AK DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why should you slow down before reaching a bridge or overpass in freezing weather?
- Bridges freeze before the rest of the road because cold air circulates above and below them (Correct answer)
- Bridges have lower speed limits at all times
- Bridge surfaces are always made of metal
- Overpasses are heated and become slippery when wet
Correct answer: Bridges freeze before the rest of the road because cold air circulates above and below them
Cold air surrounds a bridge deck on both sides, so it loses heat faster and ices over before regular road surfaces.
Question 2: You encounter a moose standing on the roadway at dusk during a snowstorm. What should you do?
- Slow down or stop and wait for it to leave; do not swerve suddenly (Correct answer)
- Honk continuously and drive around it quickly
- Flash your high beams to make it run
- Speed up to pass before it moves
Correct answer: Slow down or stop and wait for it to leave; do not swerve suddenly
Moose are unpredictable and heavy enough to cause fatal crashes, so slow down or stop rather than swerving or provoking them.
Question 3: In whiteout conditions where visibility drops to near zero, what is the safest action?
- Pull completely off the road, stop, and turn on hazard lights (Correct answer)
- Stop in your travel lane with lights off
- Continue at normal speed using the centerline as a guide
- Follow the taillights ahead as closely as possible
Correct answer: Pull completely off the road, stop, and turn on hazard lights
When you cannot see, get fully off the roadway and make your vehicle visible rather than stopping in a travel lane or tailgating.
Question 4: How does driving during long winter darkness in Alaska affect your driving?
- Reduced visibility and fatigue require slower speeds and extra alertness (Correct answer)
- It has no effect if headlights work
- It only affects drivers over age 65
- Darkness improves contrast, making hazards easier to see
Correct answer: Reduced visibility and fatigue require slower speeds and extra alertness
Extended darkness limits visibility and increases fatigue, so drivers must slow down and stay especially alert.
Question 5: What is the safest way to brake on a slippery road if your vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS)?
- Apply firm, steady pressure and let the ABS pulse (Correct answer)
- Pump the brake pedal rapidly
- Tap the brakes lightly and release repeatedly
- Use the parking brake instead
Correct answer: Apply firm, steady pressure and let the ABS pulse
With ABS you should press the pedal firmly and hold it, allowing the system to prevent wheel lockup automatically.
Question 6: When your windshield begins to fog or frost over while driving, what should you do?
- Use the defroster and, if needed, pull over until the glass is clear (Correct answer)
- Wipe a small hole and keep driving
- Open the sunroof to equalize temperature
- Look through the side window instead
Correct answer: Use the defroster and, if needed, pull over until the glass is clear
You must have a fully clear windshield, so use the defroster and stop driving if you cannot see adequately.
Question 7: Which tires or traction devices help most on Alaska's icy winter roads?
- Studded tires or chains when conditions and season allow (Correct answer)
- Summer performance tires
- Slightly overinflated all-season tires
- Bald tires for more road contact
Correct answer: Studded tires or chains when conditions and season allow
Studded tires or chains provide the extra grip needed on ice, and Alaska allows studs during designated winter months.
AK DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 3
Why should you slow down before reaching a bridge or overpass in freezing weather?