NC DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You are driving on I-40 when heavy fog suddenly reduces visibility to near zero. What is the safest action?
- Pull completely off the road, stop, and turn on hazard lights (Correct answer)
- Stop in your lane with headlights on
- Turn on high beams and continue slowly
- Follow the taillights of the car ahead closely
Correct answer: Pull completely off the road, stop, and turn on hazard lights
In near-zero visibility you should pull completely off the roadway, stop, and use hazard lights until conditions improve.
Question 2: Why does a road become most slippery during the first 10 to 15 minutes of rainfall?
- Rain mixes with oil and dust on the surface, forming a slick film (Correct answer)
- The rain is coldest when it first falls
- Tires are still warm and grip less
- Drainage systems have not opened yet
Correct answer: Rain mixes with oil and dust on the surface, forming a slick film
The first minutes of rain lift accumulated oil and dirt off the pavement, creating an especially slick film before it washes away.
Question 3: Your vehicle begins to hydroplane on a wet highway. What should you do first?
- Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking suddenly (Correct answer)
- Brake hard to regain traction
- Accelerate to push water from under the tires
- Turn the wheel sharply toward the shoulder
Correct answer: Ease off the accelerator and avoid braking suddenly
Easing off the gas lets the tires slow and regain contact with the road, while hard braking or steering can cause a skid.
Question 4: At approximately what speed can hydroplaning begin on wet roads with worn tires?
- As low as 35 mph (Correct answer)
- Only above 70 mph
- Only above 55 mph
- Hydroplaning cannot occur below highway speeds
Correct answer: As low as 35 mph
With standing water and poor tread, tires can begin riding on water at speeds as low as about 35 mph.
Question 5: Which part of the road typically freezes first in cold weather?
- Bridges and overpasses (Correct answer)
- Uphill grades
- Roads through wooded areas
- Freshly paved asphalt sections
Correct answer: Bridges and overpasses
Bridges and overpasses freeze first because cold air circulates both above and below the road surface.
Question 6: When driving in heavy rain during the day, North Carolina law requires you to:
- Turn on your headlights whenever your wipers are in use (Correct answer)
- Use hazard flashers while moving
- Use parking lights only
- Use high beams to see through the rain
Correct answer: Turn on your headlights whenever your wipers are in use
North Carolina law requires headlights on whenever windshield wipers are in continuous use due to weather.
Question 7: How should you adjust your following distance when driving on wet pavement?
- Increase it well beyond the normal following distance (Correct answer)
- Keep the same two-second gap as in dry weather
- Reduce it so you can see the car ahead better
- Following distance does not affect wet-weather safety
Correct answer: Increase it well beyond the normal following distance
Wet pavement can double stopping distance, so you should leave a much larger gap than in dry conditions.
NC DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 2
You are driving on I-40 when heavy fog suddenly reduces visibility to near zero.
What is the safest action?