Weather & Hazardous Conditions Flashcards

What does hydroplaning mean and at what condition does it most commonly occur?

Answer: Loss of tire traction when a water layer separates tires from the road

Hydroplaning occurs when tires ride on a film of water rather than making contact with the road surface.

During a winter storm, you notice your car beginning to skid. What is the correct corrective action?

Answer: Steer into the direction of the skid and ease off the accelerator

Steering into the skid helps realign the rear tires with the direction of travel and restores control.

What safe following distance is recommended when driving in snowy or icy conditions compared to dry roads?

Answer: At least 8-10 times the normal following distance

Stopping distances on ice can be up to ten times greater than on dry pavement, requiring much more space.

When driving in strong crosswinds, which vehicles are at greatest risk?

Answer: High-profile vehicles such as trucks, RVs, and SUVs

High-profile vehicles have a larger surface area exposed to wind, making them more susceptible to being pushed sideways.

What precaution should you take before driving through a flooded road?

Answer: Assess the depth — avoid if you cannot see the road surface or if water is moving rapidly

Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and two feet can float most vehicles.

What effect does sun glare have on driving safety?

Answer: It can temporarily blind a driver and obscure traffic signals, signs, and pedestrians

Direct sun glare can render traffic signals and obstacles invisible for critical seconds.

After driving through a deep puddle, what should you do to restore normal braking?

Answer: Apply light brake pressure gently several times to generate heat and dry the pads

Lightly and repeatedly applying the brakes generates friction heat that dries the brake pads and rotors.