TLC Weather & Hazardous Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A TLC driver notices that their vehicle is fishtailing on a snowy highway. The FIRST corrective action should be:
- Apply the brakes hard
- Grip the wheel tightly and steer opposite the slide
- Release the gas pedal gently and steer into the skid (Correct answer)
- Shift to neutral immediately
Correct answer: Release the gas pedal gently and steer into the skid
Releasing the accelerator gradually and steering in the direction of the rear-end slide allows the tires to regain grip without over-correcting.
Question 2: Under NYC TLC regulations, which weather condition requires a TLC driver to have functioning windshield washers?
- Only during blizzard conditions
- At all times the vehicle is in service (Correct answer)
- Only when rain is actively falling
- Only during winter months (November through March)
Correct answer: At all times the vehicle is in service
TLC vehicle maintenance standards require windshield washers to be fully operational at all times the vehicle is in service.
Question 3: During a strong thunderstorm, lightning strikes very close to your vehicle. What should a TLC driver do?
- Exit the vehicle immediately and seek shelter under a tree
- Stay inside the vehicle with windows up, as the car acts as a Faraday cage (Correct answer)
- Open the windows to equalize pressure from thunder
- Pull over and hold metal door handles for grounding
Correct answer: Stay inside the vehicle with windows up, as the car acts as a Faraday cage
A vehicle with a metal roof and body acts as a Faraday cage, protecting occupants from lightning; staying inside with windows closed is safest.
Question 4: How should a TLC driver adjust speed when driving through road construction zones during heavy rain?
- Maintain posted construction zone speed limits exactly
- Drive at normal city speeds since workers aren't present in rain
- Reduce speed below posted construction zone limits due to compounded hazards (Correct answer)
- Increase speed to minimize time in the hazardous zone
Correct answer: Reduce speed below posted construction zone limits due to compounded hazards
Construction zones combined with rain present compounded hazards including uneven surfaces, reduced visibility, and workers; speed should be reduced below posted limits.
Question 5: What should a TLC driver do if their vehicle gets stuck in deep snow while transporting a passenger?
- Rev the engine repeatedly to rock the vehicle free
- Have the passenger exit the vehicle to reduce weight, then rock free
- Ensure passenger safety, contact dispatch, and attempt gentle rocking if safe (Correct answer)
- Abandon the vehicle and assist the passenger to find alternate transportation
Correct answer: Ensure passenger safety, contact dispatch, and attempt gentle rocking if safe
Passenger safety is the priority; contact dispatch, and only attempt gentle rocking motions between forward and reverse to free the vehicle.
Question 6: When is it appropriate for a TLC driver to use hazard lights while driving in rain?
- Whenever visibility drops below normal conditions
- Only when the vehicle is completely stopped
- Hazard lights should generally not be used while driving in rain as they confuse other drivers (Correct answer)
- Whenever traveling below the speed limit
Correct answer: Hazard lights should generally not be used while driving in rain as they confuse other drivers
In most U.S. states including New York, using hazard lights while driving in rain is illegal or inadvisable because they can confuse drivers about whether the vehicle is moving or stopped.
Question 7: What effect does heavy rain have on a vehicle's tire traction, and how should a TLC driver respond?
- Rain cleans the road surface, slightly improving traction
- Rain reduces traction, requiring slower speeds and increased following distance (Correct answer)
- Traction is unaffected on modern radial tires
- Rain only affects traction on unpaved roads
Correct answer: Rain reduces traction, requiring slower speeds and increased following distance
Water on the road reduces tire-to-pavement friction, increasing stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning, which requires reduced speed and greater following distance.
TLC Weather & Hazardous Conditions 3
A TLC driver notices that their vehicle is fishtailing on a snowy highway.
The FIRST corrective action should be: