Class 7 Winter Driving Conditions 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Alberta, what are chinook conditions and how do they affect driving?
- A type of winter storm that brings heavy snow
- Warm, dry winds that can rapidly melt snow and create icy refreezing conditions on roads (Correct answer)
- A cold Arctic wind that freezes roads instantly
- A spring rainstorm common in Northern Alberta
Correct answer: Warm, dry winds that can rapidly melt snow and create icy refreezing conditions on roads
Chinooks are warm, dry winds common in Southern Alberta that can rapidly raise temperatures. While the warmth melts snow, the meltwater can refreeze as temperatures drop again, creating dangerous icy conditions.
Question 2: When driving in Alberta winter conditions, why should you avoid using cruise control?
- Cruise control does not work in cold weather
- On slippery surfaces, cruise control may cause the vehicle to accelerate when the wheels lose traction, increasing the risk of a skid (Correct answer)
- It uses more fuel in winter
- It is illegal to use cruise control in winter
Correct answer: On slippery surfaces, cruise control may cause the vehicle to accelerate when the wheels lose traction, increasing the risk of a skid
Cruise control on slippery roads is dangerous because if the drive wheels lose traction, the system may apply more power to maintain the set speed, causing the wheels to spin and the vehicle to skid.
Question 3: What is the safest way to handle a curve on an icy road in Alberta?
- Brake hard before the curve and coast through it
- Reduce speed well before the curve, do not brake in the curve, and accelerate gently when straightening (Correct answer)
- Maintain your speed and steer sharply into the curve
- Speed up slightly to maintain traction through the curve
Correct answer: Reduce speed well before the curve, do not brake in the curve, and accelerate gently when straightening
On icy roads, reduce your speed before the curve. Braking, accelerating, or steering sharply in a curve on ice can cause a loss of traction. Gentle, smooth movements are essential.
Question 4: In Alberta, what should you do if freezing rain begins while you are driving?
- Continue driving at the same speed since the road surface looks normal
- Reduce speed immediately, increase following distance, and consider pulling over if conditions worsen (Correct answer)
- Switch to high beams for better visibility
- Accelerate to reach your destination before conditions get worse
Correct answer: Reduce speed immediately, increase following distance, and consider pulling over if conditions worsen
Freezing rain coats roads with a layer of ice almost instantly. Reduce speed, greatly increase your following distance, and seriously consider finding a safe place to stop until conditions improve.
Question 5: Why are Alberta winter mornings particularly dangerous for driving, even when roads appear clear?
- Morning traffic is heavier
- Overnight temperatures can create frost and black ice on roads that look dry (Correct answer)
- There is less sunlight for visibility
- Roads expand in the cold, creating bumps
Correct answer: Overnight temperatures can create frost and black ice on roads that look dry
Overnight temperatures often drop below zero, causing moisture on road surfaces to freeze into frost or black ice. Roads that appear dry and clear can actually be extremely slippery until the sun warms them.
Question 6: In Alberta, what precaution should you take when parking your vehicle outside in extreme cold?
- Leave the engine running all night to keep it warm
- Use a block heater, plug it in, and ensure your parking brake does not freeze by leaving the vehicle in gear or park (Correct answer)
- There are no special precautions needed
- Cover the vehicle with a tarp to keep it warm
Correct answer: Use a block heater, plug it in, and ensure your parking brake does not freeze by leaving the vehicle in gear or park
In extreme cold, use a block heater to keep the engine warm enough to start. Be cautious with parking brakes as they can freeze in the engaged position. Consider leaving the vehicle in gear (manual) or park (automatic) instead.
Class 7 Winter Driving Conditions 4
In Alberta, what are chinook conditions and how do they affect driving?