CDE Night & Adverse Weather Driving Flashcards

Why is night driving considered more dangerous than daytime driving even at the same speed?

Answer: Visibility is reduced, making it harder to see hazards in time to stop

Reduced visibility at night shortens the driver's reaction distance, increasing the risk of striking unseen hazards.

What is 'overdriving your headlights' during night driving?

Answer: Driving at a speed that prevents stopping within the illuminated distance ahead

Overdriving headlights means traveling faster than the distance your lights illuminate, leaving no room to stop if a hazard appears.

When should a driver switch from high beams to low beams while driving at night?

Answer: When an oncoming vehicle is within 500 feet or when following within 300 feet

High beams can temporarily blind oncoming or leading drivers, so U.S. standards require dimming within 500 feet of oncoming traffic and 300 feet when following.

What effect does fatigue have on night driving specifically?

Answer: It increases reaction time and impairs lane-keeping, especially between midnight and 6 a.m.

The body's circadian rhythm causes drowsiness peaks between midnight and 6 a.m., making fatigue especially dangerous during those hours.

How should a driver adjust speed when driving in dense fog?

Answer: Slow down substantially and use low beams or fog lights

Low beams or fog lights reduce glare from water droplets, and reduced speed allows more reaction time within the shortened visible distance.

What is the recommended following distance on a dry road versus a wet road?

Answer: 3 seconds dry; at least 6 seconds wet

Wet pavement significantly increases stopping distance, so doubling the following distance compensates for reduced tire traction.