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Dawn and Dusk

• These times are very dangerous due to low
  visibility and the lack of distinguishing
  contrasts.
• Using your low beam headlights can help you be
  seen.

9
Night

• Low levels of light severely limit your ability
  to effectively use the IPDE Process.
• Research indicates that the most dangerous time
  of the week to drive is Sunday morning from 300
  AM and 400 AM. Not only do you see less at
  night, but you also might be tired. Other
  drivers will likely be tired and some of them
  might have been drinking. This dark, early
  morning hour isnt just a little more
  dangerousits about 144 times more dangerous
  than the safest time.

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Headlights

• Use high beams to see further down the road.
  Look beyond your headlights for important
  information. Only use high-beams when vehicles
  are more than ½ mile in front of you. Dim your
  lights when you see an oncoming vehicle or you
  see the taillights of a vehicle in front of you
  or one that has just passed you.
• Use low-beam lights in bad weather such as snow,
  rain, or fog. Why?

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Meeting Other Vehicles

• If oncoming drivers fails to use low-beams
• 1. Flick your lights to remind them to dim their
  lights.
• 2. If this doesnt work, slow down, move to the
  right side of your lane, and look at the right
  shoulder of the road, diagonally over the hood of
  your vehicle.
• 3. Check ahead frequently for other oncoming
  traffic. Do not stare directly into oncoming
  high-beam headlights.
• 4. Be ready to adjust to a new situation after
  encountering the bright lights.

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Overdriving Headlights

• Driving at a speed that makes your stopping
  distance longer than the distance lighted by your
  headlights.
• In normal driving conditions, use the 4-second
  stopping distance rule to see if you are driving
  within the range of your headlights.

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Fog

• Light is reflected back by water particles (use
  low-beam headlights in fog).
• Ability to judge distance may be reduced.
• Thick fog or smoke may make it necessary for you
  to pull over. If along side of the road be sure
  to use your hazard lights.

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Rain

• Slow down, keep windows clear by using wipers,
  put your lights on the low-beam setting.
• Pull over off of road if need be. Be sure to use
  hazard lights.

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Snow

• Be prepared to slow down and steer carefully.
  Use low-beam setting.
• Blowing snow can make it difficult to see road
  markings.
• Window visibility can be reduced by heavy snow or
  ice.
• Keep windows clear and windshield wipers clean.
  Clear off your headlights and taillights

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Review

• 1. What actions should you take when using the
  IPDE Process in limited-visibility situations?
• 2. What steps can you take to help others see
  you at dawn and dusk?
• 3. When should you use low-beam headlights at
  night?
• 4. What steps should you take when an oncoming
  driver fails to use low-beam headlights?

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12.2 Reduced Traction

• This section focuses on how rain, snow, ice, and
  sand reduce traction and what drivers can do to
  compensate.
• Section 2 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Describe what happens to traction during rain
  and snow.
• 2. List the steps you can take to avoid
  hydroplaning.
• 3. Describe how to correct a rear-wheel skid.
• 4. Tell how to use the controlled-braking
  technique.

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12.2 Vocabulary

• After the conclusion of this section, I will be
  able to define
• 2. antilock braking system
• 3. traction

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Wet Roadways

• Rain mixes with dirt and oil residue on the
  highway. This mix can make the roadway very
  slippery.
• Some drivers do not realize that the road surface
  is slippery when it is raining. Many drivers
  fail to reduce speed to cope with rain-slicked
  roadways. Therefore, when a quick braking action
  is taken, there is inadequate traction and the
  vehicle goes into a skid.

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Hydroplaning

• Occurs when a tire loses contact with the road by
  rising up on top of water and no longer has
  contact with the road.
• Caused by a combination of standing water, speed,
  and tire condition.
• 1/12 of water at 35 mph with tires that are bald
  or underinflated can lead to hydroplaning.
• If driving through standing water, reduce speed
  and use properly inflated tires with good tread.

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Deep Water

• Do not drive through water if you do not know how
  deep it is.
• Floods cause more deaths than any other weather
  related condition and 60 are vehicle related.
• If you have to drive through water
• 1. Estimate depth of water by looking at other
  vehicles or objects. If there is the possibility
  of water coming up to the bottom of your
  vehicledo not enter the water.
• 2. Drive slowly and look for the highest ground
  possible to drive on.
• 3. Apply light brake pressure to build friction
  and create heat on your brake pads. This will
  help brakes to dry out faster.
• 4. After leaving water, push down on your brake
  pedal to see if brakes are working properly.
  This will also help brakes to dry out.

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Snow

• Various temperatures can cause snow to react
  differently thus creating dangerous traction
  situations.
• Gentle acceleration, steering and braking are the
  keys to vehicle control in the snow.

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Rocking a Vehicle

• Check owners manual to see if this procedure
  will hurt your transmission.
• 1. Straighten front wheels.
• 2. Gently accelerate forward. Do not spin your
  wheels.
• 3. Let up on your accelerator. Pause just long
  enough to let the engine slow. Shift to REVERSE
  and gently move backwards. Let up on accelerator
  and shift to DRIVE to move forward.
• 4. Continue this forward-and-backward movement
  until you are able to get out.

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Ice

• Watch falling temperatures (below 32 degrees)
  especially if has been raining.
• To check your traction, apply your brake lightly
  at a low speed and away from other traffic. If
  vehicle starts to slide, slow down.
• Watch for
• 1. Ice on bridges-
• 2. Black ice-
• 3. Ice in tire tracks-

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Other Reduced-Traction Situations

• Gravel roads-
• Leaves on the road-
• Construction areas-

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Skidding

• Over-power skid- too much power given. Let off
  of the accelerator to correct.
• Over-braking skid- if no ABS system, brakes may
  lock up and skid. To correct this action let up
  on the brake enough to get the wheels rolling.
• Front-wheel skid- when turning your steering
  wheel and your car wants to go straight ahead.
  To correct this, let off of the accelerator (or
  brake) and tap brake gently if there is no ABS
  system.

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Skidding

• Rear-wheel skid- you are steering straight but
  your vehicle starts to move off target to the
  right or left. To correct, let off of the
  accelerator or brake and steer in the direction
  your vehicle needs to go.
• Watch out for fishtailing- your vehicle sliding
  from side to side as you work to correct the
  initial skid.
• Skidding in a curve- slow down ahead of entering
  into a curve. To correct, steer in the direction
  of the skid.

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Controlled Braking

• A technique of applying your brakes to slow or
  stop quickly without locking your wheels.
• Use the apply-release-apply process until you
  stop.
• If you have an ABS system, apply the brake and
  maintain firm pressure until you stop. (ABS
  brakes allow you to steer and brake at the same
  time. They will not enable you to stop in a
  shorter distance.

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Review It

• 1. What happens to traction during rain and
  snow?
• 2. What happens when a vehicle hydroplanes?
• 3. What are the steps you need to take to
  correct a rear-wheeled skid?
• 4. What does controlled braking enable you to do?

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12.3 Other Adverse Weather Conditions

• This section focuses on three adverse weather
  conditions wind, hot weather, and cold weather.
  
• Section 3 Objectives Following this section, I
  will be able to
• 1. Explain how to control your vehicle in windy
  conditions.
• 2. List precautions for driving in extremely hot
  or cold weather.
• 3. Describe what to do to maintain vehicle
  control during winter driving.

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12.3 Vocabulary

• No words

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Wind

• Strong winds can affect your steering.
• Wind gusts from passing semi-trucks may cause
  extra steering.
• Emerging from under a bridge or out of a tunnel
  can cause you to make steering corrections.
• Weather, such as tornadoes, may impact your
  driving decisions. What should you do if you are
  caught in a tornado when in your vehicle?

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Hot Weather

• If engine is heating up in summer turn off your
  air conditioner and turn on your heater, if
  necessary.
• If your temperature light stays on pull over and
  park your vehicle until engine has cooled. Check
  your coolant level. Never remove the radiator
  cap when the engine coolant is hot.

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Cold Weather

• Be alert for exhaust leaks.
• Do not race a cold engine.
• Do not set your parking brake (it might freeze).
• During cold weather there are advantages to
  keeping the fuel tank nearly full. It will
  reduce the amount of moisture formed by air
  condensing in the fuel tank. Condensation could
  freeze and block the fuel line. Also, by keeping
  the tank in a near-full condition, you will have
  more weight over your rear tires, which can help
  give you better traction.

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Tips for Smooth Winter Driving

• 1. Look and listen for traffic reports.
• 2. Keep windows clear.
• 3. Respect lower speeds.
• 4. Keep a safe following distance.
• 5. Try to keep moving in snow.
• 6. Use a lower gear on slippery roads.
• 7. Avoid cruise control.

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Review It

• 1. What action must you take to maintain vehicle
  control in strong winds?
• 2. What can you do to cool an overheated engine?
• 3. Why should you try to keep moving at low
  speeds in heavy snow?