Road Conditions Flashcards

What hazard is created when a road is resurfaced with loose chippings?

Answer: Chippings can be thrown up by vehicles and shatter windshields

Loose road chippings can be thrown up by vehicle tires and cause windshield damage or loss of vehicle control.

A road has a 'Soft Verges' sign. What hazard does this indicate?

Answer: Vehicles that leave the carriageway may sink and lose control on soft ground

Soft verges can cause a vehicle to sink if it leaves the road, making recovery from drifting off the road much more dangerous.

How do bridge surfaces create a special hazard in cold weather?

Answer: Bridges freeze before the surrounding road because cold air circulates underneath

Cold air circulates beneath bridges, causing them to lose heat faster than surrounding road surfaces and freeze earlier.

What specific hazard does a road with a high crown (raised center) present?

Answer: Vehicles can be pushed toward the edge of the road, especially in crosswinds

A highly crowned road can cause vehicles to drift outward toward the road edge, particularly in crosswinds or when braking.

You see a sign indicating a 'Ford' (water crossing) ahead. What hazard does this present?

Answer: Your vehicle may stall or lose control if the water depth is underestimated

Fords can vary in depth, and miscalculating water depth can cause stalling, brake fade, or loss of control.

How does a road surface change from asphalt to concrete affect tire noise and driver awareness?

Answer: Increased tire noise on concrete can mask other hazard sounds like horns or sirens

Higher tire noise on concrete surfaces can reduce a driver's ability to hear warning sounds, indirectly affecting hazard awareness.