UT DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: If your vehicle starts to skid, you should:
- Steer opposite the direction of the skid at all times
- Brake hard and hold the wheel straight
- Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go (Correct answer)
- Shift into park immediately
Correct answer: Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go
Looking and steering toward your intended path helps bring the vehicle back under control.
Question 2: Roads are usually most slippery from rain:
- During the first few minutes after rain begins (Correct answer)
- After it has rained for several hours
- Only during heavy downpours
- Only when temperatures are below freezing
Correct answer: During the first few minutes after rain begins
The first minutes of rain mix water with oil and dust on the pavement, creating an extra slick surface.
Question 3: Before driving in winter conditions, you should clear snow and ice from:
- Only the driver's side of the windshield
- All windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof (Correct answer)
- Just the headlights
- Only the rear window
Correct answer: All windows, lights, mirrors, and the roof
Snow left anywhere on the vehicle can slide onto the windshield or fly off and blind other drivers.
Question 4: When driving through standing water deep enough to reach your brakes, you should afterward:
- Pull over and let the brakes dry for an hour
- Pump the accelerator several times
- Shift to neutral and coast
- Test your brakes gently while driving slowly (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Test your brakes gently while driving slowly
Lightly applying the brakes at low speed dries them out and confirms they still work.
Question 5: In Utah's mountain canyons during winter storms, you may be legally required to:
- Turn off traction control
- Drive only in the left lane
- Use chains or traction devices when signs indicate (Correct answer)
- Use hazard lights at all times
Correct answer: Use chains or traction devices when signs indicate
Utah posts chain-up or traction-device requirements in canyons like Big and Little Cottonwood during storms.
Question 6: If you become stranded in your vehicle during a blizzard, you should:
- Leave the vehicle and walk for help immediately
- Stay with your vehicle and run the engine briefly for heat with a window cracked (Correct answer)
- Run the engine continuously with windows closed
- Turn off all lights to save the battery and sleep
Correct answer: Stay with your vehicle and run the engine briefly for heat with a window cracked
Staying with the vehicle keeps you visible to rescuers, and cracking a window prevents carbon monoxide buildup.
Question 7: Strong crosswinds are most dangerous for which vehicles?
- High-profile vehicles like trucks, RVs, and vehicles pulling trailers (Correct answer)
- Low sports cars
- Compact sedans
- Motorcycles parked at the curb
Correct answer: High-profile vehicles like trucks, RVs, and vehicles pulling trailers
Tall vehicles and trailers catch more wind, making them prone to swaying or tipping in gusts.
UT DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 3
If your vehicle starts to skid, you should: