Weather and Hazardous Conditions Flashcards

When driving on a wet road, your vehicle begins to hydroplane. What should you do first?

Answer: Ease off the accelerator and hold the wheel steady

Easing off the gas lets the tires regain contact with the road without upsetting the vehicle's balance.

At what approximate speed can hydroplaning begin on wet roads?

Answer: 35 mph

Tires can start riding on a film of water at speeds as low as about 35 mph, especially with worn tread.

In fog, why should you avoid using your high-beam headlights?

Answer: The light reflects off the fog and reduces your visibility

Fog reflects high-beam light back at the driver, creating glare that makes it harder to see.

Which road surface is most likely to remain icy after other roads have cleared?

Answer: A bridge or overpass

Bridges freeze first and thaw last because cold air circulates both above and below the surface.

You are driving in heavy rain and your wipers cannot keep up. What is the safest action?

Answer: Pull off the road safely and wait for the rain to ease

If you cannot see clearly, the safest choice is to pull completely off the roadway and wait.

What does 'black ice' typically look like on the road surface?

Answer: The pavement looks wet or glossy

Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that makes pavement appear merely wet.

How should you adjust your following distance when driving on snow-covered roads?

Answer: Increase it to at least 8 to 10 seconds

Stopping distances on snow can be many times longer, so a much larger gap is needed.