Driving in Hazardous Conditions Flashcards

When driving in fog, you should use your:

Answer: Low-beam headlights to reduce glare

Low-beam headlights reduce glare and reflection in fog, improving visibility more than high beams.

On a snowy road, how much extra following distance should you allow compared to dry conditions?

Answer: Three times the normal distance

Pennsylvania recommends at least three times the normal following distance on snowy or icy roads.

When your vehicle begins to hydroplane, you should:

Answer: Ease off the gas and steer straight

Easing off the accelerator and steering straight allows tires to regain contact with the road surface.

Which road surface becomes most slippery at temperatures just above freezing?

Answer: Black ice

Black ice forms a nearly invisible glaze on pavement that is extremely slippery, especially near freezing temperatures.

When driving in heavy rain, you notice your wipers are not clearing the windshield effectively. You should:

Answer: Pull off the road safely and wait for conditions to improve

If you cannot see clearly, pulling off the road safely is the safest action to take.

What should you do if you encounter a flooded road in Pennsylvania?

Answer: Never attempt to drive through flooded roads

Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person down, and 2 feet can sweep away most vehicles.

When driving in high winds, which type of vehicle is most at risk of being blown off course?

Answer: High-profile vehicles like trucks and SUVs

High-profile vehicles present more surface area to wind, making them far more vulnerable to being pushed sideways.