Weather and Hazardous Conditions Flashcards

What is hydroplaning and how do you recover from it?

Answer: Tires losing contact with the road due to water; ease off the gas and steer straight

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water prevents tire contact with the road. To recover, ease off the accelerator, avoid braking, and steer straight until traction returns.

What should you do when driving in heavy fog?

Answer: Use low-beam headlights, reduce speed, and increase following distance

In fog, use low beams (high beams reflect off fog and reduce visibility), slow down, and increase your following distance to allow more reaction time.

When are roads most slippery during rain?

Answer: During the first few minutes of rainfall when oil and water mix on the surface

Roads are most slippery during the first few minutes of rain when water mixes with accumulated oil and grease on the surface before being washed away.

What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid on ice?

Answer: Steer in the direction you want to go and avoid slamming the brakes

When skidding on ice, steer gently in the direction you want to travel, ease off the gas, and avoid sudden braking which can worsen the skid.

What is the correct procedure for driving through standing water?

Answer: Slow down, drive through steadily, and test brakes afterward

Drive slowly and steadily through standing water to avoid splashing and loss of control. After passing through, lightly tap your brakes to dry them.

During a dust storm or whiteout conditions, what should you do?

Answer: Pull completely off the road, stop, turn off lights, and wait

In zero-visibility conditions, pull completely off the road and stop. Turn off your lights so other drivers do not mistake them for lane markers and follow you off the road.