VT DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'black ice' and why is it especially dangerous?
- A thin, transparent layer of ice that makes the road look merely wet (Correct answer)
- Ice mixed with road tar that improves traction
- Thick ice that is easy to see and avoid
- Frozen slush that only forms on gravel roads
Correct answer: A thin, transparent layer of ice that makes the road look merely wet
Black ice is nearly invisible because the dark pavement shows through it, so drivers often don't realize they are on ice until they lose traction.
Question 2: The rear of your vehicle begins to skid to the right on a slippery road. Which way should you steer?
- To the right, in the direction the rear is skidding (Correct answer)
- To the left, away from the skid
- Straight ahead while braking hard
- It does not matter as long as you brake
Correct answer: To the right, in the direction the rear is skidding
Steering in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding helps bring the vehicle back into line with your intended path.
Question 3: Your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS) and you must stop quickly on an icy road. How should you brake?
- Press the brake pedal firmly and hold steady pressure (Correct answer)
- Pump the brake pedal rapidly
- Tap the brakes lightly and release
- Use only the parking brake
Correct answer: Press the brake pedal firmly and hold steady pressure
ABS automatically prevents wheel lockup, so you should apply firm, continuous pressure and let the system pulse the brakes for you.
Question 4: During a Vermont snowstorm, which speed guideline should you follow?
- Drive well below the posted limit, at a speed safe for conditions (Correct answer)
- Drive at the posted speed limit since it is the legal speed
- Drive faster to spend less time in the storm
- Match the fastest vehicle on the road
Correct answer: Drive well below the posted limit, at a speed safe for conditions
Posted limits apply to ideal conditions, and the law requires you to reduce speed when weather makes those limits unsafe.
Question 5: Why should you clear snow and ice from your vehicle's roof, hood, and all windows before driving?
- Flying snow and ice can blind you or endanger other drivers (Correct answer)
- It reduces fuel consumption significantly
- It is only required for commercial vehicles
- Snow on the roof improves traction by adding weight
Correct answer: Flying snow and ice can blind you or endanger other drivers
Snow or ice blowing off a moving vehicle can obscure your vision or strike other vehicles, creating a serious hazard.
Question 6: You are driving at night in heavy snowfall. Why can high beams make it harder to see?
- The light reflects off falling snowflakes back into your eyes (Correct answer)
- High beams drain the battery in cold weather
- High beams melt the snow on the road
- Snow absorbs high-beam light completely
Correct answer: The light reflects off falling snowflakes back into your eyes
High beams reflect off falling snow and create glare, so low beams generally give better visibility in heavy snowfall.
Question 7: What extra hazard do Vermont's rural roads commonly present during early spring ('mud season')?
- Soft, rutted dirt roads where vehicles can lose traction or get stuck (Correct answer)
- Increased risk of dust storms
- Pavement buckling from extreme heat
- Heavy fog every morning
Correct answer: Soft, rutted dirt roads where vehicles can lose traction or get stuck
Thawing ground turns Vermont's many dirt roads soft and deeply rutted in spring, so drivers should slow down and stay in existing tracks.
VT DMV Weather and Hazardous Conditions 3
What is 'black ice' and why is it especially dangerous?