Driving in Adverse Conditions Flashcards

How should you adjust your driving in heavy rain?

Answer: Reduce speed, increase following distance, use dipped headlights, and be aware of standing water

In heavy rain, reduce speed to maintain tyre grip, increase the following distance to account for longer wet-road stopping distances, use dipped headlights, and watch for pooled water that could cause aquaplaning.

What is the recommended stopping distance on a wet road compared to a dry road?

Answer: At least double the dry stopping distance

On a wet road, stopping distances are at least double those on a dry road. A car travelling at 80 km/h on a wet road may need over 100 metres to stop — well over double the dry distance.

How should you drive through a flooded section of road?

Answer: Drive slowly in first gear, keeping engine revs high to prevent water entering the exhaust

If you must drive through shallow water, do so in first gear at low speed with slightly higher revs to prevent exhaust water ingestion. Test your brakes gently afterwards as they may be wet.

When driving in fog, what lights should you use?

Answer: Dipped headlights and rear fog lights when visibility is below 100 metres

In fog with visibility below 100 metres, use dipped headlights (not full beam — it reflects back) and rear fog lights. Switch off rear fogs when visibility improves to avoid dazzling following drivers.

What is 'black ice' and why is it particularly dangerous?

Answer: A thin transparent layer of ice on the road surface — dangerous because it is invisible to drivers

Black ice is a very thin, transparent layer of ice that forms on road surfaces. It is nearly invisible, often appearing as a slightly shiny section of the road, and provides almost no traction.

How should you brake on an icy road?

Answer: Brake gently and progressively — avoid sudden or hard inputs

On icy roads, brake very gently and progressively to avoid locking the wheels. Sudden braking on ice causes loss of steering. Allow much greater stopping distances — at least 10 times the dry distance.