RTA Driving in Adverse Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is hydroplaning, and when is it most likely to occur?
- Skidding on dry gravel; most likely at low speeds
- Loss of tire contact with the road due to water; most likely at high speeds in rain (Correct answer)
- Overheating of brakes on a wet road; most likely going downhill
- Tire blowout caused by wet roads; most likely on highways
Correct answer: Loss of tire contact with the road due to water; most likely at high speeds in rain
Hydroplaning happens when water builds up faster than tires can disperse it, causing the vehicle to ride on a water film at higher speeds.
Question 2: During a whiteout blizzard, if you must pull over, you should:
- Stop on the travel lane with flashers on
- Pull completely off the road and keep your lights on so others can see you (Correct answer)
- Pull onto the shoulder with all lights off to avoid attracting attention
- Stop at the nearest exit ramp and wait in the travel lane
Correct answer: Pull completely off the road and keep your lights on so others can see you
Pulling fully off the road and keeping lights on prevents other vehicles from colliding with your stopped car.
Question 3: Which action is LEAST effective when driving on snow-covered roads?
- Reducing your speed significantly
- Using smooth, gradual acceleration
- Applying cruise control to maintain a steady speed (Correct answer)
- Increasing following distance
Correct answer: Applying cruise control to maintain a steady speed
Cruise control can cause a vehicle to accelerate to regain speed after a slip, worsening loss of traction on snow.
Question 4: When visibility drops below a safe level due to blowing dust or sand, the first thing you should do is:
- Accelerate through the dust cloud
- Reduce speed, turn on headlights, and pull off the road if needed (Correct answer)
- Turn on your high beams and maintain speed
- Stop immediately in your lane and turn on hazard lights
Correct answer: Reduce speed, turn on headlights, and pull off the road if needed
Slowing down, using headlights, and exiting the roadway if necessary are the safest responses to a dust storm.
Question 5: What effect does tire pressure have on driving in cold weather?
- Tire pressure increases in cold temperatures
- Tire pressure decreases in cold temperatures, affecting traction and handling (Correct answer)
- Cold weather has no measurable effect on tire pressure
- Tire pressure only matters on wet roads, not cold dry roads
Correct answer: Tire pressure decreases in cold temperatures, affecting traction and handling
For every 10°F drop in temperature, tire pressure drops about 1 PSI, which can reduce traction and fuel efficiency.
Question 6: When driving in fog, you should keep your speed:
- At the posted speed limit regardless of visibility
- Low enough to stop within the distance you can see ahead (Correct answer)
- Slightly above normal to spend less time in the fog
- Matched to the speed of other vehicles around you
Correct answer: Low enough to stop within the distance you can see ahead
Your stopping distance must always be within the range of your visible sight distance to avoid hitting unseen obstacles.
Question 7: In icy conditions, which vehicle system is most helpful in preventing skids during braking?
- Power steering
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) (Correct answer)
- Traction control during acceleration only
- All-wheel drive
Correct answer: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS prevents wheel lockup during hard braking, allowing the driver to steer while stopping on slippery surfaces.
RTA Driving in Adverse Conditions 3
What is hydroplaning, and when is it most likely to occur?