Weather and Hazardous Conditions Flashcards

Your rear wheels begin to skid to the right on a slippery road. In which direction should you steer?

Answer: To the right, in the direction the rear of the car is sliding

Steering in the direction the rear wheels are sliding helps bring the vehicle back into line and recover from the skid.

You are driving directly into bright sun glare shortly after sunrise. Which action helps most?

Answer: Use your sun visor, slow down, and increase following distance

The visor blocks direct glare while a lower speed and extra space compensate for reduced visibility.

A tornado warning is issued while you are driving on the highway and a funnel cloud is visible nearby. What should you do?

Answer: Leave the vehicle and take shelter in a sturdy building or low ditch away from the car

Vehicles offer little protection from tornadoes, and overpasses funnel wind, so a sturdy building or low-lying ditch is safest.

In winter driving conditions, how much should you typically increase your following distance compared to dry pavement?

Answer: Increase it to roughly double or more, such as five to six seconds

Snow and ice can multiply stopping distances, so a following gap of five to six seconds or more is recommended.

If your vehicle becomes stuck in snow far from help during a winter storm, the safest choice is usually to:

Answer: Stay with the vehicle, run the engine briefly for heat, and keep the exhaust pipe clear

Staying with the vehicle keeps you sheltered and visible, and a clear exhaust pipe prevents carbon monoxide buildup while heating briefly.

Which vehicle behavior is an early sign that you may be hydroplaning?

Answer: The steering suddenly feels light or loose

A light or floating feeling in the steering means the front tires have lost contact with the pavement on a layer of water.

When roads are icy, which of these locations demands the most extra caution?

Answer: Shaded spots, curves, and intersections where vehicles brake often

Shade keeps ice frozen longer, and braking zones like curves and intersections become polished and extra slick.