CDE CDE Night & Adverse Weather Driving 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the safest technique for driving on icy roads?
- Accelerate quickly to maintain momentum through slippery sections
- Apply smooth, gradual inputs for steering, acceleration, and braking (Correct answer)
- Use the anti-lock braking system by pumping the brakes rapidly
- Drive in the center of the road to avoid edge ice
Correct answer: Apply smooth, gradual inputs for steering, acceleration, and braking
Abrupt inputs on ice can break traction instantly, so smooth, deliberate control is essential to keep the vehicle stable.
Question 2: When driving in heavy snow, which lane position is generally safest on a multi-lane road?
- The far left passing lane to avoid slower traffic
- The lane with the most visible tire tracks from previous vehicles (Correct answer)
- The rightmost lane regardless of track visibility
- The center lane so all lanes are equally accessible
Correct answer: The lane with the most visible tire tracks from previous vehicles
Following existing tire tracks means that portion of road has already been partially compacted or cleared, offering better traction.
Question 3: What does 'black ice' refer to, and why is it especially dangerous?
- Asphalt discolored by oil that is only slippery in summer heat
- A thin, nearly invisible ice layer that looks like wet pavement and offers almost no traction (Correct answer)
- Ice that forms only in shaded tunnels and underpasses at night
- Painted road markings that become slippery when wet
Correct answer: A thin, nearly invisible ice layer that looks like wet pavement and offers almost no traction
Black ice is transparent, making it nearly indistinguishable from wet pavement, so drivers often do not realize the danger until they have already lost control.
Question 4: If a rear-wheel skid occurs on a slippery surface, the driver should:
- Steer sharply in the opposite direction of the skid and apply full brakes
- Steer in the direction the rear is sliding and ease off the accelerator (Correct answer)
- Accelerate firmly to pull the front wheels forward
- Steer straight and do nothing until the car stops on its own
Correct answer: Steer in the direction the rear is sliding and ease off the accelerator
Steering into the skid realigns the front wheels with the direction of travel, allowing the driver to regain control without spinning out.
Question 5: What is the primary hazard created by sun glare while driving in the morning or evening?
- It heats the steering wheel, making it uncomfortable to hold
- It temporarily blinds the driver, obscuring traffic signals, pedestrians, and vehicles ahead (Correct answer)
- It fades dashboard gauges, making them harder to read
- It causes tires to overheat on clear days
Correct answer: It temporarily blinds the driver, obscuring traffic signals, pedestrians, and vehicles ahead
Low-angle sun glare can completely obscure vision ahead, creating a high-risk condition where the driver may not see stopped vehicles or red signals.
Question 6: At what wind speed should drivers of high-profile vehicles (SUVs, vans) exercise extra caution on open highways?
- Only above 70 mph winds
- Sustained winds of 30 mph or more, especially with gusts (Correct answer)
- Wind speed has no significant effect on high-profile vehicles
- Only during tornado warnings above 100 mph
Correct answer: Sustained winds of 30 mph or more, especially with gusts
High-profile vehicles have greater surface area, making them susceptible to rollover or lane departure at sustained winds around 30 mph and above.
CDE CDE Night & Adverse Weather Driving 2
What is the safest technique for driving on icy roads?